FREE Winter 2019 CHEERful Living Sussex County’s Leader in Senior Services The Joys of Adult Day Care ‘We Care’ Federal Grant Christmas CHEER Since 1971 CHEERful Living, Winter 2019 3 ON THE COVER Table of Contents •••••••••••••• The Joys of Senior Day Care CEO's Perspective.....................4 Adult Day Care Centers..................5 "We Care" Grant........................8 Volunteers........................9 Milton Paramedics..................10 Christmas CHEER..................13 Beach Day is Back..................14 9-11 Memory........................16 Nutrition Director....................17 Pet Parade.............................18 Black History..........................20 JROTC Walk..........................21 Change of Seasons..............22 Cooking for Seniors................23 Cookie Recipe........................24 Veterans Celebration..............26 CHEERful Living This magazine is published quarterly by the Delaware State News in partnership with CHEER. To support healthy and active lifestyles for seniors in Sussex County. Available for free throughout Sussex County. Darel La Prade—Publisher Carolyn O’Neal—Editor Sand Hill Adult Day Program attendee Mike O’Donnell of Contributing Writers Millsboro enjoys the beautiful fall weather during a day trip Ken Bock and Genny Hines to the Milton Town Park. For more information about adult day Layout Design—Thomas Maglio Graphic Artists—Angi Hicks programs, see page 5. (Photo by Dawn Tomeski) For information on advertising, contact Jennifer Keim. Email: [email protected] FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CHEER, INC., Phone: 302-236-0779 VISIT CHEERDE.COM OR LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. 4 CHEERful Living, Winter 2019 The CEO's Perspective... CHEER, lnc. STAFF Kenneth Bock, A Time For Reflection; Chief Executive Officer Beckett Wheatley, A Time To Give Thanks Chief Operating Officer Joyce Westen, Chief Administrative Officer Deborah Crum, Finance Director if the members of the CHEER I am fond of saying that team just did what is in their everyone could use a little Lasandra Baynard, job description, CHEER more CHEER in their lives Human Resources Director By Kenneth Bock would not be CHEER, and so and that has never been tru- Ken Moore, CHEER Chief Executive Officer many of the good people we er than when it’s time for Employee Benefits and The holiday season is serve would not have that lit- holiday CHEER. Everyone Donor Analyst upon us. For many, it is a tle extra CHEER in their lives. reading this article can make Carolyn O'Neal, time to count blessings and As each of us reflects on a difference. Everyone can Community Relations Director give thanks. We get to enjoy the year now ending, I ask take a few extra minutes and Florence Mason and family, friends and often too that you each take a few min- a few extra dollars out of our Carmel Rickenbach, much good food. For CHEER, utes from the celebrations of busy holiday season to re- Nutrition Program Directors this past year marked some the season to remember and member what is important, Debbie Joseph, important milestones; bless- think about those who may to truly give thanks and really Personal Assistance Services ings that were only possible have a little less to enjoy. let it show. Program Director because of all the members There are far too many se- If you haven’t been in Cindy Mitchell, of the CHEER family, our nior citizens in communities your local CHEER center for Sand Hill Adult Day many friends and too much throughout Sussex County a while, now is a good time Program Director good food. that may not have anyone to check us out in person or Elizabeth Walls, I am grateful to all of those to wish them a happy holi- on line. If it’s been a while Volunteer Program Director who helped make 2019 a tru- day. Friends may no longer since you shared something ly great year for CHEER and Katie Leister, be with them and family of yourself or felt like you Venue & Promotions Director that includes our dedicat- may have long since moved have made a real difference John Argo, ed Board of Directors, staff, to places far away. For too in the life of someone in your Facilities Manager many volunteers, supporters many, the idea of a holiday community, maybe even of CHEER and, most espe- meal with all the trimmings is someone you don’t even Kevin Mutch, Information Tech Manager cially, the seniors we have only something to be wished know, what better time than the privilege of serving. They for and reality is that many right now. Let your year- Genny Hines, are our reason for being, and will not have enough to eat end reflections include the Transportation Director getting to know so many of this holiday season. Gifts, knowledge that you gave them is what helps to make cards and well wishes can be something to someone less MISSION STATEMENT this so much more than just too much to expect