Staff Update - Valley Senior Living

5.26.23 Attendance Policy Changes Effective this Sunday, May 28

During the pandemic, COVID-related absences have not counted for any points because we didn’t want to encourage people to show up to work when ill. Now that we are at the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, we revisited our attendance policy. We have two major changes starting on May 28:

1. Call-ins from COVID-related symptoms will be assigned the same points as any other absence (5 points for day 1 of an excused absence).
2. To account for COVID-related absences, each employee can carry an additional 10 attendance points. Now a CARE form is triggered after 25 points where it was previously 15 points over a six month period.

Life happens and we do expect that everyone will carry some attendance points. For many of you, the point threshold of 25 points in a six month period will never be an issue. We don’t want to be hassling anyone over attendance unless a pattern of attendance issues develops.

See the attendance policy for the details.

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In case you missed the company zoom earlier today, here is the link: 5.24 Zoom

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

May 24
2 Years – Ayana Richtsmeier, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

May 25
2 Years – Jozetta Bruce, CNA, Prairieview
2 Years – Madison Kotaska, CNA, Heartland
2 Years – Lene Olsen, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia
1 Year – Janice Lein, Dining Room Attendant, Valley on Columbia

May 27
43 Years – Sue Prestegard, Nursing Supply Clerk, Valley on Columbia
14 Years – Samantha Jallo, Employee Health Nursing, Valley Senior Living

May 30
16 Years – Marisa Nelson, Care Coordinator, Hearthstone
11 Years – Tanna Knudson, LPN Treatment Charge, Prairieview
5 Years – Elsie Tongueu, CNA, Woodside Village

Caregiver of the Year Nominations

We are honored to have 47 current Valley employees nominated for North Dakota Long Term Care’s Caregiver of the Year award. Caregivers were nominated by residents or families, and were recognized with a certificate and booklet with the names of all the caregivers across North Dakota who were nominated. Congratulations to those who were nominated and thank you to those who helped residents nominate caregivers!

Valley on Columbia
Madi Bartlette
Nicole Carlson
Kim Duncombe
Jennifer Enninga
Dawn Foley
Vanessa Gonzalez
Kinzie Grinde
Wendy Hackett
Baillie Hanson
Sara Herman
Raven Hernandez
Sarah Hervey
Ruby Hoverson
Kia Isherwood
Anthony Itoe
Linda Kvasager
Lexi Litzinger
Autumn Maurstad
Lynn McGarry
Aylia Mikell
Breanna Olson
Sue Prestegard
Lee Rerick
Hannah Schiele
Sarah Sharpe
Jenna Stai
Jill Swingen
Jacob Visser

Woodside Village
Jon Cute
Sarah Matson
Michelle Post
Lisa Warner

Tufte Manor
Melania del Peral
Paula Haugen
Gracie Koenig
Courtney Moreland
Bree Obah
Traci Olson
Suzanne Widdel

Wheatland Terrace
Tammy Cleem
Jodi Dub
Sarah Fortman
Sharla Johnson
Sandy Kemnitz
Jocelyne Ouraga
Brandi Rusczak
Laura Schauer

Older Americans Month Employee Meal-Thursday, May 25

In celebration of Older Americans Month, each community will be offering a free picnic meal on Thursday, May 25 for Valley employees. The menu includes grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, sides, and a drink. Meals will be served from 9:45am-12:30pm and 4-5pm from the following serving locations: Valley on 42^nd-Auditorium Kitchenette, Valley on Columbia-Staff Break Room, Tufte Manor-Dining Room. Come and enjoy a meal together!

Bring Your Child to Work

With summer fast approaching, it is exciting to consider how we can get our kids more involved with residents throughout our care communities. Youth are invited and encouraged to participate in various resident activities through Bring Your Child to Work. A few guidelines are in place to help this be successful for all involved which are outlined here. A couple of things to consider prior to bringing your child to work include discussing with your supervisor and turning in paperwork to Terri Heggie, Volunteer Coordinator. The COVID vaccine requirement for volunteers remains in place until CMS makes any further changes so vaccine records will be needed. Please reach out to your supervisor or Terri if you have any further questions!

CNA Flex Pool

As staffing remains strong and the majority of shifts are being filled by full and part-time staff, the number of shifts available for flex positions have decreased and some people are not able to get the hours they desire. We encourage flex staff to transition to every other weekend positions for more predictability in hours.

Greg V. Hanson Scholarship

Applications are now being accepted for the Greg V. Hanson Scholarship. Greg served as the President/CEO of Valley Senior Living from 2002 to 2013. He had a deep passion for giving people opportunities to advance their careers. The Greg V. Hanson Scholarship fund was established after his passing to honor his memory. Scholarships up to $15,000 are available to give Valley Senior Living employees the opportunity to become a nurse. Read more details in this flyer.

COVID-19 Vaccines

Valley Senior Living continues to encourage staff to remain current with their COVID-19 vaccines. We partner with Thrifty White Drug. Visit Thrifty White Drug’s website here to schedule your vaccine today!

Memorial Day Holiday Pay

Holiday Pay (time and a half) for Memorial Day (Monday, May 29) will be paid as follows:
Day Shift: Holiday Pay for the entire shift
PM Shift: Holiday Pay for the entire shift
Night Shift: If your night shift starts on Monday, May 29, you will get Holiday Pay for the entire shift
Monday-Friday Employees: Memorial Day is recognized on Monday, May 29
If you have any questions, please talk to your supervisor.

