Topeka Community Matters May 2015

Commun ty Matters Topeka Presbyterian Manor

May 2015

Older Americans Month 2015: ‘Get into the Act’ Older adults are a vital part of our society. Since 1963, communities across the country have shown their gratitude by celebrating Older Americans Month each May. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Get into the Act,” to focus on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.

By promoting and engaging in activity, wellness, and inclusivity, more Americans than ever before can “Get into the Act.” While Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica campuses provides quality senior services guided by Christian values to older adults year-round, Older Americans Month offers an opportunity to emphasize how older adults can access the home- and community-based services they need to live independently in their communities. It is also an occasion to highlight how older adults are engaging with and making a difference in those communities.

Throughout the month,Topeka Presbyterian Manor will be conducting activities designed to highlight the contributions of seniors to the greater community.

Passionate about family

Mandi Proctor finds her niche in senior care Mandi Proctor has always worked in the health care industry, but it wasn’t until a recent move from Texas to Kansas to be closer to family that she decided to pursue her nursing home administrator license.

“I’m passionate about that,” said Mandi. “My grandma passed away from Alzheimer’s two years ago. She was in some not-so-great facilities before we found a great one. My passion is that residents are comfortable and happy in their environment.”

Ever since January of this year, Mandi has focused that passion on the residents of Topeka Presbyterian Manor.

“I reached out to Tom (Bechtel) – he’s my mentor and guide.”

As an intern at Presbyterian Manor, Mandi is working to complete 480 hours in order to sit for a state and federal test. Once completed, she will be a licensed nursing home administrator.

“I’m really enjoying my time at Presbyterian Manor,” said Mandi. “I do resident council meetings, go to Bingo and really try to get to know the residents. I think I might be a lifelong volunteer, I love it at the Manor, MANDI continued on page 2

MANDI continued from page 1

and I’ve truthfully never been at a facility that is so focused on the quality of life of the residents.”

Mandi anticipates completing her hours this month and has started the interview process for a future job in the healthcare industry somewhere. “It’s sad because I don’t want to leave,” said Mandi. “I appreciate everybody welcoming me, embracing me and letting me learn as much as I can.”

When she’s not at Presbyerian Manor, Mandi spends most of her free time with her 2-year-old son, Beckett, at the Topeka Zoo. She also loves to box and takes classes at the Title Boxing Club in Topeka. Mandi and her husband, Nathan, enjoy living closer to family, too.

Campus website gets a facelift We are proud to announce the release of our newly redesigned website at TopekaPresbyterianManor.org.

It has been crafted to reflect the wants and needs of our site visitors.

You will immediately notice the streamlined menus, simple navigation and access to the information you need, 24 hours a day.

Three things you’ll love about our new website now: • Homepage - at a glance, you’ll find contact information and direct access to information about our care levels and living options.

• Floor plans - you can now view floor plans for independent and assisted living residences online.

• Resources - you’ll find a variety of resources to assist you with researching and deciding on a senior living community.You’ll even discover your next steps to becoming a Topeka Presbyterian Manor resident!

We will be continually expanding our online content to bring you updated and relevant information, so we encourage you to bookmark it and check back often.

Start exploring: • Learn about upcoming events and activities on campus.

• Discover tools to help you evaluate senior living communities.

• Read about our residents.

Thank you for your continued interest in and support of Topeka Presbyterian Manor.

Bill Murphy, resident, poses with the home health nursing staff. Bill’s daughter-in-law Dori Murphy made flowers for staff as a thank you for his good care. Flowers were made from a pair of socks attached to a bottle of water. With the last name of Murphy, St. Patrick’s Day seemed like the perfect timing for this gift.

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Community Matters May 2015

From seeds to salsa; it all started with a garden It all started when Pattie Combs planted a garden at home. Word spread, and seven years later the idea (and plants) grew to include a garden at Topeka Presbyterian Manor, cooking sessions with the homegrown food and a fundraiser.

“When the residents heard I started a garden at home, they wanted to do that,” said Pattie. “So I saved seeds.

The next year, they planted them in little pots inside, so they could watch them grow, and they were nice and big before we put them in the garden here. That way they have a better chance of surviving.”

The garden at Presbyterian Manor typically includes tomatoes, peas, green beans, jalapeno peppers and bell peppers. Once the plants are harvested, Pattie and the residents choose what they want to make with them.

“We’ve made zucchini bread, salsa with tomatoes and peppers and many different breads,” Pattie said.

“Every year we have more people who want more vegetables, so this year we have a lot more variety.”

Pattie Combs and resident Helen Thigpen water vegetables residents have planted.

at Topeka Presbyterian Manor, where she creates event calendars, organizes craft projects and manages community outings. She’ll celebrate her 10th anniversary “We sell the plants in May so they’re with Presbyterian Manors of Midreally nice and big,” said Pattie. “One America in July. plant is $1. Last year we raised $85 At home, Pattie enjoys sewing, and this year’s goal is $100.” working out and spending time with her husband, Ralph, of 23 years and When she isn’t getting her hands dirty, Pattie is the activity assistant their three children.

In addition to serving up dishes the residents enjoy, the extra plants are sold to staff, family members and the public to raise money for the local Alzheimer’s Association.

Tulips help to grow Good Samaritan Program Colorful paper tulips – each representing a gift to the Good Samaritan Program for Benevolent Care – are adding to the spring decorations at PMMA’s senior living communities. Prior donors received a mailing in April, inviting a gift in honor or tribute to a special woman in their lives. A paper tulip was included.

The tulip may be returned with the gift to the PMMA campus of the donor’s choice. Tulips will be displayed through May. The Good Samaritan Program assists PMMA residents who have run out of funds through no fault of their own. To make a gift and hang a tulip, contact your local PMMA campus.

Topeka Presbyterian Manor

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Topeka Presbyterian Manor 4712 S.W. Sixth Ave. Topeka, KS 66606-2284 Return Service Requested

Coming Up in Community Matters In a future issue of Community Matters, we will be focusing on summer travel.

Were you a summer traveler? Do you have a great vacation story or travel story to tell?

Contact Activity Director Jeanne Bird with your story, you may be selected to share in an upcoming Community Matters.

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Community Matters May 2015

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