Happenings at Prairie Pointe

Image
Body

We have always been germ conscious at Prairie Pointe, and keeping our residents flu free the past four years was no accident.

It helps that we are a pretty healthy bunch to begin with. A healthy diet and regular exercise as well as socialization helps keep a body and spirits in shape.

Nonetheless, due to the COVID-19 virus, Prairie Pointe has elected to err on the side of caution and we have implemented some strict (and hopefully temporary) social distancing guidelines for our residents and staff.

Entrance to the building is no longer available from the east or west halls or the service entrance.

Upon entering the Main Entrance, you must sanitize your hands, complete a questionnaire, have your temperature taken and your feet and legs sprayed with Lysol.

We are also limiting non-medical visitors. Families and friends have been requested NOT to visit. Items for residents at Prairie Pointe may be dropped at the front door.

Basically, we are sheltering in place with only staff coming and going who, likewise, are taking extra precautions in their own daily lives away from Prairie Pointe.

I just spoke with Tammy Barrett at Stroud Hospital. They have closed the front entrance to the hospital and employees are now parking in the visitor parking area between the hospital and the clinic.

Visitors and ER patients must use the ER entrance where they have set up a screening station much like we have at Prairie Pointe - hand sanitizing, temperature, questionnaire.

What can you do? It’s pretty simple.

1. Avoid crowds. Stay home if you can.

2. Wash your hands before you leave home and as soon as you return.

3. Get plenty of rest.

4. Eat healthy and exercise, outdoors in the sunshine if possible.

5. Stay connected with family and friends.

6. If you have a fever, headache, cough, shortness of breath or vomiting, contact your physician.

Stroud is blessed with many excellent doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners. I am sure they will welcome your calls.

Ed Dyer, Administrator of the Stroud Hospital tells me our hospital stands ready to serve our community and provide care through the duration of this evolving public health threat.

Persons identified as potential cases of COVID-19 will be provided appropriate medical care.

However, the Emergency Room is NOT a wellness visit site or a COVID-19 testing facility.

If you have no symptoms, they cannot test for the virus.

Please do not overwhelm the ER with non-emergent situations. Remember, the ER must still be available for car accidents and other injuries and illnesses.

Ed also shared a website you might want to visit: https://experience.arcgis.com.

This site is updated hourly with a number count of the positive cases of the virus in Oklahoma and a map showing the affected counties.

As of 11:00 a.m. Monday, there were NO reported cases in Lincoln County.

Tillie Absher ‘s 96th Birthday party was cancelled as well as our Red Cross Blood Drive that was scheduled for last Monday.

We have also cancelled the Bret Graham concert that was coming up on Wednesday, March 25 .

The jury is out on whether we will be allowed to have Hair Day with Peggy but something tells me there might be rioting in the halls if not.

That reminds me of the old Saturday Night Live skit line “It’s better to look good, that to feel good.”

Sunday Church Services at Prairie Pointe were led by resident Wirt Trawick. Wirt has been a deacon, elder, Sunday School teacher and Chairman of the Board for the First Christian Church.

Beverley Graham led singing while Rae Bland played the piano and Helen Arrington played the organ.

We also included a memorial service for former resident Betty Thorsen.

Eulogies written by Betty’s best friend, Ruth Wheeler of Chandler, and her son, Kevin Thorsen, who lives in California, were shared with the group.

Betty was remembered for her beautiful penmanship, her love of God , family and friends along with Betty Davis’ famous quote which she used daily “Getting old ain’t for sissies!”

Teri Fuchs of Davenport has shared a collection of letters former Prairie Pointe resident Bill Provines saved from Mrs. Smith’s 3rd Grade Class, circa 1994.

Bill was the Mayor at the time and the children were telling him what they envisioned for the City of Davenport.

Bill wasn’t a real sentimental fellow but he must have thought these letters were pretty special.

Ashley Davis promoted recycling. Leana Wion and Jamie Burgess would have liked a petting zoo added in Davenport. Brittany McElroy thought Davenport needed an animal clinic, a swimming pool and a little sports store for guys and girls. Jessie Walker and Jacob thought a video arcade wouldbe nice and it was almost unanimous that better roads by the school were needed.

Bill was a Christian, and he had no fear of death.

On the day of his accident he and I had had a conversation that morning. I asked him about his longevity and he told me he had lived a long life, a good life, and he had no desire to live to be 100.

To lighten our mood, we have challenged residents to come up with the corniest joke.

My contribution comes from Reader’s Digest: A chicken just told me her top three favorite composers of all time were Bach, Bach, Bach.

And, my oldie but goodie: Do you know why you never see a dead crow in the road? Because there is always one sitting on the fence going Caw, Caw, Caw.

We have also put out several of our many jigsaw puzzles.

Again, my source is Reader’s Digest, and an article entitled “The Genius Section” tells how jigsaw puzzles aren’t just for fun.

They can also relieve anxiety, especially when you put them together.

Our mission is to prove that theory.

My granddaughter, Lydia True of OKC, was here for the weekend and she sure missed corning in to see her special friend, Foxy, Pomeranian dog-daughter of resident Phil Johnson.

Lydia attends kindergarten at Cassidy School in Oklahoma City. Her class is currently learning “ life skills” which Gaga put to good practice at the laundry.

Five year olds can be pretty good little sweepers.

Well, that’s about it at “The Pointe” for this week.

Stay calm, stay home, wash your hands and enjoy a slower pace of life.

Remember: This too shall pass.