Commun ty Matters Topeka Presbyterian Manor
March 2016
Art is Ageless® exhibit and reception features local senior artists Since the beginning of time, creative expression has brought joy to both its creators and those who experience their art. The Art is Ageless® program offers senior artists the opportunity to share and display their artwork and reaffirms the agelessness of human creativity. Some have resumed art after putting it aside for a career, others have been creating beautiful pieces throughout their lives, and others never picked up a brush until after they retired, but all are now expressing themselves through art. This month, their works will be on display at Topeka Presbyterian Manor. “It’s inspiring to see the beautiful pieces these seniors have created,” said Jami Colson, marketing director. “The joy it brings to them and others is wonderful, and that’s something we want to celebrate and share with ART IS AGELESS, continued on page 3
Social workers bring the pieces together During the month of March, we celebrate National Social Work Month, although it’s something that should be celebrated all year long.You see, social workers are the glue that holds the many parts and pieces of senior care communities together. Just ask Ashley Zeckser, who’s been serving the Topeka Presbyterian Manor community in this capacity for nearly 16 years. “I have worked in long-term care; and now also work with rehab on the PATH unit. I was an intern at another skilled nursing community prior to starting at the Manor, so this is my first and only social work position. I chose social work because of my desire to help people. I particularly like helping people find the tools they need to help themselves,” said Ashley. “I like advocacy and giving a voice to people who may be challenged in some way.” SOCIAL, continued on page 2
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So what does a typical day in the life of a social worker look like? That’s a tough question to answer, because every day is so different.
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“I have many duties here from helping with the admission process to advance directives to discharge planning and many things in between. One of my favorite things about my job is being able to connect and build bonds with residents/patients and families. I love to see people succeed,” said Ashley.
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Another thing Ashley loves to do is spend time with her family at home. “I have a husband and two children, ages 9 and 12. We have two dogs and two cats. In my free time, I love to watch my kids play sports like baseball, softball, basketball
and football. Most weekends we are at some type of sporting event. We are also active in our church community,” said Ashley. While Ashley plays a vital role in helping residents and patients have the best experience possible during their time at the Manor, she doesn’t do it alone. Her “work family” helps make it all possible. “I work with an awesome team who bring their unique talents to share with me daily,” said Ashley. “I have been very blessed by the opportunity to work with amazing co-workers, residents and families, and I cannot begin to explain how much I have learned from these interactions. I look forward to many years of continuing to work within our mission to provide senior care with Christian values to the people I am fortunate enough to serve.”
Savor the flavor of eating right
To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Jami Colson, marketing director, at jcolson@pmma.org.
By Nicole Douglas, dietitian, Topeka Presbyterian Manor
be added to the menu.
The nutrition team at Topeka Presbyterian Manor is gearing up for National Nutrition Month and will promote “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right.” Each week of March, a new topic will be explored.
Week Four will be dedicated to “Herbs and Spices” where residents will taste some new dishes and learn about local herbs and spices around the area.
Week One will be all about “Plant Power.” We will be increasing vegetarian options on the menu at breakfast and lunch, and offering two vegetable options instead of a starch/ vegetable.
Residents also will be able to participate in fun activities where During Week Two we’ll explore they can test their knowledge from “Reducing Red Meat” and one red the month and win fun prizes. Even meat entrée will be taken off of the menu and substituted with a different the employees will have a chance to get involved by completing nutrition protein option. worksheets and trivia throughout the Week Three will be all about “Whole month of March and have a chance to Grains.” Additional whole grains will win prizes.
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Community Matters March 2016
ART IS AGELESS, continued from page 1
the entire Topeka community.” The Art is Ageless exhibit will feature works from local artists who are 65 and older, including a few Presbyterian Manor residents. The public is welcome to visit the community to view the exhibit of acrylics, oils, photography and various other mediums, ranging from amateur to professional levels.
The entry deadline for artwork to be included in the Art is Ageless exhibit is March 11. The exhibit is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 17. In addition, Presbyterian Manor will honor local senior artists during a reception from 2 to 3 p.m., Thursday, March 17. The Art is Ageless program has been encouraging creativity in seniors
for more than 35 years, and is sponsored by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America (PMMA), which is a nonprofit organization that owns and operates 18 senior living communities in Missouri and Kansas. Each year the organization publishes an Art is Ageless calendar, featuring works by amateur senior artists. Proceeds from the sale of calendars are reinvested into new art programs and opportunities for PMMA residents.
Spring brings severe weather awareness By Sterling Emerson, operations manager, Topeka Presbyterian Manor
With winter beginning its exit from Kansas, spring will be close behind. With this in mind it is time to start thinking about what that brings with it. Now is the time to make sure we are prepared for severe weather and tornadoes.
LATCH your room door behind you. Step 3) Await campus staff or other emergency personnel instructions.
Step 4) Remain Kansas has an average of 60 in your secure tornadoes a year. Eighty percent of area until an tornadoes occur in the months of “all clear” is April, May and June, with 40 percent issued over of these falling in June. With this in the emergency mind we want to make sure everyone system within is prepared for severe weather in the building. 2016. Campus If a tornado warning is issued for “Disaster our area the interior tornado alarm Policies and will be sounded. This is a solid tone Procedures” have over our emergency speakers along been established to ensure that staff with an announcement of “This is a will be as available as possible in tornado warning, please take shelter.” any emergency situation. Resident The following steps should be cooperation is necessary for the followed in such an event. successful implementation of these plans. With these thoughts and Step 1) Immediately move away from your safety in mind, we ask that all all glass and windows. residents follow these procedures. Step 2) Proceed to a “windowless” If a warning is issued or threatening central room or closet or to an weather approaches remember these interior corridor that is void of simple steps wherever you are: windows. Should you proceed to a corridor be sure to CLOSE AND • Stay away from windows
• Go to interior hallway or room • Always remember to “DUCK.” Down to the lowest level Under something sturdy Cover your head Keep in shelter until storm passed With this in mind, we’ll be prepared to enjoy the spring weather without the worry of how to respond in such an emergency. Topeka Presbyterian Manor
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Community Matters March 2016
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