Rolla Community Matters September 2020

Rolla Presbyterian Manor

SEPTEMBER 2020

Rolla Presbyterian Manor takes slow and cautious approach to reopening On summer mornings, before the heat of the day sets in, families visited the Rolla Presbyterian Manor campus to visit their families, this time without a window between them.

The community began socially distanced outdoor visits in July, starting with four 10-minute slots from 8–8:45 a.m. and three separate visiting stations. Senior leadership screened visitors, supervised the visits and sanitized surfaces in between.

“We try to implement the best Ann Caudill idea, and if that doesn’t work, we try something different,” said Ann Caudill, executive director. “We always seem to come together to figure it out.”

For example, they started outdoor visits in the most accessible spot, but moved them to a quieter location behind the building so that everyone could hear each other.

Gradually, the community has begun to relax its COVID-19 measures, though everything looks different than before. For example, most residents may eat in the dining room, though they must sit one to a table.

Ann says that the cautious approach is out of concern for resident safety.

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Three successful attitudes

By Allen Teal, chaplain

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” — Michael Jordan Although very few people set out to fail, excuses for failure are easy to find. Everything from environmental issues to the shortcomings of others might receive the blame when someone falls short of their goal.

Self-blame is not always the best route to explain a lack of success. Many times, the odds are long for completing a project or fulfilling a dream. In spite of these possibilities, the right attitude can go far toward achieving success.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33, NIV) Determine to keep what is important out in front. An old rule states that most people spend 80 percent of their time working on unimportant projects and 20 percent of their time working toward their goals. Success often CHAPLAIN - continued on page 4

Rolla Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY

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REOPEN - continued from page 1

“I definitely don’t want to go backwards. In Phelps County, we are seeing more cases. We don’t have a lot of people wearing masks in the community, so we’re overly cautious with the residents.

“Having to close after opening is my greatest fear, because I don’t think the residents could deal with that very well,” she said. “We’re just holding our breath, waiting for the county numbers to come down so we can move onto the next step.”

In the meantime, staff has pitched in to get residents through safely and provide great customer service.

Members of the leadership team have adjusted their schedules so that two managers are working every Saturday and Sunday. Carmen

Payne, the dining services director, has a cosmetology license. She and Joy Parker teamed up to wash and cut residents’ hair. Activities staff lead bingo games and exercise classes in the hallway, so residents can participate in their doorways.

Ann is already starting to think what Thanksgiving might look like, and how they can adapt their tradition of having a large meal with residents and their family members.

Ann spent so much time on the phone updating family members that she collected everyone’s email addresses and is now sending regular updates in addition to answering calls. She said they will definitely continue that practice, even when the pandemic is over.

In the meantime, Ann and other staff members are doing what they can to keep residents safe, both inside and out of work time. For example, when they get together, Ann and her family stay outside and wear masks.

“I’ve talked to more family members than ever before,” she said.

The pandemic has put a lot of their plans on hold, including a fundraising campaign to build a solarium for the memory care unit.

“These are the kind of events we’re most looking forward to,” she said.

“I go to work, I come home. I hardly go to the grocery store, because I don’t want to bring the virus in,” she said. “Although it’s not the same as for the residents, I’m feeling isolated, too. At least inside our community, we’re all together.” ◆

Good Samaritan Program offers employees opportunity to support residents in need

Amy Skaggs is among the Rolla Presbyterian Manor employees who donate part of each paycheck to the Good Samaritan Program, which benefits residents who have outlived their financial resources.

“Not everyone who works in a retirement community can say their residents will not leave home if they do not have the money to pay. That’s why I like my job,” said Amy, who

serves as the kitchen supervisor.

She has held every position in the dietary department since she began working for the community 13 years ago.

At Rolla Presbyterian Manor, an average of 12 residents benefit from the Good Samaritan Program, said Sarah Oenning, vice president of giving for PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America).

“This program ensures that each of our residents have a home for the rest of their lives,” Sarah said. “It goes to the heart of our mission to offer quality care to everyone we serve.”