“Make it Home” T-Shirt Design Contest

Help Valley design the new Make It Home shirts! Visit this survey monkey for design contest details and to submit your design idea.

Important Dates:

Submit your design by FRIDAY!
Employee voting via survey monkey will take place between May 29 – June 9
Announcement of winner on June 14

Prize: Two tickets to the Valley Senior Living Oktoberfest, September 28, at the Alerus Center (a $100 value)

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Please continue to be mindful of your mental health and know that additional information and resources are available. As a reminder, we have an Employee Assistance Program through Live Well Solutions free of charge for all Valley Senior Living employees. For further information on services available visit with your supervisor or Human Resources.

5.17.23 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:

May 17
2 Years – Delaney Aaker, CNA, Oakcrest
2 Years – Mansata Badji, CNA, Hearthstone
2 Years – Thomas Borash, Restorative Aide, Valley on Columbia
2 Years – Skyla Dalbec, CNA, Oakcrest
2 Years – Gabby Eagan, CNA, Woodside Village
2 Years – Nick Faul, CNA, Heartland
2 Years – Gina Troftgruben, CNA, Valley on Columbia
1 Year – Sumaya Hirsi, Dining Service, Valley on Columbia

May 19
9 Years – Tenneh Bility, Cook, Town Square
3 Years – Susanna Blue, Medical Records Clerk, Corporate
2 Years – Jocelyne Ouraga, LPN, Wheatland Terrace

May 20
4 Years – Sofia Hernandez, CNA, Heartland

May 21
5 Years – Hannah Labine, RN, Reeves

May 22
10 Years – Brittany German, Restorative Aide, Oakcrest
6 Years – Sheila Hunsberger, Housekeeper, Tufte Manor
6 Years – Leah Nelson, RN, Valley Transitions
6 Years – Sarah Whalen, RN, Riverside

May 23
1 Year – Kayla Larson, CNA, Riverside

Attendance Policy Updates

At the end of March, we announced that we are working to improve workplace attendance across Valley. We care about a culture of reliability for the team you work with. By addressing the staff who are not meeting attendance standards, we will make everyone’s work life better and improve resident care. We are committed to turning that around, but it takes time. Supervisors have met with a number of people who have excessive absenteeism and some of the people who “lead” the company in absenteeism are no longer with the company. Others are making great improvements. Our goal is that people will show gradual improvement towards being a more reliable team member.

During the pandemic, COVID-related absences have not counted for any points because we don’t want to create incentives to show up to work when ill. Now that we are at the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, we revisited our attendance policy. We have two major changes starting on May 28:

Call-ins from COVID related symptoms will be assigned the same points as any other absence (5 points for day 1 of an excused absence).
Each employee can carry an additional 10 attendance points to reflect that we have a culture of not working while sick like we did prior to the pandemic. Example: a CARE form for attendance was recommended when an employee reached 15 points over a six month period. Now the threshold will be 25 points over a six month period.

Welcome to our new CNA Class Members!

This Monday two classes totaling 27 students began their training through Valley Senior Living to become Certified Nurse Assistants. A majority of the class will be part-time staff that will help us fill the positions of those students who recently graduated and moved out of town. We are excited to have this large group of new care partners join the team at Valley!

CNA Flex Pool

As staffing continues to improve, we are in the unusual position at Valley on Columbia of not accepting CNA transfers to “flex” because the people in the CNA flex pool are not able to get the hours they would prefer and we are not going to add to that issue by increasing the numbers of people in the flex pool. We do have regular status every other weekend positions available and with those positions you would be eligible for incentive pay when it is offered. For flex employees looking for guaranteed hours or for regular status employees looking to reduce your number of hours, please speak with your supervisor about every other weekend shift availability.

NDLTCA Awards

On Wednesday, May 3^rd, the North Dakota Long Term Care Association recognized two Valley employees at the awards gala in Bismarck during North Dakota’s Long Term Care Association Convention. Recognized were Caregiver of the Year, Kinzie Grinde, and Social Worker of the Year, Shannon Holte. Kinzie and Shannon’s families, along with 35 Valley employees, joined in support as they accepted their awards. Congratulations again to Shannon and Kinzie! We are honored to have had over 45 Valley employees nominated for Caregiver of the Year and we are excited to share those names with you in next week’s staff communication! Enjoy photos from the event as well as Shannon and Kinzie’s recognition videos created by the NDLTCA.

Shannon Award Video Kinzie Award Video

Greg V. Hanson Scholarship

“Make it Home” T-Shirt Design Contest

Help Valley design the new Make It Home shirts! Visit this survey monkey for design contest details and to submit your design idea.

Submit your design by May 26
Employee voting via survey monkey will take place between May 29 – June 9

Announcement of winner on June 14. The winner will get two tickets to the Valley Senior Living Oktoberfest, September 28, at the Alerus Center (a $100 value).

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Please take some time to hear from Kyle Agre, our representative from our EAP provider – Live Well Solutions. In this video, Kyle explains the many benefits associated with our EAP program, and discusses the topics of Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing. The wellness committee encourages all staff to watch the video as it may provide you with some valuable information pertaining to mental health, mental wellbeing, and the many resources that our EAP program provides each of you.

