Staff Update - Valley Senior Living

All Staff Meal on Wednesday, May 15

Join us on May 15 as Valley hosts a grilled meal for all staff in honor of Older Americans Month and to celebrate and acknowledge all employees who are graduates.

Serving Schedule:
Valley on 42^nd – serving out of the Myra Café from 9:45 AM to 1:15 PM
Valley on Columbia- serving out of the staff breakroom 9:45 AM to 12:30 PM
Tufte Manor- serving out of the kitchenette from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM

PM/Night Staff – supplies for meals will be in the breakroom fridges.

Menu:
Burgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, chips, ice cream, and lemonade.

5.8.24 Weekly Staff Update

Thank You Nurses!
This week is Nurses Week! Thank you to all nurses at Valley for the care you provide for residents each day!

Older Americans Month
A grilled meal of burgers, hot dogs, and sides will be served to employees at each care community on May 15. This is a celebration of Older Americans Month and a celebration and recognition for any employees who are graduating! Congratulations on your accomplishments. We are happy to have you as care partners at Valley. Watch for the serving schedule at your location.

Way Back Wednesday – Syttende Mai
Next week on May 17 we will celebrate Syttende Mai. This day commemorates the signing of the Norwegian Constitution. Valley Senior Living has a strong Norwegian heritage with our original admissions application being available in Norwegian and our first residents being of Lutheran and Norwegian descent. A Norwegian tradition of making lefse has been a part of the culture at Valley since the day we opened to care for residents in 1924. A newspaper headline from 1968 highlighting the activity at Valley reads “Rolling Pins Whirl in Rhythm To Make Perfect Lefse Rounds” and featured fun photos of lefse making at Valley.

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

May 8
7 Years – Michelle Coulter, Administrative Assistant, Valley on Columbia

May 9
2 Years – Jody Burns, HUC, Lanark
1 Year – Gabe Keeley, Dining Services, Tufte Manor
1 Year – Lexi Wilkens, CNA, Heartland

May 10
29 Years – Doreen Johnson, Custodian, Woodside Village

May 11
30 Years – Heidi Ebertowski, Care Coordinator, Reeves
19 Years – Amber Terbest, Dining Room Attendant, Valley on Columbia
13 Years – Sarah Visser, LPN, Almonte
2 Years – Sam Clagg, PCA, Tufte Manor
2 Years – Monique Manz, CNA Trainer, Valley Senior Living

May 14
23 Years – Liz Lipsh, HUC, Valley on Columbia
23 Years – Cheryl Vidden, Dining Room Attendant, Valley on Columbia
21 Years – Michael Hetland, Life Enrichment Assistant, Valley on Columbia

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. The difference with this scholarship is that you do not need to be in nursing school already – some people need the scholarship in hand before they are financially able to go to school. Read more details in this flyer.

May Wellness Challenge – Relationship Building Bingo
May’s Mental Health focus surrounds relationships and conversations. The benefits of social connections and good mental health are numerous! Links between social connections and good mental health are lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, greater empathy, an increase in trust, and improved relationships.

May’s Challenge: Talk with individuals on your neighborhood and ask them questions that can be found on the Relationship Building Bingo Cards. Cards can be found in the team rooms, break rooms, and here. There are two bingo card options – you can choose to complete either card or both for more entries. The goal is to ask FIVE questions to get a bingo either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. If you ask all the questions and complete a “black out” this will count as five entries. One caveat is you cannot ask all the questions to the same person. At most, you can ask two questions to the same person. Entries submitted will go towards the neighborhood total. The neighborhood with the most completed entries will receive a catered meal! In addition, individuals from the winning neighborhood who participated in the challenge will be placed in a drawing and one individual will receive a $100 VISA gift card.

QAPI Update: F-Tag of the Week – F586 Treatment/Services to Prevent/Heal Pressure Injuries – Continued
Adequate nutrition and hydration are essential for overall functioning. Skin condition reflects overall body function therefore the presence of skin breakdown may indicate inadequate nutrition and hydration.

What you need to know: Report changes in appetite to the charge nurse. This would include eating less at meals, declining meals, or lower fluid intake. Fluids should be offered and encouraged with each encounter. Weekly weights occur to ensure adequate nutrition. Weight changes of +/- 3 pounds from prior weight should be reweighed. Report to the charge nurse if the reweigh results in a +/- 3 pound difference.

