THE NVH OBSERVER Volume 6 Issue 6 NORFOLK VETERANS HOME

Volume 16 Issue 03 March 2019

NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS From The Desk of Jerry Eisenhauer, NVH Administrator

Greetings, Governor: Pete Ricketts Although it does not seem possible that it has been a year since our last federal inspection, we are preparing once again for the arrival of the USDVA survey team. The staff have Nebraska been working hard to dot the I’s and cross the T’s, and we look forward to the survey team Dept. of Veterans’ affirming what we already know; our staffs provide excellent care to our members! Of Affairs Director: course, we need to be ready for inspection every day of the year and the survey process is John Hilgert just one more avenue to keep us moving toward member centered care. The survey process can be a stressful one for staff and I certainly appreciate all the extra efforts put forth to help make our inspection successful.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: I had the good fortune of attending the National Association of State Veterans Homes Win- ter conference in Alexandria, Virginia, February 12-14. The opening session of the confer- Home Happenings 2 ence featured Robert Wilkie, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Secretary Wilkie addressed four key goals that he is working towards achieving. These include first and foremost in- Easter Reservations 2 creased customer service amongst all shareholders and cross pollination of ideas. Secondly, New Members 3 full implementation of an Electronic Health Record to track all aspects of veteran’s needs. In Remembrance 3 Thirdly, the VA implementing the Defense Logistic System through which all equipment in the system will flow. Last but certainly not least, implementation of the Mission Act. New Employees 4 This act will ensure that Viet Nam soldiers will finally be supported at home. Home care as National Social Work 4 Month well as our State Veterans’ Homes are the future for needed care of these veterans. Wilkie emphasized that payment to local doctors and hospitals is a must. Getting To Know You 5 NDVA Teammate of the The conference was also a wonderful opportunity to share ideas with other homes across 5 Month the nation and affirm that we are very lucky to have four top notch facilities to care for Bits and Pieces 6 veterans in Nebraska.

The calendar indicates that spring is drawing closer, but I have seen very few hints over the past few weeks!

State of Nebraska Vision: We continue to take pride in serving America’s Heroes. Grow Nebraska

State of Nebraska – Mission: Sincerely, Create opportunity through more effective, more efficient, and customer focused state government Jerry Eisenhauer Administrator

P a g e 2 MEMBERS LIVING WELL

Home Happenings

Norfolk Elks Club members hosted a Hamburger feed for NVH members. Boyscout pack #653 helped deliver the meals to the members in attendance.

Columbus DAV members spent the afternoon playing bingo with the members, prior to leaving they presented NVH Activity Assistant Mary Swensen (center) a donation to the Activity Fund.

Easter Reservations

If you are interested in reserving Easer dinner and/or rooms. Please contact Deb Becker at 370-3110 by Monday, April 8th. Volume 16 Issue 03 P a g e 3

SALUTE OUR NEW MEMBERS NORFOLK VETERANS HOME WELCOMES YOU

Lavinia “Ann” Vicich Loyal Muhlbach Spouse of a U.S. Air Force Veteran Branch of Service: U.S. Air Force Hometown: Papillion, NE Hometown: Ravenna, NE Virgil Rohlff James Nelson Branch of Service: U.S. Army Branch of Service: U.S. Air Force Hometown: Winside, NE Hometown: Plainview, NE Gerald Odell Donald Gilsdorf Branch of Service: U.S. Army Branch of Service: U.S. Army Hometown: Omaha, NE Hometown: Bloomfield, NE

MEMBERS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS Want to find out what’s happening at the Norfolk Veterans' Home?

Go to the State Veterans’ homes website at https://veterans.nebraska.gov/nebraska-veterans-homes Here you will have access to the activity calendar and a multitude of other information regarding the State Veterans’ Homes.

In Remembrance In Remembrance of Those Members Who Have Passed.

