St. Augustine Health Ministries

The Value Of A Volunteer

St. Augustine — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 15:15:11 +0000

The Value of a Volunteer During Early Learning & Development

Walk into the St. Augustine Child Enrichment Center (CEC) and you will find a class of infants (fifteen to twenty-four months) who are curious about learning and energetic in their exploration of the classroom. During this stage of development, they are beginning to acquire language skills and establish emotional bonds. They are individuals with unique personalities and distinct needs, developing complex thinking and learning abilities. Imaginative and creative play is how they learn about the world.

Teachers, Miss Shelly and Miss Mary, provide a fun, nurturing environment helping each child grow in positive and healthy ways. “At this age, the changes in their social, cognitive and physical development are rapid but very individual,” Miss Shelly said. “There is a lot of movement in this class and the kids want and need your attention, help and approval.”

Meet Miss Linda

For the past eight years, Miss Linda has been a CEC volunteer, providing support mainly in the Infant II room. She assists with lunch clean-up, snack preparation, play time, art projects, and whatever the staff needs her to do. “The kids are just as excited to see Miss Linda each week as we are. Having another set of hands gives us the chance to work on different areas or needs. For example, Miss Shelly might be charting while Miss Linda is reading to a group and I am changing diapers,” said Miss Mary.

Some of the children’s favorite activities with Miss Linda include singing and dancing to “Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes” and “Do the Hokey Pokey” among other songs. She also reads to them, builds with blocks, plays ball, and watches the birds outside the classroom window. Sometimes these activities are offered to individual children but sometimes interested groups join in. Occasionally, Linda spots areas where help is needed and asks if she can assist. “During October, the children of the CEC were learning ‘everything’ about apples. I was given the okay to make applesauce with all of the children in the Center. The children used a food mill to make the applesauce, sampled it, and were able to take some home,” said Miss Linda.

The need for Volunteers

Ninety percent of a child’s brain develops by age five. This is why volunteers, such as Miss Linda are needed. By sharing their time, skills and talents they are able to complement the efforts of the CEC staff in ensuring the special needs of each child are met.

Volunteers provide an extra pair of hands wherever help is needed including serving during snack time or rocking babies to soothe and comfort them. Volunteers can help with art projects, dance instruction, playtime, reading a book or leading morning circle time.

Miss Linda commented, “The Child Enrichment Center staff are child-centered, have positive attitudes, are friendly, and work as a team at all age levels.” In turn, volunteers like Miss Linda are rewarded by knowing they can make a big impact on the life of a young child.

St. Augustine Child Enrichment Center serves children ranging in age from six weeks to five years of age. If you would like to make a positive impact and serve children, we have a spot for you! Please give our Volunteer department a call at 216.939.7601 or fill out a Volunteer Application today!

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What Are “STUGS”

St. Augustine — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 14:30:49 +0000

Holy Family Bereavement Counselor, Carrie shares her story of STUGS

When I was 22 years old, my mom passed away from breast cancer at the age of 51. This was not only a hard time for myself, but for my family as well. When my mom died, I had the general knowledge of what grief was, but I was not aware of specific theories, terms, and processes.

A few years later, I was at a training for a new job. During this training, the facilitator read a story about a young child whose mom died. Suddenly, a ball of emotion went through my body. Somehow, I was able to make it through the next few minutes before we went on break. Once break hit, I found a corner in a private room and cried. It felt as though my mom just died and I was grieving her all over again. When break was over, I was able to wipe my tears and return to training as if nothing happened.

At this time, I did not understand what happened. It had been over three years since my mothers passing, and I was confused on why I had such an emotional response to that story. It was not until later in my professional development that I learned what a “STUG” was.

A “STUG” is a Sudden, Temporary, Upsurge of Grief. This is when a grieving person is triggered by an outside stimulus and it causes an internal emotional response. When I learned this term, I was immediately able to identify what happened to me during that training. I suddenly felt more at peace and comfortable with what had occurred. This is when I knew how important it was for other grievers to understand what a “STUG” is.

Facts for a griever

Here are some facts about ‘STUGS” that might help a current or future griever:

STUGS are normal.
STUGS can occur at anytime during the grief process, 3 months after the loss or ten years.
STUGS typically occur when the griever is least expecting it
STUGS typically are intense emotions, but do not last long in length
STUGS can become more frequent around birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries
It is important to let the STUG occur, versus holding in the emotions
Anything can trigger a STUG
STUGS are normal.

