October 2013 Connections

On Track with Tracy 3
Connections
GEM Moments 10
Birthdays & Anniversaries 12
Volume 18 Edition 5, February 2014
My CarePartners
“I love the care I am receiving here!” says Kelly Dorris, a spinal
cord injury patient who comes to Main Campus Outpatient
Services for physical therapy, pool therapy and Seating Clinic
consultations. “It’s well-rounded therapy that all works together
to help my back get better. Thanks to adjustments made by the
Seating Clinic staff, I am much more comfortable in my wheelchair.
Before, I had intense pain and spent a lot of time lying in bed
during the day. I still have some pain but not as bad, and now I can
sit in my chair all day.”
Patient Kelly Dorris with Ellen Hoechstetter, Aquatics PT
Making a difference in wheelchair comfort
In our work with CarePartners, stories illustrate how we connect our passion to our purpose every single day. We invite you to be a part of our stories about
our patients and those we serve, illustrating how CarePartners makes a difference in their lives … and about our devoted and expert staff, and how we are
ourselves touched and changed by the work we do here. Submit your stories to “My CarePartners” on the intranet or contact Judy Tanner to be included in
Connections.
Barbara Crume, Seating Clinic PT, has been working with patient Kelly Dorris for a year and a half. Barbara
explained that Kelly sustained a spinal cord injury in a diving accident in 2006 and, as a result, is an incomplete quad.
This means she has feeling in her legs and arms, and enough strength in her arms to do transfers and positioning.
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“When I first saw Kelly after she moved to this area, she was having low back pain all
day and couldn’t sit in her power wheelchair for very long,” Barbara said. “The pain at
times was causing numbness in her left leg and foot. I noticed that she was not sitting
with a level pelvis, so I provided her with a foam wedge under the right side of the seat
cushion. She says this has really helped. She can now sit in her power wheelchair all
day and only has pain by the end of the day.”
Barbara Crume
Continued on page 2
In the News 4
Amy Pike, Hospice Home Care Social Worker, and Christopher
Chardos, Solace Social Worker, appeared in the January issue of
Sophie magazine.
From our Mailbox 11
“I wish to express my gratitude for all that you
did for my husband during his stay at Solace.”
Continued from page 1
Barbara noted that Mary
Martin, CarePartners PT, who
also works with Kelly, has
said that Kelly is staying in
better alignment now. Barbara
continued, “She is stronger
on one side than the other so
when positioning herself, she
Mary Martin
was tending to sit with her right
side lower which led to the pain on the left side. In
addition to modifying the cushion to give additional
support, I trained her on how to position herself leading with the left side of her bottom as she sits
down, so she is sitting evenly on both sides.”
Eli Day
it would need. We noted that her foot plate was so
high that all of her weight was going into her bottom
rather than her legs, adding to her discomfort.
“Kelly’s original supplier had told her seven years
previously that the foot plate couldn’t be moved, but
our supplier said, ‘We can fix that.’ He was able to
remove the bolts, turn the plate around to position
it in a more forward position, and lower it an inch
and a half. This allows her thighs to rest on the seat
cushion, her pelvis to be level and her trunk fully
supported, making it much more comfortable for
her.”
Barbara added that Eli Day,
PT, was with the Seating
Clinic during Kelly’s early visits
and was able to do some
modifications on her power
wheelchair that were helpful in
supporting and correcting her
posture.
Kelly also has a manual wheelchair which she uses
for exercising to maintain upper extremity strength,
Barbara went on to say. “She also uses it when she
doesn’t have transport for the power chair or is going
somewhere where it wouldn’t be accessible since it’s
larger than the manual one. We had her bring in the
manual wheelchair to see what repairs and changes
Kelly works on head and trunk control and core stabilization in a pool therapy
session with Bryan Hoofnagle, PTA student from Southwestern Community
College, and Ellen Hoechstetter, Aquatics PT.
Have you checked out the
Senior Leadership blog?
Be sure to stop by and read the latest interview! Learn little-known
facts about our leaders! You can get to the blog through a link on
the intranet under News and Announcements, an email sent to all
staff, or through your CarePartners gmail - at the top right, click on
the small white 9 square grid, then select Sites.
