June 2019

A Publication of Methodist Homes of Alabama & Northwest Florida

Methodist Homes News

Methodist Homes of Alabama & Northwest Florida

1520 Cooper Hill RoadBirmingham, AL 35210

(205) 951-2442

www.methodisthomes.org

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Recovering After Hurricane Michael

Mathison residents returned to their home in Panama City just 6 months after evacuating ahead of Hurricane Michael. Though the community of Panama City still has a long road to recovery ahead, Mathison was able to re-open on March 25.

“The residents are so happy to be back, they never want to leave again,” said Mary Davis, Administrator of Mathison. “They love the food, the activities. It’s such a joy to be back.”

On the side of caution, the executive staff at Methodist Homes made the

decision to evacuate Mathison ahead of the storm, and by late afternoon on October 8, all of Mathison’s 79 residents had left, some fleeing with family members or evacuating by bus to a Montgomery hotel. What was to be a 3-day inconvenience turned into something quite different when the storm hit on October 10. Hurricane Michael was eventually determined to have been a category 5 hurricane when it made landfall on the Florida panhandle.

Most of the residents who evacuated have returned to Mathison, which is buzzing with activity once again.

“We have a logo and a new bus to enjoy outings. Each time they go out they are able to see the area businesses being repaired,” Mary observed. “Things are changing for the better.”

PANAMA CITY

Congratulations to

For Achieving 5 Star CMS Rating as of June 2019!

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) publishes Nursing Home Compare, a reporting website with a set of quality star ratings for each nursing home that participates in Medicare or Medicaid. The Five-Star Quality Rating System provides residents and their families with a simple summary of three dimensions of nursing home quality: health inspection results, staffing data, and quality measure data.

Getting out on the town to the Cracker Barrel

Dueling harmonicas: George Wilds, FBC Southport, and Hubbard Norris

Mathison Re-opens for Business

Page 2 June 2019

SELMA

Friends from Pensacola’s Baptist Faith Health Network came out to bring food, bingo and prizes to the residents at Wesley Scott Place (Pensacola) in June.

Bingo for Fun and HealthPENSACOLA

MONTGOMERY

PENSACOLA

Several Wesley Haven Villa (Pensacola) residents enjoyed a fried chicken picnic on Pensacola Beach. Some also dipped bare feet in the sugar sand pools or waded in to the water to let waves wash over their feet. Pictured enjoying the day are “Peaches” Moore, Eula Mathis, Inez Pittman, Terri McGhee, and Helen Jekel as they stand near the seashore. After enjoying the gulf, the group took a drive through historic Ft. Pickens and saw a couple of Bald Eagles nesting!

Epworth House (Selma) residents celebrated Memorial Day with hot dogs and hamburgers cooked up by talented associate Robert Watts. Pictured (L-R) enjoying the festivities are Martha Steger, Dale Dobbs and Alice Leverett. Below are Tommie Garner, Howard Gray and Lawrence Williams.

Eastmont VBSIt’s always a fun time when

Eastmont Baptist Church brings “Senior Vacation Bible School” for our residents at Wesley Gardens (Montgomery). We

love VBS and we love our good friends from Eastmont! Like us on our Facebook page to keep up with news and

happenings at facebook.com/Wesley-Gardens-Retirement.

Page 3Methodist Homes

Labor of Love

To Protect and SERVE

Have you ever wondered what’s different about people who live to be 100 years old or more? What do these people have in common, if anything? How can you increase your chances of being one of them? Dan Buettner is a National Geographic journalist and author of The Blue Zones book series and founder of Blue Zones.com. In his explorations around the globe, Dan discovered what he calls ‘blue zones’, places where the highest percentage of the population live longer, healthier lives. In The Blue

How do people live to be 100 or older?Zones (second edition) 9 Lessons for Living Longer, Dan shares nine secrets to successful aging:

1. Move Naturally: Be active without having to think about it. Make a date to go for a walk, plant a garden, enroll in yoga.

2. Practice Hara Hachi Bu. Quit eating when 80% full, use small dishes, buy smaller packages, eat slowly, eat early, drink lots of water.

3. Plant slant: Avoid meat and processed foods. Eat 4-6 vegetable servings per day, limit meat, eat nuts daily, but don’t overeat them.

4. Grapes of Life: Drink Red Wine. Buy a case of high-quality dark red wine, but take it easy, no more than 2 servings per day. Enjoy happy hour with wine, nuts and friends.

