EXCELLENCE IS AGELESS GALA HONORS

20 Pages·2014·2.02 MB·English

life
Abundant
S P R I N G 2 0 1 4
EXCELLENCE IS AGELESS GALA HONORS
SENIORS, CELEBRATES Abundant Life
®
More than 530 friends, business Chris Martin, president, Southwest In his remarks, Ridge shared his
partners, staff and residents of Region of Northwest Savings Bank thoughts on getting older. “Aging is
Lutheran SeniorLife gathered at served as Gala Chairman. just a number,” he said, noting that
Heinz Field on April 25 for the 11th many things improve as they age such
Dr. Wholey is an internationally
annual Excellence is Ageless Gala as wine and wood. People, he said,
recognized interventional radiologist,
and Awards Celebration. Proceeds are the same. “Getting older means
co-founder of MEDRAD, and
from the event benefit benevolent getting better.”
an inventor of the Wholey Wire
care. This year, $201,000 was raised to
used in vascular procedures. He is David Fenoglietto, president and CEO
continue providing an Abundant Life® Director of the Center for Vascular of Lutheran SeniorLife, acknowledged
for our residents who have outlived
and Neurovascular Interventions at the ever-changing needs of seniors as
their financial resources.
Allegheny General Hospital. they age, and re-affirmed Lutheran
The Honorable Tom Ridge and SeniorLife’s commitment to serve
Mr. Ridge served as the first secretary
Dr. Mark Wholey, M.D. were the elders in a manner that aligns with the
of the U.S. Department of Homeland
Gala honorees. This award is given lifestyles and needs of older adults.
Security and is former Governor of
to individuals age 55 and older who
Pennsylvania. He is President and “We will continue to look ahead and
have made significant contributions
CEO of Ridge Global, an international when needed or called upon, will
to the community through profession,
security and risk management firm. change the model of senior living to
service, philanthropy or leadership.
ensure that each person can live with
dignity and respect, and have access
to health and wellness programs that
elevate opportunities to support a
person’s autonomy, decision making
and meaningful engagement in today’s
world.”
The evening’s festivities included a
silent auction featuring several pieces
of original art crafted by friends,
Continued on page 10.
The Hon. Tom Ridge, Gala honoree;
Chris Martin, Gala chairman; Dr. Mark
Wholey, Gala honoree
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Abundantlife
A MESSAGE
is published by
FROM THE
Lutheran SeniorLife.
To report a change of address PRESIDENT
or to be removed from our
mailing list, please contact:
‘Excellence is Ageless’ is a
Sandra Grushesky
guiding principle of Abundant
Circulation Manager
Life® and a very appropriate
724-453-6014 David Fenoglietto and Dr. Bill Thomas
theme for one of our most
[email protected]
important fund raising events of the year held recently at Heinz Field. In
partnership with our signature sponsor, Northwest Savings Bank, and Gala
Chair Chris Martin, we honored Dr. Mark Wholey, M.D. and The Honorable
Lutheran SeniorLife offers Tom Ridge.
a continuum of care featuring
Lutheran SeniorLife is very fortunate that these leaders believe that aging
senior living communities,
chronologically is oftentimes in discord to a person’s ability to grow and
personal care, Alzheimer’s care,
continue to be a lifelong learner. These leaders walked alongside our
home health and
hospice and physician services. organization for a brief moment in time to support our mission and to support
With headquarters in the paradigm of our change initiatives to connect with elders in their daily
Adams Township, PA, lives.
Lutheran SeniorLife has locations
A few weeks earlier, we hosted Dr. Bill Thomas at the New Hazlett Theater
in Zelienople, Mars, Butler,
in Pittsburgh as he toured the country speaking about his new book.
McCandless Township,
Dr. Thomas is a nationally recognized leader who has been a true inspiration
Hempfield Township, Kittanning,
to senior living professionals as he encourages us to change the culture of how
Vandergrift, New Castle,
Aliquippa, Moon Township and we connect with elders. He has led the way with initiatives like the Pioneer
Ambridge. To learn more about Network, Eden Alternative and the Green House project. Dr. Thomas, during
any of these programs and his Second Wind Tour presentation, commented that each person needs
services, visit our website at to have a deeper and more connected approach to our lives, our work and
www.lutheranseniorlife.org our communities. We certainly agree, and the field of senior living and the
very culture in which we age is now being overhauled because of the type of
thinking promoted by Dr. Thomas and others.
