Commun ty Matters Newton Presbyterian Manor
September 2015
‘When afraid’ Residents take advantage
By Jerroll Martens, chaplain, Newton Presbyterian Manor
“When I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Psalm 56:3. Note, the writer is not saying if he has fears, but when he fears. Fear is common in the human experience. On a personal level we can identify with the ancient man, Job. His own words indicate his fears. He was afraid of material loss. Indeed, the fear of job loss, physical incapacity, or the elderly in concern for money to last for life, can bring real fear. Second, there was the fear for his family. Would they experience loss of life, or health, or have their needs met? Third, there was fear for the loss of health. What would happen to him or perhaps his family? Indeed, Job did experience much loss but he found God’s presence with him. These fears are probably common to many of us. The Psalmist directs us to trust the Lord when fears come to us. God is surely great enough to care for us. His love assures us of His concern for us. His presence is promised, His understanding is assured. And, always, if we have fears about our eternal state, we can go to the Lord trusting His promises for forgiveness and acceptance. Fears are real. Let’s trust in our Lord when they come.
of ongoing tech training
Mary Kessler had just connected to Newton Presbyterian Manor’s wireless Internet, or WiFi, when her iPad starting chiming. Wellness director Alex Ramos told her, “Someone wants to FaceTime with you.” In other words, she was getting a video Irene Isaac works on her laptop with call. It was Kessler’s grandson, Jessica Drum, WSU intern. who had just gotten married. “She got to see and meet her grandson’s new bride,” Ramos said. Kessler is one of about 20 residents who participated in a class to learn more about using their computers, mobile devices and the Internet. The class was an offshoot of the KeepInTouch training offered earlier this year, in which graduate students from Wichita State University taught residents basic computer skills to study whether technology can help seniors overcome feelings of isolation. WSU student Jessica Drum offered to teach the class with Ramos. “We were amazed at how many residents showed up,” Ramos said. “We found out right away everyone was at different levels. We listened to what they wanted to learn.” That included using email, search engines like Google, and even social media sites like Facebook. Many had questions about Internet safety, so they also discussed how to safeguard credit card and Social Security numbers. Ramos said it was especially gratifying to see more experienced residents jump in to help others. Touchscreen technology has made computers easier for many seniors, because it’s easy to enlarge pictures and text, and it’s more intuitive than using a mouse. Headphones make it easier to hear the sound from videos. Ramos said he and Drum also discovered that many residents didn’t know they could connect to Presbyterian Manor’s WiFi signal, so they weren’t getting much out of their mobile devices. Mary Kessler said she TECH, continued on page 2
senior fitness tests
exercise options
These free tests are offered bimonthly, on the second Wednesday of odd months, at 2 p.m. in the Wellness Center. Wellness Director Alex Ramos works with the physical therapy staff to assess your strength, endurance, balance, vision and hearing, then make recommendations for ways you can maintain or improve your fitness in each area. The tests are tailored to each person’s fitness level, Ramos said, so you won’t overexert yourself. Ramos recommends repeating the test every six months to gauge your progress. The public is welcome to sign up by calling the Wellness Center at 316-283-5400.
Every September, the National Council on Aging focuses attention on falls among seniors. About one in three older adults – 12 million people – suffer a fall each year. Fall Prevention Day is Sept. 23 – why not celebrate by taking advantage of these opportunities to safeguard yourself? Maintaining good strength and balance is one of the keys to fall prevention. Here are a few ways to stay in shape with friends at Presbyterian Manor... Anderson Place class: 9:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays. This 30-minute class works on various strength, flexibility/mobility, and therapeutic exercises, all from the aid of a chair, Ramos said. “We do movements challenging ourselves with just our own body weight and also using light dumbbells,” he said. Anyone is welcome to attend. Broadway Apartments class: 1:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. This class follows the same format as the Anderson Place class. Most participants are apartment residents, but people living in the duplexes and cottages are encouraged to attend. Bal-A-Vis-X: 1 p.m. Tuesdays in the Wellness Center. The name stands for “Balance/Auditory/Vision eXercises.” Bal-A-Vis-X is a series of about 300 rhythmic exercises done with sand-filled bags and/or racquetballs. Ramos adds, “It’s a wonderful class, and I really enjoy instructing it. It can be modified easily for all fitness levels.”
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.
Wii Bowling: 2 p.m. Thursdays. Go for a strike with this fun virtual game! Tune-Up Clinic: Thursday, Sept. 10 at 2 p.m. Bring your walkers, canes, and other assistive devices for a free tune-up to ensure they’re working properly and adjusted just right for you. Guests and friends are welcome.
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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came to the class because she felt “behind the times” in communicating with her kids and grandkids. Now, she said, “I have gained confidence with my own devices and learned different functions that they can do. It’s nice to be able to FaceTime with relatives on both the East and West Coast.” That emotional benefit is one of the ways technology can contribute to overall wellness, Ramos added. “If they come in feeling discouraged, but they leave having learned something new, that can change their day in an entirely different direction,” he said. The class has ended, but Ramos said residents can still contact him in the Wellness Center to set up private training and assistance.
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Community Matters September 2015
healthy learning lectures Join us the fourth Thursday of the month at 2 p.m. in the library. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Bring a friend!
Duplexes available
Two duplexes are available on campus this fall. Contact Noelle Dickinson, director of marketing, at 316-283-5400 or ndickinson@pmma.org for details.
Sept. 24: Keep Your Balance: Fall Prevention presented by Angie Beisel, COTA, RehabCare Oct. 22: Random Acts of Kindness presented by Alex Ramos, wellness director, Newton Presbyterian Manor Nov. 19: Advance Care Planning presented by Helen Brown, LBSW, director of social services, Newton Presbyterian Manor Dec. 17: Nutrition presented by Susanna McGinn, RD/RDN, dietitian and nutritionist
Senior Players
The Senior Players practice weekly for performances on and off the Presbyterian Manor campus. They performing reader’s theater scripts about a variety of humorous topics, and they welcome new performers. Talk to Wellness Director Alex Ramos for details or booking requests.
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 Noelle Dickinson, and your memories, traditions or recipe may be selected for an upcoming issue of Community Matters.
upcoming events Tuesday, Sept. 1, 9:30 a.m., chapel – Program by Paul & Barbara Entz, missionaries to internationals in Omaha Thursday, Sept. 10, 2 p.m., therapy room – Fall Tune-Up offered by RehabCare. Tune up your walkers, wheelchairs and other assistive devices! Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. – Alzheimer’s Walk in downtown Wichita. Newton Presbyterian Manor has a team. Join us!
Newton Presbyterian Manor
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Newton Presbyterian Manor 1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2862 Return Service Requested
Campus events
Above: The Bergen Sisters of Whitewater sang for a full house during the Tuesday morning summer Bible study special events. Right: Wellness Director Alex Ramos met legendary K-State football coach Bill Snyder at a Newton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Luncheon. Right: After 15 years of service in transportation, medical records, floor nursing and management at Newton Presbyterian Manor, director of assisted living/home health, Jennie Johnson has accepted the role of Director of Assisted Living at Wichita Presbyterian Manor.
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Community Matters September 2015
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