Fall 2017, Vol. 14, No. 4A publication of Life Care Centers of America

Family is ForeverPAGE 4

A World Shrouded in Wonder: Viewing the Total Eclipse of 2017

PAGE 8

A Servant’s HeartPAGE 6

Turning Tragedy into Triumph

Forrest L. PrestonFounder and Chairman

Beecher HunterPresident

Rob PauzaDirector of Graphic Services

and Art Director

Leigh AthertonDirector of Public Relations

and Editor

Deanna DisbroPublic Relations Coordinator

and Associate Editor

Jonathan GoldenGraphic Designer

All correspondence should be addressed to the Associate Editor.

is published quarterly by Life Care Centers of America

P.O. Box 3480 Cleveland, Tennessee 37320

A message from the president

OUR COVER MODEL:Emma Cummings and Shelby Presswood, volunteers at Life Care Center of Cleveland, Tennessee

Heading home after a fun-filled day at Dollywood on August 26, four people in a Nissan Altima were struck head-on by a van that crossed the center line on Highway 411 in Loudon County, Tennessee.

Killed were Winnie Lynn Burris, 39, of Old Fort, Tennessee, a licensed practical nurse at Life Care Center of Cleveland; her son, Riley Burris, 13; and a classmate of his, Destany Vines, also 13. The driver of the car, Mitchell Armour, 43, is still struggling to live. The driver of the van, Darryl Brewer, 34, also died.

Unbelief and grief were the reactions of countless numbers of people who knew them, including staff members of Life Care Center of Cleveland and the corporate offices. Winnie had worked at the facility for 19 years, and she was the consummate nurse, professional and compassionate. Riley was an eager volunteer there from his very early years.

The visitation before the funeral took five hours for people to go through the family receiving line. The service at the church, Boanerges Baptist, was packed, with folks standing around the walls. Stories of how Winnie loved and cared for people came pouring forth. Like …

A resident named Alice, hungry for a friend, was taken by Winnie to be a part of her wedding day. Or Mildred, a resident who often said she wished she could go back to her home one more time. She wanted to relive some memories, to walk in the yard again, and to check on the flowers she and her late husband had planted. Winnie took her there.

That was Winnie, always alert to the needs of others.

Yes, on that fateful evening of August 26, it was a disaster for those involved and all those who knew and loved them.

And yet, God turns tragedy into triumph. There are no accidents with God, nor is He surprised by anything. God uses even the most horrendous circumstances for good.

The positive impact of the lives of three people who were suddenly snatched away – Winnie and two middle-school students, Riley and Destany – has been so profound that more than 30 people have accepted Christ as their Lord; some of them classmates of these teenagers and others throughout their community. Thirty people will be in heaven who might not have been otherwise.

At a memorial service at Life Care Center of Cleveland on September 15, Cathy Howe, the executive director, announced the implementation of a new monthly award for excellence in performance and for outstanding care to residents and families. It will henceforth be named the Winnie Burris Award. Her mother, Gayla White, made the first presentation. Winnie’s legacy of love and service will be honored and remembered – inspiring others – for years to come.

Only God, you see, can take the broken pieces of our lives and make something beautiful out of each one.

Sincerely,

Beecher Hunter

Features

Family is Forever

A Servant’s Heart

A World Shrouded in Wonder: Viewing the Total Eclipse of 2017

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InsideLifeCare

InEveryIssueLife Care Connections

Whatever It Takes And Then Some Highlights

Resident Voices:

53 Life Care Facilities Named Best Nursing Homes

Life Care Center of Osawatomie Residents Go Camping

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What was the best Halloween costume you ever wore?“ ”

Servant p. 6 Eclipse p. 8

Family p. 4

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At Life Care’s 2017 Annual Management Meeting held Aug. 13-16 at Life Care’s corporate offices in Cleveland, Tennessee, eight associates received the Whatever It Takes And Then Some Award for showing exemplary compassion, care and teamwork above their required duties.

