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WINTER 2012
WINTER ISSUE 2012
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A Brownie Troop
and residents
made candy
wreaths for the
holidays.
5th graders from
Corte Madera
School helped
make festive
Valentine Wreaths
with the residents.
Monte Vista High
School Service
members helped
residents create
Mardi Gras
Masks.
Cool Winter Weather Doesn’t Stop
Lytton Residents From Having Fun
The days and nights might be chilly, but residents from Retirement Living
stay active and raring to go out for winter adventures.
Lytton residents from Retirement
Living enjoy new and
different experiences,
but might have
difficulty planning
outings themselves.
Having a great
activities staff to
bring opportunities to
seminars and events. Our staff makes
The chill of
a December
evening didn’t
dampen the
spirit of seeing
the “Christmas
Lights of
California” in
the City of San
Carlos.
reservations
when necessary
and arranges
transportation
if needed. This
winter is no
exception.
Early in
them is one of the benefits of living in
December, they visited the Marine
a community like Lytton Gardens. The
Mammal Center in the Golden Gate
staff finds the events or places that are
Recreational Area of Marin County.
more easily accessible and affordable
Again, the experience of this visit was
and sets up the calendar for outings,
very new and exciting to the residents.
INTERACT™
“Team”
“INTERACT™”
Implementation
Myrna Camar, Director of Nursing is the
INTERACT™ Team Leader.
The overall goal is to reduce the
frequency of transfers back to the
hospital for residents of the Lytton
Gardens Health Care Center.
Transfers to the hospital can be
INTERACT™ stands for “Interventions to Reduce Acute Care Transfers.” In
the skilled nursing facility and hospital community, this quality improvement
program promotes “working together to improve care and reduce acute
care transfers.” The interventions are designed to improve the identification,
evaluation, and communication concerning changes in a resident’s status.
The team involved in the implementation of INTERACT™ consists of all
nursing staff members who interact with residents in the nursing home. Our
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA’s) may be the first individuals to observe
a change in the status of a resident and follow-up by alerting the Registered
Nurses (RN’s) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN’s). Once a nurse is
informed, they will contact the physician for treatment orders. If possible, the
first choice will be to treat the resident here at Lytton.
emotionally and physically difficult for
the residents. Being hospitalized can
result in complications and may be
costly. The future health care reform
plans can affect costs of residents being
transferred to hospitals with conditions
that may be treated while they’re in
Linda Hibbs, ED,
Lytton Health
Care Center
says: “We’re
looking forward
to implementing
this collaborative
and innovative
program
benefitting the
residents, staff
and hospital
community.
the nursing facility.
By improving the
identification,
evaluation and
communications
regarding changes in
a resident’s status,
some, but not all,
transfers may be
avoided. Though
the new health care
reform plan will not
be implemented until July, 2013, Lytton
plans to be on the forefront of having
our staff in-tune with the INTERACT™
program. We’ve already begun seminars
and training on the tools available and
how to implement them. Our Medical
Director, Dr. Peter Pompei and PAMF
Director, Dr. Albert Lam are onboard
with the program and very enthusiastic
about its implementation. Physicians
are also a focal point, as they will be
consulted regarding a resident’s change
in condition and prescribe a protocol for
INTERACT Team Pictured above are a group of our 80-person nursing staff who
will be implementing the INTERACT™ program at Lytton. This was the first of the
training seminars for the program.
™
inhouse treatment before any transfers
to the hospital. This program will benefit
the residents and staff tremendously.
Webster House
Offers Respite
Care
Webster House, as a new
member of the Lytton
Gardens Health Care Center
community, brings a new
opportunity for individuals
needing Respite Care.
Another Fabulous Festival of Trees
A record 250 visitors and Lytton residents enjoyed our Festival this year. It was
a beautiful starlit evening and the community came to enjoy.
either a family member or others,
who need a break from their care
available for such circumstances.
Alto and the community came out to our annual
A private room with a comfortable
event. The 14 trees decorated by staff and
bed, plasma TV, delicious meals
residents were unique to say the least. There
and socializing with others are part
were 3 patriotic-themed trees with flags and
of the plan.
photos of our resident who are veterans, a
Residents from the Lytton community, many
normally cared for by a caregiver,
House has accommodations
for attendance. It was a beautiful night in Palo
tree and several others that amazed the visitors.
home for individuals who are
giving responsibilities. Webster
This year’s Festival of Trees broke a record
Hollywood glamour tree, even an Apple-App
Respite Care provides a temporary
2nd Place winner of the
Festival of Trees went to our
resident’s Knitting Circle.
students and their families from the Discovery
Children’s House Preschool, staff, volunteers
and others who heard about the event and
attended. We had our annual Santa’s Workshop
for kids and adults alike, pictures with Santa, the
Merry Olde Christmas Carolers and wonderful
Care for you or your loved one is
available with Respite Care
piano music by David Levin. The atmosphere
Transportation to doctors’
was very festive. It was a great way to get the
appointments is available,
holiday season started. Our staff is already
care and supervision by
planning next years’ trees.
