Summer 2019, Vol. 16, No.3 A publication of Life Care Centers of America

A Spark of Creativity: National Assisted Living Week 2019 PAGE 4 A Legacy of Quality Care: Cottesmore Celebrates 50th Anniversary PAGE 6 Ready for Their Close-up PAGE 8 Rehab Trains Superheroes PAGE 10 A message from the president On a wall in the office of a huge tree John C. Maxwell, author and expert farm hangs a sign. It reads: on leadership development, put it this The best time to plant a tree is 25 years way: “You may not be where you’re ago. The second-best time is today. supposed to be. You may not be what you The wisdom of that sign shines forth. want to be. You don’t have to be what There is no time like the present to you used to be. And you don’t have to become an expert (isn’t that your goal?) ever arrive. You just need to learn to be in our mission. It is a noble calling in the best you can be right now.” which we are engaged in Life Care, and Napoleon Hill (1883 – 1970), we should give it our best, reaching our American author best known for his full potential. book Think and Grow Rich, which is Maybe you wish you had started among the top 10 best-selling self-help earlier. Or maybe you wish you had books of all time, said: “You can’t change found a better teacher or mentor years where you started, but you can change ago. None of that matters. Looking back the direction you are going. It’s not what OUR COVER MODELS: and lamenting will not help you move you are going to do, but it’s what you are Rehab teams from around forward. doing now that counts.” the country showed off their As an English major in college, one of On Jan. 4, 1970, Forrest Preston superpowers in the weeks leading up my favorite poets was Henry Wadsworth opened the first nursing home in what to this year’s Annual Rehab Meeting. Longfellow (1807 – 1882), whose was to become Life Care Centers of The meeting’s power-packed theme popular works included Paul Revere’s America. Every day since then, he has was “We Train Superheroes.” Ride, The Song of Hiawatha and been driven to be better at what he does. See p. 10 for more details. Evangeline. Jan. 4, 2020, marks the 50th anniversary A friend of Longfellow asked the secret of that facility. of his continued interest in life. Pointing Are you growing a little new wood to a nearby apple tree, Longfellow said, each year? “The purpose of that apple tree is to grow a little new wood each year. That is Sincerely, what I plan to do.” That sentiment was expressed in one of Longfellow’s poems: is published quarterly by Beecher Hunter Life Care Centers of America Not enjoyment and not sorrow … Is our P.O. Box 3480 destined end or way … But to act that each Cleveland, Tennessee 37320 tomorrow … Find us further than today. Forrest L. Preston Founder and Chairman

Beecher Hunter President

Rob Pauza Director of Graphic Services and Art Director

Leigh Atherton Director of Public Relations and Editor

Dara Carroll Senior Publications Specialist and Associate Editor

Jonathan Golden Senior Designer

All correspondence should be addressed to the Associate Editor. Features 4 A Spark of Creativity: National Assisted Living Week 2019

A Legacy of Quality Care: 6 Cottesmore Celebrates 50th Anniversary

8 Ready for Their Close-up 10 Rehab Trains Superheroes InEveryIssue 2 Life Care Connections 11 Century Park Spotlight

12 Whatever It Takes And Then Some Highlights

13 Resident Voices: What major historical event affected you most? Why and what do you remember “about it? InsideLifeCare ” Balanced Wellness: Life Care Rolls Out the Fit For Life 2019 A Spark of Creativity p. 4 9 Contest with Big Changes

Ready for Their Close Up p. 8

A Legacy of Quality Care p. 6 Rehab Trains Superheroes p. 10 Beecher Hunter Wins United Way Volunteer Award On May The award was presented during committee and serving as a member of 16, 2019, the United Way’s annual banquet in the board of directors. Life Care also Beecher Cleveland, Tennessee. Named after a well- hosts an annual drive for its corporate Hunter, known community philanthropist and associates to give to the organization Life Care United Way volunteer who consistently and makes corporate space available for Centers of challenged the community to give, United Way events. America advocate and volunteer, the award is given president, to an active member of the community. received Currently a volunteer, Hunter has one of two been involved with the local United Way William F. Johnson Sr. Community organization for 56 years. He has held Service Awards from the United Way of many positions with the organization, the Ocoee Region. including vice president of the executive

