Cynthia Geary as a Hospice nurse in an episode of Going Home. Provided by Pure Flix
Cynthia Geary, front second from left, and the cast of Northern Exposure, CBS publicity photo
By Nick Thomas
Emmy-nominated actress Cynthia Geary was immediately drawn to her latest character Charley Copeland, a Hospice nurse in the compelling new drama series “Going Home.” Season one began streaming in June on Pure Flix, a faith and family-friendly media service (see www.pureflix.com).
“The death of a loved one is something we will all experience, but I feel like the show sends a positive message in a sad but cathartic way,” said Geary from Palm Springs while traveling from her home in Seattle.
Set in a Hospice care center with Geary as head nurse, the staff tackle the emotional, spiritual, and physical challenges facing end-of-life patients and their families, to ensure the loved ones pass on with compassion and dignity. Geary says the scripts attracted her to the role.
“They are challenging, demanding, and emotional, but so well-written,” she said. “We all cried a lot on the set because I think the actors and crew could relate to the stories.”
Shot in Spokane, Washington, Geary visited a local Hospice facility to prepare for the role.
I was fortunate to meet many of the Hospice nurses whose job is to provide patients with a peaceful transition from this life,” she said. “I learned how important it was not to project personal issues into the situation to avoid putting any additional stress on the patients or their families who are already suffering. I tried to bring that to Charley, my character, who will be evolving with her own back-story in the coming episodes.”
Geary’s own career back-story dates back to 1990 when she starred in the quirky CBS comedy-drama “Northern Exposure.” Her character, Shelly, appeared in all episodes over the show’s six-season run, the series remaining a cult favorite today.
“I just loved everything about that show and would have been happy to do more seasons for years,” she recalled. “There’s been talk of a reunion or new series for a long time, but nothing definite yet – I would love, love, love to do it!”
Meanwhile, despite the potentially gloomy theme, Geary is loving her new series.
“I know a show sending a message that death can be a positive experience sounds weird, but it can be an uplifting one,” she says. “Death is inevitable, but we don’t have to be afraid of it. Being part of the series has changed my perspective – if you have someone in a Hospice setting, at least you can prepare for what’s coming and have that time with them.” Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, in Alabama, and has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous magazines and newspapers. See www.getnickt.org.
WWII infantryman Ivan Evans J. strikes a patriot pose last month in anticipation of Veterans Day, November 11th.
Story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor
U.S. Army 100th Division infantryman Ivan Evans Jr. created this display of his Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star and Purple Heart from WWII.U.S. Army 100th Division infantryman Ivan Evans Jr. created this display of his Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star and Purple Heart from WWII.
Born on a cotton farm near Bessie, Oklahoma, Ivan Evans Jr. married his Dill High School sweetheart Erma J. Sallee and was drafted right after graduation to become a decorated infantryman in the U.S. Army during the last year of WWII in Europe.
After only 16 weeks of U.S. Army basic training in Texas, he sailed as a replacement soldier to rainy, fierce fighting in early November in the rugged forested terrain of the French Vosges Mountains. The mountains served as a seemingly impregnable fortress for German troops determined to hold the last barrier between the Allies and the Rhine.
Trained quickly to be a replacement soldier in the infantry because seven out of ten infantry soldiers suffered casualties in WWII, Evans became a light machine gunner.
Evans, now 98 and a 23-year resident of Spanish Cove Retirement Center in Yukon, saw more action in his almost year on the front lines in Europe than many in the whole war. He is proud that his fellow Spanish Cove residents celebrate and honor American veterans for “their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
He paid careful attention in his abbreviated training, earning a Bronze Star for gallantry and a Purple Heart as his proud 100th Infantry Division conquered more enemy territory with fewer casualties than any other division in the war.
“About my Purple Heart, a German did that—nothing I could do about it,” Evans said in a recent interview about the fierce fighting taking the Maginot Line.
The only time Evans was not at his light machine gun on the front lines attacking was the seven weeks in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital unit and recovery from being shot in the arm.
He explains his complete recovery was based on luck as he was moving through triage waiting for surgery when it was the only neurosurgeon on duty’s turn. So, Evans received the most skilled surgery available to repair the damaged nerves in his arm and ensure he was pain-free and capable for the rest of his life.