No person was ever honored for what they received. Honor has been the reward for what they gave. ~Calvin Coolidge

Margie Simpson Ernest Alexander Spouse of a U.S U.S. Army Veteran Army Veteran Dale Krueger David Wallick U.S. U.S. Navy Veteran Navy Veteran P a g e 4 MEMBERS LIVING WELL

New Employees

Curlee “Lee” Schneiders Brook Doke Alexis Ellison LPN Staff Care Tech II Food Service Asst.

Sonya Murphy Kendra Ashker Roxanne Bretschneider RN Food Service Asst. LPN

National Social Work Month

March is National Social Work Recognition Month. The Norfolk Veterans Home employs three qualified social workers: Vicki Ambroz, Taylor Caniglia and RoseAnn Ross.

Social work is a profession for persons who have a strong desire to assist people to cope with various forms of life changes. Roles of a social worker include: Participation in various work teams within the facility Visiting with members and their families, offering information, education and support Participating in a variety of assessments for members Providing interventions to assist the member and family adjust to changes in medical and mental health, resi- dence, or family structure.

Social workers remain an integral part of the interdisciplinary team, often working directly with the doctors, nurs- es, and other medical professionals to ensure quality care is provided. Social workers serve as member advo- cates, seeking the best possible solutions to concerns that arise. Social workers have advanced educational preparation and practice experience to assist members and their families. Social workers have the right education, experience and dedication to help people help themselves whenever and wherever they need it. A big thank you to our Social Workers—for all you do! Volume 16 Issue 03 P a g e 5

Getting to know you

Charles Leonard Mahlendorf Tell me about yourself and your family: Leonard as he prefers to be called is married to Darleen. They have five children, Dranoel, Danielle, Douglas, Chrystal and Justin; thirteen grandchildren, Kalynn, Raegen, Waylon, Clatyn, Wylie, Brody, MaKayla, Cody, Tristan, Mac- kenzie, Theron, Hunter and Tatum. Favorite current leisure activity to do? Leonard enjoys attending bingo and music activities at NVH. Favorite past leisure activity to do? He enjoyed going camping, boating, fishing, and anything related to cars and traveling. Fixing and restoring cars.

Favorite Season? Spring and summer as it’s racing season. Loves NASCAR! Leonard used to drive stockcar and has attended many car shows including the Show & Shine, and Last Fling til Spring. Favorite food? Loves food but “sweets” are his favorite as well as BBQ ribs. Favorite Holiday? Fourth of July because of the fireworks Favorite band or song? Country music Favorite sport or sport team? Husker football. Leonard likes pro-football too but doesn’t have a favorite team. What was your first car? Model A. He drove this to school. Leonard once packed thirteen classmates and friends in his Model A during high school.

Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs Teammate of the Month

Lori Kellen, MA Bath Aid

 Communicates with members and abides to their requests for bath times/bath preference as best that she can.  She is flexible in completing her assigned baths and can adjust her schedule to meet either the member requests/member needs.  She is helpful to staff on the floor in answering call lights, assist- ing in the dining rom or completing any items the Charge Nurse has delegated to her.

Bits & Pieces

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Special Occasion Room Reservations: NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS Call Activities @ (402) 370-3330 EOE/AA/ADA Norfolk Veterans Home Join a member for a meal! Only $2.50 600 E. Benjamin Ave. 24 Hour Notice Please Norfolk, NE 68701 Phone: (402) 370-3330 The Large Employee Break Room is no longer available for gatherings or events. There are several other rooms for use including the Recreation Room and conference rooms.

Norfolk Veterans’ Home Observer is published monthly for the members, families, staff and other interested parties.

The Norfolk Veterans Home is a state-operated facility providing long term care for eligible Nebraska veterans.

For more information regarding admission, please contact your local County Service Officer or Genny Blackburn @ (402) 370-3109 or Colleen Benson @ (402) 370-3469

Interested in Volunteer Opportunities at NVH? Contact Sheila at (402) 370-3102 Email: [email protected]