News and Events

Congratulations to the MTM Care Partner
of the Fourth Quarter for 2011:
Maricela Ramirez de Gonzalez!

Maricela joined the ACS family 5 years ago, and has been an invaluable member ever since. Maricela is undoubtedly the Queen of the Laundry Room- she makes sure that our resident’s clothes are clean, folded, hung up, and put away, and does the same with all the linens. Maricela even takes the time to mend our resident’s clothes by hand when needed.

Maricela says she “loves serving the residents and being able to help them… wash their clothes, if they need buttons, or anything”. Maricela is certainly one of the most important people we have at MTM, and she says it’s “very important to me being able to do what I can… the residents are very kind and nice, loving people. I feel like if I was at home when I’m here with them”. Although Maricela’s very happy in her role now, she also says she may want to become a caregiver in the future.

Maricela was born in Mexico, and has lived in Prescott Valley for the last 8 years with her husband, 2 daughters, 2 dogs, and 4 cats. When she’s not with her MTM family, she likes to spend time with her family and going to church.

Congratulations to the Prescott Day Center
Care Partner of the Fourth Quarter for 2011:
Debbie Widrick!

Debbie joined the ACS family in April of 2011, and quickly became an invaluable member of our Day Center team as our kitchen aide. Each day Debbie prepares breakfast, serves lunch, and prepares the afternoon snack for our participants. On top of all that she orders supplies and keeps our kitchen spotless- in fact she’s received 100% on our health department inspections!

Debbie plays such an important role at our Center in taking care of our participants, and she says “our clients are a great group of people with a lifetime of knowledge and experience… our clients and their families depend on us”. She says the best part of her position here is “that we can work together as a team and enjoy each other’s individual personalities… like the rest of our team I do my best”.

Debbie was born in Pittsburg, and has lived in the Prescott area for 28 years. Currently she lives in Prescott Valley with her husband, son, and her Yorkie. Her family also includes 2 more sons and their girlfriends, and a 14 month-old granddaughter. In her time away from the Center, Debbie enjoys working out at the gym and gardening. As for her future plans, Debbie’s taking it one day at a time because she says “9 times out of 10, God’s got something else in mind for you”.

 

Congratulations to the Prescott Valley Day Center Care Partner of the Fourth Quarter for 2011:
Steve Pike!

Steve joined the ACS family in August of 2010. Our team of drivers is critical to the success of our Center- as one of our drivers, each day Steve picks up our participants at their home, brings them to the Center, and then takes them home each afternoon.

Steve takes his responsibility as a driver very seriously as he knows “it is important to keep the participants safe” while transporting them. Like all our drivers, Steve has been trained in loading wheelchairs, CPR/First Aide, and helps to keep our vans in tip top shape. Steve says “it feels great helping people with special needs” and his favorite things about his position here are “getting to know (and) greeting the participants and coworkers”.

Steve was born in Gloucester, MA, and also lived in California before moving to Prescott Valley 12 years ago. Before becoming one of our drivers, Steve was also a roofer, electronic engineer, and a truck driver. Steve and his wife share their home with their 2 dogs, and when he’s not with us at the Center, Steve enjoys working with electronics and restoring classic cars.

 

 

 

 

Click on this link to read the 2011 Christmas Poem, specially written by the Residents of The Margaret T. Morris Center

 

Look at the delicious feast that our wonderful Chef and Sous Chef are cooking up this Christmas!

 

Congratulations to the MTM Care Partner of the Third Quarter for 2011: Billie Trucano!

Billie has been a member of the ACS family for 20+ years and has worked at both the Day Centers as well as MTM. She has been in her most recent position as an activities assistant at MTM for almost 5 years directing our activities programs and assisting residents and care partners alike with things like personal care and serving meals.

Before joining ACS Billie was a cosmetologist- a skill she still gets to use on our glamour days when she helps make our residents look and feel fabulous! Billie says she doesn’t feel as though she serves our residents; rather she feels she’s there “to care for them, enrich and make their lives more stimulating and provide well-being”. She makes it a point to attend as many workshops as possible to bring new skills and ideas to her position. She loves what she does and says that “each resident is unique and I love spending time with them… (it’s) the hugs, kisses, and smiles” that keep her coming back!

