Commun ty Matters Farmington Presbyterian Manor
Welcome, Dena We’re pleased to welcome Dena Dotson as our new director of dining services. Dena comes to us from the Veterans Administration, where she was a certified dietary manager, certified foodservice protection professional over the nutrition and food service kitchen and the canteen from 2007 to 2016. Nutrition and food service develops and provides comprehensive nutritional services for our veterans and their families across VA health care facilities. Dena got her start as a CDM, CFPP at Madison Medical Center in Fredericktown in 2003. DENA, continued on page 2
October 2017
Rachel Campbell, Kaye Wallen and Carol Willman mind the registration desk.
Happy birthday to us Farmington celebrates a milestone anniversary In August we had a ball celebrating the 55th anniversary of Farmington Presbyterian Manor with a Fun, Food and Fenders party. Lots of local residents joined our residents and staff members to reflect on our past and dream for our future. The festivities opened with the planting of a dogwood tree, anchored by a commemorative stone at the base. We chose a dogwood because, as Executive Director Jane Hull said in her remarks, “The flowers on a dogwood tree form a perfect cross, which is why the tree is a sign of renewal and beginnings. A perfect way to commemorate Presbyterian Manor’s past and plan for the future.” The Foothills Car Club brought a fleet of more than 30 antique autos for a car show. The People’s Choice award went to a 1931 Model A Ford. Every registered guest received a 55-year commemorative coin. Our ANNIVERSARY, continued on page 2
ANNIVERSARY, continued from page 1
youngest guests enjoyed hunting for colorful rocks painted by residents and hidden around the grounds, and we also had fun with lawn games, a photo booth, and music from the 1960s. Guests could also take a guided tour of our campus, which officially opened in 1962. The first Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica community in Missouri, Farmington Presbyterian Manor came about through the efforts of the Presbyterian Synods of Missouri and was originally called Presbyterian Homelife. The project was spearheaded by Dr. Fred Walker, superintendent of the
Presbyterian Home for Children, with support from the Rev. Edwin Short, chairman of the committee on schools and homes for the Presbyterian Church; and Grafton Lothrop, chairman of the executive committee of the Children’s Home. Lothrop envisioned “gracious living and a home with a heart” for seniors; he was the first president of the board of trustees.
in 1965, and in November 1967, several private homes were purchased to accommodate the community’s 75 residents. In 1974, more health care accommodations were added. Over the years, the community continued to grow and modernize, responding to an increasing demand for high-quality senior living alternatives. In 1996, Farmington Presbyterian Manor added a 90-bed skilled nursing The first two residents accepted to center including a secure, 20-bed Presbyterian Homelife were Laura Waters of Farmington and Mrs. B.C. memory care wing specializing in care for those living with Hardesty of St. Louis. They lived Alzheimer’s and dementia. temporarily in the Presbyterian Children’s Home until construction We’re proud of how far we’ve come, was completed. The first employee and we’re grateful to everyone who was Edith Wilber. supported us along the way. Here’s Health care rooms were added to the next 55 years!
Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Farmington Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org Jane Hull, executive director Anne Allen, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact aallen@pmma.org Telephone: 573-756-6768 Fax: 573-756-6014 Address: 500 Cayce St., Farmington, MO 63640-2910 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. FarmingtonPresbyterianManor.org
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Lizzie Mae Church, Carter Church and Shanda Bone proudly display their finds.
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Outside of work, Dena loves being involved in the children’s ministry at Leadbelt Pentecostal Church. She also love spending time with her husband and daughters. Our dining services team lives out
Community Matters October 2017
our Gracious Dining philosophy every day. Farmington Presbyterian Manor residents have a wide range of choices every meal, every day. And we follow consistent, high standards in preparing and presenting them with nutritious, tasty food. Like us on Facebook
Two aging decisions to make before someone does for you Sometimes, growing older feels like one loss after another. Yet when we put off making the decisions ourselves, others are pressed to step in. When we understand what we’re afraid of, we’re able to discover options that can alleviate the fear. Here are two aging decisions to make before someone makes them for you: 1. The decision to stop driving According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drivers in their 50s and 60s have one of the lowest crash rates of any age. This starts to rise after the late 60s and early 70s and increases more rapidly after 75. But there’s not a universal age when
driving is no longer safe. What we fear most is the loss of independence. Having a car means freedom. Asking for rides feels like we’re a burden. It affects our health as well. To make the driving decision yourself, first complete a short self-assessment for an honest look at your driving skills. Then, make adjustments to your driving if needed. There’s a range of choices before hanging up the keys, including taking a refresher driving course or avoiding highways. Finally, determine how you’ll decide if it is time to stop driving. Plan for that day and what possibilities will help keep your freedom.
You should also consider alternatives to driving. These include: the local bus or rail system, which often provides discount fares for those 65+; transportation offered through senior centers, churches or other organizations; and ride services including Uber, Lyft or taxis. 2. The decision to stay in your home We struggle with the choice and we often ignore reality when we say we want to age in homes that can’t support that. Review the checklist from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) for what makes an age-friendly home. Then, talk to a remodeler about which modifications your house might need. (The NAHB has a list of Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists.) Think, too, about what situations might make you uncomfortable living alone and actions you can take to avoid them.
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Tell your holiday stories We will feature Christmas in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. If you have a story about Christmas, whether a favorite tradition or a memorable holiday celebration, or if you just want to tell the world what you love about living in your senior living community, we want to share the story. Contact Anne Allen, marketing director, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.
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Community Matters October 2017
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