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On Track
with Tracy
On Track
with Tracy
Tracy Buchanan
President & CEO
Three-Way Integration, One Goal: Highest Quality Patient Care
As we move past the 100-Day mark in our partnership with Mission Health, I am excited about the wonderful
opportunities for growth for CarePartners. And while it is fascinating and challenging to delve into the details of the
integration, I think it is important to remind ourselves of the reason we do all that we do. Our top priority, as always,
is patient care. Our goal is to provide exceptional care, every day.
With that in mind, we are hard at work on what I think of as a Three-Way Integration. We are focused on efforts to
• improve our Acute to Post Acute Transitions
• position ourselves as the Post Acute Leader in the region, and
• work through the myriad complex details involved in the CarePartners and Mission integration.
We are working to improve our performance through timely and appropriate Acute to Post Acute Transitions. This
effort has a direct impact on our patient care. A stronger referral process means that we can serve more people
in our community. For example, we will have smoother transitions by streamlining the data entry requirements for
Liaisons and Intake Staff.
We are positioning ourselves as the leader in the region for Post Acute Care. This is one of the more exciting
opportunities that comes from our integration. Not only are we benefiting from our partnership with Mission Health,
but we are adding our expertise to that of other partners such as Angel Medical Center and Transylvania Regional
Hospital through our integration of home health and hospice services. We will gain some back office efficiencies.
And we will increase our service areas. But most importantly, we will enhance the quality and services we offer to
the patients and families in our expanding community.
You will also begin to see some changes in our policies and systems. These efforts support the other two goals of
improving our Acute to Post Acute transitions and positioning ourselves as the Post Acute Leader. So, ultimately,
the systems changes are aimed at helping us deliver top quality patient care. We ask you to be open and flexible
as we work through these details.
While change can be difficult and a little scary, what’s most exciting to me about all these efforts is the wider world
that is open to us now that we are a part of Mission Health System. As staff, and on behalf of our patients, we have
many more opportunities for growth, development and improved quality, all with the aim of serving our community
in better and stronger ways.
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Hats Off!
Congratulations to Lisa Laney, CarePartners Director of Private Care
Management, on her election to the Board of Directors of the National Association
of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. The NAPGCM is a nonprofit association
representing more than 2,000 members nationally, governed by a 15-member
Board of Directors. Lisa (MSW, CMC) will serve a two-year term.
Lisa Laney
Lisa notes, “NAPGCM is the gold standard of geriatric care management. I am
proud to be part of an association that defines excellence in my profession and is dedicated to
education, collaboration and leadership. I look forward to working with the leaders of NAPGCM to
meet the demands of the changing elder care environment.”
Lisa has been a member of NAPGCM for seven years and has practiced as a medical social worker and case manager for
CarePartners for 23 years. She provides guidance and advocacy for families who are caring for older relatives or disabled adults.
With a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care, she assists clients with the challenges of aging, such as finding
appropriate housing, in-home care, referrals to medical providers or elder law attorneys, as well as the advocacy and support that
provides families peace of mind.
In the News - Making a difference in the Community
•
In mid-January the Asheville Citizen-Times ran a guest column by Brenda Walker,
CarePartners Home Health PT and a certified Tai Chi instructor. Brenda is teaching a series of
Tai Chi for Arthritis Classes sponsored by CarePartners for anyone in the community. Brenda
explained in the article that Tai Chi is a type of low-impact, weight-bearing and aerobic exercise
with physical and mental health benefits, including improving balance which in turn helps
prevent falls.
•
Amy Pike, Hospice Home Care Social Worker, and Christopher Chardos, Solace Social
Worker, appeared in the January issue of Sophie magazine on the “Sophie Celebrates You”
page. Both recently became Licensed Clinical Social Workers, which required completing 3000
hours of appropriately supervised clinical practice over a two-year period.
• An article about Lisa Laney, (MSW, CMC) CarePartners Director of Private Care Management, appeared in
the Asheville Citizen-Times HealthNotes section on January 22. Lisa was recently elected to serve a two-year
term on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.
Exciting news! We now have access to
Mission employee discount programs!
Look for the Dogwood Deals link on the CarePartners intranet
to find information about discounts from local businesses. Just
show your CarePartners name badge to take advantage of
these great deals.
You’ll also see information via this link about the Child
Development Center.
