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Henry County Home

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Henry County Hillcrest Home

 


Love is in full bloom for couple at Hillcrest Home

On Saturday, June 19, the dining room at Hillcrest Home was transformed into a wedding reception hall thanks to the help of Mary Begren and her many dedicated staff members.  According to Bergren, everyone at the home including the residents wanted to share in Randy and Julie (Sibley) Lindstrom’s special day.  “It has been quite awhile since we played host to a wedding reception and it was just lovely,” stated Bergren.

The wedding actually took place earlier in the day along the Hennepin Canal at the Danny Martins Memorial Site.  This location was selected because it was a place that Julie enjoyed walking at before she and Randy met; a place she found solace.   The couple agreed it was a beautiful setting and wanted to share it with others close to her heart.

Residents wanted to attend the wedding and were more than welcome, but the couple felt it wasn’t safe for the residents to be walking at the canal.  So, they inquired about having the reception at Hillcrest where all their new friends and family could share in their extraordinary day.  They also wanted the music to be enjoyed by all so they asked Jack Ness from Sheffield to play for them since he was one of the residents’ favorite performers.  Once approved, the plans were set into motion.

The day before the wedding Julie learned that the cake person had a family emergency and would be unable to provide the wedding cake as planned.  She and Randy spent that evening baking and decorating a three tiered cake and two sheet cakes for their reception.   The cakes were beautifully decorated with fresh flowers from Julie’s garden, which adorned each cake.  They were absolutely beautiful according to Bergren.  In fact, when they brought the cakes out that evening, the residents cheered for over 60 seconds for the newlyweds.  “This is just an example of how well the two work together,” added Bergren.

When Julie and Randy met several years ago at Hillcrest, it was perfect timing for the couple.  Randy had just started working at the home in the maintenance department and Julie was doing private in-home care.  She too was fast becoming a familiar face in the hallways as she would bring one of her clients to the home to visit a family member several times a week.  They both love their jobs and their new family at the home.  They both believe it was a match made in heaven.

The couple admits that at first, they were just good friends, but soon their love blossomed into more than a friendship.  “We instantly got along very well when we met,” said Julie.  “I enjoy watching my husband because he brings a smile to anyone’s face and he is such a hard worker with so much energy.  God has something he wants us to do for him and wanted our talents combined.” 

They began dating about a year later and started taking ballroom dance lessons at Black Hawk College. The two of them would often stop by Hillcrest dressed in their ballroom attire to show the residents their progress and what they had been learning.  “The residents enjoyed watching us dance together,” stated Julie.  “We love to joke around with them and have become very close to many of the residents and appreciate their support.”

They have received so much love from their immediate family as well as their new family at the home.  Julie’s son, Matt Lloyd, served as best man at the wedding and Randy’s brother, Jason Lindstrom performed the ceremony.  “We are amazed at the love here and feel blessed to have our “Hillcrest family” in our lives,” said Julie.  “These people have touched our hearts and we love them so much.”

Julie and Randy are especially thankful to Rebecca Gradert for all her exceptional work and planning and John Hunt for the lovely reception announcements he wrote in the May and June Hillcrest Hummers newsletter.  A special thank you also to Sawyer, Glenda, Bev and Traci for the help and for making the day so absolutely PERFECT!

 


 

HILLCREST HOME RIDES THE NEW WAVE IN ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS

               Hillcrest Home has recently taken patient charting to a new level.  Funding received from the Department of Public Health last year has provided the means for streamlining the tedious task of documenting patient care.  The newly installed “PointClickCare” software is an innovative program that allows the user capability to save time on paperwork and focus more on direct patient care by automating Electronic Health Records.

               According to Hillcrest Home’s Administrator, Mary Bergren, it was the ease of the software that sold the product to her and Julie Kaufman, director of accounting.  “One of our main concerns when we were shopping around for a new program was training some of our seasoned employees, but everyone has adjusted very well to using the new software, stated Bergren.  “In fact, the overall experience by employees of the home has been very favorable.”

               She explains that this software is similar to the programs currently being used in hospitals, but the PointClickCare model is tailored specifically for healthcare in regards to nursing homes.  It was designed to reduce the burden of time spent on record keeping for both the clinical and financial areas.  Bergren is also pleased with the functionality of the program because it allows her to check the communication board from home on the weekends and lets her know if there are any concerns she may need to address when she returns on Monday.  “It’s a great way to stay in touch when I’m away from the office,” remarked Bergren.