Refer New Employees to CNA Training Class and Earn a Recruiter Bonus
The next CNA Training Class is scheduled to begin June 10. A recruiter bonus remains available to employees that recruit and refer new care partners to Valley Senior Living. You can earn $1000 for each full-time employee you recruit or $500 for a part-time recruit. Once you refer someone and they are hired, contact Human Resources to complete the recruiter bonus paperwork.

Not Feeling Well or Close Contact to Illness?
The employee illness line is available at 701-741-9646. It remains a requirement that you call and report respiratory illness symptoms and other illnesses and infections when symptoms begin. Please review this document which includes all illnesses or occurrences that should be reported.

Valley Apparel Store                   
If you are interested in purchasing Valley clothing and other items with the Valley Senior Living logo, please visit the Valley store here!     

Employee Assistance Program
Valley employees and their family members have access to 8 free sessions per episode/person/year through Live Well Solutions. The EAP services are completely confidential. Call 1-866-831-2181 or click www.livewellworklife.com, click Living Well Resources. Our Company Code is Valley.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

May 12-18 – Skilled Nursing Care Week
May 15 – Older Americans Month Employee Grilled Meal at each Community
June 20 – Valley on Columbia Picnic, 4-7 PM
May 31 – Rummage Sale in Auditorium at Valley on 42^nd, 9 AM – 3 PM

5.1.24 Weekly Staff Update

In case you missed the company Teams update earlier today, here is the link: 5.1.24 Staff Update

Valleyversaries

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

May 2
2 Years – Lauren Glennon, Dining Services, Tufte Manor
1 Year – Ally Hendricks, LPN, Almonte
May 3
2 Years – Khaleela Korynta, Dining Services, Tufte Manor
2 Years – Amy Shilling, RN, Valley on Columbia

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. The difference with this scholarship is that you do not need to be in nursing school already – some people need the scholarship in hand before they are financially able to go to school. Read more details in this flyer.

May Wellness Challenge – Relationship Building Bingo

May’s Mental Health focus surrounds relationships and conversations. The benefits of social connections and good mental health are numerous! Links between social connections and good mental health are lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, greater empathy, an increase in trust, and improved relationships.

May’s Challenge: Talk with individuals on your neighborhood and ask them questions that can be found on the Relationship Building Bingo Cards. Cards can be found in the team rooms, break rooms, and HERE. There are two bingo card options – you can choose to complete either card or both for more entries. The goal is to ask FIVE questions to get a bingo either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. If you ask all the questions and complete a “black out” this will count as five entries. One caveat is you cannot ask all the questions to the same person. At most, you can ask two questions to the same person. Entries submitted will go towards the neighborhood total. The neighborhood with the most completed entries will receive a catered meal! In addition, individuals from the winning neighborhood who participated in the challenge will be placed in a drawing and one individual will receive a $100 VISA gift card.

QAPI Update: F-Tag of the Week – F586 Treatment/Services to Prevent/Heal Pressure Injuries

We must ensure that residents receive care to prevent pressure injuries, and for residents with pressure injuries we must provide the necessary treatment and services to promote healing and prevent infection. The intent of this requirement is to ensure, to the extent possible, that residents do not develop pressure injuries unless they are clinically unavoidable, and that staff provide appropriate care and services to prevent injuries, promote healing and/or prevent the development of additional issues.

What you need to know: In order to prevent pressure injuries and promote healing, residents must be repositioned and pressure relieving/reducing interventions must be in place according to their care plan. Interventions may include wheelchair cushions, air mattress, protective boots, etc. If a resident is declining any care planned tasks/items, you must report to the charge nurse. Any new reddened or open areas should be reported to the charge nurse.

It takes so many of us working together to prevent pressure injuries – Congratulations to the staff at Woodside Village for currently having no active pressure injuries among all residents in their building!

May Newsletter

To view the May Valley Monthly Highlights including longevity recipients, new employees, employee birthday, and more, click here.

HIPAA Hint – Electronic Monitoring

This HIPAA Hint is about electronic monitoring in resident rooms. When a device is requested, there are always a lot of questions from residents, family, and staff. We are hoping this HIPAA Hint will answer some common questions. One thing we want to emphasize is that staff are not responsible for answering questions or explaining the process. You just have to direct any and all questions to your building’s privacy officer and they will handle everything.