The following associates were presented with an award and $1,000 during a session on Aug. 16:

Eight Receive Annual Whatever It Takes And Then Some Awards

Central DivisionGeorge Rogers

Bus DriverLife Care Center of Carrollton, Missouri

Eastern DivisionDebbie Adams

Licensed Practical NurseLife Care Center of Morgan County

in Wartburg, Tennessee

Gulf States RegionMichelle HallActivities Assistant

Alameda Oaks Nursing Center in Corpus Christi, Texas

Mountain States Division

Karen DownsCertified Nursing AssistantLife Care Center of Cheyenne,

Wyoming

Northeast DivisionAimee RobinsonLicensed Practical Nurse

Life Care Center of Attleboro, Massachusetts

Northwest DivisionAmanda Edgar

Social Services DirectorLife Care Center of Port Townsend,

Washington

Southeast DivisionKaty Fournie

Occupational TherapistLife Care Center of Pensacola, Florida

Southwest DivisionCory Fischer

Environmental Services DirectorLife Care Center of Reno, Nevada

2017 has been named one of the top 10 most active hurricane seasons in the Atlantic according to The Weather Channel. As soon as Hurricane Harvey was done ripping through the Gulf of Mexico, Irma appeared, followed by Maria and Nate, with

destructive force set for the East Coast. While coastal cities were preparing for landfall of each storm, Life Care centers were taking steps to ensure the safety and well-being of each resident within their walls.

Many heroes emerged during these storms, putting others’ needs before their own. Life Care is proud to share two stories of individuals who worked tirelessly for our residents.

Dustin MorganThe Vosswood Nursing Center

Dustin Morgan is the boyfriend of an associate at The Vosswood Nursing Center in Houston, Texas. This facility was instructed to shelter in place during Harvey. But, as the water level rose, so did the need for assistance moving residents to higher floors.

Spending more than five days in the facility, Morgan volunteered to do whatever he could to assist. This included hauling patient beds up and down more than five flights of stairs as the elevators were out, assisting residents in getting up and down the stairs and ensuring associates could continue their duties of caring for residents.

“The experience of Harvey will not soon be forgotten,” said Matt Lloyd, executive director. “Dustin volunteering his time to our facility, associates and residents will be equally remembered.”

Tyrone BryantLife Care Center of Hilton Head

Tyrone Bryant is the director of maintenance at Life Care Center of Hilton Head, South Carolina. Shortly before Irma made landfall, Bryant’s daughter was involved in a serious accident that led to a severe head injury and multiple fractures.

During this time, Bryant returned to the facility, while his daughter was still in a coma, to ensure the residents in his building were successfully evacuated from the facility. Bryant worked tirelessly, staying awake more than 24 hours at a time, to ensure residents and associates had what they needed for evacuation.

“I was in awe of Tyrone and his ability to focus on meeting the needs of our residents and supporting our associates without hesitation, regardless of what was needed, all while his family was under extreme stress and his daughter’s health and stability were uncertain,” said Lynn Kilpatrick, executive director, who had encouraged Bryant on multiple occasions to leave and be with his family. “Our evacuation could not have been as successful without his sacrifice and selflessness.”

Hurricane Heroes

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National Assisted Living Week 2017

JACK AND FRANCES ABBOTT

Jack and Frances Abbott, 89- and 88-year-old residents at Westside Garden Plaza in Indianapolis, have made family everywhere they go.

Married on Feb. 20, 1949, the couple is as close today as they were 69 years ago.

“We still enjoy each other,” Frances said.The Abbotts have been living at the assisted

living community for four years, and they depend on each other. Jack has Alzheimer’s disease and relies on Frances’ sharp mind. Frances has Parkinson’s and relies on Jack’s help with some physical challenges, like taking off her shoes.

Their help extends beyond their door, to visitors taking a tour of the model room across the hall from their apartment. The couple invites the guests over to see what their own apartment looks like, and Frances answers their questions about the community.

“I love talking to people,” she said. “I like being around people.”

The couple uplifts their fellow residents as well, from encouraging their tablemate to play bingo with them to visiting sick residents and checking on their neighbors.

Those around them have always become like family. Jack and Frances never had children of

their own, but Frances’ brother and sister-in-law made sure their three children were involved in the Abbotts’ lives.

“Mom and Dad kind of shared us,” said Debbie Flowers, one of their nieces. “They’re like parents to us, and we’re like kids to them.”

