Newton Community Matters November 2020

Newton Presbyterian Manor

NOVEMBER 2020

For Abby Harrison, Presbyterian Manor team is like family Working at Newton Presbyterian Manor for the past 15 years, Abby Harrison has developed both a successful career and rewarding personal relationships with coworkers she now considers family.

Free virtual event focuses on psychology of change

If 2020 taught us something, it’s that change is constant. Knowing it may not make it any easier, but a change in perspective just might.

The Psychology of Change, a free virtual workshop offered

by Newton Presbyterian Manor, will show how taking a different approach and changing our perspective can keep us from avoiding the short-term discomfort that change can bring.

Abby began working at the community as an evening cook in 2005 and was immediately inspired by what she saw in her Abby Harrison fellow employees.

“Working in dietary, I was able to see the care and compassion the staff showed the residents and their families, and I knew that was something I wanted to be a part of,” said Abby.

As a result, Abby utilized scholarships provided by the PMMA Employee Education Assistance Program to obtain her CNA, CMA, LPN and associates degree. She began her nursing career at Presbyterian Manor in the community’s long-term memory care neighborhood, Haury Place, before being offered the position of medical records coordinator.

Now a fixture in the community, Abby appreciates the close-knit nature of the Presbyterian Manor team now more than ever before.

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Counselor, coach and privatepractice psychotherapist Jeffrey L. Wilson will take an in-depth look at the psychology behind change. You’ll learn about the types of change and how to cope with each. We’ll also delve into the cost of change and discuss methods to demystify it.

This free virtual event will be offered twice: at 2 p.m. on Nov. 5, and again at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 10.

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Newton Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY

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Bravo of the Month: Amy Medina Bravo of the Month goes to Amy Medina, night shift nursing staff for assisted living.

Night shift staffers have now been awarded the Bravo for two months in a row!

Co-worker Tammy Hall wrote, “Amy stayed over and gave a resident a shower when we were short on day shift. She really cares about the residents and their safety.

Thank you, Amy, for everything you do to help out!”

We are thankful for dedicated employees who lead well during those important night hours.

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seats are extremely limited.

and register online at www.

NewtonPresbyterianManor.org/ events-activities. You’ll receive your own unique link to the presentation and instructions for how to join the event. Don’t wait as

Thanks, Amy! Bravo! ◆

Amy Medina

The Psychology of Change educational event is part of Presbyterian Manor’s Just Ask lifelong learning program, a free, ongoing lifelong learning program featuring information from local, regional and national experts on

topics of interest to older adults and their families.

Residents, family, friends and future neighbors are welcome to attend this or future Just Ask events! ◆

COVID-19 updates continue Get the latest updates on visitation status, ongoing safety measures and PMMA’s response to COVID-19 on your community website, www.NewtonPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19. If there is a COVID-19 outbreak (positive COVID-19 test) at your community, your leadership team will contact employees, residents and their designated family representatives via telephone, email or mail with information about the outbreak and the recommendations of the local health department. ◆

Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.

Community Matters 316-283-5400 ◆ Fax: 316-284-5900 1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2820 NewtonPresbyterianManor.org

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COMMUNITY MATTERS | November 2020

is published monthly for residents and friends of Newton Presbyterian Manor

by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

To submit or suggest articles: ndickinson@PMMA.org Marc Kessinger, executive director Noelle Dickinson, marketing director

OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.

We are thankful for beautiful fall scenery on campus

Fall is upon us and we’re in full fall fashion at the McFarland entrance with scarecrows “Johnny and June,” who were named in a Facebook contest in 2018. June usually stands guard at the front entrance to our campus, so it’s the first time these crooners have actually been in close proximity.

Above and left: We are thankful for a beautiful fall, which has given us many days for family courtyard visits.

Newton Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY

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1200 E. Seventh Newton, KS 67114-2862 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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“Being a Manor employee, you become close, like family, with those you work with,” said Abby.

“Marc (Kessinger, executive director) is kind of like a dad to all of us. He encourages us and supports us.”

According to Abby, a perfect example of that support can be seen in how campus administrators have

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reacted during the pandemic.

“Even with all of the COVID-19 things going on, management is still doing what they can to show appreciation for the staff,” said Abby. “In the time I’ve been here, I’ve worked with a lot of amazing people.”

But some members of the Newton Presbyterian Manor team don’t just feel like family. Some actually are family, including Abby’s daughter,

COMMUNITY MATTERS | November 2020

Emilie, who is the community’s restorative aide.

“Working with Emilie brings the whole ‘being a family’ aspect full circle,” said Abby. “We have several employees who are family members and work here together, as well as staff who have/had family members who have resided here.”

Our campus is truly all about family. ◆