The Episcopal Home

 Puts the "personal" in personal care
February 2019
Clergy Council Visit
We had a wonderful visit from the Clergy Council of the Harrisburg Convocation. This group's meetings are designed to build relationships, hear what is going on in the rest of the diocese, engage with the bishop on different topics and items of interest, and share information relating to their particular parishes. Attendees included (front row, left to right) The Rev. Rebecca Myers,The Rev. Carenda Baker, The Rev. Barbara Hutchinson, and The Rev. Nathan Baliira. In the back row (left to right) are The Rev. Jim Robertson, The Rev. Brenda Taylor, The Rev. Fred Miller,The Rev. Greg Welin,The Rev. Michael Nailor,The Rev. Eric Henry, and The Rt. Rev. Audrey Scanlan.

Before meeting with residents, members participated in an aging simulation activity, led by EH Administrator Mary Grace Shearer, to learn about some of the physical challenges of aging. Following that, they had a Q & A session regarding the uniqueness of the Episcopal Home. Afterward, they joined our EH residents for conversation and cookie baking and decorating.
We were delighted to host this lively, compassionate group.
"Sometimes the greatest adventure is simply a conversation." (Amadeus Wolfe)
In this age of technology in which so much communication is done from behind computer screens or
via text, it's easy to forget the importance of face to face conversation.
Exerpted from Understanding the Aging Process Through simulation by Schmall and Staton.
  • By the age of 65, 50% of the taste buds are lost by the average person. The ability to taste food, however, is usually not affected until the late seventies. Sweet and salty flavors are the first to go, while sour and bitter function much longer.

  • Over 40% of people age 80 and older have difficulty identifying common foods due to declines in the ability to smell. It may also mean that a person is not able to smell body or household odors that may be offensive or dangerous (spoiled food, smoke, etc.).
  • The average 65 year old has a visual acuity of 20/70 or less. Older people require more time to adjust to changes in light level and are more sensitive to glare.They may require brighter light to see well.

  • 40% of people over the age of 65 experience limits in activity due to changes in the skeletal-muscular system. Bone and muscular changes, and health conditions (such as arthritis, Parkinson's Disease and stroke) can mean decreased dexterity.

  • Hearing loss is potentially the most serious of the sensory changes. Unlike poor vision, it rarely inspires sympathy and understanding, and is more likely to cause loneliness and depression. Approximately 30% - 50% of older adults have a hearing loss that affects their communication with others. Older people have a reduced ability to hear sounds of low and high frequency. S, F, P, and TH become difficult to hear. As a result, the person may hear "fill" instead of "pill."

What does this mean?
Once we are aware that older individuals may have sensory limitations, it is important to be patient and kind, realizing it may take them longer to
perform a task or to answer a question.
RESIDENTS
February 17 - Gretchen
February 20 - Frank A .
February 10 - Wine & Cheese Party and Visit
sponsored by All Saints Episcopal Church, Hershey - 2:00 - 4:00
February 14 - Valentine's Day Party - 2:00
February 16 - Resident Rights Meeting - 2:00 *
February 21 - Quality Assurance Meeting - 4:00 *
February 23 - Baking Club - 2:00
* Two important meetings are scheduled for February, and everyone is invited:

(1) A Resident Rights meeting will be held on February 16th at 2:00 PM in the EH activity room. We will watch a DVD and discuss resident rights. Refreshments will be served.

(2) A Quality Assurance Meeting will be held at 4:00 PM on February 21st in the EH activity room. We are meeting to educate members on licensing violations, internal incidents such as falls, medication errors, and safety issues, as well as a review of staff training. Additionally, we'll discuss any areas identified as needing improvement and any items brought up by residents or responsible parties. We here at EH try to be proactive regarding safety issues for any and all issues brought forth by responsible parties or residents. Some issues are a matter of individual choice/desire, and some issues deal directly with the health and safety of all. We do what we can to resolve individual issues on a daily basis. We usually deal with these matters on a one-to-one basis. The Quality Assurance meeting will be a group discussion.
Infection Control

Some of the most common infections are pneumonia, UTI, and influenza.

Infections are a significant cause of death in people 65 and over, and account for 30% of deaths in this age group.

The best way to counteract infection is to eat a healthy diet (eat your fruit and veggies), drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly.
What Can Visitors to the Episcopal Home Do to Help?
  • Stay away from residents when you are contagious.
  • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
  • If necessary, wear a disposable mask for your protection as well as the residents'.

There is a Correct Way to Wash Your Hands:
  • Wet your hands lather and scrub for as long as it takes you to sing (aloud or silently) the Happy Birthday song - TWICE!
  • Rinse and dry your hands on a clean towel.
A recent survey revealed that 33% of people do not use soap when washing their hands!
Routine, Routine, Routine!

My thoughts for February are centering on time and the use of time. I have noticed as I grow older along with others who are growing older around me, there is an interesting shift regarding the use of time. We all have 24 hours a day, and we go by the same calendar; however, it is clear that how we prioritize our time changes as we age.

One resident reads from morning until night, stopping only to attend to little other than personal needs. Another resident puts together a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle in a snap. Residents are quite selective in deciding which scheduled activities they will attend. Recently, when I encouraged a resident to attend an activity, she remarked, "This had better be good!" She said this, not because she is difficult, but because she is selective in what she likes to do and how she prefers to spend her time.

The way we structure our time is helpful to our mental processes. Predictable routine reduces stress and anxiety because we know what to expect. Routine actions will become part of our body memory. A structured day is helpful to orientation and to our balance. Receiving medications on a regular basis, as the residents do, has been proven to be beneficial to the overall health process. Scheduled meal times can go hand in hand with medication administration as well. If we have a basic routine, our bodies, minds, and spirits have a better chance of being balanced.
  • May you have good memories of those who cannot be with you.
  • May you have appreciation for yourself, what you do for others, and what others do for you.
  • May we treat each other with kind words and thoughts and always be fair.

Kind wishes!
Mary Grace
Around the House

Caught in the act!
Cathy and Juanita hung around to sample the goods after their cookie baking activity with visiting clergy.
Perfect Harmony
Jean plays piano for us during lunchtime every Monday. Milan and his therapy dog, Casey, visit two Mondays each month. Milan stopped by the piano and joined Jean for an impromptu performance. Casey seems to be unimpressed but the rest of us were delighted.
Your Support is Vital
Your generosity helps residents who need financial assistance.
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enclose a check made payable to
The Episcopal Home
and mail it to
206 E. Burd St.
Shippensburg, PA 17257
Donations are tax deductible
The Episcopal Home is a place where residents receive friendship, spiritual nurture, rest, recreation and excellent physical care in a peaceful setting which allows them to live in a place of safety, warmth and love. The Home is able to care for those with limited financial means because parishes of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania support the facility. Through the ministry of the Episcopal Home, the Church is engaged in God's mission to value life and care for others.
Contact Us:
206 E. Burd St.
Shippensburg, PA 17257
(717)532-4612
 www.episcopalhome.com