OUR MISSION Please take a moment to view articles and video clips of these special
occasions of celebration on the Lutheran SeniorLife website and on our
On behalf of our Facebook page. There are many examples of how we are changing and
Moral Owners,*
growing as an organization.
Lutheran SeniorLife
serves elders in our Lutheran SeniorLife is committed to changing the model of how elders are
three synod region, served and we are honored to have world renowned leaders join us in our
intending that the recipients journey. Our innovation and quality outcomes will continue to evolve to
of these services will support our system-wide transformation and, most importantly, a deeper
experience connection to those we serve.
a more Abundant Life®
regardless of their
physical condition or
financial circumstances.
*SWPA Synod, NWPA Synod, David Fenoglietto
WVA-WMD Synod President and Chief Executive Officer, Lutheran SeniorLife
Portraits of Abundant Life
This on-going series highlights Lutheran SeniorLife residents,
program participants, staff and friends who are living their Abundant Life .
®
‘SECOND WIND’ TOUR HIGHLIGHTS WAYS TO
AGE WITH GREATER PURPOSE, MORE MEANING
Lutheran SeniorLife proudly SeniorLife’s mission to provide an Dr. Thomas said, “but there is life
sponsored Dr. Bill Thomas, Abundant Life® for our residents beyond adulthood!”
gerontologist, author and leader in by fostering a climate of person-
“I think that leaving one’s youth
the Culture Change movement for centered care.
behind is, and has always been a
older adults, and his Second Wind
In the opening monologue of painfully difficult thing to do. This is
Tour at the New Hazlett Theater in
the show, Dr. Thomas explained doubly true for those who experience
Pittsburgh on April 1. Dr. Thomas’
that adults are living in a ‘hyper- aging in a society that worships
book, Second Wind: Navigating the
caffeinated’ world, where we are led the virtues of youth. I think that a
Passage to a Slower, Deeper, and A
to believe that we are only valuable deeper investigation of life and living
b
More Connected Life, outlines how u
when we are being productive, and can reveal the hidden virtues of age.
n
to recognize and navigate through d
that once we slow down to enter Outgrowing adulthood is worthwhile a
what has the potential to be the most n
elderhood, we lose our worth in in large part because the attendant t
fulfilling time of life – elderhood. society. “Baby boomers are on the difficulties (emotional and physical) life
Dr. Thomas’ views of elderhood as verge of entering elderhood and they can lead us toward slower, deeper
an honorable and valuable position have no idea what is yet to come,”
in our society mirrors Lutheran Continued on page 7.
Dr. Bill Thomas wore stilts through part of the performance as a visual representation
of the knowledge and wisdom we gain in elderhood.
www.lutheranseniorlife.org / SPRING 2014 3
Finishing touches are being made to both the interior and exterior of the Abundant Life Center.
ABUNDANT LIFE CENTER SUPPORTS
NEW MODEL OF SENIOR LIVING
Bricks and mortar do not make a among the residents. The building In response to the ever-changing
home until there is life inside. will also house a state-of-the-art needs of seniors and their expectations
nursing center, with 96 private rooms as they age, the institutional model
In just a few months, the Abundant
and three semi-private suites, also of long corridors, hospital-like rooms
Life Center at Passavant Community
arranged into households. Twenty and the traditional model of care have
will come to life. It will be the heart of
new independent living apartments been eliminated in the Abundant Life
campus, where people can gather to
have also been added. Center, which will be a more home-
socialize, worship and dine. But more
like setting where the care is directed
than that, it will be a life-affirming Dorothy Cain, who currently lives in
by the specific needs of each resident.
environment where residents will Olde Main, is looking forward to the
This national evolution is called
thrive. opportunity to participate in cooking
Culture Change, and is based on
with other members of her household.
