Senior Commons at Powder Mill News

Our residents got a hands-on experience with some new technology! Students from the Key Club at Palmyra High School are volunteering for computer training for our residents. They learned how to do different things on the computer, as well as using an iPad.

Residents and guests had a blast at our Casino Night! We had entertainment in our living room, drinks at the bistro and we transformed our dining room to include table games and a money wheel.

Senior Commons at Powder Mill and local community members recently came together in support of the Alzheimer’s Association, and were able to raise during a Coach Bingo event. On April 6, families, friends and members of the community came together for an afternoon of Bingo, with prizes of Coach purses. Soup, sandwiches and bakery items were also sold, benefiting the association. All proceeds from ticket sales and food items went to the Alzheimer’s Association. We are so grateful for everyone that came out to play and support the Alzheimer’s Association, said Melissa Topper, executive director. Senior Commons at Powder Mill is thrilled to have been able to raise money during this bingo event for such a great cause.

Buddy King of The Magnificent Men performed LIVE for our residents on April 10th, 2013. His performance included songs from his days with the Magnificent Men, timeless classics by Ray Charles and Johnny Mathis just to name a few! Residents from the outside community joined us, many bringing in their vinyl albums of the Magnificent Men for Buddy to autograph.

Senior Commons takes pride in being a residence for many inspiring people. One veteran in particular, Philip Bentzel, was recognized in early March for his military service by receiving a Quilt of Valor from a friend. It was overwhelming, Bentzel said. It brought tears to my eyes. Bentzel’s quilt has many handcrafted patches honoring his career. Currently residing in the apartments with his wife Gladys, Bentzel joined the Marine Corps in 1942 at the age of 22. Stationed on the U.S.S. Bland, his service included stints in Okinawa, Japan, and Guam. He stressed the fact that he enlisted and was not drafted. I am very proud to be a Marine, Bentzel said. It was strict, but thorough training. Following his military retirement in 1946, Bentzel pursued a career as a machinist and toolmaker, spending 16 years working for Caterpillar. Thank you to Mr. Bentzel and all vets at Senior Commons for the sacrifices made to defend our country.

Caroline turned 100 years old on June 15. There was a 100th Birthday celebration at Senior Commons at Powder Mill, Friday, June 13 at 3:30 p.m. She has established her senior life at Senior Commons and loves to play bingo and read history books and biographies. At 100 years old, Caroline continues to enjoy her life. She doesn’t have a special secret to her longevity, but she said, I didn’t abuse myself. I took care of myself and listened to the doctor’s recommendations. She always strives to live by the golden rule as her father taught her. Her words of wisdom are to have patience. Grachen always makes sure to live day by day, and counts her blessings for everything she has.

Meet Loganville Native Ruth Weiser. New to the Senior Commons Community is Ruth Weiser – a quirky, art-loving gal. Ruth has an interest in a variety of art forms, and has experienced working with different mediums throughout her life (Origami, sculpting, painting, and embroidery to name a few). With her poetry, Ruth uses words as her medium. As a teenager Ruth began writing poetry. She said she gets a strange and wonderful feeling as words flood through her. I write almost the entire poem at once, Ruth said. I am inspired by life around me.

Caring for someone with dementia is not easy. The mainstream outlook consists of negative messaging compounded by stigma due to a lack of awareness and understanding of the condition.

When discussing dementia, the focus is typically on what the person has lost as they transition through each stage. But if that is all you are thinking about, you are missing opportunities, Teepa Snow said.

Snow is a renowned dementia care and education specialist who developed Positive Approach to Care and other methods such as the GEMS dementia state classification model.

Her classification model differs from commonly used scales by identifying six different brain states and the shifts in skills and abilities a person can experience in any given moment, focusing on the present, not what was lost.

Just like gems, each person is precious, valuable, and unique, and given the right setting and care, can shine, she said.

Understanding the GEMS States – sapphire, diamond, emerald, amber, ruby, and pearl – and how people with dementia experience the world, professional and family care partners can provide better care. They can then change their actions accordingly for a better connection and encourage participation in care tasks and activities.

Snow’s methodologies shift the current narrative, radically transforming the experience of dementia to help people with the condition continue living meaningful lives, which is why our community implements her teachings into our memory care program and ongoing team training.

Our memory care director constructs person-centered care plans that highlight each resident’s current abilities rather than focusing on what has been lost to help them experience happy, purposeful moments.