2023 Milestones Magazine

A Message from Our President

What an amazing year celebrating the 25th anniversary of Morning Pointe Senior Living! We planned a full rollout of highlights to mark the occasion and celebrated all year long.

Morning Pointe kicked off a 25,000 Touches volunteer campaign to connect more people to our communities while thanking our longtime volunteers who made all our exciting monthly themes even better in 2022.

We even arranged for a special piece of artwork to mark the milestone, commissioning regional watercolor artist Alan Shuptrine to create a dogwood painting titled, “Renewal.” It represents

all that Morning Pointe, its teams and families have accomplished over the last quarter century. Anyone can enjoy the pieces across our footprint as they are on display in every single community.

Please enjoy this year’s edition of Morning Pointe Milestones as it not only highlights our 25th anniversary, but so many wonderful and unique stories of our residents. You will enjoy learning about one of our own football legends as well as another legend in her own right as an accomplished

Plus, have you ever heard of a forensic odontologist? Well, now you can learn all about it from one of our residents who built a career as one. And, we have another resident who was an FBI agent. So many fascinating lives that we can continue to celebrate as each builds their own new connections at their Morning Pointe Senior Living

I am also excited about our veterans’ articles and special associate features. We are Morning Pointe because of our dedicated people.

Finally, enjoy the best of the best photos from 2022 and our latest partner article from The Sanders–Brown Center on Aging at the University of Kentucky and update on the work of the Morning Pointe Foundation.

Thank you for your continued support.

GREG A. VITAL Co-Founder and President

JEAN FOWLER A Lifelong Equestrian

Jean Fowler, age 92, has been riding horses almost since she was born.

Now a resident at The Lantern Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence in Lenoir City, TN, Jean has never lost her love of horses.

Throughout her life, Jean has owned an estimated 50-60 Tennessee Walking Horses. She bred them, raised them, rode them, and showed them.

Naturally, she married a man who also loved animals, Joe Fowler. He also showed horses and was undefeated in showing when he retired.

In Jean’s younger days, she showed horses throughout Tennessee and the South, including the Carolinas and Kentucky, winning many trophies over the years. Even after not showing for several years, she decided to mount up again at age 91 and won her first show back in the ring.

“My favorite thing to do is win,” she said with a laugh.

“She is a very disciplined rider,” said one of Fowler’s three daughters, Nancy Evans. “She sits very erect in the saddle, the old-fashioned way.”

Fowler’s advice to those taking up riding is: “Don’t just get on there and say, ‘I’m gonna ride.’ Start out slow. If you start out fast, you could go end over end.”

Even experienced riders sometimes fall off. It has happened to Fowler many times over the years, most recently in 2021!

Fowler’s family of three girls has grown to include five grandkids and 16 greatgrandchildren. Most of her descendants ride, with several of them also showing horses.

“It’s a family thing,” said Nancy. “It’s sort of like an addiction.”

Nancy loves to visit with the majestic creatures whenever she can, and The Lantern has arranged several trips to the Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding.

“I have alot of fun," Jean said. "I like to get out and pet the animals.”

Thank you for sharing your love of horses with us, Jean!

Don’t just get on there and say, ‘I’m gonna ride.’ Start out slow. If you start out fast, you could go end over end.

– JEAN FOWLER

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ALICIA ALLMON

Morning Pointe of Lenoir City, TN Food Services Director

Alicia has been in food service for around 17 years and has been with Morning Pointe for nine years. She began making cakes for resident birthdays in 2018. She didn’t start as ornate as she makes the designs now, but she has grown in her craft.

“When I’m making or decorating cakes, it’s a stress reliever for me,” Alicia said.

Her designs have included bunnies, reindeer, woodworking, gardening, beehives, baking, sewing and more. As if that weren’t impressive enough, Alicia doesn’t ask the residents directly for a theme for their cakes.

“She normally has me sneak and find out from the residents what they like,” said Alyssa Jacobs, Life Enrichment Director. “It’s so sweet because many times they are surprised that she even knew what they liked!”

“They’re delicious!” said resident Sue Mitchell, who received a garden cake. “They always taste so good and melt in your mouth, no matter what flavor.”