His full recovery meant soon he was back in the line, earning more respect from his fellow soldiers in his platoon.
Evans has now seen 77 Veterans Days honoring his patriotism and service. He is still quick to tell people his survival on fire-swept terrain in WWII was based on mere seconds and inches. He escaped death several times in the world’s largest and most violent armed conflict. Sixteen million American men and women served in uniform during the war. More than 400,000 lost their lives.
His 31-lb Browning 30 caliber light machine gun was a “crew-served weapon.” Evans was the gunner serving with an assistant gunner who carried the tripod and loaded the weapon and two ammo carriers.
Evans spoke about how the 45 caliber M1911 Colt semi-automatic pistol he was issued as a light machine gunner was not enough protection when the fighting got in close. He received permission to carry a M1 carbine rifle.
“My Bronze Star medal was my act of bravery, disarming a German and capturing him in hand-to-hand combat when he attacked me in a bayonet charge while I was in my foxhole,” Evans said. “In the middle of a pitched battle and heavy shelling, I recognized the form of a German soldier appear before me and reached back to grab my carbine lying behind me. So when he thrust his rifle with bayonet affixed at the center of my body, I was turned reaching back, and he just missed me by sliding his weapon across my chest.
I stopped reaching for my carbine and grabbed his rifle before he could pull it back to stab at me again. The force of his forward motion gave me just enough leverage to catch him off balance and turn him as I struck a blow that stripped him of his rifle. In the ensuing hand-to-hand combat, I got control and captured him as my friend in our foxhole did the same to another German. We were both awarded Bronze Star medals for gallantry in capturing these two enemy soldiers.”
Evans returned to wait for the next attack after marching them to the rear to turn in as prisoners. He fought across France and into Germany as part of the 398 Infantry Regiment to the war’s end.
Deep into one of the coldest winters in recent European history, it was often a severe struggle to dig foxholes with smallish entrenching tools through snow and a foot of frozen ground before reaching softer earth.
Evans says once he narrowly escaped death by leaving his foxhole.
“The heavy shelling had just stopped, and the guy in the foxhole with me said the cooks promised to bring up a hot meal,” Evans said. “The guy said I’m going to go get that meal. I said I’m not because the Germans will likely begin shelling again soon. I’m going to stay right here and eat my K ration.”
So the soldier got up and left.
“I don’t remember what made me decide to leave that foxhole after he left,” Evans said. “Soon, I was walking about 75 yards back to get behind our fortified area of the line when I heard a big explosion behind me. I realized it was close to my foxhole, so I ran back, only to find our foxhole was a big shell crater. I had to be reissued all my gear and a new machine gun.”
“And that’s how God took care of me because I wasn’t planning to get out of that foxhole,” Evans said. “I was going to stay there and eat my K ration. God and a promise of a hot meal saved us that day.”
Evans humbly says his performance was typical in the well-disciplined, effective fighting force of the 100th Division taking the battle to the enemy. He said he was proud when it was life and death and surviving as a unit; they all pulled together.
The chaotic fighting to take the strongly fortified Forts Freudenberg. and Schiesseck of the Maginot Line northwest of Bitche, France, from December 17th- 21st, 1944, was some of the fiercest fighting in the war. While farther north, the much-heralded Battle of the Bulge was receiving the lion’s share of the world’s attention.
Evans often moved over open terrain in the leading elements to set up his machine gun to fire on pill boxes under direct enemy observation. These brave men were subjected to artillery, mortar and sniper fire while keeping the assault moving forward.
The 100 Division fought on after liberating Bitche. They fought to cross the Rhine River into Germany, and then battles in crossing the rivers Neckar and Jagst. They attacked Heilbronn to pursue the enemy forces until April 21 near Stuttgart and became a unit in the Army of Occupation of Germany after VE Day restored freedom to Europe. Evans served the reestablished freedom near Stuttgart for seven months after the war.
Evans then returned to his wife in Oklahoma. Together, they attended Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater, now OSU. Evans earned a bachelor’s degree in education, while his wife earned a degree in business education with honors and later a master’s degree in the same subject.
