May/June Newsletter
The May-June 2011 newsletter features from our unique Ambassador program packages to other special events. We held a Western BBQ in May and celebrated our father’s during our Father’s Day Happy Hour in June. Want new ideas for dinner? Check out “Miyo’s Recipe”
For more upcoming events and articles, read more here
New Guidelines Have Been Released for Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
Accelerating scientific discovery has sharpened our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. In response to the pace of insight, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Alzheimer’s Association convened three workgroups to explore the need for new diagnostic criteria that reflect the full clinical continuum of the disease from its earliest effects to its eventual impact on mental and physical function. The new guidelines, revised to reflect input from the professional community at large, are now published as free-access papers in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association and are available as PDFs here.
Alzhemier’s Educational Series starts February 8th
Are you caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s?
Let us help you spend quality time with them in a quality way. Valley Crest Residential Care is hosting an Alzheimer’s Educational Series beginning February 8th.
RSVP to 760-242-3188. Reserve your seat today! Call about care services available for your loved one during the series.
In our efforts to help support and promote families in their journey with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or related memory impairments, we invite you to join us for a series of educational topics. Let us help you improve the quality of life for everyone in your family. We will have industry experts as well as resources and families on hand to share their stories and words of encouragement and support.
Held Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Valley Crest Residential Care located at 18524 Corwin Road in Apple Valley.
Topics:
Is There Life During Alzheimer’s?
February 8th, 2011 at 6 p.m.
How to Deal With Caregiver Emotions of Guilt & Fear?
February 15th. 2011 at 6 p.m.
Are You Ready For A Crisis?
February 22nd, 2011 at 6 p.m.
Alzheimer’s/Dementia: What’s That?
March 1st, 2011 at 6 p.m.
A Legacy of Love and Education: The William and Grace Hill Education Fund
For the caregivers at Valley Crest Residential Care, the act of caregiving itself is one filled with love, respect and tenacity. And tucked in the midst of the natural ways of caregiving, are the ways learned through education.
And no one knows that better than William Hill.
William, known as Jack, and his wife Grace have been residents at Valley Crest, a specialized memory care community in Apple Valley, for two years. Last summer, Jack and his daughter Pam Smith talked about the caregivers and how he wished he could say thank you in a way that showed appreciation.
Jack and Grace grew up during the World War II era, a time when they both dreamed of going to college and achieving a higher education – but they didn’t have the time or money while raising a family. And it was something they always regretted.
As Pam Smith recalls her dad saying last summer, “Your mother and I never had a chance at furthering our education, but we both wanted to. Let’s think about establishing a trust fund or some way to help people.”
This conversation struck home for Pam Smith. She had a recent conversation with a caregiver at Valley Crest about going to night school and being a single parent and the persistence it takes. Pam could relate, she had been a single mother raising two kids and juggling school. And she knew that if she herself had access to just a little bit of financial aid, it would have helped tremendously.
That was when the concept for the William and Grace Hill Education Fund began.
Pam Smith set to work getting all of the details in order, and in June 2010, she presented Valley Crest’s Executive Director Kathie Gainous with a check for $5,000 to establish the William and Grace Hill Education Fund to help Valley Crest Residential Care staff further their education.
“We are hoping that this fund will be just enough added support that someone can say ‘Now I can take two classes instead of one,’ or enough support that now I can go to school. We are hoping this can provide more opportunities and choices to people who need it,” said Pam Smith.
“When Pam first approached me, I thought what a generous gift to assist those employees trying to improve themselves and grow within the caregiving profession. This is a meaningful way to honor her father and mother while assisting those employees that have provided such love and care to her parents,” said Valley Crest’s Kathie Gainous. “Our employees are attending school, deal with work, study for classes, while many times also being a parent. They must save or apply for grants or loans to further their education. This fund will be a big difference for someone to afford more education and reach their goals faster.”
