Commun ty Matters Rolla Presbyterian Manor
Lifestyle changes key to Alzheimer’s prevention We now have a prescription that researchers think can delay or prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s not a pill, it’s a list of lifestyle choices. Results from a landmark study announced this summer show that having a healthy lifestyle may be the key. “It’s the first time we have been able to give people a kind of recipe for what is useful,” said Maria Carrillo, vice president of medical and scientific relations at the Alzheimer’s Association. More than 5 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, and it is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. Millions more will likely develop dementia as the baby boomers age. In the study, researchers looked at 1,260 people in Finland from 60 to 77 years old, who were at risk for Alzheimer’s. One group went on a lifestyle improvement program and the other group received general health advice. The results were dramatic. The lifestyle program included: Eat well: Start by adding fruits and vegetables to your regular diet. Ease out fats and fried foods, and always choose whole grains rather than highly refined bakery products. BRAIN, continued on page 3
November 2014
Thanksgiving on campus Tradition draws broader community Thanksgiving at Rolla Presbyterian Manor isn’t just another holiday. It’s a special opportunity for residents to host their own holiday gathering for family and friends, here at their home. Ever since Leland and Dawna Womack moved in six years ago, they have invited their children and longtime friends to join them for Thanksgiving at Presbyterian Manor. The large community room, added in 2011, is transformed into a dining hall for the event. Leland said the new room came at the right time, because they had outgrown the old parlor where the dinners used to take place. “It’s so atmospheric in that nice location,” he said. “There’s music going, there’s so much food and it’s so well-prepared. We really enjoy it.” Womack said he enjoys the fellowship with his loved ones as well as the guests of other residents. He and Dawna have lived in Rolla since 1954, and Leland was a teacher in the local public schools. As a result, he said, he sees a lot of former students at these holiday gatherings when they come to visit their parents. “I’ve seen more of my former students than before we lived here,” he said. “I even have a former student who’s a resident here. When you’re 86, that can happen.” The Womacks entertain different friends every year for Thanksgiving. Their regular guests usually include a couple who were their longtime neighbors and the youngest of their three children – a daughter who still lives nearby on the family farm. The Womacks also look forward to gathering every fall with their children and grandchildren at the farm for hunting and family time. Executive Director Ann Caudill says the Presbyterian Manor Thanksgiving tradition has been going as long as anyone can remember, even before she arrived in 1982. This year, each resident may invite up to four guests. Here are the dates for the 2014 dinners: Nov. 11: Assisted living and assisted living memory care Nov. 12: Health care Nov. 13: Independent living
Devotional: Ready to battle By Allen Teal, Rolla Presbyterian Manor chaplain
“Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.” — I Chronicles 12:33 (KJV)
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In November, Veterans Day is celebrated as our nation pauses to remember those who have faithfully served to defend and protect. Nearly everyone has a connection to someone who has served in the military and in combat. Honoring those who have willingly stepped into the battle is a way to express thanks to those soldiers we have benefited from but may never have met. In I Chronicles chapter 12, many soldiers from Israel come to join David. Descriptions of their backgrounds and abilities litter the chapter. In verse 33, Zebulun embodies nearly all of the traits of the other warriors. These same qualities apply to those who choose a life of service to others. Many who have never donned a military uniform also serve faithfully to preserve and improve lives. The people who work at Rolla Presbyterian Manor stand as an army to care for the needs of those seniors who can no longer easily care for themselves. In many ways, the traits of good soldiers translates into this work of faith.
Community Matters
The soldiers were ready for the work.
is published monthly for residents and friends of Rolla Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org
They had training and experience. Individuals are taught how to do the job. This teaching includes some type of formal education added to training in the work place. Double-edged training assures the continuity of excellent care. Not only are people trained for giving care but they are equipped with and trained to use tools that make the work more beneficial, efficient and safe.
Ann Caudill, executive director Joelle Freeland, marketing director
Soldiers are willing to carry their part of the battle.
