FALL 2015

Surrounding

You With the

Care You Need to

Remain at Home

Born in 1913, Bessie Bookwalter is the oldest participant at PACE! Her family moved from Chicago to Benton Harbor when she was five years old. “My mother said if there’s a heaven it’s right here! We had trees and grass. We didn’t have to play on the sidewalk any more,” Bessie said. Of PACE, Bessie said: “There’s some-thing different here all the time — lots of people to watch. I wish I could walk around like some of the others do.

I’m trying. I’m riding the bike a lot.” ~Continued on p. 6

OUR SENIOR-MOST CITIZEN!

~A Message from the PACE Executive Director~

The number of dementia cases continues to increase nationally and worldwide. There is a great need to insure health care staff are well trained to provide appropriate, competent, and

sensitive direct care and support for the dementia patient. There is also the need to bring attention to this serious health problem that affects over 70 percent of our PACE participants.

June was National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. PACE participated in a community meeting, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. Two caregivers shared their experi-ence of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s took place in August and PACE had the largest team of people participating. PACE participants, staff, family and friends joined together to demonstrate our commitment to this cause. ~Continued on p.2~

The NuStep bike has become a valuable vehicle at PACE! It takes participants to greater strength and other fun and exciting places. See pages 4-5 to read more about our award-winning adventures and “travels” on the NuStep machine. PACE staff and family members took part in the Walk to End

Alzheimer’s in August.

At the PACE Day Center we provide

services across the cognitive continuum.

Bessie Bookwalter, age 101, exercises on the NuStep

machine in the PACE Therapy Gym.

Lindsey, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, offers activities that focus on what the participant is able to do or would have fun doing. She looks for a new activity to replace one that has become difficult.

One of our participants loved to read the daily newspaper. He became upset when he could no longer read it on his own. Lindsey spoke to a family member who now reads the newspaper to him. This allows the participant to continue something he loves. It also gives the participant and his family member a new focus for conversation. Now they enjoy talking about the articles together.

The memory care program at PACE helps participants who live with dementia. They take part in activities carefully created so each participant can experience success and not be frustrated. Any partici-pant can join regardless of the extent of their dementia. “The world isn’t made for people with dementia,” said PACE Activity Coordinator Lindsey. “But when our participants come to PACE we can match them with activities that are easy for them to enjoy.”

(continued from page one)

As you know, activities are a key element of PACE. We offer a broad range of activities that engage participants with no dementia to those with significant dementia. We create a special space for those who need one-on-one attention by offering special programs like Cognitive Climbers, Music Therapy and Shining Star Daily Rhythms. PACE staff are committed to serving our participants, engaging them in meaningful activities and motivating them to their fullest potential. They attend regular memory care Training, and practice techniques to keep our participants active. Thank you to all who share our commitment and support our effort to provide excellent care. ~ Therese Saggau, Executive Director

Ribbon cutting at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s

“I like coming here ecause everyone believes in me. There is always something for me to do — things that I used to do but different so I can do them better.”

— a participant in the memory care

program.

Playing jacks. Drawing a ball field and bases in the dirt with a stick. Playing outside in the summer until sunset, or until mom called. Childhood memories are a favorite topic of conversation in the PACE Cognitive Climbers group.

Participants also enjoy talking about work they did as an adult. “I loved being a truck driver and seeing a lot of different states,” one participant said. Cognitive climbers is a mental stimulation group led every day by Activity Coordina-tor Meg. These small group sessions help participants to maintain their cognition through structured activities that are fun. The activities focus on participants’ strengths rather than concentrating on their areas of difficulty. They are engaged in activities that bring laughter and build

friendships. When thinking about what they can do, not what they can’t do, they become more confi-dent and strengthen their relationships. Participants can express themselves without feeling judged. “Oh, I remember the sounds of vendors singing and yelling at a baseball game!” a participant said.

Activity Coordina-tor, Meg, shows

participants pictures as

discussion topics in the Cognitive Climbers group.

Ada Barton says angels come in all different forms. The evening of her daughter Jeanie’s death, after family had left, a butterfly fluttered close outside the window where Ada was sitting in her home. “It kept coming back to my window. It was like she was telling me: ‘Momma, It’s ok.’ In my heart I know it was her.” Just weeks after the death of Jeanie — the third deceased of Ada’s five children — PACE began a monthly bereavement group to provide support for participants who have lost a loved one. “It was hard at first,” Ada said of taking part in

the bereavement group soon after her daughter’s passing. “It had just happened.” “It doesn’t hurt as bad when you talk to someone. And it’s better talking to some one you don’t

know. It’s not the same as family.”

