Commun ty Matters Farmington Presbyterian Manor
September 2015
Don’t fall for
these myths.
reduce your risk of falling
Many people think falls are a natural part of aging, however, they can be prevented. In honor of National Fall Prevention Month, we’re providing you with tips to decrease your risk. Lori Forck, a regional wellness coordinator for RehabCare, says even a few simple exercises can build up strength where you need it to help keep you balanced and on your feet. “Among people who are 65 and older, one in three will have a fall each year. It’s one of those statistics that I find mind-blowing,” Forck said. The National Council on Aging provides proven fall prevention programs for seniors across the nation. To dispel misconceptions about falls, the council debunks common myths, such as:
Myth 2: If I limit my activity or stay home, I won’t fall. Fact: Staying active will help you remain independent and healthy.
Over half of falls happen at home. Simple changes can prevent them.
Myth 3: Muscle strength and flexibility can’t be regained. Fact: Exercising can help restore strength and flexibility. Myth 4: Taking medication doesn’t increase my risk of falling. Fact: Medications affect each person differently. Be careful when you start a new medication, and call your doctor when you have questions or concerns.
Myth 5: I don’t need to get my vision checked every year. Fact: Vision loss increases your fall risk. Visit your eye doctor and
Myth 1: Falling happens to other
keep your glasses prescription up to date.
people.
Myth 6: Using a walker or cane will make me more dependent.
Fact: 1 in 3 older adults—about
Fact: Assistive devices, such as walkers or canes, can improve your
12 million—fall every year in the U.S.
mobility. Work with a physical therapist to find the right type of device and use it safely.
alzheimer’s facts
summer fun basket
Between 2000 and 2013, deaths attributed to Alzheimer’s increased by 71 percent, and another American develops the disease every 67 seconds.
Health Services Director Peggy Bland was the winner of our Summer Fun Basket, which was raffled to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. The raffle raised $118 in advance of the annual Alzheimer’s Walk, which took place Aug. 29 at Crystal Oaks Campus in Festus. Another $56 was raised at the employee biscuits and gravy breakfast in June.
Farmington Presbyterian Manor participated in the Festus Walk to End Alzheimer’s Aug. 29, but you can still help the Alzheimer’s Association fight the disease. For more information or to donate, go to act.alz.org, and click on the “Find a walk near you” link.
Farmington Presbyterian Manor is one of the walk’s sponsors, and has been participating in the event for more than 10 years. Marketing Director Heidi Beyer said the goal is to raise $1,000 this year.
Did you know Alzheimer’s Disease is the only cause of death in the top 10 that can’t be prevented, cured or slowed? Or that while one in three seniors die with dementia, about 200,000 people under the age of 65 have the disease?
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 Heidi Beyer, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact hbeyer@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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Community Matters September 2015
Music & Memory project comes to Farmington campus “Mary” has been a huge Conway Twitty fan her whole life. She always liked to say that whenever he sang “Hello, Darling” in concert, he was singing it just to her. But for the last few years, Mary hasn’t said a word. She has Alzheimer’s and lives in the memory care neighborhood at Farmington Presbyterian Manor. But earlier this year, Mary received an iPod loaded with songs by Twitty and Elvis Presley – her other favorite – through the Music & Memory Program. Ever since then, Activity Director Carol Winch said Mary will perk up and look around. And she even returned a “good morning” greeting. “I want to believe it’s because of the music,” Winch said. “We give it to her every day, especially at meals. It makes her more alert and willing to eat.” Music & Memory is a nonprofit organization that promotes the use of digital music players with individualized playlists to improve the quality of life for elders. The project and its founder, Dan Cohen, are the subject of the documentary film “Alive Inside.” Aging can erase a person’s identity, Cohen says in the film, but music can help restore that sense of self (watch it online at aliveinside.us).
Now, employees at several Presbyterian Manors communities are becoming certified in the Music & Memory program, including Winch. Winch’s training including guidance on talking with residents, their friends, and family members to create personalized playlists.
of their favorite music, so they can build playlists for them in the future.
Winch learned from Mary’s daughter that music was a big part of Farmington Presbyterian Manor her life. “She’d never seen her mom received just a handful of music cooking when she wasn’t dancing players to start the program. around and singing,” Winch said. Winch is seeking donations of more Another memory care resident has devices, plus iTunes gift cards to an iPod filled with country music. purchase songs online and load them Mealtimes were his most difficult onto the players. That’s the timetime, Winch said. “We put it on consuming part, so Winch would at his lunchtime. I think it was welcome volunteers to help with the noise that bothered him,” she that task. said. “Now he’s calming down. It’s changed his whole behavior.” To donate or volunteer, please Winch and her staff are talking with contact Carol Winch at cwinch@ other residents now to keep notes pmma.org or 573-756-6768.
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Go to reputation.g5search.com/farmington-presbyterian-manor and choose one of our preferred online review sites to share your story. Farmington Presbyterian Manor
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Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America is going social Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America is now on Facebook. Click the Facebook icon on our website, PresbyterianManors.org, or search for us on Facebook to view our latest social media posts about all our PMMA campuses. “Like” us to stay in touch. We’re excited to share what’s happening on our campuses!
Farmington Presbyterian Manor 500 Cayce St. Farmington, MO 63640-2910 Return Service Requested
Coming up in Community Matters We will be thinking about Thanksgiving in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. Does your family have a special recipe that is made each Thanksgiving dinner, one that it’s not Thanksgiving unless it’s on the table? What about a special Thanksgiving tradition? Share your Thanksgiving memories by contacting Marketing Director Heidi Beyer, and your memories, traditions or recipe may be selected for an upcoming issue of Community Matters.
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Community Matters September 2015
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