Life Care and Century Park Centers Win Best of North Idaho – Again Idaho, were recently named Best Skilled Both Life Care centers have won their Nursing Facility, and Garden Plaza of award for the last six years in a row, and Post Falls was named Best Independent Garden Plaza has won for independent Senior Living and Best Assisted Living living six years in a row as well. Community. “This speaks loudly to the community The awards were presented on March and is a testimony to our continued 28, 2019, during the “North Idaho success,” said Connie Willis, admissions Business Journal” annual release party and marketing director at Life Care for its Best of North Idaho Awards. Center of Coeur d’Alene. “It shows that Readers vote on their favorites in our community not only supports us but Life Care Center of Coeur d’Alene multiple categories, including health care also believes in us and the care we give to and Life Care Center of Post Falls, providers. vote us No. 1 for so many years.” 13 Life Care Facilities Achieve 2019 Women’s Choice Award Thirteen Life Care Centers of America facilities recently received a 2019 Women’s Choice Award for Extended Care. The award recognizes skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities around the United States that have high ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as well as no recent history of penalties or fines. This year, only about six percent of facilities received the award. Women’s Choice Awards are designed to help women make informed decisions as consumers – in health care as well as in other areas such as cars and brands. Life Care’s winning facilities are: • Life Care Center of Sierra Vista, Arizona • Life Care Center at Inverrary in • Life Care Center of Treasure Valley in • Garden Terrace Alzheimer’s Center of Lauderhill, Florida Boise, Idaho Excellence in Aurora, Colorado • Life Care Center of Sarasota, Florida • Cottesmore of Life Care in Gig Harbor, • Life Care Center of Greeley, Colorado • Hale Anuenue Restorative Care Center Washington • Life Care Center of Littleton, Colorado in Hilo, Hawaii • Westview Health Care Center in • Life Care Center of Stonegate in Parker, • Life Care Center of Idaho Falls, Idaho Sheridan, Wyoming Colorado • Life Care Center of Lewiston, Idaho

2 Solomon Named Vice President of Life Care’s Eastern Division Life Care “I am humbled and blessed to work Originally from Greeneville, Solomon Centers of with the compassionate associates in the has a master’s degree in counseling and a America Eastern Division,” said Solomon. “I love bachelor’s degree in psychology. recently Life Care’s passion and perseverance to “Jennifer is an experienced and caring named provide quality care to our residents and leader who has her priorities in the right Jennifer patients. It has been our culture from the place,” said Cathy Murray, Life Care’s Solomon very beginning, and it can be seen every chief operating officer.” Residents come as vice day through the kindness and dedication first, and her teams look up to her and president of of our frontline associates.” respect her. We are pleased to have her its Eastern Solomon most recently served for more leading the Eastern Division.” Division. than eight years as vice president of the In this role, Solomon will oversee Appalachian Region within Life Care’s operations at the company’s 39 skilled Eastern Division. Before that, she was nursing and rehabilitation facilities executive director at Life Care Center of in Georgia, Kentucky, the Carolinas, Greeneville, Tennessee, for five years. She Tennessee and Virginia. has been with Life Care for 22 years.

Gonzalez Celebrated for 45 Years of Service In 1974, Ernie Gonzalez started his hamburgers and hot dogs for fundraisers career at Villa Manor Care Center in and donated some of his vacation days to Lakewood, Colorado. At the time, an associate in need. He has served as a he could have never imagined the 45 good leader for his department, leading years of memories he would make at his team to achieve no deficiencies on the facility and the thousands of lives many state surveys. Once, he even got a he would touch, from residents to tag for making the floors too shiny. He associates. earned a President’s Award from Life Villa Manor threw a party in Care in 1992. Gonzalez’ honor on May 23, 2019, “Your co-workers talk of your with about 120 people in attendance, kindness, integrity, honesty, love, including residents, associates and his compassion and genuineness – all family members. qualities that are imperative in health Cathy Murray, chief operating officer care,” said Hunter. “You may never for parent company Life Care Centers know how much difference you make in of America, and Derek Schmidt, vice someone’s life. Thank you, Ernie, for 45 president of Life Care’s Mountain States incredible years of service!” Division, both attended the fête, and Gonzalez plans to work for several Beecher Hunter, Life Care president, When Gonzalez was asked what has more years before retiring. sent a special video thanking Gonzalez kept him at Villa Manor so long, he said, for his many years of dedicated service. “The people I work with. Everybody “He is the best housekeeping has been so nice to me. I’ve never had a supervisor I have seen in 25 years,” said problem with anybody. I’m very happy Sara Dent, executive director. “Everyone every morning that I go in to work.” loves him. He takes pride in everything Fellow associates noted that Gonzalez he does and really puts the needs of makes it a habit to stop and talk to every others in front of his own.” person he meets. He has helped grill