5.10.23 Update

In case you missed the company zoom earlier today, here is the link: 5.10 Zoom

Tomorrow will mark the end of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency and many changes from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been shared over the past week with operational changes for nursing homes:

Facemasks are no longer required based on healthcare community transmission levels but remain recommended for employees, residents, and visitors who have had close contact with a positive individual and for those experiencing respiratory illness symptoms. Facemask use will be required for employees, residents, and visitors working within areas experiencing an outbreak and when recommended in the community or by public health authorities.
Daily COVID related symptoms assessments of all residents are no longer required and have been discontinued! Happy Nurses Week!
The requirement to test a resident upon admission, when returning from a hospital stay, or upon return from an extended outing have been suspended.
The communication requirements for reporting to residents, representatives, and families on COVID-19 related information has changed. We will no longer be reporting the number of new infections in staff and residents, or occurrence of three or more staff or residents reporting respiratory illness onset over a 72 hour period on our website or in weekly communication to residents and their representatives. We will continue to share care community updates on a bi-weekly basis.
The healthcare worker vaccine mandate will end soon, but no end date has been communicated yet.

COVID-19 testing requirements are not changing at this time and are nationally recognized as a standard to help identify and prevent the spread of COVID-19. For staff who experience respiratory illness symptom onset it is important you call the COVID staff illness line at 701-741-9646 before reporting to work.

Happy VALLEYversary!

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

May 10

28 Years – Doreen Johnson, Custodian, Woodside Village

May 11

29 Years – Heidi Ebertowski, Care Coordinator, Reeves

18 Years – Amber Terbest, Dining Room Attendant, Valley on Columbia

12 Years – Sarah Hervey, LPN Treatment Charge, Almonte

1 Year – Monique Manz, CNA Trainer, Valley on Columbia

1 Year – Kate Edman, Dining Services, Town Square

1 Year – Sam Clagg, CNA, Prairieview

May 12

2 Years – Maddie Kinzler, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

May 14

22 Years – Cheryl Vidden, Dining Room Attendant, Valley on Columbia

22 Years – Liz Lipsh, HUC, Almonte

20 Years – Michael Hetland, Recreation Assistant, Valley on Columbia

9 Years – Tracy Sorvig, CNA, Reeves

5 Years – Erin Lauckner, Dietician, Woodside Village

May 15

6 Years – Dominique Koehmstedt, CNA, Hearthstone

6 Years – Falyn Shane, Recreation Assistant, Valley on Columbia

6 Years – Rochelle Nelson, RN, Oakcrest

6 Years – Trace Dallman, CNA, Valley on Columbia

May 16

18 Years – Kayla Waege, RN, Heartland

1 Year – Abby Fevig, CNA, Valley on Transitions

1 Year – Anna Kalenze-Akinboro, CNA, Reeves

1 Year – Aylia Mikell, CNA, Riverside

1 Year – Brooke Clark, PCA, Tufte Manor

1 Year – Caitlin Kotowicz, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

1 Year – Chelsey Afshari, CNA, Oakcrest

1 Year – Cindy Stattine, Custodian, Valley on Columbia

1 Year – Juan Martinez, CNA, Hearthstone

1 Year – Madeline Harris, CNA, Heartland

1 Year – Vada Smith, CNA, Heartland

HAPPY NURSES WEEK!
This week we celebrate our nurses for the fantastic care that they provide. Each community is celebrating in their own way, but please take a moment to recognize and thank each nurse that you encounter throughout the week. Thank you nurses for all that you do!

Mental Health Awareness Month
Please take some time to hear from Kyle Agre, our representative from our EAP provider – Live Well Solutions. In this video, Kyle explains the many benefits associated with our EAP program, and discusses the topics of Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing. The wellness committee encourages all staff to watch the video as it may provide you with some valuable information pertaining to mental health, mental wellbeing, and the many resources that our EAP program provides each of you.

“Make it Home” T-Shirt Design Contest
Valley Senior Living employees will receive a new “Make It Home” t-shirt at the upcoming Annual Corporate Education (ACE) in August from the Valley Senior Living Foundation. We are excited to offer staff the opportunity to design this year’s t-shirt! Help Valley put your spin on the new company t-shirt.

Design Guidelines:

The design must include the words “Make It Home”
T-shirt color can be suggested (colors may vary due to supply available from vendor)
Design must be on the front of the shirt
Design must be no more than two colors
The Valley Senior Living logo will be on the sleeve as in previous years and does not need to be incorporated in the front t-shirt design.
Your artwork can be created using whatever method you wish as long as a .jpg, .png, or .pdf can be submitted
Final artwork selected may include slight modifications from t-shirt vendor

Important Dates:

Submit your design between May 8 – May 26
Employee voting via survey monkey will take place between May 29 – June 9
Announcement of winner on June 14

Submission Details:

Submit design at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JRGYV27

Prize:

The winning entry will receive two tickets to the Valley Senior Living Oktoberfest, September 28, at the Alerus Center!

Nominate Care Partners of Quarter
Each quarter we select a Care Partner of the Quarter from each neighborhood. Voting boxes are located on each neighborhood. Please share your comments and help us select the next Care Partners of the Quarter!

Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals (GGFYP)
Are you looking for opportunities to connect with other young professionals in the Grand Forks area? GGFYP hosts a variety of events for just that. Click here to watch a video of upcoming GGFYP events or visit their website at ggfyp.com. All employees of Valley Senior Living are able to register as members and attend GGFYP events for free.

