Surrounding
You With the
Care You Need to
Remain at Home
FALL 2015
OUR SENIOR-MOST CITIZEN!
~A Message from the PACE Executive Director~
The number of dementia cases continues to
increase nationally and worldwide. There is a
great need to insure health care staff are well
trained to provide appropriate, competent, and
sensitive direct care and
At the PACE
support for the dementia
Day Center
patient. There is also the need
we provide
to bring attention to this
services across
serious health problem that
the cognitive
continuum.
affects over 70 percent of our
PACE participants.
June was National Alzheimer’s Awareness
Month. PACE participated in a community
meeting, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s
Association. Two caregivers shared their experience of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s took place in
August and PACE had the largest team of people
participating. PACE participants, staff, family
and friends joined together to demonstrate our
commitment to this cause. ~Continued on p.2~
Born in 1913, Bessie Bookwalter is the oldest
participant at PACE!
Her family moved from Chicago to Benton
Harbor when she was five years old.
“My mother said if there’s a heaven it’s right
here! We had trees and grass. We didn’t have to
play on the sidewalk any more,” Bessie said.
Of PACE, Bessie
said: “There’s something different here all
the time — lots of
people to watch.
I wish I could walk
around like some of
the others do.
I’m trying. I’m
riding the bike a lot.”
~Continued on p. 6
PACE staff and family members took part in the Walk to End
Alzheimer’s in August.
Bessie Bookwalter, age 101,
exercises on the NuStep
machine in the PACE
Therapy Gym.
The NuStep bike has become a
valuable vehicle at PACE!
It takes participants to greater
strength and
other fun and
exciting places.
See pages 4-5
to read more
about our
award-winning
adventures and
“travels” on the
NuStep
machine.
Playing jacks. Drawing a ball field and bases in
the dirt with a stick. Playing outside in the summer
until sunset, or until mom called. Childhood
memories are a favorite topic of conversation in the
PACE Cognitive Climbers group.
Participants also enjoy talking
about work they did as an adult.
“I loved being a truck driver and
seeing a lot of different states,”
one participant said.
Cognitive climbers is a
mental stimulation group led
every day by Activity Coordinator Meg. These small group
sessions help participants to
maintain their cognition through
Activity Coordina- structured activities that are fun.
The activities focus on
tor, Meg, shows
participants
participants’ strengths rather
pictures as
than concentrating on their areas
discussion topics
of difficulty.
in the Cognitive
They are engaged in activities
Climbers group.
that bring laughter and build
friendships. When thinking about what they can do,
not what they can’t do, they become more confident and strengthen their relationships. Participants
can express themselves without feeling judged.
“Oh, I remember the sounds of vendors singing
and yelling at a baseball game!” a participant said.
(continued from page one)
As you know, activities are a key element of
PACE. We offer a broad range of activities that
engage participants with no dementia to those
with significant
dementia. We create
a special space for
those who need
one-on-one attention
by offering special
programs like
Cognitive Climbers,
Music Therapy and
Shining Star Daily
Ribbon cutting at the Walk
Rhythms.
to End Alzheimer’s
PACE staff are
committed to serving
our participants, engaging
them in meaningful
activities and motivating
them to their fullest
potential. They attend
regular memory care
Training, and practice
techniques to keep our participants active.
Thank you to all who share our commitment
and support our effort to provide excellent care.
~ Therese Saggau, Executive Director
Lindsey, a Certified Dementia Practitioner,
offers activities that focus on what the
participant is able to do or would have fun
The memory care program at PACE helps
doing. She looks for a new activity to replace
participants who live with dementia. They take part
one that has become difficult.
in activities carefully created so each
One of our participants loved to read
participant can experience success
“I like coming here
the daily newspaper. He became upset
and not be frustrated. Any partici- ecause everyone
believes in me. There when he could no longer read it on his
pant can join regardless of the
is always something for own. Lindsey spoke to a family
extent of their dementia.
to do — things that member who now reads the newspaper
“The world isn’t made for people me
I used to do but
to him. This allows the participant to
with dementia,” said PACE Activity different so I can do
continue something he loves. It also gives
Coordinator Lindsey. “But when our them better.”