To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Joelle Freeland at lfreeland@pmma.org. Telephone: 573-364-7336 Fax: 573-364-7336 Address: 1200 Homelife Plaza, Rolla, MO 65401-2595 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. RollaPresbyterianManor.org
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“Keeping rank” is not a phrase that gets much use outside of the military. The idea implies the ability to be where you are expected to be, to understand and respect authority and know your limits. When caring for others, being there is a big part of the work.Your piece of the puzzle is important. Following the people in authority and paying attention to the rules creates a workplace that functions orderly and properly. You need to be committed to the cause. Being committed to the effort allows you to get more accomplished. The quality of the work will increase. People who attack their work with dedication and commitment usually find ways to inspire others to work better. Commitment will cause you to do the little things that lead to excellence. The artist Michelangelo was known to take exceptional care to get every detail right in his work. When questioned about this practice his reply was, “Trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle.”
New decade, new locations, new services This month, we continue to look back at our history as Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America celebrates 65 years of the art of life.
The 1980s brought growth in independent living options on many Presbyterian Manor campuses. New duplexes and apartments were constructed in Parsons, Lawrence, Wichita and Salina. It also brought construction of two new campuses and health care additions at the Wichita and Rolla campuses.
The first scholarships were given in 1981. Those funds served as seed for today’s Employee Education Assistance Grants.
Consideration of additional campuses continued through the 1980s as well. Efforts to raise funds for a Presbyterian Manor at Hays were not successful, and By early 1980, the United after thorough study, the board Presbyterian Foundation of Kansas’ authorized sale of the property in joint project with the Manhattan June 1980. The next year, a group Retirement Foundation was open. of citizens in Emporia petitioned PMMA continued to provide for construction of a campus in that management services for the new community, and a period of study Meadowlark Hills until July 1, 1981. and fundraising began. Additional campuses in Missouri also were Salina Presbyterian Manor opened considered in Jefferson City and its doors in February 1980, Springfield. and work started on additional apartments almost immediately. The PMMA board voted to sell In addition to the expansion of Mid-Continent Presbyterian the physical plant, two important Manor, a campus formerly operated programs of PMMA began in 1980. by the Board of Pensions of the Residents, staff and advisory board Presbyterian Church of the United members were invited to submit art States. Residents of the campus, and poetry for potential inclusion in located in Kansas City, Mo., were the inaugural Art is Ageless calendar. given the option of moving to the Kansas City, Kan., campus. The sale A donor’s $10,000 gift established was completed in 1983. the Education Fund for PMMA employees, residents and trustees. New services and new needs also
From left, Salina Mayor Karen Graves, Milton Morrison and Harry Steele.
The newly constructed six-story independent living apartment building at Salina Presbyterian Manor.
were explored. With the support of the Synod of Mid-America, PMMA worked to establish a campus for severely physically handicapped adults in Hutchinson. Home health care for residents living independently on PMMA campuses was started in 1984. Piloted in Salina, the service was expanded to other campuses before the end of the year.
reading, pursuing a hobby, playing a musical instrument Move more: “We shouldn’t just be encouraging people or singing. Having a purpose involves brain flexing, as well. For this, you can set goals and follow through or to exercise, we should discourage them from being solve a problem, for example. sedentary,” one researcher said. Researchers found that moderate activity such as chores and walking – not just Social interaction: Social relationships foster high-intensity exercise such as jogging, swimming or support, and this connectedness, as we grow older, biking – can protect the thinking process. Taking a walk is critical to our wellness. When we converse, our after dinner is an excellent habit. Always consult your brains are busy dealing with the activities of listening, physician before beginning an exercise program. observing, understanding and conversing.You can Brain games: Two excellent ways to train your brain is combine some of these activities for added impact, such to flex it and have a purpose. Things you can do on your as playing cards, joining an exercise class, participating own include working a crossword puzzle or jumble, in a book club and attending a lecture. BRAIN, continued from page 1
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Rolla Presbyterian Manor 1200 Homelife Plaza Rolla, MO 65401-2595 Return Service Requested
Autumn activities Left: Resident Opal Burton enjoys making Halloween treats. Above: Chester Baker and his Presbyterian Manor cheerleaders Carmen Payne and Edy Tessaro. 4