PMMA’s focus turns to the future in the 1990s This month, we continue to look back at our history as Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America celebrates 65 years of the art of life. In 1990, Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America moved into a new corporate office building in northeast Wichita, and Manor of the Plains in Dodge City opened.
was donated by American States Insurance Company. Construction began in December 1992. Jane O’Bryan was named the first administrator.
That year, the “Tradition of Caring” capital campaign also kicked off with a goal of $6.4 million. The first leg of the campaign was conducted in Emporia, where $600,000 was raised. Each campus had its own campaign to raise funds toward the $6.4 million goal. The campaigns raised funds to meet current Good Samaritan Program needs and provide a future endowment for Good Samaritan needs, assist in covering debt service and provide capital improvements at PMMA campuses.
Also in 1992, four Presbyterian Manor campuses—Wichita, Newton, Salina and Lawrence—received recognitions from the Kansas Association of Homes for the Aging. Wichita Presbyterian Manor won the Excellence in Service and the Recognition awards. The service award recognized Wichita’s ethics committee, which led to the campus working to become “restraint free” before the movement became popular around the country. Lawrence and Salina also received recognition awards, which signify high marks in the Department of Health and Environment’s annual survey of Kansas nursing facilities. Newton received the Innovation of the Year Award for the Apple-A-Day preschool, which opened in January 1992.
Local volunteers in Fort Scott, Kansas, led efforts to raise funds for a new retirement complex. The “Time to Secure the Future” campaign set out to raise $500,000 in base contributions toward the construction of a 40-unit residential complex in Fort Scott. The land
In July 1993, Dr. Mary Carman
Aberdeen Village
January 2015
HIPAA 101 A rendering of PMMA’s Fort Scott campus before construction began in 1992.
A 1992 groundbreaking ceremony for Fort Scott Presbyterian Village.
became chairperson of the PMMA board of trustees. Carman, who served on the advisory council at Newton in the 1980s, was a professional psychologist on staff at Prairie View. She was instrumental in the creation of one of the first special care units for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia at the Newton Presbyterian Manor campus.
Christmas memories The New Year has rolled over, but the memories are still vivid. Christmas Tree Lane showcased 28 trees this year, with a variety of creative themes. The money from the raffle tickets benefitted the Aberdeen Village Good Samaritan Program. The teddy bear, below, was handmade by independent living resident Esther Minter. The bear was auctioned off at the raffle drawing, with the money also going to the Good Samaritan Program. The Aberdeen Christmas train chugged through The Commons and children from ages 3 to older than 93 enjoyed the display! Lots of time, talent and treasure go into making Christmas memories so fond here at Aberdeen Village. 4
Community Matters A simple question doesn’t always have a simple answer. “Why did my friend go to the hospital?” seems to be a simple question, but the answer is blocked by a federal law. While most think of the law as the protector of medical records, privacy isn’t even in its name. We call it HIPAA (pronounced HIP-pah), but the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 also has been known as the Kassebaum-Kennedy Act or Kennedy-Kassebaum Act. Sen. Nancy Landon Kassebaum, R-Kan., was a leading sponsor of the bill, along with Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. The official explanation is: “An Act To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to improve portability and continuity of health insurance coverage in the group and individual markets, to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in health insurance and health care delivery, to promote the use of medical savings accounts, to improve access to long-term care services and coverage, to simplify the administration of health insurance, and for other purposes.” The main intent was that the health industry would save money by computerizing paper records. That led to concerns over privacy, which led to new privacy regulations. HIPPA, continued on page 3 CEO, continued on page 4
A new year of events Fitness options, expert insights, clergy connections and more Fitness Fun Most people pick Jan. 1 to begin an exercise regimen. Assisted living resident Becky Bright started her healthy habit long before 2015 began. Becky is a regular in the fitness center at Aberdeen Village. She says her goal is to maintain her weight, yet enjoy her workout. The NuStep is a popular piece of fitness equipment. Whether it’s in the gym or participating in an exercise class, you’ll find quite a few residents, like Becky, enjoying staying fit! Just Ask On Jan. 20, you’ll have an opportunity to ask one of the experts from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services questions regarding Medicare and insurance, as open enrollment is drawing to a close. The session will begin at 2 p.m. in the Brandt Chapel and community room. Resident – Clergy Breakfast On Jan. 21, we will begin the day with a special breakfast in the Village Green. This will be an opportunity to have clergy from the different churches of our independent living residents all together in fellowship. Not everyone has the opportunity to regularly participate in their respective churches, so this will be a time to reconnect with pastors.
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