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Kindness Awards

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

Kindness Awards

    Carmen P.                Diana

    Sharon                     Mark

    Chikara                    Linda   

    Mary S.                    Abi

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February Newsletter Depression

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

Depression in the Elderly

Depression in later life frequently coexists with other medical illnesses and disabilities.  As people age they begin to loose their support systems, they experience continued loss due to the death of a spouse or siblings, retirement and also relocation all play a role in ones mental status. 

People expect elderly to naturaly slow down as they age, therefore depression is often over looked in the elderly.  Depression tends to last longer in elderly adults.  It also inhibits an elderly persons ability to heal and rehabilitate after an injury or illness. 

Symptoms of Depression:

·        Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions

·        Fatigue and decreased energy

·        Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and or helplessness

·        Insomnia, early morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

·        Irritability, restlessness

·        Loss of interest in activities or hobbies

·        Loss of interest in sex

·        Overeating or appetite loss

·        Persistent aches and pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems

·        Sadness that doesn’t go away, anxious or “empty” feeling

·        Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Additional information can be found at WebMD.com, Depression Guide.

 

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Newsletter

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

 

West Springfield BUZZ

                                       The Monthly Newsletter of the                 

Hawthorn Services, Inc. Adult Day Health - West Springfield

AUGUST

2010

Lester

Chikara

 

News from the nurse

·        As always remember that we need a current and updated list of medications. If there are changes during a medical office visit, please ask the doctor to write and sign the changes for our records. The changes should include name of drug, frequency, and parameters if to be given on an “as needed” basis. Thank you.

Please remember that infection control is very important to our frail population.

·        If a participant should present with symptoms that may be contagious please stay at home.

·        Symptoms include frequent productive coughing, runny nose and sneezing, a temp of greater than 100˚ F, vomiting, diarrhea, generalized malaise and body aches indicative of beginning of the flu.

We have turned on our air conditioning system. If you get easily chilled, please bring a sweater to stay comfortable.

 

 

 

ALL SHEDULED ACTIVITIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

    

 

Summertime Fun!  The month of August will bring may changes and exciting opportunities!  We will explore Australia, the Panama Canal, and then we’ll explore the sun!  We will continue with our neighborhood walks and our lunches in the garden.  Bruce Johnson will entertain us on Thursday August 12th.  Our monthly annual Mystery Bus Trip will be on the 9th!  Wonder where it will take us?  We will be going to the park and the public library twice this month.  We have a new food provider Beaven Kelly, check out our new menu!  On Thursday August 26th we will be going to the Connecticut Trolley Museum.

 

 

Hawthorn Services will be modifying their current client funds policy; you will no longer be billed for outings.  All outings will need to be paid in full before the actual activity. This policy will be Effective July 1st.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding this modification please feel free to contact Heather Thompson @ 413-205-2944.  Thank you for your cooperation. 

 

 

Please let us know if you are planning a vacation that will affect your attendance at the program at least one week ahead of time. It will help us plan for our programming needs better. Thank you for your cooperation

 

 

 

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New Program Director!

Monday, April 26th, 2010

April 2010                        

 

To All Family, Friends and Providers of Hawthorn Services West Springfield Adult Day Health Program

 

 

Spring has come like a monsoon, along with the rains will also come many new beginnings….and for the program, a new Director.  My name is Heather Thompson; I have been with Hawthorn since November of 2008.  I began my journey with Hawthorn at their Ware site as their Assistant Program Director, Director of Social Services, and Activities Director.  I am a graduate of Anna Maria College in the field of Social Work.  I have spent my career focused on enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through advocacy and enhancement of services. 

 

I am truly blessed with this opportunity to work not only with your loved ones who attend our program but also the families and caregivers.  Through our comprehensive efforts we will provide the highest level of care and compassion to all participants.   

 

April looks like a busy month!  Valerie our Message Therapist will be coming in on the 5th.  We will be learning about medication safety.  Our ladies group will be having a day at the spa day, getting glammed up and having their photo’s taken.  Our outing will include a trip to AMF Bowling Lanes, Shopping, out to Chicopee Hawthorn to see musical artist Tony Rarus.  On the 27th the Kennel Club will be visiting our site for an amazing animal performance!

 

Please call with any questions or concerns.  Remember to contact our nurse Penny if there are any medication changes, or significant changes at home.  Please be sure to call the program if there are cancellations.  We need to give our drivers advance notice of alterations in their route. 

 

Thank you!

 

 

 

Heather Thompson

Program Director

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