THE TURNING LEAF Spring 2015 Piedmont Adult Living Services, Inc. Director’s Corner Spring time is a time of new birth, longer daylight hours, trees budding, flowers blooming, parents pushing babies in their strollers. The streets are filled with bicycles, buses, joggers, and endless cars. Laughter in the air and bright smiles everywhere. Now is a perfect opportunity to gather resources for donor reports, fundraising appeals, and newsletter articles. Whether our nonprofit is changing lives locally or bringing the attention to the needs of seniors and adults with disabilities internationally, well-told stories can convert skeptical prospects into generous donors who are eager to fund new or improved projects. Most people who work for a nonprofit organization have a sense of calling about its vision or mission statement. They are passionate about making a difference, being part of a solution, and saving lonely insolated lives one person at a time. The need is so obvious to us that we forget that it’s not that real to other people, people with other priorities. They don’t realize how important it is to tell the story over and over again in order to re-inspire our current followers and attract new donors and volunteers (see testimony in next column). Thanks for helping to tell the story. Bettye Mills Executive Director INVITACION PARA LOS ANCIANOS HISPANOSLATINOS A PARTICIPAR EN PALS Invitamos a todos los ancianos y personas de tercera edad de la comunidad Latino - ispana a participar de los programas y cuidados que PALS puede ofrecerles de Lunes a Viernes de 7 a.m. a 6 p.m. Como equipo nos hemos dado cuenta que la comunidad Hispana ha sido un regalo maravilloso para nuestra institución. Invitamos a que vengan y conozcan las actividades físicas, de recreación, oración-Nuestros ancianos no son vegetales, son personas con dignidad y respeto. Con la clase de estímulos y mucho más su pariente puede responder mejor en su casa. Testimony from a Loving Husband “PALS is a very nice place for my wife to spend her time. Christmas and other holiday decorations create a good cheery atmosphere. Everyone is wonderful and cheerful even through hectic times. The staff take care of my wife when she’s anxious. Thank you for patience, encouragement, empathy and care. This is a very trying and scary time for both my wife and me. The diagnosis of dementia is crippling to all family members and friends. Caregivers are especially affected, because they often feel alone and isolated. My wife was hospitalized in an emergency. The staff members’ quick actions and notification were great. Most importantly, they had empathy for me (the loving husband and caregiver). I can’t tell you how much better the staff made the situation. I didn’t feel alone when I was scared. God bless all of you!” En nuestra institución les ayudamos a que usted quede tranquilo durante el dia mientras usted se ocupa de sus actividades diarias, además de tener una atención de ayuda para su salud. Es una gran oportunidad para que el anciano no se aburra en una casa solo, triste e inactive. Nosotros tenemos como consigna ”la compasión como la mejor medicina.” El mismo hecho de compartir con otros ya es una ganancia para la familia y el anciano; ya que parte de la misión de PALS es la interelación entre los participantes. Si quieres lo mejor para tu abuelo o tu familiar PALS es el lugar de confianza y reputación. Ven y visítanos para mostrate el lugar. Llama al 704-370-0093 para más información. Hablamos Español pregunta por Cruz Bernard o Nondier Zuleta. Inside this issue Director’s Corner Nurse’s Corner What Participants Do Welcome to Noma Diggs Birthdays 1 2 2, 3 4 4 The Nurse’s Corner 5 Easy Steps to Help Caregivers Spring into Health For caregivers, self-care is one of the first things to get sacrificed. Especially when coffee and stimulants, like sugar and processed wheat, are so abundant. You can get an amazing amount done, despite being exhausted. Don’t be fooled. If you’re skipping meals and running on empty, you’ll soon be the one needing care. Take the time and consideration to make your health your #1 priority. After all, what good are you to the one you’re caring for if you’re not well? Of course, there’s a catch—you have to find the time. But, don’t worry! These five simple strategies will help you drop the all-or-nothing approach and find some much needed, nourishing, you-time—without taking more of your time. 1) Eat Breakfast Don’t forget, it’s the most important meal of the day! Skipping breakfast, or any meal for that matter, is a setup for energy crashes, persistent cravings, and weight gain. 2) Eat Protein in Each Meal Animal or vegetarian, I don’t care. Figure out what makes you feel good and stock up. Remember, “feeling good” after meals means you have energy (it’s not naptime). 3) Drink Water Drinking water at least three times throughout the day, away from food, keeps you hydrated and happy. It also prevents you from having to wake up in the middle of the night to urinate. 4) Have a Bowel Movement Every Day (at least one) This step isn’t always easy, but it’s good to be aware. Ask yourself the questions—“Did I?” or “Didn’t I?” and “What did it look like?”—to help you determine whether you need to eat differently or take better care of yourself. If you’re not having daily BMs, contact a health care practitioner. 5) Eat Three Meals A Day Not five, not six, not one—but three. It’s the magic number for balancing your metabolism and blood sugar. Three meals a day cuts your snacking down so you consume more nutrient-dense foods. What Participants Do They get a move on! They move from wheelchair and sitting. They walk in the gym during morning exercise. What Participants Do They take field trips—spring outing to the Aviation Museum. They make a quilt from “This ’n That”—The Humility Quilt. Welcome to Noma Diggs Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper I worked for NC Mentor as a behavioral health office coordinator for more than three years. I moved to North Carolina in 2008 from Jacksonville, FL, there I spent five years in the Social Service Department at Baptist Medical Center. Thanks to my military family background , I have traveled to numerous states and have worked in different offices to develop many clerical and administrative skills. In me, you’ll discover a reliable, detailoriented, and extremely hard-working associate who has a passion for people of all age. I enjoy what I do. Happy April Birthdays Thomas Stinson — April 15 Kevin Bryant — April 20 Mary Stroud — April 26 Happy May Birthdays Evelyn Alexander — May 9 Elvia Crenshaw — May 13 James Wallace — May 15 Kathleen Horne — May 16 Taylor Adkins — May 9 Sylvester Harris — May 22 Maria Soto — May 27 Nondier Zuleta — May 27 Happy June Birthdays Valerie Walker — June 6 Maria Meza — June 22 Hertzell Lopez — June 30 HOURS OF OPERATION MONDAY-FRIDAY 7:00 AM — 6:00 PM LOCATION/DIRECTIONS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED OFF I277 ON SOUTH BOULEVARD WITH EASY ACCESS TO I-77 & I-85 WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT US? CONTACT: BETTYE C. MILLS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 704-370-0093 Piedmont Adult Living Services, Inc. “PALS for Life” Piedmont Adult Living Services, Inc. 1201 South Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203-4207 PLACE STAMP HERE