Commun ty Matters Fulton Presbyterian Manor
COMING UP IN COMMUNITY MATTERS:
November 2016
Finding Her PATH Home
When Janet Nelson broke her hip a little more than two years ago, she could hardly call it a blessing, but something good did happen as a result.
What are your new beginnings traditions?
We will focus on new beginnings in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. As we approach the new year, what resolutions are you making? Have you ever made a resolution that changed your life? What are your hopes for 2017? If you’ve got a story to share, contact Keri Edwards and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.
SIGN UP to receive our newsletter by email.
Visit
FultonPresbyterianManor.org Enter your email address in the subscription box. It’s that easy.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
“I was living in a different assisted living facility, and things weren’t going well. I broke my hip, then after my hospital stay, I came here to go through the PATH (post-acute to home) program for rehab. I was so impressed with the care here that I chose to move here permanently,” said Janet. Janet’s daughter, Dot, was grateful that an unfortunate situation led to a good outcome. Donna Hunter with Janet Nelson, who has benefited from the extra care she received in the PATH program for rehab “Mom was so impressed and now in skilled care. with her care here. We moved her to assisted living upstairs, then back down again for rehab, and the therapists recommended skilled care. That was difficult to hear, but the staff has made the transition smooth,” said Dot. “We love the people here, and the nurses make her very comfortable. And Donna [Hunter] has really been the difference maker. She involved family in the care meetings, and she always follows up on things. If she says she’ll take care of it, she actually takes care of it.” Donna Hunter, social services designee, is well-regarded for her ability to help residents and their families navigate the choices available in a senior living community. “Mom was in a bad physical and mental situation from various complications, and Donna was a huge help. She never got exasperated with it and just kept
Nelson
continued on page 4
The last time If only I had known it was the last time, I would have held on tight to that embrace. Instead, I can’t recall when you last held me and sweetly stroked your hand across my face. I don’t remember when you last were “present,” as I gazed so deeply in your eyes. No one said, when you last called my name with laughter, that soon your life of joy would be capsized. So now we’re drowning in the rivers of confusion; we’re sinking in the sea of the unknown, and I long to cry to you so you can help me, but the last time that I could has come and gone. Your once sharp mind has now become imprisoned; ®
®
our thought provoking chats will be no more. The Lord still holds your heart and soul in His hands, but, my Love, I cannot hold you like before.
Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Fulton Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org.
Dawn Smith, executive director Keri Edwards, marketing director
I can’t tell you how my heart’s completely breaking – you don’t know yourself the way that I still do. You were taken from me, yet you stand before me, so my firm and faithful love, I give to you. We cherish “firsts” and celebrate beginnings, but the “lasts” slip through our grasp like grains of sand;
To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact kedwards 2@pmma.org.
We can’t hold them ‘cause we never saw them coming,
Telephone: 573-642-6646 Fax: 573-642-2202 Address: 811 Center St., Fulton, MO 65251-1922
Oh – if I’d only known it was the last time,
Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. FultonPresbyterianManor.org
2 COMMUNITY MATTERS NOVEMBER 2016
and they leave us broken hearts and empty hands.
I would have told you it will be okay. But since I didn’t tell you, I’ll just show you As I walk with you, my Love, along the way.
A tribute to those who support their beloved through the unimaginable anguish of Alzheimer’s - Julie G. Davis
Back to Where it All Began
When Elsie Carrington met her future husband, Joe, she was teaching at Fulton High School, where Joe frequented the basketball games. He was just coming off of six years in the Army, where he’d served during World War II. She’d moved to Fulton from Cape Girardeau after receiving her teaching degree from Southeast Missouri State University in 1947. While she didn’t divulge what initially attracted her to Joe, she did reveal what “got her wheels turning.”
“He was the only man who had a car, and he would haul all the girls around. He was our taxi, and he was available,” said Elsie. “I lived at 811 Center Street before I met Joe and moved out in 1951 when we got married.”
811 Center Street, the address where Joe once picked Elsie up in his infamous car, is now the address of where they’ve chosen to live in retirement, Fulton Presbyterian Manor. Their journey has come full circle, but Joe’s humor overshadows the irony. When asked if this coincidence influenced their decision to move here, he quipped, “No, it was the only place available!”
We respect the privacy of residents and ask that you respect their privacy, too. Posting this? Check the background. If your photograph, video or Snap includes residents who are not a relative, don’t post it to social media.
Then and now: Joe and Elsie set off on their wedded adventure from Elsie’s home at 811 Center St. and now continue their journey together right back where it all began. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
FULTON PRESBYTERIAN MANOR 3
Nelson
continued from page 1
tweaking until mom was satisfied. She is one of the most sincere people I’ve ever met, without a doubt,” said Dot. “Presbyterian Manor is a Christian facility, and she is truly a shining model of that. She is a servant-leader, a Godloving, spirit-filled woman doing a job she believes in.” Janet is now settled into skilled care and is finding the opportunities to enjoy her interests, which include
reading books by her favorite authors, James Patterson and Danielle Steel. She also enjoys visits from family, which include her five children (with late husband Rowan), 10 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Her family is grateful for the wonderful care she receives, but when it comes to recognizing exceptional customer service, Janet herself is an expert. “I worked as a waitress at Cecil’s, a popular restaurant here in town, for years. I was a waitress and manager at
the country club, too, along with several other restaurants. I also worked at Wal-Mart until I was 76, so I know good service when I see it,” said Janet. After navigating the senior living journey with her mother, Dot has helpful insight for those in the decision-making phase. “This is a difficult journey for anyone, but when you’re in a facility
Nelson continued below
®
Fulton Presbyterian Manor 811 Center St. Fulton, MO 65251-1922
®
Return Service Requested
LIKE FULTON PRESBYTERIAN MANOR ON
Nelson continued from above
with caring people, it makes such a difference. My prayer for anyone who goes through this journey is to be coupled with people who walk through it with you. With all that’s occurred, it’s been a hard journey. Mom’s relationship with these people helps fill a void,” said Dot. “It’s a journey that is spiritual and emotional, and the people here have been wonderful. Every time I see mom and have to leav,e I feel at peace. I don’t have to go to sleep anymore worrying about her. She’s in a caring place.” COMMUNITY MATTERS NOVEMBER 2016
Shopping Shopp S pin ingg foor th senior the sen who wh has everything?
Make a gift in their honor and make a diffeerence in the mission of Presbyterian Manor s. Visit www.PresbyterianManor s.orrg/ GoodSaam or see the reception deesk.