Contents hatmakesuswhoweare?It’sacombinationofnatureandnurture,thetimes, theenvironment.Addinsights,soundsandsmells–aconstantly-changingbackdropinanyculture,anywhere–andtheexperiencesofeachgenerationbelongtothatgenerationalone,nevertoreturn.Everygenerationhasitsowndefiningmemorycuesunfamiliartothegroupsbeforeandafter:Milkbottles,skatekeys,rotaryphones,recordplayerspindleadaptors,cassettetapes…thelistgoeson.

W

The average age of a current United Methodist Homes resident is 87. Meet a representative sampling:

Dan Knight, 87, Highlands, during Army service in the 1940s and today

Leila Rice, 88, Tunkhannock, 1940 high school graduation and today

Decoding Generations

Since1998,agroupatBeloitCollegeinBeloit,Wisconsin,hascompiledtheannual“MindsetList.”InitiallyintendedtohelpBeloitprofessorsunderstandtheworldviewoftheincomingfreshmanclass,thelistwassousefulthatitsdistributionquicklyexpanded.Now,collegeprofessorsandthepublicalikelookforthelist’spublicationeachAugusttobetterunderstandwhat“hasalwaysbeen”andwhat“hasneverbeen”forthestudentsarrivingoncampusesthroughoutthecountry.Thelist’spopularityledtheauthorstopublishabookcalledThe Mindset Lists of American History: From Typewriter to Text Messages, What Ten Generations of Americans Think is Normal. Thebookexpandson150yearsofAmericanlife–inthestyleofthemindsetlist–at13-yearintervals.

Meet the Average Resident

Let’stakealookatthecoregroupnowbeingservedbylong-termcarecommunities.AtUnitedMethodistHomes,theaverageageamongcurrentresidentsis87.InthestyleoftheMindset Lists book,we’llcallthemtheClassof1943.Somebasicstatsaboutourclassmembers:

•Born:1925•Highschoolgraduation:1943•Militaryservice:Highlylikely•Majorhistoricaleventsoftheirlifetime:TheGreat

Depression,repealofProhibition,WorldWarII,firstuseofnuclearweapons,poliovaccineintroduced,endofsegregation,moonshot,beginningandendoftheColdWar,September11,African-AmericanelectedUSpresident

Editorial.....................2Sue Morrow, Network Manager

Around.the.Block......2A series featuring our amazing residents

Letters.of.Appreciation.............7Notes of thanks

Elizabeth Church Campus, Binghamton, NY(607) 722-3463Independent living, adult care, assisted living, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation Hilltop Campus, Johnson City, NY(607) 798-7818Independent living, adult care, assisted living, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation Tunkhannock Campus, Tunkhannock, PA(570) 836-2983Personal care Wesley Village Campus, Pittston, PA(570) 655-2891Independent living, personal care, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation

A NEWSLETTER FOR STAFF, RESIDENTS & FRIENDS OF UNITED METHODIST HOMES

July 2012

UNITED METHODIST HOMES

Continued on page 4

Interact with us on

Understanding Generational Differences – A matter of perspective

SeeadditionalphotosfromeventsfeaturedinSeasons,getalertsaboutupcomingevents

andmuchmore!Visitwww.facebook.com,createanaccountifyoudon’talreadyhaveone,andinteractwithUnitedMethodistHomes!Accessourpagedirectlyat

www.facebook.com/UnitedMH.

Rev. and Mrs. Ed and Betty Lou Furman, 85 and 84, Wesley Village, at their 1947 wedding and today

SEASONS ~ JULY 2012

PAGE 2

Forthelastfewmonths,IhavebeenpartofanationwidevolunteereffortsponsoredbytheNationalArchivestocreateasearchable

indexofthe1940U.S.FederalCensus,whichwasmadepublicforthefirsttimeinApril.ThiscensusprovidesvaluableinsightintoUnitedMethodistHomes’coreresidentgroup–theGreatestGeneration.

Duringthe1940census,censusenumeratorsaskedquestionsabouteducation,occupation,incomeandpreviousaddresses.Thecensusrevealsmuchaboutthecountryatthetime,whichwasonthecuspofanotherworldwarthatwouldinvigoratetheU.S.economy.In1940,thenationwasstillreelingfromtheGreatDepressionofthe1930s.Hugenumbersofable-bodiedmen

wereunemployedatthesametimethatanunprecedentednumberofwomenenteredtheworkforceinanefforttosupporttheirstrugglingfamilies.Thisgeneration’slegacyofferslessonsinfrugality,survivingdifficulteconomictimes,andraisingstrongfamilies.

