The Laurel Spirit - Laurel Health Care Company

A LAUREL
HEAUH
CARE
COMPANY
ASSOCIATE
VOL 8 • WINTER 2007-08
PUBLICATION
Virginia Facility Jains Laurel Family
The Laurels of University Pal'k In Richmond, Virginia, JOined
the Laurel family In luly, 2006, With 194 beds, The Laurels of
University Pal'k is now the largest of I_Jurel Health are Company's
28 nursing homes.
The facility has been welcomed with open arm., Other Laurel
facilities helped The Laurels of niverslty Park meet start-up needs,
and the cOlllmunity of Richmond has embraced the much-needed
facility The LClurels of UniverSity Park's beds are neal'ly full
An existing nul's" g home that Laurel Health are purchased
and renovated, the facility is situated in a park-like, 50-acre setting
featuring matur woods and landscaping. Laurel took on
management of the facility after examining both local population
demogt'aphics and eXisting facilities, concluding that there was
a need for additional good skilled-nursing facilities in the Jrea.
Thirty bed have been set aside for short-term rehab guests; the
rest are earmarked for long- erm care guests.
RCllOvatiolls to the origi nal bu iId ing inc! ude interior clecorati ng
The Laurels of University Park in Richmond, Virginia,
that features earth tones of cinnCllllon and sage green, new
is the one of Laurel's largest facilities.
fumitur and privacy curtains for guesl rooms, and new flooring
and interior doors throughout. Offering pi ysical, occupational
and speech ther'apy, the facility also bO,ISts a new well-equipped gym.
The Laul'els of University 1'<1Ik offers guest activities 11 hours a
day, seven days a week as well as bus transportation for weekly guest
outings. The' facilit t's Red Cross blood drives have proven the most
productive in the area, and guests and A .ociates have already
represented the fv.cility in community and fund-raising ev nls.
Three oth"'r frlCilities have also recently Joined the Laurel Health Care
fclmily: The I_aurels of Bon Air in I~ichmolld, Virginia: The Laurels of
Carson City in Cmon .ity, Michigan; and The La Irels of Toledo in
Tol d J, Ohio. See pdge eight for- details aboul these and see the next
issue of The Laurel Sf)f'ri! for more details on Laurel Health 'are
CompZllly's glowing number of nUl'slng hOl1les.
2
3
A Message .Im!rl lhe Presidenl
Reflections
4-6 That's the Sjmil.'
DI~j)(l)llIlen!
7
Laure!
8
SjJilit News
Pmjlll'
FROM
THE
PRESIDE,
T
Dear Valued Associate,
Laurel Health Care Company has embarked on a new mission;
a journey that will change the nursing home experience in a remarkable
way. And you, the valued associates of Laurel, are at the controls of
this mission.
Our new mission statement defines our vision for this journey
as follows:
"Creating a Legacy by Exceeding the Needs and Expectations
of Those We Serve, While Embracing The Laurel Way"
Imagine a place where everyone looks for opportunities to exceed
not only your needs, but also your expectations. When we exceed the
expectations of those we serve, we are impacting our guests, our
community and each other.
Each of us makes a difference in the lives of those we come in contact
with each day. The issue is ... will we make a positive difference or a
"Creating a Legacy
by Exceeding
the Needs
and Expectations
of Those We Serve,
while Embracing
The Laurel Way."
negative difference? It is a choice we make. We can exceed expectations
in many ways, but I encourage each of us to be aware of the
opportunities that exist through simple acts such as a smile, a gentle
touch or a kind deed. It is often the little things that make the biggest
difference. Be alert for these opportunities as you go through your day.
In addition, do not be afraid to ask those you serve how you can
exceed their expectations or make a difference. You may be surprised
to learn that we can fulfill their wishes if we simply invest a little effort
in determining what those wishes are.
If we pursue this mission with hope and enthusiasm, we will all be
part of something very special. To know that you have made someone's
life a little brighter or a little easier is an incredible and worthwhile
accompl ishment. I look forward to the challenges ahead, as together
we create our "Legacy."
