Commun ty Matters Salina Presbyterian Manor
June 2017
Mary’s musings By Mary Bridges, chaplain Salina Presbyterian Manor
If you know me, you know I love to talk. I am blessed to be a part of the Presbyterian Manor family, where I have an opportunity to talk a lot. I love talking with residents, staff and families. One of the things I try very hard to do is to encourage caregivers to take time for themselves. My husband and I were caregivers for both our mothers, and at the time, we had children at home. I think they called us the “sandwich generations.” I know what it is to feel overwhelmed by all the things that need to be done. The first time we flew, it was to a family wedding. We had my mom and my sister-in-law’s mom with us. It was on that flight to California that I learned the most important thing about caregiving. It was when they made the announcement, you know, the one that tells you, “In the event that the oxygen masks drop put yours on first. Then assist small children or those with special needs MUSINGS continued on page 4
Flying with honors
Resident and daughter visit D.C. with other veterans The mission of Kansas Honor Flight is to make it easy for aging veterans to see their war memorials. Something magical happens on these trips to Washington, D.C. The sight of dozens of veterans visiting a memorial to their service inspires heartfelt expressions of patriotism from scores of grateful strangers. Don Lloyd, a resident at Salina Presbyterian Manor, served in the U.S. Air Force in the Korean War. In April, he went on an Honor Flight with his daughter, Jana Lloyd, and 27 other veterans, plus their escorts. They were barely halfway to Washington when Jana realized they weren’t just another group of tourists. While changing planes in St. Louis, she said, “The whole airport applauded the whole time” as they went to their gate. Honor Flights were organized to bring World War II veterans to Washington when the war memorial opened. Now, veterans from Korea and Vietnam also are welcome. Don heard about the flight last fall from his insurance agent, who said she would get him the paperwork. He told Jana, who didn’t wait around. She found the forms online herself and got them submitted. Finally, they heard they were booked on Flight FLYING, continued on page 3
Health care happenings Our theme is “Diving into June,” and we will be learning about the ocean. We will play Under the Sea bingo, take a submarine safari and have a fish fry. Crystal Creek will be performing at 3 p.m. on June 1. The Father’s Day celebration will be at 3 p.m. on June 15. We will celebrate Wisconsin Cheese Festival and make a rhubarb/ strawberry pie.
June activities at Salina Presbyterian Manor By Cathy Boos, life enrichment director
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela The activity department has been busy this month becoming more educated to better serve the residents. Cathy Boos, life enrichment director, received her CNA license. Cierra Haith, assistant activity director for health care, completed her Activity Director certificate. Emily Riddle, assistant activity director for assisted living, received her CPR certificate. Being prepared to assist our residents at all times is a priority for the activity department. June is an exciting month with many new places and activities for all. This is just a summary of our many activities. June 1 - Romeo Breakfast Club – Huddle House June 1 - Crystal Creek Band – Ivory Keys Café June 6 - Travel & Taste – Gellas Diner & Brewery, Hays June 8 - Botanica – Wichita June 13- Cathy’s Birthday Luncheon & Shopping – Farley’s, Lindsborg June 15 - Father’s Day Celebration June 17 - Big Joe Eddy’s One Man Band – Ivory Keys Café
Community Matters
is published monthly for residents and friends of Salina Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org.
June 22 - Downtown Sculpture Tour – Salina June 27 - Gina’s Art Class June 28 - AL/HC trip to Cozy Burger – Salina
Bradley Radatz, executive director Jenni Jones, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Jenni Jones, jjones@pmma.org. Telephone: 785-825-1366 Fax: 785-825-6554 Address: 2601 E. Crawford, Salina, KS 67401-3898 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. SalinaPresbyterianManor.org
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Community Matters June 2017
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FLYING, continued from page 1
45 in April. (There are no trips in summer or winter, for the veterans’ comfort). The group landed in Baltimore and visited Fort McHenry, then had a banquet that night. They traveled to Washington the next day, and returned home the day after. Jana said it was eye-opening to see how her dad responded to the different monuments, and she saw a side of him that was new to her.
person. He really soaked that in.” All of the veterans are given a wheelchair to make it easier to get through the tour. When they approached the Korean memorial, Jana said a school tour group showed their respect. “The kids split and just clapped as I pushed Dad through. Everywhere we went, people would stand aside and applaud.”
three sets of brothers who were veterans, plus a father and son who served in World War II and Vietnam. The return flight always culminates in a rousing welcome home. All are invited to cheer for the veterans as they make their way through the Wichita airport. But it’s especially meaningful to have many active duty servicemen and women, in uniform, saluting and applauding the veterans who came before them.