“I love making people happy with food,” Alicia said. “I enjoy seeing how happy it makes the resident when I go and give them their cake.”

Alicia Allmon, Food Services Director at Morning Pointe of Lenoir City, Tennessee, is in high demand, and not just for the delectable daily meals. Her claim to fame is her specialty cakes.

Therapy went well, I’m not having and it helped. trouble coughing

JACK PARR, Resident

Jack Parr, a resident at Morning Pointe of Lenoir City Assisted Living, celebrated his birthday and his success in speech therapy – by digging into his amazing chocolate cake created by Food Services Director Alicia Allmon!

Jack was having more difficulty with swallowing during meals, and associates recommended he try speech therapy through their on-site therapy partners.

Jack started therapy. Cindy Winter, speech-language

pathologist, taught him how to improve his swallowing and respiratory coordination.

“Jack improved not only his swallowing abilities, but increased his socialization and his physical activity as well,” said Cindy.

“Therapy went well, and it helped,” Jack shared.

Morning Pointe Senior Living facilities offer on-site therapy service, just one more reason to choose Morning Pointe!

MORNING POINTE OF DANVILLE

Resident

Veteran Takes Honor Flight

In July 2022, Eugene Pflughaupt, age 97, a resident at Morning Pointe of Danville, KY, joined four fellow veterans on a flight aboard a B-25 bomber courtesy of Honor Flight Bluegrass. He had served his country in World War II and the Korean War, but this was his first time riding in a bomber.

“The only flights I’d been on before were commercial flights,” Eugene said. “It was interesting to see how cramped everybody was on the bombers. The windows were small, and half of the view was taken up by a machine gun.”

Eugene was drafted into World War II just after high school and shipped out for Europe on Jan. 1, 1945. He joined the 30th Infantry Division as a foxhole digger as the army pushed back the Axis from the west and crossed the Rhine River.

“Five times in my life I was in danger from enemy fire,” Eugene shared. “Crossing the Rhine, I came the closest to losing my life. I was waiting for artillery fire to end, and the last shell fell just behind the foxhole I was in.”

The division made it to Magdeburg, Germany, and liberated one of the infamous German labor camps.

Eugene stayed in Germany with the occupying forces for about a month, then came home to the States.

He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education and married his wife, Margery, in 1950.

When the Korean War started, the Army called Eugene back, sending him to Texas to work as a typist. After discharging from military service, Eugene worked as a salesman, selling law books. He and Margery had three daughters and four grandchildren.

“Providing for my family is the best thing I have done in my life,” Eugene shared.

Eugene, thank you for your service and being part of our Morning Pointe family!

Five times in my life I was in danger from enemy fire. Crossing the Rhine, I came the closest to losing my life. I was waiting for artillery fire to end, and the last shell fell just behind the foxhole I was in.

Eugene Pflughaupt

U.S. Army Sergeant, Retired

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Renewal

MORNING POINTE CELEBRATES with Commissioned Painting

In mid-July, Morning Pointe of Chattanooga, TN, on Shallowford Road hosted an unveiling for “Renewal,” a stunning watercolor painting of dogwood flowers by regional artist Alan Shuptrine representing rebirth, resurrection, and resilience. The piece hanging at the Chattanooga community is a handpainted and signed reproduction of the original, which hangs in Morning Pointe’s corporate office.

The painting has special meaning for the Morning Pointe of Chattanooga community and The Lantern at Morning Pointe memory care community across the street. Both buildings were devastated by a tornado in 2020. Residents were safe, but the buildings had to be rebuilt. When the assisted living community reopened in 2021, residents decided to plant a dogwood tree to commemorate the history.

“We wanted to help bring our greater Morning Pointe family into our journey and celebrate everything that Morning Pointe has built over the past 25 years,” said Greg A. Vital, Morning Pointe Co-Founder and President. “Since art and life enrichment are so valued by our residents, we decided that a beautiful painting would be the perfect way to achieve both goals.”

Reproductions of “Renewal” were delivered to all Morning Pointe communities, where they are displayed prominently.

Kon'nichiwa! (Hello!)

In November, residents and associates at Morning Pointe of Richmond, KY, welcomed several Japanese delegates from Hokuto City, “sister city” to Madison County, Kentucky.

