The Beacon

Guiding your Journey

June 2018 Volume 9 Issue 6

All the Feels.... Every quarter, I host “General Staff Meetings” and invite all the staff of St Paul Elder Services to come and spend some time with me as the CEO. We begin with an inspiration, followed by sharing “Mission Moments” with each other, and then I open the floor for an open discussion with me, followed by discussion of any “Mission Critical” updates or announcements that the staff should be aware of. There are three different times that the meeting is offered, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 9:30pm to accommodate all three shifts. The Mission Moments are those moments when we really feel “why we do what we do,” or that St. Paul’s mission makes them feel their job is important. I am always heartened to hear about those special moments in which our staff are really recognizing that our mission of enriching the lives of those we serve is alive and well. So I was particularly heartened when I experienced my own Mission Moment during the few minutes between our most recent afternoon General Staff Meetings. As I waited for the 1:30 crew to file out and the 2:30 crew to file in, I noticed a father and son through the Haen Community Center windows sitting outside on one of the benches enjoying the spring day. The father lives on Appletree Court within St. Paul Home, and the son is here visiting very frequently. The son had his arm around his dad and was rubbing his dad’s back as they chatted, about what I can only imagine was the warm sun and newly budding trees and growing tulips.

As I watched them, I felt such a sense of responsibility and gratitude. So many families entrust us with the care of their loved ones, and so many of them feel so fortunate to have a high quality facility right here in this community, and we have a responsibility to continue to make them feel good about the safety and well-being of those they love so much. It is truly humbling that we are so trusted, and I know I speak on behalf of all of our associates when I say I am grateful for the opportunity to provide that peace of mind. In that moment, I not only felt our mission alive and well, but I felt all the feels!

Sondra Norder, President & CEO

*Photo shared with enthusiastic permission from both father and son!

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June 1

Ice Cream

Social – Villa

June 4

Comedy

Sketch—Home

June 8

Music with

Ellen

June14

Spark

Program

June 17

Happy

Father’s Day

June 18

Music with

Mary

June 21

Villa Voices

June 22

Ice Cream

Outing

Activities to Entertain Your Loved One

who is living with Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affect people in different ways. Although it’s necessary to acknowledge your loved one’s disease and impairment, it’s just as important to learn about their strengths and remaining abilities and find enjoyable activities that support these.

Activities help people with dementia engage with life and feel entertained. Whether it’s counting and sorting objects by shape or color, playing card games, arranging flowers, doing puzzles, or tending a small garden, entertainment and social interaction can reduce agitation, challenging behaviors, and depression as well as increase quality of life. In addition to the activities just mentioned, the Alzheimer’s Association also recommends clipping coupons, stringing beads, cutting out pictures from magazines and greeting cards, coloring pictures, and folding towels.

Another type of activity involves watching television shows. How do you choose what to watch? Many caregivers recommend choosing programs with a simple plot to make viewing enjoyable. In some cases, your loved one might benefit from using a closed-captioning/subtitles feature. Keep in mind that real-life crime or medical shows can be upsetting to elders.

The following television shows work well for people with dementia: America’s Funniest Home Videos The Andy Griffith Show Antiques Roadshow Bonanza The Carol Burnett Show The Dick Van Dyke Show The Golden Girls Gunsmoke Hawaii 5-0 The Lawrence Welk Show I Love Lucy Leave It to Beaver Game shows such as Jeopardy!, The Price Is Right, and Wheel of Fortune Choosing movies is similar to choosing television shows (i.e., simple plot, fun and upbeat, shorter length). Your loved one might enjoy these:

Westerns Classic movies such as Casablanca, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Roman Holiday Musicals starring Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Doris Day, and Shirley Temple, as well as popular musicals such as Singin’ in the Rain, The Wizard of Oz, The Music Man, The King and I, and The Sound of Music Documentaries on animals, wildlife, history, birds, and nature—especially those that have a soothing soundtrack

Regardless of what you choose, watch closely to see if your loved one has any preferences. If you have trouble finding copies of your loved one’s favorite movies or television shows, networks such as Turner Classic Movies, TVLand, Animal Planet, and YouTube offer popular programs and films from past eras. Remember to watch with your senior whenever you can. Sharing the experience can help build new memories, and it will definitely give you something to talk about with your loved one.

Article by: Ava M. Stinnett, Activity Connections

How meditation can help caregivers

Being a caregiver affects all aspects of a person’s well being

and can wear down one’s mental and emotional energy.

Meditation rejuvenates the body and spirit, and is a good way

for caregivers to restore a sense of calm and revitalize their

spirits.

The benefits of meditation include:

Decreased blood pressure and lowered

cholesterol

Stronger immunity

Better quality of sleep

Increased pain management

Improved concentration and focus

Better emotional regulation

Reduced stress levels

Feelings of contentment, peace, and

happiness

Increased spiritual connectedness

There are books, websites, and even smart phone apps that offer

resources for relaxing guided imagery and meditation. AARP offers

links to free guided meditation videos by following this link:

https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/books/bookstore/home-family-

caregiving/info-2016/meditations-for-caregivers.html

Meditation can help family members and friends become more

confident caregivers by replacing self-criticism, worry, and doubt

with confidence and inner peace.

