Village News Feb. 2, 2019

VILLAGE NEWS VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1 | FEBRUARY 2, 2019 | WWW.SFHS.ORG | MORRIS, MN

UPCOMING MUSIC & EVENTS

YOUR LATEST

FEBRUARY

NEWS! NEW

PHOTOS FROM PAST EVENTS!

CHECK OUT THE NEW EMPLOYEE & RESIDENT PROFILES!

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2:00 Sonny Bartell

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2:15 DC & Hawk

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2:15 Marian Grossman

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2:00 Valentine/Birthday Party

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2:15 Country Couple

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6-8 Coloring with Library Friends

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2:15 Country Rose Band

MARCH 3

2:00 Sonny Bartell

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2:15 DC & Hawk

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2:15 B&B Music

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2:15 Country Couple

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2:15 Country Rose Band

APRIL

WE HAVE A NEW RECIPE!

MUFFINS!

ADVISORY BOARD PAUL RENTZ, CARLA RILEY, PATRICK FRANEY, KAREN LONG, JOAN SPAETH

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2:00 Sonny Bartell

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2:15 Marian Grossman

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2:00 Volunteer Appreciation/ Country Couple

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2:15 DC & Hawk

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2:15 Country Rose Band

MAY 2

2:15 Dave Liebl

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2:15 B&B Music

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National Skilled Nursing Care Week- “Live Soulfully”

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ADMINISTR ATOR G

reetings from Morris Health Services. As I reflect on 2018 and the change to Morris Health Services, it truly was the right decision for the organization, customers, staff and community. It has allowed us to provide a seamless continuum of long-term care in Morris and improve efficiencies.

We have a few new faces at Morris Health Services who I would like to introduce you to. In August, Elizabeth Koehl came on board as the Social Service Director. Then, Tiffany Simonson, Accountant, moved to the Social Service Designee/Human Resource Assistant position. Another change is the accountant for Skyview, Melissa Romberger, moved over to West Wind Village; she will have additional duties for Morris Health Services. We also hired a new accountant to replace Tiffany, Casey Arndt. Melissa and Casey are located on the right just before Pacific Avenue, if you have any billing questions, they are there to answer questions. We also have several new nursing, dietary, activity and other staff who have joined us over the past year.

Historically, West Wind Village has had an Advisory Committee and I am pleased to announce that they will continue as the Advisory Committee for Morris Health Services. It consists of five members from the commu-

Paula Viker

nity and meets quarterly to advise and guide administration. The Advisory Committee members consist of Paul Rentz, Carla Riley, Patrick Franey, Karen Long and our newest member, Joan Spaeth. A huge thank you to Steven Poppe for his many years of service on the Advisory Committee; his talents and guidance will be missed!

Again, I would like to discuss quality of care and the many ways we monitor quality and resident satisfaction at West Wind Village since it is so very important. Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare rates nursing facilities throughout the nation and posts this data on their website for the public to view (https://www.medicare.gov/ nursinghomecompare/search.html?).

They assign each nursing facility an overall rating and a rating for each of these categories: survey results, quality measures (looks at clinical quality), nursing staffing and RN staffing. West Wind Village continues to be a “CMS 5 Star” facility. The State of Minnesota also has a rating system called nursing home report cards which is similar. This systems looks at quality indicators; West Wind Village’s score is 89% and the State average is 63%.

It also looks at resident satisfaction surveys which are conducted by an independent agency to see how we are doing; we are waiting for the final results from the 2018 survey. Another

way that the State monitors quality of care and life in nursing homes is through the survey process. The Minnesota Department of Health sends a survey team to each nursing home annually to survey for quality. Last year, West Wind Village was surveyed in mid-February; therefore, we are anxiously awaiting the 2019 survey.

Even though West Wind Village is doing very well; there is always room for improvement. Currently, we are working on areas such as weight loss, food and improving the dining experience, falls, missing laundry and a few others.

Again as of the first of the year, resident rates increased at West Wind Village to reflect the increases in expenses. The increase was close to 10% across the board. Nursing home rates are set by the Department of Health and Human Services in Minnesota and reimbursement is the same for private pay residents as it is for residents who have Medical Assistance, since Minnesota is “Equal Pay State”. Therefore, nursing facilities do not set their own rates and rates are based on the nursing facility’s costs from the prior year.

In the New Year, I am also reviewing the Legislative priorities especially those that will impact healthcare and long-term care. This is a budget year and there is currently a budget surplus to work with. Leading Age Minne-

sota is an association for non-profit long-term care providers in Minnesota which Morris Health Services is a member. They have published some interesting statistics that I would like to share with you: Minnesota’s senior population will grow a whopping 56% between 2015 and 2030, soon 1 out of 4 Minnesotan’s will be over 65 and Minnesota will need an additional 25,000 caregivers in the next ten years! And, we already have a shortage of caregivers for seniors in Minnesota! Leading Age’s Imperatives for 2019 include preventing elder abuse, restoring cuts to the Disability Waiver Rate System, property rate reform for nursing homes to update outdated physical plants, Elderly Waiver reform to provide long-term care services for low to middle income seniors, addressing workforce challenges and revamping licensure requirements for assisted living facilities.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns – my door is always open. I am honored and blessed to work with the residents, families, and dedicated staff at Morris Health Services, as well as the community!

