VILLAGE NEWS VOLUME 17, ISSUE 2 | MAY 12, 2018 | WWW.SFHS.ORG | MORRIS, MN
SAVE THE DATE
Community Picnic at West Wind Village
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
NEW GRILLING IDEAS FOR MEAT FOODSAFETY.GOV
SUNDAY, MAY 13
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16
Corsages for the Ladies 2:00 p.m. Mother’s Day Social with Music by Sonny Bartell
2:15 p.m. Soft-serve Ice Cream/B&B Music 6:30 p.m. Summer Door Hanger Craft
MONDAY, MAY 14
THURSDAY, MAY 17
9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Bingo @ Wells Atrium 2:30 & 6:30 p.m. Bingo @ Wells Dining Room
11:30 a.m. Syttende Mai Dinner 2:15 p.m. Cherry Cobbler Day/Show & Tell 6:30 p.m. Popcorn and Movie Night
Happy Mother’s Day!
Dress Fashionably for the Year You Were Born
CHECK OUT THE
NEW
EMPLOYEE & RESIDENT PROFILES! CREATIVE POEMS BY
LUELLA PETERSON
TUESDAY, MAY 15 Spring Dress Up Day
11:30 a.m. Picnic Lunch 2:15 p.m. Chocolate Chip Day Music by DC & Hawk
Rainbow Day
Favorite Fictional/ Storybook Character Day
FRIDAY, MAY 18 Patriot Day
2:15 p.m. I love Reese’s Day/Happy Hour 2:45 p.m. BINGO 6:30 p.m. Root Beer Floats
West Wind Village “Celebrating Life’s Stories”
National Skilled Nursing Care Week
MAY 13-19, 2018 On Thursday, May 17th during 2:15 coffee social, West Wind Village is hosting a “show and tell” for residents, staff, and family members to bring and discuss an item that is significant to them. We hope you join us for an amazing afternoon of sharing stories and having fun!
ADVISORY BOARD PAUL RENTZ, CARLA RILEY, KAREN LONG, STEVEN POPPE, PATRICK FRANEY
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From the
ADMINISTRATOR
Greetings from Morris Health Services - I am still getting used to the name change! This winter seemed to drag on, but we have gone from winter straight into summer. The past several months have been an adjustment for both Skyview and West Wind Village as we have been transitioning to Morris Health Services. It has meant significant changes for the Housing Director, Human Resource Director, Accountants and myself as well as impacted our clients and their families. I am confident that this change will improve the long-term care services in Morris and create seamless transitions between settings. Speaking of transitions, we would like to welcome Tiffany Simson as the new accountant for Morris Health Services. Tiffany is moving over from St. Francis Health Services where she was working with accounts payable. We are excited to have her on board as we move forward. We would like to thank Lisa Burns, who is moving on, for all her help with the transition to a new accounting system this fall and with the transition to Morris Health Services - we wish her the very best on her new adventure. Denise Fitch, Director of Social Services, is planning to retire so we are looking for a replacement for her. Thankfully, Denise has been gracious enough to give us the time and flexibility to do some planning to find our new social services director.
I typically give an update on where we are at with quality and the projects we are working on. We continue to be rated overall as a 5 Star facility by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) which rates survey results, quality measures, staffing and RN staffing. I am excited to announce that West Wind Village is now 5 stars in all areas including staffing! CMS has a great website where you can look up ratings of nursing homes across the country and compare them. It is a very useful tool for residents and their families: https://www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare/search.html. The State of Minnesota also rates the quality of nursing home care across the state by utilizing quality indicators which are similar to the quality measures that CMS uses for the 5 Star rating system. On the 100 point quality scale, West Wind Village’s current overall score is a 90; the state average in Minnesota is 63. In October, an independent company called Vital Research came to West Wind Village to interview residents on their quality of life here. They interviewed approximately 35 residents. (It was interesting to discover that the average age of our residents here is 7 years older than the Minnesota State average!) The survey looks at activities, food, environment, dignity, autonomy, relationships, caregiving and mood. Overall, West Wind Village scored 83 percent; the state average is 80 percent. Please let me
know if you would like more detail or have any questions on these quality tools. As far as grants go, we have received a grant to hire a student as a summer intern so that the high school or college student selected can learn more about the career opportunities in healthcare. We are continuing with the Workforce Solutions grant through LeadingAge and are nearly completed with the Phase 1 training which focused on leadership. It is a two year grant; we will also work on team building, conflict resolution, coaching, mentoring and more. Along with the other St. Francis Health Services’ skilled nursing facilities, we are making wonderful progress on the PIPP grant focusing on antibiotic stewardship and reducing infections, which will be completed this December. We are making progress on the QIPP grant which focuses on incontinence and ends June 30, 2018. We are starting to look at which area to focus on for our next QIPP grant. As always if you have any questions or concerns, please know that my door is always open. My email is pviker@sfhs.org and my number is (320) 589-7900. Have a great summer – it always seems to go fast!
