Greetings from "The Home" front...

Hello-o-o!!! It’s good to be back from my “vacation”!! So much has happened since I last wrote this column it is hard to absorb it all.

Kudos to the LMH administration and staff for being very proactive to help curb the spread of this virus. I hope everyone in the community will heed the government guidelines and practice social distancing, wash your hands often and self-quarantine if necessary. Having good friends in Washington State and seeing what is happening there makes me glad we are taking the measures we have to keep this virus at bay. Staff are required to follow a very extensive screening process before beginning work.

LMH has restricted visitors which I realize is hard on our residents and well as our community members but it is a necessity at this time. Our staff members have gone all out to make our residents as comfortable as possible.

A big thank you goes out to several members of the community who have provided goodies for our residents and staff to enjoy – this is in the form of brownies, rolls, candy, cupcakes and other treats.

The residents enjoy receiving mail so if you feel the urge to write a note, we will make sure a resident receives your card just to let them know you are thinking of them. If you have a friend or family member here at LMH you can also send them an email at activities@luthermemorialhome.com. Just be sure to put their name in the subject line – we will print it out and get it to them. Even if you do not know a resident and feel like you would want to brighten someone’s day, you can send an email and in the subject line write for any resident and staff will print and deliver to those residents that need a pick me up.

While I was gone there were several birthdays – so belated birthday wishes to residents Chris Larson (March 19), and Betty Holkesvig (March 22). Sun Center Residents Bob Verwest (March 18), Junice Berg (March 25) and Judy Verwest (March 31). There were also lots of staff birthdays – Meagan Karolus (March 16), Skyler Straight (March 19), Chandra Campbell and Tracy Beckman (March 20), Kayla Whetzel (March 21), Shelby Krueger (March 24), Elaine Aune (March 27), Erica Baldock (March 29) and Isaiah Smith (March 30). In April, resident Gregor (JR) Useldinger had his birthday on April 1st as did staff members Maria Klabo, Lindsay Bloms and Danielle Kath. Happy Birthday to all of you and I hope you had a wonderful day!
One of the fun events we scheduled for Wednesday April 1st was mix it up day when the staff wore crazy mismatched outfits – and let me tell you – there were quite a few unique combinations. This is just one of the many ways our staff is working to make a difficult situation better for everyone.
We have more birthdays next week – Resident Rich Snortland on April 6 and staff members Asha Gallagher (April 5th) and Leticia Clagg and Kenew-Kiew Oshkosh on April 6th, and Becky Moen on April 8th. Happy Birthday and enjoy your special day!

We were saddened by the death of resident Gayle Brown on March 17th. Gayle enjoyed listening to music, having coffee with the ladies at the “round table” in the morning and visits from family. Gayle had a beautiful smile and will be missed. Rest in Peace Gayle.

Until next time … Wash your hands, keep a safe social distance, be safe and pro-active!