Archive for month: March, 2015

Pittsboro staff celebrates with PACE participants Stella Chester (in red) and Billy Herndon, center. Also present were Executive Director Marianne Ratcliffe and Site Director Jeff Sumpter.

Today, the Pittsboro facility boasts more than 40 PACE participants, four times more than a year ago, when the site opened its doors for the first time. Last month, the site celebrated the one-year anniversary of providing a unique place for seniors to find daytime medical, social and health services at a low-cost. The second program of its kind for Piedmont Health SeniorCare, Pittsboro PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) hopes to ultimately reach its maximum participant level of 150.

The staff of 20 employees forms an interdisciplinary team responsible for coordinating each participant’s care daily.  The care team includes physicians, social workers, nurses, certified nursing assistants, rehabilitative therapists such as occupational and physical therapists, recreational therapists, a nutritionist, a pharmacist, a home-care coordinator and transportation personnel.

Stella Chester, a PACE participant, told the Chatham News & Record, “With Piedmont, my life has improved so much,” she said. “I thank God for this place. It is just like a family. If anyone knows anyone who is at home and needs a place, tell them about PACE.”

Piedmont Health Services is celebrating its 45^th year of service this year. Site Director Jeff Sumpter said they were thrilled to be in Pittsboro. “It is great to see how people do well and their quality of life improves,” he said. “It is rewarding to work within such an innovative model of care that is so effective.”

Uncontrolled blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. In fact, more than 67 million Americans have high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are four times more likely to die from a stroke and three times more likely to die from heart disease, compared to those with normal blood pressure.

High blood pressure often shows no signs or symptoms, which is why having your blood pressure checked regularly is important. It’s easy to get your blood pressure checked. You can get screened at your doctor’s office and drugstores or even check it yourself at home, using a home blood pressure monitor.

If you know you have high blood pressure, take these steps to help get it under control:

• Ask your doctor what your blood pressure should be. Set a goal to lower your pressure with your doctor and talk about how you can reach your goal. Work with your health care team to make sure you meet that goal. Track your blood pressure over time.

• Take your blood pressure medicine as directed. Set a timer on your phone to remember to take your medicine at the same time each day. If you are having trouble taking your medicines on time or paying for your medicines, or if you are having side effects, ask your doctor for help.

• Quit smoking—and if you don’t smoke, don’t start.

Reduce sodium intake. Most Americans consume too much sodium, which can raise blood pressure. Work with your health care team to make sure you meet your blood pressure goal.

Piedmont Health SeniorCare hosted its annual Valentine’s Day dances on February 12 and 13. Participants and staff dressed in red and pink, joined the conga line and got low under the limbo stick in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Participants also had Valentine’s photos taken and the PHSC King and Queen were crowned. Music by a DJ and special Valentine’s snacks were also provided to complete the fun event.