Burch By-Line

Marian E. Burch Adult Day Care and Rehabilitation Center

A Department of Calhoun County Medical Care Facility

Kristin Jenkins, Director

Dear Friends:

February 2013

Mark your calendar, our Valentines Day Dance is Thursday, February 14 at 1:00 pm. Come and join us if you like to dance. Just a reminder regarding our policy for wheelchairs and foot pedals. The policy states that all clients that are in a wheelchair must have foot pedals, especially when transporting on or off our vehicles. Feet must be secured in place on the foot pedals when being transported from their home to the bus. If your loved one self propels in a wheelchair, be sure that there is a bag on the back of the chair to hold the foot pedals. If you have any questions regarding this, please feel free to give me a call. I dont think we are through with winter yet -- please be sure your sidewalks and driveways are clear of snow and ice before our drivers arrive. Also, please be sure to call the office and let us know of any changes in your loved ones schedule especially if the plans change from bus transporting to family transporting. I have encouraged several of you to obtain legal documentation as you care for your loved one. I hope the following helps. A will details who will handle your estate and how your assets will be distributed. This document is essential because without it, the State of Michigan will decide who will get your possessions. A living trust is a document that, like a will, gives instructions about who will handle your estate and how assets will be distributed. But, while you are living, you transfer those assets out of your name into a trust that you control. At your death, assets in the trust pass directly to your survivors without going through probate. A power of attorney is a legal document that lets you designate someone to handle your financial affairs for you if you become incapacitated. Even spouses need to have a power of attorney. A medical power of attorney allows you to designate a patient advocate who can make medical and treatment decision on your behalf if you are unable. A legal guardian is a person who has the legal authority (and the corresponding duty) to care for the personal and property interests of another person (ward). Usually, a person has the status of guardian because the ward in incapable of caring for his/her own interests due to incapacity or disability. Have a great month, Kris

 Stay visible by putting bright cloth on the antenna, turning on the inside overhead light (when engine is running), and raising the hood when snow stops Many people prefer to remain indoors in the winter, but falling. staying inside is no guarantee of safety. Take these steps to keep your home safe and warm during the winter Run the engine and heater only 10 minutes every hour. months. Keep a downwind window open. Winterize your home Make sure the tailpipe is not blocked. Install weather stripping and insulation. Above all, be prepared to check on family and neighbors who are especially at risk from cold weather hazards. Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls. In warmer weather, clean out gutters and repair If you have pets, bring them inside. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention roof leaks. Check your heating system Welcome to the Center Have your heating system serviced professionally to Patricia N. Curtis D. Curt K. make sure that it is clean and ventilated. Lynn S. Norma L. Barb A. Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys. Install smoke detectors. Test batteries monthly. Have a safe alternate heating source. Birthdays Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies. Install Ida W. Louella M. Ruby H. a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the Virginia M. Wanda B. Jerry C. deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Lynn M. Eugene C. Yvonne W. Get your car ready for cold weather Service the radiator and maintain antifreeze level; Activity Department News check tire tread. The Activity Department has planned an exciting month Keep gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank. for February. Please mark your calendar with the following Use a wintertime fluid in your windshield washers. dates: Prepare a winter emergency kit to keep in your car in February 1 -- National Wear Red Day case you become stranded. February 14 -- Valentines Dance. You are invited to Be prepared for weather-related emergencies, including attend and dance with your loved one. We will also be power outages. crowning our King and Queen. Stock water and food that needs no cooking or February 28 -- Hula in the Coola Day. We are going refrigeration. on a tropical vacation, so wear fun bright colored Keep an up-to-date emergency kit, including: a clothing. (Hawaiian attire if you have any, would add flashlight, extra batteries; first-aid kit and extra to the fun!) medicine. Our pen pal group is writing to a solder in the Special Take these steps when working outdoors: Armed Forces. This is his fourth tour and the clients enjoy Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: layers of light, writing to Dan and look forward to his letters. warm clothing; mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof Clients like our new karaoke machine. This month we will boots. be singing Love Songs, Johnny Cash and country songs. Entertainment groups in February include: Vada; Battle Be aware of the wind chill factor. Creek Christian Young Fives; Life in Christ; Singing Pals; Work slowly when doing outside chores. Olde Tyme Music; Classical Piano Music with Mika; Carry a cell phone. Marcia Allen; and Linda Jo Scott. Keep warm! Locate generators at least 20 feet from the house. Cathy Winer Avoid traveling when the weather service has Activity/Volunteer Director issued advisories. Follow these safety rules if you become stranded in your car: Stay with your car unless safety is no more than 100 Lee L. yards away.

Be Prepared to Stay Safe and Healthy in Winter

Our Sympathy to the Family of:

CLIENT OF THE MONTH

Gladys M. grew up in Decatur, Alabama. After marrying Oscar, they moved around to many different states before making Michigan their home (53 years ago). They have four daughters and two sons, 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Gladys was a stay at home mom and homemaker. Oscar was an Iron Worker for 36 years. He passed away 33 years ago. Gladys enjoyed playing the piano by ear, going to church and caring for her family. She likes coming to the Center and meeting nice people.

Cards with Kenny.

How adorable!

Busy with arts and crafts.

Helen and Sam making jewelry.

Birthday wishes from President Obama.

Making jewelry with Joanne.

M S

ission

tatement

To keep your loved ones in their own home environment for as long as possible with the highest quality of life for the loved one and you as the caregiver.

Sharing the Caring Makes a Difference

1150 East Michigan Avenue Battle Creek, Michigan 49014 (269) 962-1750

Marian E. Burch Adult Day Care and Rehabilitation Center

PERMIT NO. 1643 BATTLE CREEK, MI NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

PAID