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Chili Cook-Off
CarePartners Connections
Published Monthly for Staff, Friends
and Volunteers of CarePartners
68 Sweeten Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28803
News Team
Carol Copeland Hubbard/Foundation
Ruth Butler/Adult Day
Diana Pegg/Home Health
Tammy Ponder/Inpatient
Kirsten Kern/Internal Staffing & Private Duty
Katherine Caldwell Bauer/Hospice
Karen Vernon/HR and Communications
Nancy Lindell/Business Development
Jeanne Gillespie/Outpatient
Kate Guzy/IS
Hmm, which one is the best? Staff
got to decide on the winner out of 13
different types of homemade chili at
the Chili Cook-Off on January 23 in the
cafeteria. Chef Debbie Robinson’s
masterful entry called “Dad’s
Woodstove Chili” received the most
votes and won a gift card to – where
else? – Chili’s! Second place winner
was Jane Harmon’s “Chili Chili Bang
Bang.” Thanks to all who supported
the event which raised $345 for the
CarePartners United Way Campaign.
Lyla Yaner and Rianne Matthews get ready to
dig in!
Editor
Judy Tanner
United Way Chairs Jane Harmon at left and
Kate Saxe at right present the winner Debbie
Robinson with a gift card to Chili’s.
Designed & Printed by
Andy Guzy, CarePartners Print Shop
Readers are encouraged to submit
announcements, questions, articles, suggestions
& photos by contacting the Editor or any member
of the News Team. Submissions may be sent
electronically via email (preferred method) or
through interoffice mail. It is our goal to provide
equal coverage to all CarePartners services,
but content published is ultimately dependent
on material we receive from the staff &
administration from each of the service areas.
DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE
February 15, 2014
Submissions received after this date may or may
not be considered for the March newsletter.
The Editor of Connections reserves the right to
edit and/or reject material submitted based on its
appropriateness for publication, space availability
or other considerations. We strive for accuracy in
our reporting and encourage readers to notify us
of errors.
Social Networking Dos and Don’ts for Nurses
Submitted by the Nursing Practice Council
CarePartners Nursing Practice Council agrees with the NC Board of Nursing
(according to their recent article in Nursing Bulletin) that nurses’ standards
of professionalism are the same online as in any other circumstance. The
Code of Ethics for Nurses reminds nurses of their primary commitment to
patients, to practice with compassion and respect for all individuals, and the
requirement to disseminate knowledge (ANA, 2001).
HIPAA’s Dos and Don’ts of Social Networking include:
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Do make a distinction between your personal life and professional life
online.
Do use social media for educational and professional purposes.
Do be mindful of HIPAA.
Do set your privacy settings as high as possible.
Don’t be lulled by false security.
Don’t discuss your patients or your colleagues online.
Our online conversation should reflect the same professionalism that
is expected when working with the public.
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Exceptional Care.
Every Day
Exceptional Care. Every Day
“…For myself as a mother, I was able to realize that these are life decisions that are very, very
difficult to make. These parents have done a remarkable job of meeting their daughter’s needs,
and I’m privileged to help with that.”
– Jayne Gretz, Private Duty RN
Stories happen every day at CarePartners, as our experts treat, restore, teach and comfort people of all ages, from the tiniest infants to the oldest citizens
of our region. We believe that exceptional patient care requires an exceptionally caring staff, and we’re proud to uphold that standard each day. Got a story
about your work with patients? Please share with our staff via ‘My CarePartners’ at the top of our intranet home page or contact Judy Tanner to be included in
this section of Connections.
Compassionate care for one of our youngest patients
Jayne Gretz, Private Duty RN, tells about a pediatric patient who requires round-the-clock care. Jayne notes that
when she started, it was a new experience to take care of a child with this level of dependency.
●●●
I worked as a hospital nurse for 42 years,
and working for Private Duty the past
three years has been quite different.
In the hospital, the patients are there
because of an acute episode, and our
Jayne Gretz
goal is to get them back home. Private
Duty care is all done in the home, and our goal is to keep
them out of the hospital. We work to keep them stable,
with compassionate care, taking the unique aspects of
each patient into consideration. It’s at a different level
when you’re going into the home every day.
One of our pediatric patients requires “complete care,”
which includes bathing and washing her hair, toiletry
needs (changing diapers), turning her and repositioning
her every two hours, giving her medication, and checking
her vent and feeding tube.