3

At Century Park, we are proud of the people we serve every day. Our residents exemplify A Spark of Creativity by living life to the fullest and embracing creative outlets, including art, volunteerism, writing and other hobbies. We celebrate their influence on our lives during National Assisted Living Week, Sept. 8 – 14.

James “Jim” Birdwell, Quail Ridge in Pocatello, Idaho James “Jim” Before he began lifting spirits at Quail Ridge, Birdwell, who Birdwell, who first began clowning at 69 years old, used his skills to make an became a clown impact on countless people. in 1996, is a Birdwell was a hospital clown, visiting hospitals to make source of fun and the children there happy. His costume, balloon animals and creativity at Quail infectiously energetic personality always lifted spirits. Ridge Assisted “My favorite trick was making them laugh and making them Living. He ties happy,” Birdwell said. Photo by Kelsie Hansen 20 to 30 balloon Birdwell also collected used wheelchairs, walkers and other animals each week, and his clowning talents and charming adaptive equipment and donated them to hospitals. He did this personality never fail to brighten the lives of fellow residents, for 11 years, donating more than 100 pieces of equipment to associates and visitors. help the hospitals and their patients save money. “I just love to tie these balloons,” Birdwell said with a smile. Birdwell’s clowning career changed his life and countless “I make puppy dogs, bumblebees and other animals, and I give other lives. He’s been a clown for 23 years, and he still loves it. them to the people in here. If kids come in, I like giving one to “My purpose is to make people smile,” said Birdwell. “I them and watching them smile.” won’t stop doing it until I’m not alive anymore.” Birdwell, who is also known as Nickel the Clown, is loved Quail Ridge is thankful that Birdwell is there to keep and appreciated by the people around him. everyone smiling! “Jim is a ray of sunshine and a true joy to us,” said Kelsie Hansen, executive director. 4 Hope Cresswell, Harbor Place at Cottesmore in Gig Harbor, Wash. Hope Cresswell “She does fantastic work, and I’m so proud of her,” says showcases her Cresswell. spark of creativity Cresswell loves painting with oils. She says it’s easier to through her alter, but she has attempted acrylic painting, too. She enjoys beautiful artwork. painting lighthouses and has recently started painting flowers. Cresswell’s Cresswell paints for others and herself, not for competition. love for the In her hometown in Maine, she would take her paintings to the arts began at historical societies and her church for show. Although she has Photo by Kristen Rehberger a young age. sold some of her artwork in the past, her main goal is to share She remembers staying home sick from school as a child and her art, not make a profit. drawing families to pass the time. Today, Cresswell laughs “It’s hard to sell them after you have worked on them for so thinking about it because she knows that even as a child, she long,” says Cresswell. “I recently painted ballerina shoes, and I wanted a family someday. don’t want to let go of that one.” Cresswell always loved the paintings her grandmother did Cresswell now lives at Harbor Place at Cottesmore, where before she was born, and this helped spark Creswell’s interest she is still painting. For her, art is more than just an outlet to in oil painting when she was in high school. be creative; it is a way to connect with family and people. It “My grandmother was so talented and never had one brings a smile to her face knowing that the love of art has been lesson,” brags Cresswell. “I still have her only surviving passed down from generation to generation in her family. She painting.” is proud to know that the spark of creativity her grandmother In 1949, Cresswell married and eventually had three started years ago continues to flicker. children. Being a full-time wife and mother was her career, but painting remained her hobby. One of her daughters enjoys painting, just like Cresswell. Janie Gass, Garden Plaza at Cleveland, Tenn. In the eyes In addition, Gass wrote and illustrated her own books in of Janie Gass, dedication to her grandchildren titled “The Vowel Sounds,” writing is more “The Consonant Sounds,” “The Breathless Boy” and “Don’t Cry, than just a Mary Anne.” She even wrote a book called “God’s Beautiful creative outlet. World” as a gift for her friend’s first grandchild. It is a way of After that, Gass became inspired to share her personal sharing her heart testimony about salvation by writing her book “The Secret I with the world in Never Told.” hopes of making “I was looking toward the pulpit [at church] one day, and Photo by David Smith it a better place. there behind it was a picture that reminded me about my “If my ability to write makes it easier for someone to salvation at Mill Springs,” said Gass. “It was a secret I hadn’t understand topics such as education and faith in a more told for 50 years.” creative way, I believe that makes it important,” said Gass. Gass is currently putting the finishing touches on the Gass developed her love of writing from a young age. But epilogue of her book and intends to complete it soon. as time went on, her love of writing grew as she began her “I hope that the books I have written stir emotions and teaching career. feelings that open doors for people they never thought would After graduating from college, Gass held several teaching open and help people of all ages learn and understand,” said jobs as a physical education instructor, kindergarten teacher Gass. and assistant professor of algebra. For Gass, the stories have always been a part of her, as if During this time, Gass began writing study guides and other written on her heart. But it’s how she’s shared them with the written materials to help her students who were having trouble world that has made all the difference. in class. “If there’s an angel on earth, it’s my mom,” said Gass’ son, “I love the students and their desire to learn,” said Gass. “We Dennis. “She’s just above and beyond.” just had fun together!”