Betweenthelinesofrawdatainthe1940censusaremanystorieswhichcanentice,andpossiblyhaunt,theresearcher.IfoundtheBolandfamilylistedintheirhome(whichtheycalledWhisperingElms)at863FrontStreet;afterFrankBoland’sdeathin1960,theHomespurchasedthetwo-storyfieldstonehouse,whichremainsaspartoftheElizabethChurchCampus.I’vehadpersonalmomentsofdiscoveryinmyresearchofthecensusrecordsaswell:Idiscoveredthatmyfather’sfatherhadawifeandtwochildrenlivingoutsidePittsburghin1940.Butneitherofthesechildrengrewuptobemyfather.Mygrandfathermovedto

NewYorkCityaround1931–whethertoescapethesituationorfindwork,myfamilyandIdon’tknow–andneverreturned,abandoningthisfirstfamily,andburyingthissecretforhislifetime.In1939,hemarriedthewomanwhowouldbecomemygrandmother.Acrucialstory,lostuntilthe1940censusopenedthedooracrackandinvitedusintolearnmore.

CurrentlytheNewYorkStateportionofthe1940censusissearchablebynameonAncestry.com,andtheindexcreatedbyvolunteerslikemethroughtheNationalArchiveswillsoonbeavailableonFamilySearch.org.DatafromPennsylvaniaisstillbeingindexed,butimagesareavailableforreviewatbothsites.Moreinformationisalsoavailableathttp://the1940census.com.Whatstorieswillyouuncover?

Around

Block

Margaret Latsha Reid Tunkhannock CampusMargaretLatshaReidwasbornin1924,andgrewupinLyndhurst,NewJersey,theonlyonlychildinherclosecircleoffriends.Herfatherwasthetown’sassistanttaxcollector,andhermotherwroteforseveralnewspapersintheareatosupplementthefamily’sincome.

Aftergraduatingfromhighschool,ReidwentontoOberlinCollegeinOhio,whereshemetherfuturehusbandWilliam(Bill).Aftertheirsophomoreyear,hewasdraftedandjoinedtheArmyMedicalCorps;hewascaptured

andheldforeightmonthsatGermany’slargestPOWcamp,butreturnedsafelyattheendofthewar.Reidfinishedherundergraduatestudiesduringthewar,andwhenBillreturned,hepickedupwhereheleftoffwhileReidpursuedhermaster’sdegreeinreligiouseducation.Theymarriedin1946andbothwentontoYaleDivinitySchool,graduatingin1950.TheyjoinedtheUnitedMethodistministry,andwereassignedtoCamptown,Pennsylvania.“Ourfirstthoughtwhenwegottheassignmentwas‘CamptownasinCamptownraces?’Andsureenough,itwasthatCamptown!”shelaughs.

ThecouplewelcomedsonPhilipin1951,daughterElizabethin1953andsonTomin1958.Variouschurchassignmentsfollowed,takingthefamilytoCarvertonandthenWilkes-Barre,whereBillservedCentralUnitedMethodistChurch.Reidremembersitasahugechurchbuildingwithastrugglingministry.Reidopenedanewchapterinherlifewhenacongregantwhowasadoctorofferedherajobinhisoffice.Shetookhimuponit,eventuallyearningherlicensedpracticalnursingdegree.Shealsotookanincometaxpreparationcourse,andbeganpreparing

The

A series featuring our amazing residents

Our “Around the Block” series profiles United Methodist Homes residents who explain what their lives have been like, what their big adventures have been, how they’ve made a difference, and how they want to be remembered. taxes,firstfor

ministersandthenforothers.“IlookedonmytaxworkandmymedicalworkasservingGodbyhelpingpeople.IwouldhavelongtalkswithsomeofthetaxclientsandfeltIwastrulyministeringinthatrole.”ShewasalsoanactiveRedCrossvolunteer,staffingblooddrives.

Inthemid-1960s,theReidsbecameenthusiasticcampers.In1969,theycampedtheirwayacrossthecountrytoYellowstoneNationalParkandstayedthereforaweek,enjoyingthepark’s“ChristmasinJuly”event.TheirfamilyandCentralUnitedMethodistChurchwerestillcleaningupafterthefloodof1972whenthechurchburnedtothe

Continued on page 5

EditorialSue.Morrow,.Network.Manager

Margaret and Bill Reid in the mid-1940s.