“That has been our goal from the person-directed values and practices,
“I used to take cooking classes,” Cain
very start,” said Laura Roy, executive with a focus on resident choice,
said. “Now in my new apartment, I
director of Passavant Community.
can come out of my room and bake
“When we first started this process,
cookies if I want to. I’ll like that. I like
yes, it was exciting to think about a
to stay busy.”
new building. But a building is just a
building. For me, it has always been The medical clinic and rehabilitation
about the people living inside.” services will also be located in the new
building. The fitness center has been
The new Abundant Life Center
expanded and will include a swimming
will become home to Passavant’s
pool, which can be used for recreation
personal care residents, whose private
or rehabilitation. “Residents are so
apartments will be arranged into
excited about the pool,” Roy said. “It
households. Each household will
is something they have asked for for a
have a shared living space and a
long time.”
kitchen area to promote socialization
4
Twenty new independent living apartments have been added to the building.
dignity, respect, self-determination programs, and will continue to be “Olde Main is 100
and purposeful living. open to their suggestions. One of the
years old. It was time
most important things we can give
“Believe me, the Abundant Life
our residents is a sense of meaning to replace it. I like
Center is nothing like a traditional
and purpose.”
nursing home,” Roy said. They can Passavant and want
wake when they want, eat when The Abundant Life Center will
to see it continue to
and what they want and decide how offer expanded dining options
they want to spend their day. There including The Bistro (casual dining), grow.”
A
will be spontaneity in their lives, Baron’s Inn (formal dining), and b
u
rather than being on the regimented Creamery Café (ice cream and BILL POSEY, n
d
schedule that nursing homes coffee shop). Most of the amenities Passavant Community resident a
n
traditionally offer. to which residents are accustomed t
l
will re-open in the Abundant years, understands that it is time ife
Resident requests, suggestions
Life Center including the library, for this change. “Olde Main is 100
and opinions have been taken
Scholl Conference Center, Seaman years old. It was time to replace it.
into consideration throughout the
Memorial Chapel, Gently Used I like Passavant and want to see it
construction process, she explained.
Shop, My Day Out Center, business continue to grow,” he said. “It’s like
“All of the residents here have a
center, train room, creative arts this: if for all your life you’ve been
voice. We wanted to listen to and
studio (former Center for Creative swimming in a pond, then you get a
honor their voices as much as
Expression), Kidd Learning Center bigger, better pool, do you really miss
possible. That’s what Abundant
(former In-Service Room), business the pond? Looking back doesn’t do
Life® is all about.” This is most
center (former computer lab), anyone any good.”
evident, she said, in
support services (former business
Passavant’s Community Roy agrees, “The residents have
services), game room, music room
Life Program, where been watching this come up from
and the copy/mail room.
residents drive much the ground for three years. I have no
of the educational, Once all of the residents are moved, doubt that once everyone is moved
spiritual and creative the oldest building on campus, Olde in to the new building they will enjoy
programming. “In Main, will be demolished, taking it and continue living an Abundant
the new building, we with it some of Passavant’s tradition Life®.” v
will have additional and history. Bill Posey, who has
opportunities for these been a resident at Passavant for 13
All campus residents will have access to the swimming pool,
which was designed for both recreation and rehabilitation.
www.lutheranseniorlife.org / SPRING 2014 5
FRIENDS AND FAMILY SHOW SUPPORT
AT VNA LUNCHEON
Lutheran SeniorLife’s Visiting Nurse of the many benefits of hospice care, whether it is a private residence,
Association of Western PA Hospice support community volunteers and assisted living facility, nursing facility
provides comfort care for the physical, bereavement activities, defray the or even in a hospital. For the times
emotional and spiritual needs of cost of expenses related to volunteer when the patient is experiencing
patients and their loved ones who are training, sponsor support groups and distressing symptoms, VNA hospice
experiencing the challenges of a life- wish trips, and other special events services can be provided at its
limiting illness. Last month, about 220 and services. state-of-the-art inpatient facility
friends and families served by VNA in Butler, PA.
“The luncheon is important for
Hospice gathered at Butler Country
multiple reasons. In hospice care, we “The support for patients and families
Club for the ninth annual Friendship
see amazing things day after day. We in relationship to VNA’s Friendship
Luncheon to raise funds to support
hear thousands of stories involving Luncheon is two-fold,” said Margie
the hospice program.
memories, love and regret. As illness Walsh, interim executive director
“We introduced the luncheon as an progresses we see endearing friend and of VNA. “The proceeds from the
opportunity to make time to be with family relationships enter the picture luncheon support continued hospice
and enjoy the company of friends and to support, love and care for the services both in the home and at our
family we otherwise don’t see enough patient. It reminds us that in this crazy inpatient unit at a level for which
– a ladies day out amidst the countless busy world, these relationships are the the community has come to count
demands most experience,” said Judy most precious thing we take with us on. In addition, it gives families the
Connelly, director of VNA Hospice and surround ourselves with near the opportunity to give back and show
and Palliative Care. end of our life,” Connelly continued. support for the care their loved ones
received. We are extremely grateful
The event raised more than $10,000 For the most part, patients requiring
to those who support our
which will be used to support patients hospice care are able to receive VNA
organization.” v
and their families, increase awareness services in the place they call home,
Jenna Rhodaberger, VNA Hospice bereavement coordinator (center), attended the
luncheon with her grandmothers Dorothy Mincer and Arlene Stevenson, her sister
Abby Walsh and mother Sherri Wood.