for some fortunate in your communi- CHEER's mission is a job for me. I know that this Sussex County seniors who ty and that your efforts put a "to promote and maintain is the same feeling so many would spend their holidays smile on someone’s face and the highest quality of life and independence by of our staff, volunteers and wrapped up in a blanket, sit- made a difference in their developing and providing CHEER members get when ting alone in front of an old lives. services that meet the they are able to help put TV—just one more day. This holiday season continuing needs of senior a smile on the face of one That is not the holiday we please volunteer with CHEER citizens 50 and over." •••••••••••••••••••••••• of the thousands of people should want for anyone and to make that difference. Re- 546 South Bedford St. whose lives we touch each that is not the holiday we member, everyone really can Georgetown, DE 19947 year. It’s not what’s in any- should settle for any senior use a little more CHEER in (302) 515-3040 body’s job description; it’s citizen in any of our commu- their lives; even you. Happy FAX (302) 515-3071 what’s in your heart. I know nities. Holidays. www.cheerde.com CHEERful Living, Winter 2019 5 Adult Day Centers Provide Quality of Life for Your Loved One Tips to Choose a Center By Carolyn O’Neal Community Relations Adult day centers provide a planned program that in- cludes a variety of health, so- cial and support services in a protective setting during day- time hours. It seems more advantageous for individuals to begin attending an adult day center while they can fully enjoy the activities and company of others. As their abilities and needs change, they are then familiar with the setting and feel comfortable and cared for. The National Adult Day Services Association suggests that use of an adult day center begin when a prospective en- rollee needs supervision and: • Can no longer structure his or her own daily activities; • Finds it difficult to initiate and focus on an activity (e.g. reading, conversation, watch- ing television); Sand Hill Adult Day Program attendees Tom Hansen, Ricky Mansfield and Bill Palmer enjoy a • Is isolated and lonely or de- field trip to the 911 Center and explore the State Police helicopter. sires peer interaction; • Cannot be safely left alone; Determine your needs – activities are provided? Are and pleasant to visit? Were • Lives with someone who What specific services are im- meals and/or snacks provid- you provided information re- works and is away from the portant to the person using the ed? How are families involved? garding staffing, programming home most of the day; center (safety, social activities, At what point is a person no and costs? Is the building and • Is anxious or depressed and assistance, therapies)? longer eligible at the center? site wheelchair accessible and needs social and emotional Locate an adult day Staff/participant ratio? Training secure? Is the furniture sturdy support; center – contact the Dela- of staff/volunteers? What is and comfortable? Is there a • Feels uncertain and anxious ware Division of Aging for area the fee? Is financial assistance quiet place for relaxing? Did when left alone; or centers or ask at a local senior available? the staff and participants in- • Requires attention that leads center. After site visit check- teract with each other, seem to the caregiver’s anxiety, frus- Make an appointment to list – Did you feel welcome? cheerful and comfortable? tration, compromised health visit the center. Were the center services and Check references – Talk and/or depression. Know what to ask – Years activities properly explained? to two or three people who Here are some suggestions of operation, licensure, certifi- Did you witness appropriate have used the center and ask for choosing the right adult cation, days and hours of op- and meaningful activities in for their opinion. day center for you or your eration, transportation? What process? Was the facility eas- loved one: assistance is provided? What ily accessible, clean, odorless See Care • Page 6 6 CHEERful Living, Winter 2019 Sand Hill Adult Day Program clients enjoy a day in Rehoboth and lunch at Grotto’s. Back to front are: Ricky Mansfield, Thelma Monroe, Elfie Malone, Mike O’Donnell and Luise Davies. (Photos by Dawn Tomeski) Gayle Tandy loves making cakes at the Sand Hill Adult Day Center to celebrate her fellow attendees’ birthdays. for a loved one while balancing Care a job and a personal life. The Continued From Page 5 Sand Hill Adult Day program offers caregivers a break from Try it out – Give it a try for their caregiving duties allowing a few days. Keep in mind that them to pursue other activities it often takes several visits for while their loved one is cared a new participant to feel com- for by trained professionals in fortable in a new setting and a secure, friendly environment.