The veterans travel at no cost, but they are required to have escorts, known as guardians, who pay a flat Don urges all veterans to book a At the Korean memorial, they saw fee of $700. Volunteer guardians are flight. “I think it’s great. They should a wall of pictures depicting the available for veterans who don’t have go before it’s too late.” support groups for the troops on the someone to accompany them. For details, visit www. front lines. “It took a ton of people behind the lines to support that one On their trip, Jana said there were kansashonorflight.org
Desi Flerlage promoted to health services administrator Desi Flerlage has been promoted to health services administrator at Salina Presbyterian Manor. Desi has been with us since 2008, steadily growing from team leader, to assistant health services director, to health services director, and now, health services administrator.
the best I can to ensure our elders are well cared for,” Desi said. “Whether I am implementing some type of change to make our care more person-centered, or if I am simply holding someone’s hand, I have done something every day to change someone’s life.”
In her new role Desi will be responsible for the overall management of the Health Services Department, as well as its programs and activities. She will oversee the admission, care, transfer and discharge of residents, as it relates to health services.
As administrator, Desi said she will focus on supporting and encouraging other employees to have good attitudes, strong values, and high expectations for the quality of care they provide.
Desi said she started thinking about getting her administrator’s license about a year and a half ago. She followed a part-time training program and passed her licensing exam in February. “I know every day that I have done Like us on Facebook
“We’re thrilled to have Desi serve in this new capacity,” said Brad Radatz, executive director. “Her success can be attributed to her personal leadership skills and desire to challenge herself by continually setting new goals for her career. We’re grateful she’ll be able to put those skills to use right here to make Salina Presby-terian Manor an even
better place to live and work.” Desi is a graduate of Kansas Wesleyan University, where she received a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. She served as class president in her senior year and continues to be involved with the university as a member of the Kansas Wesleyan University School of Nursing Advisory Board. Desi said she’s looking forward to a long, productive career with Presbyterian Manors. We wish her the best! Salina Presbyterian Manor
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MUSINGS continued from page 1
who are traveling with you.” You see the wisdom of this announcement: You can’t help others if you can’t breathe. Recently a resident came to me and asked me for some tips and help for he and several friends who were struggling in their roles as caregivers. While doing some research for information, I came across this site* that I felt was very helpful. Even though it focuses on the disease of Alzheimer’s and dementia, these tips apply to all caregivers. Take time each day to read them and implement at least one of them in your day. Above all, do not feel guilty for putting your oxygen mask on first. These 12 steps pop up on websites and blogs; people pass it along to their friends who are looking after someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Fridge-worthy? It might be. It was written by Carol J. Farran, DNSc, RN, and Eleanore
Keane-Hagerty, MA, in 1989 and is reprinted from: The American Journal of Alzheimer’s Care and Related Disorders & Research, November/December, 1989, 4(6), 38-41. 12 steps for caregivers Although I cannot control the disease process, I need to remember I can control many aspects of how it affects me and my loved one. I need to: • Take care of myself so that I can continue doing the things that are most important.
• Structure my day, because a consistent schedule makes life easier for me and my relative. • Have a sense of humor, because laughter helps to put things in a more positive perspective. • Remember that my relative is not being “difficult” on purpose, rather that his/her behavior and emotions are distorted by the illness. • Focus on and enjoy what my relative can still do rather than constantly lament over what is gone.
• Increasingly depend upon other • Simplify my lifestyle so that my time relationships for love and support. and energy are available for things that • Frequently remind myself that I am are really important at this time. doing the best that I can at this very • Cultivate the gift of allowing others moment. to help me, because caring for my relative is too big a job to be done by • Draw upon the Higher Power, which I believe is available to me. one person. • Take one day at a time rather than worry about what may or may not happen in the future.
*Alz Live - For ThoseWho Care - Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Alzlive.com is a free, daily, digital lifestyle and news platform designed specifically for the unpaid family caregivers of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
Continuing education We will be featuring employees who have continued their education with Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s help in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. If you have a story to tell about an employee you know is continuing their education, or if you just want to tell the world what you love about living in your senior living community, we want to share your story. If you’ve got a story to share, contact Marketing Director Jenni Jones and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.
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Community Matters June 2017
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