Refer New Employees to CNA Training Class and Earn a Recruiter Bonus

The next CNA Training Classes are scheduled to begin on May 13 and June 10. This is a perfect time to recruit CNAs into part-time positions as UND and Northland students are done for the summer! A recruiter bonus remains available to employees that recruit and refer new care partners to Valley Senior Living. You can earn $1000 for each full-time employee you recruit or $500 for a part-time recruit. Once you refer someone and they are hired, contact Human Resources to complete the recruiter bonus paperwork.

Not Feeling Well or Close Contact to Illness?

The employee illness line is available at 701-741-9646. It remains a requirement that you call and report respiratory illness symptoms and other illnesses and infections when symptoms begin. Please review this document which includes all illnesses or occurrences that should be reported.

Employee Assistance Program

Valley employees and their family members have access to 8 free sessions per episode/person/year through Live Well Solutions. The EAP services are completely confidential. Call 1-866-831-2181 or click www.livewellworklife.com, click Living Well Resources. Our Company Code is Valley.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

May 1-31 – Older Americans Month
May 6-12 – Nurses Week
May 12-18 – Skilled Nursing Care Week
June 20 – Valley on Columbia Picnic, 4-7pm

4.24.24 Weekly Staff Update

Valleyversaries

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

April 24
5 Years – Joanne Kalal, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia
5 Years – Zoey Sholtis, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia
April 25
6 Years – Jason Larson, Dining Services, Town Square
April 26
18 Years – Max Boushee, LPN, Almonte
14 Years – Gina Roller, Administrator, Valley on 42nd
1 Year – Tammie Burris, Receptionist, Town Square
1 Year – Taylor House, LPN, Riverside
1 Year – Rosaline Tabo, LPN Tufte Manor
April 27
9 Years – Sharla Johnson, Housekeeper, Wheatland Terrace

Way Back Wednesday

In the photos attached from 1974, ladies from the Bethesda Society made many quilts for residents. They used the Valley Memorial kitchen and dining room as their sewing area. Fifty years later in 2024 we asked the community for donations of quilts to support the Chaplaincy Ministry Program and our supporters responded by donating over 40 quilted items. Quilting is a time-honored craft, passed down through generations. Click HERE to sign up to bid on and view the beautiful quilts that have been stitched together by the loving hands and hearts of those who support Valley Senior Living. Online bidding will conclude on April 27 at 12pm.

Administrative Professionals Day – April 24

April 24^th is recognized as Administrative Professionals Day. Thank you, Administrative Professionals, for all you do each day!

Nursing Home Staffing Mandate

The White House announced the final staffing mandate this week that includes requirements for nursing homes to have:

3.48 hours per day per resident of staffing, including RNs, LPNs, and CNAs.
A minimum of 0.55 RN hours and 2.45 CNA hours per resident per day.
24/7 onsite RN

We will need to meet the above requirements by July 2026 and July 2027. However, based on the most recently available data (3^rd quarter 2023), Valley already meets much of the standard.

RN requirement 0.55 hours per resident per day –
- Valley on Columbia Averages 1.50 overall and 0.86 on weekends – no concerns
- Woodside Village Averages 1.09 overall and 0.58 on weekends – we will need to switch a few hours each weekend day from LPN to RN to meet the standard – we get a couple of years phase in, so this is easy to accomplish.
CNA requirement of 2.55 hours per resident per day –
- Valley on Columbia Averages 3.14 overall – no concerns
- Woodside Village Averages 3.41 overall – no concerns
Total requirement of 3.48 hours per resident per day –
- Valley on Columbia Averages 5.12 overall and 3.92 on weekends – no concerns
- Woodside Village Averages 5.29 overall and 4.56 on weekends – no concerns
24/7 RN staffing –
- Valley on Columbia – No concerns
- Woodside Village – Occasional shift with no RN – again with a couple year phase in this will not be a problem.

To learn more about the staffing mandate, click HERE to read a fact sheet from the White House.

Volunteer Appreciation Social

Yesterday, volunteers gathered at Valley on 42nd for a social and time of recognition for all that volunteers contribute to the quality of life for Valley. Mary Dawn Berge was recognized as Valley’s Volunteer of the Year for her contributions to the Valley on 42^nd community through playing piano, assisting on shopping trips, caring for the neighborhood cat, and making numerous birthday cakes! Since the start of the year, we have had 56 active volunteers for 620 volunteer hours throughout the Valley communities!

