Manor of the Plains
APRIL 2020
Kathleen McElgunn went from nurse to resident at Manor of the Plains As PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America) celebrates the Year of the Nurse, we’re proud to put the spotlight on resident Kathleen McElgunn, a former nurse on our campus.
Safety update Presbyterian Manor Families of Residents, and Visitors,
Kathleen’s career path was practically set for her as a child. “My mom was a nurse and she always had to take care of my grandma and grandpa. She was hard working and loved her job. I just sort of took after her,” Kathleen said. “My mom had two handicapped Kathleen McElgunn children—my sister had polio when she was 16 and was in a wheelchair. One of my brothers was born with cerebral palsy. We took care of them at home, and it just sort of fell into place.” Kathleen’s education in nursing took her from Dodge City to Wichita and Pratt before she came back to Dodge City to help care for her family. “It was getting too much for my mom to take care of my brother and sister. After my dad died, I came home and went to work at Trinity. When they closed Trinity, I transferred to the new hospital, Western Plains Medical Complex, and stayed until I retired. But retirement wasn’t what I thought it would be. I was bored. So, I got a job nursing at Manor of the Plains and worked every Friday night for three years,” said Kathleen. Wendi Barlow, human resource director at Manor of the Plains, has fond memories of Kathleen being on staff. “She was a huge asset to our nursing team! I was the nursing director and never worried about things on Friday nights,” said Wendi.
RESIDENT – continued on page 2
Keeping our residents and staff healthy is a top priority for PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica). We fully understand health care workers and seniors are at a higher risk of experiencing serious infections, so our staff members are doing their very best to stay current on every change that is occurring in this rapidly changing environment. On March 13, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced strict in-person visitation guidelines for senior health care communities. All PMMA communities are enforcing limited access for in-person visitation. Limited Access means all visits to the community must be rescheduled except in case of endof-life situations per the March 13 guidelines released by CMS. COVID-19 - continued on page 4
Manor of the Plains | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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RESIDENT – continued from page 1 Once Kathleen retired for good, she lived at Park Plaza Towers for about 10 years until health issues convinced her a change would do her good. “My brother in Kansas City was worried I’d fall and break something. He and my two nieces thought that I should start looking at Manor of the Plains. I said ‘no’ for months, but when I fell the second time, I told them they won, and they set me up to move here. I enjoy it! I appreciate the people here, they’re very nice. I ride the
bike and walk the halls. Sometimes I take exercise classes. My niece brought me an adult coloring book—they have a coloring class here, and I go to that,” said Kathleen.
To learn more about living at Manor of the Plains, please contact John Van Hook, executive director, at jvanhook@pmma.org or 620225-1928. ◆
It pays to refer people you know to our team Olivia Ornelas referred a new CNA to our team, Candace Villasenor, and earned herself the first payment of our referral bonus program! Any current staff member who refers a new CNA or CMA to our team will be eligible to receive a bonus. Thank you so much Olivia, and welcome Candace! ◆
It’s payday for Olivia Ornelas and baby Elliot! Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
MANOR PLAINS of the
A PMMA COMMUNITY
620-225-1928 ◆ Fax: 620-225-3982 200 Campus Dr. Dodge City, KS 67801-2760 ManorOfThePlains.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | April 2020
Community Matters
is published monthly for residents and friends of Manor of the Plains by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizaton.
To submit or suggest articles: jvanhook@PMMA.org John Van Hook, executive director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Doll Younker has it covered From unlocking the doors after hours to watering plants in B hall, if there is a need, Doll Younker is there to lend a hand. A resident since 2011, Doll enjoys the chance to volunteer because it provides her with a great opportunity to get a little better acquainted with her fellow residents. “Volunteering gets you out and allows you to visit with more people,” said Doll. One of Doll’s regular responsibilities is watering the
plants in B hall—a task she not only enjoys but is particularly well suited for. “I try to water everything at least once a week to get them growing,” said Doll. “They tell me I have a green thumb—I have just always enjoyed plants and gardening.”
Believe it or not, as busy as Doll is, her current schedule is actually her version of taking it easy. “I used to make all of the clothing protectors for health care and assisted living, but I decided when I got to be 90 it was time to slow down,” said Doll. When asked what she enjoys most about living in the community, Doll is quick to mention her fellow residents. “We have a good group down here that get together to play cards, eat meals and pass the time together,” said Doll.
Doll is even part of a daily 6 a.m. walking group that does laps at the mall before ending up at Wendy’s for coffee. When she’s not spending time with other residents, Doll enjoys spending time with her four kids, 10 grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren. ◆
Devotional: The eternal hope of Easter We often think of Easter as a time of hope. Jesus is alive! Death is defeated. He is RISEN!! But how do we live a life of joy and hope when our world is turned upside down, and we’re uncertain what tomorrow will hold?
The Bible tells us in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
It seems the first step for finding hope this Easter season is to stop and reflect on the love that is being offered to us every second of our lives. Jesus is with us, even when our loved ones can’t be. Jesus sees and knows our struggles and fears, and He walks with us through them.
Matthew 28:6 says, “He is not here; He has risen, just as he said…” What life-changing, miraculous words! The grave could not hold Him. His LOVE overcame death. He rose again, victorious! And He loves and sees you, right where you
are. And He is with you.
Our Easter celebrations may look a little different this year, but take heart friends, our God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). May we continue to look forward to celebrating Easter and our Risen Savior as we are reminded that no matter what we’ve been through in the past, what we’re facing today, or what uncertainties tomorrow may bring, Christ alone is our HOPE. He defeated death, He rose from the grave and He makes all things new. Amen! ◆
Manor of the Plains | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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MANOR PLAINS of the
A PMMA COMMUNITY
200 Campus Dr. Dodge City, KS 67801-2760 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.
COVID-19 - continued from page 1
Visitors who meet the end-of-life exception should: • Expect to complete a questionnaire about recent travel, health status and COVID-19 risks. The questionnaire will be signed and dated and kept on file at the community; • Have their temperature taken upon entering the community; • Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, rubbing palms together, cleaning between fingers and the backs of hands; • Utilize hand sanitization stations prior to entering and upon leaving resident rooms;
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | April 2020
• Limit movement within the community to your resident’s room and limit the number of surfaces touched; • Limit physical contact with the resident through social distancing – no hugging, kissing or handshaking – and remain 6 feet apart; • Report to the community any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 or acute illness within 14 days after visiting the community. Personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes gloves, masks and gowns, are available as necessary. In the meantime, we encourage you to contact your resident family
members via telephone and email. We have also established electronic communication options. Please contact your local Presbyterian Manor offices for information. This situation continues to change daily, if not more frequently. The most up-to-date information about our COVID-19 response and visitation policies will be posted to our website and our Facebook page. We greatly appreciate your support in our efforts to keep your family members/our residents and community healthy. Sincerely, Your PMMA Team ◆