Warmest regards,
¥t.J.~
Bradford W. Payne
President and CEO
THE
LAUREL
WAY
OF
(/\RI
G
COMES
FROM
WITH'I
A
CLOSE-UP
LOOK
AT
ACTIVITIES
December was a busy month at The Laurels
of Coldwater in Coldwater, Michigan. Here, guests
share a dance at the facility's Winter Snow Ball
Dance. The event featu red live entertai nment and
hors d'oeuvres. The facility also celebrated the
holiday season by hosting a Chl'istmas program
featuring students from the nearby Max Larsen
Elementary School and offering Santa visits and
Christmas light tours throughout the month.
Staff members of The Laurels of DeKalb in Butler,
Indiana, recently donated a check for $2,500 to their
local Alzheimer's Association chapter. The gift
represented half of what the facility had earned from
sponsoring a golf outing late last year. The other
$2,500 was presented to Del<alb Home Health Care
and Hospice. Pictured here hom left to right are
Dr. Emilio Vazquez, The Laurels of DeKalb medical
director; Rhonda Fleming, social service director;
Marleen Miller, assistant director of nursing;
Emily Nelson, director of marketing; and Sue Forte,
Alzheimer's Association board president.
The Laurels of Willow Creek in Midlothian,
Virginia, hosted a Thanksgiving feast for the facility's
guests and their families. Live harp music and table
service by crisply dressed facility department
managers provided a true fi ne-d in ing experience
for the 80 people attending. Pictured here are guest
Catherine Pedigo (right) and her daughter Caroline.
THE
LAUREL
WAY
OF
CARl
G
COMES
FRO,y\
WITHIN
3
DE,vlONS1RATING
THE
lAURCl
WAY
•
Sales Achievement
Award
Percent over budget
Private
The Laurels of Coldwater
Medicare
The Laurels of Charlottesville
Total
Maplevvood of Mt. Pleasant
•
Annual Laurel Health Care Company
Management Awards
In two separate awards banquets, Laurel Health Care Company
recognized selected facilities for outstanding achievements last year.
Congratu lations to our wi nni ng faci Iities for thei r fine performance,
The Pinnacle Award
for best overall performance
The Laurels of Willow CI'eek
Runner-Up
The Laurels of alesburg
Total actual patient days
Medicare
The Laurels of Willow Creek
Insurance
The Laurels of Willow Creek
Occupancy Award
for 100 percent occupancy
for more than 400
consecutive days
in 2006-2007
Maplewood of M,mhall
---+++--­
The Gaulke Award
100 Percent Club
The Laurels of DeKalb
The Castor Award
The Laurels of Coldwater
The Laurels of DeKalb
The Laurels of GreenTree Ridge
The Laurels of Massi lion
The Laurels of Summit Ridge
Nursing achievement award
winners will be named at an
upcoming Director of Nursing
Awards program.
1 H E
The
The
The
The
The
The
The
The
The
The
The
Laurels
Laurels
Laurels
Laurels
Laurels
Laurels
Laurels
Laurels
Laurels
Laurels
Laurels
L A U R E l
for full occupancy during 2006
of Coldwater
The Laurels of Mt. Pleasant
of Defiance
The Laurels of Mt. Vernon
of DeKalb
The Laurels of Sandy Creek
of Forest Glenn
The Laurels of Summit Ridge
of Fulton
The Laurels of Willow Creek
of Galesburg
The Laurels of Worthington
of Hendersonville
Maplewood of Marshall
of Hillsboro
Maplewood of Mt. Pleasant
of Hudsonville
Maplewood of Sandy Creek
of Kent
Maplewood of Shane's Village
of Massillon
WAY
0 F
CAR I,
G
COM E 5
FRO M
WIT H' I N
I
The Laurel Way Award
for outstanding demonstration of the Laurel Way of Caring
The
The
The
The
Laurels
Laurels
Laurels
Laurels
of
of
of
of
Charlottesville
Coldwater
Defiance
DeKalb
The
The
The
The
The
The
The
The
The
Laurels
Laurels
Laurels
Laurels
Laurels
of
of
of
of
of
Forest Glenn
Fulton
Galesburg
GreenTree Ridge
Hendersonville
The Laurels of Sandy Creek
The Laurels of Summit Ridge
The Laurels of Worthington
Maplewood of Marshall
Maplewood of Mt. Pleasant
The Laurels of Hillsboro
The Laurels of Hudsonville
Laurels
Laurels
Laurels
Laurels
of
of
of
of
Kent
Massillon
Mt. Vernon
Norworth
Maplewood of Sandy Creek
Maplewood of Shane's Village
---+)--­
Rehab Service Director (RSD) Awards
Overall Excellence
The Laurels of Hudsonville
Eva Aniola is welcomed by laurel
Health Care President Brad Payne
to the mmpany's Rehab Services
Director Council.
