FROM: David Swartley, President/CEO DATE: June 19, 2020 RE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Update #18
Since my last update, there have been no residents or employees who have tested positive for COVID-19. Our weekly testing began on June 8. Last week we tested 43 employees and 27 residents. All test results were negative. This week we tested 38 employees and 27 residents. The test results are pending.
At our Resident Association Meeting on June 18, I shared several data points and graphs. Our COVID-19 Task Force is concerned about increased spread as venues open. Carelessness will not yield good results. Much like being successful in a sport, do not forget the fundamentals that we have stressed since Update Number One.
It seems appropriate to quote Jesse Owens on Juneteenth Day, the oldest known celebration honoring the end of slavery in the United States. He said, “In the end, it is the extra effort that separates a winner from second place. But winning takes a lot more that, too. It starts with complete command of the fundamentals. Then it takes desire, determination, discipline, and self-sacrifice. And finally, it takes a great deal of love, fairness, and respect for your fellow man. Put all these together, and even if you don’t win, how can you lose?” I believe this quote clearly states what our behavior and attitude needs to be to remain successful.
This past week, the residents in our care areas have enjoyed scheduled window visits. Many emotional visits have occurred, and the week went very well. For those of you in residential living, I trust that you have enjoyed reconnecting with family and friends in a less restrictive environment.
Today, Governor Wolf announced that 12 more counties, including Lancaster County, is moving to the “Green Phase” on Friday, June 26. We will offer more guidance…moving into the Green Phase.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is not reopening visits to skilled nursing areas when a county turns green. There is a required delay that we must follow. In the meantime, our team is preparing for the time when we can once again offer traditional visitation and will implement procedures designed to keep everyone safe.
Concerning fundamentals, I re-share an earlier document I received from Carla Weidman, a resident on the Warwick Woodlands campus.
Thank you for your work in helping keep Moravian Manor Communities a safe place to live and to work.
June is National Cataract Awareness Month. The eye doctors with On-Site Health Serviceis proud to provide all residents of Moravian Manor Communities complete medical eye care for early detection and treatment of cataracts.
Cataracts are age-related changes that occur to the lens inside the eye. They cause blurry or hazy vision, haloes, faded colors and light-sensitivity.
As summer is upon us, here are some things you can do to help protect your eyes:
SUN PROTECTION: UV light is a major contributor to the formation of cataracts. We can prescribe sunglasses that block UV-A and UV-B light and fit closely to the face. Sunglasses and a hat with a brim provide additional protection and reduces the glare that developing cataracts cause.
DIET: Foods rich in Vitamin C and E are good for the eyes. Green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and peppers are good choices.
STOP SMOKING: Smoking kills off the good chemicals and produces toxins that can lead to the formation of cataracts.
BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL: If you are diabetic, controlling your blood sugar is essential. In terms of cataract formation, diabetics are at greater risk for their development.
On-Site Health Service provides mobile healthcare programs — comprehensive optometry, ophthalmology, dentistry, oral surgery, audiology and podiatry — to residents in independent living communities, assisted living, skilled nursing, senior day care, private residences and other settings. With 35 years of service, they have been a trusted partner of Moravian Manor Communities for five years, providing on-site care to residents on campus here in Lititz. To learn more about their services, visitwww.onsitehealthservice.com.
The money talk is a tricky one to have with your parents. It’s a delicate topic that’s not to be entered into lightly; especially when the roles might be perceived as being “reversed.” Even under the best of circumstances, it’s a subject few people want to discuss…even with individuals in their own family. But as people age, it becomes important, and in some instances, necessary that the senior’s adult children or another trusted person has an understanding of their financial situation—what is sometimes referred to as “financial caregiving.”
It happens too often that an older person suffers a sudden serious health event, and no one knows how to or is able to access the person’s money in order to do things like pay household bills, taxes, or medical expenses. Where is mom’s checkbook? Where’s the safe deposit key? What company is the custodian for her IRA? Oh wait, my name isn’t on any of mom’s accounts, so I can’t even access the funds. It’s a difficult situation to navigate, especially on top of the stress of dealing with your loved one’s health crisis.
Another all-too-common scenario: A senior, perhaps in the early stages of dementia or even with normal age-related cognitive decline, begins forgetting to pay their bills. Or it could be that they can’t recall where they put their checkbook and the stamps. Or worse, maybe they have been taken advantage of by a scam artist of some type. Such situations can result in utilities being turned off or a foreclosure on their home, ruin a senior’s credit rating, and even drain the savings they have worked so hard to build up over their lifetime.
