Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/39424
SENIOR CORNER by MARTHA OWEN & SUSAN GUY When today's seniors were raising families, meals were often a special time to catch up on the day's events and share family triumphs. Mealtimes are still im- portant to older adults. But circumstances have changed. Many find themselves home alone, with no living spouse and families too busy to enjoy even their own meals at home. CareGivers from Home Instead Senior Care® network understand the importance of mealtime companionship for seniors be- cause much of their work each day revolves around meal planning and preparation. Warm and Comfortable "Mealtime is the highlight of many seniors' days," said CareGiver Carolyne Kramme-Burkett, who joins her clients for table-side conversation after she has prepared their meal. "We have a lot of laughter from the news items, and family issues do come up. It makes them feel warm and comfortable. There was a time years ago when mealtime was the center of the day. Everyone got together to share laughter and humor. Fast food has changed that for many families." Kramme-Burkett takes pride in making mealtime an event by planning the menu with her clients and adding special touches such as table center- pieces. She helps clients shop by looking for fresh and affordable produce at local farmers' markets. Family members occasionally drop by to share her gourmet meals and favorite memories with their loves ones. A Welcome Distraction CareGiver Donna Kumar said mealtimes are an important distrac- tion for an 84 year old man suffering from ailments of aging. "Mealtime is a huge thing for him," said Kumar, who often takes her client to lunch. "He's told me he doesn't focus on the pain for the three or four hours of the day when I am there. It's his best meal of the day. He eats a good Mealtime is the highlight of many seniors' days. lunch and it gets him through the day. By dinner he is often in too much pain to eat." "It's so difficult for seniors to lose their independence," Kumar said. "They can't do what they used to do. Mealtime becomes the focus and highlight of their day. So it's nice to have someone they can sit and talk with. That's the time they can share their story." Reliving the Cooking Days CareGiver Sharon Cornman said mealtimes can help older adults relive their own cooking days even if they can no longer cook in the kitchen. "My cli- ent loved to cook so she'll give me some of her old recipes and I modify them for her current dietary needs. Sometimes we'll get crazy with new dishes. We've tried tilapia with mango and banana chutney made with fresh herbs, cilan- tro and mint," she added. "I often engage her in conversation about what her family liked to eat. She'll say, 'George and the kids used to love when I made this dish.' It takes her back and lets her reminisce and share that experience with someone else," she said. "I don't think seniors eat as well if they're left alone to make a cold sandwich," Cornman explained. "Having someone around at mealtime is very important to them." For more information about the Craving Companionship program, including family recipes and Caring Cards™ that can help facilitate mealtime conversation, go to www.mealsandcompanionship. com. MARTHA OWEN & SUSAN GUY, Owners of Home Instead Senior Care, Contributing Writers. COM- MENTS? editor@upandcomingweekly.com Visit FTCC's Salon & Spa Services for a Delightful, Relaxing Treat by VERONICA GUIONS Need a break and some time to relax from the day-to-day stress of life? Fayetteville Technical Community College invites you to visit the Cosmetology Department to receive new and exciting nail and skin care services Hours of operation have been extended to include nights and weekends. The Nail/Technology clinic now offers many services including basic manicures and pedicures as well as advanced nail applica- tions, such as gel nails, acrylic nails, and nail art. FTCC's state-of-the-art esthetics clinic offers basic or European facials, all waxing services, chemical peels, and make-up ap- plication. We invite you to visit the esthetics clinic for a quiet, peaceful spa setting and ultimate relaxation. to the Cosmetology Department. The newly expanded hours of operation are: Tuesday - Thursday 8:15 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday 8:15 a.m. - 12 noon and Saturday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. The Salon & Spa Services Educational Center opened in January 2009, and its growth has surpassed all expectations! Fayetteville Tech's Salon & Spa Services Educational Center offers a 1,500-hour Cosmetology program, a 600-hour Esthetics Program, and a 300-hour Nail Technology Program. All programs prepare graduates to take the North Carolina State Board Licensing Examination. The Nail/Technology clinic now offers many services including basic manicures and pedicures. FTCC advanced-level cosmetology de- partment students perform the services under the careful direction of well- qualified instructors. The addition of natural nail care will be coming soon 14 UCW AUGUST 17-23, 2011 The Salon Spa Service Educational Center offers both day and evening classes and is open to the public for client services. Don't delay! Visit FTCC's beautiful Salon & Spa Services facility located at 2817 Fort Bragg Rd or call (910) 678-0158 for more information. VERONICA GUIONS, Contributing Writer, COM- MENTS? editor@upandcomingweekly.com WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Craving Companionship