“I hope the caregivers at Valley Crest take advantage and realize this is an opportunity for them,” said Pam Smith.
Valley Crest Residential Care, located in Apple Valley, California two blocks from St. Mary’s Hospital, offers a distinctive approach to specialized memory care featuring the nationally-recognized Rediscovery™ Program.
Caregivers Have Blessing Bestowed on Them
As caregivers at memory care community Valley Crest Residential go throughout their workday, many amazing and heartwarming scenes emerge. From brushing a resident’s hair in the morning, to helping them pick the perfect pair of shoes, to getting them ready for dinner, caregivers truly care and enhance the lives of the people they help.
Valley Crest Residential Care wanted to recognize the hard work and dedication their caregivers show each and every day by hosting a special celebration. On Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010 they hosted a Blessing of the Hands for each shift; 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
At the ceremony, caregivers had their hands washed by Valley Crest Executive Director Kathie Gainous, dried by Valley Crest Program Director Renee Lesley and then blessed by Pastor Barry Stever of Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice of the Inland Counties.
“The service was a way to show our caregivers how important their hands are to their day-to-day work. Because our residents are losing their memories, touch can still be a very powerful form of contact and love. And we want to honor the bond and connection our caregivers and residents form,” said Kathie Gainous, executive director at Valley Crest Residential Care.
The service was a heartwarming and emotional time for the caregivers, the management team as well as the families and residents they serve.
“It was very moving to hear from Pastor Barry as he told our caregivers that their hands are the tools that our residents rely on. Several people had tears in their eyes and it was a very emotional time. It really brought home to me how important our caregivers are and the impact they make every day on residents and families at Valley Crest,” said Veronica Fuentes, Community Relations Coordinator at Valley Crest Residential Care.
Local dementia patients express themselves through art
Published in the Daily Press
Colorful flowers, rich sunsets and starry night skies line the walls of Valley Crest Residential Care. But these aren’t just ordinary works of art. They are the creations of the residents themselves. The Residents and Arts program at Valley Crest, which began in February, is designed to help residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia use art as therapeutic expression.
Memories on Canvas: Art Gallery Opens
Bright flowers in yellow, orange and red meld together in a purple vase. Hanging on a wall, it joins other brightly painted shapes and landscapes as the Valley Crest Residential Care Art Gallery debuts.
A ribbon-cutting gala event will be held Thursday, June 10th from 3 to 4 p.m. to open the new Valley Crest Art Gallery, located at 18524 Corwin Road in Apple Valley. Guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and wine while learning about Valley Crest’s “Residents and Art” program.
Nationally-recognized for their innovative Rediscovery program for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Valley Crest Residential Care began the “Residents and Art” program in February. Once a week residents create their own unique pieces of art using professional watercolor paints and paper. Under the guidance of Valley Crest Residential Care’s Life Enrichment Coordinator Bridget DuHaime, residents enjoy painting in a failure free environment surrounded by friends and other residents. DuHaime is specially trained to guide residents through the “Residents and Art” program.
The program complements Valley Crest’s focus on helping resident’s rediscover their remaining abilities. Research has shown that art and the ability to express oneself can be beneficial to individuals with memory impairments. Valley Crest’s “Residents and Art” Program is an innovative approach, and the first of its kind in the High Desert.
“Every picture tells a story and it is heartwarming to see the families share a moment with their loved one while viewing their art,” says Du Haime, Life Enrichment Coordinator at Valley Crest Residential Care, who has spearheaded the program.
Caregiver Workshop to Help Families and Seniors With Planning and Decision-Making
Many families and seniors wait until a crisis has happened before they start gathering information and educating themselves on the wide-range of services and care available.
Valley Crest Residential Care wants to help families be prepared with education and resources now and take the guess work out of finding the right services and products by offering a 3-week Caregiver Workshop. This workshop is free to the public.
