Carmella “BJ” Williams promised she wouldn’t cry, but her co-workers spotted signs of tears as she accepted recognition for her 25 years of service to Homeland Center.
“Congratulations to all my staff in dietary and for all the teamwork at Homeland,” said the assistant director of nutritional services. “We pull together for the residents.’’
A steady drizzle on the heels of severe thunderstorms earlier in the week was a fitting backdrop as Homeland Center unveiled its new $700,000 emergency generator that will enhance the safety its 145 residents on May 17, 2018.
“We realized we had to, in the best of interest of our residents, become self-sustaining to the greatest degree that we possibly could,’’ said Barry Ramper II, Homeland’s President and CEO during a recent ceremony at Homeland Center in the Chet Henry Pavilion.
“Families trust us to care for their loved ones,’’ Ramper said. “That responsibility guides everything we do.’’
The new 500 kW generator and associated electrical upgrades replace Homeland’s more than 20-year-old generators and is large enough to allow for future expansion of the long-term care facility at its original Fifth Street site in Harrisburg.
Ramper thanked Dauphin County and Harrisburg officials, as well as the Kline Foundation, Wells Foundation and individual donors for the support that made the project possible.
Founded in 1867 and celebrating its 150th anniversary, Homeland is one of the few skilled nursing care facilities in the Central Pennsylvania region to earn the CMS Five-Star rating repeatedly. Homeland also is among only 15 percent of the more than 15,000 facilities nationwide to receive U.S News & World Report Best Nursing Homes 2017-18 – earning a perfect 5.0 rating two years in a row.
“It was great to see that U.S. News and World Report recognized what we all know, that Homeland is a top-notch facility,’’ said Dauphin County Commissioners’ Chairman Jeff Haste, who declared May 17 “Homeland Center Day in Dauphin County.’’
Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse praised Homeland Center not only for the care it provides to its residents but also for its commitment to the neighborhood.
“Homeland committed to staying here and developing here and growing here,’’ said Papenfuse, who supported Homeland’s county grant application.
“This is a wonderful facility, providing such essential and important services to our community,’’ he said. “You all have been the rock of this neighborhood. As we look to the future, we celebrate our long, historical relationship and say ‘thank you’ to Homeland.’’
Resident Phoebe Berner thanked all those whose contributions made the new generator possible, which she said is vital to those who call Homeland home.
“Nothing could be more important than an emergency generator. All we need to do is think of the elevators, three meals a day for 145 residents, heating, the laundry and bathing, not to mention lights, refrigerators and computers,’’ Berner said. “We are more secure and safe than ever, and we thank you very much for your great contribution.’’
In keeping with its goal to meet the region’s needs, Homeland also offers services to help seniors wherever they call home.
Homeland HomeCare assists seniors with daily tasks such as meal preparation and transportation, while Homeland HomeHealth provides doctor-ordered medical assistance, ranging from providing intravenous therapy and other medications to physical therapy. Additionally, Homeland Hospice serves 14 of the midstate’s counties providing compassionate care for patients and families to make the most of their time together.
The new generator is only one of the ways Homeland Center is safeguarding its residents.
Homeland’s planning includes coordination with the county Emergency Management Department, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and the federal Department of Homeland Security. Homeland also is a member of the South Central PA Healthcare Coalition Long Term Care Subcommittee.
The fact that many of Homeland’s 255 staff members live within 10 blocks of the facility is a tremendous asset. Employees can quickly respond to an emergency, even when not on duty. Homeland is prepared to accommodate the staff’s children at the facility to keep personnel on hand around the clock in major emergencies.
Donald Schell, Vice Chair of Homeland Center’s Board of Trustees, said the new generator was essential to meet the facility’s current and future needs. In addition to providing quality care for residents, Schell said Homeland provides needed employment opportunities in uptown Harrisburg and has been a critical part of the neighborhood’s resurgence.
“It’s been exciting to me to see the changes that have occurred in the healthcare industry and be part of Homeland’s success in adjusting and meeting the needs of the people in the community and of our residents,’’ Schell said. “I think Homeland is probably one of the best-kept secrets in Central Pennsylvania.’’