— a participant in the the participant and his family member a
participants come to PACE we can
memory care new focus for conversation. Now they
match them with activities that are
program. enjoy talking about the articles together.
easy for them to enjoy.”
BEREAVEMENT GROUP
HELPS TO BRING COMFORT
PACE SOCIAL WORKERS
ASSIST IN MANY WAYS
Ada Barton says angels come in all different
forms. The evening of her daughter Jeanie’s death,
after family had left, a butterfly fluttered close
outside the window where Ada was sitting in her
home. “It kept coming back to my window. It was
like she was telling me: ‘Momma, It’s ok.’ In my
heart I know it was her.” Just weeks after the death
of Jeanie — the third deceased of Ada’s five
children — PACE began a monthly bereavement
group to provide support for participants who have
lost a loved one.
“It was hard at first,” Ada said of taking part in
the bereavement
group soon after
her daughter’s
passing. “It had
just happened.”
“It doesn’t hurt
as bad when you
talk to someone.
And it’s better
talking to some
one you don’t
For participant Ada, the PACE
bereavement group helps ease the know. It’s not
loss of two daughters.
the same as
family.”
Ada feels the benefit of participating in a support
group with others who have gone through a similar
experience. “They are very smart. They knew what
I was talking about. They’ve been there.”
“I love the group. I wouldn’t want it to ever
quit.” Ada relayed that her daughter Johanna said:
“PACE has done wonders for you.” The
bereavement group is just one way she’s better
because of PACE, Ada says.
Participants who are grieving the loss of a loved
one are welcome to take part in this support group.
They can join or leave the group at any time. The
group is led by Hospice at Home staff members. It
meets once a month for one hour at PACE.
To learn more or to join the group, please call
your PACE social worker at 269-408-4322.
There are four social workers at PACE who
support our participants in several ways. They
help caregivers and family members, too. The
social workers reach out to community
resources on behalf of
participants. They
smooth the way to apply
for food assistance,
financial assistance or
housing assistance. Social
workers help participants
understand advanced
directives and complete
forms.
Social worker Kim
When caregivers need
shares a quiet
respite, social workers
moment with a
participant.
find a temporary place
for participants to stay
away from home. They also make sure our
participants stay financially eligible for PACE.
Social workers offer a kind ear when
participants need to talk. They can also
arrange for outside counseling services.
Social worker
Loren greeted a
participant and
noticed his book
of poems.
Loren asked if he
could read aloud
from the book.
Sure! You never
know how a social
worker might help!
ENCLOSED WITH THIS ISSUE
Information on the PACE grievance and
appeals process is being mailed to
participants along with this newsletter.
Please read and keep this information
about your right to file a grievance/appeal.
WE STEPPED TO THE BRIDGE!
Participants made it all the way from St.
Joe to the Mackinac Bridge during last year’s
exercise challenge.
Taking turns on the NuStep machine in
the PACE rehab gym, they logged virtual
miles “traveling” on an award-winning
adventure. They reached their goal in time for
the governor’s annual Labor Day walk across
the bridge. Each participant received a signed
congratulations certificate from Governor
Snyder and Lt. Gov. Calley. It’s 340 miles
from St. Joe to the Bridge. One mile equals
1,584 steps on the NuStep bike.
Along the way they “visited” the
Lake Michigan lighthouses. As
miles were logged they looked at
photos of each lighthouse and
learned about its history.
The NuStep bike became so
popular the participants would line
up and await their turn. It was time
to purchase a second NuStep
machine! Over one-third of the
PACE participants are able to
exercise on the machine.
