DORCHESTER COUNTY COMMISSION ON THE AGING, INC. Pleasant Thoughts VOLUME 20, ISSUE 9 S EPTEMBER 2013 Bringing Loved Ones Home Isn t that a comforting thought; especially if you have a loved one who may wander. In the United States, there are approximately 5 million persons with Alzheimer's disease and over 50% of these people will wander away and become lost. How sad and scary is that? Project Life Saver, whose motto is Bringing Loved Ones Home is a service offered for free by the The Project Life Saver is displayed at. Pictured are Sgt. Gary Blades, Sheriff James Phillips, Ray Parker, Safety-Transportation Manager, and Jackie Vickers, Executive Director. Dorchester County Sheriff s Office. The Sheriff s Office provides a transmitter in the form of a personalized wristband, emitting a silent signal every second, 24 hours a day. This signal is tracked on the ground and air over several miles. Each wristband has a unique frequency so Project Live Saver can quickly locate the person who has wandered off. And remember, there is no cost, however, there are conditions: The client must be a resident of Dorchester County and must have a legally responsible caregiver to enroll the client into the program; clients and caregivers must abide by the conditions of the program contract and complete the application process. When caregiver s notify the Sheriff s Office that a loved one is missing, a trained deputy responds and, begins the search, using specialized tracking equipment. Utilizing this technology, search times have been reduced from hours to minutes, averaging less than 30 minutes. Again, it is all about Bringing Loved Ones Home. During the day, provides, at no additional cost, a wandering guard for participants who have a propensity to wander. But this only works while a participant is at. Project Life Saver is a 24-hour program, and there is no cost, just a commitment to keeping your loved one safe. For more information on Project Life Saver, contact Sgt. John Stichberry or Lt. Jeffrey Biskach at the Sheriff s Office. Sheriff James Phillips Jr. says the safety of the citizens of Dorchester is our highest priority, so while Alzheimer s disease is the most frequent reason, Autism, Down Syndrome and other disorders that cause chronic wandering are also eligible. Call 410-228-4141 for more information. SU Program Medical Adult Day Care is pleased to announce an agreement with Salisbury University; for the second year, welcoming Salisbury University nursing students who will get clinical experience. The students under the tutelage of Debra Webster, Associate Professor and Associate Chair in Jackie Vickers, Executive Director, with Debra Webster, EDd, RN, BC of Salisbury the Department of Nurs- University, and Lisa Lewis, RN Director. ing, will spend one eight hour day each week at where they will put into practice what they have learned in nursing theory. Eight Salisbury Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing students will focus on the prevention of, and the nursing care related to, psychosocial problems of individuals and families and will include therapeutic communication with clients with psychosocial needs in the community. Their assignments while at will include assessments of physical and mental health needs, group, individual and family teaching, communication, medication administration, physical care, etc. It is a privilege to work with Salisbury University and the nursing students. It is exciting to know that there are going to be nurses going out into the field with a working knowledge of medical adult day care, style.
Pleasant Thoughts Page 2 A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Each year since Medical Adult Day Care opened, National Adult Day Care Week has been celebrated during the third week of September. This week, like every other week, wants to get the word out regarding what a great service provides. Adult Jackie J. Vickers Day services acts as an alternative or supplement to home care and an alternative to moving into assisted living or a nursing home to receive care. Nationwide, medical adult day care has grown rapidly from 2000 centers in 1989 to 4600 centers in 2009. Some of this growth can be attributed to the increase in the aging population. Mostly though it is because medical adult day care allows individuals to remain in their homes rather than be institutionalized, which is what the majority of caregivers and care recipients desire. And there is cost; Medical Adult Day Care, providing nursing care, breakfast, lunch and snack, activities, interaction with peers, trips in the community (even to Ocean City) transportation, social worker assistance, physical therapy, while still living at home and with family, costs about 50% less than nursing home care. Adult Day services are effective