Commun ty Matters Rolla Presbyterian Manor
November 2018
Reflections on Thanksgiving By Allen Teal, chaplain Rolla Presbyterian Manor
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 4:15, NIV). My first memory of Thanksgiving happened when I was about five. A sheet of plywood had been placed on top of a pool table in the basement. The wood was covered with some type of tablecloth. Smaller tables were nearby for the children. A lot of my extended family came for dinner. Enough food was on the main table to feed a small army. A few thoughts stand out, today. Everyone seemed glad to be there. I recall boisterous conversation and laughter. From the moment that my relatives started to arrive, they were well received by everyone present. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, no one sulked in a corner or complained about the food. We were all happy to share a meal with many who we did not see frequently. It was a time to feel good about being together. THANKSGIVING, continued on page 2
Providing care and support for those affected by Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s disease and others forms of dementia can be devastating, both for those affected, and for the friends and family members who love them. Staff members at Rolla Presbyterian Manor look at the disease from every angle to provide the hands-on care and behind-the-scenes support needed to meet the complex needs of everyone dementia touches. Nurses in the community’s Tranquility House know that the symptoms of dementia can vary depending on the root cause. Staff members are trained to look for the symptoms associated with a decline in memory, which could include memory loss, difficulty communicating or finding words, difficulty with complex tasks, difficulty planning and organizing, difficulty with coordination and motor functions, problems with disorientation and personality changes. According to Tranquility House nurse Dolly Smith, the advanced training she and her colleagues receive at RPM leads to better, more personalized care for both residents and family members. “I believe the staff benefits greatly from the in-depth, personal training we receive,” said Dolly. “It is what allows us to work one-on-one with the ALZHEIMERS, continued on page 2