Staff Update - Valley Senior Living

3.22.23 Weekly Staff Update

National Day of Recognition for Long Term Care Physicians
March 20 was a National Day of Recognition for Long Term Care Physicians and we would like to take a moment to recognize our Medical Director, Dr. Chris Henderson. This special day was formally designated by the United States Congress in 2010 to pay tribute to the physicians who dedicate their lives and careers to caring for our nation’s elders. We are blessed to have Dr. Henderson in our organization serving the residents each day. Thank you for your dedication to caring for the residents at Valley Senior Living!

Happy VALLEYversary!
Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:
March 22
6 Years – Jodi Dub, Administrative Assistant Housing, Wheatland Terrace
March 23
3 Years – Louise Greff, Evening/Weekend Receptionist, Tufte Manor
3 Years – Kari Schindler, LPN Treatment, Valley Transitions
March 25
14 Years – Sherry Gierszewski, Head Cook, Town Square
March 27
6 Years – Noel Heinle, CNA, Heartland
March 28
1 Year – Teresa Jankowski, LPN Treatment, Valley on Columbia

March Healthy Meal Cookoff – VOTING ENDS TODAY!!
Healthy meals have been made, photographed, and it’s now time to vote on your favorite healthy meal choice. Follow this link to vote now! Voting is open until March 22. The winner will have their healthy meal made at each of our communities at the end of this month.

Complete your Healthcare Academy Module by MARCH 31
All departments have required modules assigned and are now available on Healthcare Academy. These must be completed by March 31st. You will receive education hours for completing these modules. See your direct supervisor with questions or concerns. Log in to www.healthcareacademy.com to get started.

Spring Craft Fair
The last spring craft fair of 2023 is on March 31 from 8:30AM to 3:00PM at Valley on Columbia.

Commemorative Facemask Quilt
Family of God Church in East Grand Forks has crafted a commemorative quilt from the cloth facemasks that were donated to Valley Senior Living at the beginning of the pandemic. This quilt will be raffled off in conjunction with the annual Around Our Table fundraiser for Chaplaincy Ministry at Valley Senior Living. Raffle tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the front desk at each care community or from the Foundation office. The quilt is currently on display at Valley Senior Living on 42nd and will move to Tufte Manor next week. To read more about this “artifact of care” click here.

Recruit New Care Partners, EARN the RECRUITER BONUS!
Do you know someone who could join the team as a CNA (we are interviewing candidates for the April 17 class now), LPN, RN, Licensed Dietitian, Housekeeping, Laundry or Dining Services? Share this link with potential candidates and you could earn the recruiter bonus! valleyseniorliving.org/apply

You recruit someone…… what happens next?

Fill out the Recruiter Bonus form and return it to HR.
Recruiter bonus forms are available from Supervisors or a Human Resources office.
Earn $1000, $500 or $250
- $1000 if you recruit a new Full Time care partner
- $500 if you recruit a new Part Time care partner
- $250 if you recruit a new Flex Time care partner

COVID Results Update
In the past seven days, one direct care staff and one non-direct care staff from Valley on Columbia have tested positive.

REMINDER of New COVID Testing Location
The COVID testing site at UND has closed permanently. Symptomatic staff will test with Employer Health Solutions at Altru. Staff will not see a provider but will be tested by a nurse who will come out and swab at the vehicle. If you have been experiencing symptoms related to respiratory illness onset or have had exposure to someone who has tested positive, please call the COVID Staff Illness Line at 701-741-9646 to report your symptoms and determine if testing is required.

3.15.23 Weekly Staff Update

Follow this link to today’s Corporate Zoom.

Happy VALLEYversary!
Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:

March 15
19 Years – Rebecca Atherton, Order Input LPN, Woodside Village
1 Year – Taylor Larson, CNA, Valley Transitions

March 16
36 Years – Diane Habedank, Human Resource Assistant, Valley Senior Living
7 Years – Therese Brierley, AR Specialist, Valley Senior Living
3 Years – Michaela Knutson, CNA, Oakcrest
2 Years – John Rieth, Flex Chaplain, Valley Senior Living
1 Year – Michaela Nelson, CNA, Woodside Village

March 17
2 Years – Joshua Abbott, Maintenance, Valley on Columbia

March 18
4 Years – Shane Willis, Cook, Tufte Manor
4 Years – Tess Sether, CNA, Valley on Columbia

March 19
5 Years – Albert Jackson, CNA, Almonte

March Healthy Meal Cookoff – Presented by the Wellness Committee
Healthy meals have been made, photographed, and it’s now time to vote on your favorite healthy meal. Follow this link to vote now! Voting is open from March 15 until March 22. The winner will then have their healthy meal made at each of our communities at the end of this month.

Celebrate our Social Workers – March 21
With March being recognized as social work month it is only fitting that we have a Social Worker Day to honor and recognize the fantastic group of social workers on our staff at Valley on Columbia and Woodside Village. Social Worker Day is March 21 and an afternoon snack will be available for staff. Please don’t forget to thank the Social Work Team for all they do for residents at Valley!

Eden Alternative – Principle 4
We thrive when we have purpose and the opportunity to give, as well as receive. Resident Wendy donated 10 blankets to CVIC this week! Thank you Wendy for your giving heart, and thank you CVIC for all you do for our community and beyond.

Thrivent Choice Dollars and Action Team Informational Update
Join Valley Senior Living and Thrivent for coffee and cookies in the Auditorium at Valley Senior Living on 42nd, March 21 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm, for an informational meeting with updates on how to direct Thrivent Choice Dollars to charitable organizations and an introduction to Thrivent Action Teams. Please RSVP by March 17 by calling Shaun Havis, Director of Development, at 701-787-7997 or email shavis@valleyseniorliving.org.

Spring Craft Fair
The last spring craft fair of 2023 is on March 31 from 8:30AM to 3:00PM at Valley on Columbia.

Around Our Table 2023
The Valley Senior Living Foundation is preparing for the 8th Annual Around Our Table. After two years of virtual events, we will be once again hosting an in person decorated table brunch and an online silent auction. If you are interested in hosting a decorated table and joining us for this event on April 22 to support Chaplaincy Ministry, please follow this link. We are also requesting silent auction items for the online auction. If you have an item or auction basket you would like to donate, please contact Terri Heggie, Volunteer & Event Coordinator, at 701-787-7989 or email theggie@valleyseniorliving.org.

REMINDER: New COVID Testing Location & Procedures
The COVID testing site at UND has closed permanently. Beginning Monday, March 13, symptomatic staff will test with Employer Health Solutions at Altru. Staff will not see a provider, but will be tested by a nurse who will come out and swab at the vehicle. The new process includes:
• Call the Valley Senior Living COVID Line to report symptoms at 701-741-9646
• COVID line will advise employee to call Altru to arrange appointment at 701-780-1855
• Testing will be available Monday – Friday from 7:30AM to 11:00AM
• Employee will report to Altru at 860 South Columbia Road (Employer Health Solutions Building), Door B1-3. There is a yellow/red sign that says employee testing.
• Upon arrival, stay in your vehicle and call 701-780-1855. A nurse will come outside to test you. There may be a 5-10 minute wait so please be patient.
• Results will be available same day in Altru MyChart.

Fridays after 11:00AM and through the weekend, staff will be given the option to A. Complete 48-hour antigen testing at Valley Senior Living; B. Go to Express Clinic; or C. Wait until Monday to test at Altru.

COVID Results Update
In the past seven days, one direct care staff from the Prairieview neighborhood at Woodside Village has tested positive.

Staff Illness
If you have been experiencing symptoms related to respiratory illness onset or have had exposure to someone who has tested positive, please call the COVID Staff Illness Line at 701-741-9646 to report your symptoms and determine if testing is required.

3.8.23 Weekly Staff Update

Congratulations to Shannon Holte – North Dakota Long Term Care Social Worker of the Year!
Please extend congratulations to Shannon Holte, Director of Social Services at Woodside Village, as a North Dakota Long Term Care Social Worker of the Year award winner! Shannon has been a part of the Social Service team at Valley for 35 years. She is a strong advocate for resident rights, a certified Eden Associate, leads Virtual Dementia Tours, and is the HIPAA privacy officer for Woodside Village.

March is Social Work Month!
Please recognize ALL of the great social workers on staff at Valley Senior Living for their continued dedication to our residents! The theme this year is “Social Work Breaks Barriers.” Our professional staff of social workers utilize innovative techniques to help empower the residents we serve to live to their highest level of potential.

Today is National Dietitians Day!
March is National Nutrition Month and March 8 is National Dietitians Day. This year’s theme is “Fuel for the Future” and emphasizes eating with sustainability in mind. Please thank our dietitians: Darci Bohn, Christa Lembke, Marla Love, and Erin Lauckner for all they do for the residents at Valley!

Happy VALLEYversary!
Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:
March 8
6 Years – Sabine Erickson, Dining Services, Town Square
6 Years – Stacey Vancamp, RN, Valley Transitions
2 Years – Xiadani Velazquez, CNA, Lanark
March 9
3 Years – Taylor Jordan, CNA, Valley on Columbia
3 Years –Raymond Peltier, CNA, Reeves
3 Years –Arlene Ulness, RN, Valley Transitions
March 10
24 Years – Kathy Feist, Payroll & Benefits Coordinator, Valley Senior Living
March 14
11 Years – Tamie Frericks, Environmental Services Assistant Director, Valley on Columbia
5 Years – Heather Moen, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

International Women’s Day
March 8 is International Women’s Day; a global day to celebrate historical, social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day is also observed in support of gender equality.

HEART Healthy February Winners!
The winners of a $25 Scheels gift card for their participation in February’s Movement Tracker Challenge are:
Karen Basting, Darci Bohn, Victoria Cole, Louise Greff, Andrea Hahn, Anna Hoffman, Joan Houde, Christa Lembke, Mike Lien, and Jill Mudge
Please contact the HR office to collect your prize.

March Healthy Meal Cookoff – Presented by the Wellness Committee
The March wellness challenge is a healthy meal cookoff! To participate, cook one of your favorite “healthy” meals and submit the recipe with an Instagram worthy picture through this survey link no later than March 13. Everyone’s definition of healthy is different, so cook something that meets your definition of healthy. Staff will vote between March 15 and March 22 to determine what meal will be prepared by dining services and served companywide to staff between March 29 and March 31.

New COVID Testing Location & Procedures
The COVID testing site at UND is closing permanently. Beginning Monday, March 13, symptomatic staff will test with Employer Health Solutions at Altru. Staff will not see a provider, but will be tested by a nurse who will come out and swab at the vehicle. The new process includes:

Call the Valley Senior Living COVID Line to report symptoms at 701-741-9646
COVID line will advise employee to call Altru to arrange appointment at 701-780-1855
Testing will be available Monday – Friday from 7:30AM to 11:00AM
Employee will report to Altru at 860 South Columbia Road (Employer Health Solutions Building), Door B1-3. There is a yellow/red sign that says employee testing.
Upon arrival, stay in your vehicle and call 701-780-1855. A nurse will come outside to test you. There may be a 5-10 minute wait so please be patient.
Results will be available same day in Altru MyChart.

Healthcare Academy
All departments have required modules assigned and are now available on Healthcare Academy. These must be completed by March 31st. You will receive education hours for completing these modules. See your direct supervisor with questions or concerns. Log in to www.healthcareacademy.com to get started.

Spring Craft Fairs
Spring is in the air… so why not attend one or both of the upcoming craft fairs!
March 10 – 9:00AM to 2:30PM in the Auditorium at Valley on 42nd
March 31 – 8:30AM to 3:00PM at Valley on Columbia

COVID Results Update
In the past seven days, two residents and four staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes two residents from the Almonte and Reeves neighborhoods at Valley on Columbia. Two staff have tested positive including one direct care staff at Valley on Columbia and three direct care staff from the Oakcrest, Prairieview and Hearthstone neighborhoods at Woodside Village.

3.1.23 Weekly Staff Update

Follow this link to today’s Corporate Zoom.

Please Consider Becoming a Volunteer for Residents on your Neighborhood during their End of Life Journey…
We are in the process of restarting the Abiders Program at Valley Senor Living on Columbia and Woodside Village. We believe that every resident should have someone by their side during their end of life journey. We also know family and friends are not always available or able to be with their loved one during this time, and on-duty care partners often have limited time and availability to spend at the bedside of residents at the end of life. Our need for volunteers doesn’t occur very often, but when it does, it would be amazing for those that don’t have family present to have our staff with them at the end of life.
If you are interested in volunteering to be with residents during their end of life journey for your neighborhood, please take a moment to complete this 1 minute survey.

Happy VALLEYversary!
Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:
March 1
28 Years – Barb Holien, Housekeeper Corporate Float, Woodside Village
March 2
14 Years – Dawn Foley, CNA, Valley Transitions
8 Years – Jennifer Enninga, RN, Riverside
8 Years – Beverly Slominski, AR Manager, Valley Senior Living
3 Years – Lily Burnoski, PCA/MA1, Wheatland Terrace
3 Years – Joanne Faulhaber, PCA/MA1, Wheatland Terrace
3 Years – Sarah Poellot, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia
2 Years – Michelle Mosher, Housekeeper, Lanark
March 7
35 Years – Lorrie Lansing, AR Specialist, Valley Senior Living
18 Years – Shannon Gramm, PCA/MA1, Wheatland Terrace
1 Year – Becky Mobley, PCA/MA1, Wheatland Terrace
1 Year – Jenna Stai, CNA, Lanark

World Music Therapy Day
Today we celebrate World Music Therapy Day with a huge shout out (or sing-along) to our music therapists, Lindsey Moffitt and Jill Swingen, who regularly share their love of music, and the healing power and benefits of music, with our residents.

HEART Healthy February!
Submit the Movement Challenge Tracker to the HR department no later than Monday, March 6 to be eligible for your chance to win a gift card through February’s wellness challenge.