What’s unique about this patient is taking into
consideration the wants and needs of the parents,
because they are the most critical determinants of her
care. You have to be respectful of what the parents want
for this child, which is to have her at home and take
care of her. They have a nurse there almost all the time.
The parents both work full-time at night and are with her
almost constantly the rest of the time. The needs of the
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parents are critical when you’re forming the nursing plan
of care.
When I first began working with this family two years ago,
the father helped me to understand the subtle ways his
daughter would show a positive response. For example,
after I washed her hair, he would point out how much
more relaxed she seemed. While most people wouldn’t
notice her responses or changes of expression, I’ve
gotten to know the patient and the small things to look for.
It might be a facial expression such as a peaceful look,
or a slowing of her heart rate, or she may doze off. These
are her responses to soothing things.
She has some intestinal issues that occasionally flare
up, with muscle contractions. This will cause her to
grimace. She may need to be suctioned or we turn off
the feeding tube for a little while to allow her to relax. If
she seems uncomfortable, we reposition her. If you don’t
get the pillows just right, you may notice a certain facial
expression.
During my shift, I try to give her some stimulation.
You want to stimulate all of her senses so if there is
awareness, you can reach her. I read to her. I especially
like reading Shel Silverstein’s poems. It’s not so important
Continued from page 6
Exceptional Care. Every Day - Continued
what I’m reading but rather the soothing tone of voice.
I also play audio books on my ipad. I put it on the bed
next to her so she can listen. I sing and play ukulele. I put
movies on. She seems to like these things. I watch her
heart rate to make sure she is ok.
After I give her a bath, I put lotion on her and do range of
motion exercises. She does some grimacing. It must be a
bit uncomfortable.
Her vision is compromised so talking to her is important,
and you hope she is hearing you. I talk to her and tell
her what we’re going to do next. It’s a very unique way of
taking care of a patient.
The other staff who take care of her have taught me a
lot. During shift change, we discuss her comfort level
and the particulars of how the previous shift went. When
I started, I had not taken care of a child with this level of
dependency before. You really do have to get to know
her.
At first I thought this is so sad. After time goes by, you
realize what you’re doing as a nurse is very important.
For myself as a mother, I was able to realize that these
are life decisions that are very very difficult to make, and
these parents have done a remarkable job of meeting
their daughter’s needs. I feel privileged to help them with
that. This is not the kind of nursing everyone can do longterm.
The shift goes by fast. You give her her meds, make sure
she’s nice and clean, and do your best to evaluate pain.
The next nurse comes in and does the same thing. We
all take special pride in taking care of her. She’s a special
little spirit. The parents are very appreciative of what we
do. It’s a credit to CarePartners that she’s done as well as
she has, with care from her parents and our staff.
Grief Education Class for
Staff
Friday mornings for six weeks beginning March 28
from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in Seymour Auditorium.
Provided by CarePartners Bereavement
Department
For All CarePartners Staff
March 28: Grief Process
April 4: Coping Strategies
April 11: Decision Making
April 18: Self Understanding
April 25: Social Understanding
May 2: Role Changes
You are welcome to attend all or any – they are
not sequential.
No pre-registration necessary.
Autism: the spectrum and
emotional coping
All interested staff are invited to “Autism: the spectrum
and emotional coping,” presented by Amy Hobbs of the
Autism Society of NC, on Tuesday, February 4, from
8 to 9 a.m. in Seymour Auditorium. Amy will review
the autism spectrum, give ideas for coping emotionally
with autism, and list local resources that can help.
No registration required, no fee, no CEUs. For more
information, contact Sharon Bigger.
Reminder about food in office
areas
The CarePartners Infection Control Team asks all staff to be
diligent about food in office areas because we are seeing
an increase in pests and don’t want this problem to get any
worse! If you have food in your office, be sure it is stored in
a sealed container. Don’t leave anything sitting out. Also,
please do not place containers with uneaten food etc. in your
office trash can that doesn’t get emptied every day. Take
your uneaten food, food containers, bags, wrappers, etc.
to a trash can that gets emptied every day. Thank you!
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Focus on
Foundation
Focus On
Holidays for Hospice
Thank you to everyone who contributed to a successful 2013 Holidays for
Hospice!
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The Gift Wrap Booth at Asheville Mall received a total of $28,272 in
donations, with the help of an army of volunteers including more than
35 CarePartners staff members. Volunteers gave 2,305 hours to the
Gift Wrap project.
