Fulton Presbyterian Manor
FEBRUARY 2020
Classmates who became co-workers will soon be registered nurses
To do: See the doctor when you’re healthy Staying up-to-date on recommended screenings and tests is shown to keep more people healthy and independent. And this kind of care (called preventive care) is covered by nearly all insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Coordination and education around preventive health was identified in a report prepared by the Trust for America’s Health as one of the primary ways public health in the U.S. can better serve its older population.
Chandra Gerard
Bessie Boese
A simple conversation between two classmates in a microbiology course has multiplied and grown over time. “I started here because of Ms. Bessie,” Chanda Gerard said about her early visits with Bessie Boese. “I was complaining about the last long-term care place where I worked. Bessie said, ‘You should come to Presbyterian Manor — it’s great.’” Chanda made the move in December, and said she is happy with her new workplace — and her friendship with Bessie. Both will soon take the state boards to advance from licensed practical nurses to registered nurses, a move that will allow them both to do more of the work they love. Bessie, who has been with Presbyterian Manor since 2005, said her experience made it easy to convince Chanda to change workplaces and advance their careers together. “It’s a totally family environment,” Bessie said. “And they encourage
Classmates – continued on page 2
Where to start: colorectal cancer, blood pressure and cholesterol The only cancer screening recommended for everyone of a certain age is colorectal cancer screening for those aged 50 to 75. The evidence is solid that annual stool blood testing saves lives, he says, but some people aren’t comfortable handling stools. Meanwhile, others may want to avoid a colonoscopy unless it’s recommended after another test. The Task Force recommends annual screening for high blood pressure in all adults and high-cholesterol
Health – continued on page 3
Fulton Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
1
CLASSMATES – continued from page 1 furthering education and advancement. They create a lot of opportunities for that. They’re so encouraging and it makes it so familial.” Chanda agreed. She said she has felt supported and encouraged every step of the way, both in her work and in advancing her education. “It’s like a big family. I really like how everyone is super close to each other,” she said. “It’s not like you’re at work. It’s like you’re with friends. It’s a good atmosphere, with no drama and a good rapport with residents. I’m going to stay here.”
whatever I need to get through school.” “I have four kids — 14, 11, 8, 6 — so that’s been a nightmare for my schedule,” Bessie said. “My husband has been very supportive, and Presbyterian Manor worked with me on the schedule.” Once they’ve completed their exams, Bessie and Chanda will continue their work at the Manor. Earning the title of RN will allow them to pick up more duties and provide a higher level of care to residents. Bessie, who
helps manage Medicaid assessments, will be able to take a larger role in that work, and Chanda is eager to elevate her involvement with resident care. From that early conversation to working together and now advancing their careers, both women are happy to be part of the Presbyterian Manor family. “I knew she’d love (working here) as much I did,” Bessie said. “We strive every day to reflect our values in our work. It makes me proud to be here.” u
Additionally, Chanda said that everyone, across all departments, speak on the same level and hold resident care above all else. “You feel comfortable going to whomever you need to talk to about anything,” she said. “There’s an open-door policy to address any issues.” Both Bessie and Chanda said they appreciated the support and flexibility they experienced as they navigated schedules filled with work, school and family. “They work so well with my schedule,” said Chanda, who has three children ages 10, 7 and 20 months. “They accommodate
The World Health Organization designated 2020 as “the year of the nurse.” This observation coincides with the 200th birth anniversary of revolutionary nurse Florence Nightingale, whose leadership forever elevated the nursing profession. Throughout the year, PMMA communities will shine a spotlight on nurses as part of this global recognition. You can share your nurse story by sending an email to 2020YearoftheNurse@pmma.org. u
Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
FULTON Presbyterian Manor
573-642-6646 u Fax: 573-642-2202 811 Center St. Fulton, MO 65251-1922 FultonPresbyterianManor.org
2
COMMUNITY MATTERS | February 2020
Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Fulton Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: tallen2@PMMA.org Dawn Smith, executive director Tresa Allen, marketing director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Health – continued from page 1 screening in everyone aged 40 to 75. Hepatitis c, hiv and mental health The Task Force recommends screening for hepatitis C one time for anyone born between 1945 and 1965 and recommends screening for HIV in everyone age 15 to 65. All adults should be screened for depression. For women: cervical cancer, breast cancer and osteoporosis Women should have screenings for cervical cancer, breast cancer and osteoporosis.
Task Force advises against screening for ovarian, pancreatic and testicular cancer, for example, because identifying cases does not improve survival. False positives can also occur, where it looks like someone has cancer but they don’t. The Task Force couldn’t recommend for or against bladder or oral cancer screening because it lacks enough evidence on harm or good. Similarly, there’s not enough evidence to recommend vitamins to help prevent cancer or cardiovascular disease, though the Task Force recommends against taking beta carotene or vitamin E supplements to prevent cancer or heart disease.
The Task Force also does not usually make recommendations for immunizations — with a few exceptions — because the Advisory Committee on Immunization Policy at the Centers for Disease Control already makes vaccine recommendations. Currently, the CDC recommends older adults get a flu shot every year, ideally the highdose flu shot for those over 65. Adults are recommended to get a shingles vaccine after age 50 or 60, depending on the vaccine, and adults over 65 are recommended to get the pneumococcal vaccine to prevent pneumonia. © Next Avenue - 2020. All rights reserved. u
For men: prostate cancer Men have a lower chance of developing metastatic prostate cancer and a somewhat lower chance of dying from prostate cancer if they have had a screening but a much, much higher chance of being impotent and incontinent. Lung cancer and heart disease Lung cancer screening, like prostate and breast cancer screening, requires considering risks and benefits, but it’s only recommended one time for people aged 55 to 80 with a history of smoking who haven’t quit more than 15 years ago. What’s not recommended The Task Force recommends screening only when there’s evidence it saves lives.
We respect the privacy of residents and ask that you respect their privacy, too. Posting this?
Check the background. If your photograph, video or Snap includes residents who are not a relative, don’t post it to social media.
When the Task Force takes on an issue, its job is to come to some sort of verdict based on the evidence. Sometimes that decision is recommending against screening, either because it will cause more harm than good or because it offers no benefit. The Fulton Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
3
FULTON Presbyterian Manor 811 Center St. Fulton, MO 65251-1922 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.
We bring quality onsite dental care to your residents. BeneďŹ ts:
877.647.1211 myseniordentalcare.com
> Proactive scheduling > Choices to meet individual needs > Compliance reporting > Personal support team
Covered Services: > Lost denture guarantee > Up to 6 cleanings per year > Extractions / Biopsy > Emergency Care Your Market Manager: Shellie Savage 314.445.9013
4
COMMUNITY MATTERS | February 2020
98%
Satisfaction Rating
15+
Years of Experience
Affordable Choices for Resident Care