The travelers, including the head of Hokuto tourism, stopped by for a tour.

“The visit was wonderful,” shared Cristy Winkler, Executive Director. “I answered many questions about the activities, amenities, cost, and level of care criteria.”

The Morning Pointe of Richmond dietary team

prepared a traditional Southern lunch: breaded pork chops, fried potatoes, cabbage, pinto beans, cornbread, chow chow, and peach cobbler with ice cream.

“Our guests were beyond satisfied with their meal, leaving no leftovers behind,” Cristy said.

The Japanese group, in turn, shared about their own culture and gave a slide show presentation about Hokuto City, which is approximately 93 miles west of Kyoto.

Before saying farewell, Morning Pointe representatives presented their guests with a print of the 25th anniversary painting “Renewal.” Delegates also received a copy of Alan Shuptrine’s coffee table book featuring several dogwood paintings.

“It was an amazing day,” said Cristy. “As they exited, I was invited to join the exchange program and visit Japan in the spring. This would be an honor.”

SHARON "SMILEY" HOLLIE

Lantern Program Director Morning Pointe of Tuscaloosa, AL

Sharon Hollie got her nickname of “Smiley” from a resident couple… for obvious reasons!

The Lantern Program Director at Morning Pointe of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, seems to always have a smile on her face. And her mere presence makes her residents smile.

Sharon’s role entails developing and leading programming to engage memory care residents physically and mentally. The goal is to foster a greater sense of enjoyment and purpose in life, in spite of memory challenges. Morning Pointe’s memory care communities use the Meaningful Day™ program, which focuses on personalized programming developed based on residents’ prior roles and careers, routines and interests.

Smiley has been with Morning Pointe for more than 14 years, starting on the clinical side as a Resident Assistant, then lead RA. She was the Cumberland Region’s Exceeding Expectations winner for 2022, praised not only for her tenure but also for advocating for residents and associates, offering a listening ear and encouragement.

“Touring families are always thoroughly impressed with our activity department,” said Kendra Martin, Executive Director at Morning Pointe of Tuscaloosa. “Sharon puts our residents first and ensures that each day is meaningful.”

Smiley shared: “The reward comes seeing my residents so happy and their family members so happy about what I do and how I make their life so much better. I love what I do.”

I give them credit for my return to an active life. Thank you, Morning Pointe!

COME JOIN US!

MORINE BAESE

Morine Baese came to Morning Pointe of Brentwood, TN, after losing her husband and experiencing an extended stay in the hospital.

“When I arrived, basically, I couldn’t do anything by myself,” Morine said. “My family wanted me to try Morning Pointe for a month, and I was determined I was not going to like it. Then I decided if I stayed, I was not going to be a helpless person. So, I participated in every activity they had to offer.”

Morine got stronger, and her zest for life returned. Now, she calls Morning Pointe home.

“Morning Pointe Brentwood has a fantastic team of professionals, and I give them credit for my return to an active life,” Morine said.

FORENSIC DENTISTRY

Michael Sobel’s Unique

Career

Michael served as a special investigations advisor to two police departments and as a forensic dental advisor to the state police. He also worked with a local hospital program to treat children who couldn’t afford braces.

Michael worked many cases over the years. In one case, a woman in the hospital had what looked like a bite mark on her thigh. Investigators asked her, even though she was highly medicated, if she was molested. She said, “Yes.” When they asked her who did it, she replied, “My

The physician was held for trial, and impressions were taken of his teeth. While other experts said the markings looked like the doctor’s teeth, Michael dug deeper.

“I thought there must be something else going on,” he said.

He found out the patient had had a urinary catheter taped to her leg. He lined up the same kind of catheter with a scale photo of the mark, and everything matched up. The physician was acquitted.

Michael was also involved in two famous cases. One was the fatal crash of USAir Flight 427 in 1994. Michael used dental evidence to help ID the passengers.

The other was the 1954 murder of Marilyn Shepperd. Her husband, Dr. Sam Shepperd, was convicted and jailed, then later retried and released due to media interference. Legal battles continued until 2002.