“She’s the daughter that we couldn’t have,” Frances said of Flowers.

The Abbotts love children and spent 20 years together as owners of Tri-County Sports, a sporting goods store in Mooresville, Indiana, that mostly sold equipment to children in school sports. Some of those children got to know them well over the years.

“We still have kids who come to see us,” said Frances.

Flowers connected that love of family to the Abbotts’ experience at Westside.

“I think that’s why they embraced the Westside family,” she said, “and I think that’s why they get what they get from people. They embrace people, and people embrace them back, and when you’re kind to people, you reap what you sow.”

We are proud of the people we serve every day. Our residents

exemplify Family is Forever through their ability to love and

care for the individuals, some related and some not, they call

family. We celebrated their influence on our lives during

National Assisted Living Week, September 10 – 16, 2017.

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JOSEPH KORDEK

During his move to The AbbeWood in Elyria, Ohio, in June 2015, 93-year-old Joseph Kordek was determined to keep his sleeves rolled up and his hands working in the soil. So, he shared a simple idea of growing a facility vegetable garden.

Associates loved the idea and soon encouraged Kordek to begin creating his garden. He planted tomatoes and peppers and tended to them each day.

“It’s something to do and something to look forward to,” said Kordek. “I go to take a walk outside, get some fresh air and get my fingers dirty. I enjoy it.”

He was eager to grow fresh vegetables of his own, but he quickly discovered that he enjoyed giving the vegetables away more than keeping them to himself. The vegetables became an easy way for him to brighten other residents’ days.

“I like it because I can give the vegetables to people,” said Kordek. “Last year, I put a tomato on each person’s seat in their room. You give them something for nothing, and they enjoy it.”

As Kordek continued to work in his garden, he noticed that residents and associates began walking outside to see the garden and talk with him. He discovered that the garden brought people together.

For supplies, Kordek goes to a local greenhouse where his son is the foreman. Through visiting the greenhouse regularly these past few years, he has formed special friendships with the workers there. Even outside the facility, his garden fosters friendships.

Looking back on his childhood, Kordek realizes that gardening has always helped deepen relationships for him. He grew up in Chicago, but his family owned a piece of land outside of the city to grow produce for personal use.

“We grew everything you could imagine,” said Kordek. “From corn to tomatoes to peppers. Each one of us grew something different, but we grew the garden together.”

For Joseph Kordek, working with the land and tending to the soil is not a burden but a blessing. He chooses to continue gardening because of the sincere joy and feeling of accomplishment that the activity brings, but most notably, because it allows him to meet and love others like family.

“Family is what’s most important,” said Kordek. “It’s what’s most important to everybody. Without a family, you’re nothing.”

Kordek’s garden continues to grow at The AbbeWood, and so does his family. It’s apparent to all that his love for relationships and gardening is forever.

SELMA BIRD AND LILLIAN ROLL

“Through thick and thin, there will always be family, above anything else,” shares 90-year-old Lillian Roll, a resident at The Bridge at Ooltewah, Tennessee.

Lillian smiles at the lady next to her, 95-year-old Selma Bird, Lillian’s sister, best friend and neighbor at The Bridge.

The two have been friends their entire lives. And, while not always close in proximity, they both agree that their friendship has only grown stronger through the years.

“We were just a close family all the way around,” shares Selma.

At an early age, their parents instilled in them a great loyalty to family, taking in relatives and making sure each one was provided for.

The family extended their spirit of generosity to those in their community, as well, often giving

produce from their large Nebraska farm to those in need.

While their parents managed the farm, they encouraged Selma and Lillian to pursue a teaching profession. Each sister earned a graduate degree in education, and both have had successful and illustrious careers as educators. From Alaska to Japan, they’ve spanned the country and globe instructing youth.

While these endeavors and their husbands’ careers separated the sisters for a majority of their adult lives, they were finally reunited in Orlando, Florida, as they approached retirement.

The two eventually moved to Ooltewah together and, with the help of their families, decided to make The Bridge their home. This gave them an opportunity to continue to build their close bond as sisters in a different way.

“At this time in our lives, you really reminisce a lot and recall things that you’d really forgotten about over the years,” shares Lillian. “This has given us an opportunity to reacquaint and remember.”