Ada feels the benefit of participating in a support group with others who have gone through a similar experience. “They are very smart. They knew what I was talking about. They’ve been there.” “I love the group. I wouldn’t want it to ever quit.” Ada relayed that her daughter Johanna said: “PACE has done wonders for you.” The bereavement group is just one way she’s better because of PACE, Ada says. Participants who are grieving the loss of a loved one are welcome to take part in this support group. They can join or leave the group at any time. The group is led by Hospice at Home staff members. It meets once a month for one hour at PACE. To learn more or to join the group, please call your PACE social worker at 269-408-4322.

There are four social workers at PACE who

support our participants in several ways. They

help caregivers and family members, too. The

social workers reach out to community

resources on behalf of

participants. They

smooth the way to apply

for food assistance,

financial assistance or

housing assistance. Social

workers help participants

understand advanced

directives and complete

forms.

When caregivers need

respite, social workers

find a temporary place

for participants to stay

away from home. They also make sure our

participants stay financially eligible for PACE.

Social workers offer a kind ear when

participants need to talk. They can also

arrange for outside counseling services.

Social worker Kim shares a quiet

moment with a participant.

Social worker Loren greeted a participant and noticed his book of poems. Loren asked if he could read aloud from the book. Sure! You never know how a social worker might help!

ENCLOSED WITH THIS ISSUE Information on the PACE grievance and

appeals process is being mailed to participants along with this newsletter. Please read and keep this information

about your right to file a grievance/appeal.

BEREAVEMENT GROUP

HELPS TO BRING COMFORT

PACE SOCIAL WORKERS ASSIST IN MANY WAYS

For participant Ada, the PACE bereavement group helps ease the

loss of two daughters.

PACE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lynn Kellogg, President Eileen Willits, Vice President

Dennis Mack, Secretary/Treasurer Donald Hanson James Schlaman

Christine Vanlandingham Dan Wassenhove

Melinda Graham Gruber Michael Westfall, D.O.

Ernest Buck, M.D.

PACE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Therese Saggau, M.S.P.T.

Executive Director

Janel Groth, R.N. Center Manager

Keith VanOosterhout, M.D. Medical Director

Participants made it all the way from St. Joe to the Mackinac Bridge during last year’s exercise challenge. Taking turns on the NuStep machine in the PACE rehab gym, they logged virtual miles “traveling” on an award-winning adventure. They reached their goal in time for the governor’s annual Labor Day walk across the bridge. Each participant received a signed congratulations certificate from Governor Snyder and Lt. Gov. Calley. It’s 340 miles from St. Joe to the Bridge. One mile equals 1,584 steps on the NuStep bike.

Along the way they “visited” the Lake Michigan lighthouses. As miles were logged they looked at photos of each lighthouse and learned about its history. The NuStep bike became so popular the participants would line up and await their turn. It was time to purchase a second NuStep machine! Over one-third of the PACE participants are able to exercise on the machine. Many of our participants began

the challenge of riding the NuStep bike 5-10 minutes per day. As their strength and stamina increased, the therapy staff saw amazing time and mileage increases. By the end of the challenge most were able to ride for 30-40 minutes — some more than an hour! The NuStep bike increases strength and mobility and helps prevent falls. Participants can feel their muscles are better toned and they have more energy. Home care agencies and facilities that care for some of our participants reported that our participants were stronger and needed less assistance. A few of our participants who live with dementia also took part and were aware of the project. They became engaged in our “journey” and asked if we were at the next lighthouse. The lighthouse theme carried over to other activities. Participants painted ceramic lighthouses. A guest speaker from the City of Saint Joseph brought lighthouse art sculptures that stood on the downtown sidewalks last year. Our guest also talked about the lighthouse at the St. Joe pier. Read about our next NuStep challenge on page 5!

WE STEPPED TO THE BRIDGE! PACE STAFF HONORED

Last year’s PACE lighthouse project on the NuStep machine won a state award! PACE staff members Carrie, Sindy, Meg and Robin accepted the Leading Edge and Care Services Award. They attended the Leading Age conference in Detroit in April 2015 to receive the award. The lighthouse project was honored for its benefits and creativity. Leading Age is an organization that encourages programs such a PACE to help people age well. Leading Age makes our state government aware of the need for programs and services that help improve quality of life for older adults. PACE also received a special certificate for our “Relentless positive action in making Michigan a better place to live and age well.”

We raised butterflies at PACE — thanks to staff members in our Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Activities departments. They created a butterfly project that

enriched many areas of PACE. We watched 42 Monarch butterflies’ amazing change from egg to larva to chrysalis. Then when the butterflies emerged, we sent them off from the PACE garden patio! This fall participants will “travel” to Mexico by logging miles on the NuStep exercise machine. (1,584 exercise steps equal one mile.) This virtual trip will follow the

Monarch butterfly migration as they fly to Mexico for the winter. Earlier we “traveled” to the Mackinac Bridge on the exercise bike, visiting all the lighthouses along Lake Michigan. (see p.3) To follow the butterflies, participants tagged a few Monarchs and will track their migration on the Monarch Watch website.