They both taught high school students for the rest of their careers. Evans retired from a 40-year education career as a coach, teacher, and high school principal.
Married almost 69 years, Evans and his wife, who died in 2013, had one son, two grandsons, and three great-grandchildren.
“I wouldn’t be here talking to you if God hadn’t got me through,” Evans said. “I’ve lived a good life. If God were to tell me he’d give me a new life, I wouldn’t take it. I wouldn’t change a thing. I can’t explain how important freedom is; sometimes people do not realize how fortunate they are to have the freedoms they have.”
Joyce Clark, Executive Director of Saint Ann Retirement Center in Oklahoma City.
Story by Joyce Clark, Executive Director – Saint Ann Retirement Center
When asked what is the most significant thing that makes an elder feel loved and included in the Thanksgiving & Christmas season, most people say they desire to spend time with family. Residents of Saint Ann Independent Living were asked for ideas to help make holidays for seniors more joyful and festive. Most replies indicated seniors simply want to spend time with loved ones doing just about anything. Ideas for activities families and seniors can do together are outlined below.
THINGS TO DO TOGETHER TO BRIGHTEN HOLIDAY SEASON FOR YOUR ELDER LOVED ONES
Attend a Christmas ballet or theatre show
Hold a virtual get-together using Facetime, Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet
For those who have difficulty getting around or need personal assistance, hire an aide to transport & assist her at a family event.
Play Dirty Santa or other games
Take a drive to view Christmas lights
Enjoy a spa day
Write Christmas cards
Include the elder in meal & event planning
Cook favorite items in a festive setting
Assist with gift wrapping
Help decorate the senior’s home. Also, help take down & store decorations.
Go gift shopping with a stop for brunch
Play holiday music & sit by a fire while visiting
Assemble a holiday or family photo album or scrapbook
Bake cookies
Make holiday cards or crafts
Watch Christmas or home movies
Create a cookbook with recipes from all family members
Organize old photographs & share memories about them
If it is difficult for the senior to get out of the home, take a small festive family party to her residence.
Attend church or Mass on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day
Go caroling or have a sing-along
Help the senior primp for a special event or get ready together. Manicure nails, style hair, do makeup, trim long hair in nose, ear, or eyebrows, and get dressed in fancy clothes. The senior may need to rest before going to an event or some primping could be done in advance.
Saint Ann Independent Living residents agreed it is wonderful to have people stop by for a visit all year and not just during the holidays. Folks who are hard of hearing prefer personal visits over telephone calls or video chat. The residents also suggested some gift ideas for seniors:
GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR FAVORITE SENIOR
Help out by shopping, running errands, picking up gifts, mailing package or cards
Arrange for a beautician or masseuse to go to the senior’s home
Postage stamps
Cup holder for walker or wheelchair
Gift card for a local grocery store, restaurant, favorite brand, Walmart, coffee, manicure, etc…
Crossword, Sudoku or jigsaw puzzles
Basket of fruit, snacks, or groceries
Latest book from a favorite author
Night lights or motion sensor lights for hallway, bedroom, bathroom
Coupon redeemable for running errands a few times a year
Note offering to do chores around the house
Monthly subscription for a gift box, flowers, or magazine
Warm & snuggly throw
Bidet
Easy-to-use mobile phone or tablet that can be used to video chat
Smart picture frame that allows people to upload pics, video call, or send notes
Amazon Echo with voice calling
Custom photo puzzle or calendar
Medical alert system
Memory foam or gel seat cushion
Adaptive devises like a long handled shoe horn
Large print playing cards
Succulents
Shari’s Berries
Bird feeder & seed
Wall mounted magnifying mirror
Fall-resistant slippers
Wine
Assortment of birthday & greeting cards with stamps
Another suggestion is to simplify traditions and routines to reduce stress and accommodate the elder’s physical or mental needs. Sometimes it is more about the people and simple things than celebrating exactly as done in previous years.
Holidays can be particularly sad for some folks. Pictures or memories may bring up tears or grief. This can be a healthy way to release normal feelings and should not be shamed. Share a safe space to remember and celebrate lost loved ones.