Lillian’s two children, six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren have found a second grandmother in Selma, who tragically lost her only son.

“Unfortunately, there are so many families that are broken up today,” says Selma. “To find families that date back 100 years and still keep together, I think that’s a very important point.”

The large family has remained close over the years, recently congregating at The Bridge to celebrate Selma’s 95th birthday and Lillian’s 90th. Lillian’s son, Ron Hagen, and daughter, Jean Lomino, helped orchestrate the parties. Residents and staff, who refer to Selma and Lillian as “the sisters,” were invited to the celebrations, keeping to the family’s generous and inclusive spirit.

“Here at The Bridge, if you see Selma, you know that Lillian is nearby,” shares Bridgett Dallas, Lifestyle Services director at The Bridge.

Hagen says the trademark of the sisters is their loyalty.

“Serious, unflinching loyalty,” shares Hagen. “Loyalty to their beliefs, loyal to their family, loyal to their country, everything. They are wonderful examples to their family.”

That loyalty has crossed thousands of miles, spanned nine decades and come to include numerous individuals, some related and some not. It’s a loyalty that wholeheartedly exemplifies the idea that family truly is forever.

Emma Cummings, a 14-year-old volunteer at Life Care Center of Cleveland, Tennessee, wins whatever room she walks into. Her cheerful smile and confident demeanor are contagious, and it is easy to see why she makes friends wherever she goes.

Like most kids her age, Cummings dreams of a bright future. It is hard to imagine that just over a year ago, Cummings was fighting for her life.

In April 2016, Cummings was diagnosed with bone cancer and began grueling treatments, including six

rounds of chemotherapy and several surgeries.

For Cummings, life as she knew it came to a sudden halt. The outgoing eighth grader, who loved playing soccer and socializing with friends, could no longer attend school and spent most of her time in a hospital bed. Despite the changes Cummings was experiencing in her health and social life, one thing remained constant throughout her treatment – the support of her family of residents and associates at Life Care Center of Cleveland.

Cummings has been volunteering at the facility since she was 4 years old, when her grandmother Shelby Presswood brought her to volunteer alongside her. As Cummings grew up, she never stopped coming to visit and assist with activities, from bingo to group exercises. She would volunteer after school and during the summer.

“My grandma is literally the most caring person that I know,” said Cummings. “I know that it’s the typical grandma thing to be like, ‘Honey, you want some cookies?

By Hannah Buckingham, Life Care Public Relations

A Servant’s

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Can I do anything for you?’ She is like that times 70.”

Presswood’s servant heart is clearly a trait that has been instilled in Cummings.

“The one thing I love to do is to help other people,” shared Cummings.

For Cummings, the joy she experiences from volunteering is often found in simple moments.

“It’s something that seems so small, but we take residents on outings to Walmart and I love it so much,” laughed Cummings.

While residents shop, Cummings picks out an assortment of small goodies to take back to the residents who were unable to attend the outing.

Even in the midst of her battle with cancer, Cummings’ dedication to serve never wavered.

“When doctors gave her clearance, she found herself volunteering in her own wheelchair at Life Care Center of Cleveland,” said Josh Lee, former interim executive director. “Everyone, including associates and visitors, saw how courageous and dedicated she was to return to volunteering, especially since she was going through so much herself.”

On the days she couldn’t leave the hospital, Cummings experienced firsthand the power of small acts of kindness.

“There are so many people who go into the hospital experience,” shared Cummings. “I remember being in my hospital bed, and the child life specialist, who is like an activity director at a nursing home, would say, ‘Hey, Emma! Do you want to do some crafts? Do you want to go outside for a while?’ Those small gestures made a whole lot of difference.”

Fighting a life-threatening disease has taught Cummings many difficult and important lessons, and she’ll readily admit that it has caused her to mature faster than other children her age.

“Part of maturing is realizing that there are some things that you have to go through,” said Cummings. “Cancer just made me realize that a whole lot sooner than other kids would.”

In May 2017, Cummings was declared cancer-free. She has returned to school for her first year of high school and is thoroughly enjoying seeing her friends on a regular basis again. When she’s not in school,

or busy volunteering, you’ll find Cummings playing chess or spending time with her 16-year-old sister Olivia.

