Highlights
NEWS ABOUT LUTHERAN HOMES OF MICHIGAN AND RELATED SERVICES
JULY 2001
The following are the articles that ran in the above issue of Highlights. Articles in this issue (just click on the article you'd like to see):
- Growth: It's All About People (Letter
from the President)
- From the Development Desk
- Monroe Lutheran Home Nurse Featured in
Evening News Article
- William E. Ferguson Named Volunteer of the
Year in Monroe
- Judy Murray Recognized Volunteer of the Year
at Livonia
- Lutheran Home Frankenmuth Names Erna Janson
Volunteer of The Year
- Vera Kern Named Volunteer of the Year by
Lutheran Home Care Agency
- Livonia Lutheran Home Nurse Aid Recognized
- Lutheran Home in Livonia Celebrates Nursing Home Week
LHCA Nurse Earns Michigan Home Care Nurse of the Year Award
Joan O'Brien, R.N., a case manager and nurse at the Lutheran Home Care Agency, recently received the "Michigan Home Care Nurse of the Year" award at the annual Michigan Home Health Association Conference at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City, Mich.
In her position as case manager, Joan coordinates the cardiac program, trains new staff members and has a special interest in wound care. She has 17 years of home care experience, with the last eight years at Lutheran Homes of Michigan.
Beverly Knoll and Lynn Maurer nominated Joan for the award, emphasizing her "dedication to home care, her caring spirit and leadership abilities." A MHHA committee reviewed the written nominations and selected the candidate who best met these established criteria:
1. Demonstrates expertise in the field as a home care nurse;
2. Exemplifies caring and compassion for his/her patients;
3. Acts as a patient advocate at all times;
4. Inspires confidence from the patient, family and other members of the health care team;
5. Assumes personal responsibility for professional development, actively seeking resources to knowledge; and
6. Serves as a role model for others on the health care team.
On behalf of the entire Lutheran Homes of Michigan organization, we congratulate Joan on this outstanding professional accomplishment.
Growth: It's All About People
When we think of growth, we usually think about tangible things -- new buildings, new businesses, new communities, and new programs. However, long before any of these tangibles can occur, we must have people. This is especially true when it comes to the Lutheran Homes of Michigan.
Throughout this issue of Highlights, you'll see why the heart of Lutheran Homes and the source of its growth is our people. As our people grow personally, professionally, and spiritually, Lutheran Homes also grows.
The heart of people within Lutheran Homes is embodied in the dedicated, caring staff of professionals who have committed their lives to caring for the aging. They continue to serve, despite multiple opportunities for greater personal gain, and despite all of the hard work and emotional toll involved with caring for the infirm. Two Lutheran Homes staff members are featured in this issue of Highlights because professional associations have recognized them as models of humble service and personal care.
If staff is the heart of the ministry, then volunteers are the hands and feet. Last year, the Lutheran Homes organization was blessed with over 20,000 hours of volunteer service, given selflessly by people from many different age groups and backgrounds. From families of residents and clients to school children and youth groups, these volunteers embody the love of Christ by giving the ultimate gift of their time.
Also in this issue of Highlights, we have recognized our "Volunteer of the Year" from each of our ministry sites. These are people who deserve our thanks as we honor them, although they would each tell you they do not deserve it. As you become more familiar with these volunteers, you'll catch a glimpse of the hundreds of people who are part of the growth of Lutheran Homes.
Growth is truly all about people. As we grow together, moving closer to our God-given potential -- whether as staff or volunteers -- we strengthen the ministry and build capacity for further services and programs. Growth doesn't have to be a building. Often times, buildings are the end result of God building up His people.
Please join me, along with the leadership team of Lutheran Homes of Michigan, in congratulating these special individuals and thanking God for them, countless others, and the growth at work in all of us.
David M. Gehm
President & CEO
Lutheran Homes of Michigan
From the Development Desk
I am delighted to announce some exciting news about a development at Lutheran Homes of Michigan! We can officially announce the Lutheran Homes of Michigan Endowment Fund. The Endowment Fund will provide a critical financial foundation as we look ahead to the many opportunities we have to serve.
Similar to other endowment funds for non-profit organizations, the LHM Endowment Fund is essentially a long-term savings account. The gifts of all donors are combined together and invested to generate income. Some of that income may be available for the organization's use, but the Fund continues to grow with added gifts and investment growth.
As the Lutheran Homes of Michigan Endowment Fund grows, so too does our financial foundation. In time, the Fund will provide the financial resources we need to undertake exciting opportunities in our future. Also, the Fund will help ensure our ability to provide care for individuals who may not have any other means to pay for it.