6
(L to R) Mary Lorson; David Farrell; Dr. Bill Thomas; Janet Taylor, M.D.; Dr. Isabela Angelelli,
Santiago Angelelli, and Joseph Angelelli, Ph.D.; Samite Mulondo
A
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‘SECOND WIND’ TOUR HIGHLIGHTS WAYS TO n
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a
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AGE WITH GREATER PURPOSE, MORE MEANING t
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ife
Continued from page 3
and more connected ways of living,” Independence for the Elderly) are made to feel at home, like they
Dr. Thomas said. Program enrollees needing nursing are a valued part of a family. “If you
care and others throughout the change the architecture, you change
Dr. Thomas is the creator of The
community who are deemed nursing the thinking of the people who live
Green House® model of senior living,
home eligible by the Area Agency on inside.”
which he feels can improve the lives
Aging. The homes will be the first of
of seniors by providing high quality The Second Wind Tour also featured
their kind in western Pennsylvania,
clinical care in an actual home other speakers including Janet
and the first in the nation to partner
designed for just 10-12 residents, Taylor, M.D., MPH; Joseph Angelelli,
with a LIFE Program.
each with private bedrooms and Ph.D., director, Health Services
bathrooms, but common spaces for “The cinderblock walls of the Administration, assistant professor,
socialization and dining. Residents institutional nursing home are School of Nursing and Health
here receive person-centered, holding us back,” said David Sciences, Robert Morris University;
relationship-based care 24 hours Farrell, senior director for The and Mary Lorson, writer and
a day. Lutheran SeniorLife is Green House® Project, and show performer. Musical entertainment
considering an opportunity to participant. “These homes grow was provided by Samite Mulondo,
build Green House homes on people. They generate and sustain founding director of Musicians for
the site of the former Aliquippa genuine human warmth. Elders World Harmony. v
Hospital in Beaver County. They that have shut down come back to
will be available for LIFE (Living life here,” Farrell said, because they
www.lutheranseniorlife.org / SPRING 2014 7
TABLET DEVICES STIMULATE THE BRAIN,
ENHANCE SOCIALIZATION
The rapid evolution of technology is individually and in groups. “They are
presenting an opportunity to change so intrigued that when they touch the
how people age in the 21st century, iPad, it responds. It is beneficial to
allowing them in many ways to live a the cognitive and creative/expressive
more Abundant Life®. Tablet devices aspect of our care.”
such as the iPad support hundreds of
Mary Ann Frederick, assisted living
applications (apps) that are proving
activities coordinator at Passavant
to be extremely beneficial to the aging
Community is thrilled at the way the and games only. But there really is
population, regardless of their physical
residents are responding to various something here for everyone.” Whalen
or cognitive abilities.
apps they have explored so far. In a demonstrated this at her recent
Recently, staff at Passavant group setting, she said, there is better presentation “What Is An iPad, and
Community have begun using iPads socialization among the residents as Why Would I Want One?” for the
with some residents in personal care, they play games like Wheel of Fortune residents at Overbrook Pointe. Those
nursing and the My Day Out program or Family Feud, word games and in attendance had a wide range of
with tremendous success. The iPads memory stimulating games. Other familiarity with tablet devices, from
were purchased through two separate residents who are lower functioning novice to more experienced, but all
grants – one from the American have shown positive emotional were fascinated by just how much they
Legion Post #474 in Zelienople and responses to apps involving music, had to offer.
one from the Ira and Frances Wood colors and pictures.
“Independent living residents have
Charitable Trust.
“To see them interact like this, I’m in different reasons for using the iPad,
“When the residents use the awe!” Frederick said. and are becoming less tentative about
iPads, what you get from them is using technology,” Whalen said.