March Healthy Meal Cookoff – Presented by the Wellness Committee
The March wellness challenge is a healthy meal cookoff! To participate, cook one of your favorite “healthy” meals and submit the recipe with an Instagram worthy picture through this survey link. Everyone’s definition of healthy is different, so cook something that meets your definition of healthy. Staff will vote to determine what meal will be prepared by dining services and served companywide to staff.

Dining services is limited on what they can make and afford so please keep that in mind when selecting your recipe and submit an appetizing picture of the meal. You may submit more than one recipe.

Timeline:
March 1 to March 13 – submit recipe via Survey Monkey
March 15 to March 22 – companywide voting on favorite recipe
March 29 to March 31 – companywide meal to be served

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Appropriate Use of PPE and Transmission-Based Precaution (TBP)

We are three years into the requirements for PPE use. Though we may see this ease when the public health emergency is declared over, we will still have ongoing requirements. ND Department of Health inspections have given deficiencies up to Immediate Jeopardy (the highest level possible) related to appropriate PPE use. While we understand everyone is fatigued with PPE requirements, we are not able to extend grace to people when PPE precautions are not followed with the environment we are in for enforcement.

CARE form – this is not positive discipline but a coaching moment to be utilized if the observation of incorrect PPE or incorrectly worn PPE is generic in nature (not associated with a TBP room). An example would be a staff member wearing their universal surgical mask below their nose in a resident care area.
Oral Reminder – this positive discipline form is to be utilized by supervisors if the observation of incorrect PPE or incorrectly worn PPE is associated with Transmission Based Precautions (TBP) or an escalation of the CARE forms regarding PPE. Please note – this is a similar process to us proceeding immediately to an Oral Reminder for a safety concern related to transfers. Incorrect PPE associated with TBP is a health and safety concern for residents, staff, and visitors.

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Recruit New Care Partners, EARN the RECRUITER BONUS!
Do you know someone who could join the team as a CNA (the March 13 class is at capacity and we are interviewing candidates for the April 17 class now), LPN, RN, Licensed Dietitian, Housekeeping, Laundry or Dining Services? Share this link with potential candidates and you could earn the recruiter bonus!

www.valleyseniorliving.org/apply

You recruit someone…… what happens next?

Fill out the Recruiter Bonus form and return it to HR.
Recruiter bonus forms are available from Supervisors or a Human Resources office
Earn $1000, $500 or $250
- $1000 if you recruit a new Full Time care partner
- $500 if you recruit a new Part Time care partner
- $250 if you recruit a new Flex Time care partner

COVID Results Update
In the past seven days, seven residents and twelve staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes five residents from Tufte Manor and two residents from Valley on Columbia (Riverside & Valley Transitions). Twelve staff have tested positive including one direct care staff and one non-direct care staff from Tufte Manor; four staff from Valley on Columbia (1 Almonte, 1 Lanark and 2 Reeves); and six staff from Woodside Village (1 Heartland, 2 Oakcrest, 1 Prairieview, 2 non-direct care).

March 2023 – Valley Senior Living Monthly Highlights

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2.22.23 Weekly Staff Update

NDLTCA Caregiver of the Year

Please extend congratulations to Kinzie Grinde, CNA from Valley Transitions at Valley on Columbia, as one of this year’s North Dakota Long Term Care Association’s Caregiver of the Year award winners! Kinzie was nominated by a resident Josh Proulx and wife Stormi. Josh lives at Woodside Village and was a former resident at Valley Transitions where Kinzie was one of his caregivers. Kinzie was one of just four people statewide out of 690 nominations that will be recognized at the North Dakota Long Term Care Association Annual Convention in Bismarck this May!

Happy VALLEYversary!

Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:

February 22

1 Year – Emma Rosin, CNA, Woodside Village

February 23

2 Years – Prabha Rai, CNA, Almonte

February 24

7 Years – George Overby, IT Coordinator, Valley Senior Living

February 26

9 Years – Christiana Njume, CNA, Riverside

February 27

15 Years – Jacklyn Brumwell, Care Coordinator/RN, Valley Transitions

February 28

16 Years – Lisa Kvasager, Restorative Aide/CNA, Hearthstone

10 Years – Ana Weisz, Restorative Aide/CNA, Valley on Columbia

6 Years – Stacy Lewis, Dining Room Attendant/CNA, Valley on Columbia

HEART Healthy Activities for February!

During the month of February, we are promoting heart healthy activities! Our aim is to provide you with goal setting opportunities to better your heart health. Whether it’s by walking, running, weight-lifting, or other activities, you have the ability to improve your heart health, and potentially win a prize! Please see the attached Movement Challenge Tracker for more information surrounding this fun wellness challenge!

Chipping Away at our Hearts

On Friday, February 24 enjoy chips and salsa at all care communities! This is an event sponsored by the Wellness Committee.

Valley on 42nd: 1:30PM – 4:30PM

Valley on Columbia: 1:30PM – 3:00PM

Tufte Manor: All Day

Vote for Care Partner of the Quarter – ENDS February 28
Voting for the nominees for Care Partner of the Quarter is open until February 28, 2023 for all neighborhoods and care communities. Ballot boxes are located in each neighborhood’s common area/family room or near the front desk at Wheatland Terrace and Tufte Manor. Please vote or assist a resident to vote for Care Partner of the Quarter.

Symptomatic Resident Clarification

For a resident experiencing even ONE of the following COVID-19 signs or symptoms (fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, unexplained fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea/vomiting, and/or diarrhea):

CMS requires us to obtain a PCR test to rule out COVID-19 infection.

Licensed Nurses, you must notify the incident commander on call of symptomatic residents and follow up with a provider for testing.

CDC requires us to report ALL signs and symptoms of COVID-19. For example, if a resident has a fever with a diagnosis of a UTI, the fever is still required to be reported.

Licensed Nurses, you must ensure resident symptoms are reported to your appointed designee (i.e. nursing leadership on call) for the daily report.

All Valley Senior Living employees are required to report resident symptoms to the charge nurse immediately.

COVID Results Update

In the past seven days, nineteen residents and eleven staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes twelve residents at Valley on Columbia (10 Riverside, 1 Reeves and 1 Lanark), six residents from Tufte Manor, and one resident from Hearthstone at Woodside Village. Eleven staff have tested positive including five staff at Valley on Columbia (3 Riverside and 2 non-direct care); four direct care staff from the Heartland, Hearthstone, Oakcrest and Prairieview neighborhoods at Woodside Village; and two direct care staff from Tufte Manor. Through contact tracing, fifty-nine close contacts have been identified.

Staff Illness

If you have been experiencing symptoms related to respiratory illness onset or have had exposure to someone who has tested positive, please call the COVID Staff Illness Line at 701-741-9646 to report your symptoms and determine if testing is required.

2.15.23 Weekly Staff Update

Follow this link to today’s Corporate Zoom.

Happy VALLEYversary!
Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:

February 15
23 Years – Lillian Newton, Dining Room Attendant/CNA, Valley on Columbia
2 Years – Gena Hellerstedt, PCA/MA1, Tufte Manor
1 Year – Kodi Heisler, Dining Services, Tufte Manor

February 16
42 Years – Barb Barta, Human Resource Assistant, Valley Senior Living

February 17
2 Years – Emily Frigaard, CNA, Valley on Columbia
2 Years – Lori Jerstad, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

February 19
5 Years – Kyle Hoag, CNA, Valley on Columbia
5 Years – Sarah Matson, CNA, Prairieview

February 21
1 Year – Gracie Drown, CNA, Prairieview

January’s “SMART Resolution” Challenge Winners

Congratulations to January’s wellness challenge winners and recipients of a 1-hour massage at Truyu: Deb Smedsrud, Andrea Hahn and Samantha Jallo! Winners – please make arrangements to collect your prize from the human resource office at Valley on Columbia.

HEART Healthy Activities for February!
During the month of February, we are promoting heart healthy activities! Our aim is to provide you with goal setting opportunities to better your heart health. Whether it’s by walking, running, weight-lifting, or other activities, you have the ability to improve your heart health, and potentially win a prize!

Please see the attached Movement Challenge Tracker for more information surrounding this fun wellness challenge! Participate in the movement challenge for your chance to win a gift card to Target.

Valley on Columbia Names 2023 King and Queen of Hearts
February 14 was a day fit for a King and Queen at Valley on Columbia. Residents and staff had been voting for the past week and the crowning took place on Valentine’s Day. Ginnie and Ted Schock were crowned King and Queen of Hearts on Valentine’s Day. They live together on the Lanark neighborhood at Valley on Columbia and have been married for an amazing 70 years. There was no lack of love on Valentine’s Day and the day was full of meaning and joy, two of the Eden Alternative domains of well-being. The domain joy is described as happiness, pleasure, delight and enjoyment. Ginnie described the day as starting with a bit of nervousness for what might occur, and ending with so much happiness! The day held much meaning with significance in the loving relationship recognized by care partners at Valley who selected them as this year’s King and Queen. Congrats Ginnie and Ted!

Upcoming Events
• Friday, February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day
• Friday, February 24 enjoy chips and salsa at all care communities

Recruit New Care Partners, EARN the RECRUITER BONUS!

Do you know someone who could join the team as a CNA (the next CNA training class begins on March 13), LPN, RN, Licensed Dietitian, Housekeeping, Laundry or Dining Services? Share this link with potential candidates and you could earn the recruiter bonus!

valleyseniorliving.org/apply

You recruit someone…… what happens next?

Fill out the Recruiter Bonus form and return it to HR.
Recruiter bonus forms are available from Supervisors or a Human Resources office
Earn $1000, $500 or $250
- $1000 if you recruit a new Full Time care partner
- $500 if you recruit a new Part Time care partner
- $250 if you recruit a new Flex Time care partner

Giving Hearts Day Message of Thanks – Shaun Havis, Director of Development, Valley Senior Living Foundation
Thank you to all the residents, families, and staff for your continued support of the Valley Senior Living Foundation and the Intergenerational Programming Endowment on Giving Hearts Day. The total amount raised on Giving Hearts Day was over $46,500! This included taco in a bag meals at Valley on Columbia for $1073 and Valley on 42nd for $399, and caramel rolls by Paula for $195. In addition, thank you to those that gave through the traveling hearts, carnation sales, Gate City Bank nominations, and the video contests.

Here is a link to the Gate City Bank presentation: https://fb.watch/iIILVwMHFv/

COVID Results Update
In the past seven days, six residents and nine staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes five residents at Valley on Columbia (1 Riverside, 2 Reeves and 2 Valley Transitions) and one resident from Prairieview at Woodside Village. Nine staff have tested positive including five staff at Valley on Columbia (1 Lanark, 1 Almonte, and 3 non-direct care), two direct care staff from the Heartland and Hearthstone neighborhoods and one non-direct care staff at Woodside Village, and one direct care staff from Tufte Manor. Through contact tracing, thirty-three close contacts have been identified.

2.8.23 Weekly Staff Update

Happy VALLEYversary!

Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:

February 9

23 Years – Paula Haugen, LPN PCS Charge, Tufte Manor

February 10

2 Years – Kylie Jo Olson, CNA, Woodside Village

February 11

4 Years – Erin Ortloff, RN, Hearthstone

4 Years – William Miller, Maintenance, Woodside Village

February 13

6 Years – Raquel Lopez, Graduate Nurse, Reeves

6 Years – Desta Wilkie, CNA, Oakcrest

February 14

1 Year – Zachary Bauer, CNA, Heartland

1 Year – Keirya Bouton, CNA, Valley on Columbia

1 Year – Lori Contreras, Dining Services, Town Square

1 Year – Hope Sander, CNA, Prairieview

February Wellness Committee Challenge

The Wellness Committee is challenging you to “Show your HEART in February!” This month the focus is on heart health. Participate in the movement challenge for your chance to win a gift card to Target.

Giving Hearts Day – February 9, 2023

There are many ways to support the Valley Senior Living Foundation and the Intergenerational Programming this Giving Hearts Day.

Taco in a Bag fundraiser at Valley Senior Living on 42^nd – Myra Café – 9:30 am to 1 pm
Taco in a Bag fundraiser and Caramel Roll Sale – Valley Senior Living on Columbia – Center Court – 9:45 am – 12:30 pm
Caramel Rolls by Paula – Tufte Manor – 9am until gone – Free will donation to Giving Hearts Day
Carnation Sale Fundraiser – $3.00 for one/$10.00 for four – Available February 3 to 9 at front desk of each care community.
Wear RED on Giving Hearts Day
Watch for the traveling heart and your chance to be a GIVING HEART

COVID Update

COVID community positivity rates are on a steep rise (PCRs at 26 percent positive) and cases are low overall due to low testing.

Boosters are an important part of protecting yourself from serious illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19. CDC recommends that people ages 5 years and older receive one updated (bivalent) booster if it has been at least 2 months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose, as long as you have completed a primary series. The updated (bivalent) boosters are called “bivalent” because they protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5.

In the past seven days, thirteen residents and eight staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes twelve residents at Valley on Columbia (5 Lanark, 1 Almonte, 3 Riverside, 2 Reeves and 1 Valley Transitions) and one resident from Wheatland Terrace. Eight staff have tested positive including two staff at Valley on Columbia (1 Lanark and 1 non-direct care), two direct care staff from the Prairieview neighborhood at Woodside Village, three direct care staff from Wheatland Terrace, and one direct care staff from Tufte Manor. Through contact tracing, twenty-two close contacts have been identified.

Staff Illness

2.6.23 Update

The Valley Senior Living Foundation is excited to share that we have been selected as ONE of SIX charities to be in the running for the $100,000 gift from Gate City Bank on Giving Hearts Day. Gate City Bank is giving away one grand prize of $100k and five charities will receive $5k each.

First, THANK YOU to care partners who took the time to nominate Valley as your charity of choice. The nomination that Gate City Bank randomly selected came from Liz Lipsh, VC HUC. Thanks, Liz!

Second, stay tuned on Thursday morning to hear if we are the lucky recipient of $100,000 as the grand prize winner, or if we receive one of the $5,000 gifts. We will be thankful and very grateful for either gift, but $100k would be AMAZING!

