Aberdeen Village
SEPTEMBER 2020
David Meyer
Employees see importance of regular giving Bob and Carol McMillen moved into Aberdeen Village in mid-March, making their transition more challenging than they expected.
McMillens settling in despite pandemic challenges
When Carol and Bob McMillen joined the Aberdeen Village family, they knew they’d have to leave some things behind and start fresh in decorating their new apartment. What they didn’t know was that a global pandemic would make something as simple as a trip to a nearby store all but impossible. The couple moved into Aberdeen Village in mid-March, just as the number of COVID-19 cases began to grow exponentially, resulting in shutdowns and travel restrictions. “My intention was to go to stores when I got here,” Carol said. “But I had to make due with what I brought.” Despite a few gaps in their décor, the couple said their first few months in Aberdeen Village have been enjoyable and productive.
The well-known saying that “it takes a village” isn’t limited to the concept of raising children. It applies equally well to caring for the residents of our Aberdeen Village community. Each year, generous donors help ensure that we have the resources to provide a rich quality of life. Because of their willingness to support our mission, our residents can have faith that their needs will be met—not just today, but well into the future. While many of our donors come from the community outside Aberdeen Village, some are within —working each day to care for our residents while generously contributing their own money to help support our work. “It helps senior citizens,” said Ellen
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“I’ve made five quilts in the four months since we’ve been here,” Carol said. Bob and Carol lived in Wichita for the past 15 years, which is also where they raised their children in the 1960s. In between, they enjoyed life on the open road, travelling across the central and western United States. “At the time our daughter lived in the Seattle area, so we would go there, and in the fall we’d go to Arizona,” Bob said. “From the time it was cool enough to go and to the time it was too hot to stay. Then we would come back through Kansas.” Carol said the path through the central United States would lead to an annual visit to family in South Dakota. “We also had a special route along the coast of Oregon,” Carol said. It featured some nice RV parks and a spectacular view of the Pacific coastline. When the couple looked at settling down, the decision to settle in the Kansas City area—and at Aberdeen Village—was an easy one. “We have a daughter and son-inlaw that live here in KC,” Bob said. “There’s a Presbyterian Manor in Wichita that we considered, but since our daughter is here, it’s easier for her.”
That’s also been helpful in filling those temporary decorating needs.
maintenance people have been very helpful.”
“She’ll bring us things to the door and leave it, and then someone can bring it in to us,” Carol said.
They also like their apartment, which Carol commented was “totally refurbished before we moved in.”
Carol and Bob said their move to Aberdeen Village was easier than they expected when they loaded up a U-Haul in Wichita. “I was kind of amazed at how those guys could unload that truck and get it up here to the third floor,” Bob said. “The people doing the unloading were recommended by the Village. They knew what they were doing and how to get it done.” Additionally, the staff have been friendly and helpful throughout the entire process. “We’ve had good interactions with all of them,” Carol said. “We’ve got to know most of them, including Tim who is the director. The
Even though their time on the road has slowed, the couple remains active and in good health. Carol, who is 85, said she walks 30 minutes at least three times a week, with shorter walks in between. Bob, 86, joins a group for coffee in the mornings. He enjoys the chance to interact with others—something he wasn’t getting much of before the move to Aberdeen Village. Bob and Carol have four children, nine grandchildren, and four greatgrandchildren—three girls and a boy. If you get the chance, say “hi” to Bob and Carol, and welcome them to our neighborhood. ◆
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ABERDEEN VILLAGE A PMMA COMMUNITY
913-599-6100 ◆ Fax: 913-599-3810 17500 W. 119th St. Olathe, KS 66061-9524 AberdeenVillage.com
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | September 2020
Community Matters
is published monthly for residents and friends of Aberdeen Village by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: soehlert@pmma.org Tim Allin, executive director Stephanie Oehlert, director of sales and marketing
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
A last taste of summer By Stephanie Oehlert, director of sales and marketing There’s enough summer left to enjoy a few more picnics—and your favorite refreshing snacks. Here are a few of our favorites that might find their way into your outdoor entertaining.
