JANUARY 2016

Mercy Living Plus201 8th Avenue, S.E., Oelwein, Iowa

E-mail: susanschneider@wfhc.org

Family Christmas PartyAs the residents gather with their families for our

Christmas party we see the excitement in the faces of

the residents. What fun it is to bring families together

with music, gifts, and the man in the red suit.

Olde Tyme Christmas FloatMercy Hospital/Mercy Living Plus participated in many community activities during Olde Tyme Christmas in Oelwein. Decorating a tree, sponsoring the Polar Bear that walked through the streets, making a wreath, and building a lighted float for the parade. This year’s theme was “A Storybook Christmas.” A float was designed to represent a Charlie Brown Christmas. The float took first place as staff came together to build a fun and entertaining float for all to enjoy.

Games We PlayA new game this Chrismas is called “Pie in the Face” and the residents wanted to have some fun with it. So we purchased the game and the residents and staff had a great time as the laughter sounded throughout the halls. The pictures tell it all!

Thank You for all that you do for us. We appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness.

Jewelry for Bingo Prizes – Mercy Hospital AuxiliaryChristmas Gifts – Denise LindemannMonetary Donation and Christmas Decorations – Charles MichelChristmas Caroling – Hazleton United NeighborsChristmas Candy– Shirley TheobaldBox of Fruit – Marjorie Haar FamilyBoard Games – Jeff OhlChristmas Cards – Parent Share and Support, Middle School Husky Adventures, Beth and John KerrHats – Helen HillmanHats and Mittens– Staff, Families, and FriendsGifts to the Residents – Wings Park After School ProgramCraft – Girl Scout Troop Pauline Henning – CalendarsPainted Santa Glasses – Tammy Canfield“Country” and “Reminisce” Magazines – Norma and Coral RobinsonCandy – Family of Richard Furleigh, Oelwein High School CheerleadersCookies – Maple Crest, Ramona Menuey Family

Music & Entertainment: Dave Poggenklass, Wings 4th Grade Reading Friends, Jack Freeman, Jim Kinney, Larry Crow, Harry Ebbeson, Nancy Hooten, Mary Grimm, Carol Popham, Arlene and Bob Miehe, St. Croix Hospice, Little Husky Kindergartners, Kimberly Pont, Auxiliary Love Light Ceremony, Girl Scout Troop, Steve Bradley – Santa

Carnations for Birthday Party: Buds ‘n Blossoms

Spiritual Services: Carol Hamilton, Father Paul McManus, Chaplain Denise Lindemann, Anna Mary Harrington, Rose Moser, Linda Jensen, Pastor Connie Markle, Pastor Jacob Shinn, Pastor John Kerr

Piano Playing for Church Services: Kimberly Pont and Beth Kerr

Volunteer Services: Candy Kiel, Joey Gonzales, Joe and Colleen Bovy, Randy McQueen, Arlene and Bob Miehe, Brenda Kaltenbach

Live Nativity – Church Service Volunteers: Bryce Shinn, John Shinn, William Shinn, Abigail Shinn, Joanna Davis, Brett Davis, Olivia Davis, Kyler Wooten, Karlee Wooten, Elizabeth Recker, Jason Recker, Caleb Duffy, Robert Duffy, Kaylee Duffy, Nathan and Olivia Duffy

Welcome to Mercy Living Plus:Joann Ries, Margaret Cook, Mary Reisner

Farewell and Best Wishes:Mary Reisner

Our Sympathies to the Family of:Polly Bellmer and Raymond Michels

January BirthdaysGeraldine Kuhens, Dorlin Moeller, Katherine Koch, Donna Guenther

Staff Anniversaries 18 Years Kim Jensen 14 Years Judy Wilson 16 Years Annette Turner 4 Years Amanda Passet

Family ServicesRecently there has been a lot of news coverage about our state changing its Medicaid program to a case management model. You or your loved ones may have recently received a booklet that included a request to choose between one of four new case management companies.