The balloons were colorful and the conversation was lively as waiters and waitresses clad in black circulated among residents in Homeland Center main dining room, offering such delicacies as crab cakes, lobster rolls, sirloin tip pipettes and edible bruschetta spoons.
“There was a vast array of food and I enjoyed everything, but especially the lobster rolls,” said Doris Coyne, 98, a four-year resident of the home. “The preparation was elegant; the food was delicious. All of the events here are special, but this is even more so because of the age of the institution.”
The event, held on May 4, 2018, was the culmination of a year celebrating Homeland Center’s 150th anniversary. The year kicked off with a fund-raising gala at the Harrisburg Hilton on May 7, 2017. All proceeds went to the benevolent fund, which has made it possible for Homeland to continue its tradition of never asking a resident to leave due to financial difficulties.
Many residents, however, were not able to attend the gala, so donor John M. Arnold made a generous donation that allowed not only a party but a host of activities over the past year. Residents were involved every step of the way, voting on the activities they wanted, said volunteer Kelly Lick.
The result was an exciting list: a trip to New York City to see The Lion King on Broadway and a trip to the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater to see the musical Pippin; also a visit by members of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, a fish fry, a casino event, a barbecue, and a new Blu-ray player for the library.
They also insisted that their families should partake of the end-of-year gala.
“Every resident loves where they are,’’ said Lick, a volunteer and former member of Homeland’s Board of Managers. “They are happy they get to celebrate in their home.”
Phoebe Berner, a member of the residents’ committee working on the Gala planning, said she was thrilled when members of the symphony, including music director Stuart Malina, came to play.
“They gave us a lovely afternoon,’’ Berner said. “The selections were perfect for this group.”
Resident Lorraine Englander said she has become fascinated by the history of the home, which was chartered in 1867 by 18 women from nine churches as a refuge for Civil War widows and orphans. As the children grew up and the women aged, the home started focusing on helping seniors.
Still located on its original Fifth Street site, Homeland offers personal and skilled care and rehabilitation services. A special unit provides a supportive environment to help those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
In keeping with its mission to meet the region’s needs, Homeland also established services to help seniors remain in their home while receiving the quality care they require. Homeland HomeCare provides an array of individualized services to meet the personal needs while ensuring safety in the home. Homeland HomeHealth provides at-home medical treatment that can be more comfortable, convenient and just as effective as care received in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Homeland Hospice serves 14 of the midstate’s counties offering compassionate care to patients and families faced with life-limiting illness.
Englander, who has lived at Homeland for five years, said she tries to read everything she can about its history.
“It’s a fascinating story when you think about how many years they were here and how many thousands of people they have served,” Englander said. “I sincerely enjoy it here. Everybody is so friendly. This is my second family.”
Added Berner with a smile: “We’re all very spoiled now. We’re always spoiled here.”
People living with cognitive and language impairment have difficulty finding the right words as well as recalling recent events. Sometimes the words are on the tip of their tongue but remain elusive. This situation can create frustration and embarrassment.
But help is available. Speech-language pathologists evaluate and treat cognitive-communication disorders associated with dementia, stroke, mild cognitive impairment, head injury and other conditions.
At Homeland Center, we create personalized memory books to help residents communicate. These tools can foster meaningful use of language, spark memories and allow people living with impairment to engage in activities on their own and with a wide range of others.
More than 50 residents have participated in our speech therapy program to create memory books.
Memory books are written using a resident’s own words. They tell the story of the person’s early years and can focus on his or her present life. People usually have better long-term recollection than short-term memory. They might not remember that they just ate lunch, but they can tell you the name of their first-grade teacher.
In addition to the books, memory aids can include labels, personalized daily schedules, safety signs and prompts, photos and reminder cards for appointments. These tools not only aid meaningful conversation but also can spur reminiscences, bringing comfort and often a smile.
Memory aids are an essential part of daily living and safety. They can help orient a person, answer common questions that arise and provide needed reminders. When residents can communicate their wants and needs to loved ones and caregivers, they avoid becoming confused, anxious and frustrated.
