Commun ty Matters Newton Presbyterian Manor
November 2018
Unthankful By Jerroll Martens, chaplain Newton Presbyterian Manor
“… Unthankful …” is used in II Timothy 3 along with words like “covetous, blasphemers, unholy, trucebreakers, false accusers.” Paul, the writer, is warning us not to become a part of that lifestyle. The Bible has much to say about thankfulness. In Numbers 11, Israel had been rescued from slavery in Egypt, God is now providing food each day, yet there is an element who bellyached about not having some of the things that they had in Egypt. God’s anger is stirred, and judgment comes. Surely lack of thankfulness is seen in the first sin, as Adam and Eve listen to the devil who convinces them that God is withholding something good from them. We remember Jesus’ experience with the 10 lepers. Only one gives thanks for healing, and we see the sadness in Jesus’ heart. Perhaps lack of gratitude was also at the root of the crucifixion of our Lord. Rather than being thankful for a savior, they inflicted the greatest pain possible. To add insult, they spit in his face. None of us has experienced such ingratitude. Figures in history also talked about UNTHANKFUL, continued on page 2
Behavior-Based Ergonomic Therapy (BBET) is a program used in Anderson Place and Haury Place focusing on personalized tools to connect residents to memories through music, movies, memory boxes and activities.
Kessinger champions community’s commitment to memory care When Haury Place opened its doors in 1986, Newton Presbyterian Manor (NPM) became the first senior living community in the state of Kansas to feature a dedicated memory care neighborhood. It was a groundbreaking moment for the community and one that symbolized an unwavering commitment to providing top-notch memory care that continues today. In the more than 30 years that have passed, NPM has gone on to create Anderson Place, an assisted-living memory care neighborhood, and has provided specialized training to staff members enabling them to provide customized treatment plans for residents. To put it simply, memory care is a priority and a passion at NPM. For proof, look no further than the community’s executive director, Marc Kessinger, who takes great pride in the culture that has been created by a team of caring and dedicated professionals who serve the community each and every day. “From the birthday parties that they arrange to the anniversary parties KESSINGER, continued on page 4
UNTHANKFUL, continued from page 1
the subject. Ben Franklin said, “Most people return small favors, acknowledge medium ones and repay greater ones – with ingratitude.” Shakespeare said, “I hate ingratitude more in a man than lying, babbling, drunkenness…” In this Thanksgiving season, let each of us check our thankfulness. “Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” —Ephesians 5:20
Double rainbow The pot of gold might not be in the center of the rainbow, but Presbyterian Manor sure is! What a beautiful view of the duplex circle after a sunny fall rain.
Bravo of the Month: Brandi Dillmore Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Newton Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org. Marc Kessinger, executive director Noelle Dickinson, marketing director Melinda Ebersole, activity director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Noelle at ndickinson@pmma.org. Telephone: 316-283-5400 Fax: 316-284-5900 Address: 1200 E. Seventh, Newton, KS 67114-2862 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. NewtonPresbyterianManor.org
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Community Matters November 2018
Bravo of the Month goes to Kalb Villa CMA Brandi Dillmore. Niki Mullin, on behalf of a neighbor, wrote, “Brandi deserves to be recognized for the amount of effort and care that she provides every day. Even in the hustle and bustle of her daily duties, she manages to go above and beyond. Most recently, Brandi was in the lobby on her way out the door for the day when a resident mentioned that she was disappointed that she missed the bus to Wal-Mart by arriving a few minutes late. Without any hesitation, Brandi offered to take the resident to Wal-Mart. Brandi arrived with the resident in time to meet the bus at the entrance so that she could join the group, shop and ride back to [Presbyterian] Manor. The resident wanted to express her gratitude for taking
her personal time to make sure she was able to get her shopping done. She went on to say that it is a wonderful feeling to have such a positive person that is so jovial and confident, with quick suggestions on how to handle difficult situations and who always goes the extra mile without being asked. Please keep it up, and thank you for everything you do to make [Presbyterian] Manor a terrific loving place to be.” Thank you, Brandi! Like us on Facebook
Excursion combines business, pleasure The Barn in Burrton is a favorite lunch stop for many of our campus groups. The cottage and duplex neighbors chose the destination for their fall meeting.
Above: True fall weather with a light mist and cool temperatures didn’t dampen the spirited crowd at Taste of Newton downtown. Hot apple dumplings and ice cream from Presbyterian Manor are a favorite of many, and we brought back just a few to sell on campus the next day. Left: Now that’s a sweet potato! Weighing in at a hefty 10.4 pounds, this is just one of the oversized veggies that Betty Harder has harvested from her plot in the Presbyterian Manor garden. Until recently, you could walk past the garden and see perennials in full bloom. What a happy place! Like us on Facebook
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KESSINGER, continued from page 1
that the employees put together that all mean something special to the residents and their spouses, our staff is what makes all the difference,” said Marc. “We still have family members and employees who have moved on that come back to play cards or visit with our memory care residents. It becomes more than a job, it becomes a family.” Staff members have been known to go above and beyond the job at hand to provide an unmatched level of care that the community has become known for. From scheduled public outings to impromptu events around the community, the staff never shies away from doing the little things that
make a big difference in the lives of those they serve.
additional staff without leaving our campus and staff.”