I am aware that the point “STUGS are normal” is written twice, but this is the most important. If you have a “STUG”, remind yourself that what you are feeling is normal, and that it is okay. This may not take away the pain, but it can help you feel more comfortable in your feelings. Knowledge is power, and the more one understands why they are feeling a certain way, the better one will be able to process and heal.

Want to learn more about Holy Family’s Bereavement Services?

Carrie and her team at Holy Family offer individual and group bereavement counseling services. Just this last month, in person and virtual group sessions took place to provide resources and cultivate community between those going through the grief process. Discover more about Holy Family and the services offered today!

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Employees Celebrate Anniversary Milestones

St. Augustine — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 13:24:30 +0000

Cleveland, OH, – The greatest asset of any organization is its employees. Each year, recognition awards are presented to St. Augustine employees for service in five-year increments. This year, 43 staff members were recognized for their service and dedication in caring for others. Unable to gather with family and friends for our annual dinner ceremony due to continued COVID protocols, a carry-out dinner for two was presented to each the honoree. St. Augustine Health Ministries takes pride in being able to recognize employees for their dedication to our mission.

Of the employees honored, Rob Drum (35 years); Lesley Jones (30 years); and Lillian Santiago, Luz Juarez, Sam Simones and Matt Vejdovec (25 years each) were honored for their faithful service. Numerous employees were recognized for their 20, 15, 10 and 5 years of dedication with a combined total of 490 years of service.

Additionally, three employees were chosen by their peers to receive “The Health Ministries Way” Employee of the Year Awards. “The Health Ministries Way” identifies members of the staff who go above and beyond what’s required in their job to exemplify the mission, vision, values and exemplary customer services that make St. Augustine Health Ministries the best place to work and receive care.

Destiny Ganss (Brook Park), Nursing, St. Augustine Health Campus

Lori Dever (Parma Heights), St. Augustine Health Campus

Carmen Vasquez (Cleveland), Towers Assisted Living, St. Augustine Health Campus

St. Augustine Health Ministries is a mission-driven, faith-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing a continuum of health care, housing and social services, primarily to the aging and chronically ill. Throughout the Health Ministries, we ensure that the needs of every individual are met with dignity, comfort and love.

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What Makes a Man Wise?

St. Augustine — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 23:46:05 +0000

A handsome, athletic, and wild youth, Nick Kristek began abusing alcohol at 15 and turned quickly to drugs. While most peers focused on sports or the trials and tribulations of dating, Nick focused on his next high. He was violent and angry; he totaled cars and ran from the police. He stole money, thousands of dollars, and prescription drugs from those who loved him most. Arrested and convicted on testimony provided by his concerned family, his demise worsened.

Finally, after ten tumultuous years of drug abuse, he overdosed on a combination of heroin, OxyContin, and fentanyl. Nearby, friends decided he could sleep it off, unaware that he had aspirated on his vomit. The night passed. The following day, still unresponsive, they called 911. He was just 27.

Nick’s devoted family visited their comatose son daily. He had no brain activity; his kidneys were failing. Recommendations included “pull the plug.” Staff fastened “Do Not Resuscitate” to his wrist. Four long months passed. Then, while reminiscing aloud, his father shared a distant father-son memory and began to laugh. To his amazement, a listless Nick laughed too.

Yesterday’s wild child is today’s wise man. Nick Kristek cannot walk; he cannot sit on a toilet or push his wheelchair. He cannot dress or shave himself, and he needs assistance eating. He has partial functionality in only one hand. Now 36, he shares his troubled story freely. Grateful for a second chance, he wants to help others traveling his fateful path. “If I can save just one kid. … It [drugs] took my freedom. … It sucks. … Please don’t do it. You’ve got to love yourself enough to not do it.”

Nick’s journey from coma to awakening and from rehabilitation to a new home was a long one, filled with challenges and obstacles that only a survivor can know. Eventually, his path led to our doors. After an exhaustive and worrisome search, Nick’s parents discovered St. Augustine Health Ministries. Relief was at hand.

Now, Nick spends his days at St. Augustine Health Ministries enjoying activities, attending chapel services, and visiting with a family that never abandoned him. Surrounded by good, loving people and caring professionals, Nick has found a home here.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact the Alcohol, Drug Addiction, & Mental Health services (ADAMHs) at 216-623-6888 or the crisis chat service at https://www.adamhscc.org/. You can also text “4HELP” to 741741. Additional resources are available at https://www.adamhscc.org/resources/finding-help/by-service/crisis-services and https://redribbon.org.