Sharon Whalen, technology associate
total engagement. It is absolutely
for Lutheran SeniorLife, said that But for all seniors, independence
fascinating to watch,” said Jody
the iPads and other similar tablet and a sense of accomplishment is
Gulish, Community Life director at
devices can be very beneficial to something that should be nurtured
Passavant Community. Residents
the aging population. “Many people to help them live a more Abundant
have been using a variety of apps
think that iPads are for kids, for fun Life®. v
including art, music and games, both
Len Burrows, resident at Overbrook Pointe, gets some iPad instruction from
his grandson Scott Lohman and Sharon Whalen, technology associate for
Lutheran SeniorLife’s Silver Smart program.
8
RESIDENTS TRAVEL THE WORLD
WITHOUT LEAVING HOME
Imagine visiting Ireland, Holland, and other items for each dinner,” pancakes. Traditional Irish music
Mexico and other destinations Goldie said, adding that each meal played throughout the dining room.
without leaving the comfort of is made from scratch. The dining All of this, Goldie said, encourages
your own dining room. Residents program is offered at other Lutheran residents to share stories about
at Overbrook Pointe have the SeniorLife locations as well. their heritage or travel or military
opportunity to do just that by experiences. April’s theme was Tulips
The Dining Journey features a
participating in the Travel the World in Holland.
different country each month.
Dining Journey, a 12-month cultural
Authentic cuisine is served, festive “All of our residents have really
and culinary excursion.
decorations cover the tables and enjoyed the monthly themes so
The program is executed by Amanda trivia-type information is given far,” Goldie said. “The dinners have
Goldie, café manager and chef to the residents. Every resident helped to create a family atmosphere
at Overbrook Pointe, under the has their own ‘passport,’ which is here. When I stand back and watch
guidance of Morrison Senior Living, stamped at each of the monthly everyone enjoy these dinners it is
food service provider for Lutheran dinners, and prizes will be awarded to worth the little bit of extra effort
SeniorLife. “Morrison gives me some some lucky residents at the journey’s it takes to organize them. There’s
suggestions about what to serve each end. In March, the St. Patrick’s Day nothing better than seeing people
month, but I have creative reign celebration included marinated come together at a dinner table!” v
when it comes to decorating, games brisket, potato soup and potato
A
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ife
Overbrook Pointe residents (top of photo) Ruth Buffington, Lois Deah, Paul Deah, Margaret
Rosenberger, Len and Cassie Burrows enjoy their authentic Irish meal.
www.lutheranseniorlife.org / SPRING 2014 9
EXCELLENCE IS AGELESS GALA HONORS
SENIORS, CELEBRATES Abundant Life
®
Continued from front cover
residents and staff of Lutheran Martin gave special thanks to those For additional photos, visit our website
SeniorLife. Entertainment was who participated and supported this at www.lutheranseniorlife.org/senior-
provided by the Kenny Blake Trio. event. “Your generous and thoughtful living/news.
The invocation was given by The contributions will help Lutheran
Rev. Brian A. Evans, STS, senior SeniorLife continue its mission to
pastor, First English Evangelical serve elders now and in the years
Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh, and to come, by providing them with
the benediction was given by The opportunities to live an Abundant
Rev. Kurt F. Kusserow, Bishop of the Life® regardless of their physical
Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of condition or financial circumstances,”
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in he said.
America.
The Hon. Tom
Ridge, Lauren
Wholey, Dr. Mark
Wholey, Roseanne
Wholey
Representing Lutheran SeniorLife are Susan Q. DiGirolamo,
chief financial officer; Renée M. Pekor, vice president of
development and president of Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation;
Ken Spruill, Yheizzi Owen and Bruce
Kathy S. Castle, vice president of human resources; Donna S.
Bickel, PNC Private Foundation
Van Kirk, vice president of system development
Management Services
David Fenoglietto and
The Hon. Tom Ridge
John Harmon and The Rev.
Mary Baker, Ann Harmon,
Carl Johnson, St. John’s
Christine Whiteman
Lutheran Church, Kittanning
Passavant Community
resident Waltraud “Wally”
Hendel and Daniel Wille,
Lutheran SeniorLife
Foundation board member
John Harmon; The Rev. Sandy Towberman; The Rev.
Dr. Alden Towberman, St. Mark’s Church, Butler and
Lutheran SeniorLife board member; The Rev. Robert Laura Deklewa; John Sebastian,
Musser, Good Shepherd Church, Pittsburgh dck worldwide; Donna Sebastian
10