JOPLIN, Mo. —
Recent events have left the residents of Joplin reeling, including the residents of the damaged nursing homes.
Most residents have been relocated to area homes but some have been moved as far away at Chanute, Kan., and Clinton, Mo. It’s been a challenge keeping up with the location of the residents. I have been impressed with the staff of the facilities that have taken in the displaced residents. The nursing homes in the area have done the absolute best they can and deserve kudos for their hard work.
It’s difficult, though, for the residents to get used to their new homes. They are adjusting to new people, new surroundings, new menus, and new rules. Some have lost all their possessions, and many didn’t have much to begin with. Just like everyone else in the path of the tornado these residents are starting over. Yes, they still have a roof over their heads and food to eat every day, but they also have new roommates and new buildings to navigate. I’ve heard it said recently that nursing home residents have it easy but that isn’t the case. Even the residents who weren’t moved are adjusting to the new residents and staff in the building. It can be very confusing, since room assignments can change often as people come and go from the facilities. Of course things are already beginning to level out and the confusion will lessen.
Rebuilding is in full force here in Joplin and that also goes for residents who have been moved around in nursing homes. Many residents of nursing homes will be able to move back to Joplin as their facilities are rebuilt and repaired. Like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz says “There’s no place like home” and I can’t wait until I see these residents and get to say welcome home.
Charlotte Crum is the ombudsman coordinator at the Area Agency on Aging.
Tornado: Columns
Charlotte Crum, columnist: Time will come for a return home
- Tornado: Columns
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Susan Redden: McCaskill praises Joplin cooperation
At least two things she saw in Joplin need to be replicated in Washington, U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill said during a visit last week.
A strong spirit of cooperation is driving Joplin’s rebuilding, she said. And, the senator said there is a realization “that federal programs have a place.” -
Mark Rohr, guest columnist: Miracle of the human spirit ever-pervasive since tornado
Monday marks 100 days since the worst tornado in our country in the past 70 years tore through our community, leaving lost lives and destroyed property in its wake. As I have said before, that fateful day in late May will be the defining moment in all of our lives whether we want it to be or not.
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Ron Richard, guest columnist: Partnership can spur recovery
The tornado that ravaged Joplin and the flooding affecting Missouri River towns and businesses are both human and economic tragedies.
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Wally Kennedy: Flocks expected for Chick-fil-A opening
The stocking of the Chick-fil-A restaurant at 2127 S. Range Line Road is under way in preparation for a grand reopening on Thursday. The restaurant was among 25 or so eateries on Main Street and Range Line Road that were destroyed by the May 22 tornado.
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Susan Redden: State officials argue about disaster money
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon is under fire from two different fronts, both relating to plans for a special legislative session in which the Joplin tornado and its economic impact will most certainly be a topic.
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Wally Kennedy: Walgreen’s to reopen both stores Monday
Monday will be a big day for two of the three stores that Walgreen’s operates in Joplin. The Walgreen’s at 20th and Main streets sustained significant damage on May 22. It was at the north edge of the tornado’s damage zone. It has had a major makeover.
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Roger Nomer: Image a ‘revelation’ for photographer
The sky looked dark, but nothing more unusual than a typical springtime storm.
I was on duty May 22 at the Globe, and had just finished taking photos of Joplin High School’s graduation when the storm sirens started to sound at Missouri Southern State University. -
Jo Ellis: Small deeds will make a big impact
A big, big thanks to all who have called, emailed or written to me saying they want to participate in Nature-Joplin (Nurture a Tree-Urban Reforestation Effort-Joplin) to help Joplin recover from the May 22 tornado that scoured the landscape.
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Andra Bryan Stefanoni: Safe room will always be reminder of May 22
The afternoon of May 22, I emailed a story to my editor from my home office just before the tornado sirens sounded in Pittsburg.
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Sarah Sticklen: Lessons learned: Remain faithful, move forward
As I walked into Missouri Southern’s Leggett & Platt Athletic Center on May 22 for my high school graduation, all I could think was: “I cannot wait until this is all over. Then, I can finally relax.”
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