On Aug. 14, 2017, Cummings received Life Care’s Youth Volunteer of the Year Award. This honor is presented to one young person each year for extraordinary volunteer service.

“She may be only 14 years old, but Emma Cummings shows a level of maturity that exceeds that of many grownups,” said Beecher Hunter, Life Care president. “Her desire to have a positive impact on people was dramatically shown when she refused to let cancer treatments get in her way of serving at Life Care Center of Cleveland – even from her wheelchair. We are extremely impressed with her character and commitment.”

Cummings hopes to have a career in health care someday where she can continue to serve others. Though she is torn between geriatrics and emergency medicine, there is no doubt that Cummings will thrive in a field that requires self-sacrifice and a caring heart.

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Comments of awe and loud cheers erupted across the nation as the moon crossed into the path of the sun during the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017. The last time a total eclipse was visible from the contiguous United States was on Feb. 26, 1979, and the next opportunity won’t be until 2024.

Only certain areas of the country were able to view the total eclipse, a line

crossing several states called the path of totality (areas outside of this path only received a partial eclipse). Several Life Care centers and Century Park buildings had the opportunity to be in the path of totality, allowing residents, their families

and associates to witness one of the most spectacular natural events known to man.

Streetlights glowed in the middle of the day, temperatures dipped rapidly and in some areas of the country, crickets could be heard emerging from their

daytime rest under the impression it was nighttime. Though totality, the period of time when the moon completely covers the sun, only lasted roughly about two-and-a-half minutes, it had a lasting impression on viewers as they donned

special eclipse-viewing glasses provided by the facilities.

“This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was enjoyed by everyone,” said Emma Myers, Lifestyle Services director at Garden Plaza at Cleveland, Tennessee. “We were not only grateful for the slim chance that the path of totality came through Cleveland, but also the fact that

we had the most perfect weather to view it.”

Life Care Center of Cleveland, Tennessee, hosted an Eclipse Day, complete with eclipse-themed snacks such as Sundrop and Sunkist soda,

Viewing the Total Eclipse of 2017

A World Shrouded in

WONDER:By Xavier Jasso, Life Care Public Relations

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Moonpies, Star Crunch, Starbursts and more. In addition, the facility also helped residents dye T-shirts to wear for the event.

Three hours away, residents at The Bridge at Columbia, Tennessee, were thankful they too had the opportunity to safely view the momentous occasion.

“It was so nice to have the opportunity to witness the eclipse and enjoy the afternoon outside,” said Anne Rochelle, a resident at The Bridge at Columbia. “Everyone at The Bridge took good care of us so we could have a safe experience.”

“It was a wonderful day for all residents and staff at The Bridge at Columbia to come together and share in this amazing event,” said Christy Thrasher, Lifestyle Services director. “We had tremendous interest and participation with the historic eclipse.”

Life Care Center of McMinnville, Oregon, was another building blessed with the chance to witness the total eclipse.

“It was a great turnout,” said Susana Mendez, activities director. “There ended up being 20+ residents that wanted to go outside for the viewing. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience that was amazing to watch.”

The Bridge at Hickory Woods in Antioch, Tennessee, joined in on the fun with their own eclipse-themed party, which included sunflower seeds, Eclipse chewing gum, Sun Tea, Sun Chips, an eclipse and sun cake and even a souvenir cup for all the viewers. After enjoying the themed snacks, residents and associates went outside to view the spectacular event.

“I was truly moved by the eclipse and what effect it had on me, as well as others,” said LeeAnn Landt, Lifestyle Services director at The Bridge at Hickory Woods. “It was truly as if time stood still for a moment. Everyone came together as one.”

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The North American eclipse of 2017 was an especially moving event for former NASA mathematician, David Aichele.

Aichele worked at NASA for the entirety of his career. He worked behind the scenes on projects such as the Hubble Space Station.

A resident of The Bridge at Ooltewah, Tennessee, Aichele kept his eclipse glasses on through the entire event so he could keep a constant watch on the sun.

“I realized how small we are,” Aichele said about viewing the eclipse. “We are such a small piece in a very large world.”