At this point the program will be starting January 1, 2016. It is such a large change and will be so new that lots of questions are being asked. Most of the information is limited. However, we do know that you will be receiving an additional Medicaid card form the chosen case management company. You will need to keep this as well as your current Medicaid.

You will get a second insurance card from one of the following companies:

AmerigroupUnited HealthcareAmeriHealth CaritasWellCare

Please bring your NEW card to the Nurses’ Station. We will make a copy.

You may change your provider for any reason within 90 days of your initial welcome letter. You can contact Iowa Medicaid Member Services Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. toll free at 1-800-338-8366 to answer questions.

Dorsey Herman, Patient Financial Advocate and Angie McGhee, Family Services, are also available to answer questions.

Secret SantaThe staff had a great time as they gave the residents a special gift. Names

were drawn and gifts were bought. It was fun to see the smiles and the visiting among the staff and the residents as they enjoyed opening the gift together.

Bear Hugs

Residents enjoyed a hug from the Polar Bear as he got ready to make an appearance downtown at “Olde Tyme Christmas!” The smiles tell it all!

Wings Park School 4th Grade FriendsOur 4th Grade Readers entertained us with some Christmas Carols. The residents enjoy seeing them each month.

Mitten TreeWe had over 100 Mittens, Hats and Gloves for the children of Sacred Heart School. With the cold weather upon us, the mittens and hats will help keep them warm.

Care Gram-Dixie DuffyYou have shown service excellence by reflecting our Mission, Vision, and Values by making a difference with the residents at Mercy Living Plus. Residents state, “Dixie is

friendly, reliable, and johnny on the spot. Dixie does a very thorough job and is knowledgable in her work. Dixie is always busy doing something and doing it with a smile and sense of humor.”

News from SueWhat a busy December we have had! I want to thank all the Carolers that came up every weekend. The residents enjoyed their music so much. A big thank you to the Oelwein High School Cheerleaders for their Christmas Cheer! Sporting a Santa hat all the residents have pictures hung up in the dining area for the season. What beautiful smiles and faces you will see! Something new this year was a large Christmas tree in the dining area, the residents enjoyed the tree. A big thank you to Bob Miehe for giving us the opportunity to listen to some beautiful organ music at supper time. It makes the meals so special. We enjoyed playing “Sock It to Me Bingo” as the residents enjoy the Christmas Socks they received. This year along with the socks they had some jewelry from the Mercy Auxiliary to win to. “It was just like Christmas”, one of the residents stated! We took part in the lighting ceremony of the Love Lights. What a beautiful sight to see the star shine! The sounds of a harp playing, brings you back to many memories and touches the hearts of everyone. A special thank you to Barb Roberson for the wonderful sounds of Christmas.

What is more fitting at Christmas Time but a Nativity Scene portrayed by some of the staff grandchildren, A choir made up of Community Volunteers and residents, family and friends here to take part in our Special Church Service held by Chaplain Denise Lindemann. This was the true meaning of Christmas!

“Go Hawkeyes, Happy New Year”! Starting 2016 we will have a Comedy/Magician entertain us on Thursday, January 7 and Music with the Thorn and the Rose on the 14. We are excited to bring some new entertainment to the New Year! Fontana Nature Center will be here to build a snowman. During National Activity Professionals Week we will be celebrating with some fun as we have a Polar Plunge with games and fun! We have enjoyed trips to the William Center with the great entertainment provided. Another great year of Activities is being planned. We are wishing you a Very Happy New Year!

– Sue Schneider and Yvette Shinn

Colleen Nabholz, CNA RetirementColleen will begin her retirement on December 27. She has worked at Mercy Living Plus for 12 years. Her plans are to move to Eden Prairie, Minnesota to be close to family and enjoy the grandkids. We will miss her smile, laughter, and wit. Congratulations and good luck on your retirement.