Source material: https://elizz.com/caregiver-resources/just-for-caregivers/caregiver-meditation

If you would like to find out

more about being a

hospice volunteer, call

(920) 766-6180 or email:

pamelas@stpaulelders.org

Happy Birthday to:

Mike Weaver—6/14, hospice volunteer

Alexandra Nelson-Zirzow—6/20, hospice

volunteer

Lauren Guenther—6/22, hospice RN

Luella Van Asten—6/26, hospice

volunteer

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Welcome to the Life Enrichment Center at St. Paul

Elder Services!

Cloud Walkers (Foot & Nail Clinic) Tuesdays and Thursdays

8:00 am – 2:30 pm Every other Friday and

Wednesday appointments available

Healing Waters

(Aquatic Exercise Classes) Classes Daily

Registration required for each session

Massage

Pamper yourself with a massage!

By appointment only.

The Memory Care

Clinic By appointment only.

Please call for additional information for our newest

clinic services. For additional

information, please call (920) 766-6020 ext. 186

St. Paul Elder Services offers

transportation to community members

living in the area to assist with medical

appointments, shopping, or other

needs. Transportation is provided by

experienced, friendly drivers in

wheelchair accessible vans. The fee for

transportation is $7 one-way/$14

round-trip within a ten mile radius. For

more information, please contact the

Outreach desk at 766-6188.

Spring/Summer Pool Classes

Come join a class Today! Our pool

temperature is between 94 and 96 degrees.

Call 766-6188 to learn more about our classes.

St. Paul H

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e “CELEBRATING LIFE’S STORIES”

We enjoyed a lovely National Skilled Nursing Care Week in May, where we focused on getting to know one another and understanding what is truly important to each of us. For most of us, the highlight of the week was our Annual Prom, where we crowned our queen and king: Germaine Schumacher and Eugene Van De Hey. It was a splendid time as we shared smiles,

refreshments, dancing with the Mapleview students, and music with Arlie Schneider.

(top left) Germaine Schumacher and Eugene Van De Hey, (top right) Donna Killian and Jim Killian, (bottom right) Doris Uecker and Sharon Schoening

Join us in June 6/4 at 2:00 Valentine Tulip Comedy show 6/11 at 2:15 The Soda Pups show 6/14 at 2:00 Music with Francis Rank 6/21 at 2:00 1,000 Islands Nature presentation 6/27 at 7:00 Little Chute Band Concert.

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1st Gerald VanAsten

2nd Grace Hoffman

7th Alan Mory

7th Maurice Brockman

17th Frances “Fran”

MacDonald

24th Charles Keller

28th Lawrence Witthuhn

28th Genevieve “Gen” Wallace

28th Shirley Newhouse

30th Arlene Huss

Villa residents enjoyed a fun

outing to the Timber Rattlers

baseball game in May.

In April, residents attended

the No Room Left at the

Bean Auction.

When visiting the Manor, our residents’ safety is our greatest concern. We grant access at our entrances as quickly as we are able. Thank you for your continued patience when

entering and exiting the Manor.

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Program Spotlight

Once a month, the residents at the

Manor are treated with a special

afternoon of entertainment by Fran

and JoAnn Ebben. Their program,

“Our Generation Sings”, is an

interactive music event which

allows the residents to go back in

time while enjoying familiar songs.

The Ebben’s put together an hour

long program, which often follows

a theme relating to various

holidays or events that are taking

place that month. The couple

spends a great deal of time perfecting their program and specializing it for

the residents. Though most of the songs are recognizable, everyone is

provided with a copy of the song lyrics so they are able to sing along

together! The residents are often gifted with a special memento, such as a

flower or a small flag, which they enjoy well after the program ends. Fran

can be found walking through the group, providing a lighthearted overture

that fits in with the music selection. JoAnn is in charge of playing the music

from the iPod, and always keeps the residents entertained with her singing

and dancing. The duo provide a light-hearted afternoon for the residents

that is full of reminiscing and social engagement.

“Our Generation Sings”

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Caregiver Support

Group Offered to anyone who has a

loved one affected by dementia.

3rd Tuesday of the month 4:00-5:00 pm

NOTE NEW TIME!

Group for Spouses of Individuals Affected by

Young Onset AD Specifically for spouses of

individuals who are affected by Alzheimer ’s disease or other memory

disorders under the age of 65 years.

3rd Tuesday of the month 6:30-8:00 pm

Memory Connections This group, held Tuesdays from

10 am-2 pm, is designed for those recently diagnosed with a

memory impairment that are motivated to work on cognitive

& physical exercises with the goal of improving brain health.

For information on eligibility and cost, contact 766-6186.