Paula Viker, Administrator
BIG STONE THERAPIES
Celebrating Life’s Stories from a therapy standpoint: This month Big Stone Therapies would like to highlight a long term care resident, Anna Evink, who has worked with our therapy team multiple times. Anna had the following to say about her experience with physical and occupational therapy: 1) What has been your experience with therapy at West Wind Village with Big Stone? When I first started therapy, I had to use a lift and couldn’t stand on my own. I am now able to walk with a walker by myself. 2) What kind of things do you do in therapy? Balancing, walking, using pulleys, and work-
ing your hands with putty and beads to get your fingers more nimble. I also would do peg boards to work on my standing and my hands, that was always fun. I would do exercises for both my arms and my legs, but the part that stands out for me is the balance. I always concentrated on what the therapists had me do so I could get better. 3) What is your favorite part about therapy? I think the therapists are my favorite part. I just can’t believe how well everyone works and works together. I couldn’t name one therapist that wasn’t good. Everyone is caring and really wants you to get better.
4) How has therapy helped you live a more meaningful life? I am so thankful that I am able to dress myself independently, do all my cares on my own, and walk on my own. I see so many people that can’t, and I am just so happy I am able to do those things on my own. 5) What would you tell others who are hesitant to do therapy or are questioning if they need therapy? Never be afraid to do it. Never. Give it a chance! At least try it, because it is going to help. I can’t believe it myself, but it really does help. You have to have the mindset that it is going to work, and it will work.
PASTORAL CARE PASTORAL CARE
Well, so much for the old axiom of “Early Easter, Early Spring”! But it finally did come and I have seen much better moods with the residents and staff. It is amazing what a little sunshine and warmer temperatures can do for the soul and our attitudes. And yet we all know spring was going to come someday and the need to stay the course to build people up rather than tear them down. This week-end we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord. Jesus doesn’t leave the disciples, or us, quietly, but departs with some specific
instructions – to continue the work of compassion, mercy and reconciliation that he inspired, the work that had been understood and perfected in God’s raising him from the dead. We who have seen and heard the story of Jesus are now called to bring that hope into the lives of others, and into the lives we share as families and as members of our communities. In every kindness we offer, in every moment of encouragement and comfort we utter, in every moment we spend listening and supporting others, we proclaim the Gospel of the Risen
FROM DEACON STAN HENNEN
Jesus; every good work - however small or hidden - is a spark of light of the Risen Christ in our midst. One last comment, to all my co-workers who are Moms, I see how hard you work at both jobs. It is through both jobs, mother and co-worker, you follow the words of Jesus, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature”. You do that many times and ways each day, week in and week out, so Happy Mother’s Day and God bless you.
Employee Profile
TODD WOELFEL
Todd Woelfel is a dedicated employee that works for West Wind Village and Prairie Community Services, both of which are owned and operated by St. Francis Health Services. His commitment to providing services for others is admirable and his upbeat attitude is inspiring. We wanted to get to know Todd a little better (which has proven difficult since he is always rushing off to his other job!)
YOU’RE A NEW ADDITION TO THE CRAYON BOX. WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? Purple for the Minnesota Vikings WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ’90S JAM? Nickelback WHAT IS THE FUNNIEST THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO YOU RECENTLY? Accidentally broke a cabinet at work WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Money and sleep
WHAT ARE YOU KNOWN FOR? Work ethic
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR PERSONAL MANTRA? Work hard and everything will work out.
