Commun ty Matters Rolla Presbyterian Manor
November 2018
Reflections on Thanksgiving By Allen Teal, chaplain Rolla Presbyterian Manor
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 4:15, NIV). My first memory of Thanksgiving happened when I was about five. A sheet of plywood had been placed on top of a pool table in the basement. The wood was covered with some type of tablecloth. Smaller tables were nearby for the children. A lot of my extended family came for dinner. Enough food was on the main table to feed a small army. A few thoughts stand out, today. Everyone seemed glad to be there. I recall boisterous conversation and laughter. From the moment that my relatives started to arrive, they were well received by everyone present. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, no one sulked in a corner or complained about the food. We were all happy to share a meal with many who we did not see frequently. It was a time to feel good about being together. THANKSGIVING, continued on page 2
Providing care and support for those affected by Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s disease and others forms of dementia can be devastating, both for those affected, and for the friends and family members who love them. Staff members at Rolla Presbyterian Manor look at the disease from every angle to provide the hands-on care and behind-the-scenes support needed to meet the complex needs of everyone dementia touches. Nurses in the community’s Tranquility House know that the symptoms of dementia can vary depending on the root cause. Staff members are trained to look for the symptoms associated with a decline in memory, which could include memory loss, difficulty communicating or finding words, difficulty with complex tasks, difficulty planning and organizing, difficulty with coordination and motor functions, problems with disorientation and personality changes. According to Tranquility House nurse Dolly Smith, the advanced training she and her colleagues receive at RPM leads to better, more personalized care for both residents and family members. “I believe the staff benefits greatly from the in-depth, personal training we receive,” said Dolly. “It is what allows us to work one-on-one with the ALZHEIMERS, continued on page 2
THANKSGIVING, continued from page 1
Differences were put aside for the day. On that day, no old grievances were aired, and no skeletons were extracted from the closet. If anyone was upset or angry at others, it was never apparent. No one came to pick a fight or make a point. The attitude of Thanksgiving for a great family, a great nation, a great God, and a great meal overshadowed everything else. We all need times when we can be together as a family.
a few large items, sometimes the plates were passed toward the food and back. Expressions of “try this” were common during the meal. I have tried to reflect this memory at my own family’s Thanksgivings.
A day of Thanksgiving implies a day of sharing. I can recall dishes of food making laps around the table. For
Our tables of Thanksgiving have been surrounded most years by more than our nuclear family. Extended family, friends, and others who needed encouragement and support have been invited to join us in celebrating Thanksgiving Day. Always before filling our plates with the scrumptious food, we remember to be thankful to the Lord who has so generously provided everything for us.
ALZHEIMERS, continued from page 1
things you can do as a caregiver.
No one should have left hungry.
residents and their families to meet their needs.”
Community Matters
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 Ann Caudill, executive director Joelle Freeland, marketing director 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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Community Matters November 2018
“You have to take care of yourself. If you don’t take care of yourself, then you’ll get to a place where For those who have become caregivers themselves, RPM provides you can’t take care of the person you’re caring for,” said Joelle. “It a support group on the third could be a support group, it could Thursday of every month. Led by Marketing Director Joelle Freeland, be finding someone to come in, or who was recently named “Facilitator going to church or the grocery store. Whatever it is, you have to find time of the Month” by the Alzheimer’s to take care of your needs.” Association, the support group provides a forum for caregivers to Joelle’s involvement in the group talk, share their experiences and is enhanced by her own personal get advice from others in a similar experiences. situation. “Being a caregiver myself, I can talk “It is very stressful caring for those from that side of it,” said Joelle. who have dementia. In many cases, these people are 24-hour caregivers,” “When you need someone to talk to, said Joelle. “This support group gives it can’t just wait.” them a time to relax, which they To learn more about Tranquility rarely get to do.” House, or RPM’s caregiver support group, contact Joelle at 573-202And for Joelle, taking time for yourself is one of the most important 6933 or lfreeland@pmma.org. Like us on Facebook
free admission
open to the public
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E N O AY D LY ON
3 P.M., SATURDAY, DEC. 1 ROLLA PRESBYTERIAN MANOR • 1200 HOMELIFE PLAZA Join us for cookies, hot cocoa and an intimate showing of a timeless holiday classic. Admission is free, however those who attend will be given an opportunity to earn their own wings by making a donation to our Good Samaritan Program, which assists local seniors living at our campus who have outlived their financial resources.
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For more information, call 573.364.7336 or go to our Facebook page and click on “events.” Like us on Facebook
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Rolla Presbyterian Manor 1200 Homelife Plaza Rolla, MO 65401-2595 Return Service Requested
Results of our 2018 Alzheimer’s Walk In September, Rolla Presbyterian Manor participated in the Alzheimer’s Walk for the fourth year in a row. While it was a rainy day, we had a great time walking for a good cause. To date, we have raised $29,312.48, and we will continue to raise funds through December 31. The first year our community participated in the walk, our goal was $10,000. This year we expect to reach $40,000! Thank you to all the walkers and donors! 4
Community Matters November 2018
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