in reducing burden, worry, anger and depression of caregivers. But most important is that case controlled studies suggest that adult day services improves health-related quality of life for participants. That is the result that strives to achieve each and every day and the reason to come to work. opened in March of 1987, licensed for 16 participants, and has grown and moved into a state of the art medical adult day care center licensed for 100 participants. Thanks to everyone for your support over these 26 years. Smile and the whole world smiles with you. Front Yard Picnic Labor Day - September 2 nd will be celebrating Labor Day on September 2 nd with the last Front Yard Picnic of the year. Shelley Abbott and Tina Krahn will be performing a mini-concert from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. Bring your lawn chair and picnic lunch. Hot dogs will be for sale for $1.00. will supply the entertainment and refreshing iced tea. OPEN TO PUBLIC. FREE ADMISSION. Shelley Abbott (right) and Tina Krahn performing at the July 4th Front Yard Picnic. Pleasant Thoughts Is a publication of The Dorchester County Commission on the Aging, Inc. for the general public and members of the Medical Adult Day Care Center A Place Like Home 2474 Cambridge Beltway ~ Cambridge, MD 21613 410-228-0190/410-476-3100 www.pleasantday.com care@pleasantday.com Edited by Betty Ruark editor@pleasantday.com Autumn begins September 22
Pleasant Thoughts Page 3 Elks Donation Missy LeCompte, Activity Coordinator of Medical Adult Day Care accepts a check from Gage Thomas, Board Chair of the Cambridge Elks #1272. This donation is to assist to provide interesting and exciting activities for the participants. These funds help support activity programs that include art, music, and ceramic classes, all of which help the Pleasant Day participants stay active and engaged. Stimulation of the mind is an important piece of healthy aging. What do pigs put on sore toes? Oinkment How do you make a tissue dance? Put a little boogey in it How can you tell if a calendar is popular? It has a lot of dates The Dorchester County Commission on the Aging, Inc. Board of Directors Medical Adult Day Care Center Hubert Trego, President Tom Wilson, Vice President Howardene Brem, Secretary Sam Shelly, Treasurer Steve Disharoon Jane Hessler Katherine Hubbard Kelly Jackson Barbara Marsh Jill Vincent Philip D Adamo - Lifetime Helen Combes - Lifetime Evelyn Robinson - Lifetime Joke Corner What happened when the cow jumped over the barbed wire fence? It was an udder catastrophe What did the porcupine say to the cactus? Is that you Mama? Dorchester Showcase Have you ever celebrated Christmas in July? Pleasant Day participants did; everything but the presents! Even some wreaths were made and the Festival of Wreaths committee met to start planning the 14 th Annual Festival of Wreaths that begins on November 14 thorough the Holiday Gala on December 5. As a preview to that, wreaths will be displayed at the Dorchester Showcase on September 22 - one lucky person will win a wreath donated by designer, Jack Helgeson of Choptank Charlie s Emporium. To see the wreath up close and personal, stop into Jack s shop at 533 Poplar Street and put your name in to win. On September 22, the wreath and tickets will move to the booth at the Showcase so people will have another opportunity to sign up. The drawing will take place at the end of the Showcase and you don t have to be present to win. During the 2012 Dorchester Showcase, there was interest in purchasing the wreaths on display, especially the Autumn wreaths. This year the hand crafted fall wreaths on display will be for sale. There are only about 6-8 fall wreaths so come early to get your pick; while you are there, put your name in to win the Jack Helgeson s wreath and buy a 50/50 ticket that will be drawn during the Holiday Benefit Gala on December 5th. Last year s lucky ticket holder, Craig Harmon, won $405. A nice little pot of extra Christmas cash and you don t have to be present to win. Adult Day Services Week Schedule September 15 - September 21 Monday: The Sixth Annual Pianothon will be held. See page 8 for the list of volunteer pianist who will be performing piano music all day. Tuesday: Participants will be going on a all day picnic at Great Marsh in Cambridge for a picnic lunch, fun, and activities. Wednesday: Autumn Hat Fashion Show - Hats will be created in the morning and modeled in the afternoon. Thursday: Square dancing with the Dorchester Swingers in the morning and Debbie Yost and leader dog, Katey presentation in the afternoon. Friday: VFW#7460 Annual Crab Feast - Following the crab feast will be a trip to Dairy Queen for ice cream. Saturday: Trip to view the Choptank Heritage Skipjack Race, followed by a picnic lunch at Sailwinds Park.