Shaun will be traveling to Fargo on Thursday morning for the presentation ceremony at the Dakota Medical Foundation beginning at 9:30. Stay tuned and we will update you as soon as we hear more!

This is a big week! We are excited to celebrate Giving Hearts Day in many different ways. Here is a listing of what we have planned for this week:

Carnation Flower Sale – Happening now at all locations! Stop by the front desk to purchase a carnation for a resident, co-worker or for someone else! $3.00 for one or $10 for four!
Taco in a Bag fundraiser at Valley Senior Living on 42^nd . February 9 – Myra Café – 9:30 am to 1 pm
Taco in a Bag fundraiser and Caramel Roll Sale. February 9 – Valley Senior Living on Columbia – Center Court – 9:45 am – 12:30 pm
Caramel Rolls by Paula. February 9 – Tufte Manor – 9am until gone – Free will donation to Giving Hearts Day
Wear RED on Thursday, February 9 – Giving Hearts Day
Watch for the traveling heart and your chance to be a GIVING HEART – a balloon bouquet is traveling around each care community. If you receive this balloon bouquet, please record your name on the attached card. You are welcome to scan the code and share a gift if you choose. Pass the balloons along to someone else ASAP and keep it moving!

2.1.23 Update

Follow this link to today’s Corporate Zoom.

Happy VALLEYversary!

Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:

February 1

35 Years – Shannon Holte, Director of Social Services, Woodside Village

11 Years – Janine Ogren, Licensed Social Worker, Heartland

11 Years – Kathryn Olson, RN, Lanark

2 Years – Jacqueline Ewert, CNA, Heartland

2 Years – Nannette Hoeger, Assistant Recreation Director, Woodside Village

2 Years – Esther Rai, CNA, Valley on Columbia

February 3

3 Years – Alexandra Kirlin, CNA, Lanark

3 Years – Jada Segovia, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

3 Years – Mary Waldeck, LPN Treatment, Oakcrest

February 4

10 Years – Casey Krom, Environmental Services/CNA, Heartland

February 5

4 Years – Shawana Grant, PCA/MA1, Tufte Manor

4 Years – Jacob Visser, LPN Treatment, Reeves

February 6

17 Years – Leeann Novak, LPN Charge, Woodside Village

6 Years – Brandy Keenan, Laundry Aide, Woodside Village

January Wellness Challenge Worksheet Due Now – Presented by the Wellness Committee

January’s “New Year, New Me” SMART goal worksheet is due to HR by February 7th for a chance to win 1 of 3 gift cards for a 1-hour massage!

NOTE: An individual can complete this challenge by using the paper format form, scan the QR code, or use the survey monkey link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GFGXPGD!

February Wellness Committee Challenge Begins Today!

The Wellness Committee is challenging you to “Show your HEART in February!” This month the focus will be on heart health. Participate in the movement challenge for your chance to win a gift card to Target. The movement tracker and a list of all February event is attached.

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Giving Hearts Day – February 9, 2023

There are many ways to support the Valley Senior Living Foundation and the Intergenerational Programming this Giving Hearts Day.

Taco in a Bag fundraiser at Valley Senior Living on 42^nd – Myra Café – 9:30 am to 1 pm
Taco in a Bag fundraiser and Caramel Roll Sale – Valley Senior Living on Columbia – Center Court – 9:45 am – 12:30 pm
Caramel Rolls by Paula – Tufte Manor – 9am until gone – Free will donation to Giving Hearts Day
Carnation Sale Fundraiser – $3.00 for one/$10.00 for four – Available February 3 to 9 at front desk of each care community.
Wear RED on Giving Hearts Day
Watch for the traveling heart and your chance to be a GIVING HEART

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COVID Results Update

In the past seven days, five residents and five staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes four residents from the Lanark neighborhood and one resident from Valley Transitions. Two residents are hospitalized and three will shelter in place within the Lanark neighborhood and Valley Transitions. Five staff have tested positive including four from Valley on Columbia (1 Lanark, 2 Non-Direct, 1 Contract employee) and one direct care staff from the Prairieview neighborhood at Woodside Village.

Staff Illness

Gastrointestinal Illness
The Grand Forks community is seeing a rise in gastrointestinal (GI) illness. Several residents from Valley on Columbia and Woodside Village are also experiencing GI illness. Due to these cases we have utilized the following control measures:

We have switched to cleaning with bleach where appropriate as traditional disinfectants do not kill GI bugs.
We are encouraging frequent hand washing with soap and water (hand sanitizer is NOT effective against GI bugs) to keep yourself and others from getting it.
Communal gatherings (dining and activities) are being discouraged or suspended to limit the potential spread.
Family and contacts for residents have been notified.

February 2023 – Valley Senior Living Monthly Highlights

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1.25.23 Update

Happy Activities Professionals Week!
Please take a moment to thank all our recreation and life enrichment staff across Valley over the next week! We thank all of you for the variety and meaning that you provide the residents each day!

Happy VALLEYversary!
Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:

January 25

2 Years – Vivian Yantani, CNA, Valley on Columbia

1 Year – Tia Williams, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

1 Year – Maryann Bosquez, CNA, Lanark

January 26

1 Year – Dorothy Gomez, PCA/MA1, Tufte Manor

January 30

6 Years – Jonathan Cute, Restorative Aide/CNA, Oakcrest

6 Years – Deborah Gaddie, Recreation Assistant, Prairieview

January 31

36 Years – Darlene Clifton, Dining Room Attendant, Valley on Columbia

1 Year – Kumari Darjee, CNA, Almonte

1 Year – Carleigh Porter, CNA, Reeves

1 Year – Hunter Viau, CNA, Reeves

1 Year – Madison Homstad, CNA, Hearthstone

1 Year – Hodo Issa, CNA, Prairieview

1 Year – Sherri Rassier, CNA, Prairieview

1 Year – Emily Boysun, CNA, Woodside Village

1 Year – Armstrong Asong, CNA, Woodside Village

New Year, New Me! – Presented by the Wellness Committee
January’s Challenge is to complete your “New Year, New Me” SMART goal worksheet and return to HR by February 7th for a chance to win 1 of 3 gift cards for a 1-hour massage! NOTE: An individual can complete this challenge by using the paper format form, scan the QR code, or use the survey monkey link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GFGXPGD!

Giving Hearts Day Taco in a Bag Fundraisers – February 9
Join the Valley Senior Living Foundation on February 9 at Valley on Columbia (serving from center court) and Valley on 42nd (serving from the Myra Café) for the Giving Hearts Day Taco in a Bag meals. All funds raised this year for Giving Hearts Day will go towards Intergenerational Programming at all care communities.

COVID Results Update
In the past seven days, one resident and four staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes one resident from the Riverside neighborhood and one non-direct care staff at Valley on Columbia; one direct care staff from the Heartland neighborhood and one non-direct care staff at Woodside Village; and one non-direct care staff at Wheatland Terrace. Through contact tracing, twenty close contacts have been identified.

1.20.23 Staff Notification from Adam Edwards, Chief Human Resources Officer

Valley Senior Living has been made aware of an issue with the PlanSource 2023 Open Enrollment/Voluntary Benefits file. This issue has caused employees to receive incorrect notices saying that their coverage under certain plans have been terminated. PlanSource, our insurance benefits platform, and the companies overseeing certain types of coverages (MetLife) are working diligently behind the scenes to resolve the issue.

If anyone has received a letter from MetLife stating that your voluntary benefits are being cancelled/terminated please disregard this notice, unless you have voluntarily ended those coverages. For those of you who have received this notice in error, your coverages will not be terminated and your coverage under these policies will not be impacted.

1.18.23 Update

Follow this link to today’s Corporate Zoom.

Happy VALLEYversary!

Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:

January 18

7 Years – Stacey Butters, Recreation Assistant, Lanark

January 19

2 Years – Brenda Carignan, Dining Services, Town Square

1 Year – Kowser (Koko) Mahamud, CNA, Heartland

January 20

9 Years – Sara Dockendorf, Staff Development, Valley on Columbia

January 21

15 Years – Mary Vancamp, HUC, Reeves

15 Years – Leah Larson, Assistant Director of Nursing, Valley on Columbia

10 Years – Annie Shuler, CNA, Almonte

10 Years – Jacinda Nelson, Director of Personal Care Services, Tufte Manor

10 Years – Luwanna Gibbs, Beautician, Town Square

January 22

44 Years – Debra Maier, Resident Care Attendant/CNA, Woodside Village

21 Years – Sara Kukowski, Therapy Clerk, Woodside Village

3 Years – Jaden Prigge, LPN Treatment, Woodside Village

3 Years – Natalie Cooper, Dining Services, Town Square

January 23

4 Years – Jennifer Allrich, RN, Valley Transitions

4 Years – Sara Herman, Care Coordinator, Almonte

New Year, New Me! – Presented by the Wellness Committee

Don’t give up on your New Year resolutions to make healthy habits a part of your regular routine! The attached worksheet provides you with an understanding of what a SMART goal looks like. Use the SMART goal framework to set achievable goals just right for you.

January’s Challenge: Complete your “New Year, New Me” SMART goal worksheet and return to HR by February 7th for a chance to win 1 of 3 gift cards for a 1-hour massage! NOTE: An individual can complete this challenge by using the paper format form, scan the QR code, or use the survey monkey link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GFGXPGD!

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New Eden Associates

Congratulations to our newest group of Eden Associates! Last week, this group attended a 3-day training to learn more about the Eden Alternative and the importance of empowerment and person-directed care. As an Eden Alternative registered organization, we are excited to be training more Eden Associates and to further grow our culture within our care communities!

Theresa Adams, Resident, Lanark

Michelle Anderson, Assistant Director of Environmental Services, Valley on 42nd

Julie Anderson, Executive Assistant, Valley on Columbia

Lexi Barber, Social Worker, Reeves

Jim Belbas, Maintenance Supervisor, Tufte Manor

Laurie Bondy, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

Shalana Brueckner, CNA Mentor, Valley on Columbia

Jody Burns, HUC, Lanark

Andrew Cardinal, RN, Valley Transitions

Lori Contreras, Dining Services, Valley on 42nd

Heather Crummy, Recreation Assistant, Reeves

Jennifer Enninga, RN, Riverside

Jackie Ewert, CNA, Heartland

Deb Gaddie, Recreation Assistant, Prairieview

Betty Gilpin, Resident, Almonte

Rachel Gonzalez, Nurse Scheduling Coordinator, Valley on 42nd

Austin Hanson, LPN, Tufte Manor

Terri Heggie, Volunteer & Events Coordinator, Valley on Columbia

Samiya Hussein, LPN, Oakcrest

Sarah Jacobson, RN, Almonte

Nenabell Jasper, CNA, Heartland

Kassidy Jordheim, Housekeeper, Valley Transitions

Kristi Krause, Housekeeper, Valley on 42nd

Mary Lou Kuster, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

Maurine Lukong, LPN, Tufte Manor

Todd Mankie, Resident, Tufte Manor

Lynn McGarry, Social Worker, Lanark

Iyon Metcalf, CNA, Prairieview

Lorena Midgarden, CNA, Valley Transitions

Becky Mobley, PCA, Wheatland Terrace

Raymond Peltier, CNA, Reeves

Rebecca Peterson, Housing Coordinator, Wheatland Terrace

Chris Plante, LPN, Prairieview

Sherri Rassier, CNA, Prairieview

Meaning and the Eden Alternative

Meaning – A domain of well-being in the Eden Alternative.

Pause for a moment and think about what brings you meaning in life? Maybe it’s a relationship, maybe it’s an object or possession, or maybe it’s a feeling created by someone? Now think about how you can create meaning for someone else, specifically residents.

The person-directed approach to care through the Eden Alternative infuses meaning into every corner, every act, and every relationship. Creating meaning for residents isn’t a task for only the direct caregivers. Every role at Valley Senior Living can have an active role in creating meaning! By creating more meaning for residents, it will result in even more meaning for YOU! Share in a life worth living with residents. Take time to become involved with your culture neighborhood. Meaning is generated with the caring relationships we nurture with others.

Employee Tax Forms

Tax forms have been released into everyone’s RPO ESS site. Anyone that did not elect to have online tax forms will receive a hard copy in the mail. These will be mailed from Fargo on January 26th.

As a reminder, please review your paystub to ensure your earnings are inline and your withholdings reflect your most recent selections for health insurance and other benefit deductions. The new withholdings would be reflected on your January 13 paycheck. Please go to the RPO ESS site at https://ppo.payrollproinc.com/kiosk/login/login.aspx to review deduction amounts for accuracy.

Once you login to: https://ppo.payrollproinc.com/kiosk/login/login.aspx, select PERSONAL and then click on DEDUCTIONS to see the list of deduction(s) assigned. In the event the deductions listed do not look accurate, please contact Kathy Feist, Payroll/Benefits Coordinator, at 701-787-7956 or email kfeist@valleyseniorliving.org.

Valley Volunteer Vibe Book Swap

If you enjoy reading, you don’t want to miss out on our Valley Volunteer Vibe Book Swap! Bring a gently used book or two and swap them for other gently used books. Valley volunteers will be handing out bookmarks and snacks as well. Stop by and browse! For more information please contact Terri Heggie, Volunteer & Events Coordinator, at 787-7989.

Woodside Village (Town Square) January 19 from 9:30AM – 11:30AM and 2:00PM – 4:30PM

Giving Hearts Day Taco in a Bag Fundraisers – February 9

Join the Valley Senior Living Foundation on February 9 at Valley on Columbia (serving from center court) and Valley on 42nd (serving from the Myra Café) for the Giving Hearts Day Taco in a Bag meals. All funds raised this year for Giving Hearts Day will go towards Intergenerational Programming at all care communities.

COVID Results Update

In the past seven days, one resident and three staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes one resident and one direct care staff from the Valley Transitions neighborhood and one non-direct care staff at Valley on Columbia; and one non-direct care staff at Woodside Village. Through contact tracing, twelve close contacts have been identified.