Memorial Ornaments patterned after the large quilt in the Solace
Great Room raised $54,976.
The sale of hand-made ornaments donated by Carolina Mountain
Woodturners and sponsorship of Miniature Trees brought in an
additional $2,640.
Local school children decorated more than 480 miniature trees which
staff distributed to Hospice, Rehabilitation Hospital and Home Health
patients and Adult Day participants.
Mega Estate Sale
February 12 - 15
9:00-5:00 each day
This sale will be at two locations
at the same time:
105 Fairview Road Asheville NC 28803
(just below the ScreenDoor)
and
12 Gerber Road Asheville NC 28803
(behind AAC Building Materials)
Watch the intranet for weekend specials
at the Hospice Thrift Store.
Visit carepartnersfoundation.org
for more information.
Gift Shop
December 2013 was the best month yet for the CarePartners Gift Shop. Thank you to all of our shoppers! The Gift Shop turned
four years old last year and proceeds have funded four pieces of equipment for the Rehabilitation Hospital including a Saebo
Mobile Arm Support and Viking XL Mobile Lift.
The Gift Shop is just across from the main entrance reception desk in the Rehabilitation Hospital and is open weekdays from 11
to 4. You’ll find greeting cards, jewelry, candy, plush toys, housewares and other great gift items. Stop by to shop and support the
Rehabilitation Hospital.
Sharon Pearson, Volunteer Services Manager for CarePartners Foundation, manages the shop and its staff of volunteers. More
volunteers are always needed! For information, contact Sharon at 277-4888 or spearson@carepartners.org.
PACE program development update
Submitted by David Beijer
Good news! The NC Division of Medical Assistance has approved our PACE application. This is a significant step in our program
development. Our application has now moved to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and we expect they will
take the next 90 days to review our program. In the interim, there is significant work to be done.
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8
We are nearing completion with the construction project. Completion is expected in early February.
Furniture and equipment should soon follow.
We recently submitted our application to be a part D provider and soon will submit an application to the
agency that regulates Adult Day Health organizations.
We are making progress in developing our PACE provider network.
Our current projected opening date is August 2014.
We will begin to slowly add new staff as early as February and continue through June of this year.
Please keep an eye on the CarePartners.org website for these postings.
What’s going on in Food Services?
Jennifer Hester, Manager of Food and Nutrition
Services, reports that staff from Food Services and the
Rehab Hospital attended a Lean event in January to
improve communication between the two departments
and to look at problems with getting each patient
Jennifer Hester
the right food at the right time, especially those with
special dietary needs.
She explained, “Susan Sparboe-Derry led us in using a tool called
a fishbone diagram for identifying root causes. We used the diagram
to identify reasons that patients might be getting the wrong food and
then brainstormed to come up with ideas to improve any problems. For
example, the diabetic patients are supposed to get an 8 p.m. snack,
which they were not getting consistently. We came up with the idea of
having a visual cue for this: making the snack available at the nurses’
station for the patient with their name on it, so when the nurses do
blood sugar tests they can pick up the snack at the same time.
“We have also recently designed new menus. We determined that
40 percent of our patient population needs mechanically altered food
(ground, pureed or chopped), so we made a special new menu for
those patients.”
Food Services staff and Rehab Hospital nursing staff
attend a Lean event in January to improve interdepartment communication and better serve our patients.
Pardon our dust! - Jennifer says, “Renovations are going on in the serving line. The cafeteria will
have a new salad bar, a new hot line, a new grill station, and refrigeration for grab-and-go items including
salads, wraps and parfaits.” Renovations are expected to be completed sometime in February.
Upcoming classes
Got plates?
Click on the “CarePartners Education” box on the right side of the intranet
for upcoming educational opportunities and other resources.
• Register by February 8 for “Re-Gift the Donuts, Add Exercise, An
Evidence-Based Rehabilitation Approach to Diabetes.” Approved
for 7.75 contact hours for PT, PTA, OT, OTA and nurses.
• Watch videos, find links to past presentations, and much more!
The cafeteria is running low on
plates, coffee cups, drinking
glasses and silverware.
Have you borrowed any and
forgotten to return them?
Please check your office area
and if you find any, return as soon as possible!