Memory aids help those with cognitive and language impairment to:
• Reminisce about people and events.
• Participate in group activities.
• Remember important names, places and appointments.
• Complete daily activities and tasks unassisted.
• Engage in meaningful conversation and social interaction.
• Recall hobbies, achievements, favorite songs and recipes.
• Avoid challenging behaviors.
• Preserve their dignity and identity.
Memory books are just one tool to help with cognitive communication problems. Speech-language pathologists work closely with physicians, family members, nurses and activities staffers to treat each individual’s communication and memory deficiency needs.
Homeland Center’s two speech-language pathologists also assess and treat problems with swallowing related to aging, injury and illness.
May is Better Hearing and Speech month and a perfect time to contact us and see how we can help your loved one!
For questions about memory books or speech-language pathology, please contact Mandy Cheskis, MS CCC-SLP, or Jessica Cunningham, MS CCC-SLP. They are in the Therapy Department and can be reached at 717-221-7900, extension 2164.
Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis is in the building!
Homeland Center residents, staff, and guests were treated to the musical sounds – and shaking hips – of Elvis Presley impersonator Brad Crum, on a Friday afternoon in April.
Dressed in a sky-blue suit studded with rhinestones and dripping with chains, Crum sang an array of favorites made popular by the King of Rock ‘n Roll. Just like Elvis, he would drape a scarf around his neck, serenade a lovely lady in the crowd, and end by draping the scarf around her neck.
Audience members tapped their toes to “Suspicious Lies” and “Rollin’ on the River.” They swooned to “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” and “Teddy Bear.” A few melodies came from Elvis Presley’s movie career, such as the title song to 1961’s “Blue Hawaii.” Some of the songs were covers from other artists that Elvis performed in his lifetime, like Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” and the Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody.”
While Elvis strolled the room, residents and staff enjoyed another cool treat – ice cream sundaes dished out by Homeland staff. The sundae bar choices included chocolate, caramel, and strawberry syrup, sprinkles in all flavors and colors, and whipped cream. Residents could even have a banana split if they liked.
Crum drew laughter and applause when he employed all the classic Elvis moves – hips swiveling, shoulders shaking, hand outstretched. He did have to apologize, though, for not dropping to the floor, Elvis-style.
“I can’t do that move because I just got my knee replaced,” Crum confessed. But he expects the move to be back in his repertoire in time for Elvis’ many summertime gigs.
After a few tunes, Crum told the crowd filling the Homeland Main Dining Room that he would sing a few of the gospel songs that Elvis recorded. To appreciative applause, he said, “I kind of thought you would like that.” The set included “Mansion Over the Hilltop” and “Crying in the Chapel,” a number-one hit from 1965.
Concluding the gospel set, Crum encouraged the crowd, “Everybody help to sing this one because I know you know it.” Then he sang the familiar words of “Amazing Grace,” as residents did, indeed, sing along.
As his hour was ending, Crum said his last song was one that few Elvis impersonators close with, “but I’m going to do it, anyway,” he said. Then he performed a full-throated rendition of “I’m So Hurt to Think that You Lied to Me.”
Resident Irene Gohrig snagged a moment of conversation between songs with Crum, telling him about her memories of Elvis.
“When I was a young girl, I used to go to the concerts that he had,” she said. “I was in high school.” All the girls were screaming and squealing, and “I was just like the other kids,” she said.
While Elvis shocked some of the older generations of the 1950s, Irene’s parents “heard a lot about him, too, so they thought he was okay. When I was in high school, everything was Elvis.”
Crum, she added, “is terrific.”
Crum has been an Elvis impersonator for 18 years. He started because, he said, “My wife requested it.” At the time, he had a band named East Coast Invasion. He was drummer and lead singer, a gig he had for 36 years, playing songs from various bands including Queen and Boston.
Then his wife asked him to sing Elvis songs outside her gift shop, “to bring all the ladies in, and that’s how it started.”
His costume – one of eight in his Elvis wardrobe – cost $2,200 when he bought it, and the price today is around $3,200. Meticulously crafted, it came from Indiana-based B&K Enterprises.
