Youth & Old Surviving Together
January 2011
Have you ever wondered what it was like to perform activities of daily living with physical limitations? Each fall, students at Waterloo High School (Waterloo, Wisconsin) have the opportunity to find out through the service-based class “Youth and Old Surviving Together” (YOST). This fall 31 students took part.
In the YOST class, students learn about the aging process, services in the community for the aging, health careers, where the elderly live and what to expect when they go into the elderly’s home. After the students get an overview of aging, they are assigned service projects in the community specific to the elderly such as visits, cleaning and yardwork. At the end of the semester, usually around the holidays, participating students host a party and invite their new friends.
Michelle Hogan, OTR/Rehab Director at Alden Estates at Countryside (Jefferson, Wisconsin) has actively participated in YOST for the past ten years, teaching the segment entitled Physical limitations of aging and use of adaptive equipment.
“My goal when meeting with the students is to show them typical physical problems associated with aging such as vision loss and arthritis, have them experience what it is like to have these problems and then show them how they can live independently with these limitations. Examples include using a magnifying glass to reading a medication bottle or phone book, and using adaptive equipment to dress themselves,” says Michelle. “I talk about my role as a therapist in a SNF setting, such as how to assist someone safely getting in and out of a chair.”
“Finally, we expose them to a variety of adaptive equipment that may increase their independence. We give them scenarios and bring up volunteers to act them out. One volunteer attempts the task with no help and one with my suggestions or adaptations. The students seem to enjoy trying to use the equipment and watching others do the same. ” Some of the scenarios include finding the correct medication when you have macular degeneration, making a sandwich with one hand and getting out of a house in a wheelchair.
This year, YOST was lucky to have a “suitcase” of equipment donated to Jefferson County by University of Wisconsin-Stout students as part of a service project. The suitcase is being used by county employees in various presentations similar to YOST, as well as senior groups interested in finding out more about adaptive equipment to make their lives easier.
Other presenters come from different backgrounds giving the students a wider perspective of working with the elderly. They include: the Aging and Disability Resource Center, Jefferson County Human Services, community programs, hospice and local assisted living facilities.
For more information about YOST contact Waterloo High School at 920.478.3633.
In the YOST class, students learn about the aging process, services in the community for the aging, health careers, where the elderly live and what to expect when they go into the elderly’s home. After the students get an overview of aging, they are assigned service projects in the community specific to the elderly such as visits, cleaning and yardwork. At the end of the semester, usually around the holidays, participating students host a party and invite their new friends.
Michelle Hogan, OTR/Rehab Director at Alden Estates at Countryside (Jefferson, Wisconsin) has actively participated in YOST for the past ten years, teaching the segment entitled Physical limitations of aging and use of adaptive equipment.
“My goal when meeting with the students is to show them typical physical problems associated with aging such as vision loss and arthritis, have them experience what it is like to have these problems and then show them how they can live independently with these limitations. Examples include using a magnifying glass to reading a medication bottle or phone book, and using adaptive equipment to dress themselves,” says Michelle. “I talk about my role as a therapist in a SNF setting, such as how to assist someone safely getting in and out of a chair.”
“Finally, we expose them to a variety of adaptive equipment that may increase their independence. We give them scenarios and bring up volunteers to act them out. One volunteer attempts the task with no help and one with my suggestions or adaptations. The students seem to enjoy trying to use the equipment and watching others do the same. ” Some of the scenarios include finding the correct medication when you have macular degeneration, making a sandwich with one hand and getting out of a house in a wheelchair.
This year, YOST was lucky to have a “suitcase” of equipment donated to Jefferson County by University of Wisconsin-Stout students as part of a service project. The suitcase is being used by county employees in various presentations similar to YOST, as well as senior groups interested in finding out more about adaptive equipment to make their lives easier.
Other presenters come from different backgrounds giving the students a wider perspective of working with the elderly. They include: the Aging and Disability Resource Center, Jefferson County Human Services, community programs, hospice and local assisted living facilities.
For more information about YOST contact Waterloo High School at 920.478.3633.
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Ridgewood Care Center "Steps On"
October 2010
October 2010
It was an instance of being in the right place at the right time.
During a Racine County meeting, a representative from Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) asked if anyone knew any physical therapists. A staff member at Ridgewood Care Center was also at that meeting. Thus was the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership.
The mission of the ADRC is to help older adults and people with physical or developmental disabilities secure needed services or benefits, live with dignity and security and achieve maximum independence and quality of life. This is done in part through courses where participants are given the knowledge and confidence to live independently.
One of these courses is “Stepping On”, a seven-week course geared toward fall prevention and general safety. Each week, a new topic is introduced by a guest speaker well-versed in that subject. Topics include:
- Simple and fun balance and strength training
- How your vision plays a role in keeping your balance.