MEET DAVID AICHELE, FORMER NASA EMPLOYEE

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Fifty-three Life Care Centers of America facilities in 17 states were recently listed in the U.S. News & World Report list of the best nursing homes for 2017-2018.

U.S. News & World Report rates centers by compiling data over a 12-month period from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – including data on health inspections, nurse staffing and quality of care.

Fewer than 15 percent of nursing homes nationwide received a Best rating this year. In contrast, the 53 Life Care facilities represent a quarter of the company, the highest percentage on record.

“Congratulations to the leadership and all the associates of these facilities for earning this important national acknowledgement of our commitment to the very highest in customer service,” said Beecher Hunter, Life Care president. “To earn such distinction represents outstanding team efforts.”

Life Care congratulates its winning facilities. They are listed below, by state:• Heritage Health Care Center

in Globe, Arizona• Payson Care Center in Payson, Arizona• Life Care Center of Vista, California• Berkley Manor Care Center

in Denver, Colorado• Briarwood Health Care Center

in Denver, Colorado• Life Care Center of Aurora, Colorado• Life Care Center of Greeley, Colorado• Life Care Center of Littleton, Colorado• Life Care Center of Longmont, Colorado• Life Care Center of Stonegate

in Parker, Colorado• University Park Care Center

in Pueblo, Colorado• Valley View Villa

in Fort Morgan, Colorado• Villa Manor Care Center

in Lakewood, Colorado• Western Hills Health Care Center

in Lakewood, Colorado• Life Care Center at Inverrary

in Lauderhill, Florida• Life Care Center of Estero, Florida• Life Care Center of Melbourne, Florida• Life Care Center of Ocala, Florida

• Life Care Center of Palm Bay, Florida• Life Care Center of Pensacola, Florida• Life Care Center of Punta Gorda, Florida• Life Care Center of Sarasota, Florida• Hale Anuenue Restorative Care Center

in Hilo, Hawaii• Ka Punawai Ola in Kapolei, Hawaii• Life Care Center of Kona, Hawaii• Life Care Center of Idaho Falls, Idaho• Life Care Center of Lewiston, Idaho• Life Care Center of Treasure Valley in

Boise, Idaho• Life Care Center of LaGrange, Indiana• The Lane House in Crawfordsville,

Indiana• Life Care Center of Burlington, Kansas• Life Care Center of Acton, Massachusetts• Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley

in Littleton, Massachusetts• Life Care Center of Raynham,

Massachusetts• Life Care Center of West Bridgewater,

Massachusetts• Life Care Center of Grandview, Missouri• Life Care Center of Reno, Nevada• Life Care Center of Farmington,

New Mexico

• Life Care Center of Hendersonville, North Carolina

• Life Care Center of Blount County in Louisville, Tennessee

• Life Care Center of Elizabethton, Tennessee

• Life Care Center of Greeneville, Tennessee

• Life Care Center of Hickory Woods in Antioch, Tennessee

• Life Care Center of Morgan County in Wartburg, Tennessee

• Life Care Center of Sparta, Tennessee• Ridgeview Terrace of Life Care

in Rutledge, Tennessee• Life Care Center of Plano, Texas• Cottesmore of Life Care

in Gig Harbor, Washington• Garden Terrace Healthcare Center of

Federal Way, Washington• Life Care Center of Kirkland,

Washington• Life Care Center of Puyallup,

Washington• Life Care Center of South Hill

in Puyallup, Washington• Life Care Center of Cheyenne, Wyoming

By Heidi Pino, Life Care Public Relations

53 Life Care Facilities Named

Best Nursing Homes

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It was a peaceful night. A small group slumbered in a small cabin in the woods after an evening of fun in the fresh outdoor air.

These were no ordinary campers, however. These were seniors from Life Care Center of Osawatomie, Kansas.

On June 28, 2017, four residents and several associates from the facility “camped” overnight, thanks to a conversation between resident Agnes Green and Activity Director Tammi Conner.

Green, who was on hospice, shared with Conner her love of the outdoors one evening while the two of them were sitting outside. Green talked about how much she loved camping, which she used to enjoy with a friend who had a camper.