Welcome to CarePartners
Charlene Galloway
Chyrise Hollifield
Corinne Huntsman
Debra Allen
Dora White
Dreama Murdock
Ellis Stroud
Haley Porshia
Heidi Howard
Jennifer Koempel
Jessica Earwood
Joanna
Faulkenberry
Lana Danilova
Laura Grace
Lisa Bain
Logan Angel
Mark Galyean
Meghan Roach
Michelle Revai
Padma Dyvine
Raymond Annable
William Wheeler
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GEM Moments
GEM Recipients
Abigail Clarkson
Allie Hupertz
Allison Seklecki
Ana Rivera Diaz
Angela Taylor
Annette Adkins
Annie Clayton
Arlene Fair
Autumn Sutton
Ava Rice
Barbara Crume
Becky Gilbert
Becky Taylor
Beverly Switzer
Bill Chivers
Bo Ball
Boxley Crenshaw
Brent Wyatt
Brian Lehr
Brittany Gilmore
Carol Stephenson
Celeste Rice
Cheryl Huntsman
Christine Hensley
Christopher Chardos
Christy Brank
Chuck Turner
Thanks and congratulations to the following staff who recently received a CarePartners GEM, which stands for “Going the Extra Mile.” GEMs help us
give special recognition to staff who exemplify our Standards of CARING in providing excellent customer service. If you wish to give a GEM, forms are
available in special holders at all locations or ask your supervisor.
Cindy Gunther
Cindy Welsh
Dale Tascier
Daniel Edwards
David Simpson
Debbie Johnson
Dede Williams
Denise Pace
Denise Smailes
Deresa Carlos
Dianne Fryar
Donna Woon
Eli Day
Elizabeth Miletich
Elizabeth Smith
Ellen Bedenbaugh
Ellen Hoechstetter
Eloise Farr
Eric Lafone
Gina Bokmiller
Ginger Davis
Hillary Kruse
Jan Murphy
Jay Ingram
Jean Coletti
Jeff Hinkle
Jeff Scoltock
Jennie Barnhardt
Jennifer Downing
Jennifer Finley
Jennifer Postles-Britt
Jennifer Torba
Joan Fusco
Joanne Maciejewski
Joy De Guzman
Joyce Russell
Juana Salmeron Sanchez
Julie Bickel
Kathryn Gunn
Katie Lyda
Kelly Jackson
Kim Crain
Kim Leatherwood
Kristen Penland
Kristi Berry
Kristin Williams
Laima Rivera-Diaz
Latonya Caldwell
Laura Cauthen
Laura Coley
Laura Dylus
Libby Buchanan
Libby Lewis
Lori Ellison
Lorie Rice
Lynn Irvine
Lynn Williams
Maria Delgado
Mary Ashe
Mary Little
Mary Lynch
Mary Martin
Marybeth Moscinski
Melissa Dean
Melody Greer
Michelle Barry
Mike Hand
Mike Pearson
Mike Peck
Mindy Alexander
Moneick Moore
Nancy Bowers
Nancy Wells
Nic Carswell
Nikki Petty
Noel Blanton
Pamela Brown
Patti Lowery
Patty Mabe-Parker
Paul Urquhart
Rebecca Hurst
Reta Reagan
Robin Smith
Rosa Tuitele
Ryan Conrad
Sandra Leyvas
Scott Williams
Sherry Worley
Sid Heilbraun
Sonya Brady
Stephanie Grant
Stephanie Tolley
Steve Murphy
Sue Hagedorn
Susan Gilison
Sylvia Reed
Tammy Redmon
Terri Rogers
Terry Bemis
Tiffany Mchone
Tom Krause
Vicky Stamey
Wilhemina Johnson
Yvonne Austin
Congratulations to the GEMs of the Month
Each month, PepPartners randomly draws three individuals’ names from the previous month’s GEM recipients to be honored for “Going the Extra Mile” in providing
exceptional customer service. Each honoree receives a $25 gift certificate from Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
Ellen Bedenbaugh, Hospice Home Care Intake Coordinator, with CarePartners for 3 years
According to Jennifer Torba, Ellen’s supervisor, “I have worked side by side with Ellen for one year now, and over that time I have
never heard one complaint. What I do hear repeatedly are the words, ‘What can I do for you?’ Ellen has a very strong work ethic,
never hesitating to go the extra mile, willingly accepting whatever tasks or responsibilities arise. She provides tremendous customer
service in her phone triage role, compassionately taking care of the diverse needs of patients and family members who call in for
help. She has a special gift of providing comfort to those who call with her calm and supportive presence.” A GEM from a co-worker
said, “Ellen went above and beyond, taking on the challenge of a busy weekend day independently in my absence. She took on extra
duties and responsibility willingly. What a great team member!”