- How medication can contribute to falls.
- Ways to stay safe when out and about in your community.
- What to look for in safe footwear.
- How to check your home for safety.
Therapists at Ridgewood play a major role in presenting information. “In the first session, we are involved as the PT/OT to introduce the class to the exercise program to be followed 3-5 times weekly, “ said Kim Nowak, PT/Rehab Director at Ridgewood. “Session 2 strongly focuses on falls prevention. We provide information on assistive devices, curb/step negotiation, and outdoor mobility safety review. Lastly, in session 6 we take the group outside to further advise on safety with outdoor mobility.”
The August session marked the third time that Ridgewood has been involved in teaching this course.
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Marywood's Expansion
Additional information for this article was taken from the Rocky Knoll Health Care Center website: www.rockyknoll.biz
During a Racine County meeting, a representative from Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) asked if anyone knew any physical therapists. A staff member at Ridgewood Care Center was also at that meeting. Thus was the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership.
The mission of the ADRC is to help older adults and people with physical or developmental disabilities secure needed services or benefits, live with dignity and security and achieve maximum independence and quality of life. This is done in part through courses where participants are given the knowledge and confidence to live independently.
One of these courses is “Stepping On”, a seven-week course geared toward fall prevention and general safety. Each week, a new topic is introduced by a guest speaker well-versed in that subject. Topics include:
- Simple and fun balance and strength training
- How your vision plays a role in keeping your balance.
- How medication can contribute to falls.
- Ways to stay safe when out and about in your community.
- What to look for in safe footwear.
- How to check your home for safety.
Therapists at Ridgewood play a major role in presenting information. “In the first session, we are involved as the PT/OT to introduce the class to the exercise program to be followed 3-5 times weekly, “ said Kim Nowak, PT/Rehab Director at Ridgewood. “Session 2 strongly focuses on falls prevention. We provide information on assistive devices, curb/step negotiation, and outdoor mobility safety review. Lastly, in session 6 we take the group outside to further advise on safety with outdoor mobility.”
The August session marked the third time that Ridgewood has been involved in teaching this course.
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Marywood's Expansion
April 2010
In July 2009, Marywood broke ground to expand their facility to include a short-term rehabilitation unit. This expansion includes a custom designed therapy gym which will allow therapists to better tackle the most challenging orthopedic, neuorlogical and athletic injuries common in adults.
“We are excited and anxious for the opening,” states Jerry Frese, Administrator.
An exact date for the grand opening has not been set, as Marywood staff are awaiting confirmation from the bishop so that he may attend this event.
Marywood received a five-star rating from CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) in 2008.
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“We are excited and anxious for the opening,” states Jerry Frese, Administrator.
An exact date for the grand opening has not been set, as Marywood staff are awaiting confirmation from the bishop so that he may attend this event.
Marywood received a five-star rating from CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) in 2008.
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MJ Care Meets Facebook
July 2010
July 2010
MJ Care has joined Facebook!
Facebook is one of the largest, most successful and most commonly used social networking sites on the Internet. It allows you to connect and share information with people you know.
As part of our new Facebook account, we have created a Fan page. This Fan page is a valuable, non-traditional means of helping to spread the word to fellow therapists about MJ Care. If you have a Facebook account, check us out at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Milwaukee-WI/MJ-Care-Inc/69045168896
If you don’t have an account, you can join and become a fan! Tell your family, friends, fellow therapists or anyone you know who is looking for a therapy position to find us on Facebook.
If you have questions about how to join, please contact me at 414.329.2427 or bec.loss@mjcare.com. As primary contact and administrator of our Facebook page, I welcome your comments or suggestions as to how to improve the site. Thanks!
Facebook is one of the largest, most successful and most commonly used social networking sites on the Internet. It allows you to connect and share information with people you know.
As part of our new Facebook account, we have created a Fan page. This Fan page is a valuable, non-traditional means of helping to spread the word to fellow therapists about MJ Care. If you have a Facebook account, check us out at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Milwaukee-WI/MJ-Care-Inc/69045168896
If you don’t have an account, you can join and become a fan! Tell your family, friends, fellow therapists or anyone you know who is looking for a therapy position to find us on Facebook.
If you have questions about how to join, please contact me at 414.329.2427 or bec.loss@mjcare.com. As primary contact and administrator of our Facebook page, I welcome your comments or suggestions as to how to improve the site. Thanks!
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The Evolution of Rocky Knoll
April 2010
April 2010
When MJ Care received the Rocky Knoll Health Care Center (Plymouth, Wisconsin) contract in August 2002, the therapy staff consisted of two therapists and one rehab clerk. Today, the therapy department has a staff of two PTs, two PTAs, two-and-one-half OTRs, two COTAs, 1 SLP and two-and-one-half rehab clerks to accommodate the influx of patients not just from the facility itself, but from Sheboygan County as well.