Our goal is to ride the NuStep bike the same number of miles that the Monarchs fly as they

migrate to Mexico for the winter. That’s 2136 miles! This activity has another goal. Participants will build strength and endurance, helping them maintain their independence. Butterflies became a theme throughout the PACE Day Center. Participants built butterfly houses and planted a butterfly garden. They put together butterfly puzzles and colored a butterfly wall mural. They also learned about butterflies during a visit to the Sarett Nature Center butterfly house. A Sarett

naturalist brought Monarchs to PACE. She taught us about their remarkable lifecycle. The project nurtures a caring spirit and raises awareness about the fascinating Mon-arch. Around the world people are learning ways to help save the beautiful creatures. There are fewer Monarchs today because of dangers to their food and environment.

FOLLOWING THE BUTTER LIES TAKING THE NUSTEP MACHINE

TO NEW DISTANCES

Our number one priority is the safety of our participants and staff.

Day Center Closed, No Transportation: If we are closed “PACE of Southwest Michigan” will be included in television and radio announcements. We will call each participant scheduled to attend the Day Center that day. We will discuss any medications, home care or meals needed. We will provide the items you need.

Day Center Open, No Transportation: If the school district you live in is closed, the PACE vans will NOT provide transportation in that area. Our day center will still be open. Participants could still attend if a family member or caregiver drives them. When the St. Joseph, MI,

Bessie grew up with one older sister and one younger sister, and they had fun playing jacks and jumping rope. “I see these children now and they’re not outside like we used to be. They’re looking at a computer or tv. I wonder what’s going to happen to them,” Bessie said.

“We were so poor the Depression didn’t bother us like it did the rest of the people.” Bessie’s father immigrat-ed from Prague. “My parents were both Bohemians,” Bessie said of the region now part of the Czech Republic. Her father was a barber in Chicago and then in Benton Harbor. “He had all the farmers. He was 89 when he quit cutting hair.” During most of her years growing up the family did not have a car. The first model they

acquired was an Overland. “There were no windows,” Bessie recalls. “There were shades you’d pull down.” In the winter her father put the car up on blocks and the family would travel by horse and buggy through the snow. “Someday there won’t be any cars. People will just fly,” Bessie said.

Bessie met her husband, “Bookie,” when they were students at Benton Harbor High School. They dated for five years. “We saved our money and had our home all furnished.” A tool and dye maker, Bookie’s skills kept him on the home front after WWII began. “When the Japs came over in ’41 he was needed in the defense plant more than in the Army,” Bessie recalls. During that time, the family resided in Kalamazoo. They moved back and lived at Sister Lakes for 45 years. They owned H.C. Bookwalter & Sons Tractor Company at Euclid Center, where Bessie helped out in the office. She also worked in the pur-chasing department of the Heath Company. Bessie and Bookie were married for 73 years. They raised two sons and a daughter. Bessie lives on 35 acres where her son, Dick, also has a house. Bessie has six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. In retirement, Bessie and Bookie spent winters near their son, George, in Florida, then in Texas. Bessie kept a log of their travels. “I did a lot of writing. Every night I would write down what we did.” At home Bessie likes to sit at her window and watch the birds on feeders that Dick fills for her. “I’m blessed because they’re so wonderful to me,” Bessie said of her three children — to which her daughter, Cyndi, responds: “That’s because she was so wonderful to us!”

AT 101, BESSIE IS OUR ELDEST (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)

Bessie, age 5

Bessie and Bookie married in 1937

DAY CENTER CLOSINGS

schools are closed, the PACE vans will NOT pro-vide transportation to the Day Center that day.

Snow and Ice Removal

At each home, participants or family members must arrange for clearing walkways and drive-ways. Keep all walkways and ramps salted. We will not be able to pick you up if these areas are not cleared of ice and snow.

Helping participants to prevent falls is a major focus at PACE. We have begun a fall prevention class called “A Matter of Balance.” The class is part of a nationally recognized program designed to reduce falls and the fear of falling. PACE participants chosen for the class learn exercises for better strength and balance. They learn to set goals to increase their activity level. Flexibility is also improved. Eight two-hour sessions are led by our occupational therapist and physical therapist. They even teach the participants how to control their fall if it does happen.

WE’RE GETTING AROUND!

FLU SHOTS GIVEN

The flu shot is being offered to participants beginning Monday, Oct. 19. They are also receiving information about the injection. Heat, redness and swelling can occur at the injection site in the upper arm. Discomfort might last 2-3 days.

FALL PREVENTION

IT’S A MATTER OF BALANCE

If you are ill or hurting, but it is not an emergency, please call PACE between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For urgent medical issues, call PACE day or night at 269-408-4322. Call 911 in an emergency. Then notify PACE.

ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU WHEN TO CALL PACE

. . . on the St. Joe Carousel at Silver Beach!

. . . at Dinges Farms, Three Oaks

. . . at the Curious Kids Museum, St. Joe.

Participants exercise in the

Matter of Balance class.