To learn more about Nick’s story, check https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2017/10living_with_heroins_consequence.html

https://youtu.be/LwMw-DWW-i0

Story updated & adapted from Living with heroin’s consequences, The Plain Dealer & Cleveland.com (Lynn Ischay, 2017).

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Towers Volunteer Wears Many Hats

St. Augustine — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 18:43:23 +0000

Helping others comes second nature to Kathy Melton. “I’m from a large family and was taking care of my siblings when I was still a kid myself. When it was time for college, I decided I would go into early childhood education. As it turned out, I spent most of my career working in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and private residences. In fact, the first nursing home I worked for was Saint Augustine Manor when it opened. Talk about a full circle!”

A resident of Towers Assisted Living for the past 15 years, Kathy initially declined to volunteer when she moved in, wanting to get physically strong and able to do the things that were important to her. Eventually, the Activities Director convinced her it was time and Kathy jumped into the deep end of the volunteering pool.

“I select and show a Friday night movie every week and serve snacks. We also have, in conjunction with the library next door, a book/movie club. The residents can read the book or watch the movie or do both. Then the following day we get together with the library ladies and have a great book discussion. I’ve also assisted Mojo, another volunteer, and help her put on plays and fun escapades for the residents.

One of the things I enjoy the most is spending time helping residents with their cell phones and computers. It’s something I really enjoy doing and it’s very helpful to them because not everybody is up to speed with technology, but it’s so important to be able to stay connected with their family and friends.”

Having spent several rehab sessions across the street at the Manor, Kathy began volunteering over there, too. “I used to serve snacks for the Friday afternoon movie and then I would visit residents. After returning to my apartment at the Towers I would often go back to the Manor and volunteer to spend time with residents from the Towers who were there for rehabilitation. Having both facilities on the same campus has made that kind of volunteering so much easier for me.”

Reflecting on her years as a volunteer, Kathy shares what it means to her. “Volunteering has been a great thing for me. Once it became clear that I would not be able to go back to work, I saw all the opportunities to help right here at the Towers, which had become my home. My role changes on occasion and that is a good thing. It keeps me motivated. I sometimes think I have a rather unique perspective. I am a resident who has been helped by volunteers, and I’m a volunteer who has helped residents at both locations on the Health Campus. I think that makes me a better volunteer and being a better volunteer is a good thing.”

“Volunteers will find a great, welcoming community in the residents and the staff. Trust and believe you will be most appreciated by those whom you help, and you’ll find that you are grateful for the opportunity to help them.”

Interested in learning whether life at the Towers is a great option for your loved one? For more information, call 216-634-7444 or go to www.staugministries.org/assisted-living.

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Regular Exercise for Older Adults is an Active Choice

St. Augustine — Wed, 26 May 2021 18:33:44 +0000

You can come up with a million reasons for not being physically active. Some might even be valid. But know this: stillness is bad. Roughly 3.2 million people die each year because of physical inactivity. Regular exercise for older adults is critical to good health.

I’m Just Too Old

Regular exercise is good for just about everyone, including older adults. Even moderate amounts of physical activity can have a big impact. Talk with your doctor first, of course. If you’ve been inactive, take it easy as you get started, say, 5-10 minutes of moderate activity each day.

I Don’t Think My Heart Can Take It

The more you do to stay active as you age, the lower your chances are for things like heart attack and stroke. Your doctor can tell you what type of exercises are best, and for how long you should do them. You’ll probably shoot for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, like a brisk walk or an easy bike ride. Mowing the lawn or a heavy cleaning session counts, too. And you don’t have to do them in 30-minute chunks.

I Don’t Move Like I Used To

Regular exercise for older adults promotes flexibility, endurance, strength and balance. That stiffness can be alleviated with, for example, stretching exercises that target hips, legs, shoulders, your neck, your back … anywhere. Yoga can help, too. Take it easy, though, and don’t stretch so far that it hurts.

I Don’t Like Exercise

Being physically active doesn’t necessarily mean pushing around big weights at the gym or going for a 10-mile run. Do things that you enjoy and that will keep you at it. You could work in the yard, walk with friends, work in the garden (lifting and bending are great for flexibility and strength), or take a bike ride. Mix things up every so often, too, so you don’t get bored.

My Heart’s Fine

It’s not just about your heart. Regular exercise for older adults is good for lungs, muscles, and your entire circulatory system. It’s about benefits that can include lower blood pressure, better bone and joint health, and less chance of things like colon cancer and diabetes.

I Don’t Want to Fall

Falling can be a problem for older adults. But with regular physical activity, including exercises that promote proper balance — exercises that you can do almost anytime, anywhere — you can help prevent the falls that hurt so many older adults. Your doctor can point you in the right direction.