Joyce Clark is the Campus Director of Saint Ann Retirement Center, which offers independent and assisted living. She says watching people regain their strength, balance, and health is one of her team’s greatest rewards.
Clark encourages people to be extra careful at home getting in and out of the bathtub, where many people tend to fall. Call Lisa at Saint Ann Retirement Center, (405) 721-0747 Ext #322, if you would like more tips and helpful information. https://www.saintannretirementcenter.com/
WESTVILLE – A number of years ago, Terry and Pam Lamb began sharing a mustard recipe with friends and family. Now, they’ve created a business out of it.
“After being asked to bottle our lemon dill mustard so friends and family could share it with others, we decided to look into making it a business,” Terry Lamb said. “We had no experience in producing a food product. We looked to our local SCORE office for assistance. They suggested we market more than one product. We started playing with flavors and came up with over 10 we felt would be marketable and decided to start marketing three.”
Partnering with Pam’s mother, Vienna Willard, the Lambs converted their shop into a commercial kitchen. After approval from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Tajour Specialty Products was ready for production.
“We currently manufacture three flavors of mustard,” Terry Lamb said. “Our flavors include lemon dill mustard, rosemary garlic mustard and cranberry orange mustard. We have a number of other flavors developed with the intention of introducing more flavors as our company grows.”
The Lambs chose to incorporate a Hand Up Program, in which they donate 2 percent of every sale to go into an account to help people in their community build local businesses and fight food insecurity.
“We also try to make our products versatile,” he said. “Our mustards can be spread on a cracker with cheese or used on a sandwich. They can also be used as an ingredient in recipes. Our favorite is to make a dressing out of our cranberry orange mustard by mixing it with equal amounts of honey and using it on a salad or as dip. Making deviled eggs using any of our mustards runs a close second.”
Lamb said the goal is to create flavorful, healthy products without added sugar, salt or fat. Tajour Specialty Products was established in November 2017 and started sales in December 2018. The owner is a member of the Cherokee Nation. Tajour Specialty Products recently joined the Made in Oklahoma Program. To learn more about the business, visit www.tajoursp.com, www.madeinoklahoma.net/products/tajour-specialty-products-llc/ or find them on Facebook.
If you have a brain, then you’re at risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Today, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and by 2050 that number is projected to reach as many as 16 million. There are currently 62,000 Oklahomans living with the disease.
Misunderstanding crucial facts about the disease can have devastating consequences that keep people from seeking an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and reduce access to needed resources, clinical trials and support services. To debunk these harmful misconceptions, the Alzheimer’s Association is highlighting several essential truths during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in June, including:
· Alzheimer’s disease is fatal – there are no survivors. From 2000-2013, the number of Alzheimer’s deaths increased 71 percent, while deaths from other major diseases decreased.
· Alzheimer’s disease is not normal aging. Alzheimer’s is a fatal and progressive disease that attacks the brain, killing nerve cells and tissue, affecting an individual’s ability to remember, think and plan. Brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s may begin 20 or more years before symptoms appear. Although age is the greatest known risk factor, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging.
· Alzheimer’s risks are higher among women, African-Americans and Hispanics. African-Americans are about twice as likely as whites to have Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely. Additionally, more than two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are women.
The Alzheimer’s Association works with caregivers to enhance care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Comprehensive online resources and information are available through the Association’s website at alz.org and the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
During Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging everyone to uncover the truth about Alzheimer’s and to show their support for people living with the disease by doing the following:
· Participate in The Longest Day® (alz.org/tld) on June 20, a sunrise-to-sunset event to honor those facing Alzheimer’s disease with strength, heart and endurance.
· Join the Alzheimer’s Association in wearing purple throughout the month, especially on June 20. Share photos of yourself, family, friends and co-workers wearing the movement’s signature color via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. with the hashtag #ENDALZ.
· Attend a free education program (alz.org/crf) to learn more about the disease. Special programs in June include The Basics, Effective Communication, Know the 10 Signs, and Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research.
This content of this editorial is provided by Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter.
Eleven Oklahoma skilled nursing care centers, their nurses and other staff members were recently recognized by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living.
