Topeka Presbyterian Manor
FEBRUARY 2021
Starting our first round of vaccinations for the COVID-19 virus has allowed many residents and employees to feel like we’re taking a step toward our new normal.
Topeka Presbyterian Manor residents, staff receive vaccinations against COVID-19
Independent living residents wrote the book on a happy life If you want to get to know Dale and Margaret Sandberg, you can always read the book about them.
“A lot of people around here have read it,” Margaret said. “One of the new girls told me recently that she read our book.” The Sandbergs’ daughter Diane put together the story of her parents’ lives to mark a major anniversary—though they can’t remember which one. Over the course of seven decades, Dale and Margaret have reached more than one marriage milestone. Dale enlisted in the Navy in the last semester of his senior year of high school. He and Margaret’s brother started basic training together, which is how the couple eventually met. The Sandbergs are originally from Minnesota, and their voices still LIFE - continued on page 2
After months of being on the front lines in the battle against COVID-19, Topeka Presbyterian Manor began the process of vaccinating residents and staff on Jan. 2.
“There’s no doubt the senior population has been hit hard by the virus, along with the health care workers who’ve treated them,” said Heather Pilkinton, executive director at Topeka Presbyterian Manor. “We couldn’t be happier to know there’s finally a bit of light at the end of such a difficult year.” The vaccine clinic was made possible through the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program. VACCINE - continued on page 3
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LIFE - continued from page 1
carry the hint of an upper Midwestern accent despite the fact that they’ve lived in Kansas since 1954. They moved here because Dale got a job at an engineering firm. The job took him and his family all over the Midwest—they’ve lived in 18 different places in 70 years. Dale went on to work for the city of Topeka. For 31 years, he was in charge of the municipality’s drainage systems, which included storm drains in the street and flood control levees along the river. He enjoyed the autonomy he had at work; as long as he did his job, no one bothered him. Margaret was also employed by the city for a time, and before that at the Crosby Department Store. The Sandbergs have three children:
Diane, Stacy and Kathryn, plus more than 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Some of their favorite memories are of the trips they’ve taken. Dale and Margaret also enjoyed a large social circle and often hosted and attended large get-togethers with friends. The couple have lived at Topeka Presbyterian Manor for the past seven and a half years. Since they moved in, Dale has taken over their meal coordination and clean-up. “We have had such a good life,” Dale said. “If I had to do it over again, I’d do the same thing,” The Sandbergs like the fact that their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will have a record of their lives and love story. “It seemed like a good idea that we had something so the kids would
know how we lived, where we lived, what we did when we were younger,” Margaret said. The book has inspired at least one of their neighbors to begin their own personal history. The “new girl”—a recent employee of Topeka Presbyterian Manor—who read the Sandbergs’ book at their request told Margaret that she went home and started writing her own life story. Now that’s inspiring! ◆
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 or send an Art is Ageless® greeting to a resident or staff member by visiting TopekaPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19. Visitation status is updated weekly on Mondays and as needed as our COVID status changes. Vaccine distribution has begun in our community. Every person who receives the vaccine will strengthen the protection for all residents, staff and the community at-large. PMMA strongly encourages our families, employees and residents to carefully consider obtaining a vaccine for themselves as well as their loved ones. ◆ Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
Community Matters 785-272-6510 ◆ Fax: 785-272-0496 4712 S.W. Sixth Ave. Topeka, KS 66606-2284 TopekaPresbyterianManor.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | February 2021
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) organization.
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.
VACCINE - continued from page 1
Topeka Presbyterian Manor will receive the Pfizer vaccine in limited doses, which will be given to at-risk residents in health care and assisted living as well as essential health care workers. All those vaccinated on Jan. 2 received a second dose after 21 days. Regarding independent living residents, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended prioritizing people over the age of 75 and essential frontline workers during the initial phase of vaccinations. Those ages 65-74 would be prioritized next, including those 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions. It’s important to note that these are guidelines. Kansas and Missouri will determine vaccine distribution priorities. Employees and residents alike were eager to receive their first dose. “Our community is ready for this pandemic to be over,” said Rose Dahlgren, marketing director at Topeka Presbyterian Manor. “We’re grateful there is another tool to help us keep our residents safe. Having access to this vaccine will help our community move closer towards a new normal.” While side effects related to the vaccine are rare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Topeka Presbyterian Manor will closely
monitor those who receive vaccinations. Potential side effects include injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain and fever. The vaccine distributed at Topeka Presbyterian Manor is being administered by CVS, which has partnered with Pfizer and the federal government to ensure safe distribution to at-risk populations during the first round of inoculations through the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program. While vaccinations will lower the risk of transmission throughout the community, precautions remain in place. All employees are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and best practices, as these are continually updated. We have been screening individuals as they enter the community building for a shift and before individuals have any direct contact with residents. All staff are educated to stay at home if they are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or not feeling well. Employee surveillance testing will continue as required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) based on county positivity rates for COVID-19 testing. For more information about Topeka Presbyterian Manor’s response, go to PMMA’s (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s) website, PresbyterianManors.org/MediaRoom. ◆
Photos, right: Residents and employees receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
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