Independant Practitioner of the Year

Independant Practitioner of the Year Award

Ohio Health Care Association 2010

Dr. Robert Cluxton, Pharmacy Consultant

Alois Alzheimer Center, Cincinnati

Robert J. Cluxton, PharmD, is the Pharmacy/Research Consultant at the Alois Alzheimer Center. Concinnati. For 20 years Robert has made weekly rounds with the medical director and other physicians. He is an unpaid consultant, but is deeply devoted to the residents and the care they receive. He does so only because of his commitment and exceptional dedication to caring for others.

As a professor and consultant in long-term care, Robert provides staff with information on various medications and their side effects, conducting drug research studies that allow residents to reap the benefits much earlier than if they had to wait for FDA approval, and sharing his knowledge with physicians and others to ensure residents receive appropriate medication regimes. He has great respect and compassion for residents and families, and serves as a role model for the students he teaches, wanting them to understand not just the medications and the science behind them, but to see first-hand how they may affect older adults, and the alternatives that may work better.

Following an early stint at the facility for a grant, he asked. "Do you mind if I keep bringing my students here after the grant has ended? I think that the clinical experience prepares them much better for whan they move on to practice on their own." Twenty years later he is still doing just that, bringing students to the facility, and engaging them in multidisciplinary discussions about residents, medications, protocols and treatments.

"Robert has made contributions to the standard of care for residents within our facility," the application states, "and for countless others who benefit from their student experience. We have no doubt former students have moved onto careers with a better understanding that puts respect, caring and resident dignity first."

Congratulations Dr. Cluxton!

Dietary Services Professional of the Year Award

Dietary Services Professional of the Year Award

Ohio Health Care Association 2010

Marlene Stinson, Dietary Aide/Cook

Alois Alzheimer Center, Cincinnati



Marlene Stinson, has served Alois Alzheimer Center in Cincinnati as a Dietary Aide and Cook for the past 11 1/2 years. Though she works in the dietary department, Marlene is always eager to help the nursing department with meals when they are needed elsewhere. She is service-oriented, recognizing that she is there to enhance the lives of the residents, and willing to help them in anyway she can.



"Marlene takes great pride in her work, and will take the extra minute or two to ensure that all food is served at the right temperature, promptly and in an attractive manner," says Amber Adams, Director of Dietary." If she believes a resident is having difficulty, she will first comfort the resident and notify the proper staff member to provide additional assistance, and always follows up with the resident."



According to Adams, Marlene sets the standard for what a dedicated employee should be. She pays attention to all the residents she comes in contact with, always with a smile on her face. She is often observed stopping to help those who seem distressed or in need of assistance. If she is concerned or senses a change in a resident, she will immediately seek out the proper person to notify. Her positive attitude has made her the employee that is selected when new employees need training and guidance.



"Her demeanor is always the same, she steps up to the task at hand and gets it done," says Adams. "It is evident that she is dedicated to the residents, their families and her co-workers.......she is a special person indeed!"



Congratulations Marlene!

Writing Circle at the Alois Center 2010

Last fall, writer Annette Januzzi Wick met with Marvin Knobloch and Jennifer Dalessandro with the idea to host a writing circle for the residents of the Alois Center. Annette came up with this idea after listening to a podcast on NPR about an author and phychologist from New York who had teamed up to produce a writing circle with individuals with Alzheimer's. In addition, Annette was experiencing the challenges her own mother was facing with dementia. In January, that idea became a reality.

Annette was assisted by Leigh Edison, both of Loveland Ohio. They created a safe space for the participants to share their thoughts and words. After the first class, one participant shared, "I feel like a writer already".

Prior to the class, participants were asked what type of writing subject they would like for the last class. One resident mentioned birthday parties, so the following week, the circle wrote to the theme of birthday parties, after reading poems about gooey cake and musical chairs. They celebrated afterwards whip a whipped frosting double layer cake and singing "Happy Birthday to Everyone". Leigh and Annette noted to the group that their writings about birthdays had a universal theme of being together with family. As one participant put it, "I love my family and it's expressed in my words".

Employee of the Quarter 2nd Quarter 2010

Michelle Huber, Director of Nursing with Cindy Heller, LPN



Employee of the Quarter: Cindy Heller, LPN



Cindy has worked at the Alois Alzheimer Center for only 3 years-one of our "newer" employees! Cindy loves the residents, families, staff and administrators. She knows everyone is always ready to help and no request goes unanswered. She feels the love at every level that flows through this facility. Her husband has commented on how happy she seems, and she agrees-she is! The ongoing support and laughter is what keeps her here and happy.



When asked why she loves her job, Cindy shared, "My job is rewarding, fulfilling and I look forward to coming to work each day to see the residents and staff".



A very special "Thank You" to Cindy for all she brings to The Alois Center!!

Valentine's Day

Valentine Day Celebration at The Alois Center



The Activities Staff pulled together another wonderful event for the residents to enjoy. There were Kings and Queens, dancing, singing and delicious valentine treats!


No hearts were broken and a good time was had by all!

Biggs Sixth Sense Program

The Alois Alzheimer Foundation will be a featured charity at the Eastgate Biggs, location from Feb. 27th till May 31st.

Buy a Biggs shopping bag or bring your own and you will receive a wooden token worth six cents to drop in one of three bins at the front of the store. All funds collected will go to that charity after a three month period.

Funds for the Alois Alzheimer Foundation go to educate and support individuals and families dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia through Caregiver Seminars, Education and Research.

Please help us continue to make a difference by selecting “The Alois Foundation” when you shop at Eastgate Biggs.


Thank you so much for your support!

Alois Center Rings in the New Year!

It’s another year and how fortunate we were to share it with our residents, families, staff and friends. Marvin and the entire Activities Staff made the atmosphere fun, festive and sparkling. There was a splendid assortment of appetizers to choose from, enjoyed by all. The highlight of the evening was the dancing! The chicken dance and the hokey pokey IS what it’s all about! The laughing, smiling and warmth of that night will stay with us all year.

One of the New Year resolutions made by the Alois Center is to have entries made to the Blog often, so please be sure to check back from time to time.