Tree of Life Recognition

Please help us thank employees who are being recognized at our Tree of Life banquet on May 2. Those listed below are invited to join us for a meal and entertainment to recognize their contributions to 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
Kristi Austin
Debbie Kieckbusch
Katie Olson
John Rieth
Silver Leaf – $1,000 Cumulative Gifts
Sandra Brown
Heidi Ebertowski
Alexis Horner
Sarita Rai
Laura Schauer
Sarah Sharpe
Bronze Leaf – $500 Cumulative Gifts
Joe Bailey
Bethany Bailly
Madison Bartlette
Ginger Bradley
Linda Christy
Deb Gaddie
Brittany German
Lu Gibbs
Lucas Holbrook
Kia Isherwood
Stacy Roach
Doreen Rolshoven
Deb Smedsrud
Kathy Tuma

Refer New Employees to CNA Training Class and Earn a Recruiter Bonus

QAPI Update: F-Tag of the Week – F585 Grievances

Residents, families, and others have the right to make complaints and to freely discuss problems, concerns, grievances, or suggestions without the fear of discrimination or retaliation. Examples include concerns about quality of care, food, billing, therapy, physical environment, etc. Concerns may come from a variety of sources including care conferences, resident council, satisfaction surveys, individual conversations, etc. When a concern is voiced that cannot be immediately addressed, a concern or grievance form should be filled out either by the resident/family or filled out on their behalf.

What you need to know: if a resident or family member voices a concern to you that you are unable to resolve, inform the charge nurse, care coordinator, or social worker for follow up. If a concern and feedback form is initiated, it will be sent to the grievance official to coordinate investigation. Designated grievance officials – Lee Rerick at Valley on Columbia, Shannon Holte at Woodside Village, Angie Goulet at Tufte Manor, and Cheryl Ekren at Wheatland Terrace.

Wellness Committee Encourages Movement in April

It’s not too late to get moving this month for the chance to win a gift card! April’s wellness challenge includes multiple levels of activity minutes tracked to accommodate all levels of participation. To participate all you need to do is track the number of minutes you move outside of work. All details surrounding the challenge can be found on the Movement Tracker. Those who submit their tracker by May 7^th will be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift card to a local health eatery in Grand Forks and a chance to win a $150 VISA gift card.

Not Feeling Well or Close Contact to Illness?

Employee Assistance Program

Upcoming Dates to Remember

April 27 – Valley Senior Living Foundation Quilt Auction ends at 12 PM
April 27 – Around Our Table Chaplaincy Ministry Fundraiser at Calvary Lutheran Church. Tickets are still available and can be purchased for $25. Click HERE to learn more about Around Our Table.
May 1-31 – Older Americans Month
May 6-12 – Nurses Week
May 12-18 – Skilled Nursing Care Week

4.17.24 Weekly Staff Update

Valleyversaries

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

April 17
1 Year – Tony Baker, CNA, Hearthstone
1 Year – Megan Chute, Life Enrichment Assistant, Valley on Columbia
1 Year – Kathy Tufte, Laundry Aide, Woodside Village
April 19
1 Year – Bella Bianco, CNA, Hearthstone
1 Year – Alyssa Holland, CNA, Valley on Columbia
April 20
3 Years – Sheena Ganje, LPN, Valley Transitions
April 21
26 Years – Joan Houde, CNA, Reeves

Refer New Employees to CNA Training Class and Earn a Recruiter Bonus

The next CNA Training Class is scheduled to begin on May 13. This is a perfect time to recruit CNAs into part-time positions as UND and Northland students are done for the summer! A recruiter bonus remains available to employees that recruit and refer new care partners to Valley Senior Living. You can earn $1000 for each full-time employee you recruit or $500 for a part-time recruit. Once you refer someone and they are hired, contact Human Resources to complete the recruiter bonus paperwork.

Support Chaplaincy Ministry – Bid on Beautiful Quilts

The Valley Senior Living Foundation is adding a quilt auction to the annual Around Our Table fundraiser for the Chaplaincy Ministry program. Click HERE to view the beautiful quilts that have been donated by supporters of Valley Senior Living. Online bidding will begin on April 19 and conclude on April 27 at 12pm. Quilts will be on display to view at Valley on Columbia on April 18 and 19 and Valley on 42nd on April 22 and 23.

The 9th Annual Around Our Table decorated table brunch will be April 27 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Tickets are still available and can be purchased for $25. Click HERE to learn more about Around Our Table.

