Director’s Update
By Beth Lay
Nya:wëh Sgë:nö’,
I hope you are well and enjoying spring. In April, we celebrated the retirement of Trish Patterson and Karen Bucktooth, two dedicated and valuable staff members at AOA. We will miss them greatly and wish them well in their retirement. Ja:goh!
We continue to work diligently towards reopening our elder centers and hope to begin a carefully planned, phased re-opening of our congregate dining services soon. We are developing new safety protocols, enhancing our cleaning procedures, training our staff, and acquiring new thermal scanners and personal protective equipment. Also, new UV air filtration has been installed into our HVAC systems. We are doing everything that we can to provide a safe and comfortable environment for our elders. As vaccines become more widely available, I encourage everyone to get vaccinated to protect yourselves and our community.
It’s a beautiful time of year to be active and spend time outside. If you do venture outdoors for walks or yard work, please remember to be safe and careful. Carry your phone or let someone know what you are doing or where you are headed. You are important to us and to your families.
We hope to see you soon! In the meantime, stay safe and stay well.
Reusable Meal Trays
Soon the Seneca Nation AOA will make an exciting change in the trays used for most of our home delivered meals. We will replace the tray you now throw away with a re-usable tray. These trays will be easier to open, will keep your food warm longer, and are eco-friendly. Re-usable trays also mean supply savings and less waste.
These handsome, easy-opening trays will be collected upon the next day’s delivery. They should be rinsed out and given to your driver for return to the kitchen for sterilization. You may microwave them, but do not put them in the oven. Remember, your driver cannot leave another meal without picking up a rinsed tray and lid from the day before.
We hope you will enjoy the re-usable trays! If you have any questions, please call our kitchen staff in Cattaraugus or Allegany.
How to Recharge as a Caregiver
If you are a caregiver, you’re probably accustomed to feeling overwhelmed. Medication schedules, cooking meals and keeping track of your loved one’s finances are just a few things you currently juggle every day. It’s important not to lose yourself in the process of taking care of someone else.
So, here are a few tips to take a short amount of time every day to do something that recharges your batteries and gives you some relief.
Take Time for Yourself – You already have plenty on your plate — it’s okay to say no sometimes. This could be declining an invitation to dinner on a stressful day, asking to reschedule a visit with family, or even making arrangements for alone time. Having some quiet time to yourself can reduce your stress, leaving you feeling rejuvenated.
Eat Healthy and Exercise – You don’t have to be a gym rat or a gourmet chef to improve your overall physical health. Having a balanced diet can be as simple as choosing more fruits and vegetables and limiting portion size. If you are able, take more walks, stretch daily, and drink more water. Your physical health is important to both you and your loved ones.
Stay Organized – Don’t get overwhelmed by all of the information you’re in charge of. There are many different planners, apps, and online tools that can help you keep on track of your to-do’s. Find what system works best for you and your loved one, keep copies of important documents and contacts, and make sure other people know how to access important information.
Remember, You’re a Care Hero – You took on a new role, without any formal training, and you make a positive impact on your loved one’s life every day. Some days are harder than others. Some days are more fulfilling than others. But no matter what, you show up and give your loved one the best care possible. You are resilient, patient, and compassionate beyond belief. We are impressed by what you do every day, thank you.
Source: www.tailoredcare.com
