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Year: 2017

Resilience

Thu, August 3, 2017 Published by

Barbara (name changed for privacy) is a resident who lost most of her vision this year, due to an eye disease.  Imagine that.  Imagine how challenging your daily life would become if, within months, you could only see vague shapes and shadows.  Somehow, like so many residents facing huge obstacles, Barbara continues to be active in Life Long Learner classes, fitness, and dancing.  She’ll tell you with a smile that she’s not going to let vision loss stop her from enjoying life.

Webster’s Dictionary defines resiliency as “an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.”  Considering that some of our residents have adjusted positively to over 100 years of challenges and change, we have a lot to learn about resilience from those living at Beatitudes.  Working with residents on campus, I’ve had an opportunity not only to assist them adapt to physical, emotional, and mental changes, but I gather data on numerous aspects of their perceived health and wellbeing.  And as it turns out, PERCEPTION seems to be a key factor in resiliency.

One tool I frequently use when meeting with new residents is a quality of life questionnaire.  Interestingly, despite the various physical, mental, and emotional adversities our residents face, their reported overall quality of life score responses are on average “good.”  For example, the average resident statistically experiences at least some mild pain in their day to day life and roughly 60% have cognitive impairment, and yet, their overall quality of life is reportedly “good.”  Furthermore, the majority of our residents have hearing loss, visual changes, and have lost a spouse, family members, and friends they were close with, and yet, with few exceptions, they say their overall quality of life is “good.”

We should be pleased with these statistics at Beatitudes, especially since some of the very highest reported areas of quality of life scores are frequently in the areas of living environment.  However, before we pat ourselves on the back too firmly and take credit for our residents’ “good” quality of life, consider that simply aging may give older people an advantage over the young when it comes to developing resilience.

Evidence suggests that older adults generally have a positive outlook despite facing numerous challenges and changes, and there are several explanations. First, researchers are discovering that one’s brain changes as we age to respond to incidents and setbacks more positively.  Additionally, older age may bring about a better ability to regulate one’s emotions and gain improved perspective from life experiences.

So what can we learn from our residents in the area of resiliency, in order to improve our own lives?  How can I adopt the resiliency of a 90 year-old in my 30s?  In her New York Times article on building resiliency in midlife, Tara Parker-Pope suggests the following:

  • Practice optimism and hang out with optimistic people
  • Rewrite your story to view tough times as opportunities for learning or positive change
  • Remember your past comebacks
  • Don’t blame yourself and ruminate on all of your set-backs and mistakes
  • Build deliberate stress breaks into your life
  • Do things outside of your comfort zone

Lastly, one resident shared this wise advice: “I just try to be happy every day.  Even when I’m not, I try.  Then other people see my smile, and they smile.  And then I really am happy.”

A Legacy of Rich History

Mon, July 24, 2017 Published by

Yvonne Olivier Bechet, 83, was one of the first women to pass through the New Orleans Police Department’s academy. She describes how the stigma against women at the time challenged her just as much as the rigorous physical requirements she faced, but she kept her drive. After 22 years on the force, Bechet retired in 1990 as assistant superintendent. She now looks back fondly on the experience that she said made her feel like a superwoman.

“We’ve all been given life, and in living it, you have a story,” Bechet said.

I recently read about how Bechet told that story to an interviewer, as part of a national project to hear from retirement community residents and to record tales of their lives. It reminded me of some coffee table books that Rosey and I bought a number of years ago that were about “A Day in the Life of America.”  There was actually a huge amount of history behind most of the pictures.  It led me to think about the incredible histories that I hear as we meet many prospects considering a move to Beatitudes Campus.

A few years ago, a wonderful history of many Beatitudes Campus of Care (as it was then known) was published called Goals, Gumption and Grit.  I know that often those with a fascinating history are most excited to hear the stories of the other residents with whom they live.  One resident recently told me, “That’s a lesson in itself, that we can all learn from each other still.”

I also read about a project, called “These Eyes Have Seen,” that was started by a senior living organization in Florida and it made me think about all of the rich histories that I have been privileged to hear throughout my career.  Are there those of you who would be willing to share some of your stories that we could publish as we prepare for a new business year starting in October?  Watch for an announcement – we will be putting together a jazz brunch and photo shoot in the fall where we will record the stories that made you who you are.  I wanted to give you an advance notice so that you can begin to think how you’d like share your narrative and then we’ll formulate the interviews.

