Thank You For Your Support

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Prime Times
Thank You For Your Support
Elder Care appreciates your generosity in helping us provide services to seniors and caregivers.
March Donors:
The A.E. and Jaunita Richardson
Foundation
Kay Sallee
St. James Church
The Williams Companies
Ruth N. Spurgeon
Virginia Sweet
Mr. and Mrs. James Taylor
Mrs. Yovene Vaughan
Joan R. Walrafen
Mrs. Jesse J. Worten
Memorial Gifts:
In Honor of Janice Drake
Elaine Ryan
In memory of Helen Key
Linda Brown
Ann Clayton
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Griffin
Mr. and Mrs. Roger Reavis
Sheryl Sroufe
In memory of Wendell Boyce
Melody Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Delmar Lankford
Stephanie. Skurcenski
In Memory of Helen Derryberry
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Allison
Mr. Jim Arnold
Betty Dalrymple
Doris, Grady & Lisa Fox
Elizabeth Golbach
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hammond
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kittrell II
Mr. and Mrs. Randy Lawrence
Pat Morgan
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Patton
Thomas C. Riney
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Schoeni
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Skinner
The Good, The Bad and the
Barbeque Donors and Sponsors
66 Federal Credit Union
The A.E. and Jaunita Richardson
Foundation
Amedisys Home Health Services
Bank of Oklahoma
Mr. and Mrs. Roger Box
Comforting Hands Hospice
Green Country Village
RCB Bank
Regional Medical Laboratories
Schwegman Insurance and Financial
Services
Wilcox & McGrath Insurance
In Kind Gifts:
Alpha Delta Kappa
Margaret Kennedy
Springs Global
An Elder Care Publication
April 2011
Walking on Unfamiliar Ground
Page 2
March Volunteers:
Dan Boatwright
Cindy Bray
Ryan Charles
Melissa Davis
Loreta Dunn
LuAnne Hamilton
Judi Hildebrand
Melvin Hildebrand
Christy Johnson
Kathy Jones
Jan Lawson
Roni Murphy
Vicki Sayles
Jill Smith
Stephanie Stratton
Ruth Weldon
March GO Golden Sponsor:
Heritage Villa
March GO Silver Sponsor:
Bartlesville Care Center
The Good The Bad
THE BARBEQUE
Sat, May 7 6PM
Issue 4
Volume 12
Libby Doe, assisted by Katie McIntyre, PTA, is
challenged by the tandem stance exercise that
narrows her base of support.
1223 Swan Drive
Bartlesville, OK 74006
918-336-8500
www.abouteldercare.org
BBQ, Auction & Country Music
Page 3
Celebrating Volunteer Month
Page 4
Recognizing Neurological Disorders
Page 6
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Walking on Unfamiliar Ground
Prime Times
By Sherri Wilson-Sims, PTA
Peripheral neuropathy refers to the conditions that
result when nerves in the hands and/or feet are
damaged or diseased. It is estimated that upwards of
20 million Americans suffer from this disease. It can
occur at any age, but is more common among older
adults, especially over the age of 55. All together,
this condition affects 3-4 percent of people in this age
group.
Causes
Neuropathy may be caused by poor nutrition, a
number of diseases (including diabetes), pressure
trauma, tumors, autoimmune disorders, heredity,
nutritional imbalances, infections or toxins.
Peripheral neuropathy is often categorized by the type
of nerve damage that occurs or where the damage has
occurred in the body. The types of nerves involved
include motor nerves that are responsible for the
voluntary movements and functions; and sensory
nerves responsible for sensing the temperature, pain
touch and limb position. When the damage occurs in
one area of the body it is referred to as
mononeuropathy; in many areas, as polyneuropathy.
When the damaged nerves are present on both sides
of the body in the same place it is referred to as
symmetric neuropathy. It can also be categorized by
the cause such as diabetic neuropathy, which accounts
for 30 percent of neuropathies, or nutritional
neuropathy. When the cause of the nerve damage
cannot be identified, it is referred to as idiopathic
neuropathy, which accounts for another 30 percent of
neuropathies.