Mary Ashe, Hospice Home Care RN, with CarePartners for 6 years
According to Robin Creson, Mary’s supervisor, “Mary is always courteous, not only to her patients and families, but also to her coworkers. She is a truly genuine person, with a personality so suited for Hospice work. She is always tender, kind and compassionate.
She encounters circumstances with her patients and families that she handles with grace and ease.” Mary received this GEM from a
co-worker: “I was in the home of a patient I serviced with Mary, following the patient’s death. Again and again the son said that Mary
had explained various things and prepared them for what was going to happen. Good job, Mary!” and from another co-worker: “Mary
went above and beyond to make sure a family had basic necessities that they could not afford on their own.”
Jean Coletti, Outpatient PT, with CarePartners for 7 years
According to Laura Dylus, Jean’s supervisor: “Jean is an exceptional clinician, who receives many compliments from her teammates
and clients. A GEM from a patient recognized the great clinical care that she received in the management of her lymphedema and
also said Jean is ‘such a caring therapist.’ Jean routinely goes out of her way to assist and mentor colleagues, and helps insure
that the best and appropriate care is being provided. She also creates a positive work environment, regularly bringing in homemade
goodies to celebrate her colleagues’ birthdays and accomplishments. During a recent tornado drill, Jean helped keep morale up by
providing her Soul Train dance moves during the drill.”
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Join the Couch to
5K training group
It’s not too late! Even if you missed the
organizational meeting, you are still welcome
to join the Couch to 5K training group, which
offers help and encouragement to get ready
for the United Way 5K on April 13. The group
is meeting after work at Carrier Park on certain
days to walk/run together. Contact Pam Griffin or Myrna Twitchen for information. Participating in the group will give
you a feeling of accomplishment and a healthier lifestyle, as well as a $5.00 discount for the 5K race in April! See the
intranet for a printable registration form.
From our mailbox
From a Solace family member: “I wish to express my gratitude for all that you did
for my husband during his stay at Solace. I could not have asked for a more caring
and respectful group of people than each of you. Your care and concern for both of us
was most appreciated during this very difficult time.”
From an Outpatient patient: “The therapist did a great job, and I appreciate being
able to borrow a quad cane (four-pronged cane to assist with walking more safely)
until I could find my own which I had misplaced.”
From a Private Duty family member: “The CNA encourages the patient to try more activities, and he responds very
well to her. Our whole family is very pleased with her care.”
From a Rehab Hospital patient: “The hospital staff are all very good at their jobs. That is why I was only there for 11
days. I’d like to thank all of the nursing and therapy staff for getting me on my feet as quickly as they did. By the way,
the food is also excellent.”
From a Home Health patient: “The therapist was so patient and kind. After knee surgery I was having problems with
orthostatic blood pressure, but we were able to complete my therapy. Without her skill and kindness, I don’t think I
would have made it.”
From an Adult Day participant’s wife: “My husband has always been very social, enjoying the company of others. It
was sad to see that diminish before we found you. Now when I tell him to have a good day, he says, ‘I always have a
good day here!’ A loved one couldn’t ask for more, plus it is such a help for me to have some time to myself. Thanks!”
Picks of the Month
Each month, CarePartners staff with a birthday or
anniversary in the month will be entered in a drawing.
Two lucky winners will each receive a gift from
PepPartners. Here are this month’s winners:
Happy birthday to Diane Huey on February 26.
Congratulations to Shannon Seymour for 10 years of service.
