By Lupina Fry, Wellness Nurse

It’s funny how time changes our perceptions of what is considered normal. Not long ago, the word cancer was taboo. Lack of community involvement made the fight for your life one you fought almost alone. But time and understanding, and increased support have changed things, and it took a while to
get there. The diagnosis of dementia is following the same slow path.

Today we acknowledge that dementia issues are a real challenge to our collective future. All of us are likely to encounter cognitive challenges with those around us. Science tells us as we age one in four of us will be diagnosed with some type of dementia. And that person will need at least three people to provide adequate care. It can be a difficult road for each person in that scenario. With support, compassion and understanding for a person living with dementia and their loved ones, we can make a difference. Trinity Woods is a dementia friendly community, and we are proud of the work we’ve done to support families and loved ones living with dementia. We understand it takes a community to change the tide.

In the next few months, a series of presentations will be held to learn more about dementia and dementia care. Topics will include communication techniques, care challenges, the effects of different types of dementia diagnoses and a path forward. Whether you, your friend or a loved one has been diagnosed,
join us. Check your Trinity Woods calendar for information on the date, time, and location or call 918.346.6618.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV)

Through seasons of change and transition, we can rest assured that one thing never changes, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever.” As we look at what the Bible says about the divisions of the year known as the seasons, we find assurance for the seasons of our lives as they change and transition. In the Bible, winter, spring, summer, and autumn are spoken about in relation to the agricultural
activities of planting, growing, and harvesting. The seasons of change and transition are also used to describe the lives of God’s people.

Everyone will experience change; however, change is not always the problem, it’s the transition or the adjustment to or acceptance of change. In other words, my difficulty lies in transitioning my internal
response to the external stimuli of change.

Change and transition are related concepts, but they have distinct meanings:
Change:
*Change refers to an alteration in a situation, circumstance, or condition. It can be external or internal.
*It is often visible and tangible—for example, moving to a new city, switching jobs, or adopting a new hairstyle.

Change can be sudden or gradual, and it can be planned or unexpected.
In an organizational context, change might involve restructuring, process improvements, technology upgrades or new leadership at the top.

Transition:
*Transition goes beyond the surface-level change. It encompasses the psychological and emotional process that accompanies change.
*It involves adjusting to the new reality, letting go of the old, and embracing the unknown.
*Transitions are more about the internal journey—the feelings, thoughts, and adaptations.
*In an organizational context it can be when someone retires: the change is leaving the workplace, but the transition involves finding a new sense of purpose and identity.

In summary, change is the external shift, while transition is the internal process of adapting to that change. Both are intertwined and essential for growth and development. And remember we can all rely upon the One who does not change, Jesus Christ, to help us face all of life’s personal transitions.

By Steve Dickie, CEO

Serving Trinity Woods for the past 20 years has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.
This month I want to take the opportunity to say thank you as we pass the torch to a new leader.

What warms my heart as I say “goodbye”? I am thankful for the strong governance provided by the Board. I am grateful for the dedication and commitment of my colleagues on the leadership team. I am appreciative of all the love and support offered by the members of this great community.

As we look back on the last 20 years who could have imagined all the progress we would make as an organization? Moving to a person-centered model of healthcare, completing the development of Crestwood, promoting whole-person wellness, building the new Holliman Center, adding Memory Care Assisted Living, and completing the Community Life Center have all been major accomplishments!

Nothing is more gratifying to me than to witness the positive impact Trinity Woods has on the people and the families we serve.

Trinity Woods has an outstanding Mission: Serving the Trinity Woods family in the spirit of Christ. None of us lit the flame. That happened 68 years ago! But we are all responsible for keeping the flame of the mission of Trinity Woods burning bright.

I am pleased to share the Board voted unanimously to hire Garrett Lee as the next CEO of Trinity Woods. Next month’s issue of the Trail Mix will be devoted to introducing Garrett to the community. I look forward to seeing all that God still has in store for Trinity Woods.

Your neighbor and friend,
Steve Dickie

Please be watching for communication about events to honor Steve.