Sterling Community Matters October 2016

Commun ty Matters Sterling Presbyterian Manor

October 2016

Elvis for President

By Donna Grizzle, Activity Director

Three words to describe a recent fun event we had are “Elvis for President.”

COMING UP IN COMMUNITY MATTERS:

Everyone has a story to tell

It was requested a few months back that I throw an Elvis week onto the event calendar. So, as any good Activity Director would do, I listened to my constituents (a.k.a. residents), and I looked into when would be the best week. I was thinking “oh his birthday week would be good” but not only is that in January, and I did not think they wanted to wait that long, but it appears that the biggest Elvis celebration week is actually the week leading up to his infamous August 16th death.

Elvis continued on page 2

We will focus on celebrations and family traditions in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. What traditions are important to your holiday celebrations? What are your memories of Christmas? What recipes did you only make for these special holidays?

If you’ve got a story to share, contact Cindy Moore and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.

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Our Elvis event was an afternoon of fun, complete with the “real” Elvis.

Your comfort zone, God’s starting blocks Pastor Ken’s Corner:

We tend to think of comfort zones as good things that represent safety and rest.

However, they can lead to complacency and Sterling Presbyterian an attitude of “we Manor Chaplain Ken have never done it Connor that way.” Starting blocks are great for starting a sprint race from, but get very uncomfortable

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very fast if you stay in them for too long.

Throughout scripture we have examples of God using a person’s comfort zone as starting blocks to accomplish his purpose. Starting in Genesis we see Noah, who God moves out of his comfort zone to become a ship builder and a zoo keeper. Then he calls Abraham to leave all he has known to go to a land he has never seen. He also says he will make him the father of a nation, which is huge since he and his wife, Sarah, are old and childless.

Starting block are great for starting a race but get very uncomfortable very fast if you stay to long.

Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Sterling Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of

501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org.

Mike Rajewski, executive director Cindy Moore, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact cmoore@pmma.org.

Telephone: 620-278-3651 Fax: 620-278-3581 Address: 204 W. Washington, Sterling, KS 67579-1614 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.

SterlingPresbyterianManor.org

Elvis continued from page 1 Apparently during “tribute week” Elvis fans shut down Memphis! The Hard Rock Caf´e hosts Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contests, the Elvis Memorial Trauma Center hosts receptions, Hound Dog Tours show you around to all of Elvis’ favorite spots, there is a 5k run in honor of The King. The University of Memphis hosts a memorial service, and the Heartbreak Hotel hosts Elvis Bingo! If only we lived close enough to take our residents to that!

During this week as well, Graceland is of course overflowing with visitors and events including Elvis fashion shows, Elvis 101 Trivia Contests, an Elvis Sock

Elvis continued on page 4

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So, what is your comfort zone? How long have you been residing there?

What has God been calling you to do?

Get ready!Your comfort zone may well be the starting blocks God will use to start you on a new adventure.

From, Pastor Ken

The importance of listening to the person with dementia We need to hear well before the voice is silenced by the disease

By Mike Good People with Alzheimer’s or other dementia are an invaluable part of our society. Millions of them are brilliant, wise and actively advocating for their rights and needs.

As my friend with Alzheimer’s, David Kramer said, “It’s not something that necessarily makes us idiots.” No it doesn’t, but unfortunately the vast majority of people don’t understand the disease, and therefore, don’t know how to listen to the person with dementia.

Just like anyone else with unique challenges and special needs, people with dementia need to be able to communicate their needs, wants and fears without being judged.

Paying attention — or else

Our government officials and medical professionals must stop, listen and make changes based on what the people with dementia are telling us.

Otherwise this epidemic is going to continue to alienate millions of families who are affected by dementia.

People with dementia know what is needed to help them fight back against

this cruel disease. They understand how communities should be educated and adapted to let them remain included and engaged.

Some people with dementia justifiably argue that their civil rights have been taken because they have been ostracized from society. Despite feeling this way, they continue to advocate for themselves and for the 21,000 new cases every day around the world.

The Best Friends Dementia Bill of Rights states that the person with dementia has the right to be an advocate for oneself and for others.

Many continue to advocate only to be ignored. Despite their daily, if not hourly, challenges, these advocates put on a brave face that leaves observers thinking there’s nothing wrong with them, and therefore, don’t need to be listened to.

By the time symptoms become readily apparent to everyone, the disease will be quieting their “voice” as it ultimately steals their ability to form words and communicate verbally. They will be left unable to advocate for their own basic needs, wants and fears.

‘Dementia alphabet soup’

It will be left to their friends and family members to advocate for them as these new, untrained caregivers learn to listen more with their eyes than their ears, by observing non-verbal cues.

Understanding dementia alphabet soup takes patience and empathy, but it is critical to maintaining connection.

No matter what a person’s abilities are, it’s important to remember that nobody knows the disease better than they do. While we may not easily understand what they are communicating, we must learn to listen with our eyes, ears and hearts, no matter what stage of the disease they are in.

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are not going away anytime soon. If we as a society continue to ignore the voices of those with dementia, we’ll miss out on an opportunity to improve the lives of millions of people. Together, however, we can learn to speak Alzheimer’s.

STERLING PRESBYTERIAN MANOR 3

Call 620-278-3651 today to schedule your personal appointment and tour.

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Sterling Presbyterian Manor 204 W. Washington Sterling, KS 67579-1614

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Elvis continued from page 2 Hop, an auction, an Official Insiders Conference, fan club gatherings, concerts, and a candlelight vigil.

We paled in comparison to Memphis, but we did certainly get in the rock ‘n roll spirit of Elvis here at the manor. From Elvis themed trivia Wheel of Fortune, to afternoon matinees, movie nights, a different theme dress up day each day, love songs playing at mealtimes and even a visitation from Elvis himself during bingo, we kept the glittering spirit alive! We have officially decided that in this year’s election, we’re voting the talented, multifaceted, hip shakin’ Elvis for President!

To all that helped out, shed some sweat and sprayed themselves down with hair spray and sparkled with glitter (that I’m still trying to get out of my hair), the only thing left to say is “Thank you. Thank you very much.”

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Elvis and his gyrating pelvis performed to an appreciative audience.