SEASONS ~ JULY 2012

PAGE 3

TStaff.Announcements

Joseph.Herwig.

JosephHerwighasjoinedtheTunkhannockCampusasDirectorofMaintenance.

HeisagraduateofEasternMontgomeryAreaVocationalSchool(nowknownastheEasternCenterforArtsandTechnology)inWillowGrove,Pennsylvania.Hehas30years’experiencein

buildingmaintenance,includingdiagnosingandrepairingbuildingissues,remodeling,aswellasheating,ventilation,airconditioningandrefrigeration.Herwighasworkedinlong-termcarefor21years,fororganizationssuchasFoulkewaysatGwyneddinGwynedd,Pennsylvania.

Heiscertifiedinrefrigeranttransitionandrecovery,andreceivedvalue-basedsupervisiontrainingthroughFriendsServicesfortheAging,anorganizationthatsupportsQuaker-affiliatedorganizationsprovidingservicestoolderadults.

Chris.Panella.

ChrisPanellawasrecentlynamedDirectorofFoodandNutritionattheElizabethChurchCampus.

Panellaearnedhisassociate’sdegreeinhotelandrestaurantmanagementfromBroomeCommunityCollegeinBinghamton,NY,andhisbachelor’sdegreeinthesamedisciplinefromtheStateUniversityofNewYorkatPlattsburgh.HeisServSafecertified.

How Great Thou Art osaythataveteranofWorldWarII’sPacific Theater,anairplanepilot,aretiredprobationofficerandaviolinistwalkintoanursinghomesoundslikethebeginningofajoke.Inreality,theyarealloneandthesame:ElizabethChurchManorvolunteerArthurGregory.

TheBinghamtonresidenthasbeenplayingviolinatElizabethChurchManor’sWednesdayandSundayworshipservicesforthreeyears.HeandhiswifeMarthahadbeenmarriedfor59yearswhenshepassedawayatElizabethChurchManorin2009.Andalthoughshewasaresidentforlessthanayear,Gregoryfelthewantedtocontinuevolunteering.Heexplained,“Aftermywifedied,IaskedRev.Janetifshecouldstilluseaviolinistforservices,andshesaidyes.Igetakickoutofitandtheresidentsseemtoenjoyit–it’sfuntoplayalongforhymnsingsandservices.”

Gregorytookuptheviolinat16,andhasbeenplayingthesameinstrument–ahoney-coloredviolinmadein1909–sincehisviolinteachergaveittohimasagiftwhenhegraduatedhighschoolinFerndale,NewYork.

Asaninstrumentalistfortwoworshipservicesweekly,it’snosurprisethatGregoryisalsoanactivesupporterofUnitedMethodistHomes’chaplaincyprogram,makingregulardonationsthatenablechaplainstoprovidevitalpastoralcareandinterpersonalcounselingtoresidentsandstaff.SaidElizabethChurchCampusChaplainJanetAbel,“DonorsandvolunteerslikeArtarereallytheheartandsoulofourpastoralcareprogram.Weareexceptionallygratefulforhisdedication.”

Visit United Methodist Homes’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/UnitedMH to see more photos and view video of Gregory playing his violin. To see the video, click on Photos, then choose “Videos” at the top of that page next to “United Methodist Homes Albums.”

Arthur Gregory playing his violin at the July 11 Wednesday hymn sing and worship service at Elizabeth Church Manor. Residents joined together to sing “Amazing Grace,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “In the Garden” and other favorites.

Get Inspired By Walking!AspartofUnitedMethodistHomes’wellnessinitiative,WesleyVillagehasanewwalkingpaththatstaff,residentsandvisitorscanuse.Thepathfeaturesbenchesaswellassomeoutdoorfitnessequipment(onorder),anddecorativegardenwindmillsprovidedbySocialWorkerEllenMachovec.Thepath’sedgesaregracedbyavarietyofplants,herbsandflowers,plantedbyActivityDirectorTamiChesniak,AssistantActivityDirectorShelliRatchfordandHealthInformationCoordinatorRandiSmith.MaintenanceAssistantJoeMaslarbuiltflowerboxes,setupawateringsystemandcontinuestohelpmaintaintheflowersandplants.Asaspecialsurprise,ActivityLeaderMaryAnnBattista(pictured)donatedinspirationstoneswhichshehand-paintedespeciallyforthewalkingpath.Sayingsinclude“healthiswealth,”“successisyours,”“giveityourall”andmore.Notetowalkers:Keepaneyeoutforthecampus’residentturkeys!Theyaregettingusedtoseeingpeopleonthepathandarenotshyaboutjoiningyou!