Thanks again for the opportunity to share a bit of life together.  I am indeed a far richer man than I deserve for the wisdom that has been shared with me over my career in senior living.  My job has allowed me to meet seniors who have traveled the world, penned calligraphy for the White House and captained steamboats without ever learning to swim. I’ve met someone who came to Phoenix on an “orphan train”, one lady that as a child she didn’t know butter was a solid (think about that one – pre-refrigeration), the stories of the first two women members of the Arizona legislature and the friendship they extended to me imparting behind the scenes, unique perspectives and a Basque sheepherder who detailed for me the path from the high country down the Mogollon Rim to the valley and how it all meshed together with emerging urbanization.  I have been so amazed by the American and Arizona history I’ve been able to experience first-hand.

I can’t wait for the weather to cool and we’ll get outside for this event to again showcase what I believe is one of the most fulfilling life plan communities anywhere!

Drugs At Work

Mon, July 17, 2017 Published by

When a co-worker seems to be abusing drugs or alcohol, ignoring or avoiding the issue will not help the situation. Diagnosis of an alcohol or other drug problem is not the job of a supervisor or 7200-7201img_47colleague. However, being alert to changes in an employee’s performance is a core component of everyone’s job. Some symptoms are common among alcohol and drug abusers but not always indicative of a problem. These include:

Performance:

  • inconsistent work quality
  • poor concentration
  • lowered productivity
  • increased absenteeism
  • careless mistakes
  • errors in judgment
  • needless risk taking
  • disregard for safety
  • unexplained disappearances from the job site
  • extended lunch periods and early departures

Behavior:

  • frequent financial problems
  • avoidance of friends and colleagues
  • complaints about problems at home
  • deterioration in personal appearance or health
  • blaming others for problems and shortcomings
  • complaints and excuses of vaguely defined illnesses

Working with the Occupational Safety & Health Administrations (OSHA) we follow five components that they have deemed necessary for an effective drug-free workplace. We created and implemented a drug-free workplace policy. We train our supervisors to watch for signs. We provide employee education and awareness. We have employee assistance programs through our Spiritual Life Department as well as some contracted agencies. And finally we drug test before employment, post-injury, and any time there is reasonable cause or suspicion.

Did you know 10-20% of the nation’s workers who die on the job test positive for alcohol or other drugs, according to OSHA. Industries with the highest rates of drug use are the same as those at a high risk for occupational injuries, such as construction, mining, manufacturing and wholesale. Comprehensive drug-free workforce programs are recommended within workplace environments involving safety-sensitive duties like operating machinery. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers information and guidance for employers on workplace drug-testing issues. Access the information at www.drugfreeworkplace.gov.

For more information you can always stop by the HR Department or go to www.copperpoint.com.

How to Avoid Slips, Trips & Falls

Mon, July 10, 2017 Published by

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Next to traffic collisions, falls kill more people than any other kind of accident. Nearly 6,000 people die each year as a result of falls on the job or someplace other than their home. Falls can become costly accidents when you consider the suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and lost production. At work, most falls result from slips or trips at floor level, not from high places.

Avoid slips. Keep an eye out for hazardous walking conditions including hidden steps, smooth surfaces, wet, icy or oily surfaces, and loose flooring, carpets or rugs. Avoid trips. Keep your work area neat and orderly, watch for things such as furniture in high traffic areas, items on floors, drawers left open, electrical cords in open areas, and objects left on stairways. Avoid falls. You can prevent falls by being aware of your environment and by removing potential hazards when you see them. Ensure lighting is sufficient in the area. Avoid “makeshift” step stools like boxes or furniture. Use a stepladder. Repair or replace worn stair treads or unraveled carpet. Lower yourself gently from high areas such as flatbeds or work stages. Never jump. Be aware of the length of your hems and cuffs so they don’t get caught while walking.

keep_an_eye_open_for_tripping_hazards_before_they_floor_you_simpsons_slips_trips_and_falls_safety_poster_s1158__42710-1408562840-850-1100Know how to use a ladder. Follow these tips to prevent ladder falls:

  • Ensure ladder is in good condition and has safety feet.
  • Always face the ladder.
  • Remember 4-to-1 rule. For each four feet of height, set the base out one foot.
  • Do not carry anything in your hands while you climb the ladder. Hoist what you need.
  • Move the ladder if an item is out of your reach. Keep your body centered so your belt buckle is between side rails.

When it comes to preventing slips trips and falls, your state of mind in approaching a situation can make the difference. Falls occur because people don’t expect them. The more you anticipate and guard against falls, the fewer you’ll have.