Nurture, Wellness, and Member Care 

On this portion of our Web site, you will find information about the Nurture, Wellness, and Member Care ministries at WUMC. The mission of these ministries is to identify ways to encourage fellowship and hospitality among members and friends of WUMC and welcome new members. In addition, these ministries nurture members and friends through hospital, nursing home, and homebound visitation ministries. This team also oversees the prayer chain, meal ministry, coffee hour, and the annual reunion of the Forty Fellowship.

A primary focus of the Member Care ministry is to bring the word of God to those who are unable to attend worship service. We also share the events of our church family and our activities with those who can no longer be a visual member of the church. Through these outreach ministries, the whole church - those who gather in the building and those who are with us in spirit - are able to share with us in worship and the ongoing life of the church.

This portion of our Web site also provides information on Advance Care Planning that deals with end of life issues, resources for Caregivers, and our Health Corner that provides useful updates on healthcare issues and events. You will also find information about how to arrange a funeral or memorial service at WUMC, links to resources that may be helpful when planning a funeral, and other links for other important Life Issues.

Caring Corner

Here we are heading into February and I am still putting away my Christmas decorations. I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and a joyous New Year’s Eve. As usual, my husband and I went to the movies and had a quiet, but lovely, New Year’s Eve. I would like to thank everyone who was involved in our Christmas pageant. I know I had a good time, and I hope everyone else did. All the kids did a lovely job and I think they brought the true meaning of Christmas to light. THANKS GUYS!

As we enter the New Year, Member Care/Family Life has a few activities scheduled for everyone in the church. If you have any ideas about activities you would like to see in the church, please give the church office a call and let them know. Sara and I will try and make it happen.

I recently had the opportunity to take classes at Roswell Park Hospital by Patricia A. Bomba, M.D., F.A.C.P. She is a wonderful educator and a well-known geriatrician with over 20 years in private practice. I thought you would enjoy the following insights from Dr. Bomba's years of personal and professional experience.

 

Caregiving Tips from Dr. Pat Bomba 

Remember, you are a “human being,” not a “human doing.”
Follow a balanced diet.
Incorporate a regular exercise program.
Avoid excess alcohol.
Reduce your caffeine intake.
Develop a regular sleep pattern; get enough sleep.
Practice relaxing every day.
Get organized. Establish lists and learn to prioritize.
Demonstrate optimism.
Learn something new.
Laugh often, long and hard.
Maintain your sense of humor.
Recognize work as an addiction.
Just say NO!
Accept support from close friends.
Evaluate your situation and reach out for help, if needed.
Embrace your religion or spirituality. 

Remember the Serenity Prayer:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.

 

Safety First

Here are some basic tips for keeping your senior loved one safe on the road.

• Sit 10" from the center of the steering wheel.

• Always wear safety belt properly. Place the lap belt low and snug over the pelvis with the shoulder portion over the stomach and across the chest and collarbone.

• If the steering wheel tilts, direct it towards the chest, not the head.

• Adjust the head restraint. The center of the headrest should coincide directly with the back of the head.

• Check mirrors. A few simple steps can ensure that a "second set of eyes" is as efficient as possible.

• Make sure they get regular eye exams (at least every two years). Cataracts, common among senior drivers, can be corrected with surgery. The progress of many other eye problems can be slowed if they are detected in time.

• Limit night driving. If your loved one has a problem with night vision or glare, limit their driving to daytime hours.

• Advise them to turn their head frequently. This action can help compensate for diminished peripheral vision.

• Add a larger rearview mirror to increase range of visibility.

• Tell them to keep their eyes up and look at the road ahead to see trouble before they reach it.

HAPPY DRIVING!

Senior Safety in Cold Weather

Here are a few tips to help seniors get through the winter season:

• Check on elderly loved ones regularly, and if you live out of town, arrange for neighbors to check in and provide their number to call in case of emergencies.

• Help your loved one make arrangements for someone to keep sidewalks shoveled and de-iced.

• Make sure seniors have emergency supplies on hand.

• Make arrangements for someone to provide transportation to medical appointments or the grocery store during severe weather.

• During a weather emergency, arrange for someone to stay with a loved one who is physically or cognitively disabled.

Protect Against Hypothermia

Seniors generally produce less body heat. That makes them especially susceptible to hypothermia, a drop in body temperature below 96 degrees. If not detected early, hypothermia can be extremely dangerous. Conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and severe arthritis, and some medications, can limit the body's response to cold, leaving seniors even more vulnerable.

Signs of hypothermia include: uncontrollable shivering, numbness, confusion, drowsiness, loss of coordination, stiff muscles, slurred speech, slow and shallow breathing, slow and irregular heartbeat and weak pulse. Other steps to avoid hypothermia include:

 

• Limit time outdoors, and stay in on windy days. Go inside if you begin to shiver.

• Wear warm layered clothing of natural fibers. To reduce heat loss, wear a hat, gloves, warm socks and boots. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.

• Indoors keep the thermostat at a comfortable level, wear warm clothing, and use enough blankets at night.

• To keep your body temperature up, eat hot, nourishing meals and drink warm liquids.

• SEEK MEDICAL ATTTENTION immediately for anyone you believe is suffering from hypothermia. Keep them dry and warm with blankets. Do not rub limbs to warm them. Encourage your loved one to drink hot, non-alcoholic, caffeine-free beverages. 

STAY WARM AND HEALTHY THIS WINTER!