SEASONS ~ JULY 2012

PAGE 4

Whetheryou’realong-termcarecommunitystaffmember,aresidentfamilymember,avolunteerorhavesomeotherroleinteractingwithoctogenariansandnonagenarians,youmayatsomepointrunintoasituationthatmakesyoufeellikealosttouristwhodoesn’tspeakthelanguage.Why does Mrs. Smith think that way about a certain topic? Why does Mr. Jones have that habit? Why is this issue so important? Itallboilsdownto“youarewhoyouwerewhen.”Forexample,ifyougrewupduringtheDepressionwhenfoodwaspreciousandnotacrumbwaswasted,throwingawayhalfasandwichisabigdeal–eventhoughit’snottothehigh-schoolagedietaryworkerclearingthediningtable.Let’stakeanin-depthlookattheexperiencesthathavemadetheClassof’43whotheyare.

Their Childhoods

Asbabies,membersoftheClassof’43werediaperedwithcloth;littlegirls–bornwiththerighttovote–playedwithdollsandlittleboysplayedwithtoytrains.Mostclassmembersgrewupinruralareasoronfarms,manywithoutelectricity.Whentheygraduatedfrompencilstoink,theyusedfountainpens,notballpoints.Duringtheirchildhoods,itwaslikelythattheirfamiliesgatheredeachnightfordinner,andthenlistenedtoLowellThomasreadthenightlynewsontheradio.Everyonemightthenplaycardsuntilitwastimeforbed.Diningoutwasararetreat–perhapsonceeveryfewyears–duetothecost,availabilityofgasolineandotherfactors.Musiccameon78rpmrecords,newscameviatheradioorthenewspaper,andpersonalcommunicationtookplacebymailorinararephoneconversation,probablyonapartyline.MorethantwicethenumberofwomenintheClassof’43finishedhighschoolcomparedtotheirmothers,andmorethandoublethenumberofmencompletedfouryearsofcollegeascomparedtotheirfathers.Althoughworldwidehealthemergenciessimilartothe1918SpanishflupandemichavenotbeenpartoftheClassof’43’sexperience,mostclassmemberslikelyknewatleastonepersonwhohadpolio.

Their Adulthoods

TheformativeexperiencefortheClassof’43wasWorldWarII.WhethertheyfoughtintheEuropeanorPacificTheaters,servedstateside,workedinawarmaterielindustryorkeptthehomefiresburning,thewarindeliblycoloredtheirlives.Whethertheytiedtheknotbefore,duringorjustafterthewar,theClassof’43marriedyoung–almost68%ofmeninthisgroupweremarriedbyage25,andjustover83%ofwomeninthegroupweremarriedbythesameage.Surprisingnumbersofwomenintheclass(10.2millionofthem,comparedtojust4.5millionoftheirmothers)remainedintheworkforceaftermarriageand,insomecases,afterhavingchildren.

Changes for the Class of ‘43

Lifehaschangeddramaticallyfortheseindividuals,nowintheireighthandninthdecadesoflife.Forstarters,theyarelivingmuchlongerthantheyexpectedto–accordingtoa2006publicationbytheCongressionalResearchService,life

Understanding Generational Differences Continued from page 1

expectancyfortheClassof’43’sparentswasonlyaboutage50.Antibiotics,introducedwhentheclasswasinelementaryschool,ledtoaneight-yearjumpinlifeexpectancy;employer-sponsoredhealthinsurancedebutedinthe1940s.Beginninginthe1950s,commercialaviationdrasticallydecreasedtransittimesandsoundedthedeathknellforocean-goingvesselsastheprimaryformofinternationaltravel.Televisionbecamecommonstartinginthelate1950sandtheinternetdebutedinthe1990s,bothkeepingAmericanspluggedintoseeminglythewholeworldallthetime.Contrastthiswithachildhoodinthe1930s:SaidHighlandsresidentDanKnight,“AsakidIdon’trememberwantinganythingIdidn’thave–therewasnotelevisionwithcommercialstellingyouwhatyoushouldaskfor.”AddedHilltopresidentDorisBennett,“Therewasnomoneyforextrastuffanyway.”

