Grapevine/Jan06

Dorothy was born in Kansas City, Missouri. She lived in and around Kansas City in her early years, before graduating high school in Kansas City. After high school, Dorothy attended secretarial school. She held many positions as a secretary and even worked in a dime store. She says “during World War II, I put in an application for Pratt & Whitney, making parts for airplanes. They were going to hire one female and one African American. The applicants had to read a manual and come back the next day for a test. I scored above the required 97%, and went to work inspecting airplane parts.”

In 1955, Dorothy married Earl Sexton and together they started Kleen Window Cleaning. They not only cleaned windows, but also did janitorial work. They also developed a forty-acre mobile home park called Acres of Shade, north of Springfield. Thirty some years later, they finally retired. After traveling, and a couple of trips to Hawaii, they finally settled in Texas during winter months and the rest of the year in the Springfield/Nixa area to be close to relatives.

Dottie has one son, Jim, married to Dixie, and one daughter, Jean, married to Ron. She has ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She lived at Riverview Residential Place for about a year and a half before moving to Ozark Riverview Manor in 2006.

Ask Dottie how she is and the answer is always positive. She has great faith and is always “doing the best I can”.

March is National Social Work Month. In Long Term Care, Social Services focus on the social, emotional and interpersonal relationship needs of each resident. An assessment of each resident’s psychosocial needs is done upon admission and throughout their nursing home stay. The goal of the Social Worker is to maintain or improve a resident’s ability to control every day needs that contribute to their psychosocial wellbeing. The Social Worker also acts as a liaison between the resident, staff and family members. A knowledge of community resources, current long term care regulations and funding sources are important in aiding the Social Worker to best assist others in meeting their physical and emotional needs.

February was a busy month. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we made Valentine hearts to hang on the residents’ doors and decorated heart shaped cookies. On Valentine’s Day, we handed out Valentine cards donated by employees, family members and friends, along with cookies to the residents. Other activities in February included - a video of Daniel O’Donnell “Live From Branson” (which the residents loved!) and on Fridays, we made our ladies feel extra special with “Glamour Day”.

March is looking just as busy with the monthly birthday party, our Glamour Days, Bingo, and Cookin’ class. Not to mention, St. Patrick’s Day, Bible Study, Reminisce with Dave and getting ready for Easter! A special thanks to our volunteers who donate either items or their time to our residents and our activity department.

On Friday, April 25, 2008, we will celebrate our 13^th anniversary. This celebration is always a fun time for the residents, families and staff. I will be sending out more information to you as we get a little closer to the time, but mark your calendars NOW for Friday, April 25^th. Families are welcome to join us for any part of the day, but we especially invite you to lunch and the time of recognition and awards in the afternoon.

We regret to inform you that Rob Halley is no longer our Social Service/Admissions Director. However, we are pleased to announce that as of March 3, 2008, Michelle Holloway will begin in that position. She comes to us with 4 years experience and enthusiasm. Stop by and introduce yourself when you come in.

Our sympathies to Kay Matthews, DIET, on the loss of her mother and father; Deena Nelson, BEAU, on the loss of her grandfather; Paula Ford, C.N.A. on the loss of her mother-in-law; and Vickie Carey, DIET, on the loss of her father.

On Tuesday, December 11, 2007 inspectors from the State Department of Health and Human Services came in the annual review of Riverview Residential Place.

The inspectors found no deficiencies. Riverview Residential Place is now 9 consecutive years deficiency free!

We are proud of Dee Thomas, ADM. and all the staff at RRP for continuously doing an outstanding job. Congratulations!

Laughter is the sun that drives

winter from the human mind