QAPI Update: F-Tag of the Week – F576 Right to Forms of Communication with Privacy

Residents have the right to have reasonable access to the use of a telephone and a place in the community where calls can be made without being overheard.

What you need to know: When a resident is on the phone, you should refrain from interrupting. This may mean returning later to accomplish tasks. If a resident receives a phone call on a neighborhood phone, efforts should be made to provide a private space for the resident to take the call.

Winners of March’s Fruits & Vegetables Wellness Challenge

Thank you to all who participated in the wellness challenge for March! The following individuals have been drawn to receive 1 of 5 $50 gift cards to either Hugo’s or Target: Michaela Knutson, Shalana Brueckner, Traie Dockter, Becca Atherton, and Deb Smedsrud. Please contact Adam Edwards at 787-7941 to collect your gift card.

Wellness Committee Encourages Movement in April

It’s not too late to get moving this month for the chance to win a gift card! April’s wellness challenge includes multiple levels of activity minutes tracked to accommodate all levels of participation. To participate all you need to do is track the number of minutes you move outside of work. All details surrounding the challenge can be found on the Movement Tracker. Those who submit their tracker by May 7th will be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift card to a local health eatery in Grand Forks and a chance to win a $150 VISA gift card.

Not Feeling Well or Close Contact to Illness?

Employee Assistance Program

Upcoming Dates to Remember

April 19-27 – Valley Senior Living Foundation Quilt Auction
April 24 – Administrative Professionals Day
April 27 – Around Our Table Chaplaincy Ministry Fundraiser at Calvary Lutheran Church
May 1-31 – Older Americans Month
May 6-12 – Nurses Week
May 12-18 – Skilled Nursing Care Week

4.10.24 Weekly Staff Update

In case you missed the company Zoom earlier today, here is the link: 4.10.24 Zoom

Way Back Wednesday

Music has always been an important part of everyday life at Valley. In 1968 a motion was made by Mrs. Helen Stene and seconded by Mrs. Carl Nielson at a Bethesda Society meeting to purchase a Baldwin Electric Organ from the Wylie Piano Company to be placed at Valley Memorial Home. This organ’s dedication occurred during the Harvest Festival on October 20, 1968. The impact the Bethesda Society had on Valley over the years is immeasurable. This auxiliary of women which formed in 1914, ten years before the doors opened at the first care community, fulfilled a mission to meet the needs of both the overall organization and the residents who lived there through physical items and entertaining events to enhance quality of life. The work of the Bethesda Society has shaped the organization and what we are today.

Valleyversaries

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

April 10
1 Year – Jemima Egebesi, LPN, Tufte Manor
1 Year – Jacob Useldinger, PCA, Tufte Manor
April 11
12 Years – Kady Eck, Care Coordinator, Prairieview
2 Years – Taylor Kenner, PCA, Tufte Manor
2 Years – Kippy Lindgren, CNA, Hearthstone
April 12
29 Years – Sheila Denney, Life Enrichment Assistant, Valley on Columbia
25 Years – Cindy Danielson, Care Coordinator, Valley Transitions
3 Years – Erica Madison, CNA, Valley Transitions
2 Years – Michelle Anderson, Environmental Services Assistant Director, Town Square
1 Year – Sandy MacGregor, LPN, Wheatland Terrace
April 13
4 Years – Roger Maldonado Baquedano, CNA, Woodside Village
April 14
10 Years – Janet Moen, Administrative Assistant, Town Square
April 15
5 Years – Suzie Burger, Housekeeper, Valley on Columbia
5 Years – Raven Hernandez, CNA, Riverside

Support Chaplaincy Ministry – Bid on Beautiful Quilts

28 New Eden Associates!

Last week, 28 people from across the organization, including 2 residents from Woodside Village and 1 family member from Valley on Columbia, attended a 3-day training and became the newest Eden Associates! Thank you to everyone who participated. We look forward to seeing how you bring your knowledge and experience to your care partner teams.

QAPI Update: F-Tag of the Week – F583 Privacy and Confidentiality

The facility must respect the residents right to personal privacy, including the right to privacy in his or her oral (that is, spoken), written, and electronic communications. This includes the right to send and promptly receive unopened mail and letters, packages, and other materials delivered to the facility for the resident including those delivered through a means other than a postal service.

What you need to know: Mail and other materials must be delivered unopened to the resident within 24 hours of delivery. Staff may not open resident mail without permission, even if you assume it contains items necessary for their care, such as medications or other supplies.