The introduction to the software reads, “If you’ve ever booked a flight, ordered a book, or compared quotes for auto insurance online, you can use PointClickCare.”   Bergren acknowledges that this statement is, in fact, true and to the point.  “Our nursing staff is now able to spend more time seeing to the needs of residents,” added Bergren.  This extra time allows her staff to interact more with the residents and less at the computer.

Kaufman recalls that in the beginning it was difficult to get everyone in agreement on which software to purchase, but this program sold them because of the versatility and efficiency.  “We place something new on the communication board each day.  When the nursing staff begins their shift there is something posted on the board to get them used to the program,” Kaufman added.  She also believes that the integration of the program has improved communication between staff at all levels.

Retired nurse, Diane Fowler, has embraced the new technology and looks forward to its challenges.  “I am O.K. now and can do what I need to do with my daily tasks.  I enjoy working with the computer and I have learned a great deal from the experience,” said Fowler.   Through training sessions at the home others like Fowler are able to maneuver the screens and find the process straightforward.

At this time, Hillcrest is functional using both the clinical and financial systems of the consumer web software model.  Only nurses and certified nursing assistants utilize the clinical portion of the program.  All four hallways now have Kiosk stations with a computer attached to one of the walls for the convenience of the CNAs.  The computer touch screen provides a complete list of residents for their area and is available for the nursing staff to complete their progress notes and dietary reporting as well as other documentation in a fraction of the time. 

               Kaufman explains that the color coding highlighted on the screen indicates the completion of tasks and assists the nursing staff with additional follow-up when deemed necessary.  The color green means that something is completed and red means it is past due.  “This is a flag for the nursing staff and has been very helpful so far.  The system automatically alerts you and gives you an update to go back to if something may have been missed,” added Kaufman.  Additionally, new laptop computers now reside at each of the nurses stations where it is more convenient for the nurses to complete their charting.

               Serving as the director of accounting, Kaufman has found the financial system helpful in her daily accounting responsibilities.  “It has freed up time and allowed me to focus on other duties that require my attention,” said Kaufman.  The financial system promises the opportunity for more accuracy in relation to accounts receivable and billing.

 “I feel we have a head start on the new wave of Clinical Electronic Health Records as we are one of the first nursing homes in the area to use this type of system application,” stated Bergren.  Initially, the Home purchased the financial module or bookkeeping software in 2008.  Last year, the clinical system was added also.

               There are additional modules that are available such as the Electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) and the Pharmacy Integration, but the current network business system is only hooked up to one tower at present.  If there is a problem with the server, it requires a delay in retrieving the needed information.  When it becomes a fail-safe system Hillcrest Home will integrate these into the overall system.  Pharmacists like the idea of having this program available and feel it will make the process of instantly sending orders versus faxing them a time saving experience for all. 

Families’ who are considering placing a loved one in a long-term care facility, are fond of the fact that patients receive more attention and care as a result of the electronic clinical software.  Director of Nursing, Nona Diericx, agrees that the program has made a significant improvement to the days’ routine.  “We are now able to do reports instantly and verify the information with just a few clicks.  There is no more copy cat charting and we can track reports easier by just doing a simple search,” added Diericx.  She feels that this is especially important for risk management when you are tracking falls in hallways.

Of the many positive things that Bergren has experienced since the integration of the program, she especially finds the communication board extremely helpful as it serves as a way to notify and remind staff of important matters.  “It is like a little sticky note, like a small post it,” said Bergren.  For example, if a resident misplaces a pair of glasses or a hearing aid, all you need to do is track the progress of the resident throughout the day to locate the missing item.  “That fact alone has been very helpful,” added Bergren.  “It continues to save us a great deal of time.”



HILLCREST HOME RECEIVES A 5-STAR RATING

 Hillcrest Home in Geneseo, recently received notification that it has again been rated a 5-Star Nursing Home.  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) created the Five-Star Quality Rating System to help consumers and their families compare homes based on specific standards.  The rating system also helps to identify targeted areas that a caregiver or family member may wish to ask questions when considering a home for a loved one.