Staff Illness

1.11.23 Update

Happy VALLEYversary!

Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:

January 11

2 Years – Matthew Schwanke, CNA, Oakcrest

January 12

2 Years – Jennifer Stokes, RN, Valley Transitions

2 Years – Alycia Thompson, CNA, Oakcrest

2 Years – Velma Esaw, CNA, Woodside Village

2 Years – Kinsey Martin, Dining Services, Town Square

1 Year – Joseph Bailey, Recreation, Heartland

1 Year – Mercedes Castillo, CNA, Valley on Columbia

January 13

7 Years – Cindy Brunelle, Cook, Tufte Manor

3 Years – Yvonne Murekatete, CNA, Hearthstone

2 Years – Danielle Boushee, PCA/MA1, Tufte Manor

2 Years – Latanya Bring, CNA, Lanark

January 14

8 Years – Allyson Dietzler, Housekeeping Supervisor, Tufte Manor

4 Years – William Sanchez-Rosado, Maintenance, Valley on Columbia

January 15

5 Years – Annie Schultz, PCA/MA1, Wheatland Terrace

5 Years – Linda Christy, Beautician, Tufte Manor

January 16

22 Years – Dan Kostad, Recreation Director, Woodside Village

21 Years – Sonja Hathaway, Dining Services Evening Supervisor, Valley on Columbia

January 17

16 Years – Mary Chisholm, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

16 Years – Debra Kieckbusch, LPN Charge, Hearthstone

1 Year – Cade Halvorson, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

1 Year – Desirea Spicer, CNA, Woodside Village

The North Dakota Legislature is in Session
Our North Dakota Long Term Care Association provided testimony to the Senate Workforce Development Committee last week regarding the workforce challenges faced by the long term care profession. The number of facilities using contract nursing reached a record high with 70 of the 74 nursing homes using contracted nursing staff to answer workforce shortages. The total dollars spent on contracted nursing labor increased from $28.8 million to $63.8 million over the last year.

We are proud at Valley Senior Living that our workforce needs have been met by our own staff and that we represent two of the four nursing homes in the entire state that did not use contract nursing services last year!

New Year, New Me! – Presented by the Wellness Committee
New Year resolutions can be hard to stick to – but it is never too late to start making healthy habits a part of your regular routine. By using the SMART goal framework, you can set achievable goals. The attached worksheet provides you with an understanding of what a SMART goal looks like.

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Healthy Habits December Challenge WINNERS
Congratulations to the winners of a $50 Scheels gift card!

Karen Basting

Adam Edwards

Rachel Gonzalez

Andrea Hahn

Sara Herman

Kaley Littlejohn

Kimberly O’Connor

Megan Snobl

Eden Training
Our three day Eden Training sessions have resumed. Thirty one staff and three residents from all care communities are currently training and will graduate as new Eden Associates on Thursday.

Eden Alternative Principle 9 from Kate Woodworth, Assistant Director of Nursing, Valley on Columbia
Eden Alternative Principle 9 states, “Building a collaborative and resilient culture is a never-ending process. We need to keep learning, developing, and adapting”. Creating a culture that can adapt to the constant changes of healthcare is an ongoing feat. Maintaining this kind of culture is a process rather than a program and should be enjoyed every day. We are resilient at Valley Senior Living by embracing the snow and bringing it inside to build snowman, continuing to smile and laugh (even through our masks), and there is always a way to play BINGO! Principle 9 teaches us that life is not about the destination, it’s about the journey.

Valley Volunteer Vibe Book Swap – Valley on 42^nd (Town Square) – January 19 9:30AM-11:30AM and 2:00PM-4:30PM
If you enjoy reading, you don’t want to miss out on our Valley Volunteer Vibe Book Swap! Bring a gently used book or two and swap them for other gently used books. Valley volunteers will be handing out bookmarks and snacks as well. Stop by and browse! For more information please contact Terri Heggie, Volunteer & Events Coordinator, at 787-7989.

Benefited Employees
This is a reminder to review your paystub to ensure your earnings are online and your withholdings reflect your most recent selections for health insurance and other benefit deductions. These withholdings for the new year will be reflected on your January 13 paycheck. Please go to the RPO site at https://ppo.payrollproinc.com/kiosk/login/login.aspx to review deduction amounts now to ensure accuracy.

COVID Results Update
In the past seven days, four staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes three direct care staff from the Almonte, Lanark, and Riverside neighborhoods at Valley on Columbia and one non-direct care staff at Tufte Manor. Through contact tracing, no close contacts have been identified.

1.4.23 Staff Update

Follow the link to our brief corporate zoom from today: 1.4.23 Corporate Zoom

Happy New Year & Happy VALLEYversary!

Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:

January 5

2 Years – Kassie Kuntz, LPN Treatment, Valley Transitions

January 6

9 Years – Pauline Palmiscno, Coding Specialist

3 Years – Ashley Carlson, LPN Treatment, Valley Transitions

3 Years – Josiane Megang, CNA, Reeves

3 Years – Isabella Lembke, Dining Services, Woodside Village

January 7

10 Years – Christa Lembke, Dietician, Valley on Columbia

10 Years – Kaylie Streitz, Nursing Scheduling Coordinator, Valley on Columbia

4 Years – Lakiesha Lira, Recreation Assistant, Valley Transitions

4 Years – Mariabel Kinyuy, PCA/Med Assistant, Wheatland Terrace

January 8

5 Years – Andrea Hahn, Licensed Social Worker, Almonte

January 10

29 Years – Suzanne Widdel, Dining Services Supervisor, Tufte Manor

12 Years – Susan Davidson, Assistant Cook, Valley on Columbia

1 Year – Alissa Mondry-Thiefault, Dining Services, Woodside Village

1 Year – Nancy Solem, LPN Treatment, Almonte

CONGRATULATIONS to our Care Partners of the 4th Quarter!

Valley on Columbia

Erica Madison, CNA, Valley Transitions

Wendy Hackett, TR, Almonte

Hunter Viau, CNA, Reeves

Linda Kvasager, RA/CNA, Riverside

Georgia Hollings, CNA, Lanark

Wheatland Terrace

Emma Buethner, PCA/MA1

Tufte Manor

Melania Del Peral, PCA/MA1

Woodside Village

Stacey Roach, RN, Oakcrest

Jamie Rash, CNA, Prairieview

Patty Holter, TR, Hearthstone

Joe Bailey, TR, Heartland

New Year, New Me! – Presented by the Wellness Committee

New Year resolutions can be hard to stick to – evidence shows only about 10% of people keep their New Year’s resolutions. Why is this? Because sometimes the goal/resolution is too vague. How can we counter this? By using the SMART goal framework!

Scroll down and you will find a worksheet that provides you with an understanding of what a SMART goal looks like. From there, you can use this framework to help you form your goal/resolution in this way.

Challenge: Complete your “New Year, New Me” SMART goal worksheet and return to HR by February 7th for a chance to win 1 of 3 gift cards for a 1-hour massage! NOTE: An individual can complete this challenge by using the paper format form, scan the QR code, or use the survey monkey link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GFGXPGD!

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Healthy Habits December Challenge

A reminder to return your completed journal to HR by January 6, 2023 to enter for your chance to win one of eight $50 gift cards!

Valley Volunteer Vibe Book Swap

Valley on Columbia (Center Court)

January 6 9:30AM – 11:30AM and 2:00PM – 4:30PM

Woodside Village (Town Square)

January 19 9:30AM – 11:30AM and 2:00PM – 4:30PM

COVID Results Update

In the past seven days, three residents and three staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes one resident from Reeves, two residents and one direct care staff from Valley Transitions at Valley on Columbia; one direct care staff and one non-direct care staff at Woodside Village. Through contact tracing, twenty close contacts have been identified.

Staff Illness

January 2023 – Valley Senior Living Monthly Highlights

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12.28.22 Update

As another year comes to a close we are wishing you a happy and blessed New Year!

Happy VALLEYversary!
Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:

December 28
1 Year – Kimberly Duncombe, CNA, Reeves
1 Year – Tara Hermann, Dining Services, Woodside Village

January 2
22 Years – Jonina Schumacher, Admissions Coordinator, Valley on Columbia

January 3
28 Years – Janet Gadaire, LPN Treatment, Hearthstone
1 Year – Sandrine Matale Mbah, LPN, Tufte Manor

January 4
7 Years – Sarah Sharpe, Care Coordinator RN, Riverside
7 Years – Sherri Smart, Housekeeper, Lanark
6 Years – Sarah Jacobson, RN, Almonte
6 Years – Twyla Bartel, Recreation Assistant, Tufte Manor
6 Years – Rachael Etonde, RN, Woodside Village

New Year’s Holiday Pay
The New Year’s holiday will be recognized as detailed below – time and a half will be paid as follows:
For employees that work 24/7 and a holiday rotation – any shift worked in the following time frames will qualify for holiday pay:
• 7:00PM December 31 through the PM shift on January 1
PM Shift – Holiday pay the entire shift on 31st and 1st
Night Shift – If you work a night shift on the 31st you will get holiday pay for the entire shift (includes 12 hour shifts)
Day Shift – Holiday pay entire shift on the 1st
For employees that work Monday to Friday – New Year’s is recognized on January 2 (You must have supervisor’s prior approval to work on the holiday).

Healthy Habits December Challenge – Presented by the Wellness Committee
A reminder to continue to journal and track your progress of the healthy eating habits you have implemented, or stuck to, throughout the month of December. Return your completed journal to HR by January 6, 2023 to enter for your chance to win one of eight $50 gift cards!

Valley Volunteer Vibe Book Swap
If you enjoy reading, you don’t want to miss out on our Valley Volunteer Vibe Book Swap! Bring a gently used book or two and swap them for other gently used books. Valley volunteers will be handing out bookmarkers and snacks as well. Stop by and browse! For more information please contact Terri Heggie, Volunteer & Events Coordinator, at 787-7989.
Valley on Columbia (Center Court)
January 6 9:30AM – 11:30AM and 2:00PM – 4:30PM

Woodside Village (Town Square)
January 19 9:30AM – 11:30AM and 2:00PM – 4:30PM

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COVID Results Update
In the past seven days, three residents and three staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes one resident from Almonte, one resident from Valley Transitions, one resident and one direct care staff from Riverside, and one non-direct care staff at Valley on Columbia; and one direct care staff from Prairieview at Woodside Village. Through contact tracing, five close contacts have been identified.

Advocating for Lifting COVID Restrictions
North Dakota Long Term Care Association (NDLTCA) is advocating on behalf of long term care residents and staff for more changes to COVID restrictions:
• Discontinue the CDC County Transmission Map as this map dictates whether residents and staff must wear masks
• Reporting COVID data to NHSN requirement – the ongoing burden to facilities is tedious and not necessary for any benefit to the facility or the residents.

We are asking staff, residents, and families to write individual letters to CDC and CMS again in support of NDLTCA’s broader efforts to improve the quality of life for long term care residents. For more information from NDLTCA and your opportunity to advocate for changes to COVID restrictions, please visit www.ndltca.org/calltoaction. An advocating form letter is provided.

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12.21.22 Update

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone at Valley! I hope you enjoy your time with your families and the residents at Valley during this time of year.

Company Zoom

Click this link for the company zoom from earlier today.

Staffing Update

We have much to be grateful for at Valley. Though 2022 has not been an easy year, we have made tremendous progress in open positions in the company this fall:

We have 17 CNA positions available at a 5% vacancy rate, down from 48 positions and 15% just three months ago. This is the best we have been overall since June of 2020 and we look to continue to improve in the new year.
We have 8 nurse positions available at a 5% vacancy rate, down from 20 positions and 14% just six months ago.
Dining services and environmental services have a total of two full-time positions available and a couple of part time positions available company-wide at this time.
With these improvements, the staff recruiter bonus amounts have changed to $1,000 for an employee who recruits a new full time care partner, $500 for part time care partners, and $250 for flex time care partners regardless of department or position.
If you know of people who are interested in joining us at Valley, send them to the Join Our Team area of our website to see our available positions.

Congrats to the winners of prizes in the social media challenge to share information and recruit new care partners. This month the prize recipients include Angie Borgan ($50 Scheels gift card), Paula Haugen, Susanna Blue, Andrew Ogaard, Sara Schaefer and Terri Heggie ($20 Valley Senior Living online store credit).

Happy VALLEYversary!

There are no staff with a Valleyversary this week – very few people start new jobs between Christmas and New Years!

Christmas and New Year’s Holiday Pay

The Christmas and New Year’s holidays will be recognized as detailed below – time and a half will be paid as follows:

For employees that work 24/7 and a holiday rotation – any shift worked in the following time frames will qualify for holiday pay:

7:00PM December 24 through the PM shift December 25
7:00PM December 31 through the PM shift on January 1

PM Shift – Holiday pay the entire shift on the 24th and 25th and holiday pay the entire shift on 31st and 1^st

Night Shift – If you work a night shift on the 24th or the 31^st you will get holiday pay for the entire shift (includes 12 hour shifts)

Day Shift – Holiday pay entire shift on the 25th and 1st

For employees that work Monday to Friday – Christmas and New Year’s are recognized on December 26 and January 2 (You must have supervisor’s prior approval to work on the holiday).

Healthy Eating Habits December Challenge – Presented by the Wellness Committee

A reminder to continue to journal and track your progress of the healthy eating habits you have implemented, or stuck to, throughout the month of December. Return your completed journal to HR by January 6, 2023 to enter for your chance to win one of eight $50 gift cards!

WANTED: Storm Drivers

Thank you to everyone that worked during the recent winter storm! More winter storm drivers are needed! If you have a vehicle that can handle the winter weather, would be willing to help get staff to and from work, are over the age of 26, and have a clean driving abstract, please contact Megan Anderson at manderson@valleyseniorliving.org. If you are a non-exempt employee, you will be compensated at your normal hourly rate. You are able to submit your mileage for reimbursement from Valley Senior Living at the current IRS mileage rate of $0.625/mile. Storm drivers stay within the city limits of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks and agreeing to be on the list does not mean you need to help during every storm.