WHAT DO YOU WORK TOWARD IN YOUR FREE TIME? Studying for EMT
GIVEN A CHANCE, WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FOR A DAY? Joe Mauer
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE – PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL? Buying my new truck
WHO WAS YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE GROWING UP? My parents
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? Wake up work for about 16 hours and then sleep!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY? Playing sports with my brother WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS? As a nurse at a hospital
WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE “FACEPALM” MOMENT? My buddy and I were going to the movies and didn’t communicate who was driving so we both ended up at each other’s houses.
WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO WORK IN LONG TERM CARE? It started as a college job then I fell in love with it and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED SO HARD YOU CRIED? Couple of weeks ago from a story told by my friend
RECIPE CORNER NEW RECOMMENDATION ON REST TIMES:
After you remove fresh beef, lamb, veal, fresh pork or ham, from a grill or oven, allow it to rest for 3 minutes. During the rest time, its temperature remains constant or continues to rise, which destroys harmful germs. Below are the safe minimum internal temperatures to cook meat and poultry. Remember to use a food thermometer!
INFORMATION FROM FOODSAFETY.GOV
GRILLING SEASON BEGINS!
GROUND MEAT & MEAT MIXTURES Beef, Pork, Veal, Lamb, 160 degrees | Turkey, Chicken, 165 degrees FRESH BEEF, VEAL, LAMB Steaks, roasts, chops, 145 degrees LET REST 3 MINUTES POULTRY Chicken & Turkey, whole, 165 degrees | Poultry breasts, roasts, 165 degrees Poultry thighs, legs, wings, 165 degrees | Duck & Goose, 165 degrees Stuffing (cooked alone or in bird), 165 degrees PORK AND HAM Fresh pork, 145 degrees LET REST 3 MINUTES Fresh ham (raw), 145 degrees LET REST 3 MINUTES Precooked ham (to reheat), 140 degrees
DIRECTOR OF NURSING I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the dedicated nursing staff at West Wind Village who give their time, energy and talents to care for our residents. Nationally we recognize nurses May 6-12 during National Nurses Week.
At West Wind Village we take this time of year to celebrate all of our nursing staff, RNs, LPNs, TMAs, CNAs and Resident Aids. They all work as a team, we could not provide the care our residents deserve without this team of extra ordinary personnel. West Wind Village kicked off this special week with a nursing staff lun-
cheon in our very own Wells Park. A beautiful setting to give our nursing staff the appreciation they so much deserve. Once again, Thanks Nursing Staff for all you do.
Jody Cunningham,
RN Director of Nursing
THE OLD HOME PLACE Today we drove by the old home place, There were no curtains made of lace. The windows stared out empty and bare, No child’s laughter echoed there. The door hung open, the hinges were rusted, The floor looked as if it had never been dusted.
The house look neglected as it stood there alone, No one could guess it was once a happy home. Only in my mind did the vision stay Of the happiness and love of yesterday. I could picture the table where we all said grace, And the family gathered around the fireplace.
BY LUELLA PETERSON
Now they are gone, those who gave us love, Safe in the house built in heaven above. For just a little while as I stood there today, The old weathered board didn’t look so gray. Any maybe some evening when the wind is still You may even hear a child’s laughter trill.
LET ME SEE I glued in my teeth, put aids in my ears, Combed my hair, oh, I need my glasses so I can see I get started down to breakfast and I have to pee. So I go back to where I have already been. But, I’m in pretty good shape for the shape I’m in. Sinuses are draining, eyes are dry Night I wear a c-pap or I’d probably die. Drool is dripping off my chin, But, I’m in pretty good shape for the shape I’m in. I’ve got spasms up and down my spine I take a pain pill: they mess my mind. Some days I think I’ll never win.