Symptoms
Some neuropathies develop suddenly while others
develop very gradually, even over a number of years.
The severity of neuropathy symptoms range widely
from one individual to another and vary widely in an
individual through out the same day. Signs and
symptoms may include: numbness and tingling in your
feet or hands, burning, sharp, jabbing or electric-like
pain, extreme sensitivity to touch, lack of
coordination, muscle weakness or paralysis if
motor nerves are affected, bowel or bladder problems
if autonomic nerves are affected. This can result in
decreased strength and loss of balance as the person
becomes less active.
It is important to detect and diagnose neuropathy
early. The earlier that treatment is initiated, the better
the chance that the nerve damage can be slowed or
reversed and the better the prognosis. The diagnosis
of neuropathy will include physical and neurological
examination, nerve conduction velocity studies (NCV),
and electromyography (EMG). The NCV record the
speed at which the impulses travel through the nerves
and measure the electrical responses. The EMG
records the electrical activity in the muscle tissue and
is used to distinguish between neuropathy and muscle
disease.
How to Treat
Once a diagnosis is established, a physical therapist
will utilize a complete history to gain insight into the
person being treated. Physical therapists identify
functional deficits through administering thorough
subjective history, questionnaires, outcome scales, and
objective clinical tests and measures. You and your
physical therapist will formulate a personalized
treatment plan to address the limitations that
accompany this problem so the neuropathy will not be
exacerbated. This may include the use of therapeutic
exercises to aid in your functional progress along with
skilled soft tissue techniques, ultrasound and electric
stimulation. Each person reacts differently to these
approaches and careful progression over time will
prove to be fundamental in successful treatment.
If you, or someone you know, are experiencing joint
pain, consult your doctor to inquire about physical
therapy to help you establish an appropriate program
that specifically addresses your needs. Elder Care
Physical Therapy specializes in administering
individualized care in a compassionate environment.
You can contact us directly at 918-766-0391 or visit our
Web site at www.abouteldercare.org.
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Recognize Neurological Disorders
By Dr. Walter Lajara
Neurologic diseases are disorders affecting the brain,
spinal cord, nerves and muscles throughout your body.
When something goes wrong with a part of your
nervous system, you may have trouble with your
memory or mood, trouble speaking, swallowing, or
moving. You may also have trouble breathing, have
pain, or develop a movement that was not there
before. Some neurologic symptoms are caused by
physical injury, a chemical imbalance in the body, or
genetic causes, while some have no known cause at all.
The symptoms of neurologic disease are sometimes so
striking that they are noticed right away, while in some
conditions individuals are unaware of any problem at
all; such as memory loss. In this case it may be up to
family or friends to help seek assistance. On other
occasions the symptoms are very mild and progress
over many months or years. These chronic symptoms
may come so slow that an individual may not notice
until they have considerable loss of function; this
frequently occurs with nerve damage in the feet.
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Trouble symptoms in the nervous system are
usually localized to one area or part of the
nervous system. See possible neurologic
symptoms below:
Brain:
Headache
Confusion
Personality changes
Memory loss
Tremor
Double vision or
changes in vision
Seizures or staring
spells
Dizziness
Vertigo
Loss of balance
Nerve:
Numbness/tingling
Burning sensation
Weakness
Muscle:
Weakness
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty talking
Shortness of breath
Muscle aches
Droopy eyelids
Wasting of muscles
General:
Fatigue
Slowness
Insomnia
Pain
Mood changes
How Nutrition Affects Older Adults
By Linda Bracken, Care Manager
Nutrition is an important factor when it comes to
maintaining good health, living longer, keeping a sharp
mind and staying strong during the aging process. If
one wants to age well and stay fit, it is important to
recognize that what you eat today will have
consequences later in life.
regimen or if you require gluten-free foods concerning
food choices.
Other tips for getting into the habit of eating well are:
• Lower sodium (salt) content to prevent water
retention and high blood pressure.