Signage on Resident Doors

It is important to follow the instructions listed on the signs! Also note, the orange signs indicate that someone CANNOT go to communal dining and must mask when the resident leaves the room, regardless of their mask declination for those 10 days.

Red Bordered Signs: If a resident has red bordered signs on their door the resident is on Transmission-Based Precautions (TBP).

The instructions for applying and removing PPE is listed on the signs.
Staff MUST follow the PPE requirements outlined.
Staff MUST encourage and assist visitors to follow PPE requirements (exception: the visitor cannot use an N95).
Please check with the charge nurse regarding the ability for the resident to leave their room and what extra measures are required if they do (ex: meals, activities, therapy etc.)

Orange Bordered Sign: If a resident has an orange bordered sign they are in their 10 day window from entry to the facility or are a close contact to someone positive for COVID-19.

The resident MUST mask anytime they leave their room.
The resident cannot participate in true communal dining – they either need to eat in their room or in a dining space 6 feet from others.

COVID Results Update

In the past seven days, ten residents and three staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes seven residents from Almonte; one resident from Reeves; one resident from Lanark, one resident and one direct care staff from Riverside; one direct care staff from Valley Transitions; and one non-direct care staff at Valley on Columbia. Through contact tracing, four close contacts have been identified.

Staff Illness

12.14.22 Update

Remember – Do Not Work If You Have Symptoms!

There are so many people who are sick in the community right now! If you have been experiencing symptoms related to respiratory illness onset or have had exposure to someone who has tested positive, please call the COVID Staff Illness Line at 701-741-9646 to report your symptoms and determine if testing is required.

Happy VALLEYversary!

Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:

December 14

7 years – Sarah Nelson, LPN Charge, Hearthstone

1 year – Evalizet Garza, CNA, Valley on Columbia

1 year – Mackenzie Norlin, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

December 15

8 years – Amy Vanscoy, LPN Treatment, Valley on Columbia

2 years – Gwenn Bazajou, Chaplain, Valley on Columbia

2 years – Charles Johnson, Chaplain, Woodside Village

1 year – Lisa White, RN, Heartland

December 16

20 years – Susan Hanson, Recreation Assistant, Tufte Manor

3 Years – Jamie Ostgard, Recreation Assistant, Wheatland Terrace

2 Years – Madalynn Parent-Quirk, CNA, Hearthstone

December 20

1 year – Hawa Omar, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

We Finally Had Our Holiday Party Again!

The Valley Senior Living holiday party, held last Tuesday, December 2, recognized employees who have been with Valley for milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years, from 2020 to 2022. Cumulatively, the employees who have reached these milestones over the past three years have shared 2,295 years of service with residents at Valley Senior Living. Save the date now for next year’s holiday party: November 30, 2023. Check Out This Video from the Christmas Party! #MakeItHome

Healthy Eating Habits December Challenge – Presented by the Wellness Committee

The Recruiter Bonus is Changing!

The current recruiter bonus is $2000 for the employee who recruits a new full time care partner on applications received by December 19. Now is the time to recruit new care partners to join the team. CNA positions are available with the next class beginning January 3, 2023. The CNA sign-on bonus remains $10k for PM shifts, and $3k for full time day or night shifts.

Christmas Sweater and Cocoa Bar

Friday is the day to wear something festive! Ugly Christmas sweaters are welcome. Each care community will also be serving hot cocoa. Please take a moment to enjoy everything wonderful about the holiday season!

COVID Results Update

In the past seven days, twenty-seven residents and fourteen staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes six residents and three direct care staff from Lanark; one direct care staff from Reeves; four residents and two direct care staff from Valley Transitions; fifteen residents, four direct care staff and one non-direct care staff from Almonte; two residents from Riverside; and one non-direct care staff at Valley on Columbia; one direct care staff from Heartland and one direct care staff from Wheatland Terrace at Woodside Village. Through contact tracing, sixty-one close contacts have been identified.

12.7.22 Update

Christmas Party

Thanks to everyone who attended our Christmas party last night at the Alerus. We had a great night recognizing all our 2020, 2021 and 2022 longevity award winners! It was amazing to see a room of 300+ Valley staff in person without masks! Congratulations to Erin Ortloff, RN, from the Hearthstone neighborhood at Woodside Village. She was the lucky winner of the week stay at a condo at Breezy Shores in Detroit Lakes!

Happy VALLEYversary!

Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:

December 7

2 Years – Shalana Brueckner, CNA Mentor, Valley on Columbia

1 Year – Jessica Forsberg, Housekeeper, Almonte

December 10

25 Years – Karen Klava, LPN Treatment, Lanark

December 11

9 Years – Karen Basting, Dining Services, Woodside Village

5 Years – Hannah Schiele, CNA, Reeves

December 12

4 Years – Sandra Brown, Dining Services, Woodside Village

December 13

40 Years – Kimberly Morrison, Head Cook, Valley on Columbia

URGENT: Woodside Village Nurses and CNAs

Please complete the REQUIRED Health Care Academy module by tomorrow, December 8. This module is part of the plan of correction for Woodside Village to fulfill the recent survey requirements. Log in to healthcareacademy.com to complete the module.

Workforce Safety

In conjunction with ND Workforce Safety Insurance, Valley Senior Living has renewed their agreement with Altru Employer Health Solutions as Valley Senior Living’s designated medical provider. This means that any staff injured on the job will be seen by an Altru Employer Health Solutions physician for their injury. Questions related to workforce safety may be directed to Samantha Jallo, Employee Health Nurse & Safety Director, at sjallo2@valleyseniorliving.org.

Healthy Habits December Challenge – Presented by the Wellness Committee

This month, the Wellness Committee has put together a challenge/competition surrounding healthy habits. December is a month full of cheer, spending time with friends and families, eating together, conversing, and enjoying one another. However, it is easy to lose track of the progress you have made to better your health amongst everything that comes with the holiday season.

Use the provided journal to track your progress throughout the month of December. Complete 22 daily journal entries documenting the healthy habits you have implemented, or stuck to, throughout the month of December. We have provided some helpful tips to assist you in your wellness journey through December, but note, there are many other things a person can do than just those listed in the journal provided. Return your completed journal to HR by January 6, 2023 to enter for your chance to win one of eight $50 gift cards!

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Eden Alternative Principle 8 from Shannon Holte, Director of Social Services, Woodside Village

Decision-making must involve those most impacted by the decision. Empowerment activates choice, autonomy and influence. Throughout the COVID 19 pandemic, due to federal and state guidelines imposed on nursing homes we found that many choices were taken away from residents. Today, as we find ourselves further away from the crisis of the early days of the pandemic, we have made conscious efforts to involve residents in directing their daily life choices and decisions. Residents take an active part in learning circles during neighborhood meetings in which they can interact, voice opinions and make decisions on things such as holiday menu options, or how they would like to celebrate a certain holiday. Communication through learning circles offers resident an opportunity to help brainstorm, share opinions and invites different voices to problem solve while bringing the decisions back to the residents and those who work closest with them.

Advocating for Changes to COVID Restrictions

North Dakota Long Term Care Association (NDLTCA) is advocating on behalf of long term care residents and staff for more changes to COVID restrictions:

Discontinue the CDC County Transmission Map as this map dictates whether residents and staff must wear masks
Reporting COVID data to NHSN requirement – the ongoing burden to facilities is tedious and not necessary for any benefit to the facility or the residents.

Previous participation in NDLTCA’s campaign advocating for changes to COVID restrictions by Valley Senior Living staff, residents, and families were instrumental in the success of lifting and removing other COVID related restrictions. We are encouraging staff, residents, and families to write individual letters to CDC and CMS again in support of NDLTCA’s broader efforts to improve the quality of life for long term care residents. For more information from NDLTCA and your opportunity to advocate for changes to COVID restrictions, please visit www.ndltca.org/calltoaction. An advocating form letter is provided.

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COVID Results Update

In the past seven days, eight residents and eleven staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes seven residents and four direct care staff from the Lanark neighborhood, one direct care staff from Reeves, one resident from Valley Transitions and three non-direct care staff at Valley on Columbia; one direct care staff from Prairieview, one direct care staff from Oakcrest, and one non-direct care staff from Wheatland Terrace at Woodside Village. Through contact tracing, twenty-two close contacts have been identified.

Staff Illness

Winter Craft & Bake Sale

Valley on Columbia (Community Room) – December 9, 2022 from 8:30AM – 3:00PM

RECRUITER BONUS ENDS SOON– Recruit a full time CNA, LPN, or RN and earn $2000

The current level of recruiter bonus is set to end soon! Applications from the people you have recruited need to be received by December 19! Recruit new care partners now to earn the bonus! The next CNA class begins January 3, 2023. Open positions and the application are available at valleyseniorliving.org/apply. Visit the Valley Senior Living social media pages and share/tag on the employment posts to win prizes!

Facebook: facebook.com/ValleySeniorLiving

Twitter: @valleysrliving

Instagram: Valley_Senior_Living

12.1.22 Staff update

A 7 minute Corporate Zoom from yesterday – most of the discussion is about offering residents the opportunity to decline mask usage.

Happy VALLEYversary!

Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:

November 30

1 Year – Carly Nelson, PCA/Med Assistant, Wheatland Terrace

December 1

18 Years – Jennifer Schultz, DON, Woodside Village

8 Years – Brianna Thoreson, LPN Treatment, Hearthstone

December 2

2 Years – Shannon Dodge, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

December 6

1 Year – Emma Swenson, PCA/Med Assistant, Wheatland Terrace

Open Enrollment for 2023 Benefits – Ends December 5, 2022

Time is running out!! The portal to PlanSource (www.plansource.com/login) is only open for 2023 benefit selection until December 5, 2022. To ensure elections are made for 2023, we will be using the passive enrollment process. Passive enrollment means we will automatically reenroll you in the plans you are currently on if you do not elect benefit changes in PlanSource. However, if you have a health savings account (HSA) you do need to log into PlanSource to update the amount of your annual HSA contribution for 2023. Please contact Kathy Feist at 701-787-7956 with any questions.

VC and WV Offering Opportunity to Residents to Decline Mask Usage

When our county is in “High Transmission,” the CDC recommends that residents and staff in nursing homes should wear masks during care interactions and anytime they are outside their room. Grand Forks County has been in “High Transmission” for every day since May and it doesn’t appear that future months will be any different. A number of residents are not choosing to follow that recommendation and it is their right to make that choice. Within the next week each WV and VC resident or primary decision maker will be contacted by a care team member and given the opportunity to decline wearing a mask and acknowledge the risks associated with this decision. The requirement to wear a mask, regardless of a declination, will still be implemented in certain situations, such as when a resident is a close contact or a significant outbreak of COVID-19 is occurring in their neighborhood.

We are only able to offer this declination to residents. We are not able offer this to our staff or volunteers. There is an effort starting in December to promote removing Community Transmission levels from triggering mask usage from the current COVID restrictions. Today we learned the North Dakota Long Term Care Association (NDLTCA) is starting a second phase of advocating for fewer COVID related restrictions. The area that NDLTCA is focusing on that affects resident life is the CDC recommendation that masks are to be worn by residents and staff when the county is in “High Transmission.” While we may or may not be successful as an organization in this advocacy, Valley residents can make a decision right now on mask use by completing the declination form.

December’s Healthy Eating Habits Challenge – Presented by the Wellness Committee

This month, the Wellness Committee has put together a challenge/competition surrounding healthy eating habits. December is a month full of cheer, spending time with friends and families, eating together, conversing, and enjoying one another. However, it is easy to lose track of the progress you have made to better your health amongst everything that comes with the holiday season.

Use the provided journal to track your progress throughout the month of December. Complete 22 daily journal entries documenting the healthy eating habits you have implemented, or stuck to, throughout the month of December. We have provided some helpful tips to assist you in your wellness journey through December, but note, there are many other things a person can do than just those listed in the journal provided. Return your completed journal to HR by January 6, 2023 to enter for your chance to win one of eight $50 gift cards!

Christmas Decorations

As neighborhoods begin decorating for Christmas, please keep these guidelines in mind:

Decorations can hang from the ceiling but keep the decorations away from sprinkler heads and smoke alarms. They should not be hanging within 18 inches of these fixtures. Do not cover or hang anything from light fixtures. Also, nothing should be hung too low where staff/visitors/residents might bump into them while walking down the hallways. If you’re looking for guidance on how low to hang items, there should be a minimum of seven feet of clearance from the floor to where decorations are hanging.
Doors should not be covered with any items that are not deemed/labeled fire retardant. Do not cover doors in paper or paper/cardboard decorations. Paper/cardboard decorations may be hung on walls. Do not cover fire pull stations, light switches, or fire extinguishers.
Be cognizant of any decorations that may be deemed a tripping hazard. Hallways are supposed to be free of carts, lifts, and clutter.

Winter Craft & Bake Sales

Valley on 42nd (Auditorium) – December 2, 2022 from 9:00AM – 2:30PM

Valley on Columbia (Community Room) – December 9, 2022 from 8:30AM – 3:00PM

COVID Results Update

In the past seven days, five residents and six staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes one resident from the Prairieview neighborhood and four residents from Wheatland Terrace at Woodside Village; one direct care staff from Prairieview, one direct care from Hearthstone and two non-direct care staff at Woodside Village; along with two direct care staff from the Lanark neighborhood at Valley on Columbia. Through contact tracing, thirty-six close contacts have been identified.

Staff Illness

11.23.22 Staff Update

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Enjoy time with your families and loved ones and reflect on all that we can be grateful for!

#GivingTuesday – November 29, 2022

Support Valley Senior Living Foundation on Tuesday, November 29, for Giving Tuesday. Funds raised on Giving Tuesday supports the Chaplaincy Ministry Program that provides compassionate care and spiritual well-being for Valley Senior Living residents, their family members, and employees of all faiths.