CNA Training Class

A group of 8 new CNAs started the CNA Training Class at the off-site classroom on Monday, April 8. We welcome them to Valley as they begin their journey as care partners. The next CNA Training Class is scheduled to begin on May 13. We are currently recruiting and hiring for this class. The recruiter bonus remains available to employees that recruit and refer new care partners to Valley Senior Living. You can earn $1000 for each full-time employee you recruit or $500 for a part-time recruit. Once you refer someone and they are hired, contact Human Resources to complete the recruiter bonus paperwork.

Wellness Committee – Movement for Mental Health Challenge

This month, we want you to track the number of minutes you move outside of work. All details surrounding the challenge can be found on the Movement Tracker. Those who submit their tracker by May 7th will be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift card to a local health eatery in Grand Forks and a chance to win a $150 VISA gift card.

Not Feeling Well or Close Contact to Illness?

Employee Assistance Program

4.3.24 Weekly Staff Update

Valleyversaries

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

April 3
1 Year – Troy Badolato, Life Enrichment Assistant, Heartland
April 5
2 Years – Nenabell Thom, CNA, Woodside Village
April 6
4 Years – Sophie Klegstad, Dining Services Director, Tufte Manor
4 Years – Anjali Tamang, CNA, Valley on Columbia
3 Years – Chloe Butler, CNA, Lanark
April 9
10 Years – Halee Weber, Resident Care Attendant, Valley on Columbia

Enhanced Barrier Precautions – Healthcare Academy Module

Thank you all for your cooperation with the Enhanced Barrier Precaution requirement in place at Valley on Columbia and Woodside Village! On behalf of the Kayla and Sarah as Infection Preventionists, I thank you all for your patience as this new process begins. In last week’s staff communication, education was provided on the new recommendations from CMS regarding enhanced barrier precautions. Click here to view the attachment from our Infection Preventionists. All Valley employees are assigned a Healthcare Academy module to be completed by April 15. Click here to access your Healthcare Academy login. Reach out to Kayla (Valley on Columbia) at 787-7952 or Sarah (Woodside Village) at 787-7839 with any questions.

>> CMS Guidelines

>> CDC Recommendations

April Newsletter

To view the April Valley Monthly Highlights including longevity recipients, new employees, employee birthdays, and more, click here.

Safety Tip for April – Employee Incident Reports

If an injury occurs at work, an incident report should be filled out immediately after the injury occurs. If medical treatment is needed, the Employee Health Nurse will attend appointments and create a transitional duty schedule as needed. For more information, click here.

QAPI Update: F-Tag of the Week – F758 Free from Unnecessary Psychotropic Meds / PRN Use – Continued

As a reminder, F758 states that residents who have not used psychotropic drugs are not given these drugs unless it is necessary to treat a specific condition. Residents who use psychotropic drugs receive Gradual Dose Reduction and behavioral interventions, unless clinically contraindicated, in an effort to discontinue. Valley on Columbia and Woodside Village have ongoing PIPs working on reducing psychotropic drugs and have made significant progress. Below is a snapshot of the progress made at each building (% of residents receiving an antipsychotic drug). The current national average is 14.9%.

Valley on Columbia: February 2023 – 21.4%, August 2023 – 17.2%, February 2024 – 14.1%
Woodside Village: August 2023 – 26.8%, November 2023 – 21.2%, March 2024 – 15.6%

Not Feeling Well or Close Contact to Illness?

Wellness Committee – Movement for Mental Health Challenge – Updated Tracker Included!

For April’s wellness challenge, the Wellness Committee wants you to focus your attentions on movement and the positive impacts movement can have on mental health. Movement doesn’t have to mean sweat-inducing workouts, it can also mean less stressful options such as walking, household chores, playing with your children, etc. Movement positively affects mental health by releasing endorphins, helping relieve stress, allowing us to take a break from everyday challenges and responsibilities, helping emotions move through our bodies, providing an outlet for self-expression, and strengthening the connection we have with our bodies.

Eden Training
A three-day Eden Training course is underway at the Alerus Center this week. On Thursday afternoon we expect to graduate 29 new Eden associates at Valley Senior Living!

Earn a Bonus!

The recruiter bonus remains available to employees that recruit and refer new care partners to Valley Senior Living. We are currently recruiting for the summer CNA Training Classes that will begin on May 13 and June 10. You can earn $1000 for each full-time employee you recruit or $500 for a part-time recruit. Once you refer someone and they are hired, contact Human Resources to complete the recruiter bonus paperwork.