I Worry More About My Brain

Regular exercise for older adults is good for your brain. Experts say not only can exercise help you stave off mental health issues like depression and anxiety, it can also help you stay on task and be better able to move from one to-do item to the next. Healthy body, healthy mind.

– Information courtesy of WebMD

At Towers Assisted Living, a full activities calendar means the residents are always on the move…with tai’chi, strengthening, chair exercises, and in the spring and summertime, gardening outdoors. Towers Assisted Living is located at the St. Augustine Health Campus on Detroit Avenue in Cleveland, just west of the Gordon Square Arts District. To learn more about life at the Towers, check us out at https://bit.ly/3rXIfTG or call 216-634-7444.

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Holy Family Hospice Volunteer is Caregiver of the Month

St. Augustine — Mon, 03 May 2021 14:56:15 +0000

Congratulations to Holy Family Hospice volunteer Laura Peltz (pictured here with Jim Busch) who is recognized as Caregiver of the Month by Busch Funeral and Crematory Services. Busch appreciates the hard work of individuals in the community who take on caregiver responsibilities. Although every caregiver’s responsibilities may vary, their dedication remains constant.

“I have always felt a strong calling to be a ‘companion on the journey’ with others,” admits Laura. “I suppose that is what led me to becoming a Holy Family Hospice volunteer. I gained a lot of skills companioning others in my years of parish work. I feel it is one of the gifts God has graced me with – empathy and good listening skills. I knew of Holy Family Hospice due to my work in the Diocese, but it wasn’t until I retired and saw an ad for volunteers in my parish bulletin at St. Michael in Independence that I felt called to consider it.”

Over the course of the last two and a half years, Laura has spent countless hours with a number of patients, both at Holy Family Home and out in the community. She says the first visit to a new patient is a combination of excitement and cautious optimism. “I always pray to the Holy Spirit before any visit to help me be attentive to the needs of the person I am visiting. I usually begin by introducing myself as a Holy Family volunteer who has been looking forward to meeting them.”

One of the assignments she accepted was to visit Margie, a resident at Mount Alverna in Parma, whom she visited every Tuesday for nine months. “From our first visit Margie could never communicate verbally,” Laura shares. “She also was very limited in using her hands (just jerking motions that were not intentional). She could not hold her head up and most of the time her eyes were closed. But Margie and I communicated from day one – she would open her eyes briefly when a song was played that she particularly liked. I would pray and sing to her and massage her hands. Some of the best days were when she looked directly at me and smiled – in those brief moments I knew we connected in a deeper way.”

The time Laura spent with Margie energized her. “I could go in on any given day and be tired or stressed but when I left I was energized and upbeat. My visits with her were grounding. The 90 minutes we were together seemed to fly by. Margie helped me to slow down and enjoy and live in the moment. As a volunteer I would say that visiting with Margie affirmed my role as being part of the hospice team.”

“Thank you so much to the staff at Busch for honoring me with this recognition. I am blessed to be able to serve Holy Family in this capacity and I look forward to continuing to help our patients in their final journey.”

If you are interested in becoming a Holy Family Hospice volunteer, please contact the Volunteer Manager at 440-866-6017 or apply online at www.staugministries.org/volunteer.

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Passing the Torch

St. Augustine — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 20:26:03 +0000

CONTINUING THE LEGACY

Beginning in 1890 with the Sisters of St. Francis of Lafayette, people of all faiths and walks of life have come to this location for medical care. Throughout the decades, names and faces have changed, but in the passing of the torch, it is the legacy of Catholic Health Care and the Healing Ministry of Christ, that guides all that we do.

ELAYNE NEWCOMB, LNHA NAMED ADMINISTRATOR

Elayne Newcomb, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, has accepted the position of Administrator of St. Augustine Health Campus. She joined the St. Augustine family as the Assistant Administrator in September 2019, shortly before COVID arrived.

“I am eager to get back to normal, especially to experience all of the wonderful programs and activities that make this place so special,” said Elayne.

She is a graduate of Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA, and earned an MBA in Healthcare Administration/Management at Cleveland State University.

Originally from PA, Elayne has been working in senior care since she was 16, holding positions as a nursing assistant, activities assistant, licensed social worker and administrator. “I really enjoyed my first job in activities at the age of 16. Caring for our elders became my passion.”

Elayne lives in Westlake with her husband, two college-age children and their huge dog, Duke. Duke, a Newfoundland, often comes to work with Elayne to visit and entertain our residents.

