Susie Celebrates 2014

Susie Wolf, M.A., M.S. Aging Services/Applied Gerontology

Completion and Commencement

Greetings and blessings to you as we culminate this year and look forward to a New Year full of expectation and anticipation of what’s ahead.

My heart is filled with gratitude for all that’s been accomplished and God’s grace. Often we celebrate the achievement itself and this year in particular, I can say I appreciate the process that led to completion of the Master’s degree program. As we know though, that’s only the beginning of the journey to fulfill what the degree affords one the opportunity to do.

The education journey included numerous projects and with that came dear people. From shuts ins, Dementia Day program participants, Meals on Wheels recipients, Congregate Living Residents, each one impacted my life and perspective. There is much to glean from those we call, “aging, aged, seniors or the elderly”. Even in the most vulnerable of conditions or seemingly as season of waning energy or vitality, there’s plenty of wisdom to be imparted.

A highlight was work on a Brain Health Nutrition program for seniors with mild to moderate dementia. Maintaining an active lifestyle and healthful diet are helpful for our overall well-being. My project title was, “If It’s Good for the Heart, It’s Good for the Head.” Not only did I gain clinical knowledge, the hands-on work with participants was enriching. “Living in the moment” is a mantra to live by. Seize the moment, love our loved ones, and take opportunity to receive, listen and engage with Seniors. My deepest gratitude to the staff and team of Amazing Place Houston where I was privileged to do my internship.

During the degree program, I was able to serve through Sheltering Arms, the Jewish Community Center, several assisted living and nursing facilities as well as alongside Somebody Cares. Each experience has been part of the equipping to serve this rapidly increasing population.

Training and raising up a generation prepared to serve Seniors is important as well. We’re never too young to learn what it takes to “Age Well in Community” both personally, for our families and the community-at-large.

This Spring I had the opportunity to volunteer as one of the coordinators for a banquet hosted by Somebody Cares, honoring a Champion of the Faith and one who has imparted wisdom and served many across this nation and globally.

Serving the elderly among the Jewish community is a particular joy for me. Through continued efforts of community leaders engaging Holocaust Survivors, I’ve had the privilege of participating in a local March of Remembrance (MORH) in recent years.

From the MORH to Kristallnacht (The Night of Broken Glass- Nov. 9, 1938) Commemorative Services, love is extended to the Jewish community.

Graduation Celebration was shared with Houston-area friends along with a presentation on Aging Well in Community. So thankful to ALL who participated as we celebrate life and the joy in the journey!

May this be an encouragement to you that at whatever season of life you are in, YOU can pursue your dream!

Thanks to the help of a wonderful team, during Graduate School, Seniority Services Inc. was established to address the needs of this growing population. It is a non-profit ministry with a 501 (C) 3 IRS designation. From Seniors to Caregivers, individuals to groups, community awareness, trainings, and support services are provided. Annual outreach focuses include National Senior Citizens Day (Aug. 21st of each year), National Caregiver Appreciation month (each November) and seasonal opportunities.

Graduation Celebration was held on National Senior Citizens’ Day to raise community awareness and share important information on Aging Well.

Part of the celebration included the first annual Seniority Award presented to Mary Ann Markarian in honor of her late mother, Rev. Alma Peterson. Alma opened the door for our first outreach in 2012 and shared God’s love with ALL who knew her!

The Somebody Cares Global Summit this Fall was a time to connect Chapters and Centers directors from across the nation and internationally together. Community and ministry leaders from the area joined in for 3 days of inspiration, information and collaboration. As an Affiliate Ministry, it was an honor to share highlights of Aging Well: You and Your Community during the Summit. It was a privilege to volunteer as one of the coordinators for the Global Summit. Networking and serving together, we can provide a safety net through the challenges of life.

Family Caregivers juggle responsibilities for aging loved ones, their spouse and children and personal needs. Providing encouragement and resources for them is vital.

Seminars and small group materials and training are an integral part of the ministry.

This Fall I was able to share on these issues and bring encouragement to those who are or have been caregivers at a retreat. Sometimes we simply need a time away to recharge.

Tis the Season — Holiday Outreaches 2014

Comfort Care Packages are prepared for shut-ins, those with limited family and resources and those who simply need to know, they are cared for and remembered especially during December.

Loss of loved ones; physical limitations; distance of relatives can make the holiday season challenging. Bringing a source of joy, useful items and the gift of time spent with them, is part of what Seniority Services is able to provide. Packages multiplied thanks to partnership with Somebody Cares Houston, gracious friends and Seniority Services partners!

With the New Year are opportunities to equip and support caregivers through sessions being offered through churches and community group settings.

2015 Training & Equipping Sessions

4-part Caregiver Support and Equipping class

Development of college level course on Aging and Ministry to the Elderly and Caregivers

Care Management- Development and Implementation of personalized Action plan. Contact me directly for services and fees.

Ministry and services to individual families continues. Names and specific situations must remain anonymous for confidentiality purposes. Care needs addressed include:

Housing transitions; Developing an Action plan for long-term care
Crisis intervention; Family Mediation; Information and Referral

Ps. 71:9 Seniority Services ministry Scripture

Who Will Care for Them? — addressing the needs of this rapidly growing part of our population – read more in an article I wrote for the Somebody Cares end-of-year magazine as well as for the Katy Dispatch. Follow links Who Will Care For Them? — pp. 10-11. and Aging Well in Community