5.3.23 Update

Greetings from Bismarck where a number of us from Valley are here for the spring ND Long Term Care Association (NDLTCA) convention. We have much to be thankful for as we gather here this week:

Valley Staff to Receive Caregiver Award and Social Worker of the Year – Both of our award winners will be formally honored at the awards banquet tonight in Bismarck! Kinzie Grinde, CNA on the Valley Transitions neighborhood, and Shannon Holte, LBSW, Director of Social Work at Woodside Village, will be recognized with the Caregiver of the Year and Social Worker of the Year awards. Please join me in congratulating these two employees on their accomplishments and the honor they have received.
Legislative Support for ND Long Term Care – If you know any North Dakota legislators back from Bismarck this week, thank them for their service and support of long term care issues during the session. They have given long term care in North Dakota a great chance to be successful in 2024 and 2025 through their funding.
The Healthcare Worker Vaccine Mandate Should End Soon…On May 10, the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for Federal employees will end. CMS is expected to soon announce the same for the healthcare profession. Even though the vaccine does a great job protecting people from serious illness and death, the healthcare mandatory vaccine requirements have been onerous and increasingly ineffective since the fall of 2021 when the virus continued to mutate. We expect to receive more information from CMS in the coming days for ending vaccine requirements in healthcare. For more information, please see this release from the White House.
We are likely to not have to wear masks again next week as our positivity rate is currently 6.6%.

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

May 3

1 Year – Khaleela Korynta, Dining Services, Town Square

1 Year – Amy Shilling, RN, Valley Transitions

1 Year – Angela Stewart, Laundry, Woodside Village

May 4

8 Years – Bhakti Rai, LPN Treatment, Valley on Columbia

May 8

6 Years – Michelle Coulter, Administrative Assistant, Valley on Columbia

May 9

1 Year – Jody Burns, HUC, Lanark

1 Year – Mary Chang, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

1 Year – Marcus Gilbertson, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

Tree of Life Recognition
Please help us thank employees who are being recognized at our Tree of Life banquet on May 10^th for their contributions through our Partners in Caring campaign and other gifts to the Valley Senior Living Foundation through special events and memorials:

Gold Leaf – $2,500 Cumulative Gifts

Kari Gerszewski, RN Care Coordinator, Oakcrest

Kevin & Paula Nowatzki, Laundry & Recreation Director, Valley on Columbia

Silver Leaf – $1,000 Cumulative Gifts

Katie Curran, Care Coordinator, Lanark

Kathy Feist, Payroll & Benefits Coordinator, Corporate

Monique Manz, CNA Trainer, Corporate

Angie Olson, Transportation Coordinator, Corporate

Mary Sullivan, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

Lisa Warner, Recreation Director, Woodside Village

Bronze Leaf – $500 Cumulative Gifts

Sonja Hathaway, Dining Services Director, Valley on Columbia

Ashley Hettervig, RN, Valley Transitions

Alexis Horner, CNA, Prairieview

Samantha Jallo, Employee Health Nurse, Corporate

Marissa Kazmierczak, RN, Prairieview

Christa Lembke, Dietician, Valley on Columbia

Julie Lofberg, Housekeeper, Valley on Columbia

Alice Mah, CNA, Riverside

Sarah Nelson, LPN Charge, Hearthstone

Erin Ortloff, RN, Hearthstone

Laura Schauer, RN, Wheatland Terrace

Brekka Sherwood, LPN Charge, Hearthstone

Kate Woodworth, Assistant Director of Nursing, Valley on Columbia

Masking Update
Since our current rate of county positivity is 6.6%, we anticipate continuing to not be required to wear masks for the next week. If on Friday our community transmission level is above 10%, mask usage will be required by staff and visitors until at least the following Friday. Mask usage is still required in a number of situations. Neighborhood masking requirements will be communicated through signage. Please continue to report symptoms of respiratory illness onset and exposures to positive individuals outside of work to the COVID line at 701-741-9646 for instruction on testing.

Mental Health Awareness Month – Wellness Committee
Throughout the month of May, as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Wellness Committee will be passing on educational and intentional information about mental health, mental illness, and what one can do to take care of one self.

Did you know: The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community.

Did you know: According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a national survey administered by SAMHSA, shows that an estimated 46.6 million people, or 18.9% of adults ages 18 years or older, experience a mental illness or substance use disorder each year – that is roughly 1 in 5 people in the US.

Did you know: Mental and behavioral disorders are the second most debilitating illnesses, with cardiovascular illnesses being the most debilitating.

Did you know: Self-care is not simply about limiting or addressing professional stressors. It is also about enhancing your overall well-being. Goals of self-care include:

Taking care of physical and psychological health.
Managing and reducing stress.
Recognizing emotional and spiritual needs.
Fostering and sustaining relationships.
Achieving balance in different areas of one’s life

May is Older Americans Month
Each community will have celebrations throughout the month for Older Americans Month, including a staff meal on May 25^th. Watch your community communications for further information on other Older Americans Month events!

Upcoming Events:

May 6 – 12, Nurses Week

May 14 – 20, Nursing Home Week

Clothing Drive – Occupational Therapy Month
A clothing drive competition was held at Valley on Columbia to benefit residents who come to us without clothing or clothing they are unable to wear due to various reasons. Congratulations to the winner-VALLEY TRANSITIONS! Here are the totals of clothing items donated:

Valley Transitions=664 items

Lanark=216 items

Reeves=183 items

Almonte=140 items

Riverside=48 items

For a total of 1,251 items! Thank you to all who participated.

COVID Results Update
Another bright spot in regulatory changes is that weekly reporting of the number of positive COVID test results for residents and staff is no longer a requirement. This will be the final weekly update on COVID test results and conclude three years of this required reporting! J In the past seven days, no residents or staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. The Heartland neighborhood at Woodside Village returned to normal operations yesterday and Tufte Manor has resumed normal operation today.

