Let Us Help
The Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) answers questions and counsels Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers about Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage, Medicare prescription drug plans, long-term care insurance and other health insurance concerns.
Marcie Davis, Business Office Manager at Autumn Care of Saluda is a certified SHIIP Counselor. She is available to assist resident families, as well as seniors in the community, with insurance related matters.
Christmas at Autumn Care
Coming in
January
Texas Hold'em
Poker Tournament
Check out the Poker Pool being held in conjunction with the tournament. Winner receives 50% of the pool proceeds!
Contact the Activities Department for more information. |
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 Capps Chosen as 2011 Emloyee of the Year
Jessica Capps, RN has been honored by Autumn Care of Saluda as its 2010 Employee of the Year. Capps, a Unit Supervisor in the facility's skilled nursing service, has been with Autumn Care since 2008. "Jessica has really blossomed in the role of Unit Supervisor," noted Alethea Capps, RN, the facility's Director of Nursing. "She sets high standards for her staff, based on her own desire to provide the best care possible for our residents." Another reason for Capps selection was her involvement in one of the facility's most challenging projects in years. "2010 brought Autumn Care into the 21st Century with the implementation of a new electronic health record system," said Glenn Pierce, Administrator. "Jessica was a real champion for the project and quickly became the team leader for learning and then training employees on the system. In addition, her personal interest in learning the system has allowed her to help the facility take advantage of the many new features in the system that enhances our everyday provision of care." "If there is an activity going on, she is generally in the middle of it," Activity Director Joyce Coggins wrote in recommending Capps for the award. "Her enthusiasm spreads throughout the staff, making activities a team project for all departments," Coggins added. As the Saluda Employee of the Year winner, Capps will now be a candidate for the Autumn Corporation Employee of the Year Award. Winners from the corporation's 23 facilities will gather in Rocky Mount in February for a two day celebration of their accomplishments. During the final banquet, one employee will be selected as the Corporate Employee of the Year. Congratulations Jessica! |
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Autumn Hosts Saluda Business Association
On Tuesday, December 7th, Autumn Care was pleased to host the monthly meeting of the Saluda Business Association.
"Our goal over the past two years has been to create a stronger connection with the local community," said Glenn Pierce, Administrator. According to local realtor Cathy Jackson, the facility has been successful in their efforts.
"You and your staff are to be congratulated on the improvements you have made in integrating the Saluda community and history with Autumn Care. Not only have you done an admiring job with the esthetics of the building but you have changed the attitudes to be more positive and optimistic.....it just feels better there!" Jackson said.
The Saluda Business Association strives to provide information on the beautiful attractions and rich culture of Saluda, North Carolina while working to promote the diverse businesses of our historic mountain town. For more information on the Association, visit their website at
www.saluda.com.
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Pet Therapy Enhances Quality of Life
Initially used in a mental health facility in the 1700's, and then again by the American Red Cross in military convalescent care after World War II, pets as therapeutic partners is a valued approach today in both the physical and psychosocial arenas according to the Animal Health Foundation.
Anyone who has felt a connection with a pet and experienced that unconditional love, understanding, and acceptance, knows the value of a pet's companionship. These qualities make animals ideal therapeutic visitors for residents in our facility.
Autumn Care of Saluda is fortunate to have several pet therapy teams that visit the facility on a regular basis. Marty Odom brings her two therapy dogs Dixie and Rebel to the facility on Mondays, twice a month.
Dr. Chris Patterson, Autumn's attending physician, always brings along Larry on his weekly visits to see residents. Recently Larry has been joined by Mondo, which can be interesting when one gets more attention than the other! Dixie, Rebel, Larry and Mondo have all been through therapy dog school and are certified to assist our residents.
 "Resident's who used to have pets really enjoy the dogs' visits," Joyce Coggins, Activity Director, said. "It's amazing to see how people with advanced stages of dementia will respond to them."
All pets brought into the facility must have all their current immunizations and owners must provide those records to the Activity Department. "We have a lot of residents who still have pets living with other family members," said Coggins. "We are happy for them to visit. Other than the records of their shots, we ask them to follow a few simple rules:
- Pets, especially large dogs, should be kept on a lease at all times for the safety of our residents.
- Owners should be aware of residents, staff and visitors who may be afraid of animals.
- The Health Department requires that animals not be in dining areas when food is being served.
- Please be sure to clean up after your pet.
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We had a White Christmas!
It was a beautiful White Christmas this year, but as always, life at Autumn Care goes on in spite of the weather!
 "We have extensive plans and resources set up for snow just as we do for any other weather event," said Bill Elliott, Maintenance Director. "The only problem with the plan is that I'm the sidewalk shoveller," he added with a smile.
The facility contracts with a local business to clear the parking lot. According to Elliott, they usually call him about preparing to come to the facility before it ever starts snowing. We also contract to have employees transported back and forth to the facility if needed.
Plans include backup power from our two emergency generators, as well as water and medical supply reserves should they be needed.
"The staff take snow in stride," according to Alethea Capps, DON. "They really try to make the best out of stressful times."
You can help during periods of bad weather by limiting phone calls and waiting until the roads clear before trying to visit. That allows us to give all our attention to caring for your loved one. |
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