The Anna Shaw Children’s Institute (ASCI) will host a free webinar titled, “Holidays in the Time of Coronavirus: How Traditions Keep Us Connected To What Matters Most” on Thursday, Dec. 17 from 1 to 2 p.m. The presenter will be Lauren Buono, PhD, pediatric neuropsychologist for ASCI. To register, visit HERE.
Hamilton Health Care System (HHCS) is participating in a new, free program that adds an extra level of safety for area residents.
The program, Yellow Dot, is designed to provide important medical information following a crash, especially in cases where victims are unable to speak for themselves. A “Yellow Dot” decal on a vehicle alerts both medical and law enforcement personnel to check the glove box for a packet that lists the driver’s or passenger’s prescriptions, medical conditions, and other vital information.
An additional sticker is provided for the main entrance to the home with the packet affixed to the refrigerator with a magnetic clip.
“The Yellow Dot Program is a simple but effective system to put potentially life-saving information in the hands of first responders at the scene of a car crash or other medical emergency,” said Jessica Truelove, nurse navigator for the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute, and coordinator of the program for HHCS. “It can make a big difference for patients when they can’t speak for themselves.”
The program was initially geared toward those 55 years of age and older, but it is available to any local resident. HHCS is the first in the state of Georgia to include all ages in this valuable program.
“For those with special medical conditions, including children, this program could be a lifesaver,” said Truelove.
Various healthcare providers are participating in the program and have packets for patients. To sign up for the Yellow Dot Program, check with your provider or call Truelove at 706-226-8912.
Quinton Memorial Health and Rehabilitation hosted a parade for residents and family members on May 1. Visitation has been restricted since early March to protect residents from COVID-19.
Members of the care plan team had been working on creative strategies to allow family members and residents to see each other, and the social distancing parade idea was developed.
“When I got the call from Quinton, I was overjoyed,” said Eileen Stone, daughter of Veronica OMahoney, a Quinton resident. “I haven’t been able to see my mom since early March. I just think it was the best idea ever.”
Since the visitation restrictions began, Stone said she and her mom have been writing letters back and forth every week.
According to Stone, her mom was obviously excited about the parade. “She (OMahoney) had the biggest smile on her face and was holding out her hands to us,” Stone said. “It was heartwarming to see all the smiling faces. It was the best!”
Stone said she is very thankful for the Quinton staff members. “They’re the most caring group of caregivers. I appreciate them more than they know,” she said.
Staff members helped residents make posters to hold up as their family members drove by at a safe distance. Residents lined up outside the facility while following social distancing rules.
More than 50 vehicles, including a Dalton Fire Department fire truck and Hamilton Emergency Medical Services ambulance, were part of the parade. Most vehicles included multiple family members, and some included pets.
“I loved the parade,” said Marie Dann, a Quinton resident since 2011. “It was good to see my two sons even if I couldn’t touch them. I wouldn’t change a thing. Everyone was having a good time and the staff were wonderful. Let’s do it again!”
All of the Hamilton Long Term Care facilities are planning family parades. Quinton Memorial was the first one scheduled.
The Anna Shaw Children’s Institute (ASCI), 1201 Burleyson Road, will hold a family support class on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. in the Southern Magnolia Rooms on first floor of the facility.
Lindsey Coker, director of Community Initiatives and Special Needs Services at the North Georgia Healthcare Partnership, will provide an introduction to IEP/504 process (special education support).
This class is part of ASCI’s CHAMP series. CHAMP stands for Classes to Help, Advise and Motivate Parents. The sessions will be held on the first Tuesday of each month. The CHAMP series is open to families of children of any age.
Please register by calling 706-226-8911. Space is limited. Childcare will be available for the first 10 families requesting the service. To receive assistance with interpretation services and/or auxiliary aids during this event, please let us know when registering.
Participants are encouraged to park in the lower lot since the upper doors will be locked by 6 p.m.