In small bowl, mix the sour cream and salsa, set aside. Drain and rinse the beans. Cut veggies and add to serving tray, then add rows of beans, cheese and corn chips. Serve with dressing on the side. You may serve the salad on a tray or cutting board in layers, or serve in separate dishes and let guests add their own toppings.
Southwestern Seven-Layer Salad I used to always make a traditional seven layer salad for picnics and cookouts. One year, I decided to try this Southwestern sevenlayer salad. It’s a nice twist if you feel like something different. This salad is great as a side or main dish. The recipe is from pocketchangegourmet.com. Ingredients: Salad: 1 head lettuce, chopped up 2 medium tomatoes, diced 1/2 cup thinly sliced onions 1 large green bell pepper, diced 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 1/2 cups corn chips Dressing: 1 1/2 cups sour cream 3/4 cup salsa Instructions:
Bacon Cheddar Deviled Eggs A delicious twist on an old stand-by. The recipe is from pocketchangegourmet.com.
Fun facts about Labor Day 1. The first U.S. Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, and was planned by the Central Labor Union. The Labor Day parade of about 10,000 workers took unpaid leave and marched from City Hall past Union Square uptown to 42nd Street and ended in Wendel’s Elm Park at 92nd Street and 9th Avenue for a concert, speeches and a picnic. 2. Oregon was the first state to declare Labor Day an official holiday in 1887.
Ingredients: 12 hard-boiled eggs 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons cheese, finely shredded
3. Labor Day is considered the unofficial NFL season kickoff. The first official season game takes place on the Thursday after Labor Day 99.44% of the time. 4. The first Waffle House opened on Labor Day in 1955 in Avondale Estates, Georgia.
1 green onion, finely chopped 1 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon mustard 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Instructions: Cook bacon. Slice hard-boiled eggs lengthwise and scoop out yolks. Place yolks in a mixing bowl. Mash yolks and mix in the bacon, cheese, green onion, mayonnaise, mustard and black pepper. Spoon or pipe the mixture into the egg whites. Refrigerate until serving. ◆
5. What are we celebrating? The contributions and achievements of the 155 million men and women who are in the U.S. workforce. 6. On June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. ◆
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Thoughtful donors give back to caregivers Under the best of circumstances, the long hours and hard work of caring for Aberdeen Village residents can be stressful and physically demanding.
In a pandemic that requires even more effort and asks more of a limited staff, the strain has grown exponentially. Thanks to the generosity of a resident’s family members, team members can now enjoy a short massage break during their shift. “The family called our executive director and asked how they can give back to all the caregivers that are keeping their loved one safe during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Human Resources Director Kenneth Gitobu. “Our executive director had entertained the thought of a massage chair after we set up the recovery room during the earlier part of the pandemic. So when the family member asked what we thought staff would appreciate the most, he mentioned what we were thinking of buying one for staff.” The massage chair resides in the staff recovery room. Employees can sign up for 30 minute slots throughout the day and night. Along with the chair, the room includes a selection of complimentary refreshments for staff members. Kenneth said the staff have made
Kenneth Gitobu demonstrates the benefits of the massage chair donated to the community by a resident’s family. good use of the gift and have expressed gratitude for the chance to escape the daily stress of work, even momentarily. “Staff was very excited when we set up the chair,” Kenneth said. The chair’s usage has been higher than he expected, he added. “It’s a zero gravity, full body massage chair, with four settings: shiatsu, kneading, flapping and knocking,” he said. “It comes with air pressure massage for the arms and legs, and the leg section has roller massage for the bottom of the
COVID-19 updates continue
feet. It also has a heating function.” According to Kenneth, the chair has garnered glowing reviews. Some employees have commented that it’s nice to get a foot massage after standing all day, and the chair helps relieve neck and back tension. Thanks to our generous donors for all they do to make Aberdeen Village such a wonderful community to live and work in. Our employees are incredibly grateful for this generous gift, and we can assure you that they’ll be making good use of it. ◆
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, you can count on regular communication from your PMMA community and PMMA leadership. PMMA’s President and CEO Bruce Shogren’s latest letter to residents and families are posted to your community website, AberdeenVillage.com/covid-19. ◆
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Esy Njuguna
Markley, who is a dining services assistant. “It will help them pay for things they will need.”