It has been a tremendous honor and pleasure for me to visit with a number of Lutheran Homes friends since we first announced this Fund at our Annual Meeting. Many of our friends have shared how they have remembered the LHM Endowment Fund in their long-term financial planning. This is such a blessing and our entire organization is so thankful for your support now and in the future.
If you'd like to find out more about how you can help support the Lutheran Homes of Michigan or about the LHM Endowment Fund, please feel free to contact me directly at 989-652-3470 or mbritton@lhminc.org
Thank you for your continuing support.
Monroe Lutheran Home Nurse Featured in Evening News Article
The following is a reprint of an article written by Cynthia Ramharace, a Staff Writer for the Monroe Evening News. This article was written as part of a weekly series that offers a glimpse into the life of a Monroe County resident. Reporters select their subjects at random, either through the telephone book, or person-on-the-street interview. For this article, the reporter selected Lutheran Home nurse Marge Tierney.
Marge Tierney spends each Tuesday chatting away on the telephone. It's one of the most important things she does.
She has a list of people who are awaiting her call, and she does not disappoint. She keeps their names and little tidbits about their lives in a notebook. Are they sick? How many children do they have? Was a new grandchild just born? What are their hobbies?
As a volunteer for the Special Touch program at Mercy Memorial Hospital, Mrs. Tierney is fulfilling an important mission. She is ensuring that elderly shut-ins have someone to talk to at least once a week. It's a small gesture, but it means so much to those on the other end of the phone line.
"You get to know them, so you don't have a problem finding things to talk about," Mrs. Tierney says.
One of her phone friends is an elderly man who lives alone. He has a son who visits him once a week, but otherwise has little contact from the outside world. The phone call from Mrs. Tierney is an anticipated event.
"One man, I can't get him off the phone," Mrs. Tierney says with a smile. "He's a sports fan. He loves the Red Wings, the Tigers. We have almost the same conversation every week. His son comes and measures his blood pressure the night before. He always asks me, 'Are you sitting down? I'm going to tell you my blood pressure.' And it's always very good. He's all alone in that room. He doesn't want a TV because he listens to his sports on the radio. When I first started calling him, he said he was so lonely, he would just sit in his room and cry. You talk to some of them and you feel like just getting in your car and visiting. But there's not enough time."
Mrs. Tierney is definitely short on time. She works four shifts a week at the Lutheran Home where she is a nurse. She dispenses medications and tries hard to visit with her patients. Having the time to do so isn't easy, because there's lots of work to do. Being a nurse is a lot harder now than it was when she started 51 years ago. But the reason she loved the job has not changed. Mrs. Tierney thrives on helping others.
"Anyone can give a med or a shot, but talking to them, doing little things to make them more comfortable - it's the little things that mean a lot to them," she says.
Mrs. Tierney, now 76, has spent half of her career working with the elderly population. She's always loved old people, she says. Having never had grandparents, she valued the conversations and the experiences her patients share with her.
As Mrs. Tierney herself gets older, the job is getting more difficult. That's only because the people she treats are more and more becoming people she has known through the years. "It's hard to watch those she knew as so vibrant and active in their younger years deteriorate," she says. But Mrs. Tierney feels good in knowing she can care for them at this important stage of their lives.
In doing for others, Mrs. Tierney feels she is also doing for herself. She has no plans to retire. She might give up her day job eventually, but only because it would give her more time for volunteer work. She already has 6,000 volunteer hours logged in at Mercy Memorial Hospital.
"I love working," she says. "When you live alone like I do - I've seen so many people retire and have nothing but sickness."
Mrs. Tierney is petite and spry. She awakens at 6 a.m. every morning and is walking by 6:30. In the winter, she circles the inside of her basement. When it's warm out, she's on the North Custer Road bike path, just a short walk from her home.
When she's not working, she's volunteering. She was 57 before she learned to drive and the skill has come in handy not only for her, but for the others she helps.
She visits people in nursing homes, she takes her phone friends shopping or to doctor's appointments when they need it. Every Sunday for 13 years she picked up one of her phone friends and took her to Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church. When that friend passed away, and she took another woman to church for two years. Her passenger seat is now empty on Sunday mornings. That's a problem.
"I'm looking for somebody new to take," Mrs. Tierney says.
