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MOUNTAIN BREEZE |
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Mountainview Nursing Home 340 Cedar Springs Road Spartanburg, SC 29302 Table Of Contents |
Wilson K. Dillard Administrator JANUARY, 2003 |
As we turn the final pages on this wonderful book known as 2002, we are torn between looking back and reviewing some of our favorite chapters and verse or looking forward toward the next volume, 2003. We choose to move ahead. There is much yet to be done and many, many miles yet to be traveled on our Eden Journey.
In talking with our Elders and staff as we prepare for the New Year it was suggested that there would be wisdom in returning to our initial commitment to the Eden Alternative. In our case this means recognizing and understanding the Ten Principles and why we choose to submit to them. When we made this decision some four years ago we knew it would be a continuing effort. An effort that requires each of us, each day, to perform all our tasks and conduct our activities inline with all of the Eden Principles.
The first issue of 2003 is devoted to the first Eden Principle. In order for our residents to have a life worth living, we must fight the plagues of loneliness, helplessness and boredom. This principle applies to all who are part of the Mountainview family.
Much has been accomplished and for that we are grateful, however, each day provides us with many opportunities to advance our Eden mission. Don=t let them pass by.
We wish you all the best in 2003 and please visit with us often.
Wilson K. Dillard, Administrator
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STAFF BIRTHDAYS FOR JANUARY
01 Geneva Worthy
02 Brenda Kearns
04 Linda Wyatt
05 Mary Hannon
14 Dan Brown
18 Sherry Wheeler
18 Audrey Lee
25 Sandra Campbell
30 Ida Glover
31 Keith Trout
31 Willie Jeter
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The staff and residents of Eastside Village would like to send our condolences to Brandy Littlejohn, CNA, on the loss of her mother in December. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brandy and her family at this time of loss.
Our third shift LPN, Audrey Lee, has been out sick for some time now and we would just like her to know how much she is missed and we hope she will be back with us soon.
We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and Santa Claus was good to everyone. We would like to send a special "Thank You" to Mrs. Joann Horton and Mrs. Celia Belue. These ladies brought throws for each of the resident's beds on Eastside Village. We feel so lucky to have these ladies think of our residents. We hope they both had a very special Christmas.
Everyone enjoyed the Christmas party on Christmas Eve. It reminded us how important family really is.
As we approach a New Year it is a time of reflection as well as a time to look ahead. Eastside Village has had a lot of good memories from this past year, as well as some sad ones. Some of our best memories are the "Fifties Party" and "The Legends Talent Show". Some of our saddest was the loss of our residents that have left us. Memories of these individuals will be etched in our minds forever. We look ahead to the coming year with great anticipation. We wonder how we can top the events from last year and what new memories and bonds will be created by staff and Elders in the upcoming year.
Happy New Year to all !! The Village Crier
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The clients and staff of Medical Day Care wish everyone a Happy New Year!
Everyone had a great time at our Christmas party and we want to thank Santa Claus for coming and giving out our fruit baskets.
We wish Jannie Fincher a speedy recovery. She is at Mary Black Memorial Hospital in rehab. We hope you will be back with us soon!
Birthdays
Maureen Holliman, January 6
Catherine Gaffney, January 15
Jim Walden, January 20
Mary Louise Thomas, January 25
Emma Lawing, MDCD
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ELDERS BIRTHDAYS FOR JANUARY
Margot Newell, January 1
Lula Crenshaw, January 5
Darrell Shockley, January 8
Hattie Lee, January 12
Larry Smith, January 13
Mary Horton, January 22
Geneva Pack, January 31
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NEWS FROM WESTSIDE GARDENS
During the holiday season Mountainview received many Christmas Carolers and we really enjoyed them all. The Christmas party on Christmas Eve was a big blast. Fun was had by all, including a visit from Santa Claus. We had a lot of help from visitors and family members which added to the success of the party. We would like to thank Mrs. Helen Fuller's family for their generosity in providing a nice party for everyone on Westside Gardens, the food was wonderful!
We would like to thank our Activities Department for all the hard work in wrapping all the gifts for our residents. Also for making sure everyone had a gift.
We would like to welcome Ms. Airleen Dial and Ms. Lillian Guy to our neighborhood. We hope they will soon feel at home.
During the recent ice storm and power outage our neighbors from The School for the Deaf and Blind spent two nights with us. We really were glad that we could help out in the emergency. We enjoyed them being here as we made a lot of new friends.
The staff and Elders from Westside Gardens would like to wish each and everyone a Happy New Year.
Jeanne d'Entremont
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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE FOR JANUARY
Doris Byrd, 12 years
Virginia Bennett, 10 years
Cindy Floyd, 7 years
Donna Tracy, 1 year
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Christmas time is a beautiful time of the year but for some it is filled with lots of emotions such as loneliness, helplessness, stress, happiness and joy. Although we see more happiness and joy at Mountainview, there are times when we do encounter lonliness, boredom, and helplessness. Because of the love and caring that is shown and the efforts and willingness of staff here and in the surrounding community we've learned that Christmas can be all year long here at Mountainview. Through the activities that are provided by staff and volunteers our home is filled with songs and laughter, pleasant and encouraging conversation, smiles and hugs that are mutually shared by the children and adults that come to visit.
Even in the midst of a terrible ice storm and power outage, we received a blessing. For out of that situation a lasting relationship was revived with our staff, Elders and children from The South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, who spent several days and nights here at our home. We all had a chance to interact and learn from each other. I'm a firm believer that things happen for a special reason, making us more aware and grateful for those around us and the many ways that they help to bring creativity and spontaneity to our home. So if you are one of those people who would like for Christmas to last all year, then come visit us here at Mountainview.
Happy New Year!