Pleasant Thoughts Page 4 Stroke Support The fourth Thursday of every month, Pleasant Day hosts a Stroke Survivors Support Group meeting. The meeting is open to the public and is led by Tish Wallace, Admissions Coordinator of. This past month, Lacie Yacko, Occupational Therapist of University of Maryland Shore Regional Health at Cambridge, presented information to the participants and also demonstrated assistive devices for everyday living; i.e. tying your shoes. The meetings are held from 1:00-2:00 on the fourth Thursday. Please call Tish Wallace at 410-228-0190 for more information. Computers Need Upgrading Send an email to your grandson? Visit the Vatican in Rome? Play bowling on-line? Your granddaughter just had a baby girl and you received the picture just hours after her birth is this possible? The answer to all is yes, with the assistance of the participant computer lab. This lab, with five stations, gives participants the enjoyment of everything a computer has to offer. It has been open for 5 years but it s time to update. Research has found the benefits of the computer system to be many for our participants, whether it s a young adult with a brain injury or an energetic 85 year old who still wants to learn and have fun. One of the greatest benefits is being able to keep the participant in communication with family near and far. It also allows folks to use their creativity using programs such as greeting card creation or painting; from Facebook to Twitter, making on-line purchases, doing genealogy research or even using the Webcam to Skype with family across the country. All stations are connected to high-speed internet allowing participant computer lab virtual access to almost anything and anywhere. The computer lab provides a lifelong learning opportunity for the younger folks, as well as the elderly. The lab is now down to three stations that are struggling to run. All equipment has come from hand-me-down donations when people buy new equipment for themselves. Volunteer instructors to spend an hour or two, per week, to teach computer basics, such as using email, the internet, research techniques, etc. are needed. Currently, we have a waiting list to use the lab and we anticipate, with the constant increase of baby boomers reaching the age where they will need medical adult day care, the demand for technology will grow. We have participants now who want to stream videos, connect their mp3 players, record themselves playing the guitar and singing, etc. We can do all of these things, but we need more current hard/software to meet these requests. To re-establish the computer lab we need five towers, monitors (large and diminishing eyesight friendly), mouse(s), keyboards, webcams, earphones, microphones and other peripherals. Can you help? Call Ray at 410-228-0190, ext. 106 if you d be willing to make a donation. Article by Ray Parker, Facilities-Safety Manager at
Pa ge 5 Pl ea sa nt Th ou g hts Happenings at What s Up with Missy Participants are enjoying the shade while waiting for peach ice cream at the Antioch Peach Festival. September is exploding with so many exciting new things to do. Topics to be discussed this month include: AKC Dog ownership and guide dogs, American news, back to school, better breakfast, cholesterol education, fall hats, fruits and veggies, healthy aging, jazz, the library, biscuits, chicken, honey, Friday the 13th, coupons, food safety, the ice cream sandwich, piano playing, pain awareness, southern gospel music, square dancing, and whole grains. The Veterans Recognition trip is scheduled for Saturday, September 7th at Sailwinds Park in Cambridge to honor our Veterans. If you would like to participate, please see Missy. National Adult Day Care Services week is Sunday, September 15 - Saturday, September 21. Every day will be fun filled. The annual crab feast is scheduled for Friday, September 20th. We would really like to spend September with you! As always, Thank you and Have a! Article by Missy LeCompte, Activities Coordinator at. Ann Phillips, (left) Executive Director of Dorchester County Historical Society, described the items in a old farmhouse kitchen as participants took a tour of the exhibits. Above Left: Sneaks the Cat, from the Dorchester County Library, visited. Kim Brohawn welcomed him, or is it her? Above: Julianna Pax, spoke to participants about nutrition, with fresh fruits and vegetables. Her presentation also involved a demonstration by line dancers from the YMCA exercise class, with their shirts representing fresh fruits and vegetables. Pictured are (left to right) Ching Stanton, Brenda Simmons, Kay Karminski, Carole Kramer, Debbie Roe, Sandra Strauss, and Julianna. Julianna Pax has a PhD in nutrition science and is a retired chemistry and nutrition science teacher. Left: Although not the winning team, Amyia Johnson, Lisa Lewis, and Phil Everson had fun during the Cake war challenge. Right: Ed Fletcher played his electronic accordion for the participants enjoyment. Far Right: The weather was perfect for a trip to the Dorchester County Pool. Answer to trivia question: Daybreak Above Right: Participants went to the Uncle Pete Show at the Dorchester County Library. Chris Wolfe danced with the music.