At the workshop, families and seniors will be able to get expert advice from lawyers, Veteran’s benefits specialists, home health, hospice and Alzheimer’s and dementia care providers. And if you have a loved one with memory impairments, they are welcome to join us for an activity, but space is limited so call early to reserve a space.
Valley Crest Residential Care, located at 18524 Corwin Road in Apple Valley, will be hosting the Caregiver Workshops on May 18, May 25 and June 1st from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and will include refreshments and snacks. Call 760-242-3188 to reserve a space today.
Topics during the conference are:
Tuesday, May 18th
• Senior Benefits and Services with Department of Aging and Adult Services
• Talking Alzheimer’s with Valley Crest Residential Care
• How to Have a Safe Home?
Tuesday, May 25th
• Seniors and legal issues with attorney Carolyn Schauf
• Veteran’s Benefits and Seniors with Jeff McCarty
• Tips on if a senior needs assistance and what type of living environment is necessary
Tuesday, June 1st
• The Life of A Caregiver (Helpful Hints)
•Community resources and information on home health, hospice and in-home assistance
Alzheimer’s Care: A Journey of Love
Published in The Senior News
A veteran caregiver and executive director of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care communities, Kathie Gainous has embarked on a 2,000 mile journey of love and commitment.
Traveling from Florida to California, Kathie accepted the position of Executive Director at specialized memory care community Valley Crest Residential Care, located at 18524 Corwin Road in Apple Valley.
Her decision to move stems from her commitment to families coping with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and her confidence in Valley Crest’s management company Encore Senior Living.
“When Encore asked me if I was interested in relocating to California, I knew this was an exciting and rewarding opportunity,” said Kathie. “If I can touch one person, one family and make a difference, then I am truly blessed.”
“Encore Senior Living is committed to Valley Crest Residential Care and to serving the families of Apple Valley. We wanted to bring in an experienced Alzheimer’s disease executive director, and Kathie Gainous was the perfect choice. We couldn’t be more confident about the long-term success and care that Kathie will bring to our Valley Crest families,” said Peter Muhlbach, President at Encore Senior Living LLC.
An Encore employee since 1998, Kathie was one of the first people to graduate from Florida State University’s hospitality administration with an emphasis in senior services. After an internship in an assisted living community, Kathie knew she had found her calling.
“I lost my parents and grandparents at a young age, so I never had any interaction with them. I love being able to lavish all of my attention and love on the resident’s at my community. I treat them as a treasured member of my family,” said Kathie.
Kathie’s strong knowledge and background in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as her understanding of the important role a family plays at Valley Crest is crucial. She is also well-versed in building a strong and committed staff.
“Alzheimer’s is not always a pretty disease nor easy to cope with. And it is not an easy journey. But if I can help a family care for a loved one, then that is the most rewarding thing I can ever do,” said Kathie.
Valley Crest Residential Care Adds Experienced and Caring Community Relations Coordinator
Published The Senior News
Specialized memory care community Valley Crest Residential Care is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Veronica Fuentes as Community Relations Coordinator.
Valley Crest Residential Care takes pride in hiring caregivers and staff who provide comfort and understanding to families and resident’s dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or related memory impairments. The addition of Veronica has expanded the breadth of experience and caring Valley Crest can offer families in the Apple Valley area.
Veronica Fuentes has six years of experience working with and caring for senior citizens. Her previous positions have included Director of Marketing at The Villas at San Bernardino and as Life Enrichment Coordinator at Valley Crest Residential Care. Veronica’s previous experience working at Valley Crest and with resident’s with memory impairments enables Veronica in her role as Community Relations Coordinator to promote the importance of support and education in their community at-large.
Valley Crest also offers a Lifetime Fixed Pricing program that covers all caregiving and living expenses for seniors, including 24-hour supervision by specialty-trained staff, home-cooked meals and an innovative activities program. Call Veronica Fuentes at 760-242-3188 for more information or questions about Valley Crest Residential Care programs.
