A Message from Michelle

The calendar tells me the winter months are waning and that spring officially starts in six weeks, but as the snow is coming down outside, Old Man Winter appears very comfortable as he continues to relax in the Northeast!

That being said, I�d like to remind everyone to check on those around you. Whether they be elderly neighbors or family members, this time of year is especially difficult for those who rely on others to come to them for care. Shoveling a sidewalk or driveway for a neighbor is not only "paying it forward" but it truly could mean the difference as to whether a caregiver is able to get safely to the door of someone they�re visiting.

As we stop by the supermarket to pick up the mandatory snow supplies of eggs, bread and milk, why not pick up a bag of supplies for that same neighbor or family member. Bring in their mail for them. Toss salt onto their driveway. All of these small displays of thoughtfulness can make such a difference at this time of year.

Remember that Pickering can also be a resource if you feel that someone truly needs a little more attention. We offer respite stays in our Personal Care area that would allow someone to come for a few weeks and then return home if they wish; but all the while, keeping them safe, warm and entertained with no worries of icy sidewalks. Please call us should you have any questions regarding the levels of care we offer or the choices we can provide. Be safe…

And the Winner Was…

An impending winter Nor�easter didn�t stop more than 100 people from packing into the lobby and living room at Pickering Manor on January 23 to witness the pulling of the winning Mercedes-Benz raffle ticket. Paul Orihel of Newtown was this year�s big winner. The winner of the second-place prize, a $1,000 Visa gift card, was Eileen Thompson of Holland.

Pickering began selling $100 raffle tickets for the car beginning last July. All proceeds from the raffle benefit Pickering and its residents. This year�s raffle sold nearly 600 tickets and raised $26,000. Pickering resident Bob Goodwin had the honor of picking the winning tickets out of the tumbler.

Pickering Hosts Free Seminar

Thursday, February 26 at 2 PM

Pickering Manor will host a free informational seminar titled "Communicating with a Person who has Memory Loss" on Thursday, February 26 at 2 PM. Call 215-968-3878 ext. 1101 to reserve a seat.

The seminar will offer tips on how to communicate with individuals who have memory loss without destroying their dignity and sense of self-worth, including how to prevent arguments, control aggressive outbursts and live in the present.

The seminar is presented by Barbara Marte, owner of Seniors Helping Seniors of Bucks County. Time will be provided for questions and answers at the end of the program.

Daily Continental Breakfast now Offered in Personal Care

Residents in Personal Care are now enjoying a daily continental breakfast that is available from 7 to 10:30 AM. The breakfast bar is stocked with fresh fruit, yogurt, mini pastries, coffee and juice. It provides a good option for residents who may be hungry when they first wake up or who do not want a full breakfast each day.

Space Now Available in
Cottages and Personal Care

Did you know that Pickering Manor has 10 semi-detached cottages on its campus? There are currently several cottages to choose from, including one newly renovated two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit. All maintenance is provided by Pickering staff and the cottages are an easy walk from downtown Newtown Borough.

Pickering also has openings in Personal Care � a beautifully renovated, 22-room unit for residents who require minimum to moderate assistance with their activities of daily living. Monthly fee includes a private room, all meals, trips and activities, medication management, health checks, laundry, housekeeping and more. New residents who move in to Personal Care between now and March will have the community fee waived, a $6,000 savings.

To learn more about the cottages or Personal Care, contact Meri Barboni at 215-968-3878 ext. 1101 or mbarboni@pickeringmanor.org.

Frosty the Snowman

Following a recent snowstorm, the residents in Personal Care commented that it was a good day to build a snowman. Snowman builders (and Pickering employees) Meri Barboni and Alan Landis channeled their inner child and made it happen for the residents!

Beat the Winter Blues with a Massage

Did you know that Pickering Manor has a Wellness Spa Room on its newly renovated Personal Care Unit? Tina del Castillo, a licensed massage therapist,
is specially trained to work with older adults and offers 30- and 60-minute massages by appointment. The Wellness Spa Room is open to both the general public and Pickering residents.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 215-968-3878, ext. 1121 or email dvanschaick@pickeringmanor.com. You may also contact Tina directly at 215-579-1514.

Share Your Time or Talent as an Activity Volunteer

Do you play an instrument, do puzzles, sing, enjoy playing games, juggle, tell stories, make arts and crafts or have some other talent? Pickering Manor is always looking for activity volunteers to help enrich the lives of its Personal Care residents. No minimum time commitment is required. Volunteers should be comfortable around people, have a desire to help others and be willing to share their time or talent with Pickering�s residents. For more information contact Donna VanSchaick at 215-968-3878.

Join the Pickering Family

Are you looking for a rewarding career? Look no further! Pickering Manor is accepting applications for the following positions:

For more information contact Pickering Manor Human Resources at
215-968-3878. Pickering is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Double Your Giving Impact with a Company Matching Gift

Many large corporations will match employee donations, some dollar for dollar. Increase the impact of your gift to Pickering Manor by asking your employer about their matching gift program, or call Susan DeLuca in the Pickering Development Office at 215-968-3878 for more information.