Billie is not only an Arizona native, but she’s also a life-long Prescott resident as well. When she’s not spending time with our residents she enjoys kayaking, walking, and spending time with her son Travis, daughter Jodi, and her granddaughter Maddie.

 

Congratulations to the Prescott Day Center Care Partner of the Third Quarter for 2011: Cindy David!

Cindy’s been a part of the ACS family for 3 years total- for the last year Cindy has been the smiling face behind the front desk at the Prescott Day Center, but before that she was the smiling face behind the front desk at MTM for 2 years.

Cindy packs a whole lot into her 4 hours at the Center each day. She’s here first thing in the morning to assist the drivers with any changes to their route for the day, answering and directing calls, greeting our clients and families, completing daily, weekly, and monthly reports, ordering supplies, and generally keeping things running smoothly. Being the first person families and clients see when they come in Cindy makes sure “that contact (is) as cheerful and pleasant as possible so they leave with a smile on their faces”. Cindy says she “absolutely love(s) the clients… they are part of our “family” and I learn so much from them”.

Cindy has lived in Prescott for 16 years with her husband Bill, 5 dogs, and usually at least 1 foster dog. She was born in Fairfield, CT, and before moving here she’s lived in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Cindy has several years of experience being a receptionist and was an assistant clerk in probate court for a time as well. When she’s not at work she spends her time rescuing and fostering dogs- according to her there’s “not much time for anything else!”

Congratulations to the Prescott Valley Day Center Care Partner of the Third Quarter for 2011: Eric Cook!

Eric joined the ACS family a year ago as a driver, and in August he took over as the Transportation Coordinator. As the Transportation Coordinator he is responsible for scheduling our drivers, training new drivers, planning the most time efficient routes for our clients, and making sure our vans are up to date on all regular maintenance. Eric was also instrumental in making a smooth transition to Logisticare by providing all the transportation information they needed.

Our drivers play such an important role at the Day Center, and Eric makes sure “that our clients are brought in on their scheduled days, as well as in a safe manor by making sure the vans are in tip-top shape”. Eric says that serving our clients makes his day and brings him joy by “being able to bring them to the Center so they can get out of the house and socialize with other clients. I feel like they are an extension of my family…I have become close to many of them”.

Eric was born in St. Joseph, MI, and before moving to Arizona he operated his own flooring business for 18 years. He moved to Prescott Valley 1 ½ years ago with his wife Sherri and daughter Taylor and they share their house with 2 cats and will soon be adding a Great Dane to the mix! In his off time Eric enjoys photography, reading non-fiction, and helping out with charities for kids and veterans.

 

Participants of our Center Adult Day Services Programs and residents of The Margaret T. Morris Center made gingerbread houses that are all on display at The Prescott Resort. They were made with love and the results were charming! We welcome you to go see them in person as they will be on display until after New Year’s Day.

Constructed by participants of The Center Adult Day Services in Prescott Valley

Constructed by participants of The Center Adult Day Services in Prescott

Constructed by residents of The Margaret T. Morris Center in Prescott

 

 

The Center Adult Day Services participant, Neil, picked
one for himself and one for a fellow client who could not walk in the field

Gene, his wife, and Bob show off their picks

Day Center clients enjoy the hayride at Mortimer’s

 

 

Welcome Dr. Peter Powers

Adult Care Services welcomes Dr. Peter Powers as the new Medical Director for The Centers Adult Day Services programs in Prescott and Prescott Valley and The Margaret T. Morris Center. Dr. Powers has been in the Prescott area for 20 years and has operated his own practice in Prescott since 1993. His specialties include diabetes, fitness, wellness and dementia care. In his own words, Dr. Powers “specializes in people,” which is a perfect fit for their Person-Centered Care philosophy. For many years, Dr. Powers has been a great friend and supporter of Adult Care Services and the organization is very pleased to have him as the new Medical Director.

 

Fall 2011 Newsletter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to MTM Care Partner of the
Second Quarter of 2011: Michael Taylor.