Life Care Center of Osawatomie tries to fulfill residents’ “bucket list” wishes, and Conner started thinking how to make a camping trip happen for Green. She made phone calls and talked to the staff about her idea, and soon she had an overnight trip lined

up to Pomona State Park in Vassar, Kansas, about an hour’s drive away.

Conner even got another local nursing and rehab center to join them on the outing, bringing an additional four residents.

“It was pretty amazing,” Conner said. “The park donated a handicap-accessible cabin, and the rangers wanted to do a program for us.”

Residents were treated to tours of the park in the rangers’ utility vehicles, as well as an educational session about local wildlife. The rangers brought out hides and skins so the seniors could see what the different animals felt like.

As the evening drew on, Friends of Pomona State Park, who had heard about the adventurous outing, showed up to enhance the experience even more. One gentleman played the guitar and led the group in singing around a campfire while the residents made s’mores.

“I hadn’t had s’mores since I was a kid in 4-H,” Green shared. “You bet I had a good time!”

Local businesses provided a pizza dinner for the campers, and the ladies enjoyed sitting outside and chatting.

After a night’s sleep in the cozy cabin, the residents awoke to enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls for breakfast, again provided by the community. They hoped to go fishing before heading back, but that didn’t pan out, which didn’t phase Green, who was not too fond of the sport.

“The last day, it rained cats and dogs,” Green said. “We just visited and had fun.”

“I loved everything about the trip, especially getting to know Agnes,” said fellow resident Edith Chambers.

Resident Debbie Oberheide shared that opinion. “It was all so much fun,” she said.

“I really enjoyed the tour, and the cabin was nice and comfy,” added the fourth camper, Teresa Covey.

The camping trip was a resounding success, and the facility hopes to take another group next summer.

“I would do it again in a heartbeat,” said Conner.

Life Care Center of Osawatomie Residents

g o c a m p i n gBy Heidi Pino, Life Care Public Relations

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Alysha Peterson, housekeeper, Life Care Center of Waynesville, MissouriWhile working on the special care unit, Peterson noticed that a resident was very focused on going back to school. Peterson went out of her way to bring in textbooks, notebooks and other school supplies to make the resident feel like she was headed to school again.

Sandy Gilliham, certified nursing assistant, Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Paducah, KentuckyWhen a resident was going to turn 102, Gilliham planned a birthday party for her complete with balloons, cake, flowers and the facility choir to sing to her.

Jason Gonzales, activities assistant, Garden Terrace at Fort Worth, TexasAfter his normal work time, Gonzales stepped up to help move two patients to another room when the air conditioning in their room stopped working. He also moved their belongings and convinced one of the patients, who was a new admit, to use a low air-loss mattress so that his pressure ulcer would heal faster.

Jeanrey Racal, accounts payable/payroll associate, Orangegrove Rehabilitation Hospital in Garden Grove, CaliforniaRacal assisted a patient whose computer had broken down. The patient relied on the computer to keep in touch with her family, and Racal spent hours of her own time contacting support representatives and helping order a replacement computer.

Victor Watts, certified nursing assistant, Life Care Center of Pensacola, FloridaWatts uses his own personal funds to buy male body wash so that his male residents can feel both fresh and masculine.

Melissa Smith, certified nursing assistant, Life Care Center of Casper, WyomingSmith purchased a bouquet of flowers for a resident who was discharging from the facility. The resident had touched Smith’s heart, and the resident was so happy to receive the flowers as she said farewell.

Whitney Moore, dietary aide, Life Care Center of Port Townsend, WashingtonMoore regularly visits residents on each shift, learning their likes and dislikes. She recently brought in a lip stain for a resident so she could wear her lipstick and not get it on her teeth. This made the resident so happy she giggled all day long.

Crystal Atkins, certified nursing assistant, Life Care Center of Westlake, OhioAtkins has taken time on her day off to come in and take a resident out to a hair appointment. She has also purchased hair color for this resident and colored it for her.

