Friday, April 1, 2011

INVOLVEMENT



On Tuesday, March 29, CEO John Cochrane visited Windsor Manor to give the residents and staff further information on changing the name of "SCPH" to the "be.group". The revision is aimed toward attaining a broader appeal to people nearing retirement age. Often, in a person’s perception, the idea of moving to one of our facilities is limited due to the word “Presbyterian”, when in actuality people of all faiths are welcome. The word “Manor” carries different connotations to various age groups. To those of us past a certain age, it’s a comforting, nurturing word; to younger folks, evidently it  describes an “old folks’ home”.

The median age of people entering retirement facilities has risen in the past few years. From age 72 in years past to the current average age of 85. The hope is that an appeal can go out to people younger in age, coveying the idea that a retirement home can provide a higher quality of living than might be had when people stay in their own homes into their later years. One can continue to be active in the outer world while enjoying the conveniences offered by a complex such as ours, where the living arrangement offers a finer socialization experience than can be had by people continuing to live an increasingly solitary life in their individual home.

Everyone will agree that in general, customer service in this day and age is greatly lacking. (Think of the last time you needed help from a telephone company) At Windsor Manor this is not the case and we offer a shining exception where caring, sincere service is the standard. We’re well ahead of the norm in that area as well as in the modern appearance exemplified by our bright, well-lighted facility with its up-to-date decor.

When fielding questions from the residents at the end of his talk, Mr. Cochrane admitted that our dining chairs are not likely to be replaced in the near future if for no other reason than that they don’t look like institutional chairs. And he vowed that he’ll bring butter to our tables. (Jeanette added that there is butter in the kitchen now; one simply has to request it. Who knew?)

On the same day, we heard from a man who ministers to the homeless while walking through town pulling with him a large cross. And as if that wasn't enough for one day, we had the pleasure of listening to an Irish trio.


We weren't too tired to tap our feet to the lively music. 
It was a group we'd like to hear again one of these days.


The next day we returned to our task of photographing and interviewing new residents for the directory. Nancy and her companion, Dulcinea, were our subjects and Mr. Bob was delighted to befriend the bird.


This evening we took the partially completed Staff Directory to the dining room and after supper, the servers gathered around to look. I think it's going to be a success when we complete it. 


I've been neglecting doing my part in the library, but will try to rectify that; meanwhile since no one else was volunteering to carry out a television channel survey, we found ourselves taking on that job. We didn't mean to get this busy. What's come over us?

4 comments:

  1. If LaVona and I and our grandchildren came to your place around suppertime, could we also get butter from the kitchen?

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  2. All you'd need is a meal ticket.

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  3. So does that mean the new blog name will be "benisms"?
    Tim

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  4. No, I don't think I'll change it. I thought of Be-Attitudes, but I think it'll stay Manorisms.

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