How did Rocky Knoll go from your average rehab facility to having a stellar reputation in the Sheboygan area?
Part of Rocky Knoll’s evolution can be attributed to the vision of “innovation with compassion” as directed by its administrator, Michael Taubenheim, NHA. “I am energized by the challenge of reinventing this health care center. When I came to Rocky Knoll, I had a vision and, with the support of an incredible staff, I’m excited about the potential for an incredible future,” says Mike.
The facility’s approach to rehab therapy is also a key factor. Therapists are able to treat a broader range of conditions with a variety of treatment options, including modalities-based treatment, to achieve superior outcomes. On-going education, training and on-site support assures that the therapy department is always on the leading edge of therapy. Instead of simply managing pain, they are able to treat it.
This approach has helped the facility become the premier rehab site for Sheboygan County. According to Amie Wilson, OTR/Rehab Director at Rocky Knoll, “I hear it often from building staff and from patients that this is the place to come for therapy. Discharge planners have commented that patients don’t even want to listen to their list [of providers] because of the wonderful things they hear about the therapy department here.”
The facility also has a proven record when it comes to speeding wound healing, lowering and preventing the risk of falls, improving continence, and providing reeducation and recovery after a stroke.
Lastly, and perhaps the most important reason as to why Rocky Knoll has evolved into a premier facility, is the highly-qualified, compassionate staff and their excellent teamwork.
“We all work well together and are willing to learn from each others experiences and rationales. Many of the staff here have come from different backgrounds and bring that experience to Rocky Knoll. Some have years of experience in LTC while others come from backgrounds ranging from outpatient orthopedics to mental health. We have a new grad and Al, who has been working since before many of us were born!, “ says Amie. “Yet we all manage to pull off a positive work environment and positive results for patients as well!!”
Congratulations Rocky Knoll team on your success!
How did Rocky Knoll go from your average rehab facility to having a stellar reputation in the Sheboygan area?
Part of Rocky Knoll’s evolution can be attributed to the vision of “innovation with compassion” as directed by its administrator, Michael Taubenheim, NHA. “I am energized by the challenge of reinventing this health care center. When I came to Rocky Knoll, I had a vision and, with the support of an incredible staff, I’m excited about the potential for an incredible future,” says Mike.
The facility’s approach to rehab therapy is also a key factor. Therapists are able to treat a broader range of conditions with a variety of treatment options, including modalities-based treatment, to achieve superior outcomes. On-going education, training and on-site support assures that the therapy department is always on the leading edge of therapy. Instead of simply managing pain, they are able to treat it.
This approach has helped the facility become the premier rehab site for Sheboygan County. According to Amie Wilson, OTR/Rehab Director at Rocky Knoll, “I hear it often from building staff and from patients that this is the place to come for therapy. Discharge planners have commented that patients don’t even want to listen to their list [of providers] because of the wonderful things they hear about the therapy department here.”
The facility also has a proven record when it comes to speeding wound healing, lowering and preventing the risk of falls, improving continence, and providing reeducation and recovery after a stroke.
Lastly, and perhaps the most important reason as to why Rocky Knoll has evolved into a premier facility, is the highly-qualified, compassionate staff and their excellent teamwork.
“We all work well together and are willing to learn from each others experiences and rationales. Many of the staff here have come from different backgrounds and bring that experience to Rocky Knoll. Some have years of experience in LTC while others come from backgrounds ranging from outpatient orthopedics to mental health. We have a new grad and Al, who has been working since before many of us were born!, “ says Amie. “Yet we all manage to pull off a positive work environment and positive results for patients as well!!”
Congratulations Rocky Knoll team on your success!
Additional information for this article was taken from the Rocky Knoll Health Care Center website: www.rockyknoll.biz
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On Being A Five-Star Rated Facility
April 2009
In the last issue of MJ Today there was an article about our Five-Star facilities as determined by the Five-Star Quality Rating System administered through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). I spoke with Daria Heyn, OTR/Rehab Director at Good Shepherd Services (Seymour, Wisconsin) about the therapy team’s thoughts on being a five-star rated facility.
The team shared the following thoughts:
Communication between departments is excellent. Therapy is kept “in the loop” regarding, weight loss, reports of difficulties with dining, falls and declines in function.
Good follow through of therapy recommendations. There is a restorative program so staff are able to touch base with specific individuals and to keep us informed on the progress or difficulties of former patients.
Team atmosphere in the building. Therapy staff and Good Shepherd employees work together with many different resources to create a warm, caring and successful environment for our residents.
Daily management meetings (attended by Daria). “I am particularly impressed with the responsibility that each department takes in meeting our resident’s needs,” said Daria. These meetings allow her to share what is happening with therapy patients, what is needed from all departments and any specific problems we are having with patients.
