BE PREPARED!

Calling all alums of scouting: Brownies, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts!  Thanks to two of the founding leaders of scouting, Sir Robert Baden-Powell and Juliette Gordon Low, plus many devoted troop leaders, many of us memorized Morse Code and learned CPR.   By 2011 AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) are common, and Morse Code may have been trumped by tweets, so our hard-earned merit badges may not be as useful as they used to be.

But, many of us of can still remember the Scout Oath (“On my honor…”) and the Scout Motto (“Be Prepared”).  And those two teachings will always be useful; no matter how many gigabytes we can Google from our cell phones.

BE PREPARED!  Many folks live alone these days.  Partners have passed, children have moved far away, and we are too tired or too physically impaired to remain close with our neighbors or church family.  And so there may be no one to assist the 911 First Responders if you summon them.

HOW YOU CAN HELP YOURSELF, AND BE PREPARED FOR A MEDICAL SITUATION:  Prepare an easy-to-locate list of vital information, so the First Responders (and follow-up caregivers) can do as much as possible for you.

1. Names and telephone numbers (especially cell phones) of key people you wish to be notified.  (Family members, close friends, clergy, etc.)
2. Names and telephone numbers of your primary physician and any specialists such as heart doctors who should be contacted.
3. List of all your medications (prescription and non-prescription), the amount and frequency of your dose.  LIST ANY ALLERGIES!!!
4. Information (membership number and telephone number) for ALL of your medical insurances: Medicare Part A & B, Medicare Part D (prescription coverage), secondary/supplemental insurance.
5. Names and telephone numbers of “official” contacts:  attorney, financial advisor, durable power of attorney, health care surrogate, location of your living will (See January 2011 Archive, “Advance Directives”).

And if you have already prepared such a list, Sir Robert and Mrs. Gordon Low would be proud of you!

Who more deserves to live in a safe, secure setting then our seniors?

The definition of the word security is “the degree of protection against danger, damage, loss, and criminal activity.”

So what is security in a retirement home?

At Village On The Isle we adhere to the following guideline to keep our residents Safe, Secure & Comfortable:

• 24 Hour Security conducting routine rounds inside and outside the building.  We will stop and talk with persons that may look out of place or in the wrong place and direct them off property when necessary.
• Constant monitoring of the nurse call system, Wanderguard system and fire alarm system. We will dispatch the proper personnel to rectify the situation be it, medical, smoke or a confused person
• When an ambulance is in route on a emergency call, we will keep designated areas free from obstruction, hold elevators and escort the emergency medical staff to the proper location in the quickest manner possible.
• Addressing Emergencies (accidents, disturbances) quickly and efficiently without disturbing the peace of our other residents.
• Quarterly resident meetings are held where we will inform and discuss residents of online safety and scams.  We monitor the Sheriffs website and other related sites on up to date information about seniors and online safety.  When relevant we post updates to our resident bulletin boards

Just as safety is one of your biggest concerns and number one priorities for you and your family, it is also ours here at Village On The Isle. We take your safety very seriously. We work very hard at providing a safe & secure environment so that you have peace of mind while enjoying this retirement community in sunny Venice, FL.

Just as our mission statement states, it is our duty to maintain a safe, secure and happy lifestyle for our residents!

Mission Statement

As a not-for-profit ministry affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; we are committed to sharing God’s love by promoting individual growth and dignity, enhancing the quality of life and meeting the human and spiritual needs of our residents, staff and community.

TOP 3 AREAS OF YOUR LIFE THAT NEED SOME SPRING CLEANING …

YOUR DIET

YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

YOUR HOME

So often when we think of Spring Cleaning the traditional organizing, de-cluttering and purging of our household items comes into play.  We spend a day or a good solid weekend performing this annual chore, but do we ever spend any time on cleaning up other important areas of our life?  At Village On The Isle we feel there are three key areas to keep clean in your life.

Commonly, New Year’s resolutions regularly include losing weight, eating healthier or exercise.   However, by the time spring roles around most of those resolutions have been long forgotten.  Spring is a great time to take a look at your food consumption. Fresh veggies and fruits are in season and readily available at your local supermarket or farmers market.  The nicer weather also makes it easier for us to choose healthier, lighter food options.

Next of our top 3 is your Mental Health.  Many things can affect our overall mental wellbeing.  Finances, Family, Work …  Have you filed your 2010 taxes or are you riding out an extension?  Is there a family issue that you are struggling with?  Are you balancing work and home life?    These situations are all manageable. Once tackled, you will feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.  Take control of the situation and move forward positively.  Spring Cleaning your mental health does not mean you do not have issues or stresses in your life.  It means you are in control and are making moves to handle these situations.

Last but not least your home. Do not overwhelm yourself in this area.  Start with a plan.  What are the areas of your home that require the most attention?  Is there an area you may not have tackled last year during Spring Cleaning?  Are you able to park your car in your Garage or does this area of your home end up being the storage room?  When were the last time you swept underneath your bed?  Take a look in your dresser draws, items you no longer use can be donated or thrown away.  Good Housekeeping breaks Spring Cleaning up into 10 minutes per day – Quick and Easy just the way we like it!

So… Get Up, Get Motivated and GET CLEAN!

At Village On The Isle our nurses are very important to us 365 days a year.  This Friday through May 12^th, we want to take a moment to publicly recognize and THANK all of you who give so much of yourselves to help others!   You are appreciated more than you’ll ever know.

Every year National Nurses Week focuses attention and appreciation to our America’s nurses work to save lives and to improve the health of millions of individuals. National Nurses Day is always celebrated on May 6th and opens National Nurses Week.  National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, the birth date of Florence Nightingale. National Nurses Week is devoted to emphasize the diverse ways in which nurses, who comprise the largest health care profession, are working to improve health care. From bedside nursing in hospitals and long-term care facilities to research institutions, state legislatures, and Congress, the depth and extent of the nursing profession is meeting the expanding health care needs of American society.