Michael joined the ACS family in September of 2010 as a caregiver and currently works days at MTM. Even though he’s only been with us about a year, he’s been a caregiver for the past 12 years. In addition to being a certified caregiver, Michael’s also had training in physical therapy, EMT and Phlebotomy. When he finishes his current schooling he hopes to be a flight medic as well as physical sports therapist.

As a caregiver at MTM, Michael likes “knowing (he’s) making a person’s life a bit better” and giving them the “highest quality of life possible”. Each individual resident brings joy to his job, and he knows that that he’s “making an impact, even if it is a little one”. He says it’s important to be the “eyes and ears for those who aren’t around at times”, and gets the best feeling from “seeing them still attempt to do things on their own”.

 

 

Summer 2011 Newsletter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Adult Day Services Week
In honor of National Adult Day Services Week, The Centers Adult Day Services programs in Prescott and Prescott Valley made gifts for clients who received lunch from “Meals on Wheels” during the week of September 18th. Participants at the Day Centers painted wind chimes and placed them in a gift bag with after lunch mints. National Adult Day Services Week occurs every year during mid September and was first started in1983. It is recognized by the United States Congress and was proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan. The week offers an opportunity to highlight adult day service centers throughout the country and to educate the public on the benefits provided by adult day service centers. The Centers Adult Day Services are a program of Adult Care Services located in Prescott, AZ.

Pictured above are (Left to right) Amy Geissler, Director of Community Relations with Adult Care Services, Day Center Participant George H. , Shelley Fields, Director of Activities for The Center Adult Day Center in Prescott, Day Center Participant Maurice “Pops” B. and Pam Hanno, Executive Director of Meals-On-Wheels.

Pictured above are (Left to right) Bonnie Tate, Director of Activities with The Center Adult Day Services in Prescott Valley, day center participant Larry Mills , Laura Dreibelbis, LPN & Director of The Center Adult Day Services in Prescott Valley, Betty Robinson, Executive Director of Meals-On-Wheels, day center participant Betty Dodd and Amy Geissler, Director of Community Relations with Adult Care Services.

 

Caregiver Discussion
Join us for a FREE Senior and Caregiver Discussion on the topic of “Tips and Strategies for Paying for Long Term Care Needs”. Date: August 18, 2011 at 2:30 – 4:30pm.
For more information, click here to view a flyer.

 

August is “Dine and Donate” Month
Please join Adult Care Services and our restaurant partners and friends during the month of August for our Dine and Donate Campaign. Throughout August, you can dine out and enjoy a wide variety of exquisite food while helping Adult Care Services by patronizing our restaurant partners;

• Prescott Steak House – 520 Miller Valley Road,
• Prescott La Fonda Mexican Restaurant – 638 Miller Valley Road,
• Prescott Genovese’s Italian Restaurant – 217 W Gurley Street, Prescott

Restaurants will participate with ACS by providing donation envelopes to their guests. Please be sure to ask your hostess or your wait-staff. At the end of August, All money raised through the Dine and Donate Campaign will be used to fund designated programs at ACS.

Please ask your family and friends to dine out at any of these fine establishments during the month of August and help out Adult Care Services.
For more information, click here to view a flyer

 

June 30, 2010 New Family Caregiver Support Group

Adult Care Services and NACOG Area Agency on Aging is pleased to co-sponsor a Family Caregiver Support Group starting Monday July 12, 2010. The group will be held at The Center Adult Day Services 826 Sunset Avenue in Prescott 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm. Carleen Blum, M.A. Psychology from NACOG will facilitate the group. The Center Adult Day Services will provide free care during the session time at The Center. For directions to The Center Adult Day Services or to register your family member for care during this time call 928-445-6384. For more information about the support group contact NACOG at 877-521-3500.

 

June 29, 2010 Thank You Sponsors!