5. Purpose Now: Take time to see the big picture. Craft a personal mission statement, find a partner, learn

Officer Jones of the Decatur Police Dept. assisted with deliveries of Meals on Wheels to Wesley Acres and Wesley Glen (Decatur) residents in April. Officer Jones has assisted our residents in the past with the Green Dot ID Card program and has also hosted a Crime Watch program encouraging diligence and safety for senior adults.

something new (like an instrument or another language).

6. Take Time to Relieve Stress. Reduce noise (such as TV, radio), arrive early, make time to meditate.

7. Participate in a Spiritual Community. Be more involved in a spiritual organization.

8. Make Family A Priority. Get closer to your family, establish good rituals, put family first.

9. Right Tribe: Surround yourself with other like-minded people. Hang out with others who have good longevity habits, be likable, create time to be with others.

No one has yet found the secret to immortality, but by following the advice and habits of people around the world who lead the longest, healthiest lives, you could be satisfied with your journey to get as close as is humanly possible.

FairHavenBirmingham.org/News

DECATUR MONTGOMERY

Special thanks to Stacey Jackowiak and volunteers from the Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer School at Gunter Annex, AL Flight 26 for helping rebuild our Flower Boxes at Wesley Gardens (Montgomery) We wish you all Godspeed!

Page 4

NORTH ALABAMA CONFERENCE

North Alabama ConferenceBluff Park UM Women HooverCanterbury UMC BirminghamHuffman UM Women BirminghamLiberty UMC Hokes BluffRescue UMC Union GroveRising Star UMC AnnistonRiverchase UMC BirminghamSt. Mark UMC NorthportTrinity UMC BirminghamWarrenton UMC Guntersville

ALABAMA-WEST FLORIDA CONF.

Alabama-West Florida ConferenceAlabama-West Florida FoundationAldersgate UMC MontgomeryAltha UMC AlthaCanoe UMC AtmoreCoke’s Chapel UMC WardDalraida UMC MontgomeryDeFuniak Springs UMC DeFuniak SpringsDothan First UMC DothanFrazer Memorial UMC MontgomeryHopewell UMC FloralaIvy Creek UMC AutaugavillePensacola First UMC PensacolaRamey’s Chapel UMC GreensboroRed Ridge UM Women DadevilleSpringhill UMC GreenvilleSt. Luke UMC PensacolaWalnut Creek UMC ClantonWetumpka First UMC WetumpkaWewahitchka First UMC Wewahitchka

INDIVIDUALS and ORGANIZATIONS

Joe & Trilbia AusleyFrank E. BatesDonn A. BeidelmanAl BerstAnnie R. Beverett Memorial TrustNettie BlyDoug & Sandy BrownHarold Bryars

William O. CowartLa’Senie DavisVeronica DoutlySherri EasdonJake S. FanninSteven B. FrancisHenry & Edith GentryElizabeth GibsonFaye M. GibsonGene GibsonVicki H. JacksonSara G. JonesKaren M. KudamikRegina T. LawlerSonja J. MackMartin #2 TrustAlan K. McCoyPenny MethvinLois MolandEstate of Margaret S. OdomJo-Ann ParicaVictor PinkneyJames A. SawyerJimmie ShouldersDavid & Virginia SpisakDoug & Carol TaylorEarnestine ThompsonDiana L. ThreattChristopher W. TomlinDean A. VerenKatherine WilkinsJudith Wilks-MayCanty W. & Elizabeth J. Worley

Tribute Gifts IN HONOR OF

Margie Benedict By Jeff BenedictDoris Benton By Barbara DeeseJerri Blumenthal By Leigh Ann & Stephen TomlinDorothy Body By Donna Burgess

Our heartfelt thanks to all of our donors and friends.

Gifts are through July 5, 2019.

