On-campus therapists help residents improve function, achieve independence
Thanks to a partnership with Aegis Therapies, Manor of the Plains residents who have suffered an injury or have otherwise had their day-to-day activities impeded by a physical ailment have easy access to the knowledge and experience of trained professionals who can help get them back on a path to recovery.
Occupational Therapist Alyssa Lewis and Physical Therapist Jie (pronounced “Jay”) Hao each bring unique perspectives to their work but they both work toward a common goal.
“The goal is to benefit the patients by not only helping them return to their prior level of function for a safe return home and/or improve overall functional performance to maximize safety and independence in the facility, but to also provide a relationship where they feel met and understood on their level,” said Alyssa.
To increase the individualized, patientspecific care she provides, Alyssa recently received her lymphedema certification. It enables her to use manual therapy to decrease a patient’s swelling following a surgery or injury.
Annual Angel Tree campaign a success
We’re excited to announce that Manor of the Plains exceeded their Angel Tree goal of $10,370!
This year’s memorial ornament was a red cardinal, and it was incredible to see the tree covered with all of these beautiful red birds.
Thank you for all your donations. A gift to the Angel Tree campaign supports the Good Samaritan Program which provides funding to assist residents who outlive their financial resources through no fault of their own.
Our residents will truly benefit from this generous blessing, thank you! u
Therapists – continued from page 1 “Although I have not had a specific lymphedema patient yet, the certification allows me to provide a needed service and broaden my horizon on future patient treatments,” said Alyssa.
Like Alyssa, Jie prides himself providing residents with personalized care that can offer the greatest results.
“I collaborate with rehabilitation team members and other health care professionals to design individualized therapy plans that address each resident’s unique needs,” said Jie. “Plans may focus on building strength and endurance, improving flexibility, enhancing coordination, improving balance and walking abilities, reducing pain, optimizing movement and fall prevention.”
The residents themselves play a key role on the rehabilitation team.
“I try to make the residents feel involved in their plan of care. I also enjoy involving family to make it a comprehensive relationship among all involved,” said Alyssa. “I do what I do because I enjoy helping people. I enjoy being able to be a part of the recovery process and see the progress made. I enjoy each relationship I make with residents and families alike.”
For Jie, who, away from the
community, engages in international rehabilitation research, working oneon-one with residents allows him a great opportunity to put what he’s learned to practical use.
“The human body and movement are fascinating, and I enjoy using my knowledge and skills to help people across the lifespan to better recover from injuries or diseases,” said Jie. “I believe ‘motion is lotion,’ ‘exercise is medicine’ and ‘health is wealth,’ and physical therapy perfectly fits my niche,” said Jie.
Having worked in a variety of settings, Alyssa believes that Manor of the Plains offers the perfect environment for both the work she does and the residents she treats.
“It’s structured yet provides a great community-like environment for the residents who can no longer live outside the facility,” said Alyssa. “I enjoy seeing the friendships between residents and really love all the interactions of family members coming and going.” u
First-time holiday event—a stomach-filling hit Manor of the Plains held its first “Merry Friendmas” luncheon for residents and friends in December— a festive event that gave everyone a chance to get together, see old friends and make new ones.
For the event, Cura Hospitality Director Kristen Schrenk put together a menu of butternut squash
and chicken tortilla soup, sandwiches and a variety of fruit and cream pies. Members of the dining services team made everything look beautiful.
Hats off to our leadership team who helped serve the delicious meal. Everyone seemed to enjoy the event and left full and happy. u
February Birthday
Happy Birthday to Patty Lampe who will celebrate another trip around the sun on February 20! u
200 Campus Dr.
Dodge City, KS 67801-2760 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Art is Ageless® call for entries underway at Manor of the Plains
Manor of the Plains is seeking artists age 65 and older for its annual juried art exhibit and competition March 9 –15, 2023.
Entries of artistic works will be accepted from any area artist who is 65 years of age or older to exhibit and/or compete for an opportunity to be featured in the 2024 Art is Ageless® calendar.
Artists may choose to enter works for exhibit only. For the competition, works are to have been completed in the past five years (since January 2018). There are nine categories, as well as designations of amateur or professional. Works to be entered for judging need to be at Manor of the Plains by 5 p.m. March 3.
The Art is Ageless program encourages Manor of the Plains residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition, as well as art classes, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions throughout the year. Manor of the Plains is a PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) community.
Local competition winners will join winners from 14 other PMMA® communities to be judged at the systemwide level.
Entry forms and information can be obtained by contacting Joy Wiggins at 620-225-1928 or jwiggins@pmma.org, or accessed at ArtIsAgeless.org. u