Farmington Presbyterian Manor
JANUARY 2020
Pass along traditions with a family cookbook
By Brette Sember for Next Avenue
Kathryn and Gordon Epps’ parents call Presbyterian Manor home.
PATH® leads to home at Presbyterian Manor for Epps family Gordon and Kathryn Epps have helped each of their parents go through PMMA’s PATH® (Post Acute To Home) program and transition into assisted living. While the path looked slightly different for each family member, it led to the same place: Farmington Presbyterian Manor. “While mom was going through cancer, dad fell and broke his hip and went into rehab. That’s when we saw the depth of his dementia and knew mom couldn’t take care of him at home. He received wonderful care through the PATH program here and we talked about transitioning him here to stay, but mom and dad wouldn’t have it at that time. So, mom took him home against all medical advice, and that was the day dad found her unresponsive in their living room. She was having a mental breakdown and couldn’t do it anymore. She was soon admitted to the PATH program here, too. Finally, dad realized how unfair he was
Nearly everyone can share a favorite food memory; whether it’s all of the components of the family’s traditional Thanksgiving meal or Grandma’s molasses cookie recipe or Dad’s famous waffles. Gathering these beloved memories together can be a true labor of love. A family cookbook preserves special family recipes, passing them down to future generations. Family cookbooks are popular for family reunions, weddings, and holidays. Virginie Martocq, owner of HeritageCookbook.com, says they are also common “when someone in the family has passed, as a way to remember all the times that were shared at that person’s table.” Cookbooks are also made as graduation presents or for children setting out on their own; “it feels like bringing home with them,” Martocq says. ◆
EPPS - continued on page 2 Farmington Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
1
EPPS - continued from page 1
to mother and became agreeable to assisted living. A two-room suite became available and we got him in here before mom was discharged from PATH,” said Kathryn. The Epps visited a variety of different senior living communities and asked friends for advice. Farmington Presbyterian Manor felt most like home. “The most positive reputation in the community is the Presbyterian Manor. Dad felt like it had the most homey atmosphere. Other places seemed sterile and the cost seemed way out of reach for them. But this seemed like a place they could afford, live and feel comfortable. Mom just loved the way it was decorated,” said Kathryn. “It was a very emotional journey. Mom and dad weren’t always agreeable.” Gordon added, “I think the Presbyterian Manor made it easier with both of them being in the PATH program. We interacted with staff and knew they understood the
problems we were dealing with and gave us a sense of assurance. Plus, the fact that this community has a really good continuum of care. Whatever level of needs you have they have an appropriate spot for your loved one.” Gordon’s mother took less convincing when the time was right to move to Farmington Presbyterian Manor. “She would talk to my parents and ask how they like it here,” said Kathryn. “Mom would boast about the meals being good and Gordon’s mom would tell us she’d like to go to a place like this.” Gordon added, “She had a nice home but there was one time she left something cooking on the stove and then she had major abdominal surgery. Based on my experience prior, I knew this was the place I wanted her to come to for rehabilitation. The more we saw how limited mom was with physical problems—she couldn’t take care of herself or feed herself properly —she was more open to that. We
were grateful that we had this resource here to get mom through that hump. After she completed the PATH program, we got her into assisted living. It was peace of mind.” The Epps have advice for others helping their aging parents make the transition to assisted living. “Really think about what’s the most important thing for mom and/or dad: safety, getting proper meds, having good meals. What’s best for your parents should be your main focus,” said Gordon. Kathryn added, “Before they get to a point where they’re needing something, start having honest conversations while your parents still have their minds and are thinking clearly. Plant seeds and bring it up. Talk to people who have been through it or have family members at senior communities in your area.” To learn more about living at Farmington Presbyterian Manor, call Anne Allen at 573-747-4455 or email aallen@pmma.org. ◆
Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
FARMINGTON Presbyterian Manor
573-756-6768 ◆ Fax: 573-756-6014 500 Cayce St. Farmington, MO 63640-2910 FarmingtonPresbyterianManor.org
2
COMMUNITY MATTERS | January 2020
Community Matters
is published monthly for residents and friends of Farmington Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: aallen@PMMA.org Jane Hull, executive director Anne Allen, marketing director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
October Employee of the Month: Erika Davis Congratulations to Erika Davis who was named Employee of the Month in October! Erika has been working at Farmington Presbyterian Manor for more than 2-and-a-half years. Erika started here as an licensed practical nurse and continued to work here while completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She recently completed school and passed her boards, so she is officially a registered nurse. “Erika is an amazing employee. She is always willing to help out in any way needed. She has even been working as a CNA when we need her to and never seems to mind.
She is honest, dependable, reliable, trustworthy and on and on … she is an asset to the nursing department at Farmington Presbyterian Manor,” said Peggy Bland, Erika’s supervisor and director of nursing at Farmington Presbyterian Manor. Erika also embraces the PMMA mission. “She is always putting the needs of the residents first and she truly cares about them and makes sure they are cared for in the way they deserve to be cared for,” said Peggy. Whether you’re a staff member or resident, Erika is a joy to work with. “She is always positive no matter
October Employee of the Month Erika Davis
what. You always love seeing her because you know she will have a smile on her face,” said Peggy. ◆
Hull Family Fellowship Center Work continues to progress on the Hull Family Fellowship Center! The exterior framing and the roof have been completed, and the rooms are taking shape. ◆ Farmington Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
3
FARMINGTON Presbyterian Manor
500 Cayce St. Farmington, MO 63640-2910 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 welcome your feedback!
As part of Farmington Presbyterian Manor’s ongoing customer service initiative, residents and their representatives are randomly selected to participate in telephone satisfaction surveys conducted by Pinnacle Quality Insight. This company will conduct an interview regarding your impression of our service. We use this feedback as a tool to continually improve our quality of care and enhance our relationships. When you are contacted to participate in the survey, they will always identify themselves
4
5 4
We Score! Source: Pinnacle Quality Insight (12 month ave. Aug. 2018 – Sept. 2019)
4.83
4.82
5.00
4.86
3 2 1 0
Dignity & Respect HEALTH CARE
Cleanliness Transportation Recommend Needs to Others PATH
specifically as being with Pinnacle Quality Insight. All state and federal confidentiality laws are met in Pinnacle’s service. The graphic above features some of our best scores for health care,
COMMUNITY MATTERS | January 2020
INDEPENDENT LIVING
ASSISTED LIVING
assisted living, independent living and PATH® (Post-Acute to Home) short-term rehabilitation. We greatly value your opinions and encourage you to be frank and honest when contacted. Thank you in advance for your participation. ◆