May 2023 Newsletter

4.26.23 Update

In case you missed the company zoom earlier today, here is the link: 4.26 Zoom

Happy Administrative Professionals Day!
Administrative Professionals Day recognizes and celebrates the work of secretaries, administrative assistants and other professionals for their contributions to the workplace. This year we celebrate 48 employees who fill these roles at Valley. Thank you for all you do!

Happy VALLEYversary!
Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:
April 26
17 Years – Max Boushee, LPN Charge, Valley on Columbia
13 Years – Gina Roller, Administrator, Valley on 42nd
6 Years – Felicity Mokambe, CNA, Valley on Columbia
1 Year – Kade Langowski, Dining Services, Town Square

April 27
8 Years – Sharla Johnson, Housekeeper, Wheatland Terrace

May 2
1 Year – Lauren Glennon, Dining Services, Tufte Manor

Will we be able to get rid of masks on Friday?
The Grand Forks County positivity rate is currently at 9.3%. This Friday we are hopeful that the community transmission level will change, but we will still considered a “High Transmission” county if our rate is 10% or higher at that time. If our county designation changes on Friday, we will immediately remove the requirement for staff and visitors to wear masks for neighborhoods not affected by recent positive COVID tests in residents or staff. Residents and families are supportive of this change based on our conversations over the last two weeks.

It is important to understand that residents, staff, and visitors will still be required to wear a mask if the following have occurred:

Resident, staff, or visitor has suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or other respiratory infection.
Resident, staff, or visitor has had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Mask will be worn for 10 days after their exposure.
Resident, staff, or visitor is living, working, or visiting in an area of the building that is experiencing an outbreak. An outbreak will trigger masking as an intervention to prevent further transmission.

Signage will be posted at the entrance to neighborhoods alerting staff, visitors and residents of the current masking requirements.

Should an outbreak occur when we do not have residents, staff, or visitors masking, we anticipate it will affect a larger number of individuals. We have taken steps to ensure we are able to manage a larger and more widespread outbreak if this happens. Please continue to report symptoms of respiratory illness onset and exposures to positive individuals outside of work to the COVID line at 701-741-9646 for instruction on testing.

Incentive Pay Policy Changes
Effective April 30, 2023, Valley Senior Living will be adjusting its incentive pay practice/policy companywide.

Issued alongside this announcement is the policy that defines the ways in which incentive pay can be offered/administered, the rates of the incentive pay, examples of how this new structure will be implemented, and ways in which incentive pay is disqualified.
Additionally, we are rebranding the wording used for incentive pay. We will no longer be using the words PPOT and DT when offering/discussing incentive. We will now be using the following terminology: PREM25, PREM50, and PREM100.

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Around Our Table Online Silent Auction
Thank you to the neighborhoods that contributed baskets and auction items for the 8th annual Around Our Table! The online auction continues through April 30. Register to bid at https://valley.cbo.io.

Raffle tickets for the commemorative facemask quilt are available at the front desk of each care community or at the Foundation office by calling 701-787-7997. Drawing for the quilt and additional cash prizes will take place Monday, May 1 in the community room at Valley on Columbia at 9:00AM.

Clothing Drive – Occupational Therapy Month
A clothing drive is being held at Valley on Columbia to benefit residents who come to us without clothing or clothing they are unable to wear due to various reasons. New or like new clothing (sizes S – 3 XL) from t-shirts, long sleeved t-shirts, sweatshirts, and sweatpants are needed; as well as socks and plastic hangers. A competition is being held for which neighborhood gathers the most clothing and the winners will receive a PRIZE! Please stop by the front of the building to contribute.

COVID Results Update
In the past seven days, six residents and one staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes one resident from Hearthstone and four residents from Heartland at Woodside Village, one resident at Tufte Manor, and one staff from Valley on Columbia.

4.19.23 Update

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

April 20
2 Years – Sheena Ganje, LPN Treatment, Valley Transitions

April 21
25 Years – Joan Houde, CNA, Reeves

April 24
4 Years – Lucy Sutter-Hegg, CNA, Heartland
4 Years – Joanne Kalal, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia
4 Years – Zoey Sholtis, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

April 25
5 Years – Jason Larson, Dining Services, Town Square

Congratulations to Erlene Erickson – Valley Volunteer of the Year!
This is National Volunteer Week. A Volunteer Appreciation event was held in the Auditorium on Tuesday, April 18. With nearly 40 volunteers in attendance, we celebrated the importance of their dedication to Valley and the residents. Congratulations to Erlene Erickson, longtime volunteer at Valley Senior Living on 42nd, on being named the Valley Volunteer of the Year. Erlene is well known for her baking with residents on different neighborhoods and her volunteerism in the flower gardens and gardening areas at Woodside Village.

Preventative Healthcare – Wellness Committee
Preventative Healthcare involves the prevention and detection of life-threatening diseases. The earlier medical staff find conditions like cancer and diabetes, the better your chances are for a positive outcome.

The following are services that are considered preventative medical care:
• Tests to check diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol
• Screenings for cancer, including colonoscopies and mammograms
• Counseling to help patients lose weight, quit smoking, eat healthy foods, treat depression and manage alcohol use
• Well-baby checks
• Regular pediatric wellness visits through age 21
• Vaccinations against polio, measles, meningitis and other diseases
• Prenatal wellness checks
• Seasonal shots for flu and pneumonia

Important Notice: We are in the process of working with Altru Occupational Health to coordinate a date(s) for their staff to come in and provide health screenings to staff at Valley Senior Living. Further information is to come on this opportunity.