We know there are so many charities deserving of your support this time of year. As you consider your year-end giving, we hope you’ll think of the impact the Chaplaincy Ministry Program has on over 500 residents and their family members, and the over 850 employees at Valley Senior Living.

Happy VALLEYversary!

Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:

November 23

2 Years – Jessica Hoff, PCA, Wheatland Terrace

2 Years – Alyshia Kom, CNA, Woodside Village

2 Years – Monica Slaughter, RA-CNA, Woodside Village

1 Year – Brenna Bertsch, CNA, Prairieview

1 Year – Dolapo Raji, CNA, Woodside Village

November 24

1 Year – Claudia Promschmidt, Cook, Tufte Manor

November 25

21 Years – Kristi Austin, RN, Riverside

20 Years – Sarah Salender, RN, Lanark

November 26

4 Years – Wendy Hackett, Recreation Assistant, Almonte

November 27

5 Years – Jessica Zelio, LPN, Valley on Columbia

5 Years – Angela Olson, Transportation Coordinator, Valley Senior Living

November 29

1 Year – Tonya Gramm

1 Year – Dylan Frericks

Open Enrollment for 2023 Benefits – Ends December 5, 2022

The portal to PlanSource (www.plansource.com/login) is NOW OPEN!! You have until December 5, 2022 to enroll for your 2023 benefits. To ensure elections are made for 2023, we will be using the passive enrollment process. Passive enrollment means we will automatically reenroll you in the plans you are currently on if you do not elect benefits in PlanSource, BUT, if you have a health savings account (HAS) you do need to log into PlanSource to update the amount of your annual HSA contribution for 2023. Please contact Kathy Feist at 701-787-7956 with any questions.

Diabetes Awareness Month – Presented by the Wellness Committee (You might want to read this AFTER Thanksgiving)

If you’re interested in preventing type 2 diabetes, the attached guide can help you get started. Congratulations on taking the first step! By reading this attachment, you’re already on your way.

Unsure if you have prediabetes? Find out now, in less than 1 minute, if you may have prediabetes by taking the Prediabetes Risk Test. If your result shows you’re at high risk for type 2 diabetes, talk to your doctor about getting a simple blood sugar test to confirm it. Then, if you’re diagnosed with prediabetes, consider joining a lifestyle change program offered by the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP). This program is proven to cut the risk for type 2 diabetes in half.

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COVID Results Update

In the past seven days, two residents and five staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes two residents from Valley Transitions, one direct care staff from Riverside and one contract staff at Valley on Columbia; one direct care staff from Prairieview and one non-direct care staff from Valley on 42^nd, and one direct care staff from Tufte Manor. Through contact tracing, twelve close contacts have been identified.

Staff Illness

RECRUITER BONUS – Recruit a full time CNA, LPN, or RN and cash in on $2000

Please continue to help us recruit new care partners and earn a recruiter bonus! Open positions and the application are available at valleyseniorliving.org/apply.

Valley Volunteer Vibes

Volunteers are a significant group of people comprised of resident families and acquaintances that spend time within our care communities on a regular basis. If you know someone that you would recommend as a Valley volunteer, please have them contact Terri Heggie, Volunteer and Events Coordinator, at 787-7989 or email theggie@valleyseniorliving.org.

Winter Craft & Bake Sales

Valley on 42nd (Auditorium) December 2, 2022 from 9:00AM – 2:30PM

Valley on Columbia (Community Room) December 9, 2022 from 8:30AM – 3:00PM

Veterans Day Fundraiser

Thank you to everyone that participated in the Potato Bar fundraiser! The $972.50 raised will be applied towards the granite bench at Veteran’s Memorial Park, to honor all veterans, especially those who call or have called Valley Senior Living home.

New Technology

Valley on Columbia will begin trialing a new technology offered through TENA absorbent products on a sampling of residents. The subject of the pilot program is a reusable, removable sensor strip that attaches to the outside of the TENA absorbent products. The TENA SmartCare Professional Care mobile application and related software, an app accessible through a smartphone, will monitor the status of the absorbent product and communicate through a monitoring system connected to the sensor. This communication will allow caregivers to monitor when the incontinence product is wet and may require changing. Benefits of the product are expected to be less waking of residents for checks and changes during resting hours.

11.16.22 Update

Last chance to RSVP! Deadline is Friday, November 18, 2022

Valley Senior Living Holiday Party – December 6 at Alerus Center. If you have not completed your RSVP to this year’s Valley Senior Living holiday party, please complete this survey to confirm your attendance and meal choice(s) https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3BGPV3Q.

Breezy Shores Resort 2023 – Full-time, regular status employees that have been employed with Valley Senior Living for more than 3 years are eligible to qualify for the Breezy Shores Resort drawing for 7 nights of lodging on Big Detroit Lakes in a 2 bedroom town home with access to the indoor swimming pool. The week at Breezy Shores was a gift from a donor to the Foundation in 1996, and it has been offered to Valley Senior Living employees each year. Return your form to HR now!

Happy VALLEYversary!

Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:

November 16

1 Year – David French, Environmental Services, Tufte Manor

1 Year – Gianna Jones, LPN, Valley Transitions

November 18

26 Years – Garth Rydland, President/CEO

3 Years – Jamie Rash, CNA, Prairieview

November 19

4 Years – Nadine Munging, CNA, Valley on Columbia

November 20

33 Years – Vicki Carter, HUC, Riverside

26 Years – Gloria Foss, Receptionist, Tufte Manor

November 22

1 Year – Kaylee Randall, CNA, Almonte

1 Year – Madelyn Colbert, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

1 Year – Mary Schofield, RA CNA, Woodside Village

Open Enrollment for 2023 Benefits
To learn more about the available insurance benefit plans for the upcoming year, please attend one of our open enrollment meetings:

November 17, 2022

Valley on Columbia 10:00AM – 11:00AM (Community Room)

Valley on 42^nd 1:00PM – 2:00PM (Auditorium)

November 18, 2022

Valley on 42^nd 10:00AM – 11:00AM (Auditorium)

Valley on Columbia 2:00PM – 3:00PM (Community Room)

The portal to PlanSource (www.plansource.com/login) will open November 21, 2022. You have until December 5, 2022 to enroll for your 2023 benefits. To ensure elections are made for 2023, we will be using the passive enrollment process. Passive enrollment means we will automatically reenroll you in the plans you are currently on if you do not elect benefits in PlanSource. Contact Kathy Feist at 701-787-7956 with any questions.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Are you at risk for type 2 diabetes? 1 in 10 people have diabetes (most have type 2 diabetes).

You can stay healthier longer and lower your risk of type 2 diabetes with these steps:

Stay at a healthy weight
Eat well
Be active

These factors increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes:

Being overweight
Race and ethnicity (African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian, Pacific Islander, Asian American)
Being physically active less than 3 times a week
Having a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
Being 45 years or older
Having had gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy) or giving birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds.

If you or someone you know has diabetes or is at risk for diabetes, check out the online resources available from the American Diabetes Association at https://www.diabetes.org/.

COVID Results Update
In the past seven days, five staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes one direct care staff from Valley Transitions, one direct care staff from Lanark, and one non-direct care staff from Valley on Columbia; along with one direct care staff from the Oakcrest neighborhood and one non-direct care staff at Woodside Village. Through contact tracing, twenty close contacts have been identified.

Staff Illness
If you are calling in sick, leaving your shift early, or have had exposure to someone who has tested positive, it is very important to call the COVID staff illness line right away at 701-741-9646 to report any one new symptom of COVID (fever, cough, sore throat, headache, runny nose, congestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell) as this helps determine if testing with a PCR is required.

In addition, it is Valley Senior Living’s policy that staff are fever free for 24 hours (without taking fever reducing medications) and out 48 hours from their last episode of diarrhea and vomiting before you are cleared to return to work. If staff are tested for any of those symptoms, once they are cleared with a negative test, it is the supervisor’s responsibility to be in touch with their employee when their last episodes occurred and return them to work appropriately.

RECRUITER BONUS – Recruit a full time CNA, LPN, or RN and cash in on $2000
Please continue to help us recruit new care partners and earn a recruiter bonus! Open positions and the application are available at valleyseniorliving.org/apply.

Valley Volunteer Vibes
Volunteers are a significant group of people comprised of resident families and acquaintances that spend time within our care communities on a regular basis. If you know someone that you would recommend as a Valley volunteer, please have them contact Terri Heggie, Volunteer and Events Coordinator, at 787-7989 or email theggie@valleyseniorliving.org.

Mark Your Calendars for Our Winter Craft & Bake Sales!
Valley on 42nd December 2, 2022 from 9:00AM – 2:30PM (Auditorium)
Valley on Columbia December 9, 2022 from 8:30AM – 3:00PM (Community Room)

11.9.22 Update

First Storm of the Season – We are Implementing our Storm Policy on November 10

With the incoming winter storm, the storm policy will go into effect as of Midnight tonight (November 10). Please plan ahead for your shifts so you leave yourself enough time to get into work. If due to the snow/road conditions you are unable to get to work via your normal transportation method, please call in as you normally would and your supervisor can connect you with one of our volunteer drivers (volunteer drivers are all Valley staff). The drivers will stay within the city limits of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, so this won’t work for staff who are out of town. We will have drivers lined up starting Thursday afternoon. During a storm, weather related lates, tardies, and absences do not count for points on our attendance policy. You are paid back to the scheduled beginning of your shift as long as you are in before 25% of your shift has elapsed. If you picked up your shift for premium pay, you will only receive premium pay once you arrive for your shift. Premium pay will not be paid back to the beginning of your scheduled shift if you are late, tardy, or absent.

Company Zoom

Click this link for the company zoom from today.

RSVP to the Valley Senior Living Holiday Party – December 6 at Alerus Center

Please complete this survey to RSVP for the holiday party and to confirm your meal choice(s) https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3BGPV3Q. Employees must RSVP by November 18, 2022.

Veteran’s Day Programs – November 11

Join us on Veterans Day as we extend our appreciation by honoring all the residents and staff that have served our country in wartime or peacetime.

Valley on Columbia – 2:00PM in Bethesda Crossing

Woodside Village – 3:15PM in Auditorium

Open Enrollment for 2023 Benefits

Valley Senior Living, in conjunction with our insurance broker North Risk Partners, had a very successful renewal with Medica and were able to obtain an average renewal increase of 1.1% for 2023. As a showing of our continued support and appreciation for our staff, Valley Senior Living will be increasing our contributions to the employer’s health insurance premium by 1.1% effective January 2023.

To learn more about the available plans for the upcoming year, please attend one of our Open Enrollment meetings:

November 17, 2022

Valley on Columbia 10:00AM – 11:00AM (Community Room)

Valley on 42^nd 1:00PM – 2:00PM (Auditorium)

November 18, 2022

Valley on 42^nd 10:00AM – 11:00AM (Auditorium)

Valley on Columbia 2:00PM – 3:00PM (Community Room)

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Throughout the month, the Wellness Committee’s goal is to provide you with education and resources surrounding diabetes, diabetes prevention, and healthy life changes.

The National Diabetes Statistics Report provides information on the prevalence (existing cases) and incidence (new cases) of diabetes and prediabetes, risk factors for health complications from diabetes, and diabetes-related deaths and costs.

Key findings include:

37.3 million Americans—about 1 in 10—have diabetes.
- About 1 in 5 people with diabetes don’t know they have it.
96 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes.
- More than 8 in 10 adults with prediabetes don’t know they have it.
In 2019, about 1.4 million new cases of diabetes were diagnosed.
For people aged 10 to 19 years, new cases of type 2 diabetes increased for all racial and ethnic minority groups, especially African American teens.
For adults with diagnosed diabetes:
- 69% had high blood pressure, and 44% had high cholesterol.
- 39% had chronic kidney disease, and 12% reported having vision impairment or blindness.
- Diabetes was highest among African American and Hispanic adults, in both men and women.

COVID Results Update

In the past seven days, one non-direct care staff from Valley on Columbia has tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. Through contact tracing, one close contact has been identified.

Staff Illness

Staffing Update

Overall we are making good progress with recruitment and posted positions in the nursing department and throughout the organization. We have 844 total staff, up from 826 in September and 809 in August. This is the highest number since March 2022.
CNA vacancy rates are improving. 30 positions open, 9% vacancy rate, and a 17 person CNA class in week 3 of a 4 week class. Tremendous progress from 47 positions and a 15% vacancy rate at the beginning of October.
Nurse vacancy rates decreased to 9 positions and a 6% vacancy rate, improving from 12 positions and 8% in October and much improved from 20 positions and 14% vacancy in June.
October percentage of worked shifts to budget is as follows for each of the neighborhoods. Our goal is to be as close to 100% as possible, but with the numbers of open positions that we were dealing with throughout the month, you should all be congratulated for these results! As our vacancy rates continue to improve, these percentages will improve as well.

Neighborhood	CNA	Nurse
Almonte	91%	98%
Lanark	95%	98%
Riverside	91%	99%
Reeves	93%	96%
Valley Transitions	94%	92%
Hearthstone	95%	98%
Heartland	94%	94%
Oakcrest	99%	96%
Prairieview	95%	97%

RECRUITER BONUS – Recruit a full time CNA, LPN, or RN and cash in on $2000

Please continue to help us recruit new care partners and earn a recruiter bonus! Open positions and the application are available at valleyseniorliving.org/apply.

Eden Alternative Principle 7 from Sandra Kemnitz, Activities Coordinator, Wheatland Terrace

We are more than our medical diagnoses. Medical treatment should support and empower us to experience a life worth living. The three plagues of loneliness, helplessness, and boredom can at times create symptoms that mimic true physical illnesses or ailments. But, if the root of the problem is related to the three plagues, no medication will truly alleviate those symptoms. Medication is beneficial when it’s used to find relief from pain, think more clearly, maintain health or to be able to do more for themselves. When we get to know our residents on a deeper level, as a person and not as a diagnosis, is when we can help find an alternative that will eliminate those plagues.

