January 2012 Newsletter
2012 Caregiver Conference
We are returning to Christ the King Church on March 23, 2012 for our 17th Annual Caregiver Conference and hope you will join us. The day is sure to be filled with education, good food and great entertainment featuring keynote speaker John Curley. John Curley is the former host of Evening Magazine, honored with numerous regional Emmy Awards and the Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Journalism. His topic,"Stress, Bad Choices and the Brain: An Iron-clad Formula for Success in Difficult Times" is sure to delight and inspire his audience. For more information please go to our Events page. Hope to see you there!
Christian Health Care Center Hires Reis-El Bara as Administrator
Catherine Reis-El Bara recently joined Christian Health Care Center (CHCC) as administrator of the nonprofit skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility.
She was hired after responding to a state-wide announcement of the administrative opening. "I was familiar with Christian Health Care Center’s reputation in Whatcom County and already knew members of the management team through shared involvement in industry associations. I knew right away that CHCC was a healthcare facility I wanted to be involved with and am so appreciative that they selected me for the administrator position," shared Reis-El Bara.
Administrators at CHCC work closely with the executive director to oversee the day-to-day operations of the center. Reis-El Bara’s primary duties will include monitoring quality assurance goals, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations as well as supporting residents and their families.
During her 19 year healthcare career, Reis-El Bara has earned a Nursing Home Administrator license and spent ten years managing two skilled nursing facilities in Bellingham.
"I have such a soft spot in my heart for senior citizens. My parents were a bit older than most when I was born; my father was 55 and my mom was 45. I believe that experience helps me to be more compassionate and understanding when it comes to considering the needs of seniors cared for at CHCC."
Christian Health Care Center provides long-term care and short-term rehabilitation services to 142 seniors and employs more than 220 Whatcom County residents. Those interested in learning more about services or employment opportunities are encouraged to visit www.chcclynden.org or call 360-354-4434.
Home Care Agency Changes Name, Focuses on Whatcom County Senior
Lean on Me at Home Care began providing personal care services to Whatcom County senior citizens in 2009. Many in our area did not know that the startup business simultaneously launched a satellite office in Shelton, WA.
Mid-way through 2011 Lean on Me partners decided it was time to simplify business operations so each office could focus energies on caring for clients in their local communities.
“Managing two offices that were so far apart was just not efficient for us so my partner and I decided it would be best to just separate things into two companies,” shares Sue Sorensen, owner of the Lynden-based office.
As the partners went through the division process it was decided the Shelton office would continue to use the Lean on Me name and Sorensen’s business would become Take My Hand At-Home Care. The name change officially took place on January 1st.
In Washington State, the simple act of changing the business name of a home care agency means reapplying for all necessary licenses through the Department of Health. Take My Hand At-Home Care was also required to pass a state-mandated inspection of their office, policies and procedures. “We were organized and prepared so it wasn’t too bad, but that’s not a process I want to repeat anytime soon,” laughs Sorensen.
Existing clients who receive personal care services in their home will not notice a difference. They will continue to call the same phone number and see the same caregivers they are used to seeing every day, only the name has changed. Additional information is available on the company’s new website, www.takemyhandathome.com, or via phone at 360-543-5777.
January ESP Luncheon
Please join us for our monthly luncheon on Wednesday, January 25 from 11:30-1:00. This event is hosted by OASIS Physical Therapy and Pilates and will be held at the Bellingham Golf and Country Club. Cost for this event is $16.00 for preregistered attendees (www.elderserviceproviders.org) or pay $20.00 at the door. Please RSVP to Amy Westerhoff at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call her at 360-354-5985 and checks can be made to ESP.
The guest speaker is Pam Kuntz, the founder and Artistic Director of Kunz and Company. She has been living and working in Bellingham, WA since 1999 when she moved to the West coast to join the Dance faculty at Western Washington University. In the belief that dance is vital to the community as well as to art Kuntz creates original dance/theatre pieces, using community members and addressing community interests. Past projects include "Wrinkles....Grace in Time" (aging), "Conversations"(multi-generational communication), and "Leave my shoes by the door" (death and dying). Pam also teaches a class for people living with Parkingson's disease and other neurological and movement disorders (with support from the St. Luke's Foundation and WECU). In its second year this class is not offered twice a week with over 20 committed students. She is currently in dialogue with two different retirement residences in Bellingham with the hopes of teaching a movement class for the residents.
Pam will share the benefits of dance classes for all abilities. She will also share her experiences creating dance/theatre pieces with community members alongside professional dancers.
Alzheimer's Association of Washington Silent Auction February 10, 2011
Please join us no February 10, 2012 from 7-10pm and raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer's Association of Washington. This event will be held at The Leopold Ballroom 1224 Cornwall Avenue Bellingham. Cocktail attire.
There will be complimentary wine tasting by Vartanyan Vineyards, robust hors d'oeuvres, delectable desserts and cash bar by hilltop catering. There will also be jazz music performed by The Spence Redmond Quartet, dancing and silent auction. Tickets are $30.00 if purchased by February 3 or $40.00 at the door.
Tickets in advance:360-671-3316 or at alzsociety.org
Alzheimer's Society of Washington
1308 Meador Ave, Suite C1, Bellingham, WA 98229
Note from the Editor:
Thanks once again for the interest in the newsletter.
If you have questions about ESP feel free to contact any of our board members, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Suzanne Shrock, Cindy Maxwell, Barry Meyers, Joe Shrock, Debbie Gann, Mary Gould, Lori Nichols, Becca Swaen, Britt Kane, Dave Black, Becky Beach, Amy Westerhof, Melinda Herrera and Anita Tallman.