Weekly Update June 14, 2024
June 14, 2024
To: Solheim Employees, Residents, Family Members and Stakeholders
From: Sam Oden, CEO of Solheim Senior Community
This coming Thursday, June 20th marks the longest day of the year: The Summer Solstice and the first day of Summer! As the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt toward the Sun, we are alive, refreshed, renewed, energized; all that good, warm, rich stuff we feel in the sun. As a reminder, Solheim’s name is derived from the Norwegian term: Sun Home! I believe our founders knew the power the sun has to inspire us to get outside, to feel alive, to be moving and celebrating! We continue to shine and support our residents every way we can, and I encourage you to get outside and bask in the warmth of the sun during these upcoming summer months.
Summer weather is here – so I’d like to take a moment to remind you hydration is very important! Drinking enough water each day is crucial for many reasons: water helps to regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. Being well-hydrated also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood. To help facilitate healthy water consumption habits, we have hydration stations throughout campus that are stocked with tasty fruit-infused water. Enjoy!
I’m pleased to announce that at our Annual Meeting of the Corporation this past Sunday, we welcomed aboard several new Board Members (and a couple returning after a break): Fred Garcia, Ken Kallman, CL Keedy, III, Eddie Magardomyan, Pastor Garry Mohr, Tom Cox and Joe Johnson. We’re also thankful to have Paul Egge, Bob Gerringer and Robert Menzies each returning for another term. Solheim’s Board of Directors is voted in by delegates from our ELCA church congregations, and the Board helps to shape and guide Solheim’s direction as an organization and a community. I am personally very thankful for their dedication to Solheim.
As we mentioned at yesterday’s Resident Town Hall meeting, we are making a change in our Housekeeping as it relates to towels. Fresh towels will be delivered during your regular bi-weekly apartment cleaning in our Residential and Assisted living campus. Of course, should you need towels outside of the regularly scheduled cleaning, please reach out to your nursing station, they’d be happy to assist you. For those residents who have their own personal towels, this change will not affect you. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the front desk, and Erica Tamayo or Meg Pierce will be happy to address them.
As I mentioned last week we have 2 opportunities for our community to participate. Solheim is partnering with Huntington Hospital to host their Blood Mobile on site on June 19th from 9am to 3:30pm in our Health Center parking lot. This fantastic opportunity will be open to all staff as well as members of our greater community! Please contact Lesia McKenzie to schedule your donation appointment at lmckenzie@solheimsenior.org.
Plan to take advantage of our upcoming “Community Shredding Event,” which will be held on Friday June 21st from 9am to Noon (or until the truck is full). Any residents who have items to shred should feel free to reach out directly to Ashley Brayman for help with coordinating pick up. This event is also open to all staff, residents and our greater community and will be held in our Health Center parking lot.
Masks are strongly recommended for visitors. Staff are no longer required to wear a mask in the Health Center/Skilled Nursing campus. All Solheim visitors and staff members must continue to conduct self-screening for symptoms of possible COVID-19 infection prior to entry.
If you have any specific questions, please direct them to Tina Antypas at 323-257-7518 X225 or tantypas@solheimsenior.org.