“If the weather is nice, the barbecue grill will come out, and they are in the courtyard grilling hamburgers and hot dogs,” said Marc. “There have even been evenings when the movie projector has come out for a ‘drive-in’ and popcorn night.”
But for Marc, above all, the community’s commitment to memory care comes down to love and compassion.
Beyond the service provided by the community’s staff, Marc is also proud of the continuum of care found within the community. “Other communities may ask a neighbor with Alzheimer’s to move out as they decline and require additional levels of care,” said Marc. “At NPM, there is a transition to another neighborhood with
“Our culture is built upon our mission of quality care guided by Christian values,” said Marc. “I like to tell the story of one of our residents that suffers with Alzheimer’s who, during his walks, would stop and say, ‘How does everyone know my name?’ to which the staff member would reply, ‘Because everyone knows and loves you!’” “This place is hard to beat, just ask anyone that knows us.”
Upcoming events Now that we’re in the holiday season, events, trips and group visits are added to the calendar often. Please check bulletin boards or the website for the latest event information and join us for some of these special holiday events.
Fellowship and connection Monthly barbecues for men, hosted by Heart and Soul Hospice, have been a hit with the men who live or work at Presbyterian Manor, despite being indoors all three times due to extreme heat or torrential downpours. Heart and Soul Chaplain Greg Schmidt has been the grill master, providing grilled and smoked meats, and all the fixin’s, for these special meals. He has shared interactive talks about subjects of interest to the group.
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Community Matters November 2018
Friday, Nov. 9, 7-10 a.m. – Veterans Pancake Breakfast. Campus residents, please join us in celebrating community veterans and their spouses and widows. Breakfast is complimentary and our thanks to those who have served. Newtonpresbyterianmanor. org/upcoming-events
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Community provides ongoing support to local caregivers November is National Family Caregivers Month; a time set aside to honor and raise awareness of the struggles facing those who selflessly give of themselves to care for the physical and emotional needs of a friend or loved one. “Caregiving is hard work, and we want to be a resource for caregivers as their need for support and assistance increases,” said Noelle Dickinson, marketing director. “From educational seminars to caregiver support groups and respite and day services, there are options available to help families as they care for loved ones in their homes.” The following are just a couple of the ways NPM is providing ongoing support to the caregivers in our community. Caregiver support group FOCUS, which stands for “Family or Caregivers Under Stress,” is a support group primarily intended for those caring for a loved one dealing with dementia but is open to anyone who has found themselves assuming the role of “caregiver.” According to Laura Stewart, social services director and facilitator of the group, the main purpose is to help caregivers build and extend their support system with people who can relate to what they’re currently going through. “Having a support system is so important in the process of caregiving,” said Laura. “Many caregivers who come to the group have other family members who live out of state, or live at a distance, and Like us on Facebook
just don’t understand, saying things like ‘Well, mom sounds great when I talk to her on the phone.’ To have other people who understand is something special.” The group can sometimes also function as an informal brainstorming session—providing an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and share techniques that have worked for them. “Dementia is not a straight-line process, it is more like a roller coaster ride,” said Laura. “To be able to say things like, ‘Have you tried ______?’ Or, ‘We found ____ to be helpful when my mom struggled with _____’ is beneficial to the attendees.” The group meets on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in the NPM library. For more information, contact Laura at 316281-4363 or email lstewart2@ pmma.org. Day services While support groups provide the emotional backing caregivers need, NPM’s day services offers the physical, hands-on assistance that allows them to continue to provide care day in and day out. “Our day services are designed to give caregivers a needed break to go to appointments, shop or do what they need to do to feel rested and ready to be a caregiver again,” said Noelle Dickinson, marketing director. Use of the service is completely flexible and is based on individual caregiver’s wants and needs. For
some, the service acts as a release valve in times of need, while others participate based on the community’s event schedule. There are even some who use the service on a daily basis to accommodate a caregiver’s full-time job. Beyond daytime services, the community also features a furnished studio apartment available for respite care while a caregiver travels, has a medical procedure or attends to other business. Respite care has been offered for up to three months at a time for those who come for the winter or anyone just wanting to experience Presbyterian Manor life before committing to a permanent move. To learn more about day services and respite care at Newton Presbyterian Manor, contact Noelle at 316-283-5400 or ndickinson@ pmma.org. Newton Presbyterian Manor
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Newton Presbyterian Manor 1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2862 Return Service Requested
Activity in action for Active Aging Week Thanks to Aegis Therapies and their WALK! program, we celebrated Active Aging Week with a kick-off walk around the block. Other events throughout the week recognized physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and social wellness. We were happy to have the preschoolers walk with us, too!
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Community Matters November 2018
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