Adult Care Services, The Centers Adult Day Services of Prescott & Prescott Valley and The Margaret T. Morris Center thank its’ sponsors for supporting the First Annual Passport to Paradise Event held at the St. Michael Hotel on Saturday evening April 24, 2010. ACS acknowledges Arizona Senior Care Pharmacy, B&L America Flooring, Horizon Air, Ralph Weiger in Memory of Catherine Cranstoun Weiger, and the Yavapai Indian Tribe. This fun event was not possible without the support of the community. All profits benefited the programs of Adult Care Services. For more information about ACS, programs now including My Care Partner In Home Care and a The Margaret T. Morris Center Online Assisted Living Online Caregiver/Manager Training program contact Yvonne Napolitano, Director of Community Relations at 928-771-2335.

 

March 25, 2010 Online Education and Training Program for Assisted Living Caregivers and Managers

Adult Care Services and The Margaret T. Morris Center memory care community is pleased to announce the recent approval of its Assisted Living Caregiver and Manager Education and Training Program for the online format. This program is licensed by both the Arizona Department of Health Services and Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. For more information and registration to become an Assisted Living Certified Caregiver or Manager, contact Kathy Cunningham at (928)445-6633.

 

March 24, 2010: PASSPORT TO PARADISE

Adult Care Services invites the community's presence to its first annual Passport to Paradise Fundraising Event. The event will take place Saturday evening April 17, 2010 at The St. Michael Hotel in Prescott from 7 pm until 10 pm. Dance to live music with Patti Bell of the Arizona Jamboree, enjoy appetizers and desserts from around the world and bid on incredible silent auction items and packages, all in a cruise ship atmosphere! Tickets are $50.00 per person and proceeds from the event will benefit the programs of Adult Care Services which include The Center Adult Day Services of Prescott and Prescott Valley and The Margaret T. Morris Center memory care community. For further information on purchasing tickets, donating auction items or being a sponsor contact Yvonne Napolitano, Director of Community Relations at 928-771-2335 ext. 102.

 

January 5, 2010: SAVE THE DATE

Adult Care Services will be hosting it's annual fundraising event "A Passport to Paradise" this year on Saturday evening April 17, 2010. The venue will be held at The St. Michael's Hotel in Prescott from 7:00 pm til 10:00 pm. Live music, dancing, and silent auction will take place at this cruise themed event. For more information regarding sponsorships, tickets or silent auction items contact Karen Brewer or Yvonne Napolitano at 928-771-2335.

 

For Immediate Release: December 23, 2009

Adult Care Services and The Margaret T. Morris Center, an assisted living community solely specializing in caring for those with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, will be hosting a 3-day Dementia Care Mapping workshop Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, January 26 through Thursday January 28, 2010 at The Springhill Suites in Prescott. Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) is a method to evaluate the delivery of person centered care and, in general, to improve the quality of care delivered to persons with dementia in formal care settings. The workshop is made possible by a grant to Adult Care Services through The Emerald Foundation of Tucson. For more information regarding the course, registration and scholarship guidelines, please contact Michael Direen at 928-441-1030.

Click here to download the most recent Centerpoint newsletter. PDF

 

October 1, 2009 ACS Board News

Board of Directors News Charles Taylor, Taylor & Padgett Financial Group, stepped down from the Board after seven years of service. Charlie brought his financial expertise to the Board, as well as a heartfelt commitment to The Margaret T. Morris Center and the Centers Adult Day Services. We sincerely thank Charlie for his support.

Adult Care Services also welcomes four new Board members: Michael Geboy, Fetu Escoto- Dyke, Patricia Bessey, and Dr. Richard DeMark:

~Michael Geboy~Executive Director/ Partnership Director, Southwest Health Professions Education Center, VA Medical Center.

~Fetu Escoto-Dyke~Owner and Operator, along with her husband, Clay, Star Struck! Event Planning.

~Patricia Bessey~Recently retired to Prescott; former Client Services Associate with UBS Financial Services in Connecticut.

~Dr. Richard DeMark~Adjunct Professor Oral Pathology, School of Dental Hygiene, Rio Salado Community College; Phoenix, AZ, and a practicing dentist in Prescott for many years.

Being part of the Board is an important contribution to the company, and we are grateful to all of our Board members for their time and dedication.

 

For Immediate Release July 3, 2009
National Health Publication Recognizes The Margaret T. Morris Center

The Margaret T. Morris Center, Prescott and northern Arizona's finest assisted living community solely specializing in caring for people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of memory loss, has been featured for its quality care in the June 2009 issue of Advance for Long Term Care Management. Advance is a national publication for health care providers. To read the article, click here (a separate tab will open).