Valley Volunteer Vibes

Volunteers are a significant group of people comprised of resident families and acquaintances that spend time within our care communities on a regular basis. If you know someone that you would recommend as a Valley volunteer, please have them contact Terri Heggie, Volunteer and Event Coordinator, at 787-7989 or email theggie@valleyseniorliving.org.

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Winter Craft & Bake Sale

Valley on 42nd (Auditorium)

December 2, 2022 from 9:00AM – 2:30PM

Valley on Columbia (Community Room)

December 9, 2022 from 8:30AM – 3:00PM

Breezy Shores Resort 2023

Full-time, regular status employees that have been employed with Valley Senior Living for more than 3 years are eligible to qualify for the Breezy Shores Resort drawing for 7 nights of lodging on Big Detroit Lakes in a 2 bedroom town home with access to the indoor swimming pool. The week at Breezy Shores was a gift from a donor to the Foundation in 1996, and it has been offered to Valley Senior Living employees each year. If interested, you must return your forms to HR by November 18, 2022.

11.2.22 Update

Sign Up for the Valley Senior Living Holiday Party – December 6 at Alerus Center
It’s back! After two years off, the 37th Annual Valley Senior Living Holiday Party is scheduled for December 6, 2022, at the Alerus Center. Doors will open at 4:00PM, bingo begins at 4:30PM, and the meal will be served at 5:45PM. Employees may bring one guest but no children under 16 are allowed. Guest meals are $25 and payroll deduction is available. Please complete this survey to RSVP for the holiday party and to confirm your meal choice(s) https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3BGPV3Q. Employees must RSVP by November 18th.

Congratulations to November’s Longevity Recipients!

40 Years
Shelly Pilon, Director of Dining Services (Valley on Columbia)

20 Years
Sarah Salender, RN (Valley on Columbia)

10 Years
Mallory Bakken, Administrative Assistant (Tufte Manor)

5 Years
Angie Olson, Transportation Coordinator (Woodside Village)
Jessica Zelio, LPN (Valley on Columbia)

RECRUITER BONUS – Recruit a full time CNA, LPN, or RN and cash in on $2000
We are making significant progress with our CNA vacancies, largely thanks to your recruitment efforts! Keep it up! At the beginning of October, we had 48 positions (15% vacancy rate) available. Today we have 30 positions (9% vacancy rate) and a large class of CNA students who will complete their training on November 18. Please continue to help us recruit new care partners! Open positions and the application are available at valleyseniorliving.org/apply.

VC and WV Staff – Please Read the Following Policy Changes
Two new policies and four policy updates have been implemented in response to new federal requirements effective in October of 2022. Some of these policies affect everyone at VC and WV, so please familiarize yourselves with the changes. There is a heavy focus on Resident Rights, Substance Use Disorder and Trauma Informed Care. The full policies are attached with a brief overview of each below.

Policy 600.10 Dignity, Respect/Right to have personal property.
Staff may not search a resident’s body or possessions without resident/representative’s consent. In regards to observation that a resident or their visitor may have brought an illegal substance into the facility, a referral to local law enforcement may be warranted. If items are identified that pose health and safety risks and they are in plain view, staff may confiscate them. Examples of signs and symptoms of possible substance abuse are included in the attachment.
Policy 600.15 Resident Right to Receive/Deny Visitors
Changes in this policy reference response to visitation for individuals who have history of bringing illegal substances into the facility which place the resident’s health and safety at risk. Again, this includes monitoring for signs or symptoms of possible substance use after interaction or outing with visitors. The policy provides guidance on how to implement changes or restrictions on visitation if indicated. The policy is also updated in reference to residents who are on transmission based (COVID) precautions.
Policy 600.28 Transfer and Discharge of Residents
This policy discusses both resident and facility initiated discharges. A resident initiated discharge must include documentation of the resident or their representative’s intent to leave the facility, a discharge plan and documented discussions with the resident and/or their representative. A facility initiated discharge or transfer is one that did not originate with the resident/representative or that they object to. Examples are provided. Emergency transfers to acute care and hospital returns are also addressed. Basically, residents must be permitted to return to the facility unless they meet specific discharge criteria, explained in the policy.
Policy 600.55 Trauma Informed Care
This policy includes new definitions for Trauma-Informed Care and Cultural Competence. This includes an approach to care that recognizes and responds to the effects of all types of trauma. All residents will have a PTSD 5 screen completed with the initial MDS. The life story may address trauma related history. If a screening indicates that the resident has a history of trauma, the need for interventions of care in order to eliminate or mitigate triggers that may cause re-traumatization, and ways to support a resident will be determined. Care planning needs to reflect the individual resident’s needs and preferences and align with the resident’s cultural identity, culture and practices. Residents with a history of trauma will be reviewed at Quality of Care meetings.
600.63 Coordination of PASARR program
This new policy refers to coordination of assessments with the preadmission screen and resident review (PASRR) program under Medicaid. That program exists to ensure that individuals with mental disorder, intellectual disability, or related condition receives care and services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. The policy reviews screening requirements for move in and continued stay in a nursing facility for individuals. Recommendations for any specialized services identified by PASARR determination/evaluation must be incorporated into a resident’s assessment, care planning, and transitions of care. The primary social worker assigned to the resident is responsible for keeping track of resident PASARR screening status and making appropriate referrals. Timely, accurate documentation is necessary.
600.64 Behavioral Health Services
This is a new, very detailed policy. It includes updated definitions for: Mental Disorder, Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Non-pharmacological Intervention, Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. All facility staff and volunteers are expected to have role appropriate competencies for meeting the behavioral health needs of residents. There is emphasis on person-centered care, specific to individual needs. The policy and compliance guidelines are also reviewed. Conditions, assessments, behavior contracts and examples of individualized interventions are included.

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COVID Results Update
In the past seven days, seven staff and one resident have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes one resident and one direct care staff from Valley Transitions, one direct care staff from Riverside, and one non-direct care staff at Valley on Columbia; one direct care staff from Hearthstone, one direct care staff from Oakcrest, and one direct care staff from Heartland at Woodside Village; along with one direct care staff from Tufte Manor. Through contact tracing, twenty-five close contacts have been identified.

Report Your Symptoms and Exposures
If you have been experiencing symptoms related to respiratory illness onset or have had exposure to someone who has tested positive, please call the COVID Staff Illness Line at 701-741-9646 to report your symptoms and determine if testing is required.

Open Enrollment for 2023 Benefits
The portal to PlanSource (www.plansource.com/login) will open November 21, 2022. You have until December 5, 2022 to enroll for your 2023 benefits. To ensure elections are made for 2023, we will be using the passive enrollment process. Passive enrollment means we will automatically reenroll you in the plans you are currently on if you do not elect benefits in PlanSource. Contact Kathy Feist at 701-787-7956 with any questions.

Breezy Shores Resort Giveaway 2023
Full-time, regular status employees that have been employed with Valley Senior Living for more than 3 years are eligible to qualify for the Breezy Shores Resort drawing for 7 nights of lodging on Big Detroit Lakes in a 2 bedroom town home with access to the indoor swimming pool. The week at Breezy Shores was a gift from a donor that has been offered to Valley employees since 1996. If interested, you must return your forms to HR by November 18, 2022.

Mark Your Calendars for the Winter Craft & Bake Sale
Valley on 42nd (Auditorium) – December 2, 2022 from 9:00AM – 2:30PM
Valley on Columbia (Community Room) – December 9, 2022 from 8:30AM – 3:00PM

Interested in an additional Make It Home t-shirt?
The remaining inventory of the “Make it Home” t-shirts are now available for sale for $10 each. These are the green t-shirts that were handed out at ACE from the Valley Senior Living Foundation. Sizes available are somewhat limited. We have XS, Large, XL, 2XL, 3XL & 4XL sizes. We DO NOT have any Small or Medium sizes. Cash, checks to the Valley Senior Living Foundation or payroll deduction are available payment options. Shaun in the Foundation office can send payroll deduction forms if requested. Please call 701-787-7997 if you are interested or have questions.

10.26.22 Update

In case you missed it earlier, click on today’s Corporate Zoom.

Been putting off the booster? COVID Booster Day – November 1!
Now is the time to get your booster and be prepared for the holidays. Thrifty White Pharmacy will host an employee vaccine clinic on November 1 in the Auditorium at Valley Senior Living on 42nd from 12:00 to 1:00PM. If you would like to get your paperwork done ahead of time, register with Thrifty White Pharmacy at: https://www.thriftywhite.com/seasonal-vaccine/7TE3Y29 with access code 4XBK8. Cinnamon rolls and cider will be served!

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Bring your families and encourage the residents to invite their families for Trick or Treating at Valley this year!
Trick or treating will take place in the afternoon on October 31 at Valley on Columbia from 3:00 to 5:30PM and at Valley on 42nd from 4:00 to 5:30PM. While Trick or Treating is not open to the public this year, it is open to families of residents and staff! Tufte Manor does not have trick or treating on Halloween but rather is hosting a resident and family Halloween party on October 29 from 2:00 to 4:00PM.

CNA Class Started October 24
Please extend a warm welcome to the 17 new staff who started the CNA training class on Monday! I had the opportunity to meet all of them on Monday – they are a great group of future care partners and we look forward to having them as part of our Valley care teams in just a few short weeks!

The next CNA Training Class begins on November 28. We are currently interviewing and filling seats in that class. If you know of someone who is ready to shift careers, please share all the details with them for your chance to obtain a recruiter bonus. Recruiting a full time CNA is worth $2000. The application is available at valleyseniorliving.org/apply.

Staffing Information from our Performance Improvement Project (PIP)
Staffing challenges have been prevalent in all sectors of the workforce. This led us to create a PIP for CNA Retention. Over the last month our open CNA positions have decreased and we look to improve on that this fall. We make significant progress pretty quickly when we can have CNA classes as large as the one we have right now!

An area I’d like to highlight today is our percentage of scheduled hours to actual hours worked. We all want the opportunity to do our best job for the residents each day and that is critical to retaining our staff. We know that some days it can be very challenging to do our best for the residents even if all scheduled hours are worked. We take our responsibility very seriously to make sure those schedules are filled. Obviously our goal is to be as close to 100% as possible, but the pandemic has made that even more challenging. Open positions have made this very challenging as well. Thank you to everyone who continues to pick up extra shifts so we continue to provide great care for the residents!

The following is a chart of the percentage of hours scheduled to actual hours worked on each neighborhood. We will report this information out each month to staff and residents so everyone can see how we are doing.

Percentage of Hours Scheduled to Hours Worked – September 2022

Neighborhood	CNA	Nurse
Almonte	94%	99%
Lanark	96%	97%
Riverside	94%	98%
Reeves	95%	95%
Valley Transitions	95%	91%
Hearthstone	96%	97%
Heartland	96%	97%
Oakcrest	99%	97%
Prairieview	98%	99%

COVID Results Update
In the past seven days, four staff and one resident have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes one resident from Prairieview and one direct care staff from Heartland at Woodside Village; two direct care staff from the Almonte and Valley Transitions neighborhoods at Valley on Columbia; and one non-direct care staff from Tufte Manor. Through contact tracing, nineteen close contacts have been identified.

A flu shot is required for all employees and must be received by tomorrow, October 27, 2022 . If you have received your flu shot anywhere other than Valley Senior Living, you must submit a copy of the documentation. If you are seeking an exemption, please complete the paperwork (obtain from Human Resources) and return to Human Resources.

Pastoral/Spiritual Care Week
Every year during the last week of October, Pastoral/Spiritual Care Week provides an opportunity to recognize our Chaplains and their ministry at Valley Senior Living. This year’s theme is “Relevant and Responsive in Times of Crisis” and speaks to the services that have been provided by Chaplains Bud and Gwenn and the flex time Chaplains John and Kerwin. Take a moment to extend your gratitude to them this week for their spiritual care, compassion and the ministry which they provide to our residents, families, and staff.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.

Are you worried about the cost? Grand Forks Women’s Way offers free mammograms to women who have low incomes and are uninsured or underinsured. They can also help with navigating and answering questions about screening mammograms; call Tiffany at Women’s Way, 701-787-8118.

Don’t forget to wear pink on Friday’s in October to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives and to remember those we have lost, and support those who have survived!

Healthcare Academy Deadline is only 5 DAYS AWAY!!
Required modules must be completed by October 31st. You will receive education hours for completing these modules. See your direct supervisor with questions or concerns. Log in to www.healthcareacademy.com to get started.

Veterans Day
Care communities are preparing for Veterans Day programs and would like to recognize employees who are Veterans alongside our residents who are Veterans. If you are a Veteran and would like to be recognized, please submit more details here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YCP5WTS

Fundraising Meal for the Valley Senior Living Bench At Veterans Memorial Park
Valley Senior Living on 42^nd and Valley Senior Living on Columbia will each host fundraising meals on Thursday, November 10. Proceeds from the meal will go to the Valley Senior Living Foundation to fulfill our financial commitment to the Valley Senior Living bench at the Veterans Memorial Park. Thank you in advance for your support of this project and we hope you enjoy the loaded baked potato bar! Watch for posters and more details in each care community.

Get your RECRUITER BONUS!
Please continue to help us recruit new care partners and earn the recruiter bonus. Open positions and the application are available at valleyseniorliving.org/apply.

10.24.22 Update

Congrats to the winners of the Carrie Underwood tickets. Please stop by the Human Resources office at Valley Senior Living on Columbia between 8 am and 4 pm to pick up your tickets before Thursday evening!

Deb Smedsrud – VC
Cheryl Vidden – VC
Tenneh Bility – 42^nd
Sarah Fortman – WT
Maurine Lukong – Tufte
Sarah Rapp – VC
Bonnie Overby – VC
Laurie Bondy – VC
Madison Connors – VC
Natalie Glaser – WV

10.19.22 Weekly Update

Well-Defined Space Employee Mask Use
There has been some confusion with our new guidance for masking or not in well-defined spaces ONLY such as team rooms/nurses stations, break rooms, offices, meeting rooms. While we are currently in “low” COVID-19 Community levels (not healthcare COVID-19 transmission levels), all employees may be unmasked AND do not need to follow physical distancing, regardless of vaccination status, unless:

You have suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection or other respiratory infection (e.g., those with runny nose, cough, sneeze); or
You had close contact (residents or visitors) or a higher-risk exposure (employees) with someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection, for 10 days after their exposure

If you choose to not physically distance, it may increase your risk for exposure and subsequent testing. Unmasking is still not permitted in resident-care areas.