Masking Update – Mask REQUIREMENT has NOT Changed
This week we remain at the “HIGH” community transmission level and it is not expected to change on Friday (we are at 13% positivity again, needs to be below 10%). The requirement to wear a facemask will not change at Valley until we are in “NOT HIGH” community transmission level. We do not know when this level will change, although we expect it will be within the next few weeks. When the level changes, we will be removing the requirement for staff and visitors to wear facemasks. Residents or decision makers have been contacted to explain this process and we have heard no concern with this change.

It is important to understand that residents, staff, and visitors will still be required to wear a mask if the following have occurred:
1. Resident, staff, or visitor has suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or other respiratory infection.
2. Resident, staff, or visitor has had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Mask will be worn for 10 days after their exposure.
3. Resident, staff, or visitor is living, working, or visiting in an area of the building that is experiencing an outbreak. An outbreak will trigger masking as an intervention to prevent further transmission.

Employee Incident Reports – Sam Jallo, Employee Health Nurse & Safety Director
There has been an increase in employee incident reports being turned in late. As a reminder, these must be completed with your supervisor and turned into HR within 24 hours of the injury occurring. WSI may decline your claim if it is not filed timely.

As a reminder, employee incident reports should be filled out if you get hurt on the job, even if you feel it was small or you don’t feel it is going to turn into anything, please fill out an incident report with your charge nurse or supervisor within 24 hours of the incident occurring. This ensures that if you wake up sore the next day or your injuries do not get better, we can get you into Employer Health Solutions and seen by a provider.

Clothing Drive – Occupational Therapy Month
A clothing drive is being held at Valley on Columbia to benefit residents who come to us without clothing or clothing they are unable to wear due to various reasons. New or like new clothing (sizes S – 3XL) from t-shirts, long sleeved t-shirts, sweatshirts, and sweatpants are needed; as well as socks and plastic hangers. A competition is being held for which neighborhood gathers the most clothing and the winners will receive a PRIZE! Please stop by the front of the building to contribute.

Caramel Rolls and Coffee
The Valley Senior Living Foundation will sell Valley Dairy caramel rolls and Starbucks coffee on Friday from 8 to 10 am at Valley on Columbia in Center Court and Valley on 42nd near the Myra Cafe. A $5.00 or more donation for Around Our Table and the Chaplaincy Ministry program is suggested.

Around Our Table 2023
The Valley Senior Living Foundation will host the 8th annual Around Our Table event to benefit the Chaplaincy Ministry program at Valley on April 22 at Calvary Lutheran Church. The online silent auction begins on Saturday, April 22 and registration is open now. Visit valley.cbo.io to sign up, view items, and begin bidding on Saturday.

COVID Results Update
In the past seven days, five residents and four staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes two residents from Hearthstone, two residents from Heartland, two direct care staff from Heartland, and one non-direct care staff at Woodside Village; along with one resident from Lanark and one direct care staff from Riverside at Valley on Columbia.

4.12.23 Update

In case you missed the company zoom earlier today, here is the link: 4.12 Zoom.

Happy VALLEYversary!

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

April 12
28 Years – Sheila Denney, Recreation Assistant, Valley on Columbia
24 Years – Cindy Danielson, Care Coordinator/RN, Valley Transitions
2 Years – Erica Madison, Recreation Assistant/CNA, Valley Transitions
1 Year – Michelle Anderson, Environmental Services Assistant Director, Town Square

April 13
3 Years – Ashley Davis, PCA/MA1, Wheatland Terrace
3 Years –Danielle Weiss, CNA, Valley on Columbia
3 Years – Roger Maldonado Baquedano, CNA, Woodside Village
2 Years – Emma Kava, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia

April 14
19 Years – Sue Vien, Housekeeper, Tufte Manor
9 Years – Janet Moen, Administrative Assistant, Town Square

April 15
4 Years – Suzie Burger. Housekeeper, Valley on Columbia
4 Years – Raven Hernandez, CNA, Riverside
4 Years – Ana Larson, Dining Services, Tufte Manor

April 16
5 Years – Karen Cummings, Cook, Town Square

Attendance at Work
Most care partners do a great job with attendance and take great pride in being here on time and when they are scheduled. On behalf of the residents who count on you each day, we thank you! Our attendance policy is designed to not hassle you when you have an absence, tardy or late unless it becomes a pattern. Life happens. We expect you will often carry some attendance points when the unplanned happens.

We are focusing on improving attendance because we know how disruptive it is to resident care and how demoralizing it is when some staff aren’t demonstrating reliability. During the last couple of years, we have become inconsistent in enforcing our attendance policy due to staffing challenges. As a result, over 10 percent of our staff are currently not meeting our attendance standards. We are committed to turning that around, but it takes time.

As we enforce the policy that we currently have, remember that COVID-related absences have not counted for any points because we don’t want to create incentives to show up to work when ill. When we revise our policy in the next couple of months, we are considering counting future COVID-related absences as we would any other absence, but we would also likely increase point thresholds to account for our COVID requirements to not work when ill or with respiratory symptoms.

We care about a culture of reliability for the team you work with at Valley. By addressing the staff who are not meeting attendance standards, we will make everyone’s work life better and improve resident care.

Masking Update – Mask REQUIREMENT has NOT Changed
This week we remain at the “HIGH” community transmission level and it is not expected to change on Friday because we need less than 10% positivity on tests within our county. After decreasing quickly from 22 to 12 percent, we seem to be stuck around 13 to 15% positivity lately (see chart below).

