Phoebe's communities, the Phoebe Institute on Aging and the Phoebe-Devitt Homes Foundation offer a full spectrum of events throughout the year. As a vibrant organization, our news releases are always changing. Phoebe's widely acclaimed newsletter, The Messenger, is also available in PDF form in this section. Check back often to keep up to date with what's happening at Phoebe Ministries.
Latest Events
Art Club with Krista and Glenn Laverty at Phoebe Richland 07/11/2013 Channel your artistic side with Krista and Glenn Laverty starting on July 11, 2013 at 6:45 P.M. The club takes place on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month in the Country Inn.
Phoebe Ministries’ dedication to their mission and resident care was highlighted in WFMZ’s article and video titled “Funding Problems Loom for Local Nursing Homes”. Last year, Phoebe Ministries provided almost $11 million in unreimbursed nursing care to our residents. This number represents a one year increase of 32% and illustrates the dedication Phoebe has for caring for the greatest generation. Phoebe’s unprecedented increase in charitable care programming allows residents to receive uncompromised care and fullness of life at Phoebe.
Downward trends in governmental reimbursement and the increased cost of healthcare factor into the rising numbers of charitable care. A clear demonstration of Phoebe’s enduring legacy of care and compassion, it means that we can continue to ensure fullness of life to every resident, no matter his or her economic status. Last years’ dollar amount is the highest level of charity and benevolence provided in our 110-year history. “Phoebe plays a critical role in the lives of the senior members of our community. Not only do Phoebe’s caregivers foster a wonderful environment for sustaining the quality of life for residents, but Phoebe’s charitable ministry creates peace of mind for its residents," says Scott Stevenson, President and CEO.
Pamela Getz, Pharmacist at Phoebe Services Pharmacy, had a traumatic experience on January 22, 2013 which was quickly identified by her co-workers. Their quick responses and identification significantly improved the outcome for Pamela. The Phoebe Services Pharmacy employees who work with Pamela noticed the subtle, early warning signs of a stroke using the FAST acronym (Face, Arms, Speech, Time), and got help for her as soon as possible. The Neurology team at Lehigh Valley Health Network initiated stroke protocol, leaving Pamela with virtually no long-term side effects. View Pamela’s story in this video.
Allentown, PA - Margaret Teitsworth, resident of The Terrace at Phoebe Allentown, was one of only 15 recipients recognized with the 2013 The Lehigh County Aging and Adult Services Unsung Hero award. Offered annually in Lehigh County during National Older Americans Month, the award pays tribute to people over 60 who display exceptional generosity with their time and talent to enhance the lives of others.
Teitsworth, 91, received the award for her work as an Abider Volunteer at Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center. As an Abider she provides a spiritual presence to persons who are identified as "actively dying" during the last days and hours of their earthly lives.
When she completed the Abider’s training in 2000, Teitsworth said she had been looking for a service opportunity in which she could utilize her years of experience as a psychiatric nurse, hospice nurse and minister’s wife. “Becoming an Abider seemed like a natural step for me,” Margaret commented, “and to me, it isn’t depressing. Psychiatric nursing had been a wonderful challenge, and 16 years as a hospice nurse had been very gratifying. When we volunteer, we receive so much more than we can ever give.”
“Thirteen years later, Margaret continues to be our go to person who we call when a resident is nearing death,” says Phoebe Allentown Chaplain, Rev. Corrine Dautrich. “Margaret often stops what she is doing so that she can walk across the street to the Health Care Center to be with a resident despite weather conditions.”
Margaret is faithful about a daily visit to that person until they pass. Not only does she abide with residents and talk with the family members who may come to visit their loved ones, but she also attends the bi-monthly memorial service that honors those residents who have recently died.
“If there are no family members in attendance, she will come forward and light a candle for that person for whom she has abided. Through the years, many families have commented about how special her ministry has been to them at their time of loss,” adds Dautrich.
Part of the joy of being an Abider is seeing the spirit set free, according to Margaret. “When the spirit leaves the body, we are no longer limited by the body. A lot of people wouldn’t find joy in that,” she says, “but I am older, and my hospice experience helps. An Abider should be someone who can appreciate the joy of easing another person’s way into eternal life – someone who believes that we can trust God.”
This year, the award ceremony took place at the Lehigh County Government Center on Wednesday, May 15. The certificates were presented by Scott Ott, Vice Chairman, Lehigh County Board of Commissioners and Michael Schware, County Commissioner.
Phoebe does not discriminate in admissions, the provision of services, or referrals of clients on the basis of race,
color, religious creed, disability, marital status, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or gender.
Allentown, PA - Margaret Teitsworth, resident of The Terrace at Phoebe Allentown, was one of only 15 recipients recognized with the 2013 The Lehigh County Aging and Adult Services Unsung Hero award. Offered annually in Lehigh County during National Older Americans Month, the award pays tribute to people over 60 who display exceptional generosity with their time and talent to enhance the lives of others.