 According to Hillcrest Home Administrator, Mary Bergren, “the CMS rates each home quarterly based on the same three sources of data including health inspections, staffing and quality measures (QMs).  These areas of criteria provide a means to measure the quality of care for each certified nursing home.  A 5-Star rating means that a facility ranks “much above average.”  A 1-Star rating is the lowest and means a facility ranks “much below average.”

 The health inspection rating was designed to protect nursing home residents and ensure the best possible care available.  Each certified nursing home must meet over 180 regulatory standards, which include proper management of medications, safe food preparation and storage and protection from physical or mental abuse.  A trained team of objective inspectors visit onsite to review these and many other topics when checking the quality of care.  They inspect medical records and talk individually with residents about the care they are receiving.

 The overall staffing rating is the number of staff compared to the number of residents based on the needs and care required by the residents.  CMS looks at the trained nursing staff and their roles as registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, licensed vocational nurse to certified nursing assistant.  These positions are adjusted to the population of the home and their needed expertise.  “The staffing level at Hillcrest Home is stable and is always where it needs to be and this is important for the program,” stated Bergren.  Each nursing home is required to report its staffing hours to its state survey agency.  CMS gets nursing home staffing data from the states.  There is strong evidence that low nurse staffing levels seriously compromise quality of care for residents. 

 The quality measures’ rating is important as it provides an in-depth look at how well the nursing home is caring for all its residents.  This includes their physical and clinical needs.  These measures might show how the nursing home helps people keep their ability to dress and eat, changes to a resident’s mobility or if they have received their flu shot.  People considering a nursing home for themselves or a family member may find these quality measures helpful in determining which home provides the best overall care. 

 When comparing nursing homes the Five Star Quality Rating System is helpful, but a personal visit is the best way to make a final decision.  “I always recommend people make an onsite visit to meet the care givers at Hillcrest Home and to experience the comfort level and atmosphere of the home.  They should tour the facility and see for themselves the care we provide to each and every resident,” said Bergren.

 

Minnaert glad she’s at Hillcrest

 Looking back to when she began to lose her strength, Martha “Mert” Minnaert remembers it was her son who recommended she receive some temporary assistance from the staff at Hillcrest Home in rural Geneseo.  

“My son knew I was growing weaker and my diabetes was causing me problems also,” said Mert.  “We agreed that I needed some help with my eating and diet and I couldn’t stay in my home in this condition,” she added.

 In describing her weakened state the 81-year-old explains.  “The care here means a lot to me and my son Michael, and not having to run her back and forth to the doctor can also make a difference as it can get very expensive.”  She was glad when he suggested she come to Hillcrest for some care and to regain her strength.  “Eating my meals in the cafeteria has helped me eat better and healthy again and I have learned to select only the foods I am allowed with my diabetes,” she said.   

Minnaert has been monitored very closely by the physical therapists at Hillcrest.  Upon her arrival, she was reported weak and unsteady, but now she has her balance back and can even go up and down stairs again.  Physical therapy assistant, Jason Burton, has seen many changes in Mert over the last few weeks.  “She is now able to walk about 500 feet or more a day,” said Burton.  He is delighted that she has exceeded her goals and their expectations so quickly.  “Mert has come a long way in a short amount of time and is getting close to her previous level,” states Burton. 

Each day, Minnaert goes to physical therapy where she has learned new exercises that she will be able to follow when she returns home very soon.  “They really get your blood flowing,” she adds.  The physical therapists teach the residents about safety in the home and how to organize rooms throughout the house, especially the kitchen area.  “We hope to equip them with the ability to recognize possible problem areas such as throw rugs and the placement of items in the kitchen cabinets,” said Burton. 

 He also explains that many times they will do a home evaluation prior to a resident returning home and residents may call anytime for pointers.  “We want them to be prepared and remain independent and able to function with limited assistance,” he added.  “Residents are encouraged to walk to meals, walk the hallways and remain as functional as possible.”

Minnaert feels grateful for all the support and care that has been bestowed upon her during her stay at Hillcrest.  “I have received a lot of help from the staff in the cafeteria in selecting the right foods and everybody here has been great and so nice.  They will do anything for you, even if it isn’t their job and everyone knows you by your name and makes you feel at home,” she commented.  “They treat you like a friend and are always pleasant and nice.” 