Michael examined Marilyn’s broken teeth and other evidence and gave expert opinion that her teeth were broken by blunt force trauma rather than by biting.

Although Michael is no longer in the courtroom, he continues making a difference through teaching. In fall 2022, he taught a Zoom class for senior adults on forensic dentistry.

When asked what he is most proud of, Michael said, “Helping people when I can.”

PICTURE THIS:

Dr. Sobel has also had a passion for photography since he was a child.

“I used to take pictures of everything that moved, and even some things that didn’t move,” he remembered.

He used photography in his forensic odontology work and still takes photos today at Morning Pointe.

COTTON CLARK

A FOOTBALL LEGEND

1959 - 1962

Terry “Cotton” Clark, age 81, has always loved football.

Cotton learned to play as a child. In high school, he was a running back and became an all-state and All-Southern player. His team even scored a 10-0 season in 1958, which brought him to the attention of the SEC.

Before he knew it, Cotton was playing for Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He was number 45 for Crimson Tide.

“I thought it was the best thing that ever happened to me,” Cotton remembered.

Cotton played halfback, fullback, safety and punter on the team from 1959-1962. All four years, his quarterback was Joe Namath, future Super Bowl Champion and MVP. His most memorable games were “any time we played Auburn” because of the huge rivalry.

Probably his most famous game was the 1962 opener between Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs, which Alabama won 35-0!

According to the Walker County Sports Hall of Fame, which inducted Cotton in 2016, “In 1962,

he led the SEC and was second nationally with 92 total points. … He was also third nationally in punting at 42.5 yards per attempt and seventh in punt returns at 15.2 years per return.”

Cotton played in the Southwestern Challenge Bowl All-Star game and then played for the Oakland Raiders. He married and moved to Jacksonville, Alabama. He earned a degree in business from Jacksonville State University and served as a coach there for five years under Charley Pell, who he knew from Crimson Tide.

Cotton was also head coach at Jacksonville High School, served in the National Guard, and had a 30-year career as a Ford salesman. Now at Morning Pointe of Tuscaloosa, Cotton continues to follow Crimson Tide. His son Jeff picks him up on game days to watch the games.

Cotton’s advice to football players is, “Do everything the coach says to, and stay in shape.”

MEETING THE NEEDS OF HER RESIDENTS

Jan Hall is no stranger at Morning Pointe of Hixson. For the last 11 years, Hall has been serving the senior living community as a CNA – a role that’s brought her a lot of variety, and a lot of joy. She explains, “As a CNA, I’m responsible for meeting the needs of the residents in my care; this ranges from bathing and dressing to mobility and much more. Specifically, I work in memory care, so my role involves quite a bit of conversation and reassurance.”

One thing is for sure – it’s a job that keeps Hall busy. “I am never bored!” laughs Hall. “The work of a CNA is so important, and part of why they’ll always be in demand. I feel fortunate to work with my residents every day and be a part of their lives.”

JAN HALL

Morning Pointe Senior Living

1What is one of your happiest professional moments?

My happiest moments are any time I see little children with our residents. The children never fail to make them smile!

2

What influenced you to pursue your career?

I have always been at ease with senior adults. I have a lot of respect for them – this last generation has been through a lot.

3

What’s the key to making a great first impression?

Smile, and mean it.

4

What would you consider to be your main strengths?

Patience. When I don’t have any more, I’ll retire!

5

What is your philosophy when it comes to the care for your residents?

To treat them as a person who needs help, and I want them not to feel bad about needing that help. I know they would much rather be doing it themselves.

What we do really makes a difference in our residents’ lives.”

MY CREDENTIALS

High School Diploma: Soddy Daisy High School – SoddyDaisy, TN

Certifications: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

MY SPECIALTIES

Memory Care

CONNECT

423.847.1370

Morning Pointe of Hixson

5501 Old Hixson Pike Hixson, TN 37343

morningpointe.com

MAKING WAVES

Morning Pointe of Frankfort Resident Jenny Lodmell

Virginia “Jenny” Lodmell, a resident at Morning Pointe of Frankfort, KY, celebrated her 100th birthday in 2022. The day also presented a chance to honor Jenny for her role in World War II.