The Margaret T. Morris Center opened in 1999 and is recognized nationally and internationally for its philosophy of person centered care. In addition, it is the only free-standing memory care community to hold CARF accreditation in the state of Arizona. To learn more about CARF, click here.

For more information about MTMC, or for a free tour, contact Yvonne Napolitano, Director of Community Relations at 928-445-6633.

 

For Immediate Release January 14, 2009

The staff and families of Adult Care Services are extremely grateful to General Manager Ruben Garcia and LaFonda Mexican Restaurant for their recent generosity. LaFonda donated proceeds from their business on December 28 to help support our non-profit centers: the Margaret T. Morris Center, an assisted living center for older adults with demenita, and the Centers Adult Day Services, adult day centers in Prescott and Prescott Valley. We could not exist without the support of our donors, as we very much appreciate the willingness of the management of LaFonda to help. Thanks also to all the people who made it a point to eat at LaFonda that day as a means of supporting us!
Rhonda Sandler
Executive Director
Adult Care Services

For Immediate Release January 10, 2009

GENEROUS DONATION
Reuben Garcia, General Manager of LaFonda Mexican Restaurant at 628 Miller Valley Road in Prescott presents and award check to Yvonne Napolitano, Director of Community Relations of Adult Care Services. Proceeds were donated from LaFonda to Adult Care Services from a portion of the sales on Sunday December 28, 2008.

 

For Immediate Release December 11, 2008
"THE WHOLE ENCHILADA BENEFIT"

The Margaret T. Morris Center and The Center Adult Day Services, programs of Adult Care Services, are proud to announce a benefit in the organization's honor. "The Whole Enchilada" sponsored by LaFonda Restaurant will be held on Sunday December 28, 2008 from noon until 8:00pm. Ruben Garcia owner of LaFonda is located at 628 Miller Valley Rd. in Prescott. All are welcome. For more information about the benefit or information on The Margaret T. Morris Center or The Center Adult Day Services, please contact Yvonne Napolitano, Director of Community Relations at 928-445-6633.

For Immediate Realease October 1, 2008
Board of Directors Selects New Executive Director

The Board of Adult Care Services is pleased to announce that Rhonda Sandler will be the new Executive Director beginning October 1, 2008 upon the retirement of Susan Rheem. Although the board considered a national search, it became apparent that the best candidates were already in the ACS family. Rhonda has been with ACS for over two years as Chief Operating Officer and spent 20 years in her last position as the Assistant Dean for the College of Law at Arizona State University. Rhonda states, "I am looking forward to continuing the legacy of Adult Care Services and working with the quad-city community to meet the needs of our expanding older population, particularly those who are challenged with the difficulties of Alzheimer's disease. We have great staff at The Margaret T. Morris Center and The Centers Adult Day Services, who, on a daily basis, are providing wonderful care." Rhonda can be reached at 928-771-2335 ext. 11.

2008 Silver Sentinel Champagne Brunch Honors Susan J. Rheem

Susan J. Rheem founder and Executive Director of Adult Care Services which includes The Centers Adult Day Services and The Margaret T. Morris Center is being honored at the 2008 Silver Sentinel Champagne Brunch on November 16, 2008 ~ 1:00pm at the Hassayampa Golf Club. Cost is $75 per person. Proceeds from the event after expenses will go to the Susan J. Rheem Scholarship Fund and will assist families needing support for respite services at the day center programs. Susan retired on October 1, 2008 after 26+ years of service with Adult Care Services. Seating is limited at the event. For information about the event or to donate to the scholarship fund please contact Karen Brewer at 928-771-2335, ext. 12.

For Immediate Release July 22, 2008
Margaret T. Morris Center Receives $300,000 Grant

The Margaret T. Morris Center (MTM), Prescott's premier assisted living community dedicated to promoting quality of life for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, is the recipient of a $300,000 grant awarded by The Emerald Foundation of Tucson. The grant will fund a three year project led by MTM to educate caregivers at the Center and eventually statewide on the philosophy of Person Centered Care and Dementia Care Mapping as developed by the late Dr. Tom Kitwood of the Bradford Dementia Group in England. In addition, the grant supports education and training for horticultural activities. For more information on the grant and The Margaret T. Morris Center, contact Yvonne Napolitano, Director of Community Relations at 928-445-6633.

