United Presbyterian Home news

Messages of hope and love are going out all over the UPH Campus even though we, along with everyone else, are under the Department of Public Health and CDC recommendations to shelter in place during this worldwide COVID-19 outbreak. People are finding creative ways to stay busy while self-isolating and yet continue to help others. We have a wonderfully talented group of residents working like busy little beavers to make protective masks for our staff, and residents. Thanks to Linda Boston, Jean Frazer, Cathy Kleese, Kathy Knutson, Joyce Letts, Mary Sue Northup, Donna Orris, Dorothy White and others for the beautiful masks they have cut and stitched with love to keep our UPH family safe.

With the donation of 100 foam headpieces from a local business the maintenance staff has been busy piecing together facial protective shields for use in our health center. Wearing protective eye wear and face masks are one of the many mandates placed on health care centers as an infection control precaution when caring for all individuals and still keeping within the guidelines.

Hearts in windows are another symbol of caring. Hearts made of construction paper, wrapping paper and paints are adorning the windows of residents creating the unspoken messages of 'we love you,” 'be safe and stay healthy”, 'thanks for caring for us.” It is a beautiful sight.

Jana Nieman has been practicing social distancing while cleaning off many of the flower beds around campus. We welcome the spring temperatures this week and look forward to blooms that will arrive as a result of Jana's labor.

Wellness Director Amy Kleese shares virtual workouts each day with residents through social media. She mixes the workouts up between, Aerobic, Tai Chi, Yoga and TheraBand's. She also includes puzzles to exercise the brain as well. Just another thing that can be accomplished by one self.

Spiritual Life Director Andrew Zuehlke prepares daily devotional messages that are sent to residents along with his communications through Skype, Facebook and YouTube. He has virtual hymn sings posted to the United Presbyterian Home Facebook page and he will also host a Good Friday service and an evening Easter Evensong service to be shared through social media.

Let us remember that this is Holy Week and our sacrifices do not compare with the suffering and sacrifice that Jesus made for us by dying on the cross for our sins.