Jenny’s first service in the war was at an ammunition factory, until the factory suffered an explosion and fire that killed and injured many employees. Jenny was OK and returned home.

“All the boys went to war, and many of the women were off to work,” Jenny remembered.

She saw an opportunity to do something for her country through the Navy’s new WAVES program (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). She enlisted on Dec. 18, 1943, becoming an airplane mechanic.

“I learned all about the different parts of the airplane, how you used it, how you cleaned it, how all the parts fit together,” Jenny said.

Jenny worked on and around the plane engines, and eventually she was reassigned to teach radar to the men as they were being assigned to their ships. She also met her husband, Russell Carl Lodmell, during her time in the WAVES.

After World War II, the couple moved to Russell’s home state of Minnesota and farmed the land for about five years.

“We about starved to death and froze to death,” Jenny said about that time.

The Lodmells moved back to West Virginia, where they had more success. Russell became an electrician, and Jenny worked at a Montgomery Ward department store in the catalog department. The couple had three sons, Johnny, Joe, and Jimmy. Jenny now has nine grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

After Russell passed away, Jenny moved to live with her son Jimmy and daughter-in-law Carol. Eventually, they found she needed more care, and Jenny moved to Morning Pointe of Frankfort in August 2013.

“I have a nice apartment,” Jenny said of her home. “It’s a very nice place for older people. There’s no steps, and you can walk outside. There’s a great big porch with rocking chairs, and everybody here seems to work together.”

Thank you for your service, Jenny, and for being part of our Morning Pointe family!

HOW TO LIVE A LONG LIFE

Take care of yourself. Eat sensibly, and don’t take any crazy chances. If your body stays strong, usually your mind will too.

– JENNY LODMELL, 100

Woodford County (KY) Judge James Kay with Jenny Lodmell

DON BIRDWELL The Life of an FBI Agent

Don Birdwell, a resident at Morning Pointe of Franklin, TN, is a former FBI agent who spent 23 years in the Bureau.

Raised near Gallatin, TN, Don studied law at Cumberland University in Lebanon, TN, and married his wife, Betty, in 1950.

Don was still in college when the Korean War started. He joined the Tennessee National Guard and went into active duty as a criminal investigative division (CID) agent. He served for three years – in Maryland, Georgia, and Rome, Italy.

Returning to the U.S., Don completed his law degree and pursued a job in the FBI. After a final test of meeting J. Edgar Hoover, FBI

director, and doing a quick interview with Clyde Tolson, assistant director, Don was hired. He began his career with the Bureau in January 1955.

“I worked a variety of things applicant work, then criminal cases, including extortion, kidnappings, and other cases,” Don remembered. “You never knew what was going to come up.”

Don recalled one man who he arrested for bank robbery five times.

“He would go off to California and gamble and lose the money, then come back and rob another bank,” Don recounted. “Even after I retired and he had lost a leg to diabetes, he did it again. A one-legged man on crutches robbed a bank.”

Another case Don remembers was a jailbreak in Dixon, TN. The prisoners at the local prison had earned a trip to the bowling alley. An accomplice hid guns in the bathroom, and four of the prisoners shot their way out, stole a car and escaped.

Don and Betty moved to Morning Pointe when Betty developed Alzheimer’s. Don praises the staff for the care they provided her before she passed away in May 2022. They had been married 71 years and had four children, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

“At 93, I feel very fortunate to be a resident of Morning Pointe,” Don said. “I can recommend Morning Pointe to anyone needing to move to a retirement home.

Don’s FBI memorabilia

Greg Vital and Don Birdwell with Don’s signed photo of J. Edgar Hoover

I worked a variety of things – applicant work, then criminal cases, including extortion, kidnappings, and other cases. You never knew what was going to come up.

DON BIRDWELL

Former FBI Agent serving 23 years

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MORNING POINTE OF HIXSON Establishes Butterfly Waystation

In 2022, Morning Pointe of Hixson, TN, took on a special project – to raise monarch butterflies and serve as a waystation along their migration.

Samantha Parker, Community Relations Director, brought her family project of raising monarch butterflies with her when her family moved from Florida to Tennessee.

The community embraced the venture this summer, planting milkweed in the courtyard and acquiring eggs from the University of Kansas’ Monarch Watch. Samantha set up stations for the different stages –egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and hatchling.