Best Patient Advocacy
The Laurels of Hudsonville
Best Rehab PPS Management
The Laurels of Hudsonville
RSD
COL
neil - New Appointluent
Eva Aniola, The I_aurels of Hudsonville
Best Staffing Management
for best management of therapy staffing hours
The Laurels of Fulton
THE
LAURI'L
WAY
OF
CAI\ING
COMES
FROM
WITHIN
DE
0
STRATING
THE
LAUREL
WAY
•
•
Aging with Spirit
Laurel Health Care Company
periodically features a
Laurel Health Care facility
guest who is living a
particularly spirited life
at an advanced age. Here's
our latest "inspiration."
Della Aldrich was born at home in Tekonsha, Michigan, on August
20, 1904, the second of three children and the only girl. Today at 101,
she is doing well, according to Administrator Jane Johnson of Michigan's
Maplewood of Marshall, where Della lives.
Admittedly spoiled by "Daddy," Della often got to take a horse and
buggy to high school. Other days she walked the four miles there.
Della recalls that her first ride in a car was terrifying at an estimated
20-30 miles per hour.
The young Della graduated from high school in 1933 and, never
one to be left behind, passed the state teacher examination before
she ever attended college. She taught school two years before
enrolling at County Normal School, now Western
Michigan University.
Her first date with husband-to-be Russell Aldrich was
an airplane ride in 1926. Della reports she hated the
flight but didn't let it deter her from developing a lasting
affection for the flyer. The following June, Russell and
Della eloped to Stryker, Ohio, and were mal'ried at a
church parsonage,
Settling into married life, Della helped Russell on their
farm, which had no electrical service for the first 10 years
of their marriage. They had one daughter, Margaret, in
October 1930. Margaret and her husband, Jack, later gave
the Aldriches three grandchildren. Since they lived just
a half-mile down the road from Della and Russell,
grandchildren, Inez, Aileen and Chris loved to come
to their grandparents' house to be spoiled.
Della went back to work in 1965 at the nearby Tekon
Truck Stop to supplement the couple's farm income. They
retired from farming in 1972, but tireless Della continued
working at the truck stop until 1974. Starting in 1973, the
Aldriches spent 20 winters soaking up the sunny warmth
of Bradenton, Florida.
Della survives both her daughter, who died in 1984,
and her husband, who passed away in 1996. But she
remains the matriarch of the family and her descendants
say they are "incredibly privileged" to have access to her
knowledge, wisdom and memories.
Della Aldrich, a resident of Maplewood of Marshall, was crowned
Calhoun County (Michigan) Senior fair Queen at lOt.
116
THE
LAUREL
Della is also something of a local icon in the Marshall,
Michigan, area: summer before last, as the oldest
women at the Calhoun County Fair, she was crowned
Senior Fair Queen.
WAY
OF
CARING
COMES
FROM
WITHIN
SERVING
WITH
CARE
AND
PROFESSIONALISM
C inical Resources Department
When we think of health care and treatment in the nursing home
industry, we think of doctors, nurses and therapists, right? Well, not
exactly. Behind those important medical professionals at Laurel Health
Care Company is a specially trained group of Associates who rarely see a
patient face to face. But every patient's care, as well as Laurel Health Care
Company's ability to provide that care, relies on them.
Through extensive patient care
experience and the use of specially
designed data-management software
programs, this department of four helps
develop and document medical data sets
(MDS) on each Laurel guest. The data is
used to create individual care plans for
guests as well as generate reports to
send to Medicare Part A and Medicaid
government programs, which reimburse
Laurel Health Care for many kinds of
guest care and treatment.
Laurel Announces
Promotions
Barb Lombardi has been
promoted to Director of Operations
for Laurel Health Care Company,
making her the ultimate overseer
of operations at all 28 Laurel
Health nursing homes. Lombardi
was for'merly Northern Region
Operations Manager.
Wendell Torrey has been
promoted to Regional Operations
Managel' of Laurel Health
Care Company's Northern
Region, replacing Barb Lombardi.