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COVID Results Update
In the past seven days, eight staff and two residents have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes one resident from Almonte, three staff from Valley Transitions, two non-direct care staff, and one contract staff in the neighborhoods at Valley on Columbia, along with one resident from Wheatland, one non-direct care staff from Woodside Village, and one non-direct care staff from Tufte Manor. Through contact tracing, sixteen close contacts have been identified.

Flu Shots – A flu shot is required for all employees and must be received before October 27, 2022.
If you have received your flu shot anywhere other than Valley Senior Living, you must submit a copy of the documentation. If you are seeking an exemption, please complete the paperwork (obtain from Human Resources) and return to Human Resources asap.

Healthcare Academy – Win Fall Décor!
Employees that complete all of the assigned HCA modules before October 21st will be entered to win a fall door prize sponsored by Valley Senior Living Staff Council. Required modules must be completed by October 31st. You will receive education hours for completing these modules. See your direct supervisor with questions or concerns. Log in to www.healthcareacademy.com to get started.

Nurse Call System Changes Effective October 25 at Woodside Village and Valley on Columbia
To best serve our residents and their needs, a number of changes will be made on October 25 to improve our residents’ call system. Many of these changes focus on escalation pathways. These changes will not only enhance our ability to delivery of care, but it will also assist with the efficiency and workflow for all of the Nursing Department. The attached document “Call Light Enhancements” gives the summary of all the changes. The biggest changes are around bringing increased attention to call lights that may be out of standard so that people know about it at the time it occurs:

Standard call: Our standard for answering a bathroom call light is 3 minutes and a normal call light is 5 minutes.
Overtime 1: When the call reaches those 3 and 5 minute thresholds, there is a white blinking light involved and a repage goes out to the walkies.
Overtime 2: When the call reaches twice the amount of time as our standard (10 minutes for a normal call and 6 minutes for a bathroom call), a flashing blue light is added and a repage goes out. A computer software program on med carts and team room computer screens will pop up. At that point, it is the expectation that everyone on the neighborhood will be involved in resolving the resident’s need for services as soon as possible.
Overtime 3 and 4 pathways are detailed in the attached document.

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Empower yourself and the women around you that you love by taking the steps needed to find breast cancer early, when it’s easiest to treat by:

Knowing your risk for breast cancer
Knowing how you can lower your risk of breast cancer
Knowing your family history
Knowing when to get a breast cancer screening
Knowing where to get a breast cancer screening

If you need assistance with knowing when to get screened, or need help paying for a screening or navigating the screenings or have questions, call Tiffany at Women’s Way, 701-787-8118.

Don’t forget to wear pink on Fridays in October to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives, to remember those we have lost, and support those who have survived!

Halloween at Valley
Trick or Treating is not open to the public this year but it is open to families of residents and staff. Trick or treating will take place in the afternoon on October 31 at Valley on Columbia and at Valley on 42nd. Times will be communicated next week. Tufte Manor is hosting a resident and family Halloween party on October 29 from 2 to 4 pm.

It’s RECRUITER BONUS time!
Congrats to Brandi Rusczak, the second winner in the Valley recruiter social media challenge! Brandi won a $100 Scheels gift card for sharing our open positions and recommending Valley Senior Living! The 3rd week challenge is coming soon and staff will have a chance to win tickets to see Carrie Underwood at the Alerus Center. Stay tuned for contest details soon.

Please continue to help us recruit new care partners and earn the recruiter bonus. Open positions and the application are available at valleyseniorliving.org/apply.

10.12.22 Weekly Update

COVID Results Update
In the past seven days, one staff and seven residents have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes two residents from Riverside, two residents from Reeves, and two residents from Almonte in the neighborhoods at Valley on Columbia, along with one resident and one non-direct care staff from Tufte Manor. We are currently caring for 10 residents at Valley on Columbia with two who have moved to Valley Transitions and eight sheltering in place. The resident identified as positive at Tufte Manor is being cared for off-site. Through contact tracing, fourteen close contacts have been identified.

A flu shot is required for all employees and must be received before October 27, 2022. If you have received your flu shot anywhere other than Valley Senior Living, you must submit a copy of the documentation. If you are seeking an exemption, please complete the paperwork (obtain from Human Resources) and return to Human Resources no later than Friday, October 14, 2022.

Eden Alternative Principle 6 from Lisa Warner, Life Enrichment Coordinator, Tufte Manor
The opportunity to do things that we find meaningful is essential to human health and wellbeing. It is important to all of us to stay engaged with the people and things we find meaningful. Often when a person moves into a nursing home they have many losses: their spouse, their health, and many of the things they worked for their whole lives. Working together, we all have the opportunity to find ways to help create meaningful moments. It starts with building relationships. As we get to know each individual’s interests (which can be found in their life story/simple pleasures) we all can help create moments of joy – no matter what your role is at Valley Senior Living.

September Fruits & Vegetables Challenge Winners
Congratulations! Please contact the HR department to make arrangements to collect/receive your gift card!
Twyla Bartel
Karen Basting
Victoria Cole
Jodi Dub
Kathy Feist
Sarah Fortman
Tamie Frericks
Andrea Hahn
Sara Herman
Christa Lembke
Paula Nowatzki
Angie Praska
Kate Woodworth

Healthcare Academy – Win Fall Décor!
Employees that complete all of the assigned HCA modules before October 21st will be entered to win a fall door prize sponsored by Valley Senior Living Staff Council.

Required modules must be completed by October 31st. You will receive education hours for completing these modules. See your direct supervisor with questions or concerns. Log in to www.healthcareacademy.com to get started.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Valley Senior Living and Women’s Way are teaming up this year to raise breast cancer awareness!

We invite you to decorate a pumpkin in honor of someone affected by breast cancer or just to help raise awareness, all pumpkins are welcome to be submitted to the patch. Submit a picture of your pumpkin virtually by sending via email to GFhealth@grandforksgov.com or Facebook Messenger @GFpublichealth. You could win a great prize package from Smiling Moose, Avant, and All Seasons. For more information visit www.grandforksgov.com/pink.

Watch this video for some inspiration from last year!

Pumpkins are welcomed to be placed on display at All Seasons Garden Center for everyone to enjoy!

Women’s Way encourages women to talk to their healthcare provider about starting annual breast cancer screening with mammograms after they turn 40 and/or if you notice changes in your breast. Women’s Way can help with scheduling and provide a way to pay for your screening; call Tiffany at 701-787-8118.

Don’t forget to wear pink on Friday’s in October to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives and to remember those we have lost, and support those who have survived!

HALLOWEEN Decorating Tips and Trick or Treats
Halloween candy donations are being collected at all neighborhoods at Valley on Columbia and by the recreation department staff at Woodside Village, Wheatland Terrance, and Tufte Manor.

As decorating begins on the neighborhoods, please keep the following safety tips in mind:

Decorations can hang from the ceiling but keep them away from sprinkler heads and smoke alarms. They should not be hanging within 18 inches of these fixtures. Do not cover or hang things from light fixtures. Also, nothing should be hung too low where staff/visitors/residents might bump into them while walking down the hallways. If you’re looking for guidance on how low to hang items, there should be a minimum of seven feet of clearance from the floor to where decorations are hanging.
Doors should not be covered with any items that are not deemed/labeled fire retardant. Do not cover doors with paper/cardboard decorations. You can hang paper/cardboard decorations on walls, just stay away from doors.
Do not cover fire pull stations, light switches, or fire extinguishers.
Be cognizant of any decorations that may be deemed a tripping hazard. Hallways are supposed to be free of carts/lifts and other clutter.

Trick or Treating is not open to the public this year but it is open to families of residents and staff. The schedule for trick or treating at each location will be shared once those schedules have been determined.

Valley on 42nd Employee Craft & Bake Sale
The Valley on 42nd Employee Craft & Bake Sale is this Friday, October 14th from 9:00AM to 2:30PM in the Auditorium at Woodside Village.

The Recipe for Caring is Sharing
Residents, family, and staff from all Valley Senior Living communities are encouraged to share their favorite recipes with a resident from Valley on Columbia that is assembling a cookbook. Handwritten or hard copies of recipes may be dropped off at the reception desk or emailed to Jill at jswingen@valleyseniorliving.org.

It’s RECRUITER BONUS Time!
Congrats to Tiffany Campbell, the first winner in the Valley recruiter social media challenge!
You still have time to participate in week 2 and 3. We want you to help us pick the best care partners to work alongside you and to care for the residents! Open positions and the application are available at valleyseniorliving.org/apply.

Tag and share our open positions on social media with everyone you would like to work with! Don’t forget the hashtag #MakeItHome. Click the link for more details about ca$hing in on a Recruiter Bonus.

10.5.22 Weekly Update

Help us recruit the best people to Valley!
With our recent pay increases, we are seeing a nice increase in applications, particularly for our upcoming CNA class. We want you to help us pick the best care partners to work alongside you and to care for the residents throughout Valley! Open positions and the application are available at https://valleyseniorliving.org/careers. Don’t forget the hashtag #MakeItHome. Click the link for more details about ca$hing in on a Recruiter Bonus.

COVID Results Update
In the past seven days, ten staff and six residents have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes three residents from the Reeves neighborhood and three residents from the Riverside neighborhood at Valley on Columbia, with all residents sheltering in place. Staff testing positive include one non-direct care staff and seven direct care staff (2 Riverside, 2 Valley Transitions, 2 Reeves, 1 Almonte) at Valley on Columbia; along with one direct care staff from the Hearthstone neighborhood, and one non-direct care staff at Woodside Village. Through contact tracing, thirty-nine close contacts have been identified.

As we navigate the recent outbreak at Valley on Columbia, we are also adjusting to the new guidance that is more endemic in nature. With the new guidance and a recent bivalent booster for residents, we are more permissive in continuing dining for residents who are not close contacts in the neighborhoods with the outbreaks. This is the first outbreak that we are no longer having dedicated CNA staffing for COVID positive residents; we observe transmission-based precautions for those residents and care for them with their regular caregivers.

Staff Illness
Nothing changed with our requirements for symptomatic COVID testing! If you have been experiencing symptoms related to respiratory illness onset or have had exposure to someone who has tested positive, please call the COVID Staff Illness Line at 701-741-9646 to report your symptoms and determine if testing is required.

CONGRATULATIONS to our Care Partners of the Quarter!
Valley on Columbia
Andrew Cardinal, RN Valley Transitions
Ruby Carter, RN Reeves
Jennifer Enninga, RN Riverside
Vanessa Gonzalez, CNA Almonte
Kari Schindler, LPN Lanark

Tufte Manor
Traci Olson, PCA

Wheatland Terrace
Jodi Dub, Administrative Assistant

Woodside Village
Chelsey Gerszewski, CNA Hearthstone
Jordan Jacobson, LPN Prairieview
Nenabell Jasper, CNA Heartland
Leticia Severson, CNA Oakcrest

CONGRATULATIONS to our Care Partners reaching new milestones!
20 Years
Wanda Armstrong, LPN (Woodside Village)

10 Years
Angela Borgen, RN (Woodside Village)
Marylou Kuster, Cook (Valley on Columbia)

5 Years
Stephanie Bielawski, LPN (Tufte Manor)
Andrew Cardinal, RN (Valley on Columbia)
Baillie Hanson, CNA (Valley on Columbia)
Philomena Kazmierczak, RN (Woodside Village)
Emily Reynolds, CNA (Woodside Village)
Tim Tuma, Accounting Manager (Valley on Columbia)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Valley Senior Living’s Wellness Committee is collaborating with Women’s Way to provide meaningful and useful education and tools through the month of October, emphasizing the importance of regular preventative mammography screenings.

We are asking staff and residents to show support for breast cancer awareness initiatives, those who have survived and those we have lost, by wearing pink each Friday during the month of October.

Receiving a regular mammogram is the best method available to detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable, and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. In some cases, finding a breast tumor early may mean that a woman can choose surgery that saves her breast or she may not require chemotherapy. Regular mammography screenings can save lives as research estimates indicate that if 10,000 women age 50 were screened every year for 10 years, about 37 lives would be saved.

Have questions or need help navigating or paying for a mammogram? Women’s Way can help! Please call Tiffany at 701-787-8118.

Flu Shot Clinic
The next flu shot clinic Valley Senior Living is offering for employees to complete is at Valley on 42nd on October 12 from 6:00AM to 12:00PM in the Auditorium. Coffee from Caribou and fall breads will be provided at the flu shot clinic!

A flu shot is required for all employees and must be received before October 27, 2022. If you have received your flu shot anywhere other than Valley Senior Living, you must submit a copy of the documentation. If you are seeking an exemption, please complete the paperwork (obtain from Human Resources) and return to Human Resources no later than October 14, 2022.

Healthcare Academy
Required modules are now available on Healthcare Academy. These must be completed by October 31st. You will receive education hours for completing these modules. See your direct supervisor with questions or concerns. Log in to www.healthcareacademy.com to get started.

Valley on 42nd Employee Craft & Bake Sale
Mark your calendar! The Valley on 42nd Employee Craft & Bake Sale is October 14th from 9:00AM to 2:30PM in the Auditorium at Woodside Village.

Bivalent Booster
Individuals 12 years of age and older who have completed their primary COVID-19 series and are at least 2 months from their last dose of a COVID-19 vaccine are eligible for a bivalent booster. If you are interested in this booster, please complete with Thrifty White Drug. If received, please turn in documentation to Human Resources. Valley Senior Living will look at coordination of an onsite clinic for employees in the future, more to come.