Classmembers,usedtotheproximityoffamily,mayhavebeendisappointedwhentheiradultchildrenmovedtoothertowns,otherstatesoreventheoppositecoast.Consequently,manyclassmembershavenothadtheopportunitytobuildthesamekindofrelationshipswiththeirgrandchildrenthattheyfondlyrememberhavingwiththeirowngrandparents.Oneofthebiggest–yetsubtle–changesfortheClassof’43isaperceiveddeclineinmannersanddress.Mannersareextremelyimportanttothisgeneration,includingbeingsolicitousofguests,saying“please”and“thankyou,”andnotcollectivelyreferringtoamixedgroupofmenandwomenas“youguys.”Classmembersrecallmenwearingsuitjacketsandhats,andwomenwearingdressesandgloves.Evenonadaywhennothingspecialishappening,classmembersmaintainacertainlevelofformalityintheirdress.

To Learn More

Ifyou’dliketolearnmoreabouthowdifferentgenerationsviewtheworld,visitthePopulationReferenceBureauonlineatwww.prb.org(especiallyVolume64,Issue1ofthePopulation Bulletin,titled“20thCenturyUSGenerations,”March2009–choosethe“DoingResearch?”tabonthemainpageandPopulationBulletinsfromthedrop-downmenu)ortheUSCensusBureauatwww.census.gov.

Thank you to the United Methodist Homes residents who provided their own insights into “the Class of ’43,” especially those who reviewed early drafts of the text.

Staff, residents, family members and friends of the organization are invited to join

United Methodist Homes’ 2012 Walk to End Alzheimer’s team!

The walk is Sunday, September 23 at Otsiningo Park in Binghamton.

Sign up online at www.alzcny.org

Get ready to walk!

SEASONS ~ JULY 2012

PAGE 5

Around the Block .Continued from page 2

ground;thecauseofthefirewasneverdetermined.Thechurchwasrebuilt,andBilldesignedthepatternforthecustom-mademainstainedglasswindow.Billthenservedforsixyearsasdistrictsuperintendent,thenthecouplewenttoTunkhannock,whereReidservedasassociatepastor.ShealsoputherordinationtoworkwithsmallchurchassignmentsatHuntsville,Courtdale,BeaverMeadowsandEatonville,fromwhichsheretired.

Billpassedawayin2007,andReidmovedtoWesleyVillagenotlongafter.Sherecalls,“AfriendwhocametoBill’sfuneralsaidtomeinthereceivingline,‘YoushouldgotoWesleyVillage.Theyhavethesenewindependentlivingsuites,andthere’sanopenhouse.I’llcomepickyouupandtakeyou.’Shedid,andItooktheapartmentonthespot!”ReidmovedtotheTunkhannockCampusinJanuary2012tobeclosertohertwochildrenwhostillliveinPennsylvania.“IservedhereasachaplainwhenIwasstillworking,andthought,ifIeverneedpersonalcare,that’swhereIwanttogo!”

Reidisthankfulforherfamily,saying“there’snolackoflittleones!”–shehassixgrandchildrenandsixgreat-grandchildren.Shecitespatienceasthemostimportantthingtolearnandpracticeinlife,andsaysit’shelpfulinacommunallivingsituation:“Everythingcan’talwaysgoyourway,andeverythingdoesn’thappenonyourschedule.Butifyou’repatient,youcanenjoythosewaitingtimes.”

To make a suggestion for the Around the Block series, contact Sarah Soden, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, at (607) 775-6400, ext. 288. Residents are welcome to suggest themselves!

Speech.Therapist.Receives.Award amesG.JohnstonMemorialNursingHomeSpeech LanguagePathologistKarrieKlock,MSCCC-SLP,wasrecognizedasSunDanceRehabilitation’sNortheastDivisionalResidentAdvocateoftheYear.SheacceptedtheawardataspecialcelebrationonJuly11.

Klockwasselectedduetohercommitmenttototalresidentcareasdemonstratedbyday-to-dayworkinthespeechtherapydiscipline.SunDance,whichprovidesrehabilitationservicesforUnitedMethodistHomes,presentstheawardannuallytorecognizeoutstandingemployeecontributionandinnovativeideasthathelptofulfillthecompany’sfocusonservingresidentsandtheirfamilies.ShehasworkedatHilltopsince2006.