June 2019

Martha Brennan By Lee & Julie George BrennanMadeline Cole By Peter S. ColeJanie Coombs By Billye Ruth Carter Ruth DeHay By Eddie & Amy RozierMrs. Dean Donnahoo By Charles & Barbara WaitesSuzanne Fischer By Malinda LewisIrene Garrod By Lee & Julie George BrennanEdna M. Hoffnagle By Terry & Ted Hoffnagle By Sherry SpearsDamaris M. Howell By Jane H. AllenAnn Kline By Patrick & Mary Campbell Gail Little By Donn A. BeidelmanRose Lofton By Debbie LoftonDorothy Loudon By Frank E. Hinton By Joyce L. Speer By Janet StampsSue McDonald By Twinette McDonaldAnn Mealer By Kathy WilliamsRita Morgan By Twinette McDonaldEunice Parker By Vera Jo FriendDorothy Pruitt By Lynda BordenMaxine Rayborn By Timothy J. RaybornFlora Richardson By John MilledgeMarie Robie By David M. RobieMyra Sue Sasser By Greg & Dana SasserArdeth Schreck By Lori & Rich Luczak By Reed & Deb Schreck

Irene McKenna By Barbara K. KummelLillian McKleroy By Robert & Barbara SmithMartha Miller By Roslyn M. BendetFrances Monroe By Audrey W. Baldwin By Larry L. Copenhaver By Jim & Ann HallGaynelle Newton By Rev. & Mrs. Jim CarpenterKnoxye J. North By Sara W. BakerPaul O’Reilly By Kathleen O’ReillyHenry “Cliff” Pair By Matt R. OlsofskiPaul Peppler By Marie QuinnJan Rockett By Chrys StriplingA. Wray Tomlin By Stephan A. McClellan By Leigh Ann & Stephen TomlinKay Turner By Regina T. LawlerJean I. West By Elizabeth Torrey WilliamsHoward Wilkins By Al & Mary Jo Barnes By Dorris Teague

***

Page 5Methodist Homes

Sara Smith By Greg & Kelli ChambersEvelyn Timmerman By Malinda LewisMary Margaret Tomlin By Leigh Ann & Stephen TomlinRichard Turner By Regina T. LawlerConnie Waldrep By Gail & Gil LandersPeggy Watts By Cindy StumanMelodie Weber By Winifred M. MarshCarolyn Williams By Al & Susan WilliamsInez Williams By Densie, Kim & Jennifer WilliamsLouise Witherington By Sharon W. Thomason Tribute Gifts IN MEMORY OF

Frances Agee By James M. AgeeDonnell & Kitty Barnes By Billy J. & Nina StricklandT. H. “Buzz” Barrett By Nancy Harper By Tom Hammons, Jr. By Robert L. McKee, IIIMorris Blumenthal By Leigh Ann & Stephen Tomlin

James W. Boyd By M/M Clifford L. Lipford, Jr.Sue Burnham By Joyce & Bob DaileyRuth S. Duke By M/M Clifford L. Lipford, Jr.Georgia Mae Friski By Dwight & Loretta Baker By Wayne & Claire Helms By Chester Pelt By Priscilla Tucker By Wiregrass ConstructionJoyce Gainus By Susan HicksMary Guthrie By Ruth G. NicholsAndy Hooper By M/M Clifford L. Lipford, Jr.Robert (Bob) Hudson By Bell Gardens HomeownersBetty Johnson By Mary Jane RobertsonEugene H. Johnson By Sara W. Baker By Mary E. Camp Boulware By Marilyn G. Morris By Mr. & Mrs. Mark L. Myatt By Matt R. Olsofski By Mrs. Richard O. Russell, Jr. By Rebecca R. WileyMr. & Mrs. Everett Lawler By Regina T. LawlerMrs. Bennie Brown Lewis By Joann L. Fox

Thank you for remembering the Fountain of Love for your honorarium and memorial giving. For gifts that continue to reach people in need out into the future, contact us about LEGACY giving to the Fountain of Love as part of your WILL or ESTATE PLANS. Call Sherri at 205-951-2442.

Remember theFountain of Love.

MONTGOMERY

What a fun day when Master Gardeners from the Alabama Extension come for a visit to Wesley Gardens (Montgomery). Thank you to Mallory Kelley for organizing this beautiful day. Never underestimate the healing power of this time “in the garden.”

MasterGardeners

Page 6 June 2019

You don’t have to hire the security forces of Fort Knox in order to decrease the likelihood of falling victim to burglary or home invasion. Fair Haven (Birmingham) recently hosted a Senior Safety seminar which included education on securing your home by Jessica Clark Burton, the Police Community Relations Assistant with the East Precinct of the Birmingham Police Department. Jessica shared some simple steps that older adults, especially those who live alone, can take to make their home less attractive and less accessible to criminals: #1 – Close your blinds. Leaving your blinds open, especially at night, gives criminals a tempting preview of the valuables you have available for them to take. Plus, open blinds give criminals a front row seat into your routines so they can discover when you are likely to be out of the house. #2 – Don’t keep a spare key hidden outside your home. Criminals know that many people hide a key outside their homes, and they also know how to spot the hiding places. Paying for a locksmith’s rescue is much cheaper than replacing your valuables taken during a burglary. Consider leaving a spare key with a trusted neighbor. Or, if you must hide a key, put the key inside a combination lock box and hide the lock box.

