THE BUCKINGHAM NAMES SALUTE to SENIORS HONOREE Page 3

THE BUCKINGHAM NAMES SALUTE TO SENIORS HONOREE Page 3

News Release

The buckingham honors Sheltering Arms Volunteer with “salute to seniors” award

houston, Feb. 06, 2008: The Buckingham retirement community has named Dianne O’Neal as a recipient of The Buckingham “Salute to Seniors” Award. O’Neal was nominated for the honor by Joan Arnold, activities director of Sheltering Arms Senior Services.

The Buckingham Salute to Seniors Award is presented quarterly to honor an individual who is making a difference in their community. Qualified nominees are active adults age 62 and above who volunteer their time and talents to their communities, and who also exemplify leadership, spirit, and citizenship.

“Each time The Buckingham recognizes a senior volunteer with the ‘Salute to Seniors’ Award, I am reminded of how great a contribution volunteers make to this wonderful city,” said Cathy Lightfoot, director of marketing at The Buckingham. “Not only does their contribution impact the amount of services and support the city of Houston receives, it also positively affects the morale of the city and inspires others to give back to their community.”

O’Neal, 67, became a volunteer for Sheltering Arms after her stepfather passed away from Alzheimer’s disease. Her experience walking through the hardships of Alzheimer’s disease with a loved one inspired in her a deep compassion for those battling against the devastation of dementia.

“When a person is in the midst of a battle against something as difficult Alzheimer’s disease, they need others to walk alongside them, to encourage them and to enjoy the blessings of life with them,” said O’Neal. “I also understand the toll caring for a loved one with dementia can take on the caregiver, so my hope is that my time at Sheltering Arms provides relief for those suffering and for the caregivers. In truth, working with Sheltering Arms is a joy for me; I believe I get back much more than I give.”

The concept of volunteer service was instilled in O’Neal at a very young age when she served a local hospital as a candy striper. In fact, it was through her volunteer work with Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) that she discovered an additional volunteer opportunity at Sheltering Arms more than eight years ago. She now volunteers for both organizations.

“For eight years, Dianne has offered Sheltering Arms her time, talent and compassion every Thursday afternoon,” said Arnold. “In addition to giving manicures to those struggling with Alzheimer’s, she also joins them for a late afternoon snack and Bible study. During Bible study she reads scriptures and prayers to them. Diane has a very special way with people and I can see the joy in their faces when Dianne spends time talking and laughing with them. Her service to Sheltering Arms is truly invaluable.”

Sheltering Arms Senior Services is a nonprofit organization committed to the health and well-being of older adults and their family caregivers.Their mission is to promote the dignity and independence of older adults through service, advocacy, and support for caregivers. Annually, Sheltering Arms Senior Services servesmore than53,000 elders and their caregivers through In Home Care, Home Health, Geriatric Care Management and Consultation, Lifeline Medical Alert, Case Management, Adult Day Care, Housing and Energy Management,and Telephone Reassurance.

O’Neal has been married for 30 years, and together she and her husband have three children and four grandchildren.

Photo

Julie Fenske, executive director of The Buckingham; Dianne O'Neal; Cathy Lightfoot, director of marketing at The Buckingham

Photo by Robin Baschnagel

ABOUT THE BUCKINGHAM

The Buckingham is Houston’s premier life care retirement community located in the heart of the Memorial neighborhood. Situated on a 17-acre site along Buffalo Bayou at 8580 Woodway Drive, The Buckingham offers resort-style services and amenities for active, independent seniors, as well as all levels of health care services on-site at The Plaza at The Buckingham. The community features 205 independent living residences; 42 private assisted living apartments; 16 private memory support apartments; and 60 private skilled nursing suites.

The Buckingham is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit retirement community owned by Senior Quality Lifestyles Corporation (SQLC), a Texas-based nonprofit organization that owns sister communities Edgemere in Dallas, Querencia at Barton Creek in Austin, The Stayton at Museum Way under development in Fort Worth, and Mirador under development in Corpus Christi. For information visit www.buckinghamhouston.com, or call (713) 660-6552.

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