Many blessings in 2019!

Paula Viker Administrator

EMPLOYE E PROFILE Tiffany Simonson

You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?

Green – It is a neutral color that everyone seems to like.

What’s your favorite ’90s jam?

Mr. Big – “to be with you” What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?

Funny things happen to me every day. I feel like a walking comedian sometimes. Exploding water bottles in my face, ripping my pants, or slipping on the ice. You name it and I am sure it has happened to me.

What inspires you?

My biggest inspiration in life is seeing people with real life struggles succeed. My motto is “if they can get through tough times anyone can!”

What are you known for?

Probably my smile and overall good attitude.

What do you work toward in your free time?

I enjoy DIY projects What is your biggest achievement to date – personal or professional?

My biggest achievement was and always will be taking on the challenge of being a teen mom and succeeding.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Up at 530am get everyone ready and out of the house by 630. Work until about 430, then head to my second job until about 6-630. Finally home to make dinner, clean while it is cooking. Clean up dinner and possibly sit down for one of my favorite TV shows.

What’s your most memorable “facepalm” moment?

I would have to say at time that I backed into a pole with my brother’s pick up. I have driven in that parking lot a thousand times, but for that one second I forgot there was a pole there!

When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?

I probably accomplish this at least once a day. What is life without a good laugh each day!

What is your motto or personal mantra?

“Through him I can do all things” Given a chance, who would you like to be for a day?

Julia Roberts – she has always been an idol of mine.

Someone you never hear much negative about and seems to have the fame and normal life figured out pretty well.

Who was your biggest influence growing up?

My sister – She has always been there and seems to have her life together no matter what gets thrown her way. She gets back up and uses that pain/sadness for fuel the next day.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Probably still working in a LTC setting, and taking care of my family as always. It is what I truly enjoy the most.

What made you choose to work in long term care?

I feel most accomplished in my life when I am helping someone. All I have ever wanted to do was help, and being a long term care setting allows me to do that each and every day.

BIG STONE THERAPIES Shoveling snow is a repetitive activity that can cause strain to multiple body parts including the shoulder and low back.

These tips can help you avoid the risk of injury: • Lift smaller loads of snow, rather than full shovels.

• Be sure to bend and lift with your knees rather than your back.

Use a shovel with a shaft that lets you keep your back straight while lifting. A shovel that is too short will cause you to bend more and a shovel that is too long will make the load heavier.

• Avoid excessive twisting and step in the direction you are throwing the

snow. Bend your knees and keep your back as straight as possible to lift with your legs and avoid strain on the back.

• Take frequent breaks when shoveling.

• Backward extension exercises while standing will help reverse the forward motion required while shoveling: stand up tall, place your hands on the back of your hips and lean backwards slightly for several seconds.

• If you or anyone you know is experiencing back pain, consult a licensed physical therapist.

Chelsea Hodenfield OTR/C, CHT

DIRECTOR OF NURSING The New Year is the perfect time to visit family and friends. We hope all of you get a chance to visit us here at West Wind Village. However, we understand with the cold weather, snow and ice, visiting can be difficult.

If you do decide to visit please remember these winter safety tips: dress for the cold weather, wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothing, wear mittens instead of gloves, wear a hat and wear waterproof boots. Avoid overexertion, the strain from cold temperatures and heavy labor such as shoveling, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow may cause a heart attack in older and less physically fit individuals.

Winterize your automobile, keep your tank greater than half full to avoid gas line freeze ups, make sure your tires are inflated to the right pressure and that they have good traction, make sure your heater and defroster work, make sure your battery can carry a full charge, make sure you have adequate antifreeze and have a good ice scraper available. Please check the latest forecast and weather conditions before you head out. If the weather allows, we hope to see you in 2019.

BASIC MUFFIN WITH VARIATIONS 2 C. Flour 1 C. Sugar 2 Tsp. Baking powder ½ Tsp. Salt 1 Egg ¾ C. Milk 3/8 C. Oil (1/4 c plus 2 tbls)

Jody Cunningham RN/DON

Stir together dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and any optional ingredients (see below) until moistened. Use less milk if adding wet optional ingredients such as crushed pineapple or pumpkin. Scoop into greased muffin tins, sprinkle the tops if sugar if desired. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes until done.

You can mix up a large batch of the basic dry mix and store in a sealed container in your pantry. To have fresh muffins in the morning, stir the mix and measure out 3 c. Of mix for one doz muffins, add the wet ingredients and any optional ingredients and bake. Or for variety do a large batch and divide and put different optional ingredients in each batch.