5 A Legacy of QualityQuality Care:Care: Cottesmore Celebrates 50th Anniversary

By Bri Bentley For 50 years, Cottesmore of After her military service, Glass and in England where she had served and Life Care has served as a pillar of her husband settled in the Tacoma, met her husband. The facility opened the community in Gig Harbor, Washington, area with their three in 1969 and became not only a place Washington. Today, it continues to children. She went back to working as for health care services but a popular echo the legacy of founder Inez Glass a nurse to help supplement her family’s community gathering place. through a spirit of caring. income. When her husband passed Glass was highly motivated to make A nurse by trade, Glass joined the away, she began working for a Tacoma Cottesmore a success – inspired by United States Army Nurse Corps in nursing facility and realized that there her strong belief in Christian ethics, 1943 and served in several locations of was great need in the Gig Harbor her desire to provide quality care and a the United States, as well as a base in community for a quality nursing home. confidence she had in knowing that her Scotland and Cottesmore Royal Air With some land she owned and dream to open the facility was God’s Force Base in England. It was there that money that her husband had left ultimate call on her life. she met her husband, Eugene Glass. her – along with the help and prayers “We did it for the Lord,” Glass said. She went on to serve in the military for of many supporters – Glass opened “It’s His work, and it’s going to go on.” two more years, eventually winning the a new nursing facility and named it Years later, when Glass was ready to prestigious Air Medal. Cottesmore, after the charming town sell the building, she chose to sell it to 6 Life Care because of Life Care’s close volunteerism continues to live on at On Aug. 7, 2019, Cottesmore connection to the mission and values Cottesmore. of Life Care celebrated its upon which Cottesmore had been “Volunteers are so important in built. Life Care purchased the building the long-term care setting,” said golden anniversary with a in 1996, but Glass continued to be Pamela Shelton, activities director party for the community. The involved with the facility by heading at the facility. “We have volunteers celebration included a ribbon- up its volunteer program. [who consider] this is as important to cutting ceremony, refreshments Todd Fletcher, vice president of themselves as it is to us. One volunteer and tours of the facility and its Western Operations for Life Care, came daily to feed his wife and would affiliate community, Harbor recalled: “When we first moved to Gig sit with her and talk to the other Place at Cottesmore, which Harbor and started the transition of residents. Even after his wife passed Cottesmore to Life Care, I soon found away, he continued to come and talk to opened in 2006. Cottesmore out that it was going to be difficult for the residents and play music for them. provides skilled nursing and one of the associates in the facility. So Our residents really enjoy the time they rehabilitation services, while many of them called her Mom or Mom spend with volunteers!” Harbor Place is an independent Glass. She was a true mother and friend Glass made the world a better place and assisted living retirement to so many people. Residents’ families because of her love for people and community. would visit the facility even after their commitment to serve the Lord by Tours of Cottesmore loved one had been discharged just to caring for others. She chose to allow showcased recently completed see Inez. So, we asked her to be our the Lord to use her in a mighty way by volunteer coordinator after she sold to obediently opening the Cottesmore construction, featuring a new Life Care, and she was happy to do so.” facility and providing her community rehab unit with 13 private suites, At Life Care’s Annual Management with the quality care it needed. It is six spacious shared rooms, a spa, Meeting in 2009, Glass was presented this legacy that lives on through the an activity room and a rehab with Life Care’s highest honor, the Cottesmore family and continues to dining area. Carl W. Campbell Wind Beneath My make a lasting impact on the lives of Wings Award, given to the company- others for the kingdom of God. wide volunteer of the year. Glass passed away in 2015, but her spirit of caring and heart for 7 Close-upREADY FOR THEIR

