Treemont Retirement Blog

by Jane Zimmerman, Treemont Resident

Friendly resident Amy Vernon is literally a licensed driver at Treemont; she has a West Virginia license plate on the back of her manual wheelchair.  Needless to say, she is careful when she rides, especially when she has Sprout, her black and white cat, on her lap. (Sprout is friendly, too, and loves to venture out to say Hello to neighbors; and Amy has to retrieve).This senior living community in Houston is pet-friendly!

Amy and Sprout are both newbies at our independent living in Houston community. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Amy spent most of her life in West VA.  Her father was an attorney for Gulf Oil Co., so they were constantly on-the-move.  Her mother was a housewife after she married, and they often entertained family, and friends of Gulf Oil.

Amy began working in retail clothing stores she was fifteen.  Afterward, she attended

by Jane Zimmerman, Treemont Resident

Is there a Doctor in the House?  Yes!

Newbie Resident, Dr. Manuel Oropeza, moved to Treemont March 19, 2019. When his daughter first mentioned Treemont, Manuel was not sure if he would like it, but now that he is here, he finds there are a variety of things to do; but most of all he likes the people!

Manuel was born in Venezuela; however, he was in the United States between 1979 and 1984, receiving his Masters in Radiological Sciences, and his Doctorate Fellowship in Nuclear Medicine from John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

Manuel practiced medicine in Venezuela as the Director of the Institute of Nuclear Medicine at the University of Los Andes. He also was the Director of Nuclear Medicine in Paris, France in the Sorbonne.

Eight years ago, his wife succumbed to triple cancer. She left a wonderful family of three children, Manuel, Jr., and two daughters, Catherine and Erika.  His son, Manuel

Treemont Honors Residents' Rehab Achievements, Return to Independence

Seniors main motivation for a move to a retirement community is to seek a more supportive environment, with meals, housekeeping, transportation to doctor’s appointments and shopping, activities, entertainment and an overall maintenance-free lifestyle. Seniors might be living in a home that is hard to maintain, especially after a spouse has passed. Mom might no longer drive and feel isolated — no longer able to get to church or play bridge or mah jongg with friends as she used to. It’s also a plus to have staff and fellow residents around to keep an eye on one another. 

Because Treemont Retirement Community has multiple care levels on campus, there’s more peace of mind, knowing that if you have a health setback, you can get a helping hand through Treemont’s on premise home

Spotlight on Houston Nursing Home Activity Director Jeanette Mitchell

As Activities Director for Treemont Health Care Center (HCC), Jeannette Mitchell’s job is multi-faceted. Jeannette develops all activities programming for assisted living and skilled nursing residents. Programs are designed to enhance resident’s overall well-being. Jeanette’s monthly calendar of events reflects a balance of activities that are reflective of physical, social, sensory stimulation, parties and special events. Jeannette also manages the HCC volunteer program.

Jeanette is a Certified Activities Director with a specialty in activities for residents at different levels of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Jeannette also serves as a valued member of the Treemont Interdisciplinary Team, representing the activities and social department as a clinician.  She assesses residents in this area.

Jeannette is new to her Activity Director position, but not to Treemont. Jeannette is one of Treemont’s notoriously long-tenured staff, serving our residents as a CNA since 2008!! “I attended Texas Health School and performed my training and clinical at Treemont. I fell in love with the residents and I’ve been here ever since.  On her

by Jane Zimmerman, Treemont Resident

Pleasantly smiling resident Bobbie Fellers is a happy, satisfied Treemont keeper.  She and her husband Reverend Doctor John E. Fellers (Methodist) were both born in Houston and met at the same childhood church.  After growing up, they saw each other again, dated and married.  They had 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grand babies.  The family all lives close by.  John passed 12 years ago, and Bobbie moved into an apartment, then to Treemont, where she is very pleased!

Bobbie volunteered at church, supporting her husband in his ministry.  While they were at St. Paul’s Methodist church on Main Street here in Houston (next to the Museum of Fine Arts), Bobbie also had a travel agency.

Spotlight on Houston Nursing Home Business Manager Anny Ortiz

Being admitted to an Assisted Living Facility or Nursing Home in Houston can be a stressful event. Not only are you or your loved one not well, but there is a morass of rules surrounding what your insurance will cover. That is where Business Manager Anny Ortiz compassionately and knowledgeably steps in to guide your family. Anny’s daily responsibilities include:

~  Billing and Collections for Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance companies and private pay residents.

~  Verifying Benefits. Anny creates and maintains claims for all residents, including financial folders for all admissions.

~  Advice to Residents on Financial Questions. Anny keeps residents informed of benefits or changes and provides options to them when questions arise or their insurance services are ending.  Anny investigates questions directly with the insurance or financial entity, informing the resident or family of necessary steps to achieve a positive final outcome.

~  Support of Residents. Anny is available to respond to resident questions and help them resolve concerns regarding benefits.

~  Explaining Medicare. Anny contacts residents’ insurance

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