SaidHilltopRehabilitationProgramManagerLindseyStanton,MSOTR/L,“Karriegivestoourresidentswillinglyonadailybasis.Sheembodiesourmissionbyservingwithskill,compassionandrespect.”

Congratulations,Karrie!

Speech Language Pathologist Karrie Klock (left) and Rehabilitation Manager Lindsey Stanton pose with the poster heralding Klock’s award.

It’s.never.too.late.to.go.to.the.senior.prom!In May, residents welcomed Pittston Area High School student council members to the Wesley Village Campus for the much-anticipated annual “senior” prom. The juniors and seniors brought along refreshments and crowns for the residents named prom king and queen. Attendees boogied to oldies and dance favorites played by Tom Rogo. Partridge-Tippett Nursing Facility resident and queen Betty Williams (seated at left) and Anderson Personal Care resident and king Tad Cheshelski (seated at right) are shown with the students. Thank you for coming!

Get your groove on!The weather is hot outside, and the beat is hot inside at St. Louise Manor! Residents learned a new skill – poi twirling – during their latest monthly drumming class with Elizabeth Orleski. Originating in New Zealand, poi is the Maori word for “ball on a cord,” and poi is a juggling form that involves swinging the balls around the body. For seniors, poi twirling offers good arm exercise, strength-building in the wrists, and practice at hand-eye coordination. The St. Louise twirlers used knee socks with tennis balls in the toes as their poi. Residents (from left) Denise Simmons, Marge Tyarks and Millie Zimmer are shown getting into their poi twirling groove!

J

SEASONS ~ JULY 2012

PAGE 6

ShortsChiefFinancialOfficerGaryGardner,WesleyVillageCampusAssistantAdministratorDanielleJaneski,WesleyVillageCampusAdministratorJohnLopatka,FinanceDirectorShaneMcGuire,PresidentandCEO-ElectBrianPicchiniandWesleyVillageDirectorofNursingPattVitaleattendedtheLeadingAgePAannualconferenceinHershey,Pennsylvania,fromJune27-29.Sessionsincludedlegalupdates,seniorhousingdesigninnovations,clinicalleadership,preventionofseriousadverseevents,diningservicestransformationandmore.

PublicRelationsandMarketingDirectorSarahSodenwasfeaturedinanarticletitled“VIPs(VeryInterestedProfessionals)MakeBenchmarkingVisitstoShellPoint”intheJulyissueofShell Point Life, thepublicationofShellPointRetirementCommunityinFortMyers,Florida.SodentouredthecommunitywithDavidMoreland,Vice-PresidentofSalesandMarketingforShellPoint,whileonvacationinFloridainApril.

Your Rights at the HospitalUnderstanding terminology and what it means for youIfyou’reolderandneedtogotothehospitalunexpectedly,thingsarealreadycomplicatedenough.Youmaybethinkingaboutthepotentialneedtochangeyourlevelofcareoncampusafterahospitalstay,wonderingifsomeonewilltellyourfellowbookclubmemberswhereyouare,andwhowillwateryourplants.Ifallthatisn’tenough,there’sanotherwrinkle:Howyourhospitalstayisclassifiedmattersforthefinancialcoverageofsubsequentcare.

AJune22articleinThe New York Times NewOldAgeblog(http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com)focusedonthissubject.Althoughahospitalstayforanolderpersonmaylooklikeatraditionalinpatientadmission(hospitalbracelet,gown,callbell–thewholenineyards),onpaperthestaymayactuallybeclassifiedassomethingcalled“observationdays.”Thismeansthatthepatientisneveractuallyadmitted,whichimpactseligibilityforapotentialskillednursingadmissionandcoverageofthehospitalstayitself,whichcanrunintothetensofthousandsofdollars.Andobservationstaysareontherise–arecentBrownUniversitystudyshowedthattheyincreased25percentfrom2007to2009.

Howdomedicalprofessionalsdeterminethedifference?Patientsareevaluatedusingoneoftwoclinicalinstruments–calledtheINTERQUALandMillimanscales–todeterminethemedicalnecessityofanadmission,suchasabnormalvitalsigns,testresultsindicatinganeedfortreatment,ordeteriorationinconditionsincearrival.SaidUnitedMethodistHomesComplianceOfficerDonPrutisto,“Thesescalesdon’tgivemuchleeway–patientsmeetadmissionscriteriaornot.”