By Ryan Faricelli Christmas arrived early and with and residents were excited to see and stayed until 8 p.m. Nobody even Hollywood style at Life Care Center actors wearing winter coats in May knew they were here. They couldn’t have of Auburn, Massachusetts, when a and producers discussing their newest been kinder. One of the extras, who was production crew filming a television project. One associate was particularly from New York, even went out of his way movie asked the facility for assistance in excited when she was asked to be an extra to tell us this was a really nice facility!” early May 2019. in the film; she walked across the street Life Care Center of Auburn was glad Lifetime Channel and Lifetime Movie in the background of a scene. to help with the movie, and Lifetime Network produces its own films and was The movie, which is expected to associates appreciated the four days they filming its newest Christmas movie, “A come out this December, is written and spent at the facility. Sweet Romance,” at Robbie’s Place Ice directed by John Stimpson, a local to “I want to thank you very much for Cream and More. The local ice cream the Auburn area who has been directing the use of your beautiful rehab center,” parlor is located across the street from film, television and commercial projects said Jennifer Chisolm, executive assistant Life Care Center of Auburn, and the for 25 years. The film stars Katie Leclerc, for the film. “We appreciated all your production needed space for meetings, who is best known for her lead role in hospitality during our week of filming in wardrobe and makeup. “Switched at Birth” and appearances Auburn. We enjoyed meeting everyone “Their location is small, so the owner on TV shows such as “CSI: Crime and are grateful for the opportunity we came over with the film’s director and Scene Investigation,” “Community” had to use your terrific facility.” asked if they could use a room in our and “The Big Bang Theory.” Starring Lifetime expressed their appreciation facility for wardrobe,” said Carrie Cross, alongside Leclerc is Ryan Cooper, who for the space with a donation to the admissions director. “We let the movie’s has appeared on “One Life to Live,” “Eye resident’s activity fund, an invitation to producers use the conference room, and Candy” and “Day 5.” a local premier of the movie later this the actors and actresses used rooms for Cooper and Leclerc each had their year and the inclusion of Life Care in the wardrobe and makeup.” own spaces in the facility, as well. movie’s credits. The film crew did not cause any “They didn’t ask for a single thing,” disruptions, but Life Care associates Cross noted. “They showed up at 6 a.m. 8 Life CareBALANCED Rolls Out the Fit For Life 2019WELLNESS Contest with Big Changes

By Heidi Pino Life Care and Century Park Life icon on the home page) offers Bronze category without even getting associates around the country have four categories in which associates up from your desk,” said Falcon. been tracking their steps and physical can earn points – Health, Financial, “Before you know it, you’re in the activities for years now for a chance to Community and Exercise. The steps Bronze category and eligible for an win prizes. portion, under Exercise, now earns award.” This year, the Wellness Committee associates 25 points for every 10,000 Participation has increased since the felt it was time to expand the contest steps. And they can add up other changes went into effect, which was with a broader emphasis on overall positive choices under the other one of the main goals this year, along wellness. Now, associates can earn categories, such as contributing to a with increasing awareness of different points for activities beyond exercise. 401(k), getting their annual physical, avenues to wellness. It all started when Kelley Falcon, starting a diet program, having their Kathi Christensen, executive vice president of Human Resources, teeth cleaned and being a non-smoker. secretary of HR, added, “The new attended a benefits conference and Those points add up for chances to program gives people some ideas. heard people from other organizations win money. The Bronze level, from Someone who may not have thought talking about rewarding a variety of 2,000-4,999 points, makes associates about giving blood before might look aspects of wellness. eligible for a quarterly prize of a at it and go, ‘Oh, I can get points for “It made me realize, listening to $100 American Express gift card and that. I’m going to donate blood.’” the different things that people were the annual prize of $1,000 plus one The Wellness Committee doing, that we had been so focused on vacation day. The Silver level (5,000- encourages everyone, from corporate the physical aspects related to steps, 9,999 points) qualifies associates for associates to staff at facilities around that there was so much more we could a $200 quarterly prize and an annual the country, to visit the Fit For Life be doing,” said Falcon. “I came back prize of $2,000 plus two vacation site and participate. with that information and passed it days. The highest level, Gold, qualifies “We’re seeking to create positive out to the Wellness Committee and associates for a $300 quarterly prize change,” said Falcon. “Not just for Life said, ‘Let’s broaden our scope here,’ and an annual prize of $3,000 plus Care but for individuals.” and the committee took it and ran.” three vacation days. Now, the Wellness site on the “It would be very easy, just from Village Square (click the Fit For some very basic things, to get into the