11
Connections Celebrations
Birthdays
Anna Wines (2/13)
Anniversaries
Dean Jolly (2/21)
Caleb Bemis (2/23)
February 1 – Vicki Allison, Diana Shackelford, Allison Seklecki,
Janet Warren
February 2 – Kathleen Caldwell
February 3 – Diana But-Gusaim, Charles Peters, Dylana Rector
February 4 – Wayne Gosnell, Elizabeth Wachacha
February 5 – Allan Hall Jr., Cory Hustad, Billy Mauney,
Michelle Morrison, Sarah Reeves, Pamela Seymour
Jeanne Russell (15 yrs)
Sally Davis (11 yrs)
Vickie Buchanan (2 yrs)
24 years – Gail Brown
23 years – Jean Parker
21 years – Lynnie Barrett
20 years – Michael Hand
19 years – Jim Darress, Sue Hagedorn, Warren Yeisley
18 years – Barry McDonagh
February 6 – Sue Hagedorn, Jessica Lance, Connie Sherlin
15 years – Jeanne Russell
February 7 – Brittany Gilmore, Russel Swinney
14 years – Pat Newell, Gordon Popular
February 8 – Patti Lowery
13 years – Melissa Bennett, Wendy Cady, Anne Weatherford
February 9 – Sandy Devinney, Mary Ellen Donnelly, Krista Eubanks,
Georgiana Hill
12 years – Stephanie Bagwell, Paula Reese
February 10 – Cindi Brantley, Tracy Cormier, Cheryl Gutowski
11 years – Sally Davis, Susan Davis, Amie Gough, Jennifer Lynch,
David Phillips
February 11 – Karen Weaver, Nikki Weiner
10 years – Joanna Christoph, Shannon Seymour
February 12 – George Gould, Jackie Hipps, Carolyn Watkins
February 13 – Kathy Inukai, Tammy Redmon, Anna Wines
9 years – Jimmy Lowery, Jennifer Postles-Britt, Renee Searcy,
Melissa Sluder, Keith Whitmire
February 14 – Matt Ballance, Brandi Campbell, Karri Konczal,
Karen Lowe, Jennifer Lynch
8 years – Billy Mauney, Monica Sety, Vicky Stamey, Myrna Twitchen,
Anna Wines
February 15 – Joy Hughes
7 years – Jessica Clark
February 16 – Kashka DeBruhl-Cawthorn, Linda Kaye,
Susan Roberts
6 years – Tracy Kuster
February 17 – Michele Dupyawon, Sharon Pearson,
Juana Salmeron Sanchez
February 18 – Louise Dodd, Celeste Rice, Wanda Redmond,
Dee Warren, Jean White
February 19 – Jayne Gretz, Nick Machi, Donna Zorn
February 20 – Vicki Davidson, Jennifer Downing, Jennifer Scott
February 21 – Gloria Cobb, Dean Jolly, Anne Levine, Dow Stick
February 22 – Stephanie Bagwell, Marie Langlois, Donna McCurdy
February 23 – Caleb Bemis, Beverly Switzer
February 24 – Sue Cauthen, Josh Long
February 25 – Kelsey Sessoms, Scott Sullivan
February 26 – Chrissy Adkins, Diane Huey, Phyllis Neal
February 27 – Martha Burchfield, Jessica Whitaker
February 28 – Lorie Calhoun, Lana Danilova, Casey Hollifield
February 29 – Phyllis Brooks
5 years – Vicki Davidson, Nancy Driscoll, Karen Goessl,
Jeanne Hansen, Peggy Millwood, Denise Vish
4 years – Sharon Bigger, Jackie Hipps, Jenny Hollifield,
Nestoria Lewis, Bessie Penland, Ali Tiano
3 years – Gina Bokmiller, Mike Carrelli, William Clayton,
Leeane Dennis, Michael Erdman, Nore Hunter, Leslie Lowe,
Sue Reese, Cindy Roberto, Nicole Rule, Elizabeth Smith,
Tammy Thibodaux
2 years –
Tresane Burgess, Vickie Buchanan, Tina Garren,
Candice Gibson, Jane Harmon, Karen King, Beth Lamb,
Mary Lanier Perry, Rebekah MacNair, Lynda Moore,
Liz Zook
1 year – Wolff Alterman, Allyn Barron, Jen Blankenship,
Ryan Byrne, Claire Cannon, Edan Douek, Tisha Griffith,
Terry Johnson, Lori Kreisel, Valerie Lowe, Ashley Moody,
Bobbie Nelson, Tamara Owen, Diane Owenby,
Phil Piserchia, Adrienne Reasor, David Sherlin,
Shawn Silver, Autumn Sutton, Angela Taylor, Macon Thoma,
Stephanie Tolley