Topeka Presbyterian Manor
APRIL 2020
Safety update Presbyterian Manor Families of Residents, and Visitors,
A group of students and teachers from Seaman USD 345 brought their dogs to visit residents of Topeka Presbyterian Manor. From left: Charlee Sharp; Raqual Carlson with her dog Loki, Morgan Sharp with her dog Toby, and Justyce Billbe.
Residents get to know students, staff from Seaman High School—and their dogs, too
A group from Seaman High School visited Topeka Presbyterian Manor earlier this year, and they brought some furry friends along. Sophomore Morgan Sharp had conducted some research into animal therapy and was inspired by what she learned. “I started to think of ways I could use animal therapy to help our community, and nursing homes were one of my first choices,” she said. Earlier this year, students and teachers brought three dogs to Presbyterian Manor and two other senior living communities in the Topeka area. DOGS - 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 restricted access for in-person visitation. Restricted 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
Topeka Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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Loki, a pit bull mix and certified therapy dog, belongs to Seaman High School teacher Raqual Carlson.
Toby the Boston terrier sits on a resident’s lap.
DOGS - continued from page 1
teachers joined them.
The students are members of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. Every year, members of the career and technical student organization choose different volunteer projects. Four club members participated in the animal therapy experiment. Morgan’s younger sister and two
The Sharps’ dog Toby, a Boston terrier, served as one of the canine companions. The two teachers brought certified therapy dogs: Loki, a pit bull mix, and Belle, a Pomeranian. Residents were “excited and surprised” to meet the dogs, Morgan said. Some of them told
the students stories about their own beloved childhood pets. “It was really eye-opening to see what kind of happiness we could spread through therapy dogs,” Morgan said. “I was amazed at the change in the residents’ outlook.” She says it won’t be her last visit to Presbyterian Manor.
“We definitely plan to do it again.” ◆
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TOPEKA Presbyterian Manor
785-272-6510 ◆ Fax: 785-272-0496 4712 S.W. Sixth Ave. Topeka, KS 66606-2284 TopekaPresbyterianManor.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | April 2020
Community Matters
is published monthly for residents and friends of Topeka Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizaton.
To submit or suggest articles: rdahlgren@PMMA.org Heather Pilkinton, executive director Rose Dahlgren, marketing director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
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! ◆
Topeka Presbyterian Manor Art is Ageless® exhibit, reception for senior artists cancelled Topeka Presbyterian Manor’s annual Art is Ageless® exhibit had been cancelled, said Heather Pilkinton, executive director.
This year will mark the 40th anniversary of the Art is Ageless® program. Art is Ageless is a trademarked program of PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America). The program offers senior artists the opportunity to share and display their artwork and reaffirms the agelessness of human creativity. The first Art is Ageless calendar was published in 1981, featuring art from Presbyterian Manor
community residents. Since then, the program has expanded to include a juried art competition open to all seniors age 65 and older.
works from local artists in a variety of mediums, including “At this time, our workforce efforts are focused on ensuring compliance acrylics, oils, photography with present and evolving and various mandates regarding COVID-19,” other forms, Heather said. “Due to this, Topeka ranging from amateur to Presbyterian Manor will not be professional levels. participating in this year’s Art is Ageless event. We are saddened Winning pieces at the community by this as sharing the work of level move on to a masterpiece level talented artists brings joy to all. judging to determine which pieces We look forward to next year’s are featured in the annual calendar event and hope to really engage the and note cards. community with our exhibit.” For more information about Art is The Art is Ageless exhibit features
Ageless, visit ArtIsAgeless.org. ◆
Topeka Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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TOPEKA Presbyterian Manor
4712 S.W. Sixth Ave. Topeka, KS 66606-2284 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 ◆