9 REHAB TRAINS

By Jenna Mathis Life Care Centers of America’s at Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley in each facility’s rehab team submitted a Annual Rehab Meeting took place Littleton, Massachusetts. superhero-themed photo of themselves at the company’s headquarters in Cole, an occupational therapist for with their building’s Life Care sign. Cleveland, Tennessee, April 29 – May 1, 34 years, has been a Life Care associate The contest was a great teambuilding 2019. This year’s theme was “We Train since 2008. She was praised for her calm exercise for local rehab teams, and it Superheroes.” demeanor, listening ear and willingness gave them a chance to show off their The meeting brings together Life to take whatever time needed to serve her facility’s character, as well as their own Care’s rehab leadership from across patients and fellow associates. She uses personalities. the nation for a three-day educational her love of sewing and crafts to support The contest was won by the rehab conference to discuss resources from community events, and she is known team at Life Care Center of Cleveland, the corporate interdisciplinary team to share handmade clothing items and Tennessee. Life Care of Coos Bay, and division teams. Associates share warm meals with those in need. Oregon, came in second, and Garden best practices and celebrate rehab The unique theme of this year’s Terrace at Fort Worth, Texas, came in accomplishments from the previous year. meeting was embraced by attendees and third. One of the meeting’s highlights was served as a great tie-in for the week’s The 2019 Annual Rehab Meeting the presentation of Life Care’s Rehab activities and the power-packed agenda. was a super opportunity for associates Servant Heart Award. The honor “We selected this theme to illustrate to learn new techniques, network with recognizes a rehab associate who selflessly the men and women who serve in rehab peers and discuss strategies for making contributes his or her professional and because we are all superheroes deep this coming year even better than the expertise and time in providing rehab down,” said Clemente Aquino, vice last. services and who also gives personally president of rehab practice standards. beyond his or her job description. The Corporate Rehab team also This year, the award went to Pamela organized a photo contest leading Cole, director of rehabilitation services up to the annual meeting in which 10 CENTURY PARK SPOTLIGHT Century Park Honors Outstanding Communities and Individuals at Annual Meeting By Dara Carroll Century Park Associates recently “The award is to the credit of a • Eileen Smith, lifestyles director at honored several outstanding communities wonderful team that works tirelessly to The Bridge at Greeley, Colorado and individuals at its Annual Management make our campus the best place possible • Kate Knupp, lifestyles director at Meeting in Cleveland, Tennessee. for our residents,” said Rita Hood, Cascade Park in Woodburn, Oregon During an awards banquet on May executive director at Lake Pointe Landing. • Linda Silver, resident assistant 23, Community of the Year honors were “Our associates are totally dedicated to the at Garden Plaza at Cleveland, awarded to Garden Plaza of Post Falls, quality care and compassion that have been Tennessee Idaho. the hallmark of Lake Pointe Landing for After receiving her award and a cash Garden Plaza of Post Falls, an the last 20 years.” prize, Garcia tried to put the recognition independent living and assisted living Several individual awards were also given into words: “It’s an awesome feeling to win. community, was praised for its high out during the meeting. Century Park’s It felt like I was in Disneyland, like I was a occupancy rate, its fiscal responsibility Going The Extra Mile customer service princess or something. I truly love my job. I and its high customer satisfaction scores. program recognizes outstanding associates love my elders. This is my calling.” The community has been named a Best of who have gone above and beyond their job It is a calling that thousands of Century North Idaho winner for retirement and descriptions to serve residents, families, Park associates around the country assisted living for the past five years. co-workers and guests. rededicate themselves to each day. Two Chairman’s Awards were also An overall GEM winner was announced “I am proud of the commitment our presented during the meeting: to Garden at the awards banquet, as well as five amazing associates have made to their Plaza at Greenbriar Cove in Ooltewah, regional winners: residents, families and communities,” said Tennessee, and Lake Pointe Landing in • GEM Annual Winner Dan Swiatkiewicz, Century Park’s national Hendersonville, North Carolina. The Janet Garcia, certified nursing assistant director of sales. “They do their jobs with award recognizes communities that at Pointe Frontier in Cheyenne, energy and passion and are dedicated to demonstrate outstanding commitment to Wyoming their mission of providing superior care excellence so exceptional that it commands • GEM Regional Winners and services in senior living. They are the attention. • Pam Alexander, concierge at The true definition of success.” Both Chairman’s Award communities Abbewood in Elyria, Ohio were recognized for their consistent high • Sean Lovern, maintenance occupancy, fiscal responsibility and high assistance at Lake Pointe Landing in customer satisfaction. Hendersonville, North Carolina