OPTIONAL VARIATIONS:

Banana nut-1 c. Mashed bananas and ½ c. Walnuts if desired Blueberry-1 c. Fresh or frozen blueberries Pina colada-1 small can drained crushed pineapple and ½ c. Coconut Apple-1 peeled chopped apple, ¼ tsp. Cinnamon and a dash nutmeg Coffee walnut-1 tsp. Coffee extract and ¾ c. Chopped walnuts if desired Pumpkin-1 c. Canned pumpkin, ½ tsp. Pumpkin pie spice, ½ c. Walnuts if desired Cranberry-1 c. Chopped fresh cranberries, 1 tsp. Orange rind, ½ c. Walnuts if desired Chocolate chip-1 c. Chocolate chips, ½ tsp. Vanilla Cherry almond-1 c. Chopped dried cherries and ½ c. Toasted flaked almonds Chocolate chocolate chip-1/4 c. Cocoa powder, ½ tsp. Vanilla, and ½ c.

Chocolate chips

PASTORAL CARE As we begin to start February already, I can’t help wonder where January went.

At least we have Valentine’s to celebrate and to look forward to.

Lately I have been reading from the First letter of John, and he gives a much different outlook on how we are to look at love than the secular world does.

In 1 John 4:7-8, where he says; “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God: everyone who loves is begotten

by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.”

I’m reminded of a quote from Thomas Merton: “To say that I am made in the image of God is to say that love is the reason for my existence, for God is love.

Love is my true identity. Selflessness is my true self. Love is my true character. Love is my name.” How easy it is such a sentiment forgotten, as so much of the world seems to believe

love is only for the young, a romantic reality for teenagers but not the mature. And yet, we are reminded over and over again throughout scripture and our shared tradition that love is the answer, so much so that it is to be our true identity, our true self That love shows up not only in the miracles of Jesus while on earth, but in our daily call to bring about justice and the common good. Just as Jesus

performed his miracles out of love as an example to us that we, too, are to share our love with one another and the world.

Love is what truly gives us life, the love that God shared in sending his only begotten Son to dwell among us. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Deacon Stan Hennen

RESIDENT PROFILE

Lila Estenson

I was born:

By Cyrus on February 22, 1913. I had three brothers and one sister.

My occupation was: A farmer’s wife and I was a caregiver for a long time.

Length of stay at WWV: I have lived here since December 2012.

My family: I was married to my husband Martin.

We had four sons and one daughter.

My interests include: Collecting arrowhead by Long Lake, sewing hundreds of baby quilts for the church, and scrapbooking my life and history for many years. At West Wind Village I enjoy towel folding, exercise group, BINGO, and coffee social.

Favorite show: I Love Lucy and Little House on the Prairie.

My favorite food is: Mashed Potatoes A favorite book: The Bible My favorite kind of music: Christian/Gospel Music and Old Time Music My favorite season: Summer A perfect day for me would be: Seeing my Grandkids A unique event in my life: Being Grand Marshal in the Cyrus Days Parade.

A word or phrase I’d use to describe myself is: Warm-Hearted.

A favorite place I’ve traveled to: California and Louisiana One of my favorite childhood memories: The birth of my sister and brother who were twins.

Wise Words from Lila’s Scrapbook: “To handle yourself, use your head. To handle others, use your heart.”

Fun Crafter's Corner projects

Resident/Family Christmas Party, December 12th, with the help of Activity Aides, Adina Vantries, Ally Garcia, Peyton Hennen, & Miranda Hesse

St. Mary’s students performed Christmas music for the residents.

WEST WIND VILLAGE STARTS 2019 OFF WITH A NEW DINING AND NUTRITION SERVICES IMPROVEMENT PROJECT West Wind Village, an affiliate of St. Francis Health Services of Morris (SFHS), is pleased to announce the beginning of their Nutrition and Optimal Weight (NOW) Project. Over the next two years, West Wind Village will work collaboratively with related SFHS long term care centers to improve the overall dining experience and the nutritional status of individuals receiving services. The NOW Project is a result of SFHS’s long term care collaborative being awarded a Minnesota Nursing Facility Performance-based Incentive Payment Program (PIPP) grant by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).

The goal is to reduce the number of residents experiencing unexplained weight loss, increase resident and family food satisfaction, improve resident’s overall nutritional status, and to allow individuals receiving services to achieve optimal health, functioning, and wellbeing.

The NOW Project will provide West Wind

Village with additional resources to make positive system improvements to support good nutritional outcomes for individuals receiving services, focusing on each individual’s preferences and needs. A big component will be implementing the Kind Dining program to improve dining room service. We hope to create an optimal environment in which food can be enjoyed.

Marla Miller, Corporate Grant Coordinator for SFHS, states, “This is an excellent opportunity for West Wind Village to make an impact in the experience each individual receives at mealtimes. We want West Wind Village residents to feel special, cared for, and truly enjoy what they eat. We hope mealtimes are something they look forward to each day.”

Implementation of the NOW Project began January 1, 2019 at West Wind Village and will continue through December 31, 2020. SFHS is a faith-based, not-forprofit healthcare organization. In addition to their skilled nursing care centers, they offer a variety of services that include customized/assisted living, a full range of therapies, senior housing, transitional and skilled nursing care, and behavioral and residential programs throughout the state of Minnesota.