Sierra Healthcare Community --AUGUST 2011
Summer is in the air and the proof is in the ground here at Sierra Rehabilitation & Care Community! Residents have been out tilling the soil and doting on their emerging flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Between two swinging plant beds, three garden plots, multiple flowerboxes and other assorted areas, residents who have decided to undertake the gardening this year have their hands full! All community members at Sierra are thankful for their hard work and green thumbs. After a long winter, the grounds are alive with vibrant, beautiful color again.
Wishes can come true, as was witnessed by the community members of Sierra Rehabilitation & Care Community this June. Senior and resident gardener Harold has longed to visit his siblings in his native state of Iowa for decades but has never had the means to actualize this dream. Together with Harold, social worker Scott submitted an application to the Jeremy Bloom Wish of a Lifetime Foundation (JBWOL), a non-profit organization dedicated to granting wishes to deserving seniors throughout the United States. Miraculously, Harold’s application was chosen from among hundreds of applicants. Within a few weeks, thanks to the JBWOL and generous support from Pinon Management and Elder Concierge Services, Harold was sitting comfortably on a plane bound for home.
UPDATES AT SIERRA
We at Sierra are excited about all the changes that have already occurred in the New Year! The most exciting changes are resident driven, and come from our neighborhood council meetings. The work has already begun on the therapy gym with new paint and texture. We are in the process of installing a new floor and replacing the ceiling tiles. Along with the new look I am happy to announce that we also have a new therapy provider for our resident’s. Sierra has teamed up with Genesis Rehab Services to provide in-house therapy services. Genesis has equipped the gym with state of the art therapy modalities. Other resident requested changes slated for Sierra in the coming months include a redesign of the upstairs living and dining areas with a new color scheme and bringing more live plants into the home. The resident’s have chosen the earth toned color schemes for their neighborhoods. We are also redecorating the resident tub and shower areas to have a more home-like décor. We all look forward to watching the transformation. Pictured above is a resident bathroom / shower area.
ST. VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY
We had a great Valentines Day party this February! A king and queen were crowned in a fun ceremony complete with goodies and a DJ. With the worst of winter behind us, we are looking to usher in the warmer months and new rejuvenating programs. This spring, the activities department here at Sierra will be implementing new activity programs. Some of the new activities that will be on the calendar will be: more self-help groups, psychosocial groups, and memories in the making painting classes. The activities department will continue taking residents to the local pool for swimming club twice a month. Eric from the activities department will begin working with a local soup kitchen to allow residents to go and volunteer to help those who need it within our community. Also on the calendar for March, we will be having a St. Patrick’s Day party—complete with Celtic dancers to entertain the residents.
MEET THE NEW SOCIAL WORKERS AT SIERRA
From PrasAda’s New Social Worker!
Hello! My name is Kimberly and I moved to Colorado from Texas this past August and love my new surroundings. I feel right at home and suspect I will stay forever. For the past 14 years, I have worked in the medical field as a Social Worker. My passion is connecting with people from various client populations. I have learned so much from working in the field of geriatrics, hospice and pediatric cancer. Life is always so interesting and surprising when we are able to reach out to others and help make a difference in some capacity. I am very happy to be here at Sierra Healthcare Community, and look forward to many meaningful days ahead for all of us!
Sincerely,
Kimberly Rodriguez
From SarvatA’s New Social Worker
Greetings All!I have been a social worker for over 25 years and have a Bachelors degree in Social Work. I’ve spent 20 years working in various positions providing services to persons with developmental disabilities; my last 4 years have been focused on improving the quality of life in long-term care settings. I enjoy working with residents and their families and striving to help make their lives as enjoyable and meaningful as possible. I am very excited to be at Sierra and with Pinon, and look forward to getting to know everyone. My door is always open!