WELCOMING A NEW ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR

Julia Leichty, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, recently joined the St. Augustine family as Assistant Administrator of St. Augustine Health Campus.

She received a degree in Gerontology and Long Term Care Administration from Bowling Green State University. She also earned an MBA in Health Care Administration from Ursuline College. She is passionate about trying to make a difference in the everyday lives of seniors and loves hearing the stories of their lives and accomplishments.

Working in this field for nine years, Julia says she has heard many wonderful things about St. Augustine. She is looking forward to post-COVID activities at the Manor.

Julia is excited to work with building services, nutrition, housekeeping/laundry, the Child Enrichment Center and the Towers Assisted Living.

Julia is married to her high school sweetheart and is the mother of two boys ‒ Sam age 3 and Beau 6 months ‒ and has lived in Fairview Park her entire life.

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Summer Plant Sale

St. Augustine — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 15:00:28 +0000

Angels on the Avenue, in cooperation with Uncle John’s Plant Farm, is proud to offer pre-season certificates at discounted pricing for all flats (including vegetables), hanging baskets and geraniums. Proceeds from this sale benefit St. Augustine Health Ministries and Angels on the Avenue Charities of Choice program.

Simply call Angels on the Avenue members Joe (216.701.3143) or John (216.701.3146) to purchase the number of certificates you would like for the specific item you are interested in. (Certificates include total cost of the item and tax.) After receiving your certificates, take them to Uncle John’s Plant Farm, at your leisure (no specific day these need to be redeemed on), pick out your choice of product, present your certificate, and be on your way to planting!

There are no limits to the amount of certificates you may purchase. These certificates make excellent gifts for those who love to beautify the earth and help a great cause!

Flats (include 36 plants): $15
10″ Hanging Baskets: $18
4-Pack Geraniums: $15

Questions? Call Joe at 216.701.3143 or John at 216.701.3146. Payment can be made via Venmo (@John-Whitely-1) or check can be mailed to John Whitely, 36220 South Park Dr., Avon, OH 44011.

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Retired Priest Enjoys Catholic Assisted Living

St. Augustine — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 18:18:14 +0000

Over the course of his 54 years as an ordained priest, Fr. Tom O’Donnell has worn many hats: music educator at Oberlin College, faculty position at St. Mary Seminary, staff position at the Office of Liturgy for the Diocese of Cleveland, Chaplain at Metro Hospital, and Pastor at Holy Name Parish in Slavic Village to name a few. Sprinkle in several more parishes, Marymount Hospital and Light of Hearts Villa, and you have quite a robust and diverse career in Catholic ministry. “Who would have believed you would ever find work in so many different opportunities in the same ministry? asks Fr. Tom. “It was super and I really had a wonderful experience in all those areas. Is there a neater way to have a life than to be doing these kinds of things? And that’s because I was ordained a priest.” Having moved around quite a bit over the years, Fr. Tom was looking for a Catholic assisted living facility to finally put down roots in his retirement, preferably on the west side.

“When the opportunity came up to come to St. Augustine Towers, I thought ‘boy, if I were on the west side, I’d be able to see family and friends’. I grew up in Lakewood, went to St. Luke’s grade school and then St. Ed’s for high school. I have a lot of friends still in Lakewood and family members who are west siders. Plus I definitely wanted to be in a Catholic institution because I wanted the sacraments and a Chapel for prayer. When the apartment at the Towers became available, that made the difference. In fact, one of the residents said ‘this is the best kept secret in Catholic assisted living’ and it really is.”

“When I first got here, I would concelebrate every day with our chaplain, Fr. Januarius, and that was very nice. And now they’re welcoming residents to come and celebrate Mass with us. I distributed Ashes on Ash Wednesday which gave me the chance to meet many of the residents in the building and that was wonderful. I know that this is going to be a busier life being here and I’m really happy for that. It’s great to be able to become more involved in active ministry. It’s a blessing for everybody. The people here are what make this such a terrific place – the staff and the residents. There’s so much to do – art, programs, movies, activities. It’s amazing what goes on here in one day.”

Asked about recommending Towers Assisted Living to others, Fr. Tom doesn’t miss a beat. “The best way to experience the Towers is to come and see it. This is ideal for someone who’s looking for Catholic assisted living and a place to call home.”

Towers Assisted Living is located at the St. Augustine Health Campus on Detroit Avenue in Cleveland, just west of the Gordon Square Arts District. Click here to learn more about life at the Towers or call 216-634-7444.

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