Torrey previously was facility
Administrator at The Laurels
of Kent in Lowell, Michigan.
Jane Bailey, Clinical Resources Manager,
works out of Laurel's Columbus, Ohio,
corporate office. She oversees the work of
three regional clinical resources specialists
who assist staff at facilities in their regions.
The process starts with a standardized
government form that a facility-level
Associate completes to assess the health condition of each guest.
Once completed, this MDS points to the kinds of medical services the
guest will need and the amount of staff time those services will require.
The regional clinical resources specialist then assists with processing,
billing and sometimes problem solving. Regional specialist Kelly Pruitt
serves Michigan-based Laurel facilities and Chasity Hartman assists Laurel
facilities in Ohio.
The Clinical Resources Department then uses specifically designed
software to generate treatment plans and to determine what Medicare and
Medicaid reimbursements the company can file for. In order to smooth the
flow of data, the software is compatible with that being used by Medicaid
and Medicare.
Cathy Chiovaro has been
promoted to the position of
Regional Operations Manager,
Southeast Region. Prior to that,
she was the facility Administrator
at The Laurels of Charlottesville
in Charlottesville, Virginia,
Nancy Stephens, former Rehab
Services Director at The Laurels
of Fulton, was recently promoted
to facility Administrator there.
Stephens is the first Laurel Health
are Company Rehab Servi es
Dire tor ever to be promoted
to the p sition of facility
Administrator. Nancy earned her
administretor's degre whil
working full-time as The Laurels
f Fulton's Rehab Director.
It's a busy job for Bailey and her staff. Medicare and Medicaid
require quarterly health assessments for each guest. But residents with
changing medical conditions can require up to ten assessments per year.
As a result, the number of MDS records processed each year reaches
the thousands.
THE
LAUREL
WAY
OF
CARING
COMES
FROM
WITHI
WHO.
W HAT,
W Il [ R [ .
How does
OUI
W H [N
A
0
HOW
garden grow?
Three new Laurel Health Care Company facilities have opened in
addition to The Laurels of University Park featured on page one of
this issue: The Laurels of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio; The Laurels of
Bon Air in Richmond, Virginia; and The Laurels of Carson City in
Carson City, Michigan.
The Laurels of Toledo is the first Laurel Health Care facility in this
northern Ohio city. With 93 beds, it is located close to several hospitals.
Like other Laurel Health Care facilities, the nursing home offers skilled
short-term and long-term care and rehabilitation services. It also offers
a full range of activities for guests to enjoy.
Catch the Spirit
To help make The Laurel Spirit
truly valuable for every Laurel
Associate, we want your input.
If you have ideas for stories,
features or photos, let us hear
from you I Do you knovv someone
who exemplifies The Laurel Way
of Caring? Please submit your
ideas to your Administrator, who
will pass them on to The Laurel
Spirit editor, Brent Tippie.
The newly constr-ucted Laurels of Bon Air contains 100 beds, and
as a two-story structure, represents a new design for Laurel Health Care
facilities. The ground floor will house short-term rehab guests with
30 private rooms and a therapy gymnasium. The second floor will feature
a mix of private and semi-private rooms for long-term-care guests.
The facility is part of a new continuous-care retirement campus that
also houses assisted- and independent-living units operated by
other developers.
The Laurels of Carson City is a newly constructed single-story building
on a 1O-acre campus. The 82-bed facility offers both short-term rehab and
long-term nursing cat'e, It is the first Laurel Health Care facility ever to
feature a new design for semi-private rooms that increases privacy for
both occupants, Roger Obenauf, Director of Specialty Services, says,
"The design creates a visual separation between the two occupants' areas
that helps each guest feel like they have a private room," The Laurels of
Carson City will be the first skilled nursing care facility in Carson City,
which according to Obenauf is offering a warm reception. "Hospitals and
doctors in the area have been waiting for this for a long time," he says.
---+)--­
And for growing appetites ...
Dining room guests at Maplewood of Marshall can let out their belts
a notch; the assisted-living center's dining room was recently enlarged.
The dining room expansion is just one part of a new construction that
also features an ice cream parlor and popcorn stand. The space
encompasses 18 new assisted-living units as well. That's more folks to
enjoy ice cream!
THE
LAUREL
WAY
OF
CARING
COMES
FROM
WITHIN