The centers, located throughout the state, were recognized through AHCA/NCAL’s Quality Initiative Recognition Program for quality and service improvements. Facilities honored were:
*Cedar Creek Nursing Center – Norman
*Claremore Nursing Home – Claremore
*Forrest Manor Nursing Center – Dewey
*Grace Living Center – Edmond
* Grace Living Center-Southwest – Oklahoma City
*Emerald Care-Southwest – Oklahoma City
*Medicalodge of Dewey – Dewey
*Montevista Rehabilitation and Skilled Care – Lawton
*Rainbow Health Care Community – Bristow
*Shanoan Springs Residence – Chickasha
*The Village at Southern Hills – Tulsa
AHCA’s Quality Initiative Recognition Program recognizes association members who attain at least four of eight quality initiative goals, President/CEO Mark Parkinson said. Those objectives include:
*Reducing hospitalizations – Facilities are assessed either for their safe reduction of long-stay resident hospital stays of at least 15 percent from December 2014 or for achieving or maintaining a 10 percent or lower rate.
*Minimizing nursing staff turnover – Centers that either accomplish a 15 percent decrease from 2015 levels or maintain less than 40 percent total nursing turnover rates meet this criteria.
*Cutting hospital readmissions – This goal aims at safely reducing hospital readmissions, within 30 days of first admission, by 30 percent, compared to December 2011 levels or maintaining a 10 percent readmission rate overall.
*Decreasing off-label antipsychotics use – Long-stay nursing resident use of off-label antipsychotics must be reduced by 30 percent from December 2011 levels to qualify for this particular achievement.
*Reducing unintended health care outcomes – Accomplishing this goal “improves the lives of the patients, residents and families skilled nursing care providers serve,” the Office of Inspector General found, according to a 2014 report.
*Improving discharge rates – Facilities are tasked with maintaining a 70 percent rate, or 10 percent improvement since December 2014, of patient discharges back to the community.
*Boosting functional outcomes – Centers must improve functional outcomes by 10 percent since December 2015 or maintain a 75 percent improvement rate to attain this goal.
*Adopting Core-Q questionnaire – AHCA developed the Core-Q questionnaire specifically for use by post-acute and long-term care providers, Parkinson said. Adopting the practices outlined, measuring and uploading results may satisfy this particular program aspect.
“Improving quality care as a profession requires dedication from many organizations,” Parkinson said. “The program provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the progress that our members have made by achieving the quality initiative goals and improving care for individuals living in their communities, and I commend their hard work.”
Oklahoma Association of Health Care Providers is the AHCA state affiliate. More information about AHCA may be found on its website, located at https://www.ahcancal.org/Pages/Default.aspx; OAHCP’s site is http://www.oahcp.org/index.php.
Organizers Joan Clarke, Molly and Megan Nye posed for their free photos with Santa Claus last year at the Santa Market Craft Show.
Story by Darl Devault, Contributing Editor
The Santa Market Craft Show November 19-20 at State Fair Park has evolved the last dozen years into Oklahoma City’s premiere free two-day showcase for Christmas themed creations, benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association of Oklahoma.
As one of Oklahoma’s largest free nonprofit arts and craft shows, the 12th annual festive shopping experience will fill the Pavilion and Centennial Buildings with more than 180 carefully chosen creative vendors. It features free admission, free parking, a silent auction and more from 9 to 4 Friday and Saturday.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their children to get their free photos taken with Santa Claus at Oklahoma City’s most prestigious Christmas market each year.
Shoppers are treated to a variety of home decor, homemade arts and crafts, boutique and holiday items, jewelry, children’s clothes, and food goodies. Free shopping bags sponsored by local businesses will be given to the first 1,000 visitors.
Joan Clarke, along with Molly and Megan Nye began the event in 2010 after Joan’s husband died of Alzheimer’s in 2007. It has been a labor of love attracting many volunteers to help showcase the wares of the many high-quality vendors, who see it as an opportunity to support a local charity addressing one of America’s most difficult diseases.
“Molly and I had been selling items at craft shows for years and we decided to start our own event. We booked a small room in a hotel and started out with 17 vendors,” Clark said. “By the time our third year began, we realized how much work putting on a quality show involves, so we decided to make it a fundraiser. Molly immediately suggested Alzheimer’s since I lost my husband to the terrible disease.”