Pleasant Thoughts Page 6 Nurses Corner by Lisa Lewis, RN, Director Alzheimer s Disease September 21 is recognized yearly as World Alzheimer Day. It is a day to increase global awareness about Alzheimer's. Each year the day focuses on a single message. The 2013 message is a journey of caring. Alzheimer s disease, the most common form of dementia, is an irreversible progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and the ability to carry out the simplest task. Fisher Center for Alzheimer s Research Foundation states every 68 seconds someone develops Alzheimer s Disease. Experts suggest that as many as 5.1 million Americans are living with Alzheimer s. There is currently no cure for the disease. The number of people affected is set to rise to over 115 million by 2050, if no cure is found (Alzheimer's Disease International). With the increases in life span and baby boomers coming of age, more support for Alzheimer research and care is needed. Most symptoms of Alzheimer s appear after the age of 60. The first warning sign is memory loss. There are three stages of the disease: mild, moderate, and severe. Mild Alzheimer problems can include getting lost, difficulty managing money, repeating questions, taking longer to complete regularly tasks, poor judgment, and mood changes. Moderate Alzheimer's have difficulty recognizing friends and family and begin with behavioral issues (delusional, paranoia, hallucinating, impulsivity). During the severe stages, the affected person is unable to communicate and is dependent on others for care. Research suggests that environmental lifestyle factors can put people at risk for the disease. New research suggests that a well balanced diet, physical activity, social engagement, and mentally stimulating activities may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer s disease. Treating the disease can be very complex, requiring many interventions. Current approaches in treatment include helping people maintain mental function, managing behavioral symptoms, slowing or delaying the symptoms, and supporting families and caregivers. Alzheimer s disease is often called a family disease, because the chronic stress of watching a loved one slowly declining affects everyone. Medical Adult Day Care is able to provide a journey of care from the center to the participant and the caregivers. The participant can receive care Monday through Saturday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Services provided are two nutritious meals and a snack, physical/mental stimulating activities, assistance with ADL s (activities of daily living) and socialization. The caregivers can benefit from respite service and monthly support groups provided by social worker/guest speaker. Computer Tips Ever have trouble finding the symbols to insert in documents, like a registration mark and copyright mark? Here is a shortcut - while holding down the shift key, hit the left parenthesis key, type the letter r, then hit right parenthesis key, hit enter - it changes automatically to. You can also use it for (copyright) by selecting c instead of r. APPS!!! My pet peeve! We ve all heard about them. It s short for Applications or software, most of which nowadays runs on our dumb smart phones. There are literally tens of thousands out there for different Smart phone platforms, like Blackberry, Android, IOS, etc. (I used my computer tip from the first paragraph.) Many are free, some we pay for to do almost anything you want, from tracking our footsteps, getting directions, losing weight, etc. ARE THEY SAFE??? My personal opinion is probably not - try reading the fine print that most of us ignore because we re so excited to get that free App! They can possibly have access to your phone s passwords, contacts, account numbers, etc., especially those so-called free apps. Ask yourself - is that newfangled App really worth it? Article by Ray Parker, Facilities-Safety Manager at
Pl ea sa nt Th ou g hts Pa ge 7 Staff In-Service Addie Eckardt, APRN-BC provided education for an inservice for staff. The subject was Mental Health/Mental Illness. Staff was taught how to recognize and manage the symptoms of behaviors of individuals with brain disorders, schizophrenia, and more. Veterans Recognition Day September 7, 2013 will be at Sailwinds Park displaying Robert Beck s WWII memorabilia from his service in the 82nd Airborne Division. participants will also be attending the recognition services. CSDHS Nursing Students Thank You Corn on Tuesdays in the month of August became a Monday activity of husking, or is it shucking, of the corn. Beatrice Phillips and Debra Ross, participants, are getting it done. The corn was supplied by Emily s Produce. Left: Florence Elzey in foreground and Ethel Rippons in background are eating watermelons donated by Kay Harding of B&K Farms. Welcome New Board Members Katherine Hubbard Jill Vincent
Registered Charity Identification Numbers: 501(c)(3) Maryland Charity- #91 Maryland Charity Campaign- #2415 Dorchester County Commission on the Aging, Inc. Medical Adult Day Care A Place Like Home 2474 Cambridge Beltway Cambridge, MD 21613 Medical Adult Day Care Your Care is our Business Return Service Requested Find the hidden frog! This is not the hidden frog Pianothon Schedule The Sixth Annual Pianothon will be held on September 16 th at. Please join us in listening to the following scheduled volunteer pianist. Open to the public. No admission. 10:00 Piano Fingers 10:30 Irene Howard 11:00 Donna Robinson 11:30 Sheila Herbert 12:30 Winnie White 1:00 Joyce Balderson 1:30 Piano Trivia Thank you to all for sharing your talent. Medical Adult Day Care Center PLEASANT DAY is: MEDICAL Attendance is prescribed by your physician Nurses are on duty 100% of time Nurses provide medical services and treatment Nurses are in contact with your doctor Nurses administer medications & observe for effects ADULT Any adult who needs regular medical help DAY Opens at 8:00 Closes at 4:00-6 days a week No beds - No one stays overnight CARE Help with toileting, bathing, eating, walking Providing support, stimulation and exercise Nurturing staff who are State certified and licensed CENTER A fresh, clean, home-like setting providing coordinated care so that: You continue to live in your home or with family You don t have to go to a nursing home You attend as many days as you like You help your loved ones to help you