This summer, every time a butterfly emerged, residents and associates oohed and ahhed before releasing it into the courtyard. Over the season, the project grew, and the campus is now listed on the National Monarch Registry as a Monarch Waystation.

“It’s amazing to watch how they develop from a tiny egg to a caterpillar then to see how they transform their bodies and become a chrysalis and hang for two weeks to emerge as a beautiful butterfly,” said resident Dot Hilliard.

Morning Pointe of Hixson raised and released more than 50 caterpillars from Monarch Watch in 2022. The community also rescued more than 90 caterpillars found in the garden! We can’t wait for next summer!

Cost of Living Worksheet

Morning Pointe offers great value for your money. Using this simple worksheet will help you see for yourself the value of living at Morning Pointe or in The Lantern Alzheimer’s and Memory Care Community.

YOUR CURRENT MONTHLY EXPENSES

Garbage removal

(entertainment, movies, clubs)

available (5 hrs a week at $35/hr)

Care needs (10 hrs a week at $25/hr)

Dietary assistance Flat linen (towels, sheets, etc.) laundry service

Activities at community (entertainment, movies, clubs) Included

Nurses available 24 hours a day, seven days a week Included*

Assistance with personal care needs Included

Dietary assistance Included

Flat linen (towels, sheets, etc.) laundry service Included

Personal laundry (clothes)

Medication management $300-$600**

Healthcare monitoring Included

24-hour emergency response system in apartment Included

Transportation (scheduled) Included*

Morning Pointe provides local scheduled transportation for basic needs like shopping, medical appointments, and campus events. For more information, contact your Morning Pointe management team.

Based on 2023 cost of living estimate for a 2,500 sq. ft. house.

Written information relating to this community or facility’s services and policies is available upon request.

CAREGIVERS' COMMUNICATION

Communicating with someone with dementia is ever changing due to the way the disease affects the brain. You may have been communicating with your loved one a certain way for many years, and although you can’t expect to change these communication patterns instantly, with time, adapting communication to your loved one’s situation can pay off.

“As dementia progresses, the disease changes how the person communicates and how they interpret communications,” said Beth Janney, RN, Corporate Director of Memory Care. “They lose the ability to understand another person’s point of view. They may have their own version of reality which is real to them. Try not to orient them. If it is Tuesday and they think it is Friday, let it be Friday.”

People living with dementia often lack empathy and impulse control. They may say things that seem unkind. However, they no longer have the filter to hold back those thoughts, and they have no idea that what they said was unkind. It’s difficult not to react by correcting them. Instead, validate their feelings by saying, “You don’t like this,” or, simply, “I’m sorry.”

Brain disease inhibits the ability to process many words, questions and choices at one time. It is important for a person to voice their opinion. Try asking one question at a time. Offer a choice between two things. If you take your loved one to a restaurant and they have trouble navigating the menu, give them a choice between two items you know that they will enjoy.

Asking a “Yes” or “No” question will likely elicit a response of “No.” Instead, ask your loved one to help you or come with you, and provide a little information at a time. For example, “Come with me for a minute, Mom. There’s the bathroom; let’s freshen up.” Offer two desirable choices, such as, “Do you want to take your shower before breakfast or after breakfast?”

Communication is key to any healthy relationship. Hopefully, these tools will contribute to effective communication and enhance quality of life for you and your loved one living with dementia.

Early Signs of Alzheimer's

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life

• Challenges in planning or solving problems

• Difficulty completing familiar tasks

• Increasingly relying on memory aids (notes) and family members for things

• Making financial mistakes

As the Disease Progresses

• Withdrawal from work and social activities

• Confusion with time and place

• Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations. May not be able to judge distance well or identify colors or contrast. This can cause issues with driving.

• Aren’t as familiar with where they are going anymore.

• Problems following or joining a conversation. May repeat themselves or stop in the middle of a conversation and not understand how to continue.

• Changes in mood and personality. They may be suspicious, confused, depressed, or fearful and anxious. They may be easily upset when out of their comfort zone.

These signs could mean that it's time to start looking for specialized care.