Whatever It Takes And Then Some

Highlights

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I was a hobo around 10 years old. I wore a pair of my younger brother’s old jeans and stuffed them with paper to keep me warm. It all came from around the house, including the mop wig. Shirley Morgan, Life Care Center of Hendersonville, North Carolina

I made my own costume with my mom. It was a spider. Big black round face and six legs. Pat E., Life Care Center of Punta Gorda, Florida

When my kids were teenagers, we dressed up as the KISS band. We had the thick shoes and lots of makeup. It was fun!Linda Peterson, Life Care Center of Westminster, Colorado

I’ve never dressed up before, but I plan to this year! (Age 102)Ruth Demoney, Life Care Center of Greeley, Colorado

My best costume was my purple people-eater costume that I put together with long purple hair, purple boa, striped purple socks, purple shirt and big, huge eyes. I won the best costume at the senior center and a $10 gift certificate. Patricia Gillespie, Life Care Center of Hixson, Tennessee

The best Halloween costume I ever wore was when I was 7 years old. I wore a princess costume. It was pink with sparkles on it. My dad was not home all the time, working overseas, but he would take us trick-or-treating whenever he was home. We always had fun and got lots of candies. Carolyn Purcell, Life Care Center of Vista, California

Dressed up as John F. Kennedy.Allen Johnson, Green Valley Care Center in New Albany, Indiana

I transformed a cardboard box into a TV set, complete with knobs to turn the channel. When knobs were turned, the pictures changed inside the box. I had several pics to choose from, but not too many because channel options were limited then. Topped off the costume with rabbit ears complete with tinfoil. Kenneth Pack, Life Care Center of Centerville, Tennessee

I was a witch, a good witch. Sandra Andrye, Life Care Center of Wilbraham, Massachusetts

My most favorite was when I was able to play Batman when I was 16. My best friend dressed up as Robin, and we had so much fun. We were both troublemakers, so everyone found it funny that we were supposed to be the ones stopping the trouble. Leroy Wiley, Camellia Gardens of Life Care in Thomasville, Georgia

I threw on a pair of bib overalls and made myself up to look like a scarecrow. Betty Mitchell, Life Care Center of Pueblo, Colorado

When I was 18 or 19, I went out with a friend as little old men. We made our costumes and got tons of laughs.Alice Lawrence, Life Care Center of Waynesville, Missouri

I was Raggedy Ann and wore a wig my mama made out of yarn. Elizabeth Cooper, Life Care Center of Cleveland, Tennessee

Although it wasn’t my costume, the one that stands out to me the most was of my 2-year-old granddaughters. We dressed them up as kitty cats, and they looked adorable. What makes this costume memorable is that they kept tripping over their long tails. Charlotte Perin, Alderwood Manor in Spokane, Washington

I dressed as a snowman. My head fit into the top ball. I couldn’t see, so I had to be led everywhere I went. The feet of the costume were a size 18, so I couldn’t drive my car. At the Halloween party, a friend I had gone through 1st-12th grade with sat next to me the whole evening and didn’t recognize me.Gerald Martello, Life Care Center of Sandpoint, Idaho

I put on some old overalls, boots and a cowboy hat and chewed on some hay all day while waiting on candy. I believe I was about 5 years old. That was my favorite time. James Nunn, Garden Terrace at Fort Worth, Texas

I dressed as one of the men from Duck Dynasty. Had camouflage shirt and shorts and had my own beard. Had a baseball cap of Duck Dynasty. Joe Keller, Life Care Center of Red Bank in Chattanooga, Tennessee

ResidentVoicesWhat was the best Halloween costume you ever wore?

Life Care Centers of America’s Annual Management Meeting • Aug. 13-16, 2017

Congratulations to all of our associates and volunteers who received awards during our awards ceremony on Aug. 14, 2017, at Life Care’s corporate offices in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Chairman’s Award Division Support AwardGroup Volunteer of the Year Award

Dan GaugerRegional Vice President

Longs Peak Region

Jennifer CoffeltDivision Controller Northwest Division

Meade and Velda SieverLife Care Center of New Market, Virginia

Anthony Cooper, Executive Director

James WeissLife Care Center of Reno, Nevada

Machelle Harris, Executive Director

Emma CummingsLife Care Center of Cleveland

Cathy Howe, Executive Director

Carl W. Campbell Wind Beneath My Wings Award

Youth Volunteer of the Year Award