The program includes the discounting of fees and payment of some expenses for residents who SUPPORT - continued on page 3

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ROLLA Presbyterian Manor

573-364-7336 ◆ Fax: 573-364-7495 1200 Homelife Plaza Rolla, MO 65401-2595 RollaPresbyterianManor.org

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COMMUNITY MATTERS | September 2020

Community Matters

is published monthly for residents and friends of Rolla Presbyterian Manor

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

To submit or suggest articles: lfreeland@PMMA.org Ann Caudill, executive director Joelle Freeland, marketing director

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

Nurse spotlight: Amber Swarnes Amber Swarnes’ spring wedding didn’t go according to plan.

much she decided to return as a nurse.

When the venue she and her fiancé had reserved closed due to COVID-19, they decided to hold their ceremony on the grounds of Rolla Presbyterian Manor.

Amber comes from a family of health care workers. Her mother was an LPN and her father worked as an imaging technician. Her younger sisters, Bethany and Megan, also work in the medical field. One is a nurse, and the other is in medical research.

“We got married outside the dining area, so the residents would have something to look forward to,” Amber said.

Dining Services Director Carmen Payne made a cake for the wedding party and cupcakes for Assisted Living residents, about half of whom “attended” the ceremony, which they watched through the windows.

Marcia, Amber’s daughter, served as the flower girl.

Amber became a licensed practical nurse three years ago after studying at Rolla Technical College, but she also has years of experience as an aide.

“I fell in love with this work when I was working in an assisted living facility for adults with disabilities,” she said. Later she worked as an aide at Rolla Presbyterian Manor and enjoyed the community so SUPPORT - continued from page 2

have exhausted their assets through no fault of their own.

“It’s designed to meet room and board needs, first and foremost,” Sarah said. “That said, each community works to provide the big and little things that make quality of life a priority — new slippers or eyeglasses, for example.”

“When I decided to advance my career, it made sense to follow in my mother’s footsteps by becoming an LPN,” she said.

Amber began working nights in the health care neighborhood, but shifted to days when a position came open.

Since the pandemic began, work has been “a little bit insane,” she admitted. “I’m grateful for the protections we’re providing, but it’s hard for the residents.”

Her conviction that every resident deserves good care keeps her going.

A little bit of decompression after each shift helps, too.

In her free time, Amber plays with her daughter, cross stitches, and goes camping. She and her husband are also nearly done with

Amber Swarnes married on the campus of Rolla Presbyterian Manor this spring after their wedding venue closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. renovating their house, which they have been working on all year. They have put in new flooring and walls plus a new kitchen and bathroom.

“Whatever keeps me busy,” Amber laughed. “I’m a little busybody.” ◆

donor over the nine years she worked at Presbyterian Manor as a cook.

more than happy to. It helps that the donation comes right out of my check, so I don’t miss it.”

During that time, Amy helped her make baskets for the silent auctions that benefitted the program.

All current residents are eligible to apply for help from the Good Samaritan Program, which is designed so that beneficiaries’ identities are kept confidential.

“My parents taught me at a young age to give when you can and help as you can,” she said. “As a single mother of two, I was not always able to help people out, but when my Amy’s mother was also an employee- girls got older and I was able, I was

To learn more and to help a senior in need, visit Giving.

PresbyterianManors.org, or call 1-800-336-8511.◆

Rolla Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY

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ROLLA Presbyterian Manor

1200 Homelife Plaza Rolla, MO 65401-2595 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 updates continue

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, you can count on regular communication from your PMMA community and PMMA leadership. PMMA’s President and CEO Bruce Shogren’s latest letter to residents and families are posted to your community website, RollaPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19. ◆ CHAPLAIN - continued from page 1

requires that you reverse this formula. Do your important tasks first. Keep this ancient advice in mind: “Never let the urgent push out the important.”

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42-44, NIV) Be willing to go through the hard times. If you are like most people, you try to avoid difficult situations.

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Many times, pain lurks on the route to the greatest goals. If you dodge the pain, the victory will not follow.

Whether you want to save a nest egg, support a worthy cause or get in better physical shape, the effort will confront you with difficulty.

Remember—“No pain, no gain.”

“But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant.” (Mark 10:43-45, NIV) Remember that success is often about meeting the needs of others.

COMMUNITY MATTERS | September 2020

Every huge company in the world grew this way. Companies that fail to meet a real need do not succeed.

Think of yourself as a one-person company. Find things that others need and fill those needs. Successful marriages require two people who choose to fill their partner’s needs.

Inventions are useless unless someone needs them. A negative connotation follows the idea of servanthood, but without becoming a servant, true success will remain elusive. ◆