Janet Garcia Garden Plaza at Post Falls Garden Plaza at Greenbriar Cove Lake Pointe Landing GEM Annual Winner Community of the Year Winner Chairman’s Award Chairman’s Award

11 Whatever It Takes And Then Some Highlights

Anna LaRoche, registered nurse, Christina Villatoro, certified nursing Stella De Los Reyes, cook, Alameda University Park Care Center in assistant, Life Care Center of Oaks Nursing Center in Corpus Pueblo, Colorado Auburn, Massachusetts Christi, Texas When LaRoche noticed that a When a resident moved to Florida De Los Reyes has made a special resident wasn’t sleeping well, she to be near her son, Villatoro paid friend with a blind resident. She talked to the resident about it and her own way to and from Florida to stops at his table and talks with him, found out that she slept in a recliner travel with the resident and make then walks with him down the hall at home to help with breathing and sure she had a safe, secure and stress- to his room to make sure he has a comfort. LaRoche immediately free journey. pleasant and safe trip back. called her husband and had him bring a recliner from their home Tammy Seals, MDS coordinator, Tarsha Clinton, case manager, for the resident. The resident was Life Care Center of Tullahoma, Life Care Center of Winter Haven, brought to tears at her kindness. Tennessee Florida As part of an interdepartmental A resident was moving out of her Debbie Arnold, business office team discussion about alternatives to assisted living apartment and into manager, Life Care Center of restraint use, Seals suggested trying the facility for long-term care. Carrollton, Missouri weighted blankets to help reduce Clinton went to the resident’s Morel mushrooms are a delicacy in anxiety and restlessness. She sought apartment and helped her gather rural Missouri, selling at $50 per out and bought one that was large as many belongings as she could fit gallon. Knowing the residents would enough to be made into several into her vehicle. She then helped the enjoy some, Arnold bought enough lap-sized blankets that have helped resident sort through her things and with her own money for all the provide comfort for residents. settle in to her new home. residents. She then helped clean and fry them up for the residents. Nichole Smith, certified dietary manager, Bridgeview Estates in Twin Falls, Idaho Smith had very little notice to organize a facility team for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life walk. She took the chance and ran with it, creating such a fantastic booth that the facility won the award for best campsite for the event.