The requirement to wear a facemask will not change at Valley until we are in “NOT HIGH” community transmission level. We do not know when this level will change, although we expect it will be within the next few weeks. When the level changes, we will be removing the requirement for staff and visitors to wear facemasks. Residents or decision makers are being contacted to explain this process and are being given the opportunity to express their concerns.

It is important to understand that residents, staff, and visitors will still be required to wear a mask if the following have occurred:

Resident, staff, or visitor has suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or other respiratory infection.
Resident, staff, or visitor has had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Mask will be worn for 10 days after their exposure.
Resident, staff, or visitor is living, working, or visiting in an area of the building that is experiencing an outbreak. An outbreak will trigger masking as an intervention to prevent further transmission.

Tips for Accessing Preventative Care – Wellness Committee
Here are six tips for accessing preventive care:

Make time for regular check-ups. Even if you feel healthy, it’s important to see your doctor for regular check-ups. This will help you catch any potential problems early and get the treatment you need.
Get vaccinated. Vaccinations can protect you from serious illnesses (which can, in turn, protect your loved one from contracting them), so do what you can to stay up to date on your vaccinations.
Manage your stress levels. Caregiving can be stressful, so it’s important to find ways to manage your stress. Exercise, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques can all help to reduce stress levels.
Look for community resources. There may be local organizations that offer free or low-cost preventive care services. Contact Human Resources or the Employee Assistance Program if you need help locating these services.
Use technology. Many doctors offer virtual appointments that can be conducted via video chat or phone call. If you’re short on time or resources to get to the doctor in person, this can be a great alternative.
Talk to your insurance company. Most insurance plans offer coverage for preventive care services such as screenings and vaccinations. By understanding your coverage, you can take advantage of all the benefits available to you.

SAVE THE DATE! – 18th Annual Valley Senior Living Golf Classic
The date has been set and plans are underway for the 18th Annual Valley Senior Living Golf Classic on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at King’s Walk Golf Course. Proceeds will support the Greg V. Hanson Scholarship Fund and Chaplaincy Ministry program.

Around Our Table 2023
The Valley Senior Living Foundation will host the 8th annual Around Our Table event to benefit the Chaplaincy Ministry program at Valley on April 22 at Calvary Lutheran Church. You can become involved and support the Chaplaincy program by attending the event (purchase a seat at give.classy.org/aroundourtable2023), purchase a ticket for the quilt raffle at the front desk of any location or from the Foundation office (read more about the quilt made from the cloth facemasks residents used at the beginning of the pandemic). Tickets can be purchased with cash, check, or payroll deduction. You can also bid on items available in the online silent auction for Around Our Table at valley.cbo.io. Bidding begins on April 22 and ends on April 30. Registration to bid is open now!

COVID Results Update
In the past seven days, fifteen residents and two staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes ten residents and one direct care staff from the Heartland neighborhood and five residents from the Hearthstone neighborhood at Woodside Village, and one direct care staff from Wheatland Terrace.

4.5.23 Update

Storm…wrapping up in town, but many roads in the Red River Valley are still no travel advised…
Thank you to everyone who made the extra effort to get here today! Thank you to those that picked up extra hours to make sure resident care wasn’t affected by the storm!

Lowest Number of Nursing Positions Open Since June 2010!
We take a ton of pride that it has been 20 years since we have used a nursing staffing agency at Valley Senior Living. We can be even more proud right now about where we are at with current open positions for nurses and CNAs company-wide:

Nurses – 3 positions, 1.5 FTEs open, 1.6% vacancy rate – lowest since September 2020
CNAs – 4 positions, 2.0 FTEs open, 0.9% vacancy rate – lowest since June 2010

For those that are flex staff and it is temporarily more difficult to get hours, the end of school brings a number of position changes and summer brings many vacation requests among regularly positioned staff. If you are in a flex role and are finding it difficult to get hours, both VC and WV have every other weekend positions for both CNAs and nurses if you want guaranteed hours.

Happy VALLEYversary!
Please help us recognize the work anniversaries each week! Here is this week’s line-up of staff celebrating their Valleyversary:
April 5
1 Year – Emma Boris, Dining Services, Tufte Manor
1 Year – Nenabell Jasper, CNA, Heartland
April 6
3 Years – Sophie Klegstad, Dining Services, Town Square
3 Years – Anjali Tamang, CNA, Valley on Columbia
2 Years – Chloe Butler, CNA, Lanark
April 9
9 Years – Halee Weber, Resident Care Attendant/CNA, Valley on Columbia
April 11
11 Years – Kady Eck, Care Coordinator/RN, Prairieview
1 Year – Dail Hassler, CNA, Oakcrest
1 Year – Taylor Kenner, PCA/MA1, Tufte Manor
1 Year – Angelique Lindgren, CNA, Hearthstone

Congratulations to Our Care Partners of the Quarter!
Valley on Columbia
Sarah Jacobson, RN, Almonte
Ginger Bradley, RN, Reeves
Anthony Itoe, CNA, Riverside
Jenna Stai, CNA, Lanark
Stevetta Karpeh, CNA, Valley Transitions
Tufte Manor
Twyla Bartel, TR
Woodside Village
Krista Gillies, CNA, Hearthstone
June Foltz, CNA, Oakcrest
Kady Eck, RN/CC, Prairieview
Brooke Lunski, CNA, Heartland
Wheatland Terrace
Ingrid Hove, LPN

Preparations for Masking Based on Community Transmission Level
In today’s resident and family communication we are communicating our preparations for the anticipated change in community transmission level from “HIGH” to “NOT HIGH”. When this level changes, we will be removing the requirement for staff and visitors to wear facemasks. Residents or decision makers will be contacted throughout the next week and the changes will be reviewed as an opportunity for them to discuss any concerns.

