Topeka Community Matters October 2017

Commun ty Matters Topeka Presbyterian Manor

October 2017

Aging decisions to consider now Sometimes, growing older feels like one loss after another. No longer being able to drive or stay in our own home is difficult to accept. If we feel we are forced into those decisions, it can be harder still.

Yet when we put off making the decisions ourselves, others are pressed to step in. On the other hand, when we understand what we’re afraid of, we’re able to discover options that can alleviate the fear and take responsibility for the decisions that are truly ours to make. Here are two aging decisions to make before someone makes them for you: 1. The decision to stop driving According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drivers in their 50s and 60s have one of the lowest crash rates of any age. This starts to rise after the late 60s and early 70s and increases more rapidly after 75.

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Celebrating the everyday hero When Director of Dining Services Atul Karki transferred here from Emporia Presbyterian Manor, he brought with him an employee recognition program called HERO. “People can be heroes in many different ways, from their teamwork, to their great ideas to their dedication to helping the organization. This program is a way to recognize those who go above and beyond,” said Atul.

“The dining services management team gets together at the end of every month and discusses which employee is eligible, and how they stood out in their service. Whomever is chosen gets a $25 gift card. It’s a good program to increase employee motivation.”

The latest HERO was chef Lucky Pollet, who stepped up to work multiple extra shifts when there was a staff shortage.

“We appreciate his efforts to ensure smooth operations and terrific service for his fellow staff members and our residents who count on food services every day,” said Atul.

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Enjoying the eclipse It’s what everyone was talking about back in August, and for good reason. The solar eclipse was a historic event, and many Topeka Presbyterian Manor staff and residents were able to enjoy this rare celestial phenomenon.

Chaplain Roger rejoiced at the sight of this celestial event.

Above: Business Office Manager Michelle Iott and Marketing Director Chelsea Watgen were big fans.

Left: Dewayne Tucker from housekeeping and his sister Lori Cole in the activities department enjoyed some sibling time watching the eclipse.

Heather Pilkinton, executive director Chelsea Watgen, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Chelsea Watgen, marketing director, at cwatgen@pmma.org.

Resident Rita Bachmann took in the eclipse with assisted living staff Holly Jaramillo, Pam Strandlund, Natalie Hatcher and Ashley Adame.

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Community Matters October 2017

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Dining committee dishes on what’s delicious The Dining Department at Topeka Presbyterian Manor prides itself on providing delicious, nutritious meals to our residents.

And while it wouldn’t be possible without the passion and dedication of Dining Services Director Atul Karki and his staff, there’s another group that’s also working hard to ensure that all meals are delicious – the Dining Committee.

Arliss Douglass heads up the committee, which meets with Atul every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m.

“Arliss and her team do a great job of compiling the note cards with meal scores that residents leave after every meal. It really helps us to know if they liked or didn’t like

something new we tried, and what we should rotate into our menu more often,” said Atul.

While Arliss is very much appreciated for her efforts on the Dining Committee, it wasn’t a position that she sought out.

the dining comment cards serve as a way to convey compliments to the staff, and they help open the door to communication with new staff members.

“I write a monthly newsletter for the residents, and in working with Atul on the food committee, I asked if “A gentleman asked me to come help out on it, then he had to go into he’d like to share information about new hires. If we know them better, the hospital for a while, and when and they’re shy, or maybe it’s their he came back, he never picked it first job, we want to get to know back up. So here I am!” said Arliss. them. Residents are always very “Residents fill out a card on the kind, but if there’s an issue with the table, rate their food from 1 to 5, food one day, it helps to have that 1 being least good, and 5 being the best. I take them and combine them, personal relationship.” and let the dining staff know what We appreciate the committee for all residents think.” they do to help our Dining Services In addition to offering feedback, Department keep doing great work!

Tell your holiday stories We will feature Christmas in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. If you have a story about Christmas, whether a favorite tradition or a memorable holiday celebration, or if you just want to tell the world what you love about living in your senior living community, we want to share the story.

Contact Chelsea Watgen, marketing director, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.

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Sewing with love Our sewing group recently donated lap blankets to the Topeka Police Department to use to comfort victims during times of crisis.

Above: Jo Pig Marion Desch Mary Yoder Mona Upton Margaret Phillips Rose Hind Arliss Douglass Topeka Presbyterian Manor

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

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But there’s not a universal age when driving is no longer safe.

To make the driving decision yourself, first complete a short self-assessment for an honest look at your driving skills. Then, make adjustments to your driving if needed. There’s a wide range of choices before hanging up the keys, including taking a refresher driving course or avoiding high-speed highways. Finally, determine how you’ll decide if it is time to stop

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Community Matters October 2017

driving. Plan for that day and what possibilities will help you keep your freedom.

You should also consider alternatives to driving, like the local bus or rail system. Depending on your area, accessible vehicles are often available.

2. The decision to stay in your home The first choice here may be deciding be where your home will

be. Cost, the presence of adult children in multiple states or recreational preferences all weigh on the decision.

We can struggle with the choices, but we’re trying to hang on to our self-sufficiency. Review the checklist from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) for what makes an age-friendly home. Then, talk to a remodeler about which modifications your house might need.

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