”And the Winner Is”...
the Carnival Tree. The
Assisted Living Staff made
the tree a body of a clown,
decorated with carnival
ornaments.
licensed nurses, medication
management, wound care
and personal care assistance
are also integrated into the
program. We’re very excited
about this new service. If you’d
like additional information,
please call Webster House at
(650) 327-4333. We are here to
serve you!
News & Views
Resident Enrichment is a major element of life at Lytton Gardens.
Enriching the lives of Lytton residents, whether they are independent, need
assistance or are living in the Health Care Center, is extremely important
Residents Rally to
Help Others
Residents of Retirement Living
gathered their resources to help the
Second Harvest Food Bank.
to the Lytton “way of life.” Residents not only want to enjoy activities
coordinated for them, but they want to plan their own events and volunteer
A group of Lytton residents who live
within the Lytton community.
independently stepped into action after
hearing about the Second Harvest
Food Bank’s need for turkeys during
the Thanksgiving holiday. Sergio Solis,
HUD Administrator for Lytton, shared
the story he read in the newspaper
with resident, Urban Whitaker, the
week prior to Thanksgiving and Urban
talked to other residents. By the end
of the weekend, the Lytton Gardens
Residents Association had written a
check for $2000. When they called
Second Harvest, they were told that the
Emma had Piper eating out of her
hand!
Another visit from “Happy Birds” attracted
a standing room only crowd. Residents
just love interacting with these lovable,
smart and talented birds.
Outreach projects for the community.
The residents, with the help of the Stanford
Women’s Gymnastic Team, decorated gift
boxes and filled them with school supplies
for 1st to 8th grade students from the
Redwood City Family House.
check would be picked up the following
week (following Thanksgiving). Since
the residents wanted the donation to
go towards the purchase of turkeys for
Thanksgiving, a representative from
Second Harvest came to Lytton that
morning to pick up the $2000 check,
so turkeys could be purchased in time
for the holiday. Sergio said he was
very impressed by how decisively the
residents came together to help the
needy, based on a newspaper article.
This community is made up of lowincome residents, so using their own
funds to donate to others in need is
even more extraordinary.
The “Daisy” Girl Scout Troop of 6 and 7 year olds visited the Health Care
Center. Matt and John showed-off the great place mats the girls helped them make
during their visit.
Join Us!
Donating just a few hours of your
time can make a world of
difference in the daily lives of our
seniors.
The Caring Connections program
offers a broad variety of volunteer
opportunities. Whether you’re
interested in making a longterm commitment, or just want to
contribute periodically, we will help
you find a way to make a difference
Winter Holiday Happenings
Our 6th Annual Festival of Trees followed by fun-filled holiday-inspired
events keep residents and staff in a festive mood.
at Lytton Gardens.
Yes! I want to volunteer!
Contact Bethany Dinh, Director of
Volunteers at (650) 617-7355
In addition to our great tree event, Lytton hosts
or e-mail her at:
a multitude of events during the winter holiday
bdinh@lyttongardens.org
season. The “What’s Up Big Band” gave a great
concert, playing big-band music which had the
residents up and dancing. The Retirement Living
residents, Assisted Living and Health Care Center
residents all had special Christmas Lunches with
visits and pictures with Santa Claus. Brownies
and Girl Scout troops made candy wreaths with
the residents. A special Hanukkah service was
conducted by our volunteer rabbi. Vocal groups,
string quartets, dance troupes all contributed to
the spirit of the holidays.
Let’s not forget our Lytton Staff. They work so
The Cheshire Cat/Alice
in Wonderland tree came
in third at the Festival of
Trees. Our reception desk/
admissions staff spent many
hours creating this great
tree.
hard all year-round to help our residents and
they also enjoy the holiday season. The majority
of the trees for the festival are decorated by
various groups and the competition gets fierce in
a humorous manner. Our Employee Holiday Party
is a great end to a busy year. A delicious catered
lunch is served, upbeat music for dancing and
singing-along, plus a fabulous gift raffle with over
70 prizes to be won. Lest we forget Santa, who
also visits for pictures.
The Lytton Maintenance
staff serenaded their
fellow employees at the
Staff Holiday Party.
Individuals, youth groups
and corporate groups
bring joy to our residents.
Pictured above is a group
of volunteers from Apple
Corporation. They spent
most of the day with our
residents. They helped to
make the Winter Family
Dinner invitations and
decorations for one of the
Festival of Trees entries.
Volunteers Making a Difference
Volunteers of all ages come to Lytton to enhance our residents’ lives.
We’re so appreciative of the individuals, school/church groups and
corporate volunteers who donate their time.
Volunteers help with crafts, flower arranging, cooking classes and office work for
the staff. We also have many concerts, musical performances and even theatrical
presentations. Since many residents don’t get out very often, this certainly
brightens their lives.
Super Volunteer
Sarah Hauser, a volunteer, made great
contributions to Lytton.
Over the past 5 months, Sarah has
spent 450 hours volunteering at Lytton.