Why people don’t want to talk about it
These example situations are just a few of the reasons why it’s important for adult children to initiate a conversation with their aging parent(s) about their finances. And then take steps to put a plan in place to handle such scenarios where financial caregiving may be necessary. If your parents are of an advanced age, there really is no time like the present to broach this topic.
But oftentimes, both parties—parent and adult child—put off this crucial discussion. As with most topics that deal with the realities of getting older and even dying, it is human nature to want to avoid these taboo subjects.
Aging parents may be in denial about their level of cognitive and/or physical decline, adamant that they are still perfectly capable of remaining independent, both with their living arrangements and their finances. Adult children may struggle with seeing their parents deteriorate with age and thus want to avoid the misperception that they are “meddling” in their parents’ business.
But the important point for all parties to keep in mind is that this is really just one of the steps that everyone should take in order to prepare for the unknowns of the future. Just as you create a will, save money for retirement, or purchase insurance coverage, taking steps to plan for handling a senior’s finances if they are no longer able to do it themselves should be on the list of things to do before a crisis arises.
What do I say to my loved one?
Initiate a conversation with your aging parent(s) and include your siblings. Bringing everyone to the table ensures everyone gets the same information. Start by choosing someone to be the “spokesperson,” someone who would best broach the subject. Speak with your parent about putting a plan in place to manage household finances if needed. Often times the best way is to find your moment and diver into the subject. A gentle way to start might go something like this:
“Mom, you know how as most people get older, they may need a little extra help with things like yardwork or chores around the house? Well, I wanted to talk with you about how I might be able to help lift some of the burden off of you when it comes to managing your household finances, just in case it should ever become a challenge for you to do it on your own. I know you and Dad worked hard to financially prepare for your retirement and future care needs, and I want to be sure that we have a plan in place so that, if the time comes, we are able to easily access those funds to help take the very best care of you and Dad.”
Of course, everyone’s situation is unique so you’ll want to tailor this conversation to your situation, but this gives you a general idea of how you might begin your conversation on financial caregiving.
Steps to take to prepare to assist with financial caregiving
Once you (hopefully) get your aging parents’ buy-in to the idea of preparing for you or another trusted loved one to assist with their financial life, here are a few of the specific tasks you will want to consider completing:
• Create power of attorney documents, designating someone who will have the ability to make important decisions—including financial decisions—for the senior should they become incapacitated.
• Get yourself or another trusted loved one added as an authorized signatory on the banking accounts and the safe deposit box.
• Contact the individual retirement account (IRA) custodian company to determine if they have their own specific power of attorney documents that must be completed in order for a loved one to access the IRA’s funds.
• If you live far from your parents but still want to prepare for the “what ifs” of their future, you can explore hiring a professional daily money manager—a person who will sit down with your loved one and help them pay bills, file insurance paperwork, balance their checkbook, and much more. Visit American Association of Daily Money Managers to find an insured, bonded money manager in whom you feel confident.
• Find out if your parents’ life insurance policies are bigger than what they need for the current stage of their lives. Lower it. Search credit card statements for recurring fees, unnecessary magazine subscriptions or memberships that automatically renew.
Taking these steps now, before an issue arises, can save you and your loved ones a lot of heartache and headaches down the road should something happen that prevents the senior from being able to attend to their own finances.
Helpful resources on financial caregiving
If you’re still feeling unsure or overwhelmed by the prospect of assisting your aging parent with the management of their household finances, there are a number of places you can turn for help.
• Visit the National Caregivers Library site and search for “financial caregiving,” or go to “Money Matters” in the navigation. You’ll find an extensive array of articles on the topic.
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has several guides on managing someone else’s money, which can help financial caregivers navigate the process and their responsibilities.
Since my last update, there have been no residents, and no employees tested positive for COVID-19.
Today’s update will reiterate some information shared during our ZOOM meeting today with our residents.
Mark Hirschman, President of the Resident’s Association, reminded all of us that with entering the “Yellow Phase,” we still need to be careful. He told us not to forget the basics. Frequent handwashing with soap and water for twenty seconds. When in the presence of others, please wear a mask. Practice social distancing. His reminder is timely. As we move through this pandemic, we are likely to get careless. Our excellent results have come from all of us working as a community; together. As our Medical Director recently reminded me, “just because we moved into another phase, does not mean the virus has changed!”
This week is the first week of initiating mandatory testing of our employees and residents in our care areas. Up to this point, our testing has been voluntary. We are completing twenty percent of the employees and residents each week. We will continue this weekly testing until further notice.