Employee Assistance Program

3.27.24 Weekly Staff Update

In case you missed the company Zoom earlier today, here is the link: 3.27.24 Zoom Update

CMS Updates Guidance on Enhanced Barrier Precautions for Skilled Nursing Facilities
The CMS issued guidelines to follow the new recommendations from the CDC to protect residents and staff from germs that can cause serious infections that are hard to treat, known as multidrug-resistant organisms or MDROs. These new guidelines for Skilled Nursing Facilities will take effect on April 1. Please view the attachment from our infection preventionists here.

Way Back Wednesday

It’s always fun to look back at old photos! Enjoy this photo of vans purchased at Valley throughout the years. Today Valley owns eight vans and three 14 passenger buses! Each year our transportation staff take people to more than 5,000 medical appointments and go on hundreds of outings!

Valleyversaries

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

March 27
7 Years – Noel Heinle, CNA, Heartland
March 28
2 Years – Tere Jankowski, RN, Valley on Columbia
1 Year – Sarah Hall, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia
1 Year – Grace Pfennig, Dining Services, Town Square
March 29
14 Years – Patty Holter, Life Enrichment Assistant, Woodside Village
1 Year – Ashley Gereau, PCA, Wheatland Terrace
March 31
25 Years – Brian Sand, Environmental Services Director, Town Square
10 Years – Megan Anderson, Administrative Project Coordinator, Valley Senior Living
3 Years – Seth Dutenhafer, CNA, Lanark
April 1
10 Years – Victor Hernandez, Transporation Assistant, Valley Senior Living
6 Years – Jeff Ramsey, Custodian, Valley on Columbia

Upcoming Events

March 29 – Woodside Village Egg Hunt for Residents/Staff Family & Children – 3 PM

Pinnacle Awards by Neighborhood

Valley has received numerous awards through the 2024 Customer Experience Awards from Pinnacle Quality Insights! Pinnacle engages residents and families in monthly telephone interviews which determine ratings across various categories. Awards are determined by comparing our ratings with the national averages. Valley’s outstanding performance is recognized in many categories and confirms we consistently rank within the top 15% of care providers across the nation. Each neighborhood at each community will share recognition areas at the April Quality of Life meetings.

Wellness Committee – Movement for Mental Health

This month, we want you to track the number of minutes you move outside of work. All details surrounding the challenge can be found on the Movement Tracker. Those who submit their tracker by May 7^th will be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift card to a local health eatery in Grand Forks and a chance to win a $150 VISA gift card.

Employee Assistance Program

3.20.24 Weekly Staff Update

Update on CNA Staffing – Help Us Recruit the Next CNA Class and Earn a Bonus!

This week I’m excited to highlight our CNA staffing at Valley. As of March 19, there was one full time CNA posting for the entire company! While we still have days that are challenging, we are very fortunate to be where we are at with staffing. We have worked hard to add float CNAs in both nursing homes to help with the unanticipated call ins. Float CNAs now represent a little over 5 percent of the worked hours for all CNAs and they help to make a tough day a little better for the residents and the staff on the neighborhood!

The next CNA training class will begin on April 8. Due to our limited number of job openings, we are limiting our full-time participants in this class to about 12 students, but we will still make room for those looking for part time CNA work. We need your help to recruit the best care partners to join the team! The recruiter bonus remains available and you could earn a bonus of $1000 for recruiting a new full-time CNA. Please contact Human Resources at 701-787-7942 if you have any questions or to receive your recruiter bonus!

Update on Attendance – Thank You for your Dedication to the Residents!

Last April we changed the attendance policy to increase the threshold from 15 to 25 points (on a rolling 6 month basis) to when we would address attendance with staff. We knew that by counting COVID related absences that we would have increased points across the organization. At the same time, we focused on holding people accountable that had extremely high numbers of attendance points in the organization. Some people greatly improved in their attendance, but a number of people were terminated or resigned due to not being able to be a reliable team member. As a result, we have reduced the number of people with extremely excessive points from 46 employees to 15 employees in the last year. Bottom line, we want reliable team members at Valley. Thank you all for your commitment to being here for the residents each day!