“If you ever saw the movie ‘3,000 Miles to Graceland,’ they made those suits,” he said, evoking images of Kevin Costner and Kurt Russell resplendent in their Elvis attire. “They’re the best.”
Crum, of Halifax, said he loves singing in retirement communities. They are places where many audience members, just like Irene, have memories of seeing Elvis in person. “Some of them even have scarves,” he said.
The power of Elvis Presley’s music is uplifting, especially for those from the Elvis generation, Crum said.
“People can relate to it,” he said. “It brings them right back to where they were when they first heard it. It’s good stuff.”
Korea. Honolulu. Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Yuma, Arizona. El Centro, California. Arlington, Virginia. Carlisle. Six elementary schools. Three high schools.
Homeland resident Polly Myers saw the USA and beyond, even before she graduated from high school. Her father, a West Point graduate, was a career Army engineer whose assignments took the family around the globe.
Through it all, Polly made friends and learned to adjust. Polly, who came to Homeland in 2014 and has served on the Board of Managers, said she loves Homeland’s warm and attentive atmosphere.
“Everyone is friendly,’’ said Polly, who is in the Skilled Care wing. “The staff cares, and it shows.’’
It was while studying economics at Wellesley College that Polly suddenly became a Central Pennsylvania resident.
While planning a trip home to Arlington, she received a call telling her that her parents were now living in Carlisle. It proved a fateful move: during another break, an acquaintance introduced her to Bob Myers, the man she would marry.
“He was a charmer,” she said. “Bob and I just had a good time.” One night, they met in New York, where she raged about a speaker at school who said that businesses shouldn’t hire women. In response, Bob said, “I have a job in mind for you. Taking care of me.”
Back among her Wellesley friends, a heated debate ensued. Was Polly engaged or not? Some thought yes. Some thought no.
“Bob called later that night and said he told his parents he was engaged,” said Polly. “So, then I decided it really was a proposal.”
They married days after Polly graduated. It was the beginning of quite a journey. They bought a home in Camp Hill, learning the night of settlement that Bob’s great-grandfather had built it. While their three children were still young, he was diagnosed with a form of bone marrow cancer and given only a few years to live.
At the same time, Polly’s best friend, Joanne Wickersham, was fighting breast cancer. Joanne’s son-in-law played for the NFL’s Houston Oilers, and the team doctor got her an appointment at a top treatment center in Houston. Polly sat with her friend through chemo. When she saw the advanced care provided there, she thought that maybe they could help her husband.
Bob would go on to beat cancer. Joanne did not. One night, during an impromptu visit, Joanne’s home-care nurse asked Polly to hold Joanne while she changed the sheets. Polly apologized to Joanne, saying she knew how much it would hurt.
“She looked at me and said, ‘You never could hurt me,’” Polly recalled, her voice choking with emotion.
“I pulled her to me, and she died. The nurse said that she felt free to go because I was holding her.”
Bob, a lawyer, entered politics after his cancer diagnosis. As a Democrat, he had lost a close race for district attorney. Then, party officials asked him to run for Congress, believing that President Lyndon B. Johnson would sweep back into office and pull in Democrats on his coattails.
“That’s fine,” said Polly, “but I don’t think LBJ is going to run again.” She was right, and Bob lost by 10,000 votes. When a state Senate seat opened, he finally got his term in office, serving in the state’s upper chamber from 1974 to 1976.
“He loved it,” she said of her husband, who died in 1993. “He was so good at it.”
As a family, with their son and two daughters, they vacationed at the beach and in the mountains. Now with seven grandchildren, Polly enjoys watching football and college basketball. At Homeland, she made a dear friend in former dietitian Paula Barker. Every other Thursday, Paula makes a meal using recipes Polly finds and they eat together at Homeland’s classic 1950s-style diner.
“I realize how lucky I’ve been,” she said. “I’m just comfortable here.”
1901 North Fifth Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
717-221-7900
GPS:
1924 N. 6th Street
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2300 Vartan Way, Suite 270
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Hospice: 717-221-7890
HomeHealth: 717-412-0166
HomeCare: 717-221-7892
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