River Valley Estates Senior Living and Memory Care * 7053 E. 31st Place Yuma, Arizona * 928-433-6958

FIRE, FIRE, FIRE.....drill?Sirens blaring and flashing, organized chaos was on the menu for Tuesday, August the 14th, morning’s residents and team members. Full-fledged fire drills are mandatory every six months for assisted living residents and team members. The reason for these fire drills are to time everyone to see how quickly residents can be safely evacuated to a designated location. Luckily, our fantastic team responded quickly and efficiently evacuating our residents safely to our designated area. The speedy thinking and response of our team brought us almost four minutes under the given time. IF there had been a real fire, those four minutes could be the dividing line between safety and terrible consequences.

Chatter was rampant while an explanation was given as to WHY we do this. Although it can be frightening, we hope that our residents understand that this is a necessity and needs to be done. We also want them to know that we do not announce it intentionally. Does a fire warn you before it happens? Unfortunately, no warnings are ever given before a fire. Hence, the element of surprise when we do have a fire drill. In the interim, residents were given popsicles in the bistro to enjoy as everyone dispersed back to their apartments. We want to thank our team members, residents and team leaders for all their dedication, hard work and patience.

SEPTEMBER 2018

Our Team Leaders

Director of Wellness

Director of Dining Services

Director of Life Enrichment

Director of Environmental Services

Memory Care Coordinator

Nurse News with Mary

In 1987, Fountain Institute, a non-profit organization,

was formed by Sandy Kraemer, a Colorado Springs

attorney, to research intergenerational issues. The

resulting research identified the need to set aside a

time each year to focus on intentionally connecting

generations to better communicate age-related

gratitude and needs. In 2000, Fountain Institute

changed its name to “Intergeneration Foundation” and

launched “Intergeneration Month” worldwide which is

the month of September. This is a time for generations

to connect through communication, celebration and

education. Older adults can offer wisdom that only

comes from life experience, while younger people

provide new ideas, perspectives, and lots of energy.

September 13th also marks National Grandparents

Day. The joys of being a grandparent are pretty much

universally celebrated and understood. When people

are raised in different time periods, their perceptions of

the world and values can be very different, and this

can lead to difficulties in understanding one another.

The generation gap seems to be widening more every

day. Because of this gap in understanding between

generations, it is important for the generations to make

a special effort to understand one another.

The benefits for older adults who regularly interact with

the young include improved physical health, mental

health and emotional health just to name a few. The

benefits for children included higher self-esteem, along

with improved behavior (they were less likely to begin

using drugs or alcohol and less likely to skip school or

get in fights).

So, spend some time with your grandchildren or other

young people in your life and see how much you both

can learn!

Did You Know…

McPhaul Swinging Bridge: Located 18 miles North on Highway 95, the McPhaul "Swinging Bridge to Nowhere" is a Yuma oddity. Originally the Dome Bridge, the McPhaul Bridge was constructed by Yuma County and the State of Arizona in 1929. Built to allow users of the Yuma-to-Quartzite road (now Highway 95) to cross the Gila River, this suspension bridge, with a span of 798 feet, is no longer used after the road was diverted. Although damaged in 1990 by fire, this bridge outlasted its replacement which was destroyed by the flood of 1993.

September 2018

As National Assisted Living Week is celebrated in September, I thought it would be appropriate to share some benefits of living in an assisted living community.

Being mindful of the change in atmosphere and having to let go of home, it is important to have an open mind about moving into a new home. An assisted living community can be just as good, if not better, of a home! Depending on the capability of each resident, residents are more than welcome to come and go as they please. Many people have a misconception of assisted living communities, but the benefits are endless.

Residents will have more social interaction as well as building new friendships with other residents. Aside from meeting new people, residents will be able to take advantage of a variety of scheduled programs. Crafts, dancing, exercise, card games, live performances and ice cream socials, just to name a few, are among many other activities and outings.

Another benefit when considering an assisted living facility is not having to drain your bank account, as skilled nursing facilities can become expensive. There are many senior citizens living alone who would benefit from a community like River Valley Estates and educating our Yuma community on these benefits will help them immensely!

Good Eats with Patty the Chef

Homemade Chocolate CupcakesYield: 14-16 cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour1 cups sugar6 tbsp Dark Cocoa powder1 tsp baking soda1/2 tsp salt1 large egg1/2 cup buttermilk1/2 cup vegetable oil3/4 tsp vanilla1/2 cup hot water

Chocolate Frosting:

1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, room temperature12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted3 tbsp dark cocoa powder5 cups powdered sugarPinch of salt4-5 tbsp heavy whipping cream

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (148°C) and prepare a cupcake pan with liners.2. Add the dry ingredients to a large bowl and whisk together. Set aside.3. Combine the egg, buttermilk, vegetable oil and vanilla in another medium sized bowl.4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.

Quick Tips with Blanca

6. Fill the cupcake liners about half way and bake for 18-23 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.7. Remove the cupcakes from oven and allow to cool for 2 minutes, then remove to a cooling rack to finish cooling.8. To make the frosting, beat the butter in a large mixer bowl and mix until smooth.9. Add the melted chocolate and mix until well combined.10. Add the cocoa powder and mix until well combined.11. Add about half of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and mix until well combined.12. Add remaining powdered sugar and salt and mix until smooth.13. Add remaining heavy cream as needed to get the right consistency of frosting. 14. Pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes.

September 2018

Postage Information

September Birthstone – SapphireThe sapphire is the September birthstone. Some linguists and astrologists believe that its name comes from the Sanskrit word sanipriya, meaning “sacred to Saturn.” Next to the diamond, the sapphire is one of the hardest materials known. Sapphires come in many colors (ranging from yellow to green and orange), but the finest sapphire color is a rich, velvety cornflower blue. The ancient Persians believed that Earth rested on a giant sapphire whose reflection gave the sky its color. Damigeron, a historian of old, wrote that kings wore sapphires to protect themselves from harm and envy and to attract divine favor. The gem was regarded as a symbol of truth, sincerity, and constancy.

September BirthdaysIn astrology, Virgo’s Virgins are those born between September 1–22. Virgos are one of the most careful signs of the zodiac. They pay attention to detail, analyze problems, and plan as to leave nothing to chance. These amazing listeners give excellent advice. Those born from September 23–30 balance the scales of Libra. Libras strive for balance, avoid conflict, and desire fairness for everyone. To achieve this, they are sociable, strategic, charming, and diplomatic.

River Valley Birthdays

Katherine J. – September 17th

Elsie H. – September 23rd Delores D. – September 30th

River Valley Estates7053 E. 31st PlaceYuma, Arizona 85365