• Remember the “good” fats help protect the body
To assist with meal planning, the “my pyramid” found
against heart disease.
at www.mypyramid.gov is a tool to use in selecting
• Fiber content in foods will help guard against
which foods to eat and how much to eat each day.
constipation, lower the risk of chronic diseases and
Important vitamins and minerals are also keys to
aids in reducing hunger cravings.
improved health. Water keeps the body hydrated and • “Good” carbohydrates help to stabilize insulin levels
regulates fluid levels while also preventing urinary tract
and enable long-lasting energy
infections, constipation and mental confusion. Make
• Try to include at least five colors of fruits and
sure to get the recommended daily intake (2.4 mcg) of
veggies a day.
vitamin B for blood and nerve vitality. Vitamin D
• When cooking vegetables, prepare them by
(exposed through sun and foods such as fatty fish, egg
steaming or sauteing in olive oil as this preserves
yolks and milk) is essential for absorbing calcium.
nutrients. Boiling drains off nutrients.
Consult your physician about any supplements in
• Choose fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables instead
relation to a personalized vitamin or mineral intake
of canned goods as “hidden sugar” can be present.
ELDER CARE
Excellence in senior care
since 1983
1223 Swan Dr.
Bartlesville, OK 74006
Tel. 918-336-8500
Fax 918-336-8519
info@abouteldercare.org
www.abouteldercare.org
A United Way Agency
Program Management
Mike Fogle
Executive Director
Frank Danel
Facility Manager
Sissy Gage
Home Services Director
Sue Kulp
Care Manager Supervisor
Mary Grove, P.T., GCS
Physical Therapy Director
Andrea Harvick
Adult Day Health Director
Deirdre McArdle
Development Director
Stevie Williams
Community Relations Director
Chris Taylor, D.O.
Geriatric Physician
Director, W. R. Bohon Senior Health Clinic
Board Members
John Swanson, President
Elizabeth Gallery, Vice President
Amy Cady, Treasurer
Roger Box
Jim E. Dick
Kelly Diven
Glenna Dorris
Janice P. Dreiling
Special Judge John Gerkin
Dr. Stephen Kirkpatrick
Margie Learned
Charles Moll
Sandy Moore
Marci Piper
Lisa Roll
Kay M. Sallee
Brand Your Calendars: Sat, May 7
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Each spring, Elder Care is honored to be a part of The Good, the
Bad and the BARBEQUE, an outstanding event hosted by the
Mullendore family at their legendary Cross Bell Ranch.
Proceeds from this wonderful evening directly support the
many programs that Elder Care provides to older adults and
caregivers.
This year The Good, the Bad and the BARBEQUE will be celebrating its
13th year at the ranch on Saturday, May 7 from 6 - 10 p.m.
Kathleen Boren Mullendore originally invited Elder Care to
make use of her ranch for the barbeque and today her
family continues the tradition with lively music, dancing, BBQ
and an exciting live auction in a glorious setting. Visiting the
Les Gilliam
Cross Bell Ranch provides guests with a rare opportunity to
experience an important part of Oklahoma ranching history.
The “Oklahoma Balladeer” Les Gilliam and his Silver Lake Band will be back by
popular demand as the featured entertainment for this year’s event delighting
audiences across the country with their classic western swing music. In 2010 they
performed for the 15th consecutive year at “Missouri’s biggest barn dance” which
is held at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO.
Les is a member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and in 2005 he received the
most prestigious award in western music, the coveted “Wrangler Award” from the
National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Les recently
received the 2010 Academy of Western Artists award for Western Swing Album of
the Year for his recording “Oklahoma-1955”. The Silver Lake Band includes former
Bob Wills Texas Playboy Smiley Weaver on steel guitar, Ponca City native and long
time Kay Country favorite Don Long on drums, country fiddler and top-notch
vocalist Jerald Ritter, and the pride of Winfield, Kansas, Kenny Glasgow on bass.
In addition to wonderful music, the live auction is another highlight of the evening
and this year the auction will feature many exciting items including a one-week stay
in a luxury home in Angel Fire, New Mexico, an all-inclusive fishing trip at the
Express UU Bar Ranch donated by Express Employment Professionals and a
fabulous piece of diamond jewelry from McCoy Jewelers in Bartlesville.