Until next time
Gloria Crocker, Activities
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HE WHO HAS A WHY TO LIVE CAN BEAR ALMOST ANY HOW.
------Nietzsche
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Over the course of the next year we will be discussing the Principles of the Eden Alternative in the newsletter and in other ways as a refresher for some of us and to explain Eden to our new people. We look forward to the New Year and hope for some input from families, staff and residents as we continue our journey to Eden.
PRINCIPLE ONE
The three plagues of loneliness, helplessness and boredom account for the bulk of suffering among our Elders.
This is the problem statement of the Principles (the wake-up call) and the rest of the Principles are the solutions. These are plagues of the human spirit, not the body. These plagues can affect all humans, but Elders are at higher risk, especially as cultures become more technological and more Westernized. We in the medical field have done a good job of treating the physical elements but we have not addressed the real problem of loneliness, boredom and helplessness. Through the Eden journey we hope to eliminate these plagues and promote cultural change for our Elders.
There are certain terms that are common to Eden. The use and understanding of a common language unites us in our commitment to better the world for Elders. Listed below are some of the language and their definitions. Throughout our discussions of the Principles you will hear these terms used over and over and understanding their meaning as it applies to The Eden Alternative will make understanding the concept easier. As defined by The Eden Alternative in "Haleigh's Almanac".
Loneliness - the pain we feel when we want but cannot have companionship.
Helplessness - the pain we feel when we always receive care and never give care.
Boredom - the pain we feel when our lives lack variety and spontaneity.
Elder - someone who, by virtue of life experience, is here to teach us. With this definition, even someone who is not chronologically elderly can be an Elder. We have chosen to use the word Elder as it is used in traditional cultures. The wisdom of Elders is revered, and elders are honored and cherished.
Sue Kemp, Eden Associate
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Jason Emmett Traxler, grandson of Sherry Wheeler and son of Reverend Edward Traxler graduated from USC-S on December 18, 2002. He received a BS in behavioral science with his main focus on criminal justice and sociology. Congratulations Jason and we wish the best for you in your career.
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On February 14 we will be having our annual Valentine Party along with a rummage and bake sale. As you clean out your closets to make room for all of the new things you received Christmas, please remember that we can use your items in our sale. Please bring your items to the Activity Department by Monday, February 3rd. Your donations will be greatly appreciated. Monies raised will be used for our Elders.
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As I look through the many photographs at Mountainview I can't help but to laugh, to smile and to shed a few tears. Each photo captures a memory, something for us to cling to as time inevitably passes. We capture glimpses of the past each time we look at a photo. Our photos here at Mountainview include a vast array of people and events; the senior prom, children, animals, Elders, friends and families. But above all, our photos capture the smiles that make Mountainview home. As I continue to rummage through the stacks of photos on my desk and the boxes of photos on my shelf I am reminded that all photos are not captured on paper. Some of my fondest photos are those that are in my mind and that are forever etched on my heart. My memories are a priceless gift and one that can never be taken from me. As we begin a new year, I look forward to the new photos that will be placed on the desk in my office. But most of all, I look forward to the new photos that will find a way to join the many others already etched in my heart. A quote that comes to my mind again and again states, "God gave us memories that we may have roses in December." As your New Year begins, don't forget to smell the roses.
Anna Brown, Social Services
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All the great stories center around loneliness. Think of the great stories that you have read, watched and enjoyed in life. Yes, loneliness is a part of the trip and what we do with our loneliness determines the quality of our lives. However, an institution or way of life that fosters loneliness as the norm is unhealthy. Oh, how vast the difference between loneliness and solitude.
Loneliness may come to us in cycles and somewhat unexpected. The transition into a long term care facility is quite a change, even if a person
proactively chooses that setting. The move is marked by grief over the loss of certain functions, both physical and social. Yet, the move needs to
be viewed as a continuation to another setting, just as one views the leaving of home to attend college or to start any new place of residence.
The malady of loneliness. It feels so bad! The way to overcome it is the same regardless of age. It is companionship. It is listening, even in the silence, and hearing the cadence of others who travel with us. It is my involvement in a community and knowing that I am not cut off from my roots and the ones who have meant so much to me thus far in my journey. It is incorporating new folk along the way. The ability to give as well as receive. The view from my window into a world that continues with me instead of without me. No, I am not helpless. I feel, I see, I hear, I function!
I need more than an activities calendar re-copied from month to month and season to season. I need variety and spontaneity. That's the secret for all people. The opportunity to look forward to someone and some event. I am unique. You will need to know me in order to pattern a plan for helping avoid loneliness, helplessness, and boredom. The same will be true in my relationship with you. I will know you, your likes and dislikes,
your bent and longings. Every day of our lives will be lived atuned to "us".
Keith E. Taylor
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Plan of care meetings are held on each Tuesday to review each resident's progress and / or care. Please call Social Services at 582-4175 to set up a time for your attendance.
January 7 January 14
Libby Armstrong (A) Margot Newell (A)
Mary Ruth Fowler Susan Turner
Raymond Spencer Willie Boyd
Peggy Garmon Brenda Bishop
Linda Lowe Laler Millwood
Daisy Horton Eloise Montgomery
Mattie Fuller Martha Ford
Bessie Putnam Minnie Isler
Elsie Lee Frank Perricone
Louise Johnson Kathleen Vickery
Leslie Giles Bruce Durrah
Thelma Roark Margie Bates
January 21 January 28
Mildred Prince (A) Myrtle Kersh (A)
Kathleen Lowery (A) James Coggins (A)
Marie Harris Charles King
Gracie Bridges Beatrice Oliver
Evelyn Daniel Elsie Bishop
Marion Campbell Grace Blanton
Rosemary Lattimore Virginia Munsey
Bobby Clary
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