Ifyou’reatthehospital–whetherintheemergencyroomoraregularpatientroom–formorethanafewhours,ahospitalrepresentativeshouldtellyouwhetheryouhavebeenadmittedorarebeingobserved.Ifyou’renotinformed,youshouldaskinordertoverifyyourstatus.Medicarehasanappealprocesstoarbitrateadmissionorobservationdeterminationsafterastayisover.

Formoreinformation,viewaMedicarebrochureonthesubjectatwww.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/11435.pdf.

Special Thanks for SupportFollowingthetriviacompetitionoftheSeniorOlympics,hostedattheHilltopCampusinJune,ActivityDirectorFayeClarkandherstafftookamomenttorecognizeHilltopAdministratorJerryHalbertwithaframedphoto.Thephoto’smatboardwassignedbymorethan150Hilltopstaffandresidents,mostlyoveraseveral-dayperiodwhileHalbertwasataconference.SaidClark,“SeveralofmystaffandIattendedanactivityconference,andwerealizedthatnotalladministratorsareasflexibleorassupportiveof‘out-of-the-box’ideasasJerryis,andwewantedhimtoknowhowgratefulweareforboththosethings!”Halbertwassurprisedbythegiftandveryappreciative.

Shown are (from left) Activity Leader Jessica Scott, Activity Coordinator Denise Reilly, Clark, Halbert, and Activity Leaders Adriane Hotchkiss, Christa McEwan and Rebecca Smith.

Donating to the HomesIf you would like to make a donation or

consider a planned gift to United Methodist Homes, please call President and CEO Keith

Chadwick at (607) 775-6400, ext. 280.Checks may be mailed to 10 Acre Place,

Binghamton, NY 13904.

SEASONS ~ JULY 2012

Letters.of.Appreciation

To.the.Wesley.Village.CampusThankstoLindsayCooper,wehadagoodtourofthefacilitiesinJune.Welikedwhatwesaw,heardandread.AtthistimeIamapplyingforresidency.

To.the.Hilltop.CampusThankyoutoReverendsLeaHardingandDianePrenticeforyourwonderfulministrytothefrailandelderlyandthefamilieswholovethem.Ourfamilywastouchedbyyourkindnotecommemoratingthesix-monthmarkafterourmother’spassing.Wewerecomfortedbyyourpersonalnotes,whichreflectedhowwellyouknewherintheshorttimeshewasaresident.TheHilltopcommunitywasandremainsspecialtousforitslovingandcaringembrace.YouractionsspeaklouderthananywordsandwecontinuouslyspreadthegoodnewsofHilltoptoallwemeet.

To.the.Elizabeth.Church.Campus.from.Beads.of.CouragePleaseacceptoursinceregratitudeforyourgenerousdonationtoourprogram.Individualslikeyouhelpusworkwithover30,000childrenworldwidewhohavecancerorotherseriousillnesses.Amemberhospitalrecentlysentusthefollowingnote:“Pleasepassalongthatthelastshipmentofcouragebeadswasespeciallyspectacular!Ahugethankyoutoalltheartistswhoparticipate!”

(See page 8 of the May 2012 issue of Seasons for more on how the campus contributed to Beads of Courage.)

To.the.Wesley.Village.CampusIwouldliketothankWesleyVillagestaffandnurses,especiallyaideDonna,LPNEllen,nurseWendyanddietarystafferTina.MyauntlivesinMyersManorandherhusbandrecentlypassedaway.Inhertimeofneed,yourstaffcameforwardtoassistinsomanyways,andwewantedtosaythanks.Itmadeahugedifference.

To.the.Tunkhannock.CampusIwouldliketothankActivityDirectorTerryWhiteandherassistantDanaforthewonderfuljobtheydoinactivities.Theyencouragetheresidentstotakepartintheactivitiesandshowmuchloveandcompassion.I’msogratefulforthem.

Therapy Dog’s Special AnniversaryOn June 12, Tunkhannock Campus residents were pleased to welcome seven-year-old therapy dog Jake and his handler Dave Overbeck to campus for Jake’s 150th senior facility visit! Overbeck rescued Jake in 2005 from a golden retriever rescue group in North Carolina. After completing a wide variety of training courses, including obedience, Canine Good Citizen, and therapy dog certification, the pair began making visits to senior facilities and hospitals in 2007. They typically make five visits per week, giving obedience demonstrations and interacting with residents and patients. Tunkhannock Activity Director Terry White recalls one of Jake’s especially interesting tricks: “Last year, Dave’s grandchildren made small Christmas presents for each resident. Jake had learned how to put the boxes into a basket and then bring the basket around to each resident for them to take out a gift!” Resident Lillian Davis watches as Jake and Overbeck do a demonstration during their 150th visit – and if we’re not mistaken, it even looks like Jake is smiling. Congratulations, Jake and Dave!