12 ResidentVoices What major historical event affected you most? Why and what do you remember about it?” “I remember WWII, and I remember my “In 1971, there was an earthquake in “The passing of the Social Security and “When the Zeppelin Hindenburg went down brother Gus, who was killed at 19 years old Inglewood, California. Bridges were torn Medicare Act: it helps the elderly and retired in flames. … The radio announcer was so in service. I still miss him to this very day.” down, large loss of life and a lot of damage. citizens who need extra income. I thought upset, he started crying.” Lucy Guadagnoli It was my first time in California. I was going Franklin Roosevelt was one of our best Jack Burrell Cherry Hill Manor in Johnston, RI to the store with my mom, and everything presidents!” Harbor Place at Cottesmore in Gig Harbor, started shaking.” Florence Mioduszewski WA “Pearl Harbor. ... I had two uncles who Janet Cordell Heatherwood Retirement Community in joined the military during the war: Herman Life Care Center of Ooltewah, TN Honey Brook, PA “WWII because two of my brothers served and Art. Herman was my favorite uncle, but, in the war. A lot of men and boys died. It unfortunately, he didn’t survive the war. Art “The end of WWII. I remember the boat ride “When WWII was going on, they scared me. Every time somebody knocked was a survivor, and he would tell me stories back from Italy to the U.S. was a hard ride: came around and told everyone in the on the door, you expected it to be bad news about the war.” bumpy, hard and cold.” neighborhood to turn out their lights at that your family had died. It was terrible. We Betty Boyker John Carberry night when they heard planes going by. If lived in much fear.” La Habra Convalescent Hospital in La Life Care Center of Wilbraham, MA WWII was not frightening enough, it was Norma Baker Habra, CA frightening to be in the dark all of the time!” Lynchburg Nursing Center in Lynchburg, TN “1969. The first man on the moon. I was at Victoria D. “When the German air ship Hindenburg home with my father and grandmother, and Life Care Center of Punta Gorda, FL “On Sept. 11, 2001, the United States of went over Boston, I watched it out of my we watched it on TV. I was 21 years old. We America incurred a serious wound. … school window.” were all very proud. It was a great time to be “My husband was a marine during the However, because of that event, a sense of Marion Thunell an American.” Korean War. It was a sad situation for the unity, patriotism and solidarity abounded Life Care Center of the South Shore in Earl Peterkin people there. My husband was mentally throughout our country. It’s sorrowful to Scituate, MA Life Care Center of Sandpoint, ID conflicted after the war. So many men were, realize it takes something that horrific to and they didn’t talk about it.” bring us together as a nation.” “Vietnam War. I was in college. My mom “When President Kennedy was assassinated, Deloris Lane Marian Joppa kept me there, so I couldn’t be drafted. I it broke my heart. … I was at school [6 Life Care Center of Rhea County in Dayton, Life Care Center of Farmington, NM was glad.” years old], and they announced it on the TN Michael Thompson intercom. Everyone broke down crying. I “JFK’s assassination. It was a scary time. It Life Care Center of Puyallup, WA remember images of Jackie with blood on “When President Kennedy was shot. It was was one event after another: Martin Luther her dress. I’ll never forget that.” upsetting. It makes you realize how short life King’s assassination, RFK’s assassination.” “World War II. 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I was things. We used coupons. We never had Barstow, CA radio to listen to Churchill and Roosevelt a patrol officer for the Cowlitz County much, so it didn’t seem so bad, but looking about what was going on in the war.” Humane Society. We were directly involved back on it, compared to today, it was bad.” “During segregation, I remember that no Mary Sisk with rescuing many animals and providing Erma Wallace one wanted to go to school together. I Life Care Center of Las Vegas, NV care and shelter for them. Many pets were Life Care Center of Red Bank in thought it was wrong because we are all abandoned by their owners and didn’t Chattanooga, TN equal [in God’s eyes].” “I remember my Girl Scout Troop celebrating survive. It was a heartbreaking time for us Manda Thompson the USA Bicentennial. We marched in a officers!” “Ronald Reagan’s presidency. He made good Life Care Center of Hendersonville, NC parade and wore historically accurate Della Wright financial decisions. 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13 Congratulations The following Life Care facilities were recently awarded the Silver or Bronze National Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and National Center of Assisted Living.

19 019 20 2 Silver

Cherry Hill Manor in Johnston, Rhode Island Life Care Center of Jefferson City, Tennessee Evergreen Nursing Home in Alamosa, Colorado

Heritage Health Care Center in Globe, Arizona These awards honor facilities across that nation that have demonstrated their commitment Life Care Center of Attleboro, Massachusetts to improving quality of care for seniors and Life Care Center of Auburn, Massachusetts persons with disabilities. Applicants develop an organizational profile with essential performance Life Care Center of Columbia, Tennessee elements such as vision and mission statements Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley and an assessment of customers’ expectations. in Littleton, Massachusetts They must also demonstrate their ability to implement a performance improvement system. Life Care Center of Plymouth, Massachusetts Life Care Center of Raynham, Massachusetts