Arkansas City Community Matters – December 2023

Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor

DECEMBER 2023

‘Different’ approach lands artist on calendar cover If there’s one thing that’s consistent about Janice Hale’s art, it’s that it’s aways “different.”

Different mediums. Different techniques.

Different subject matter.

The holidays are full of family, fun and tradition, but for some caregivers and people living with dementia, this season can also be incredibly stressful.

A regular participant in PMMA’s Art is Ageless® competition, Janice has entered—and won— with pieces ranging from a peacock built from a deck of casino playing cards to a drawing of a Native American woman rendered entirely out of tiny ink dots.

For this year’s entry, Janice once again took a “different” approach.

“When the library had their book sale there was a book all about cowboys

Here are our top tips to help you and your loved one get through the holidays.

Janice Hale

that just kind of intrigued me. I brought it home and put it on the shelf and didn’t think about it. Then I saw a picture in a magazine of a cattle drive and wondered if I could cut pictures up from the book and make it appear like it’s a cowboy and a herd of longhorn cattle,” said Janice.

The resulting mixed-media piece, entitled “The Roundup,” not only earned Janice another masterpiece-level award, but was also selected as the cover image for the 2024 Art is Ageless calendar.

“The Roundup” by Janice Hale

Tips for Caregivers during the holidays

To say that Janice was surprised

Cover – continued on page 2

1. Avoid crowded and noisy places: Loud or crowded places can further confuse or frustrate someone living with dementia.

Too many people or too many noises can be overstimulating.

Instead, try to choose smaller and more low-key events that would not add to confusion or stress.

2. Designate a quiet room: If you are planning on having family or friends over, choose a room in the house that’s only for your loved one to go to if things become too hectic and overstimulating. Explain to your guests beforehand that the identified room is a safe haven from stress for the person living with dementia.

Tips – continued on page 2

Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at ArkansasCityPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.

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Cover – continued from page 1 with the outcome is an understatement.

“I was completely shocked!” said Janice. “I thought, ‘here’s just cut up pieces of paper compared to people who have years of work and oil painting or something like that.’ I was just really surprised.”

Even though her work graces the new cover, Janice says she’s still in awe of talent displayed within the calendar each year.

“When I look at the calendars that have been put out, I’m amazed at the quality of the art and the ages of the artists. It’s quite impressive. I’m glad the Manor is doing that and continues to do it,” said Janice.

And Janice is doing her part to ensure it does.

“I don’t really enter to win, I just want the art show here to continue so I contribute because I know it’s nice to have a lot of entries,” said Janice. “Now I’m just trying to think up something for next year.” u

Tips – continued from page 1 3. Join a support group: The rate of depression increases during and after the holidays so if you or your loved ones experience any signs of depression, contact a health care professional.

4. Maintain routines: This can be challenging when parties and holiday preparations disrupt our routine. Try however to keep your loved one’s routine unchanged. Some people living with dementia become confused or agitated in the evenings (sundowning). Consider celebrating earlier in the day to work around this.

5. Prepare out-of-town guests: The holidays are a great time to get families together but can be challenging for caregivers and guests alike. Let visiting family and guests know that their loved one may not remember them and explain any known behavioral issues. If the person is in the early stages of dementia, relatives and friends might not notice any changes. But the person living with dementia may have trouble following conversations or tend to repeat things. Make sure guests understand that changes in behavior or memory are caused by the disease and not the person.

6. Trust your instincts: You know more than anyone else how much you and your loved one can handle without feeling overwhelmed. If an event or group of visitors may be stressful or troublesome give yourself permission to reschedule or decline. It is okay to say “no”. u

The new 2024 Art is Ageless® Calendar has arrived!

Visit ArtisAgeless.org for information on how to order. There you can also learn more about the program, meet the artists, even send an e-card. u Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.

Community Matters 620-442-8700 ◆ Fax: 620-442-8224 1711 N. Fourth St. Arkansas City, KS 67005-1607 ArkansasCityPresbyterianManor.org

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is published quarterly for residents and friends of Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor

by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

To submit or suggest articles: dhutchison@pmma.org Gini Myers, executive director Dereck Hutchison, senior living sales specialist

OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.

Resident Referral Program If you have friends who are interested in becoming a part of our community, providing their names could lead to rewards – for both of you!

Contact the Sales Office for more details.

Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY

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1711 N. Fourth St. Arkansas City, KS 67005-1607 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor shares customer service survey responses Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor continues to seek customer feedback through monthly telephone surveys.

Each month, residents and their representatives are randomly selected to participate in telephone satisfaction surveys conducted by Pinnacle Quality Insight.

score. Between September 2022 and August 2023, Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor residents and their families gave the community high scores in for overall satisfaction, safety and security, and

The graphic highlights some of the survey results. All scores are given on a 5point scale, with 5 being the highest score and 1 the lowest

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professional therapy.

“I would give a 10 if I could,” said one resident. “They have wonderful staff, and they’re very pleasant.”

We greatly value the opinions of our residents and their representatives about the care and services we provide, and we encourage them to participate honestly when contacted by Pinnacle Quality Insight. All state and federal confidentiality laws are met in Pinnacle’s service. u