Five Useful Tips for the New Year

Are a senior citizen or a caregiver? Check out these five organization tips brought to you by UMH. Get a fresh start in 2015!

1. Make Your Home Spic and Span

When there is too much clutter around, trips and falls are likely to happen. Remove unnecessary and large objects like furniture from your walking path to reduce the risk. Always maintain a clear walkway. While clearing your kitchen, start from removing the unused appliances from the countertops, organize cabinets and clear out the refrigerator and pantry of expired food.

2. Check Medication Expiration Dates

One of the most common practices in homes nowadays is mixing the old prescription drugs with the new one that may pose potentially dangerous health hazards. Liquid antibiotics and dugs comprised of organic ingredients needs to be safely discarded. Also make sure you store these medications in a cool, dark and dry place such as on a shelf in a closet or a kitchen cabinet, and store it in an airtight plastic container. 

3. Put an Emergency Plan in Place

Do you have important numbers on speed dial in case of an emergency such as a burglary, fall or other unexpected accidents? Have your phone programmed with emergency contact info.

If you reside in an assisted living community, give yourself a reminder lesson on your community’s emergency response system.

4. Monitor Your Fire Extinguisher, Smoke Alarm System and Emergency Kit

Occasionally test your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms to ensure batteries are fresh and operational. Every home should have at least two handheld fire extinguishers. The kitchen is an ideal place to leave one.

Emergency kits should be restocked in Winter and Spring. Make sure they include: a flashlight, extra batteries, thermometer, scissors, tape, bandages, allergy and digestive medications, antibiotic ointment, wound dressings, a current medication list and emergency contact list complete with names and phone numbers of family or friends.

5. Avoid Injury

Seniors with compromised strength or mobility should avoid doing household chores which may be a real hardship.  Never move furniture or heavy without any ones help.  Don’t stand on a chair, table or ladder to clean hard to reach areas. Try using cordless cleaning tools and lightweight equipment to avoid causing injury.

United Methodist Homes of NJ

At all UMH assisted living communities there are frequent safety checks to ensure residents’ homes are both safe and clean. If you are interested in learning more assisted living at UMH, visit www.umh-nj.org.

In Honor of Pitman Manor Resident Mildred Nicholson Bell

At the age of 108 ½, Mildred Nicholson Bell peacefully passed away last week. Born in Pitman, NJ on July 31, 1906, she proudly described herself as a “Pitmanite through and through.” 

Mildred had many wonderful memories about growing up in Pitman such as attending the annual New Year’s Day Mummer Parade in nearby Philadelphia and Missionary Society functions. Her family belonged to the local Baptist church.

Mildred married Ralph in 1928 and they became active members of the Pitman United Methodist Church. After that, Mildred joined the Order of the Eastern Star Pitman Chapter #57. Later, the couple welcomed a son and a daughter. Most of the time, Mildred’s role was a stay-at-home mom and an active volunteer.

Everyone at Pitman Manor including her home from 2004 to last week agreed that Mildred was one of the most positive people they had ever met. With a cheerful and optimistic outlook disposition, she cherished every day. Mildred loved all her friends at Pitman Manor, participating in all activities and involving in crocheting, knitting and playing cards.

As a 106th birthday present, Pitman Mayor Russ Johnson declared July 31, 2012 as “Mildred Bell Day” in the borough. Additionally, the Gloucester County Freeholders sent a letter to Pitman Manor declaring the day in her honor throughout all of Gloucester County as well. Her name and birthday greeting graced the marquis of the Broadway Theater in Pitman. The following year, the Order of the Eastern Star Pitman Chapter #57 gave Mildred the Golden Token, an 85 years of service pin — the first of its kind in New Jersey and most likely within the entire Eastern Star organization.

Several years ago, Rev. Dr. Lanie B. Price, former pastor of the Pitman United Methodist Church recalled, “One day while visiting her at Pitman Manor she said to me, ‘You know pastor, this is the best decision we ever made. A friend I went to kindergarten with moved in last month. We’ve been having the best time together, walking in the halls, going down to dinner together. Where else could I have found this atmosphere?’ ” I said to her, “Mrs. Bell, I don’t know anywhere else you could walk down the halls and eat with your friend from kindergarten, especially at 103!”

Mildred is survived by her daughter-in-law, four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and three great great-grandchildren. She is already greatly missed by associates, residents and friends of Pitman Manor.

United Methodist Homes Pitman Manor is more than an assisted living community.  Our outstanding team of care givers and our residents are a tight knit family and recipients of the Courier-Post Reader’s Choice 2014 Best Assisted Living Community in South Jersey. To find out more about Pitman Manor visit us at http://www.pitman-manor.umh-nj.org/.