SPARK! Thursday, June 14th

2:30-4:00 pm

Explore The Concert by Mark

Chagall. During this month's SPARK! program,

participants will create

magazine collages.

Call 733-4089 to register

Memory Café News! The Memory Cafe is facilitated by St. Paul Elder Services at the Kaukauna Library. It is designed for

individuals with mild memory loss and their loved ones to gather and enjoy camaraderie, receive information, and just have fun in an informal setting. There is no charge.

Monday, June 11th 1:30-3:00 NOTE NEW TIME!

Scents of the Summer! Com e and experience different fragrances associated with summer and share powerful memories that they bring to mind.

Monday, June 25th 10:30-noon

Join us for Mug Day! Bring your favorite mug to “show and tell”. We’ll have mug cake and do mug shots so also bring a smile!

The Kaukauna Memory Café group created beautiful wreaths

that were auctioned at the Kaukauna Library Event to raise

funds for a beautiful reading garden! We had an amazing

time creating these works of art in Spring colors at last!

The Mug Club

St. Paul Elder Services is collaborating with

Lutheran Social Services to sponsor The Mug Club!

Come get a cup of coffee and discuss the latest book

on caregiving or share an idea with the goal of

improving your caregiving knowledge and skills. Call Julie Feil to

register & get your free book for the next session.

First and Third Mondays of each month 2:00-3:00 pm.

Navigating the Purple Canoe– Understanding Your

Memory Loss Diagnosis

St. Paul Elder Services, in collaboration with the

Neuroscience Group, will be offering a class to

those newly diagnosed with a memory disorder.

The same class will be offered on the

3rd Thursday of each month at 1:30-3:00 pm to provide information,

discuss emotional impact, telling loved ones, planning, research

options, community resources, and enhancing communication skills.

The goal is to understand that you are not alone in your journey as

others are “in the same boat”.

Contact Julie Feil at 766-6186 for more information

Therap

y Services

1. Get out and enjoy watching a sporting event 2. Golf, either at a driving range or golf course 3. Travel, even if it is a bus tour 4. Swim, indoors or out. Water aerobics is a low impact activity 5. Take a slow stroll walking around the neighborhood 6. Ride a bike 7. Garden and bird watch 8. Plan an outdoor activity and end with a picnic 9. Enjoy the Holiday festivals of Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day 10. Sit outside and read, complete crosswords, or play board games

It has been a long Wisconsin winter and June may

finally be the time to get out and enjoy the

weather. Getting outdoors has benefits other than

breathing fresh air. Soaking up the sunlight is not

only great for improving mood, but also generates

Vitamin D, which is necessary for brain, bone

development, and muscle function. Getting outside

also allows interaction, not only with the outdoor

surroundings, but also other people. In warm

weather, the outdoors is a playground for different

types of exercise. Exercise is important for

maintaining good health at any age. A low impact

exercise routine can help stretch and strengthen

muscles, prevent falls and injuries, and even lower

blood pressure.

When heading outdoors, dress lightly in fabric and

color of clothing, apply sunscreen and wear a hat for

UV protection. Remember to hydrate, preferably

with water, to replenish lost fluids. Time your trips

outdoors either early or later in the day, when the

temperature is coolest.

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Welcome to our newest volunteers:

Mary Mader Ruth Meehl

Katelyn Rudzinski

June Meeting Monday, June 18th

12:00 pm Haen Community

Center

Please RSVP to Kay (x114) if you plan on

attending & did not sign up at May’s Meeting.

We are looking for

Meals on Wheels

drivers who can help

us out on Mondays…if

interested, please

contact Kay.

Volunteer Hours for April Total : 1694.75

Adult Individual 1390.00 Hospice 55.25

Adult Group 47.00 Board/Advisory 27.50

Youth Total 175.00 Employee 00.00

TOTAL HOURS YTD: 6653.75

Congratulations to Ken

VandeHey and Dick Eiting,

our Volunteers of the Year!

Spiritu

al Care

To mark our 75 years, we are going on a

Pilgrimage to our Lady of Good Help

in Champion, WI on June 26th, 2018

We will leave in the morning at 9:30 am, attend Mass, take a lunch along and eat

outside, if possible, have time to pray, and come back around 3:30 pm.

We want to thank the Lord for leading us in ministry here and ask his guidance as

we continue growing in love of Jesus. We walk with the Lord, trusting Him for

what we need each day! Consider joining us or pray from where you are…

We want to serve the Lord always! He knows what is best for us…

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316 E.14th Street Kaukauna, WI 54130

St. Paul Community Newsletter

Club Gabriel (920-766-6188)

Hospice (920-766-6180)

Life Enrichment Center (920-766-6188)

St. Paul Home (920-766-6020)

St. Paul Villa (920-766-6181)

St. Paul Manor CBRF (920-766-6181)

The Hoffman Memory Care Resource Center (920-766-6186)

Volunteer Opportunities (920-766-6114)