Many of our participants began
the challenge of riding the NuStep bike 5-10 minutes per
day. As their strength and stamina increased, the therapy
staff saw amazing time and mileage increases. By the end of
the challenge most were able to ride for 30-40 minutes —
some more than an hour! The NuStep bike increases
strength and mobility and helps prevent falls. Participants
can feel their muscles are better toned and they have more
energy. Home care agencies and facilities that care for some
of our participants reported that our participants were
stronger and needed less assistance. A few of our
participants who live with dementia also took part and were
aware of the project. They became engaged in our
“journey” and asked if we were at the next lighthouse.
The lighthouse theme carried over to other activities.
Participants painted ceramic lighthouses. A guest speaker
from the City of Saint Joseph brought lighthouse art
sculptures that stood on the downtown sidewalks last year.
Our guest also talked about the lighthouse at the St. Joe pier.
Read about our next NuStep challenge on page 5!
PACE STAFF HONORED
Last year’s PACE lighthouse project
on the NuStep machine won a state
award!
PACE staff members Carrie,
Sindy, Meg and Robin accepted the
Leading Edge and Care Services
Award. They attended the Leading
Age conference in Detroit in April
2015 to receive the award.
The lighthouse project was
honored for its benefits and creativity.
Leading Age is an organization
that encourages programs such a
PACE to help people age well.
Leading Age makes our state
government aware of the need for
programs and services that help
improve quality of life for older
adults.
PACE also received a special
certificate for our “Relentless positive
action in making Michigan a better
place to live and age well.”
PACE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lynn Kellogg, President
Eileen Willits, Vice President
Dennis Mack, Secretary/Treasurer
Donald Hanson
James Schlaman
Christine Vanlandingham
Dan Wassenhove
Melinda Graham Gruber
Michael Westfall, D.O.
Ernest Buck, M.D.
PACE
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Therese Saggau, M.S.P.T.
Executive Director
Janel Groth, R.N.
Center Manager
Keith VanOosterhout, M.D.
Medical Director
FOLLOWING
THE
BUTTER
LIES
TAKING THE NUSTEP MACHINE
TO NEW DISTANCES
We raised butterflies at PACE —
thanks to staff members in our
Occupational Therapy, Physical
Therapy and Activities departments.
They created a butterfly project that
enriched many areas of PACE.
We watched 42 Monarch butterflies’ amazing change from
egg to larva to chrysalis. Then when the butterflies emerged,
we sent them off from the PACE garden patio!
This fall participants will “travel” to Mexico by logging
miles on the NuStep exercise machine. (1,584 exercise steps
equal one mile.) This virtual trip will follow the
Monarch butterfly migration as they fly to Mexico
for the winter.
Earlier we “traveled” to the
Mackinac Bridge on the exercise
bike, visiting all the lighthouses
along Lake Michigan. (see p.3)
To follow the butterflies,
participants tagged a few Monarchs
and will track their migration on
the Monarch Watch website.
Our goal is to ride the NuStep bike the same
number of miles that the Monarchs fly as they
migrate to Mexico for the winter.
That’s 2136 miles! This activity has another
goal. Participants will build strength and
endurance, helping them maintain their
independence.
Butterflies became a theme throughout the PACE
Day Center. Participants built butterfly houses and
planted a butterfly garden. They put together butterfly
puzzles and colored a butterfly wall mural. They
also learned about butterflies during a visit to the
Sarett Nature Center butterfly house. A Sarett
naturalist brought Monarchs to PACE. She
taught us about their remarkable lifecycle.
The project nurtures a caring spirit and
raises awareness about the fascinating Monarch. Around the world people are learning
ways to help save the beautiful creatures.
There are fewer Monarchs today because
of dangers to their food and environment.