ConocoPhillips, Express Personnel/ Express Ranches and Wells Fargo Advisors are
the Presenting Sponsors for the barbeque. Prime Sponsors are 66 Federal Credit
Union, Amedisys Home Health, ARVEST Bank, Bartlesville Radio, Doenges Ford
Toyota Lincoln Mercury, Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino, Performance Operating
Co and The A.E. and Jaunita Richardson Charitable Trust.
Tickets are $65 per person and reserved tables of 8 are $700. For tickets and
sponsorship information for The Good, the Bad and the BARBEQUE contact Deirdre McArdle,
(918) 336-8500 or dmcardle@abouteldercare.org.
Prime Times
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Volunteer Testimonial
Events Calendar
I started volunteering at Elder Care about
two years ago. I enjoy the people who
work here, and the people who come for
care. As all the volunteers agree - we do it
for ourselves. It’s a greay way to give back!
- Roni Murphy
Celebrating Our Volunteers
Volunteers are people who give and receive. April
is National Volunteer Month which presents an
opportunity for individuals, families, nonprofit
organizations and government entities alike to
celebrate the ordinary people who accomplish
extraordinary things through service. All of the
volunteers at Elder Care willingly devote their time
and efforts in making a difference in older adults’ lives
in their community.
Elder Care would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank
You” to all the individuals who have volunteered their
time for the benefit of our organization. Volunteers
are a huge part of our team effort to enhancing the
independence and wellness in older adults.
Our committed volunteers do a variety of different
tasks for Elder Care and for the people we serve
Artist of the Month
April’s Daybreak Artist of the
Month is Katherine Sayles.
Her showcased piece is
displayed in the entrance to
Daybreak on the South side
of Elder Care located at 1223
Swan Drive. For more
information about
DayBreak, call 918-336-8500.
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including: minor home repair; reading to participants,
helping with craft projects, playing games, or playing
music in our DayBreak program; answering telephones
or helping with light office work; supporting events by
set up, tear down, planning, greeting and more.
These are just some of the ways you can make the
difference; the difference that will allow older adults to
remain comfortable and safe in their own homes, and
to remain an active part of our community.
For more information about sharing your time by
volunteering, please call Elder Care at 918-336-8500 or
stop by our offices at 1223 Swan Drive. Go on, be selfish
and make a difference in someone’s life and feel good
about it.
Need Physical Therapy?
Choose Excellence,
Choose Elder Care
Excellence in Senior Care Since 1983
April
19 - Caregiver Support Group: Spring, 10 am
GO: Stretch & Tone*, 1:15 pm
21 - GO: Stretch & Tone*, 1:15 pm
26 - Caregiver Support Group: Renew, 10 am
GO: Stretch & Tone*, 1:15 pm
GO: Amish Dinner*, 3:30 pm
10 - Caregiver Support Group: Poetry, 10 am
GO: Stretch & Tone*, 1:15 pm
11 - GO: Day of Beauty*, 11 am
12 - GO: Stretch & Tone*, 1:15 pm
13 - GO: Har-Ber Village Day Trip*, 8:30 am
28 - GO: Stretch & Tone*, 1:15 pm
17 - Caregiver Support Group: Compassion, 10 am
GO: Stretch & Tone*, 1:15 pm
May
19 - GO: Stretch & Tone*, 1:15 pm
GO: Members Only Social, 5:30 pm
3 - Caregiver Support Group: Open Discussion, 10 am
GO: Stretch & Tone*, 1:15 pm
24 - Caregiver Support Group: Uplifting, 10 am
GO: Stretch & Tone*, 1:15 pm
GO: Sip & Paint Class*, 5 pm
Golden Hour featuring Trio Balancan, 5:30 pm
2 - Open House Tour, 10 am
5 - GO: Stretch & Tone*, 1:15 pm
7 - The Good, The Bad & The Barbeque, 6 pm
28 - GO: Stretch & Tone*, 1:15 pm
Golden Hour, 5:30 pm
*Enrollment Fee Applies