“I’m being a good Samaritan,” said Esy Njuguna, a certified medication assistant in assisted living. “These are the teachings of Jesus.” “Charity begins at home,” said certified nursing assistant Dawn Edmonds. “We are one big family here at Aberdeen Village not only for our residents, but our other employees.” Life Enrichment Director Sandy Barnes said she donates regularly to do what she can to help others. “I pass on what I can when I can,” she said. “I don’t know when I might need assistance in my later years.” It’s rewarding, she said, to see residents who can remain in the community thanks to the generosity of others. “We are a tight community, and it feels like family everywhere you go in the building,” she said. “Every dollar that you put into the fund comes right back to our community to assist our own residents. This means a lot that you know the ones that your contribution helps. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will add to others’ contributions to make a gamechanging difference in someone’s life to be able to live the way you
want to live.” Director of Nursing Heather Benney also donates regularly. Like Mother Teresa, she believes that “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” “I’m not able to give large amounts, but the amount I do give is given with kindness and love towards Heather Benney those we serve,” Heather said. “I have always felt it is important to give back to those I feel are in need. I feel PMMA uses their funds appropriately, and that’s what’s important to me.” Her view from the inside of Aberdeen Villages confirms her commitment. “I feel PMMA is a good cause to donate to. I feel blessed to have an insider view of what the organization really does for elders, and they do some amazing work,” Heather said. “The staff at Aberdeen Village treats the residents as their own loved ones. In my time at Aberdeen, on numerous occasions I have seen staff bring a resident’s favorite snacks or treats into work. We have good staffing ratios compared to others in our industry, so it allows our staff to provide extra TLC to the residents, really focusing on what they want and what they like. Our staff knows our residents on a personal level, the staff know how residents like their breakfast, where they would like to have their belongings placed in
their room before bed, and what makes them smile.” Sales and Marketing Counselor Ellen Markley David Meyer said he donates from his paychecks knowing that some residents could live past their means to pay for care. “I think of those who have to eventually rely on Medicaid,” he said. “This way we can find a way to assist them and know we don’t have to ask them to leave like other places may.” While Meyer has only been with Aberdeen Village for a few months, he has already noticed the familylike experience. “I really have enjoyed getting to understand my teammates, but also the courtesy shown by our residents,” Meyer said. “A smile and a greeting goes a long way and goes both ways. I get this and give this every day and it makes me feel good.” With his contributions, he is confident that his effort is going to the right place. “Some places you may never know who your dollars may help,” he said. “Here, it will go to helping someone else get the care they need, the schooling to better their career, a whole host of opportunities to help and give back.” “When you are able to do so, PMMA is in the business of helping others with these dollars. It’s a way you can give yourself to others.” ◆
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ABERDEEN VILLAGE A PMMA COMMUNITY
17500 W. 119th St. Olathe, KS 66061-9524 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Our Mission: to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
Aberdeen Village earns zero-deficiency rating in assisted living for focused infection control survey Aberdeen Village had zero deficiencies on a focused infection control survey in assisted living August 4. The survey was conducted by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), the licensing agency for adult care homes including assisted living communities. Aberdeen Village is a PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America) senior living community. Zero deficiencies means Aberdeen Village’s assisted living meets all the standards for infection control outlined by KDADS. “Our employees go above and beyond every day in the care they provide to our residents,” said Tim Allin, executive director. “These
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survey results illustrate their dedication to infection control and our mission to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.” The focused infection control surveys hone in on an assisted living facility’s adherence to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and KDADS guidance for infection control practices to prevent disease at the community. Communities are assessed on staff and resident education on hand hygiene and coughing/sneezing etiquette, cleaning, screening of employees and residents, effective transmission-based precautions, proper use/discarding of personal protective equipment, and signage at entrances and resident rooms. It
COMMUNITY MATTERS | September 2020
also examines the facility’s policies and emergency preparedness related to a pandemic or outbreak. The state of Kansas issues regulations for adult care homes designed to ensure a standard of care is met. By meeting this standard, senior living communities are able to renew their licenses and continue to provide care. Assisted living communities are surveyed every 12 to 18 months for compliance with these regulations. Aberdeen Village is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), or life plan community, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, longterm health care and short-term rehabilitation. ◆