It is important to understand that residents, staff, and visitors will still be required to wear a mask if the following have occurred:

Resident, staff, or visitor has suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or other respiratory infection.
Resident, staff, or visitor has had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Mask will be worn for 10 days after their exposure.
Resident, staff, or visitor is living, working, or visiting in an area of the building that is experiencing an outbreak. An outbreak will trigger masking as an intervention to prevent further transmission.

Staff Wellness – April – Preventative Care
Getting preventive care reduces the risk for diseases, disabilities, and even death – yet millions of people in the United States don’t get recommended preventive health care services. Besides annual wellness exams, preventative care also includes screenings and immunizations. Routine health care that includes screenings, check-ups, and patient counseling to prevent illnesses, disease, or other health problems may help you avoid potentially serious health conditions and/or obtain early diagnosis and treatment.

There are many benefits to preventative healthcare: longer lifespan, decreased cost of disease management, better quality of life, and detection of illnesses at an early stage.

As caregivers, it is not uncommon for one to neglect ourselves in light of serving others. We ask for you to take care of your health, as we cannot serve those in our communities unless we are healthy ourselves.

Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals (GGFYP)
GGFYP is dedicated to young professionals in the Greater Grand Forks area becoming involved with the community through philanthropic and volunteer opportunities, being connected through opportunities to interact professionally and socially with peers, having influence to create and foster an environment which helps attract and retain young professionals throughout the region. Valley Senior Living is a corporate sponsor of GGFYP, so all employees can register as members and attend events at no cost. For more details on GGFYP, please visit www.ggfyp.com. Follow this link to hear about upcoming events in April from their GGFYP video update.

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 on April 22nd 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 Columbia. To read more about this “artifact of care” click here.

COVID Results Update
In the past seven days, five residents and five staff have tested positive throughout Valley Senior Living. This includes five residents and three direct care staff from the Heartland neighborhood and one direct care staff from the Oakcrest neighborhood at Woodside Village; and one non-direct care staff from Valley on Columbia.

April 2023 – Valley Senior Living Monthly Highlights

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3.29.23 Update

In case you missed the company zoom earlier today, here is the link: ZOOM 3.29

Potential Change in COVID Transmission Rate Will Change Masking Recommendations for Residents at Woodside Village and Valley on Columbia
The COVID community transmission rates have been trending lower and we anticipate that we will soon not be in “high” transmission. Only 30% of the counties in the country are currently “high” transmission. Many counties in North Dakota have dropped to “substantial” or “moderate” transmission recently.

What determines High Transmission Risk?
High transmission is determined when 100 cases of active COVID per 100,000 people is identified or 10% or higher positivity on tests performed in the county. While Grand Forks County has dropped below 100 cases per 100,000 people as of last week, we have continued to have a positivity rate above 10% which continues what is considered “high” transmission levels.

Redefining Resident Masking Preference
Approximately 20 to 25% of the residents who live in our nursing homes are following the CDC recommendation to mask while in “high” transmission. When not in “high” transmission there is a level of discretion for facilities with CDC stating facilities can choose not to require masks. In preparation for the potential of an upcoming change in the transmission level, Care Coordinators and the Social Work Team will be reaching out to nursing home residents and primary decision makers who have chosen to mask during “high” community transmission and asking mask use preference for when it is no longer recommended by CDC. This will be noted in plan of care and posted in resident rooms. If a mask declination has already been signed, no contact will be made and we will continue the resident’s current declination unless we are in an outbreak scenario.

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

March 29
13 Years – Patty Holter, Recreation, Hearthstone

March 31
24 Years – Brian Sand, Director of Environmental Services, Valley on 42^nd
9 Years – Megan Anderson, Administrative Project Coordinator, Valley Senior Living
2 Years – Seth Dutenhafer, CNA, Lanark

April 1
9 Years – Victor Hernandez, Transportation, Valley Senior Living
3 Years – Alexis Coles, CNA, Valley on Columbia

April 2
5 Years – Jeffrey Ramsey, Custodian, Valley on Columbia

March Healthy Meal Cookoff – Fajitas on Thursday!!
Beef Fajitas were crowned the winner of the Healthy Meal Cook-off Challenge! At each community on Thursday, March 30, a meal will be served for staff. Please congratulate Traie Dockter – Housing Coordinator, for her submission of the beef fajitas meal! Serving schedule includes:

Valley on Columbia – Serving from the Employee Break Room – 9:45 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 to 5:00 PM
Valley on 42^nd – Serving from the Auditorium Kitchenette – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Tufte Manor – Serving from the Family Dining Room – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

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 Raffle
Do you remember the bright, colorful, cloth facemasks that were donated for resident use when the pandemic started? Those facemasks have been pieced together to make a beautiful quilt. Purchase a raffle ticket to win the quilt at the front desk at any care community. Tickets are $10 and payroll deduction is available. Proceeds from the quilt raffle go to Chaplaincy Ministry at Valley Senior Living. Read more about this “artifact of care” click here.

Recruit New Care Partners, EARN the RECRUITER BONUS!

Recruiter bonus forms are available from Supervisors or a Human Resources office.
Earn $1000, $500 or $250

COVID Results Update
In the past seven days, two staff and two residents have tested positive. This includes one direct care staff from the Hearthstone neighborhood at Woodside Village and one non-direct care staff from Valley on Columbia. Two residents from Heartland have tested positive this week and both are sheltering in place.

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.

3.22.23 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.

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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