Emma Thykeson and Jessica Mock worked together to make ear savers for Luther Memorial Home staff. All LMH Staff are wearing mask while at work, but the elastic on these and other masks can be really irritating to the backs of the ears when you need to wear a mask all day. The ear savers, which is a piece of crocheted material placed on the back of the head with buttons on each end hold the loop of elastic, so they don’t have to rest on the ears. Thank you, Emma and Jessica!

Greetings from "The Home" front...

Friday, May 8, 2020

The recipients of nominations for the annual Caregiver of the Year award have been named and we would like to say congratulations to the following staff members and departments: Laura Aanstad, Jennifer Almanza, Anna Bradner, Chandra Campbell, Carole Carpenter, Sharon Domier, Monica Ellingson, Hannah Ellegaard, Wanda Freadrich, Amanda Landa, Molly Lenaburg, Amanda Malson, Lisa Nelson, Courtney Savage, LeeAnn Strand, Laurice VanZee, Activity Department, Restorative Therapy, Social Services and all the LMH Staff.

What makes this award so special is that these people were nominated by the residents themselves or their family members. It is nice to be recognized and know that your work is appreciated. Congratulations everyone!

We also honored several of our residents who were teachers on National Teacher’s Recognition Day May 5th. Those residents include LeRoy Brenna, Esther Bring, Fern Fugleberg Rotto, June Hanson, Hilma Hovde, Evelyn Kennedy, Lorraine Olson, Mary Robinette, Ron Semmens and Kathy Thomas. As Horace Mann said “Teachers teach because they care. Teaching young people is what they do best. It requires long hours, patience and care.” Best wishes to all of our teachers.

It has been a busy week here at LMH – on Monday there was newscurrents in the morning and then a hallway bean bag toss in the afternoon. There was also resident council round table where staff members gave updates on COVID 19 precautions, social distancing and how each department has adapted. There was bingo in the evening. Tuesday was Cinco De Mayo and the staff and residents dressed in bright colorful outfits including sombreros. There was a piñata to break and a fiesta cart with food and beverages. May 6th was National Nurses Day. We want to say a special thank you to all the nurses here at LMH who do so much to care for our residents. It is not an easy occupation and all of our nursing staff are truly dedicated workers. Thanks so much for all you do. There was choir in the morning and crafts with Molly in the afternoon. The residents colored butterflies to hang in their rooms – we hope it looks a little more like Spring even if the weather doesn’t agree. Chris Larson led Bible Study on Thursday morning and our activity staff helped with pretty nails in the afternoon. There was bingo in the evening. Chris also led church services on Friday and then we held a Celebration of Mothers activity in the afternoon. Saturday brings crosswords in the morning and bingo in the afternoon.

Next week will be even busier as it is National Nursing Home Week and we go all out to celebrate! Monday the staff are encouraged to wear their favorite team shirt or hat in honor of, Everyone “pitches” in day. There will be newscurrents in the morning and popcorn in the afternoon. Tuesday is Western Day with horseshoes and rootbeer floats. Wednesday is LMH Day with hallway Karaoke and later on, ice cream sundaes. It’s Hawaiian Day on Thursday, residents will have the opportunity to take their picture with Hawaiian props and there will be a tropical luau cart delivering treats in the afternoon. To finish out the week we have Crazy Socks Day on Friday. There will be church in the morning and cotton candy and pop in the afternoon.
Many of our activities are broadcast on channel 98 – our “in house” TV channel which is such a blessing as many residents are staying in their rooms. They are able to watch activities and participate.

Speaking of Karaoke – a huge thank you goes out to RN Carole Larson who purchased a karaoke machine as a thank you to the activity dept. Carole’s last scheduled day was last week, and she has moved to Erskine MN where she is working on and planning to open a Bed & Breakfast! She purchased the Uggen Home which was built in 1910 and has been renovating and restoring the place – you can find out more and follow the renovation by simply Googling Uggen Home. Best wishes to you Carole and we hope you have much success.

We have one resident birthday next week – Clyde Cooper on May 11th and one Sun Center birthday – Marie Rindy on May 13th. There are several staff members with birthdays including Susan Hoyt and Jordyn Wilson on May 9th, Teresa Asp on May 12, Laura Ewert on May 13th and Kori Fenske on May 15th. Happy Birthday to all of you and enjoy your special day.

Our sincere sympathy to the friends and family of Sun Center Resident Pat Frost who passed away May 2nd. Pat enjoyed visiting , baking, and also attending Kaffee Hus. Rest in Peace Pat – you will be missed.

Until next time … a thought for the week …. Life is like a photograph – you use the negatives to develop…