Parsons Presbyterian Manor
July 2021
As pandemic restrictions ease, social health increases Wellness is about so much more than physical health; time spent in relationship with others is critical to well-being.
Editor’s Note: This is a guest column from the chaplain at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor. In a nod to our Presbyterian heritage, we will be periodically sharing columns from our community chaplains in your Community Matters newsletter.
Babette Collins and Becky Nash are in the business of supporting the social health of residents at Parsons Presbyterian Manor.
We are “AHA” people in the Lord!
Both Becky, the life enrichment director, and Babette, the social services director, organize their work days around meeting residents’ psycho-social needs.
I led a Bible study using the book “Joyfully Aging” by Richard Bimler. He gave himself the title, Ambassador of Health, Hope, and Aging or AH-HA(sic). He wrote, “All believers in Christ are AHA people,” because the resurrection of Christ is the biggest “aha” of all.
By Dinah Dutta, Chaplain
Babette Collins
The availability of vaccines and relaxation of some COVID-19 precautions have made their jobs much easier. All Presbyterian Manor residents can eat two-to-a-table in the dining room now, and inperson visits and gatherings have resumed. Residents can go out to eat or shop at Walmart without the need to quarantine. “It really feels like we’re coming alive again,” Babette said. Becky Nash
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We hear so much about how to care for our physical health, which is very important. Unfortunately, our society has convinced people that after a certain age, people lose their significance and purpose in life. However, when I think of spiritual or physical health these days, I think of my relationship not only with God but also the
AHA – continued on page 4
Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at ParsonsPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.
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“We’re able to talk and laugh and socialize together,” Becky added. As restrictions have relaxed, Becky and Babette have introduced a few new activities. Jennifer Dawson, a local minister, has been leading Bible studies with residents in the health care and assisted living communities. Every Friday, Babette takes residents on “scenic rides,” which gives everyone an opportunity to see something a little different. Earlier this year, a family member of a resident thought there might be a need for a general support group, so Babette organized “Babbling with Babs,” a monthly meet-up for residents to discuss anything on their minds. But the brightest spot for our community has been the resumption of in-person visits with friends and family. “Visits with family have increased immensely in the past few months,” Becky said. “You can see a big turnaround in the residents’ emotional well-being.”
The brightest spot for our community has been the resumption of in-person visits with friends and family.
Both women spend a great deal of one-on-one time with residents. Becky or a member of her staff personally distribute the “Manor Bee” daily newsletter to each resident. Babette takes case histories and conducts screenings. However, they both agree that checking in with residents is a team effort. They rely on other staff members to keep an eye out and communicate when there’s a concern. “The relationships we all develop
with the residents help us notice when something is out of the norm,” Becky said. “We often hear, ‘Hey, soand-so seems kind of down. Can you stop by and check in on them?’” If needed, Babette will follow up to review medications or conduct a depression screen. “Because we’ve built such good relationships, we often don’t have to ask what’s going on,” Babette said. “Instead, residents come to us with their concerns first.” u
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is published monthly for residents and friends of Parsons Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: vwhite@pmma.org Maegen Pegues, executive director Victoria White, marketing and admissions counselor
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Independece Day fun facts According to the National Sausage and Hot Dog Council (NHDSC), Americans are expected to eat 150 million hot dogs over the July 4th holiday. This is part of an estimated 7 billion that are expected to be eaten during the summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
by, they filled the pastry with apple slices. The apple pie was born.
Fireworks were an Independence Day tradition as early as the first anniversary in 1777. John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife, Abigail, that he wanted Independence Day to be celebrated with pomp, parade, shows, and “Illuminations.” According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, Americans spend $1 billion on fireworks each July. The APA estimates that represents about 268 million pounds of fireworks sold each year.
2. WAWA Welcome America July 4th Fireworks and Concert, Philadelphia. Living up to its claim to the “birthplace of America,” Philadelphians start celebrating days before the 4th with two fireworks shows before the “big one” on July 4.
Apple pie is considered the most American dessert. When the colonists first came to America, they looked for ways to distance themselves from Britain. That meant no more traditional scones and cakes. They learned how to make a flaky pastry that would become a crust, and since apples were easy to come
The Lakes Realty Group posted a list of “most impressive” fireworks displays across the country. Here they are: 1. Macy’s 4th of July fireworks in New York City
3. Fireworks at the National Mall, Washington, D.C. 4. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, Boston 5. Fair St. Louis, Saint Louis 6. Go Fourth on the River, New Orleans 7. Addison Kaboom Town, Dallas 8. Amerifest, Pasadena, Calif. 9. Las Vegas — multiple fourth of July shows at different casinos 10. Big Bay Boom, San Diego u
Parsons Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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3501 Dirr Ave. Parsons, KS 67357-2220 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
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relationships we have with each other as a community of PMMA. Here at Presbyterian Manor, many of our residents have a long life. When I visit them, I learn that their faith in Christ is the key to their longevity. Recently, during a memorial service for one of our residents, Rev. Henry shared how strong roots are important for a plant to grow. He shared that being rooted in faith is as important as the roots of the plant for us to live and grow as well. His message stuck in my head. Yes, when we are rooted in Christ,
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trusting Him and His promises, our physical and spiritual health remains strong.
“ 3. Spend time with people. Talk to them. Listen to them. Share your life experiences.
My dear PMMA family, as we focus on our wellness without being anxious about growing old or aging, I want to invite you to join me to focus on these simple things Bilmer shared in his book and age JOYFULLY.
“4. Bring encouraging words to younger and older people every day. Be an encourager to all.”
“1. Thank the Lord daily for life itself. Thank the Lord for the open roads as well as the detours. “ 2. Remember our baptism. We are redeemed in Christ.
Dear ones, most importantly let us continue to stay alive in Christ! “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7). u