Greetings Residents, Families, and Friends:
As we approach the fall season, we look back on the life enrichment experiences provided on the Birmingham Green campus and think about what lies ahead.
Life enrichment experiences enable our residents to live fully with a sense of purpose and meaning. Last month an estimated 80-plus residents and over 15 team members joined in a life enrichment event that encourages empowerment and resident choice. The event challenged us as team members to have fun and serve outside of our typical roles by modeling, serving, and engaging our residents. This event allowed us to collaborate as a campus to educate and to fulfill our mission to provide exceptional and meaningful life experiences for our residents. The campus-wide engagement and support exemplify our values. There are multiple enrichment activities, including education (learning is continuous) conducted with our residents by medical staff, interns, volunteers, and team members that include music, art, gardening, and talk therapy. There are also enrichment events that have been initiated and conducted by our residents which recently have included a duo performance of piano playing and singing by Willow Oaks residents Gerry Ogle and Henrietta Kendall, and a talent performance with over five residents exhibiting their musical, theatrical, dance and comedy skills. Be on the lookout for an upcoming, “BG Who’s Got Talent Show!”
Birmingham Green recently welcomed our new Learning & Development Manager, Debra Campbell, MSN to the Staff Development team and we will have a Life Enrichment Director joining our team in early fall. Both of these positions will have a vital role on our campus. We look forward to their contributions that will enhance the services and programs that are offered to our team members, residents, and families.
As we approach the fall season, we think of Influenza (Flu) season and would like to remind you that per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Healthy People 2020 Initiative, the flu vaccination is vital for adults 65 years and older. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 54 to 70 percent of flu-related hospitalizations occur in those 65 years and older and 71 to 85 percent of flu-related deaths occur in the same age group. Why? Unfortunately, it is because the immune system weakens with age. Vaccination is vital for adults 65 years and older because this age group is one of the most susceptible, along with children and pregnant women. The good news is that the CDC’s recent studies show that the vaccination reduces the risk of catching the flu by 40 to 60 percent.
If you would like more information please contact Lynn Ebert, BG’s ADON/Infection Control Specialist at 703-257-3498.
“The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in its turning. The weeks that come before are only a climb from balmy spring, and those that follow a drop to the chill of autumn.” ~ Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting
I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming Family Event or during your next visit!
Best,
Denise Chadwick Wright
Chief Executive Officer