AT 101, BESSIE IS OUR ELDEST
Bessie met her husband,
“Bookie,” when they were
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)
students at Benton Harbor
Bessie grew up with one older sister and one
High School. They dated for
younger sister, and they had fun playing jacks and
five years. “We saved our
jumping rope. “I see these children now and
money and had our home all
they’re not outside like we used to be. They’re
furnished.” A tool and dye
looking at a computer or tv. I wonder what’s going maker, Bookie’s skills kept him
to happen to them,” Bessie said.
on the home front after WWII
“We were so poor the Depression began. “When the Japs came
didn’t bother us like it did the rest of over in ’41 he was needed in
the people.” Bessie’s father immigrat- the defense plant more than in
ed from Prague. “My parents were
the Army,” Bessie recalls.
both Bohemians,” Bessie said of the During that time, the family
region now part of the Czech
resided in Kalamazoo. They Bessie and Bookie
married in 1937
Republic. Her father was a barber in
moved back and lived at
Chicago and then in Benton Harbor. Sister Lakes for 45 years.
“He had all the farmers. He was 89
They owned H.C. Bookwalter & Sons Tractor
when he quit cutting hair.”
Company at Euclid Center, where Bessie helped
During most of her years
out in the office. She also worked in the purgrowing up the family did not
Bessie, age 5
chasing department of the Heath Company.
have a car. The first model they
Bessie and Bookie were married for 73 years.
acquired was an Overland. “There were no
They raised two sons and a daughter. Bessie
windows,” Bessie recalls. “There were shades you’d lives on 35 acres where her son, Dick, also has a
pull down.” In the winter her father put the car up house. Bessie has six grandchildren and 10 great
on blocks and the family would travel by horse and -grandchildren.
buggy through the snow. “Someday there won’t be
In retirement, Bessie and Bookie spent
any cars. People will just fly,” Bessie said.
winters near their son, George, in Florida, then
in Texas. Bessie kept a log of their travels. “I did
a lot of writing. Every night I would write down
DAY CENTER CLOSINGS
Our number one priority is the safety of our what we did.”
At home Bessie likes to sit at her window
participants and staff.
and watch the birds on feeders that Dick fills for
Day Center Closed, No Transportation:
her. “I’m blessed because they’re so wonderful
If we are closed “PACE of Southwest Michigan”
to me,” Bessie said of her three children — to
will be included in television and radio
which her daughter, Cyndi, responds:
announcements. We will call each participant
“That’s because she was so wonderful to us!”
scheduled to attend the Day Center that day.
We will discuss any medications, home care or
meals needed. We will provide the items you need. schools are closed, the PACE vans will NOT provide transportation to the Day Center that day.
Day Center Open, No Transportation:
Snow and Ice Removal
If the school district you live in is closed, the
At each home, participants or family members
PACE vans will NOT provide transportation in
must arrange for clearing walkways and drivethat area. Our day center will still be open.
ways. Keep all walkways and ramps salted. We will
Participants could still attend if a family member or
not be able to pick you up if these areas are not
caregiver drives them. When the St. Joseph, MI,
cleared of ice and snow.
FALL PREVENTION
IT’S A MATTER OF BALANCE
Helping participants to prevent falls is a
major focus at PACE. We have begun a fall
prevention class called “A Matter of Balance.”
The class is part of a nationally recognized
program designed to reduce falls and the fear of
falling.
PACE participants chosen for the class learn
exercises for better strength and balance. They
learn to set goals to increase their activity level.
Flexibility is also improved.
Eight two-hour sessions are led by our
occupational therapist and physical therapist.
They even teach the participants how to control
their fall if it does happen.
Participants exercise in the
Matter of Balance class.
WE’RE GETTING AROUND!
. . . on the St. Joe Carousel at Silver Beach!
. . . at Dinges Farms, Three Oaks
FLU SHOTS GIVEN
The flu shot is being offered to participants
beginning Monday, Oct. 19. They are also receiving
information about the injection. Heat, redness and
swelling can occur at the injection site in the upper
arm. Discomfort might last 2-3 days.
ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU
WHEN TO CALL PACE
If you are ill or hurting, but it is not an
emergency, please call PACE between 8:00 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m.
For urgent medical issues, call PACE day or
night at 269-408-4322.
Call 911 in an emergency. Then notify PACE.
. . . at the Curious Kids Museum, St. Joe.