Commun ty Matters Topeka Presbyterian Manor
April 2016
The glue:
Celebrating Administrative Professionals Month A senior living community has many moving parts and pieces, from nutrition to nursing to activities to housekeeping. All departments are essential in creating a successful, healthy place to live and work, but what, or who rather, is bringing them all together to make it possible? April is Administrative Professionals Appreciation Month, and we’re taking time to celebrate these vital team members who we affectionately refer to as “the glue.” They’re the ones whose behind-the-scenes work between various departments helps hold everything together. Spotlight: Jo McClure For 16 years, Jo McClure, administrative assistant to director of health services, has been more than just a friendly face who greets visitors and family members. “When I first started here, I only had a few responsibilities, so I was going a little stir crazy,” said Jo. “Little by little I took on more responsibilities, and I do so much more now, which I love. I do all Medicare Part A and B billing, and contracts for PATH and ADMINISTRATIVE, continued on page 3
Heart and soul:
Dining services feeds the whole person Dining Services Director Carla Hattendorf has had a smorgasbord of experience when it comes to feeding others. She’s worked at country clubs and fine dining establishments in Las Vegas, at hospitals, and 18 months ago, she began her career at Topeka Presbyterian Manor. “I literally love my job. Not a day that goes by where a resident doesn’t make me feel like I made a difference. They truly have made me a part of their family. I love it here. It’s truly a community with people helping people in every way,” said Carla. DINING, continued on page 2
DINING, continued from page 1
Carla’s enthusiasm for her Presbyterian Manor family pours out in love for all that she does, and it shows. “Our team has a whole-person approach to feeding residents. We feed their mind, body and soul. Customer service is our top priority, and since last year, our resident satisfaction increased in dining services by 27 percent. My expectations are high, and we strive to meet those expectations every day for our residents,” said Carla. When it comes to choosing a senior living community, or choosing to stay there once you’re moved in, nutrition is an important part of the
decision-making process. That’s why Carla and her team have dedicated themselves to seeking input from residents and continually improving their meal options. “We have a weekly menu committee with residents, where they review last week’s menu, and help with suggestions for next week’s menu. We definitely don’t have a cycle where it’s the same thing every four to six weeks. It’s custom-made weekly. Sometimes we even use resident recipes out of our Meals and Memories cookbook,” said Carla.
Irish, in February is was German. This month is Indian food. Also, throughout the year, we do beautiful buffets for every holiday like Easter, Christmas, Fourth of July, etc. Families and friends are invited to join us for a very reasonable rate. ”
Not only does the dining services In addition to custom menus, which team prepare and serve wonderful meals to residents on a daily basis, are created using resident input, they also provide nutritional advice Carla and her team regularly put and support to those throughout on themed meals and generous, our community. And if residents gorgeous buffets during holidays. The team also provides refreshments would like to invite family in for a celebration of some sort, dining for special events like wine and services can handle all of their cheese tastings, Lunch Bunch catering needs at reasonable prices. gatherings and resident council meetings. “Every month we have a “Nutrition “We have one themed meal a month, Talk” with a registered dietician for and it’s so fun. In March we had DINING, continued on page 3
Jami Colson, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Jami Colson, marketing director, at jcolson@ pmma.org.
Topeka Presbyterian Manor’s Post-Acute To Home (PATH®) program isn’t just about getting you home— it’s about getting you back to your life. Call 785-272-6510 today to schedule your personal appointment and tour. TopekaPresbyterianManor.org
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Community Matters April 2016
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will. They would do the same for me. have a lot to get done and I don’t like I wouldn’t work anywhere else!” to leave any work for the next day, health care. Then of course there so I try to be as efficient as possible. I Jo’s favorite part of her job is getting try not to fry my brain!” are traditional duties like answering to know the residents and their the phone and greeting visitors who families, and the most challenging When Jo isn’t at work, she enjoys come to the desk.” aspect of her position is trying to being with her three cats and While Jo’s days are always busy, she avoid overload. watching sports. She also enjoys admits she thrives on a full workload. walking, hiking and trying her luck at “I love greeting the families and the casino every once in awhile. She’s “My days are always so hectic, and getting to know them on personal been to Hawaii several times, and has always changing, but that’s when level. I really enjoy meeting and a passion for travel. I thrive,” said Jo. “I’m a problem talking with them. That’s probably solver, and am always asked to help the best thing. I also like having We’re grateful for Jo, and all of our various departments. I’m happy to the freedom to get my tasks done administrative professionals who hold help. When someone’s not sure the without someone always looking us all together and make it possible. answer to a question, they say, ‘Go over my shoulder. I’m trusted to get Their behind-the-scenes dedication ask Jo! She’ll know!’ I like being a it done, and I do. It’s worked great is to be commended, and helps make team mascot of sorts. If one part of for the past 16 years!,” said Jo. “Of our community a wonderful place to team has a problem and I can help, I course, there are challenges though. I live and work. ADMINISTRATIVE, continued from page 1
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help,” said Carla. “Everyone in the department really makes them feel so loved. We take care of their needs, assisted and independent living residents. We feature a and their wants. If they want something special, we are different super food each time, like leafy greens, etc. We going to bend over backward to cater to them if at all do a little cooking demo and share recipes,” said Carla. possible.” If you know of a friend, family member or loved one We’re proud of the quality meals our dining services who’s considering the move to Topeka Presbyterian team creates every day, added Carla. Manor, Carla welcomes them to “be her guest” and see Residents are invited to “bring a friend” who can for themselves how much care and attention goes into experience just how delicious it is to live at Topeka each meal. Presbyterian Manor. Guest vouchers can be purchased “We have quality food and presentation, but what I hear at the front desk or speak with Marketing Director Jami from residents the most is that they feel loved. We know Colson for special arrangements. their names, what they like, what they don’t like, when To learn more about Topeka Presbyterian Manor’s they’re not eating as well, and if necessary, we even dining services, contact Carla at chattendorf@ communicate any challenges they may be having with eating to the nursing department so they can receive pmma.org or 785-272-6510. DINING, continued from page 2
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Community Matters April 2016
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