6th Annual Margaret T. Morris Center Charity Golf Tournament August 25, 2008

The Margaret T. Morris Center will be hosting its' 6th Annual Golf Tournament at the prestigious Talking Rock Golf Course in cool Prescott, Arizona on Monday August 25, 2008. Cost is $650 for a foursome or $180 for a single player. Join us for a great day of golf, prizes, food, and fun. All proceeds benefit the programs of Adult Care Services and The Margaret T. Morris Center. For more information contact: Yvonne Napolitano, Director of Community Relations at 928-445-6633.

Download our latest newsletter and read Susan Rheem's farewell and the appointment of Rhonda Sandler and ACS's new Executive Director.

 

 

 

Download our summer newsletter and meet The Smudzins, residents at MTMC. You'll also read about our award-winning garden; and see the results of our annual satisfaction survey.

 

 

 

The Margaret T. Morris Center
Congratulates Dr. Candace Reid
Recipient of the 2007 Nate Goff Award

Candace Reid, D.O., Medical Director at The Margaret T. Morris Center, has been chosen by Yavapai Regional Medical Center to receive the 2007 Nate Goff Award.

Dr. Goff, who passed away in 1997, was instrumental in establishing a community-based hospice program in the Prescott area. The annual award was established in his honor to recognize YRMC staff physicians who consistently demonstrate excellence in providing end-of-life care.

“Dr. Reid is certainly deserving of this honor,” says YRMC CEO Tim Barnett. “She is an excellent physician who always demonstrates consistency and sensitivity.”

The Margaret T. Morris Center and Adult Care Services is proud to have Dr. Candace Reid as part of our staff!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 3, 2007
CONTACT: Gaye Horton 859-514-9177

Kieckhefer Strolling Garden Wins AHTA Garden Design Award

March 16-22 is National Horticultural Therapy Week and The American Horticultural Therapy Association recently announced its 2007 award winners at their annual conference in Silver Spring, Maryland. The Kieckhefer Strolling Garden at the Margaret T. Morris Center in Prescott, Arizona was named the winner of the AHTA Therapeutic Garden Design Award. Pamela Catlin, HTR, Horticultural Therapist at the Margaret T. Morris Center, an Assisted Living community for People with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias accepted the award.

This award recognizes excellence in therapeutic garden design and programming maintained for therapeutic purposes and has the following characteristics:

• Scheduled and programmed activities including horticultural therapy programming, events, and activities intended to encourage the participation
  of special populations.
  
• Improved accessibility through modified features and the availability of adapted equipment and tools.
  
• Well-defined perimeters to direct visitors to garden displays.
  
• The inclusion of intensive plantings and open environments benignly designed to enhance people-plant interchange, and a sense of safety.
  
• Universally designed for all people, regardless of age and ability.
  
• An intensified recognition of the opportunity to experience comfort, sensory stimulation, and independence within the designed garden or landscape.

About AHTA: The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) is helping
horticultural therapy (HT) gain increasing acceptance as a unique and
dynamic human service program. AHTA is the only national organization
concerned with the promotion and development of HT programming. For more
information about AHTA and the awards program visit www.ahta.org. For more
information about The Margaret T. Morris Center contact Yvonne Napolitano,
Director of Community Relations at 928-445-6633.

Press Release April 2008: The Margaret T. Morris Center Education and Training Program Receives Licensure
The Margaret T. Morris Center, an assisted living community specializing in care for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias is proud to announce the recently awarded licensure of the MTMC Training and Education Department. Licensure was awarded by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. The licensure now mandated by the state of Arizona for community caregiver training programs, ensures legal operations, ethical practices, and quality education in the private postsecondary sector. For more information about MTMC contact Yvonne Napolitano, Director of Community Relations 928-445-6633. For more information the state board for the private postsecondary sector go to azppse.state.az.us.