You Gotta Have Friends
Whenever I think of the kind of person I would like to become, I think of “Jane”. At 75 years old, she had a vibrant social circle. Though she had been widowed for many years and living alone, she was rarely lonely. Her friends, family and social interaction kept a sparkle in her eyes, warmth in her laughter and vigor in her step. “Jane” made me realize that one of the secrets of successful aging lies in our friendships with others.
The question is “how could this lack of interaction affect overall health”? There is solid scientific research that friends actually change the biochemistry of our brains and the functioning of our immune systems. People with rich social relationships live longer than those who are lonely. Friendships and continued socializing as we age creates a feeling of belonging, a buffer against stress and sense of purpose in feeling needed by our friends. When a friend lets us know that we are loved and valued, our self-esteem rises.
Having a strong social support system actually delays the brain’s aging process while enhancing both memory and intelligence.
Jane lived so well as she grew older because she cultivated her old friends and stimulated her mind by getting to know new ones. The lesson that we all can learn and never forget, beyond anything else, is that we truly need each other.
The Paragon is a wonderful place to reacquaint with old friends and meet new ones. We have a wonderful activity program that is designed to include different interests. If you have an idea for an activity, please let Sherry know. She is always looking for new ideas!
If you have certain limitations that may restrict you from doing certain activities, please feel free to come, watch & socialize. Remember—socialization is the key to promote good health.
We are so lucky to share each day with our residents, family members & staff. Be kind to one another, if you don’t know someone, introduce yourself , invite some old friends to visit The Paragon and always wear a smile!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
God Bless,
Nancy
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The Kitchen Korner
Two of our favorite ingredients are included in this special Valentine’s Day dessert—Chocolate & Peanut Butter
Crispy Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup butter, softened
3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
3 cups crisp rice cereal
4 cups (24 ounces) HERSHEY’®S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon shortening, divided
1/3 cup vanilla or white chips
Directions
In a large bowl, beat peanut butter and butter until blended; gradually beat in confectioners' sugar. Stir in cereal. Shape into 1-in. balls. Refrigerate until chilled.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and 1/4 cup shortening. Microwave on high until chips are melted; stir until smooth. Dip balls into chocolate; place on a waxed paper-lined pan.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine vanilla chips and remaining shortening. Microwave at 70% power until melted; stir until smooth. Drizzle over candies. Refrigerate until set.
Yield: 6 dozen.
Editor's Note: Reduced-fat or generic brands of peanut butter are not recommended for this recipe.
Your Paragon Kitchen Staff,
Shirley, Jennifer, Kristen and JoNell
Crispy Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup butter, softened
3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
3 cups crisp rice cereal
4 cups (24 ounces) HERSHEY’®S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon shortening, divided
1/3 cup vanilla or white chips
Directions
In a large bowl, beat peanut butter and butter until blended; gradually beat in confectioners' sugar. Stir in cereal. Shape into 1-in. balls. Refrigerate until chilled.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and 1/4 cup shortening. Microwave on high until chips are melted; stir until smooth. Dip balls into chocolate; place on a waxed paper-lined pan.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine vanilla chips and remaining shortening. Microwave at 70% power until melted; stir until smooth. Drizzle over candies. Refrigerate until set.
Yield: 6 dozen.
Editor's Note: Reduced-fat or generic brands of peanut butter are not recommended for this recipe.
Your Paragon Kitchen Staff,
Shirley, Jennifer, Kristen and JoNell
Paragon Miscellanous News
For the 7th consecutive year,
The Paragon of Madisonville has been named the Reader’s Choice Recipient as Hopkins County’s #1 Choice in Assisted Living.
Let’s welcome our newest residents!
Anna Lou Whitfield—Suite 219
Corria Mimms—Suite 218
Resident Anniversary Dates
Ten-Year Anniversary
Syamala Rao
The Paragon of Madisonville has been named the Reader’s Choice Recipient as Hopkins County’s #1 Choice in Assisted Living.
Let’s welcome our newest residents!
Anna Lou Whitfield—Suite 219
Corria Mimms—Suite 218
Resident Anniversary Dates
Ten-Year Anniversary
Syamala Rao
News From The Ice Cream Parlor
I hope everyone reading this newsletter has had a wonderful start to the 2011 year! I will begin with a few announcements. Once again, I would like to mention that if anyone is interested in volunteering their time at The Paragon with our residents to please contact me, Sherry Stuart. I would be delighted to talk with anyone that may be interested. You may also know someone that has a special talent or just some free time to play cards, a game, work a puzzle, play the piano or help with bingo!
Speaking of volunteering brings me to yet another subject and a very sad one indeed. I want to express that everyone one of us, residents and staff alike, was so very saddened to hear about the passing of one of our extremely dedicated volunteers, Ms. Kim Reynolds. For those of you that may not have met Kim, she was a friend to all of us. She would come on the weekends after lunch to play cards with a few of our residents. On the days that she didn’t play cards she was always willing to help someone else, whether it was a resident or a staff member. She also called bingo, and as I said before, helped in any area that you needed her to. We all will miss her very much and may God be with her family and friends during this difficult time.
Next, I want to mention that we are planning our next family night. Our theme will be “Mardi Gras”. The tentative date is set for Monday, March 7th at 5 p.m. Be sure to mark your calendars and should this date change for any reason you’ll be the first, right after us, to know!
It’s that time again to vote/select your Valentine King and Queen for 2011. Our ballot box is located in The Dogwood Room. You may put one vote in per day. Everyone can vote, this includes staff, residents, guests, and families, but please only vote for the residents.