“Our excellent vendors are what make this show what it is each year. We are one big family, everyone helps promote the show, advertise, and find new merchants. They donate to our cause, both monetarily and with their products, even though it’s totally voluntary,” Clark said. “They help with set up, clean up and everything in between. We have 3 vendors that have been with us all 12 years. Countless more that have been with us 5, 8, even 10 years. One vendor named it ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ and it truly is.”
Even while spreading out over two buildings now, the organizers limit the number of crafters assigned space. Clarke says It is not about turning away new vendors, it is about only allowing a limited number of each type of vendor. They wish they could take everyone, but having a variety makes for a much better shopping experience and the merchants have a much better chance of success.
The event is now at the point where longtime merchants who display clamor to be back each year. This means the shoppers have high quality choices because the theme of the show is providing the highest quality Christmas theme material for their customers.
Clarke says some of the merchants see the event as an opportunity to make sure one of their favorite charities receive as much as possible from their craft world and from them personally.
Vendors write personal checks to the Alzheimer’s Association when the Santa Market rolls around, Clarke said. They also donate some of their hand-painted ornaments, clothing, pet items, artwork, wood working, signs, candles and more to the Alzheimer’s auction and Alzheimer’s booth at the event.
The 12th year means the Santa Market folks also supported the annual Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s which occurred October 23 in downtown OKC. The Santa Market fielded a team for the walk, captained by Janie Biggs, with 11 members this year who raised $8,512 by the day of the walk.
Taking place many different dates and locations, it is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The Walk in OKC was one of the top 30 in the nation in 2020.
“We are so grateful to the Clarke and Nye families who have used their creativity and passion to end Alzheimer’s to create such an amazing craft event,” said Jessica N. Hogner, OKC Alzheimer’s Walk Manager. “The Santa Market is not only responsible for raising more than $177,000 these last 11 years, but also helping spread awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease and the free services the Alzheimer’s Association provides.” Contact Joan at thesantamarket@gmail.com .
Lois Butler has seen a lot in the last 100 years. And the Heritage Point resident intends to see a lot more after celebrating her 100th birthday recently.
by Mike Lee, Staff Writer
One hundred years can go by in the blink of an eye, but Lois Butler doesn’t plan on missing another second after celebrating her 100th birthday recently.
Butler lives at Heritage Point, located at 12000 N MacArthur Blvd, in Oklahoma City.
And she positively radiates to anyone who meets her.
“It’s pretty amazing that she is able to get around quickly at her age,” said Billie Upshaw, R.N. at Heritage Point. “She is very with it, too. All who are around her know her kindness and benefit from her wisdom.”
Butler was born and raised in Cheney, Kansas – a city in Sedgwick County with a population now of just over 2,000.
Her intention was to always live there after working a career as a telephone operator before becoming a homemaker before the birth of her first child.
Her and her husband raised three daughters.
“My mother is a very kind, generous and loving person,” said Rochelle Rayburn, Butler’s daughter. “Mother was always busy with her family. She loved to entertain and was a wonderful cook and hostess. She always made sure she was available as a mother. I have so many memories of coming home from school and smelling chocolate chip cookies just coming out of the oven.”
Butler and her sisters grew up with a mother who was very active.
Butler was very active in the Order of the Eastern Star, a Freemasonic appendant body open to both men and women. It was established in 1850 by lawyer and educator Rob Morris, a noted Freemason.
The order is based on teachings from the Bible, but is open to people of all religious beliefs.
Butler advanced to the position of worthy matron, the highest and presiding officer of the 18-office chapter.
She was also active in P.E.O, which was founded on January 21, 1869, by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
This circle of kindred spirits – bonded by their enthusiasm for women’s opportunities – eventually expanded to include women off campus, as well. Today, P.E.O. has grown from that tiny membership of seven to nearly a quarter of a million members in chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada, with headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa.
Her mother was always active at school and church and served on the hospitality board at The Golden Age Home in her 80’s and 90’s.
Visiting every Sunday, The Golden Age Home was what Butler chose as her personal ministry.
