United Presbyterian Home news

Mother's by their very nature are content with little attention, always putting their family needs ahead of their own and never complaining. For that reason, most mothers at the United Presbyterian Home report that they had a nice Mother's Day despite the fact that they could not share the day with family. It does not mean that they were forgotten. Many mothers received cards, phone calls, flowers and gift bags on the day set aside to appreciate mothers.

A week of special treats began Monday to observe a combined Mother's Day and National Nursing Home Week and also to celebrate the UPH nursing staff. A Sunday, Mother's Day dinner was served on especially made laminated placemats with family pictures on them to residents of the health centers. Families participated in the placemat preparation by suppling pictures of loved ones, it was the next best thing to being present. Flowers and dessert were delivered to all women on campus Monday as a special treat and to celebrate women. Men will get their turn in June. The maintenance crew worked double duty on Tuesday when they grilled hot dogs and pork burgers for Health Center residents and staff. All residents were treated to soft serve ice cream throughout the week. Staff pictures were taken on Friday showing off our newest fashion wear of matching t-shirts and individual masks.

Residents remembered our Greatest Generation of military personnel on the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, May 8, 1945 bringing an end to World War II. While most residents did not have a bell to ring as instructed on a certain Facebook account, they held silent for the lives lost, wounded and bravery shown by the men and women who served our country during that time.

Kerr Hall residents pay tribute to this period of time that is usually set aside for high school and college graduations with pictures outside their door. Donna Proudfit includes her senior picture which is a timeless hand painted photograph that looks just like her current image but with longer hair as was the style when she graduated from Washington High School.

Our own WHS seniors Leah Marek and Kaitlyn Mitchell, staff members in the Wellness Department are graduating this spring. We wish them a future filled with much happiness and success. The following paragraphs are their thoughts during our period of self-isolation.

'My name is Leah Marek and I usually work in the afternoon in the Wellness Center. During quarantine, I have really missed coming into work and seeing everyone. Luckily, like most of you, I have found activities to keep myself busy. I have been able to continue my schooling through online classes, which has been great. I have also been spending a lot of time with my sisters and parents. Together, we've played games, gone on walks, and just enjoyed time together. I have also enjoyed staying active and spending time outside through bike rides and runs. I hope that everyone has found a fun way to stay active outside of the Wellness Center as well! Please stay safe and healthy and I hope to see everyone soon!”

Kaitlyn Mitchell writes, 'This quarantine has been a blessing in disguise for me. Though I am sad that I can't see my friends at school and that I can't see my wonderful co-workers at the Wellness Center, I have been able to focus on my physical health. I have made sure to do some sort of physical activity for at least thirty minutes every day. Some activities include: riding the spin bike, walking my dog, or even playing nine holes of golf. I have also worked hard to eat healthier and to incorporate vegetables into every meal. Though online classes have started, I have had time to do some activities I love at home. I have reread my favorite book series, watched some new tv shows and I have spent maybe too much time with my family. We have been able to do many family activities that we wouldn't normally be able to do because we are all so busy. Normally we would be jammed packed with practices and activities, but now we get the chance to sit down and eat together, play card games and board games. My quarantine experience has been pretty good, but I can't wait to get back to my normal routine.”