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May is Older Americans Month
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Older Americans Month traces its roots to 1963, when only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing. A meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to designating May as “Senior Citizens Month,” the prelude to “Older Americans Month.”
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The theme for Older American’s Month 2017 is Age Out Loud. It is intended to give aging persons a new voice—one that reflects what today’s older adults have to say about aging.
They’re taking charge, striving for wellness, focusing on independence, and advocating for themselves and others. They expect to continue to live their lives to the fullest, and they’re insisting on changes that make that possible. What it means to age has changed, and OAM 2017 is a perfect opportunity to recognize and celebrate what getting older looks like today.
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" I'll be working as long as I can keep going."
-
Esther Culbertson
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To find a great example of someone who is "aging out loud," we needed to look no further than our own Esther Culbertson. Esther celebrated a birthday recently, and
many of us were shocked to learn it was her 70th.
This mother of five, grandmother of 13, and great-grandmother of five, is always on the go, and has no plans to stop. She manages loads and loads of laundry, assists residents with bathing, and fills in as needed with other duties. She describes herself as a "jack of all trades." She says she has learned so much from the residents, and lists them among the best things about working here, along with a great staff and the family atmosphere.
Esther was always interested in caring for others, but it was her daughter, Jenny, who worked here first. When Jenny left to stay home with her children, Esther replaced her in 2001. It wasn't long before she "fell in love with the residents" and knew she had found her niche. In fact, she liked it so much that she moved her own mother, Sarah (pictured above with Esther), here a couple of years ago. She cites the skilled nursing care, the home cooked meals, the cleanliness, and the kindness of Mary Grace, our administrator, as reasons why the EH was her first and only choice of a home for her mom. Now her daughter Jenny is back on staff. Two of her granddaughters who have worked here in the past have moved on to study nursing. For Esther, the Episcopal Home means "family" in more ways than one.
T
hank you, Esther, for all that you do!
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Thank you, St. Andrew's in the Valley!
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When you think about gift giving, disposable undergarments are probably not something that comes to mind. Here at the Episcopal Home, though, they are a gift that is always needed and much appreciated. Residents must pay for them out of pocket, and the cost is prohibitive for some who need them. Donations of Depends (or other brand) enable us to provide for our residents who cannot afford them.
The ECW at St. Andrew's in the Valley are dedicated supporters and good friends of the Episcopal Home. They recently donated several cartons of these necessary items. Carol Bickel and Dot Wise were instrumental in purchasing and delivering them. We thank these generous ladies for thinking of the comfort of our residents, and for providing them with this important necessity.
Are you interested in helping? We're always in need of large and extra large sizes. If you are an online shopper, you can simply have them shipped to us.
If you prefer to deliver them personally, we would love to see you for a visit.
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B I R T H D A Y S !
This month, we wish our following residents
the happiest of birthdays!
May 2 - Jack
May 8 - Marietta
May 11 - Marcella
May 12 - Wardna
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Support the Home and the community as
we welcome spring. Find information
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will be visiting as part of their
Community Impact Project.
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A Cinco de Mayo themed meal at
noon will feature a number of
Mexican-inspired favorites.
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MAY 14
Mother's Day Dinner will be served at noon. Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes/gravy, veggies, and more!
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Children from the Shippensburg Public Library return for stories, songs, and to visit with residents.
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Effie and the kitchen staff are busy planning ahead for special additions to meals on the following dates:
Lemonade Day (May7)
Chocolate Chip Day (May 15)
Memorial Day (May 29)
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In addition to regular activities, Vivian has a few extras planned for May:
Mother's Day Tea Party (5/13)
Craft: spring pin (5/11)
Dr. Jurgenson: music (5/18)
Memorial Day (May 29)
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Our Volunteers Are The Best!
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If our future rests in the hands of young adults like Amber Tucker, we have nothing to fear. She is bright, compassionate, and friendly. We're so fortunate to have her as a volunteer. Amber is a Shippensburg University student majoring in biology with a minor in gerontology with a health professions concentration.
Working as a volunteer at an Elder Day Care center sparked her interest in gerontology.
As a high school student in Philadelphia, she won a prestigious spot in a nursing mentorship program at the University of Pennsylvania. She has participated in intensive nursing training in simulation labs using electronic mannequins to get a feel for real life situations.
Amber comes to offer conversation, card games, puzzles, and whatever her friend, Juanita, wants to do on a particular day. Amber hopes that by spending time with residents she can get a better feel for the needs of aging individuals.
She describes our Home as a cozy, friendly place with a home-like atmosphere.
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"The soul is healed by being
with children."-Fyodor Dostoyevsky
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The youth directors at our local public library do a wonderful job teaching, nurturing, and engaging some of the youngest members of our community. We are so grateful that they see value in intergenerational relationships. Recently they paid us a visit, bringing spring flowers to the residents, and entertaining with songs, a story, and a craft. Ages ranged from 3 months to 99 years. It was wonderful to see residents, children, moms, and leaders interacting and having fun.
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Our volunteer from Grane Hospice
recently entertained residents
with a "Funny Money" auction.
Residents received
"money,"
that they used to bid
on
a
variety of items.
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Quilters Launch a New Idea
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The dedicated Quilters at St. Andrew’s in Shippensburg have a long
history of supporting the Episcopal Home. They have volunteered
countless hours of their time stitching, selling, and organizing events to benefit our residents.
Their latest idea is to offer handmade quilted items in exchange
for donations to the Home. Smaller quilts are appropriate for babies, while the larger ones can be used as throws or wall hangings. These items make great gifts for babies, weddings, birthdays, and holidays - or as a gift to yourself. Additional decorative items will be added in the future.
The idea is in its infancy, and there are still details to be finalized, but as a general guideline, suggested minimum donations are listed below. Of course, donating more than the suggested minimum is always appreciated!
For a donation of $20.00 or more, you may choose a small (baby size) quilt
For a donation of $30.00 or more, you may choose a larger quilt
For a donation of $3.00 or more, you may choose a purse size tissue holder
Interested in more information?
Send an email to episcopalhome@comcast.net
Check out some of their creations below.
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In this vintage photo, the women are identified as "Frances" and Mrs. Elizabeth Schalles. Mrs. Schalles was one of the early Episcopal Home residents who
lived at the Episcopal home for nearly 20 years. Her passing at age 95 was noted in a 1960 issue of
The Harrisburg Churchman. According to the article, she was
"the last of the old residents of the Home."
A new era began with the first addition and
renovation efforts in 1959. By 1960, expansions were completed and the Home opened its doors to accommodate several new residents.
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Mission Statement
The mission of the Episcopal Home of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania is to enhance personal care to residents, their families and that community that enhance physical, intellectual, social,
and spiritual wellbeing.
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