#3 – Lock your doors and windows. We don’t live in Mayberry anymore. You should keep your garage door down, and lock your entry doors at all times, even when you are at home. All the outer doors, including that door you rarely use on the side of the garage. #4 – Know your neighbors. In today’s busy society, fewer and fewer people really get to know their neighbors. Who lives next door and across the street? What cars do they drive? What are their usual routines? Can your neighbors answer these questions about you? Exchange emergency contact phone numbers with your neighbors. It doesn’t hurt to have extra eyes and ears watching out for you and your home. #5 – Don’t let just anyone inside your home. If someone comes to your door asking to borrow your phone for an emergency, leave them outside and tell them you will call the police to come help them. If a repair person that you did not call wants inside your home, have them wait outside while you call the company to verify the work. And keep in mind

that criminals can be men or women. #6 – Have a check-in plan. This is especially important if you are living alone. Whether your daughter calls every day at noon, or a neighbor picks up the newspaper on your lawn and brings it to you at your door each morning, have a plan for someone to see or

hear from you on a regular basis. A check-in plan might not be a direct deterrent to criminal behavior, but you’ll ensure a limit to the amount of time that will elapse before help arrives should something happen. The Birmingham Police Department offers crime prevention services to citizens in Birmingham, such as a home security audit, vacation patrols, and anonymous crime reporting. Check to see if your local police department might have something similar.

FairHavenBirmingham.org/News

EXTRA: Check with your local police department to find out what special services they may offer

citizens in your city.

The Martin East Neighborhood “General Store” opened for business for the day at Wesley Place on Honeysuckle (Dothan). The residents had a great time ‘buying’ gifts and snacks and reminiscing. Some of the residents even ‘worked’ in the store! Blondell McLendon, LPN, was the mastermind behind the General Store idea. She brought many antique items from her home to decorate with, solicited donated items for the inventory, designed the ‘currency’ system, procured the shopping baskets, made signs, and recruited other staff to help. What a fun and unique day!

A General StoreDOTHANBIRMINGHAM

Residents in one household at Fair Haven (Birmingham) enjoyed fun and games hosted by Canterbury UMC children’s ministry. Jelly Bean Bingo was a big hit!

Page 7Methodist Homes

Methodist Homes Communities

Housing & Health Services

Fair HavenBirmingham, AL (205) 956-4150Wesley Place on HoneysuckleDothan, AL (334) 792-0921Wesley Gardens Montgomery, AL (334) 272-7917Mathison Retirement CommunityPanama City, FL (850) 215-4663Wesley Haven VillaPensacola, FL (850) 434-1035Haven Our Lady of PeacePensacola, FL (850) 436-5900

Affordable Housing (Section 8 / Tax Credit)

Wesley Acres & Wesley Acres IIDecatur, AL (256) 355-8281Wesley Apartments Anniston, AL (256) 237-4371The Epworth HouseSelma, AL (334) 875-6450Wesley GlenDecatur, AL (256) 355-8281Wesley Park ApartmentsAnniston, AL (256) 741-8666Wesley Scott PlacePensacola, FL (850) 437-1400

YES - I WANT TO HELP YOUR MINISTRY

$______ General Contribution $______ Redefining Home (capital fund raising campaign) Designate for: Fair Haven (B’ham) / Wesley Place on Honeysuckle (Dothan) $______ The Fountain of Love (provides help to residents) Designate for: Where most needed / Fair Haven (B’ham) Wesley Gardens (Mtgy) / Wesley Place on Honeysuckle (Dothan) Mathison Center (PC, FL) / Wesley Haven Villa (Pns, FL)

____ My gift is in Honor of / in Memory of ________________________________________________ Please notify (name & address): _________________________ ____________________________________________________ Your Name: ___________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________

City/State/Zip: _________________________________________

Mail To: Methodist Homes of Alabama & Northwest Florida 1520 Cooper Hill Road, Birmingham, AL 35210

Methodist Homes is a 501(c)(3) organization. Gifts are tax-deductible as allowable by law. For gifts by credit card, visit www.methodisthomes.org and click

on the DONATE NOW link to give securely online through MightyCause.