Ballots will be counted on February 11th. Our King and Queen of 2011 will be announced at our Valentine’s party, Monday February 14th at 3:00 p.m.
And last but not least, I want to mention a new program that has just begun. It will be called “Feeding the Children Program”(pictures on opposite page). This activity will take place once a month. We will be helping the Nebo Christian Church stuff backpacks for school children that need a little extra help. We are all very excited to be a part of this wonderful program.
Until next month,
Sherry
Speaking of volunteering brings me to yet another subject and a very sad one indeed. I want to express that everyone one of us, residents and staff alike, was so very saddened to hear about the passing of one of our extremely dedicated volunteers, Ms. Kim Reynolds. For those of you that may not have met Kim, she was a friend to all of us. She would come on the weekends after lunch to play cards with a few of our residents. On the days that she didn’t play cards she was always willing to help someone else, whether it was a resident or a staff member. She also called bingo, and as I said before, helped in any area that you needed her to. We all will miss her very much and may God be with her family and friends during this difficult time.
Next, I want to mention that we are planning our next family night. Our theme will be “Mardi Gras”. The tentative date is set for Monday, March 7th at 5 p.m. Be sure to mark your calendars and should this date change for any reason you’ll be the first, right after us, to know!
It’s that time again to vote/select your Valentine King and Queen for 2011. Our ballot box is located in The Dogwood Room. You may put one vote in per day. Everyone can vote, this includes staff, residents, guests, and families, but please only vote for the residents.
Ballots will be counted on February 11th. Our King and Queen of 2011 will be announced at our Valentine’s party, Monday February 14th at 3:00 p.m.
And last but not least, I want to mention a new program that has just begun. It will be called “Feeding the Children Program”(pictures on opposite page). This activity will take place once a month. We will be helping the Nebo Christian Church stuff backpacks for school children that need a little extra help. We are all very excited to be a part of this wonderful program.
Until next month,
Sherry
Notes From Ruth Barnett, RCC
We are often times asked what exactly is “Assisted Living.” In the next few issues, we want to spotlight some of the areas that you want to know about.
What is assisted living? Assisted living communities provide each resident with an apartment that has a lockable door and private bathroom. Residents can receive assistance with activities of daily living (ADL’s), as well as assistance with medications. Meals, housekeeping, daily social activities, transportation, laundry and clerical services are also available. Each resident may receive health care services through a direct arrangement with an outside agency (i.e. home health care, etc) or person.
Assisted living communities offer immediate access to emergency help. The Paragon offers a life-line pendant locket based alarm system that can alert the staff if a resident falls or has some other emergency. This safety alert system can minimize the resident from a fall, stroke and other health events because help is only a few moments away.
Assisted Living facilities also have advantages because of the social interaction between residents. When comparing an assisted living facility to living at home with in-home care, the assisted living community has a much higher level of socialization. Since most meals are served in our dining room, residents are exposed to their neighbors much more than they would be living at home.
At The Paragon, we strive to provide the most home-like setting possible. From the comfortable décor and furnishings, to the stimulating programs, fine dining and flexible transportation, we strive to incorporate all the comforts and more conveniences than you can find at home. Assisted Living communities take many of the burdens of home ownership off of the residents shoulders.
The Paragon is most fortunate to have an activities coordinator that organizes special activities/events for residents.
Our activities go beyond just playing bingo! Even though our residents enjoy bingo, we offer so many other activities, such as attending special programs at Pennyrile State Park for bingo and lunch, The Glema Mahr Center, the Badgett Playhouse, going on weekly trips to the Senior Citizens Center, to the mall and bank, van rides, enjoying crafts, group outings spanning from Wal-Mart to a night at the theater.
If you have a loved one, family member or friend that would be interested in learning more about assisted living, please have them contact The Paragon at (270) 824-9006.
Until next month . . . Ruth
What is assisted living? Assisted living communities provide each resident with an apartment that has a lockable door and private bathroom. Residents can receive assistance with activities of daily living (ADL’s), as well as assistance with medications. Meals, housekeeping, daily social activities, transportation, laundry and clerical services are also available. Each resident may receive health care services through a direct arrangement with an outside agency (i.e. home health care, etc) or person.
Assisted living communities offer immediate access to emergency help. The Paragon offers a life-line pendant locket based alarm system that can alert the staff if a resident falls or has some other emergency. This safety alert system can minimize the resident from a fall, stroke and other health events because help is only a few moments away.
Assisted Living facilities also have advantages because of the social interaction between residents. When comparing an assisted living facility to living at home with in-home care, the assisted living community has a much higher level of socialization. Since most meals are served in our dining room, residents are exposed to their neighbors much more than they would be living at home.
At The Paragon, we strive to provide the most home-like setting possible. From the comfortable décor and furnishings, to the stimulating programs, fine dining and flexible transportation, we strive to incorporate all the comforts and more conveniences than you can find at home. Assisted Living communities take many of the burdens of home ownership off of the residents shoulders.
The Paragon is most fortunate to have an activities coordinator that organizes special activities/events for residents.
Our activities go beyond just playing bingo! Even though our residents enjoy bingo, we offer so many other activities, such as attending special programs at Pennyrile State Park for bingo and lunch, The Glema Mahr Center, the Badgett Playhouse, going on weekly trips to the Senior Citizens Center, to the mall and bank, van rides, enjoying crafts, group outings spanning from Wal-Mart to a night at the theater.
If you have a loved one, family member or friend that would be interested in learning more about assisted living, please have them contact The Paragon at (270) 824-9006.
Until next month . . . Ruth
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