Daria also believes that is has been through the direction and philosophy of Deb Captain, Executive Director that Good Shepherd has attained it’s status as an excellent facility.
April 2009
In the last issue of MJ Today there was an article about our Five-Star facilities as determined by the Five-Star Quality Rating System administered through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). I spoke with Daria Heyn, OTR/Rehab Director at Good Shepherd Services (Seymour, Wisconsin) about the therapy team’s thoughts on being a five-star rated facility.
The team shared the following thoughts:
Communication between departments is excellent. Therapy is kept “in the loop” regarding, weight loss, reports of difficulties with dining, falls and declines in function.
Good follow through of therapy recommendations. There is a restorative program so staff are able to touch base with specific individuals and to keep us informed on the progress or difficulties of former patients.
Team atmosphere in the building. Therapy staff and Good Shepherd employees work together with many different resources to create a warm, caring and successful environment for our residents.
Daily management meetings (attended by Daria). “I am particularly impressed with the responsibility that each department takes in meeting our resident’s needs,” said Daria. These meetings allow her to share what is happening with therapy patients, what is needed from all departments and any specific problems we are having with patients.
Daria also believes that is has been through the direction and philosophy of Deb Captain, Executive Director that Good Shepherd has attained it’s status as an excellent facility.
“It would be wonderful to say that it is because we are a good therapy department,” states Daria. “However, we are one of many ‘good’ departments in this facility that works toward the choices our residents and their families make when they come through our doors.”
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MJ Care Facilities Receive Five-Star Rating
January 2009
Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) began rating the quality of care at more than 15,000 nursing homes throughout the United States. The Five-Star Quality Rating System was created to help consumers, their families, and caregivers compare nursing homes more easily and help identify areas about which to ask questions.
Nursing homes with five stars are considered to have much above average quality and nursing homes with one star are considered to have quality much below average.
MJ Care is honored to announce that six of our facilities have received a Five-Star rating. These facilities are:
Brewster Village (Appleton, Wisconsin); David Rothmann, Administrator
Good Shepherd Services, Ltd. (Seymour, Wisconsin); Deb Captain, Administrator
Maryhill Manor (Niagara, Wisconsin); Jana Clement, Administrator
Marywood (Wausau, Wisconsin); Jerry Frese, Administrator
Wisconsin Veterans Home - King; Stordock 700 (King, Wisconsin); Bill Crowley, Commandant
Wisconsin Veterans Home – Union Grove; Boland Hall (Union Grove, Wisconsin); Patrick Shaughnessy, Administrator
January 2009
Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) began rating the quality of care at more than 15,000 nursing homes throughout the United States. The Five-Star Quality Rating System was created to help consumers, their families, and caregivers compare nursing homes more easily and help identify areas about which to ask questions.
Nursing homes with five stars are considered to have much above average quality and nursing homes with one star are considered to have quality much below average.
MJ Care is honored to announce that six of our facilities have received a Five-Star rating. These facilities are:
Brewster Village (Appleton, Wisconsin); David Rothmann, Administrator
Good Shepherd Services, Ltd. (Seymour, Wisconsin); Deb Captain, Administrator
Maryhill Manor (Niagara, Wisconsin); Jana Clement, Administrator
Marywood (Wausau, Wisconsin); Jerry Frese, Administrator
Wisconsin Veterans Home - King; Stordock 700 (King, Wisconsin); Bill Crowley, Commandant
Wisconsin Veterans Home – Union Grove; Boland Hall (Union Grove, Wisconsin); Patrick Shaughnessy, Administrator
“We are pleased to be the therapy services provider for so many long-term care facilities that have recently achieved four and five star quality ratings from CMS,” said Jerry Styberg, President/COO.
“This is truly a distinction that our long-term care partners should rightly be proud of and we celebrate this well-deserved recognition.”
Each facility receives a one- to five-star ranking based upon three sources of data: Health Inspections, Staffing and Quality Measures.
Health Inspections – The health inspection rating contains information from the last three years of onsite inspections, including both standard surveys and any complaint surveys. This information is gathered by individuals who go onsite to the nursing home and follow a specific process to determine the extent to which a nursing home has met Medicare’s minimum quality requirements.
Staffing – The staffing rating has information about the number of hours of care on average provided to each resident each day by nursing staff. This rating considers differences in the level of need of care of residents in different nursing homes.
Quality Measures (QMs) – The quality measure rating has information on ten different physical and clinical measures for nursing home residents. This information is collected by the nursing home for all residents. The QMs offer information about how well nursing homes are caring for their residents’ physical and clinical needs.
Congratulations to these facilities on their commitment to serving their patients the MJ Way!