BY LUELLA PETERSON
But, I’m in pretty good shape for the shape I’m in. I’ve got neuropathy in both my feet, And pressure ulcers on my seat. Each step I take is like stepping on a pin But, I’m in pretty good shape for the shape I’m in. The Lord tucks me into bed at night. Then he wakes me with the morning light. Then he walks with me through the day. He stays beside me at work or play. The he says to me with a loving grin, You’re in pretty good shape for the shape you’re in.
Resident Profile
DON EICH I was born: In Morris.
My favorite kind of music: The old Big Band music.
My occupation was: I was in the building construction business with my brother, Leonard, for 37 years. The company was called Eich Brothers, Inc. I did everything from pouring concrete to keeping the books.
My favorite season: Whatever one we are in now. I like the theater of seasons.
Length of stay at WWV: I have been here since 7/6/2015. It’s 34 months, but I can’t tell you how many seconds. My family: My mother and father and one brother. Leonard was two years older than me. I was never married. I have two nieces and two nephews. My interests include: I always liked my work and liked to work. My first job was at the Home Builders Lumber Co. I started there in the summer of 1943 between my 8th and 9th years of high school. Work hours there were 10 hours a day, 6 days a week and the salary was 15 cents per hour. Due to World War II there was a shortage of men for this kind of work. For the same reason, there was a shortage of lumber available to lumber yards. Home Builders had Timberland in northern Minnesota where they cut down trees and sawed them to rough dimension lumber. This lumber was trucked to Morris for air drying by piling it with air spaces in piles around 15 feet high. Home Builders had two milling machines and a band saw that had two 4 foot diameter wheels and was about 14 feet from top to bottom. When lumber was completely dry it was sawn on the band saw and finished through the milling machines. They could not get the high quality western lumber ready for use but received railroad flat cars of 12 inch by 12 inch timbers and would cut and mill them ready for market. There was not a ready mix concrete business in Morris at that time. The lumber yard handled a lot of cement that came in 96 pound bags which they received by railroad with about 600 bags per car and then delivered to the job site by lumber yard trucks. I’m also a sports nut. I like the Vikings, Gophers, all sports. I’m a frustrated, wanna be athlete. I was involved in sports in school. Favorite movies: When I was in the Air Force I ran the movie projector at the base theater for two and half years as a second job. I saw many movies. I can’t really say that I have a favorite. My favorite stars: I always liked Jimmy Stewart, but there are so many good stars. My favorite food is: A good steak. And I like hot-dishes. The most disagreeable thing I’ve eaten is: Liver, I never liked it. A favorite book: The Bible.
A perfect day for me would be: Starting off by going to Church. After that it will be a good day. I was baptized and still am Catholic. My first car was: A 1937 Ford that I inherited from my dad. It was a green, four-door. I wish I had it now. A funny or unusual event in my life: I seem to have situations that are like premonitions. I will talk about someone and then they will show up. A word or phrase I’d use to describe myself is: I have lived a secluded life and managed to get by. Life on this earth has been good to me. A favorite place I’ve traveled to: I was in the Air Force. The last nine months I was stationed just outside of New York City. We would often go to NYC and go to shows, plays, and all the sights. People wearing military uniforms were admitted free to many events in NYC. I went to ball games for all three major league baseball teams, the Giants, Dodgers and Yankees and to a NY Giants NFL football game. I was there in 1951- 1952 when TV was just starting and we would go to some of the TV shows live. A person from history that I admire: The one who died on the cross for all of us. The person who had great influence on me: My brother. We would play by the railroad and dad’s grain elevator. One thing I marvel at is: I was flying in an airplane near a thunderstorm and it was so ominous how the lightening was everywhere. I thought it always went to the ground, but it went up and everywhere. I also marvel at technology and all the changes that are happening in the world. When I was younger, I remember paying: We would go to the County Fair and you could get a hamburger and pop for 15 cents. Pop and beer came in glass bottles at that time and we would try to pick up empty bottles that we would get 1 cent a piece for returning. One of my favorite childhood memories: There are so many good memories. When I graduated from high school, 3 friends and I knew we would be drafted. We did not want to wait, so the four of us enlisted together. We entered the Air Force and all went to basic training together. I served from 1948 to 1952, then spent 6 more years in the Reserves. I have a lot of great memories. I have been very fortunate.