Healthy Eating for Older Adults Let’s face it – in your 60s, 70s, 80s

and beyond, you’re pretty much out from under the pressure of the summer swimsuit season. What you really want is a HEALTHY you to be as independent as possible as long as possible.

Here are the USDA’s 10 healthy eating tips for people age 65+ :

1) Drink plenty of liquids. Not surprising that hydration is important to health. Water most of all, limiting your intake of liquids with added sugar or salt.

2) Make eating a social event. Some seniors struggle with eating habits because their taste buds are not sending the signals that they once did. So if the food itself is no longer a motivation, the pleasure of good company can be.

3) Plan healthy meals. Plan for healthy variety so that you get benefits from many different vitamins and minerals that each type of food delivers.

4) Know how much to eat. Portion size! Not only are smaller portions better for your waist, it’s better for your wallet! Many restaurants offer smaller portions, but if not available, plan to take home half the dish for an easy next meal.

5) Vary your vegetables. Adorn your plate with vegetables in a variety of colors and nutrient values. Vegetables are a good source of fiber.

6) Eat for your teeth and gums. Trouble biting into an apple or chewing that steak? Look for softer alternatives, such as non-sugar added canned fruits, low-sodium soups, or canned meats.

7) Use herbs and spices. As you age, your sense of smell and taste can change. Adding herbs and spices can give your senses more flavors to explore.

8) Keep food safe. Throw out food that might not be safe. Pay close attention to

expiration dates as well as proper cooking times and temperatures.

9) Read the Nutrition Facts Label. Visit eatright.org for a simple guide sheet called Food Label Facts to help you navigate food labels.

10) Ask your doctor about vitamins or supplements. Food is the best way to get your nutrients. Before you add vitamins, powdered drinks, or other supplements to your diet, make a plan with your doctor to help ensure that there is no interference with your medications.

WesleyPlaceDothan.org/News

Methodist Home for the Aging1520 Cooper Hill RoadBirmingham, AL 35210(205) 951-2442www.methodisthomes.org

OUR MISSION

To enrich the lives of older adults and all those who serve them in faith-based communities, where life is celebrat-ed, relationships are valued, teamwork is embraced, ser-vice excellence is expected, and the touch of God’s love is ever-present and ageless.

NONPROFITORGANIZATIONUS POSTAGE

PAIDBirmingham, AL

Permit No. 03189

DOTHAN

Marie Nageotte was born in the 1930s and grew up in Meadville, Pennsylvania. She and her best friend Roslyn married best friends from Erie, and the two couples enjoyed getting together at least once a year, even after Marie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, with failing health it became more and more difficult to travel. The couples stopped their annual pilgrimages to see each other about 15 years ago.

After enjoying 60 years of marriage, Don passed away in 2017, and Marie slipped into a state that left her dispirited and downcast as she was placed into a nursing home in Tennessee. Marie’s children moved her to Wesley Place on Honeysuckle (Dothan) to be near her daughter, Cheryl Tarrant. It was there that the family found their mother again!

“After dad died, she had to be put in a nursing home,” Cheryl disclosed. “We chose Wesley Place and that completely changed her life.”

A Changed Life Cheryl said that her mother came to Wesley Place on Honeysuckle despondent, but in a short time, under the care of the nursing staff, she became happy again.

“She’s a completely different person,” Cheryl mused. “We don’t recognize her from before she went to Wesley Place.”

The retirement community staff believes that meeting Marie’s physical needs as well as her social and emotional needs has breathed new life into Marie, allowing her the freedom to be herself, despite her MS. Marie is enjoying life as a contributing member of the community. She enjoys conversations with friends and family, listening to singing, taking walks, and watching the aviary birds in the sunroom.

Cheryl recently helped arrange a surprise to bring her mother and her long-time friend Roslyn Mullen back together in person once again. Cheryl and Roslyn’s daughter Cindy Coe, conspired to surprise the two ladies for Marie’s 84th birthday party at Wesley

Place on Honeysuckle. The joyous reunion was caught on camera by local Dothan TV station WTVY as well as featured in print on the front page of a popular local paper, The Dothan Eagle.

Cheryl describes her impressions after making the happy reunion possible. “I’m speechless, really. So joyful,” she said. “Both ladies were just so surprised. Joy is all you can say. It was incredible.”