She had recently graduated from the
University of Southern California and is
awaiting approval for her Occupational
Therapist license. Volunteering at a
skilled nursing facility was the perfect
scenario, so she came to Lytton. Sarah
has participated in just about every
volunteer experience at Lytton. She made
friendly companion visits and went on
walks with residents; helped the medical
records and dietary staff with data entry
and filing; helped set up for events
Gregorie received gifts from a volunteer from Lauren’s House 4 Positive
Change. Residents from the 3rd & 4th floor of the Health Care Center were given
special gifts from the volunteers for the holidays. Many residents don’t have
families locally, so it’s a great treat for them.
and generally assisted the Director of
Volunteers. Sarah said, “Volunteering
at Lytton enhanced her life by making a
difference in others’ lives, just by talking
or taking them for a walk; contributing to
the Lytton community by helping in the
office, eliminating a need for temporary
hires. Learning about seniors and facility
procedures will help in my future career.”
We’re sad to see Sarah leave us, but
she’s excited about getting on with her
Occupational Therapist career and she
hopes to come back to visit us. She
met a lot of new friends who made her
The Stanford University Women’s Gymnastics team visited us during the
Holidays. They helped the residents with a community outreach craft project and
also performed for them. Their energy and enthusiasm was contagious.
volunteering experience even more
fulfilling than she expected.
Good Luck Sarah!
Mardi Gras was celebrated at a
Ladies Tea. Mary & Muriel loved
to pose for pictures with their
handmade Mardi Gras masks. They
were made earlier with the help of
volunteers from Monte Vista High
School Service group.
Events Around Campus
The holidays continued with Chinese New Year, Valentines Day and Mardi
Gras in February.
“
Quotables
“The Brown Bag Program really
benefits our low-income seniors
and we’re looking forward to it’s
growth in our community”
-Sergio Solis, HUD Administrator
Residents from Retirement Living hosted their own Chinese New Year’s
Celebration with authentic decorations, music and food. The new Mayor of Palo
Alto, Yiaway Yeh, spoke to the residents about his new Wellness Program for
the Palo Alto Community. The Assisted Living and Health Care Center residents
had a fun-filled Valentines Day Party. The music had many dancing and the
others tapping their toes. As always the decorations were very festive. A King
and Queen of Hearts was crowned representing both the Assisted Living and
Health Care Center residents. On the heels of Valentines Day, came Mardi
Gras! The ladies from Assisted Living and long term care in the Health Care
Center were invited to a Ladies Tea with a Mardi Gras theme. They enjoyed tea
sandwiches, fruit and delicious cookies. It was a good time for them to socialize
and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Thursday Brown Bags Angie,
Social Service Coordinator for
Retirement Living, helps a resident
with her Brown Bag of groceries.
Lytton to Expand Brown
Bag Program
For the past 3 years Lytton has participated in
Santa Clara County’s Brown Bag program for
low-income seniors.
The Brown Bag program provides food for low
income seniors. They must be pre-qualified for
the program. Currently Lytton has 112 residents
Above: Edward and Flora
were crowned King &
Queen of Hearts at the
Valentines Party.
participating and hopes to have it grow to 180.
Each Thursday, brown paper bags, filled with
Sign up for our eNewsletter!
Designed to highlight upcoming
events and report on recent events,
it is a quick way to learn about
what’s going on at Lytton! It also
provides links to the monthly activities
calendars so that you and your family
member can enjoy a variety of events
throughout the campus.
groceries are distributed to qualifying residents.
Once we reach 180 people, we hope to be
declared a distribution site for all of Palo Alto.
We’re very proud to be recognized in this
manner. With so many seniors on fixed incomes,
it’s sometimes a stretch for them to have enough
resources for nourishing foods. This program
insures that our low-income seniors will have
healthy diets and a more fulfilling life.
Mary and her adopted
family had a wonderful
time at the Annual Winter
Family Dinner hosted by
the Assisted Living staff.
To sign up, simply go to our website
home page at
www.LyttonGardens.org
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PALO ALTO, CA
PERMIT NO. 95
Return Service Requested
437 Webster St.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 328-3300
Editor: Ronna Farber
(650) 617-7333
rfarber@lyttongardens.org
www.lyttongardens.org
An affiliate of
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
O U R MISSION
Lytton Gardens’ mission is
to provide quality residential,
health and support services
to enable seniors with
varying needs and resources
to age with dignity.
Officers
Alfred Kenrick
Baxter Rice - Secretary
Senior Staff
Kevin Gerber
CEO/President
Board Members
John Colwell, M.D.
Edward C. Driscoll Jr., Ph.D.
Alfred Kenrick
Steven Lane, M.D.
Lee I. Lippert
William J. Peters
Suanne Ramar
Helen Sause
Linda Hibbs
Executive Director
Webster House, Lytton Gardens
Health Care Center, CCRC
City Council Liaison
Greg Schmid
Directors Emeritus
Donald F. Bogue
William S. Floyd
O. Charles Harden
Jonathan F. Casey
Chief Financial Officer
Gery Yearout
Vice President
Affordable Housing
Peter Pompei, M.D.
Medical Director
Printed on recycled paper
Galaxy Press - Concord, CA