Sincerely,
Scott Anderson
THE POWER OF POOLS
The activities staff and universal workers at Sierra have recently completed aquatic therapy training, enabling them to take residents at least twice a month to an indoor, heated pool. The facility features water slides, specialty exercise equipment, and a pirate ship! The Pool Club has been a highlight of Sierra’s ever-expanding activities programming.
WELCOME PETE DEREGO TO SIERRA
Pete DeRego is the new administrator at Sierra Healthcare Community and we’re happy to have him aboard. His experience in long-term care dates back to the mid-1980’s. Pete brings invaluable experience and intimate knowledge of several positions to our home. Over the years, he has been a CNA, Activities Professional, Admissions/Marketing Director, Social Services worker, Alzheimer’s Unit Coordinator, and Nursing Home Administrator. In his spare time, Pete likes to garden, travel, read and work with his hands. Welcome Pete!
BON APPETIT
Every month, Dietary Manager Alex prepares a special meal for residents who wish to enhance their palettes and sample cuisine from different parts of the world. So far, she has led the group on culinary travels through Poland and Germany. Ask Alex where the next stop is if you’d like to join along!
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE
This September, residents of Sierra took a field trip to the Denver Zoo. Visitors were able to catch a rare glimpse of some exotic animals, including leopards, king cobras, black rhinos, coral reef fish, gorillas, and elephants. Both physically and psychologically stimulating, this majestic experience was also an opportunity for residents and staff to receive education on the importance of conservation and animal-awareness.
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME
The Rockies squared off against the Brewers recently, and residents of Sierra were in attendance to cheer their team to victory. Watching the action live was an exciting change of pace. The residents were able to take in the lights, the field, the crowd- and of course, plenty of peanuts and Cracker Jack.
THE GARDEN IS GROWING
A few residents and staff members at Sierra have exercised their green thumbs and cultivated a prospering garden! A multitude of earthly delights were planted, including different herbs, fruits, and vegetables. The peas and tomatoes are ripe and ready to eat, while the corn, pumpkins, and cucumbers should mature later this fall.
THE SIERRA SEEDLINGS COMPETE IN THE EDEN IDOL AT THE EDEN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
Sierra Healthcare Community was afforded the opportunity to display their talent at the Eden International Conference in Denver! Pitted against seven other acts, the Sierra Seedlings took the grand prize at Eden Idol with a dazzling rendition of “American Pie.” The musical group is always on the lookout for new talent!
GONE FISHING
Every Friday evening during the summer, residents and staff trek up to Georgetown, CO, settle in lakeside, and cast their lines. If a fish is so unlucky as to have been caught, it’s brought back to Sierra and cooked up! The fishing excursions are a great way to kick back and relax in the scenic wilderness.
SIERRA CELEBRATES NATIONAL NURSING HOME WEEK
Sierra Healthcare celebrated National Nursing Home Week by ‘time-traveling’ throughout the decades to revisit the music and culture of years passed. Greasers and poodle-skirts graced the dance floor as a D.J. played hit after hit from the 1950’s. Here, John Travolta look-a-like Aaron cradles his chickadee Jane in front of a ’57 Chevy. The entire week was a great success!
GARDENING TIME
As Spring settles in, both residents and staff at Sierra Healthcare are looking to exercise their green thumbs! During our Flower Power Hour (which due to popular demand lasted significantly longer than the name would suggest), everyone had a chance to paint their own ceramic pot and plant a flower of their choice. These colorful pots now adorn many a windowsill in our home.
SPRING IS HERE!
We are gearing up for Spring at Sierra! Residents enjoy taking advantage of the spacious park located right across the street. In addition, Floyd and Jesse are heading up the garden project, and welcome anyone to lend them a hand in planting flowers or tending to the vegetable garden. Residents and staff alike happily await warm, sunny days outdoors as we revitalize the grounds.
EASTER AT SIERRA
Sierra residents were all smiles as they enjoyed Easter-themed games, church services, and gift bag handouts! Families were also welcomed to attend the special Easter brunch in the dining room. Holidays are always celebrated in style at our home!