Bigger Issues and Safety Concerns

• Decreased or poor judgment

• Poor hygiene

• Hair is not washed

• Wearing the same clothes day after day

• Spoiled food in the fridge

• Medications are haphazardly hidden throughout the house.

• They often misplace items and lose their ability to retrace their steps.

You should be alert for bigger safety issues like leaving the stove on.

Don’t wait for a crisis to respond. Many seniors respond better in memory care communities when they settle into their new home sooner rather than later.

For more information visit alz.org, and/or call the 24/7 HelpLine (800-272-3900).

Visit morningpointe.com/alzheimers-care, or call a Morning Pointe Memory Care community near you for additional information and to schedule a tour.

CAREGIVERS Need a Team

an oxygen mask drops, you should first put the mask on yourself before you can help others.

Caregiving is a bit like the airplane cabin scenario. It is essential for caregivers to take care of themselves. If they don’t, they will not be able to provide the best care for their loved one.

How does a caregiver find time in the midst of multiple demands to care for themselves? Research shows that caregivers need support

Caregivers need people they can talk to about what they are going through, how their day was, what struggles they are facing. They need a place to share their feelings and experiences. This team can include a good friend, a local support group, or a counselor.

Caregivers also need individuals or groups that work together to help them provide the best care. Think about your strengths. What are you good at? What do you enjoy about caregiving?

Those may be tasks you continue to do. What are the tasks that stress you out or that might be better done by someone else? Think about the areas where you could most use help. Is it at home with personal care, or is it all the additional errands and schedules to manage? Those are the areas where you want to look at bringing in others to help. Look to family members, friends, neighbors, communities of faith, or organizations such as adult day centers, home care agencies, home-delivered meals, senior living facilities, support groups, or care managers to help build your team.

When you prioritize self-care, you take steps to be a better caregiver. You are taking care of yourself so that you are better equipped to care for your loved one. If you need help, reach out to organizations like the Area Agency on Aging or the Alzheimer’s Association for resources in your area.

University of Kentucky Sanders-Brown Center on Aging

HERE ARE A FEW EASY THINGS YOU CAN TRY FOR SELF-CARE:

1. Take deep breaths: When you find yourself feeling stressed, inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale 4 seconds, hold 4 seconds, and repeat.

2. Practice mindfulness: Slow down and pay attention to what is happening at the moment.

3. Get physical: Go for a walk or run, play your favorite sport, or just move your body.

4. Be social: Get involved in activities that are just for you (such as clubs /organizations or a simple lunch with friends).

5. Laugh: Find humor and enjoy a good laugh.

6. Express yourself: Find a safe space to express your emotions. It’s all right to cry or scream. Write in a journal, make art, or play/listen to music.

7. Seek support: Find people to talk to as a support group.

8. Respite: Find ways to get a break from caregiving, be it a few hours or a few days or more.

9. Make your health a priority: Make healthy choices when it comes to eating. Get a good night’s sleep, and see your doctor for regular checkups.

10. Avoid unhealthy habits: Reduce/limit/avoid your intake of caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes or illegal substances.

SARAH HATCH, MSW, CSW

Dean Kirby and Family

SEE WHAT YOUR LOVED ONE IS UP TO

We believe that aging, despite challenges, should be a time of continued growth and development rather than decline. At a Morning Pointe Senior Living community, we provide you with a rich environment focusing on your needs and wants. Our programming connects to your interests while also introducing you to new possibilities. At each community, the Life Enrichment Director or Lantern Program Director heads up the creation of the monthly calendar.

Stay “in the loop” with your loved one using LifeLoop! Designed to enhance communication between residents, family members, and associates using a mobile or desktop app, this technology invites all parties to engage in day-to-day life at Morning Pointe.

VETERAN BENEFITS

Did you know that many wartime veterans and their spouses may qualify for extra monthly income from the Department of Veterans Affairs?

These benefits are known as the VA Aid and Attendance Pension. Benefits are based on a sliding scale and can be applied to the cost of at-home or community-based assisted or supportive living services.

