Treemont Retirement Blog

by Jane Zimmerman, Treemont Resident

We have many residents at Treemont with talent and great happenings and achievements in their lives, but newbie Charles Stephens can claim fame in show business.  A talented singer and pianist, Charles was also a well-known name in radio in his home town Kansas City, Missouri, at KPRS Broadcasting Corp.; New York City and Washington D.C.  He was both a disc jockey and recording artist, appearing with his band, the Skylarks, in night clubs and other live gigs, like the small Madison Square Garden in NYC, where fans came to hear them and dance.

The Skylarks are all seniors now, and have lost touch, but Charles continues to play piano, though he no longer sings due to his recent open-heart surgery at the Michael E. DeBakey

by Jane Zimmerman, Treemont Resident

There were many residents who came to Treemont due to Hurricane Harvey.  When the City declared her neighborhood as a boat ramp for boats to rescue dogs and people, Arden Thornton had to leave.  She came to Treemont before the storm ended and was taken in as a tenant, and provided the necessities she needed through an emergency donation program here in the activity department.  She smiled when the volunteers outfitted her with new clothes, and said, “They all match!”  Since then Arden has become a pleasant addition to our community.  She decided to sell her home and make our senior living in Houston community her permanent residence, though she plans to travel to Europe extensively in the future.

Arden was born in Orlando, Florida. She attended Florida State University, majoring in French and Spanish, and minoring in music and education. 

Spotlight on Houston Nursing Home ADON Simone Johnson

The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) Simone Johnson plays a key role in ensuring the smooth functioning of Treemont Health Care Center’s nursing, rehabilitation and assisted living community. Simone Johnson’s primary goal is to enhance the efficiency of the nursing staff.

Simone’s responsibilities include the development of optimal resident care plans, evaluation of the different systems followed during the treatment, planning rotations for the staff and making sure that each and every patient is receiving the required amount of attention. Says Administrator Cynthia Lamison, “Simone is a perfect pair for our DON Sheree Wade, she assists in quality monitoring, training and mentoring of our staff and assures our residents our well taken care of.  Simone is hands on, making a minimum two supervisory rounds in a day.

Originally from Dallas, Simone came to Houston to get her nursing degree at Prairie View A&M University. “Nursing school has always been a passion of mine. I knew that I wanted to be a nurse ever since I was in high school,” says Simone. In 2011 my grandfather passed away from cancer and while we

Healthy Tips for Seniors: Mental Health Awareness

Just as physical health is important for one’s overall well being, mental health plays an important role as well. Often mental health is something that many do not like to talk about, and therefore will delay getting help.  It is estimated that 20% of people age 55 years or older experience some type of mental health concern. That is roughly 1 in 5 individuals over the age of 55. Addressing any potential mental health issues can improve your or your loved one’s quality of life.

Older adults are more likely to report physical symptoms rather then psychiatric symptoms, and will often seek care from their primary physician more often than from a psychiatrist/psychologist. Knowing risk factors that can play a role in mental health, can aid in identifying symptoms quicker and receiving the appropriate care.

by Jane Zimmerman, Treemont Resident

Handsome resident Charles Revilla is a coal miner’s son, born July 6, 1926 in Imboden, Virginia.  His father quit mining when he got married in Rose Hill, Va. and tried farming, but was not fond of the profession.  Nor was he happy with Ford’s Detroit industries he tried, so he returned to Imboden as a coal miner.   His father retired at 65 years old and had many stories to tell about mining, including a close call he had when a rock roof collapsed, killing his partner. 

Needless to say, Charles chose a different career path, with the aid of the U.S. Navy during WWII.  He was drafted, served from 1944-46 and had experience with atomic bomb testing at Bikini lagoon in the Pacific.  The great thing about serving in the Navy was his eligibility for college on the GI bill, although he worked for his father in the timber yard outside the coal mine immediately after leaving the service.

by Jane Zimmerman, Treemont Resident

Always pleasant, smiling and beaming with joy, Lois McCall glides through Treemont in her power chair on her way to the dining room, activities or to meet a friend.  She always acknowledges those who speak or simply offer her a smile.  After residing at Treemont for 10 years, she knows many people and has many friends through her volunteer work here.  Lois leads the Monday afternoon Bible Study class in the Green Room and began the “Meet Your Neighbor at Treemont” articles, which yours truly now writes due to Lois’ busy schedule.  Originally, she thought it would be a nice idea if residents knew each other, and how right she was!

Editors  note: Click here to view a story about Ms. McCall in the Houston Chronicle. Lois has also written about the Top 10 Reasons Residents Chose Treemont. 

We all have a story to tell, including Lois, who was born in Dallas, TX and raised by a single mom, who was a woman of strong faith.  Lois describes her as “big as a minute, strong as an ox and stubborn as an army mule.”  She was so certain that Lois should go to Baylor