At Hillcrest she was able to reach her goals so quickly and is now able to return home after only six short weeks of residency.  Minnaert is a believer in Hillcrest and would not hesitate to return to the facility if she needed assistance again. 

 Minnaert is looking forward to returning home to work in her flower gardens.  “I know everyone will be expecting me to have beautiful flowers once again this year and I don’t want to let anyone down,” she said.  She also plans to start walking at night with her son again.  “The walking makes you feel solid and altogether,” said Minnaert.

        

It’s all about keeping time at Hillcrest Home

No matter if it’s the dietary staff in the kitchen or the resident kitchen band rehearsing, they’re all in sync at Hillcrest home.  Each day the meals are prepared to perfection and no one misses a beat in time.  When the call goes out over the intercom that ‘dinner is served’, workers are in position ready to dish up some great food. 

Even yet today in our busy world, the kitchen remains the heart of the family.  This is also true for the dietary team.  Showing our loved ones that we care deeply for them by the healthy foods we serve each day, is the same motivation shared by this workforce.   

According to Donya Price, assistant head cook, serving the three meals per day buffet style has offered more food options and better choices for the residents.  “Each resident has a card on file here and we are able to assist them with foods they may have especially if they are diabetic or have specialized dietary needs,” said Price.  “The residents receive help through the line, but are encouraged to make their own meal choices.”

Lunch is the biggest meal of the day and includes larger servings and several desserts.  Residents may select from two or three salads, two entries, two vegetables, and fresh fruit and there is always jello available as well as daily soups or sandwiches. 

The menus are printed every six months and are on a four-week rotation with seasonal items included.  “There’s always something good cooking in our kitchen,” adds Linda Jagers, dietary manager.  Jagers is in charge of scheduling the 11 dietary staff members and working with the care plans.

“Almost everything here is homemade,” stated Jagers.  “We serve up some of the best homemade noodles, soup, pies and bread thanks to Barb Wolf.” 

As head cook at the home, Wolf enjoys the convenience of the new walk-in freezer.  Both Price and Wolf agree that the walk-in coolers have allowed for better organization and convenience in the kitchen area.  They also like the fact that they no longer have to set-up carts for the old building.  “With the other building gone, the aides are now available to help out here,” said Price.

There is over 51 years of experience when you combine the total years of service from Price, Jagers and Wolf.  That is a lot of cooking experience and residents at Hillcrest are extremely grateful for their effort.  They also like the fact that the administrator, Mary Bergren, finds time to cook for them from time to time.  She loves to help with the breakfast buffet line and is always eager to serve up some of her popular Belgian waffles.

For residents not able to go through the line, a cart is prepared for them and nurses aides assist with the meal.  “We will prepare the food to best meet the needs of the resident,” said Price.  “That means pureeing or processing the food with a grinder if a resident has a problem swallowing.”  Residents are also often treated with Mary’s delicious ice cream root beer floats or her specialty cream puffs.


Following any meal, the dining room area can quickly be transformed into a gathering place for almost any program including rehearsal for the newly formed Hillcrest Home kitchen band.  “We are excited about reviving the band last fall and have been practicing once a week this spring,” stated Rebecca Gradert, assistant activity director.

"Music is a universal language,” added Gradert.  “It brings out the best in many of our residents.”  She explains that the residents are excited about performing at the upcoming July 7, ice cream social fund raiser event to be held in Geneseo Park at 7:00 p.m.  The Hillcrest Home band members will make their debut that evening followed by the Maple City Band at 8:00 p.m.

The kitchen band consists of 9 members including Verna Jones, Doris Tieken, Mary Lou Chrisop, Darlene Nelson, Everett Miller, Hugh Hall, Joyce Briggs, Evelyn Hutchinson and Irene VanDusen.  “Even though some of the members of the band have walkers, short-term memory loss and varying degrees of cognitive levels, they all can keep time,” said Gradert.  According to her, “just singing old hymns or favorite music from the past, can allow them to cross all lines.” 

Although many of these people have some music background, all the residents at the home are encouraged to participate in any music program offered including the kitchen band.

 

Henry County Hillcrest Home
Administrator,
Mary Bergren

Phone:  309-944-2147

Fax:  309-944-8417

Address:
14688 IL Hwy 82
Geneseo, IL 61254

Office Hours:
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday - Friday

Email:
hillcresth@geneseo.net