For more information, call 1-800-827-1000 or visit va.gov

SENIORS GOT TALENT MORNING POINTE 2022 Season

1ST PLACE: LEXINGTON, KY

1ST PLACE: CHATTANOOGA, TN

1ST PLACE: KNOXVILLE, TN

1ST PLACE: FRANKLIN, TN

2ND PLACE

3RD PLACE

The 2022 Seniors Got Talent season was full of excited crowds, electrifying performances, and above all, exceptional talent. It was a year of new competitors and new traditions as hundreds gathered to attend shows in Lexington, KY, as well as Chattanooga, Franklin, and Knoxville, TN. Each event was an opportunity to showcase the heart of Morning Pointe – to honor and celebrate seniors inside and outside its buildings.

This year, we introduced the Taste of Morning Pointe and People's Choice Award. Before the shows began, VIP guests were invited to enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres prepared by local Morning Pointe Food Services Directors. Those in attendance could vote for their favorite act. All proceeds went to the Morning Pointe Foundation in its efforts to provide caregiver support programs and clinical nursing scholarships at universities and community colleges across the Southeast.

The show attracted seniors with all kinds of talent. From singers, dancers, and pianists to comedians, poets, and even a five-piece bluegrass band, contestants left each audience thoroughly entertained.

“Each year, as the Morning Pointe ‘Seniors Got Talent’ competitions grow across the Southeast, the Morning Pointe Foundation remains committed to celebrating the talents of local seniors while supporting caregivers and nursing scholarships,” added Morning Pointe Co-Founder and CEO Franklin Farrow. “This is such an important cause, and what better way to support it than to bring out such talented individuals and let them shine.”

Aside from having our first sold-out show and more seniors eager to perform on the big stage than ever, the Morning Pointe Foundation raised a record amount of almost $90,000 through these four shows. As every Seniors Got Talent season has been more impressive than the last, we can only imagine the level of talent we will have next year!

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD

Chattanooga Franklin

Knoxville

THANK

What an exciting year for the Morning Pointe Foundation! All of the annual events were back on track, bringing in more dollars and touching more people.

Nearly $200,000 was raised in 2022 thanks to the many sponsors and participants in our two major golf events and four signature Seniors Got Talent showcases. Plus, multiple Morning Pointe Senior Living communities held their own fundraisers. Proceeds go toward more nursing scholarships and caregiver support programs across the Southeast.

UPCOMING EVENTS 2023

Annual Golf Events

COMING LATE JUNE: 5th Annual Mastering Memory Care Golf Tournament, Athens, TN

August 22: 8th Annual Mastering Memory Care Golf Tournament, Tennessee Valley

Seniors Got Talent

August 8: 4th Annual Seniors Got Talent, Tennessee Valley, Chattanooga, TN

September 12: 4th Annual Seniors Got Talent, Lexington, KY

October 17: 5th Annual Seniors Got Talent, Middle Tennessee, Franklin, TN

November 14: 3nd Annual Seniors Got Talent, East Tennessee, Knoxville,TN

Overview 2022

Advancing the Care of Seniors for Generations to Come

Thank you to so many for your continued support, involvement, and commitment to the work of the Morning Pointe Foundation. Your financial support has helped all six of our signature events grow across our footprint, including four annual Seniors Got Talent events in Chattanooga, Franklin and Knoxville, TN, plus Lexington, KY, and our two annual golf tournaments in Athens and Chattanooga, TN. Through the challenging work we set a record for dollars raised, nearly $200,000, and connected with more seniors, caregivers, and senior living experts.

We look forward to another exciting year as we work to grow our school partnerships and educational scholarships while supporting caregivers through our virtual Caregiver Cafés featuring senior living experts from across the Southeast. Since its founding in 2014, the Morning Pointe Foundation has served over 70 students through 12 community colleges and universities. We are always striving for the best as there is much

need when it comes to educating a future workforce while helping caregivers during aging challenges. Our signature events and outreach help us to celebrate seniors while serving our mission.

Executive Director

Morning Pointe Foundation

Board of Directors

Doug Brown

David Haddock

Debbie Ingram

Norma Cooper

J. Franklin Farrow

Greg A. Vital, Chair

MORNING POINTE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP PARTNERS

Served over 70 students through 12 community colleges and universities.

JOYFUL MOMENTS

MOMENTS AT MORNING POINTE