Butler was an integral part of the family wheat farming business. She would drive the wheat truck during harvest when needed.
When she wasn’t behind the wheel she was cooking for the hired hands and taking lunch to the field.
Butler credits her positive attitude and great emotional strength for much of her longevity and she’s quickly become a staff favorite at Heritage Point, which opened earlier this year.
“She is an absolute sweetheart and I like spending as much time talking with her as I possibly can,” staff member Charlie Brittain said.
OMRF scientist Rizwan Qaisar has been awarded an Irene Diamond Fund/AFAR Postdoctoral Transition Award in Aging.
OMRF scientist Rizwan Qaisar has been awarded an Irene Diamond Fund/AFAR Postdoctoral Transition Award in Aging.
The award, presented by the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) with support from the Irene Diamond Fund, will provide $120,000 in flexible transitional funding to Qaisar, who is researching age-related muscle loss called sarcopenia at OMRF. Postdocs are individuals conducting research after finishing their doctoral studies and are pursuing further training and a well-defined career path.
AFAR is a leading nonprofit dedicated to advancing healthy aging through biomedical research. The goal of this program, according to AFAR, is to provide portable and flexible transitional funding for senior postdoctoral fellows as they develop and negotiate for faculty positions and research programs. The award provides full-time research training and grant support. Founded in 1981, AFAR has awarded more than $175 million in grants to investigators and students across the U.S., Ireland, Israel, Italy and the United Kingdom.
“By giving these postdoctoral fellows this extra boost at a critical moment in their career path, AFAR is helping create a research pipeline that is essential to advancing better therapies for age-related diseases and discoveries that will help us all live healthier and longer,” said Jeremy Walston, M.D., Chair of the 2017 Selection Committee for the Irene Diamond Fund/AFAR Postdoctoral Transition Awards in Aging.
At OMRF, Qaisar works in the Aging and Metabolism Research Program with under the guidance of Program Chair Holly Van Remmen, Ph.D. looking specifically at the role of oxidative stress, or free radicals, in the long-term deterioration of muscle. Qaisar researches potential interventions for the disease pathways for sarcopenia, specifically the activation of the SERCA ATPase.
Qaisar earned his Ph.D. at the University of Uppsala, Sweden. His academic focus was looking at the mechanisms of muscle aging, and evaluating potential therapies to counter age-related weakness and muscle loss.
“I am extremely grateful and honored to receive this award,” said Qaisar. “This funding will provide me with a real opportunity to push my research forward and make a difference for our aging population.”
As COVID-19 continues to spread across the world, the workforce challenges in the U.S. long term care industry, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic, remains at a crisis level. Unless Congress acts, nursing homes and assisted living communities will increasingly have to take drastic measures, furthering limiting access to care for vulnerable seniors.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nursing homes have lost 238,000 caregivers since the beginning of the pandemic. A report from the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) summarizing BLS data with new January numbers showed that overall long term care workforce levels are the lowest they have been in 15 years.
While a labor shortage exists across many health care settings, BLS data illustrates the dramatic scope of the challenge facing the long term care industry in particular. For instance, hospitals have lost two percent of their workforce, compared to a 15 percent workforce decline among nursing homes and a seven percent decline among assisted living communities.
As pandemic burnout worsens, skilled caregivers are looking elsewhere for work. While many long term care providers have dedicated extensive resources to honor frontline heroes’ extraordinary efforts, current government reimbursement rates limit their ability to make additional investments and compete against other employers for workers. Without action from policymakers, our nation’s most vulnerable seniors risk reduced access to care as facilities are forced to limit admissions or even close down altogether.
On Thursday morning, the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety will hold a hearing to examine the pandemic-related workforce shortage in health care settings. As this historic crisis continues, the hearing reinforces the need for lawmakers to take new action to ensure long term care providers have the resources and recruitment tools they need to provide the high-quality care our nation’s seniors deserve. This is the time for lawmakers to make a commitment to investing in our health care heroes and building up the next generation of caregivers.
Before any more long term care facilities have to limit admissions or close their doors, lawmakers should provide our frontline caregivers with the resources they need.