The COVID-19 Task Force discussion this week focused on contact tracing. Soon, we will distribute forms for those who wish to participate. The tracing involves documenting all interactions with other people. These forms are for you to keep. If someone ultimately tests positive, this is helpful information in determining where the exposure was initiated. If there is a situation where a staff member or resident tests positive for COVID-19, those affected will be required to complete contact tracing.
From Tansy Rodgers, FNTP (Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner), Health and Lifestyle Coach, Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor, and Physical Therapist Assistant
It was once thought that maintaining a strong immune system was only important during the cold weather months when the chances of catching a cold or the flu was high. In actuality, a strong immune system proves to be important 24 hours a day / 7 days a week / 365 days a year…and at all stages of life.
With the rise in sugary drinks and processed, packaged foods dominating the store shelves, protecting your immune system is a key component to long-lasting vitality and optimal health for years to come.
Taking care of your gut health is key when wanting to boost your immune system — 70 percent of immune cells are in the digestive tract. We want to keep the gut strong and feed the body the nutrients it needs, all at the same time. Here are 9 foods that are power-packed with immune-boosting health benefits:
1. Dark green leafy vegetables: Naturally low in sugar and high in life-giving chlorophyll, green leafy vegetables give you more sustained energy. They are also high in fiber, Vitamins A, C, and K. Eat a variety of greens such as kale, spinach, mustard greens, dandelion, collard greens, beet greens, swiss chard, just to name a few.
2. Vegetables: Vegetables are packed with a variety of immune builders and it pays to eat a variety. They are high in prebiotic fibers, which help to nourish the growth of good bacteria that exist naturally in your gut by contributing to an environment that is optimal for good digestive health. Gut health is critical for immune health. Vegetables are also high in Vitamins A, B6, C, K, copper, and polyphenols. Try foods such as broccoli, carrots, brussel sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, Jerusalem artichokes, jicama, kale, onion, root vegetables, and seaweed.
3. Bright colored fruit and berries: Even though fruit can be high in sugar, they still give your body a healthy dose of Vitamin C, antioxidants, and polyphenols. And, foods like apples, bananas, and berries are loaded with prebiotic fibers. Since fruit can be high in sugar, stick to 1-2 servings of fruit a day. Try noshing on guava, kiwi, currants, or any other fruit that fits your taste buds.
4. Nuts and seeds: These gems are not only loaded with heart-healthy fats, but they are also high in Vitamins B6, E, thiamine, selenium, and zinc. Boost your immune system with almonds, pumpkin seeds, brazil nuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts, and pistachios.
5. Fish/Seafood: Choosing a high-quality fish or seafood is an excellent source of protein that nourishes the immune system as well as the heart and the brain. These are high in Vitamins B12, D, selenium, phosphorus, and zinc. Make sure to buy wild-caught instead of farm raised. Try mixing it up with fish, sardines, mackerel, cod liver oil, oysters, salmon, and trout.
6. Fermented foods: Like prebiotic fiber, fermented foods are good for gut health. They help to boost the good gut bacteria and create a stronger gut lining, important for a strong immune system. Try foods such as sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, fermented and/or cultured foods, etc.
7. Bone broth: Bone broth improves your gut health, enabling the immune system cells there to function effectively and prevent pathogens from moving from your digestive tract throughout your body. It also helps to restore the intestinal lining, resulting in improved intestinal functioning.
8. Herbs and Spices: Busting at the seams with antioxidants, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and/or antiviral properties, herbs and spices are like the icing on top of the proverbial cake — they boost the power of your food. They are also abundant in Vitamins A, C, B6, E, K, folate, and iron. Try chili, cayenne, tarragon, garlic, turmeric, thyme, basil, bay leaf, curry, oregano, parsley, rosemary, cilantro, etc.
9. Beans and Lentils: Not only are beans delicious, but they are also rich in fiber to keep things moving along. Eat a serving of beans and you will also get folate, thiamine, and iron. Try aduki beans, black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, and lentils.
Eating these foods locally and seasonally will boost your immune system even further. Seasonal foods are at their freshest and most dense in nutrients, giving you the biggest bang for your buck. And local foods? Not only do they support your community and local farmers, but they have less travel time and can be picked when they are at their ripest!
Check out these local farmers markets for the freshest pick of the crop:
Not a local? Check out www.localharvest.org, where you can type in your zip code and obtain a list of local shops, CSAs, farms, farmers markets and events!
Interested in learning more about wellness from Tansy? Visit her website at www.tansyrodgers.com.