William E. Ferguson Named Volunteer of the Year in Monroe
Bill Ferguson has been recognized as Volunteer of the Year for the Lutheran Home Monroe, where he has served faithfully since he retired in 1987. Known for his pleasant, warm and friendly demeanor, Bill generously spends two days each week at the Lutheran Home. He organizes card games and joins in as well, demonstrating genuine kindness and friendship. Bill also is a faithful usher for the weekly chapel service on Friday, assisting residents to and from the service.
Bill was born in Monroe on March 3, 1927. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, from 1944 to1946. In 1950, Bill was married to Shirley Goodale, who is an avid horsewoman. She occasionally visits the Lutheran home with her horses and plans to be at this year's Country Fair. Now married for 51 years, Bill and Shirley have two children and four grandchildren who add a wonderful dimension to their lives. They both serve as volunteers at their home church, Zion Lutheran, and the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), which organizes outings and other events.
When asked how he generates his abundant energy, Bill says, "God is good. I get up each day by 5:30 a.m., work out at the gym, enjoy golf, tennis, pool, cribbage, and my grandchildren."
Judy Murray Recognized Volunteer of the Year at Livonia
The Lutheran Home in Livonia recognized Judy Murray as Volunteer of the Year. Judy began volunteering in Livonia during the holiday season of 1998, shortly after her mother was admitted there. In addition to being a devoted daughter, Judy is a conscientious and caring volunteer who freely shares her time, talents and resources.
Currently, Judy contributes at least 75 hours each month to the Livonia Home.
She helps plan and organize parties, outings and many special events. She donates a monthly birthday cake for resident birthday parties, and helps serve "ice cream on wheels" every Thursday evening. In addition, Judy volunteers on Sundays to assist with chapel services and has donated a digital hymn book to use in the services.
Judy has a special flair for organizing community-based outings and unique events for the Lutheran Home residents. One of her most memorable special events was a "Fashion Show through the Ages." She arranged for a local theatrical group to model nostalgic clothes from the 1900s through the 1970s, complete with period-correct dance moves.
Judy has been married for more than 25 years. In addition, she works as the business office manager for the Assemblies of God Church in Farmington Hills.
Lutheran Home Frankenmuth Names Erna Janson Volunteer of The Year
Dedicated, caring and sincere are just a few words used to describe Erna Janson, who has been recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the Frankenmuth Home. Over the past 10 years, Erna has worked as a volunteer in a variety of programs, including the Daybreak (Alzheimer's) and the Supper Club (dementia) programs. She also delivers mail and assists with resident outings and other group activities.
Many times, Erna gathers a few of the residents together for a late night card game after completing her volunteer duties. She is always willing and eager to help with special projects - even at a moment's notice.
Erna has four children: Bob, Mark, and twin girls, Sharon and Karen. She is a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Frankentrost, where she lived most of her life before recently moving to Frankenmuth.
Vera Kern Named Volunteer of the Year by Lutheran Home Care Agency
The Lutheran Home Care Agency has recognized Vera Kern as Volunteer of the Year, where she has shared her creative talents and time since 1999. Vera is involved in many different capacities, including home care and hospice. For example, Vera organized the Hospice Annual Garage Sale and the Hearts for Hospice Benefit Silent Auction. Vera has also applied her expertise, enthusiasm, and organizational planning skills as an integral member of the Hearts for Hospice Steering Committee. And, she provides invaluable hours twice monthly filing in the business office.
Vera exemplifies the essence of volunteerism by giving of herself in so many ways. Her loyalty, dedication, and friendly disposition make her a joy to work with. She is a role model of Christian love and servanthood.
Livonia Lutheran Home Nurse Aid Recognized
The Lutheran Home in Livonia congratulates employee Christine Baker, who was honored at the 2001 Annual Convention of the National Association of Geriatric Nurse Aides. Chris 's award was part of the organization's "Key To Quality Award Program" for her outstanding work in Restorative Care, which is a program that she started just one year ago at the Home, working with Suzanne Coppola. Chris is not only innovative, but is committed to continuity of care. Even after residents have "graduated" from the program, she checks on their progress. Chris has worked for the Livonia Home since February 1999.
Lutheran Home in Livonia Celebrates Nursing Home Week
The Lutheran Home in Livonia celebrated Nursing Home Week with a full slate of activities. The celebration began with a balloon launch and activities each day, including Olympics Day, Carnival Day and Farm Day. A note was attached to each balloon, with a resident's name and the address of the Home. The week concluded with a Beach Party Day and barbecue. Staff, families, and residents enjoyed all of the week's celebrations, which provided all the fun of a short vacation -- without the trouble of leaving home.