CHI - Friendship

Winter 2017

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Outcomes in Action PEOPLE DECIDE WHEN TO SHARE INFORMATION Donna has always been interested in crafts, such as painting and scrapbooking. Over the last couple months, she and her personal advocate have been working on a way for Donna to teach her sta what she values. Donna has been painting large wooden letters that spell her name, and then decorating each letter to represent something she enjoys. Each letter is individualized and took time and special attention from her and her advocate to make sure they portrayed what was most important to Donna. For example, the letter "D" is decorated with owers and gardening supplies, which represent her love of the outdoors and tending to plants. The letter "O" is decorated with kittens of all colors and breeds, which represent her love of all things fur and, of course, cats! The other letters of her name are decorated with music notes, art supplies, and picnic items. Donna has enjoyed working on this project, and it has given her a way to train new sta. Her craft allows her to share with them just a few of the things that are most important to her. PEOPLE HAVE THE BEST POSSIBLE HEALTH Like many of us, Kim has never really enjoyed visiting the doctor, or as she calls them, "white coats." When she rst arrived at CHIFriendship, Kim had the doctor come to her home for her yearly physicals. But over the past two years, she's been able to walk into the clinic and be seen in the doctor's oce. Kim was slowly introduced to nurses and CNAs while visiting a friend's mother in the nursing home. Kim and her friend would bake cookies or pick up a pie or cake to share at the home. She would sometimes go into the activity room and play bingo with the home's residents. These short weekly visits allowed her to become comfortable with those in their uniforms. Kim has taken great strides to overcome her fear, as her health is important to her. She takes pride in the fact that she needs less and less assistance to see her own doctors, and her courage is an inspiration to us all! PEOPLE ARE CONNECTED TO NATURAL SUPPORT NET WORKS Viola left for South Dakota on August 11, 2016, to meet her cousin Connie from Kansas for the rst time. They have been in contact for a few years through cards, letters, and phone calls. When Viola arrived and saw Connie in the hotel parking lot, she couldn't wait to get out of the vehicle. They exchanged hugs, and Connie stated she couldn't believe it was real: Viola in person! They walked to the hotel arm-in-arm to check in to their rooms. After settling in, Connie gave Viola a book she had made about her family's history as far back as 1752. They sat and visited while looking over the book. Connie also gave Viola an angel gurine, which Viola was so thankful for—she collects angels. Viola then showed Connie some of her photo albums she brought along. Connie thanked God for bringing Viola into her life, someone so real and not just a voice on the phone. Wherever they walked, they were arm-in- arm. When the visit came to an end, Viola gave Connie many hugs and kisses, and they both shed many tears. It was hard for them to say goodbye, but they already have plans to meet again next year. They reminded each other that both of them are only a phone call away. This visit brought many memories to Viola's heart that will last a lifetime. CHI FRIENDSHIP /// chifriendship.com 6

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