To.the.Wesley.Village.Campus.from.a.residentIwouldliketoacknowledgeandthankSocialWorkerEllenMachovecforallthehelpandcourtesiessheextendstome.

To.the.Hilltop.CampusThankyoutoSocialWorkerAlesiaBeecherandUnitOneManagerDonnaFreeman.Mymotherhasexperiencedsuchasmoothtransitioninhermovetoskillednursing.LastnightbeforeIleftshelookedaroundherroomandcommentedthatshe“reallylikedherroom.”Shesaid,“Itisnicehereandthepeopletreatmewell.”Bothofyouhaveworkedveryhardtohelpmymotherandourfamilyadjusttohernewlife.Weallthankyou.

To.the.Hilltop.CampusMymotherandsisterhavebeenHilltopresidentsforthelastthreeyears,andmysisterpassedawayinmid-June.TheSTARUnitstaffassistedmysisterandme,whichinturnallowedmetosupportmy90-year-oldmom.ThecompassionateSTARUnitstaffdideverythingpossibletomakemysistercomfortable,andseveralwerewithmetosupportmeasIwatchedhertakeherlastbreath.STARUnitstaff–nurses,aides,activitystaff,socialworkers,housekeeping,maintenance,everyone–workharderthananyIhaveseen.Eachpersonisequallyimportant–onlytheirinteractionasateamkeepstheoperationsmoothandefficient.Theyarespecialpeople,filledwithgenuineconcernfortheresidentsforwhomtheyprovidesuchtendercare.Thefinely-tunedteamonHilltop’sfirst-floorwestassistedlivingunitatHilltopwentfarbeyondexpectationsinhelpingmymomfeelloved.Shespentthelastthreeyearswatchingheryoungestchildrapidlydeclineanddie–anightmarenoparentshouldhavetoexperience.WeweregivenallthehelpweneededinordertogetMomthroughtheviewing,funeralandstressofmeetingsomanypeople.Theirhardwork,dedicationandcompassionmustbecommended.IsincerelythankUnitedMethodistHomesforprovidingaplacewherethecareisoutstanding,thestaffiskindandwherepeoplegobeyondwhatisexpectedtomakesomeone’slifealittlebetter.OnbehalfofmybrotherandI,pleaseacceptoursinceregratitude.

NonprofitOrganizationU.S.Postage

PAIDPermitNo.197Binghamton,NY

ispublishedmonthlyforthestaff,residents,familymembers,friendsandcampusneighborsofUnitedMethodistHomes.PleasedirectallinquiriesaboutSeasonstoSarahSoden,DirectorofMarketingandPublicRelations,at10AcrePlace,Binghamton,NY13904.Ifyounolongerwishtoreceivethispublication,pleasecallSarahat(607)775-6400,ext.288.Ifyouarereceivingduplicatecopiesofthenewsletter,pleaseletusknowsowecanamendthemailinglist.

Visitourwebsiteatwww.unitedmethodisthomes.orgtoviewcontactinformationforeachcampus,aswellasmonthlyactivitycalendars,newsreleases,ortoviewbackissuesofthenewsletterelectronically.

VisitourFacebookPageforupdates,eventinfoandphotos.Gotowww.facebook.com/UnitedMH.

Corporate Office10 Acre PlaceBinghamton, NY 13904

UNITED METHODIST HOMES

Interact with us on

Independence Day at Grand Care

Language, literacy and art are important even for the youngest among us! Babies in the infant room at the Grand Care Children’s Center at Hilltop enjoyed special Independence Day activities in July, including a reading of the book Red, WhiteandBlue,ILoveYou,and a foot-painting project called “March for Our Country.” For many of the babies, this was their first art project! Six-month-old Michael N. (above, left)is shown enjoying storytime, and three-month-old Cecelia (above, right) is shown working on her painting project with Lead Teacher Laura Jensen.

The Fabulous Fourth!

No matter your age, it wouldn’t be Independence Day without a rocket pop! Wesley Village residents enjoyed a picnic capped off with the frozen treats. Showing their red, white and blue spirit are (from left) residents Margaret (Doris) Davies, Elizabeth Carriero and Margaret Nowakowski.