Valleyversaries

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

March 20
1 Year – Jania Philippe, Dining Services, Valley on Columbia
March 21
1 Year – Joseph Thompson, Dining Services, Town Square
March 22
7 Years – Jodi Dub, Administrative Assistant, Wheatland Terrace
1 Year – Logan Keitzman, RN, Valley Transitions
March 23
4 Years – Louise Greff, Receptionist, Tufte Manor
4 Years – Kari Schindler, LPN, Valley Transitions
March 25
15 Years – Sherry Gierszewski, Head Cook, Town Square

Upcoming Events

March 22 – Valley on Columbia Spring Craft & Bake Sale – 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
March 29 – Woodside Village Egg Hunt for Residents/Staff Family & Children – 3 PM

Valley Transitions Renovation Update

Resident rooms are done with LED lighting, carpet, paint, etc. and they look great! Hallways are coming along with only one hall left for carpet and cove lighting. Next week the team room and med room will start renovations which will continue through the second week of April. In April we will update the dining room with a fireplace, lighting, new countertops, and some new furniture.

QAPI Update: F-Tag of the Week – F758 Free from Unnecessary Psychotropic Meds/PRN Use

F758 states that:

Residents who have not used psychotropic drugs are not given these drugs unless the medication is necessary to treat a specific condition as diagnosed and documented in the clinical record.
Residents who use psychotropic drugs receive Gradual Dose Reductions and behavior interventions, unless contraindicated, in an effort to discontinue.

What you need to know: Behaviors are often unmet needs in disguise. Examples of unmet needs include needing to use the bathroom, being hungry, being tired, being uncomfortable or in pain, etc. The first step in responding to behaviors is to identify the unmet need and try to meet that need. Non-pharmacological interventions such as redirection, offering snacks and fluids, assisting to the bathroom, repositioning, offering a warm blanket, etc., are easy first steps. Using medications as a first step in response to behaviors may stop the behavior without addressing the unmet need.

Employee Assistance Program

3.13.24 Weekly Staff Update

In case you missed the company Zoom earlier today, here is the link: 3.13.24 Zoom

North Dakota Long Term Care Group Volunteer of the Year Award!
Congratulations to the Grand Forks Public Library on being selected as the Group Volunteer of the Year from the North Dakota Long Term Care Association! To be selected for the award, Tufte Manor and Valley Senior Living on Columbia nominated the library for the volunteering they have done over the past five years to bring special monthly bingo bashes to both Tufte Manor and Valley on Columbia. We are grateful for their dedication to senior services and the well-being and quality of life of residents who call Valley home.

Way Back Wednesday

In each weekly update, we will continue to highlight pieces of our past as we celebrate 100 years of caring for the community. An original wooden and hand-painted sign hangs at Valley on Columbia today that recognizes 12 organizations from the area that each furnished a room in the original Grand Forks Home for the Aged: Bethany Ladies Aid, Mens Club of Bethany Congregation, Kongsvinger Ladies Aid, Grand Marais Ladies Aid, East Walle Ladies Aid, West Walle Ladies Aid, Brenna Ladies Aid, First Lutheran Ladies Aid, Lutheran Ladies Aid in Manvel, Friends of Buxton, Norwegian W.C.T.U, and Daughters of Norway.

The sign hung in the entry of the original facility at 1023 Almonte Avenue until it closed in 1997 due to the flood. The bottom portion of the sign shows the water level and represents how much of the sign stood in water. As the last Administrator of the Almonte Living Center, I took the sign off the wall myself in May 1997 when it was clear we would never reopen.

Imagine my surprise to see this piece of history referenced in Board of Director minutes from the 1920s. The Board saved money by creating one sign instead of 12 separate signs above the room entries. The Board has been fiscally responsible for over 100 years!

Healthcare Human Resources Week

This week is Healthcare Human Resources Professionals Week! Thank you to Adam, Diane, Kathy, Kaley, Rebecca, Barb, Carol, and Sam for all you do for Valley employees.

Registered Dietitian Day

Today, March 13, is Registered Dietitian Day! Thank you to our Dietitians Darci, Christa, Marla, Robin, and Dietetic Technician, Sam, for all you do for residents at Valley. Registered Dietitian Day falls in National Nutrition Month celebrated throughout March.

Valleyversaries

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

March 13
1 Year – Melanie Hehn, CNA, Almonte
1 Year – Paige Karel, CNA, Almonte
1 Year – Amelianna Lee, CNA, Valley Transitions
1 Year – Jay Rolle, CNA, Woodside Village
1 Year – Kyle Stauss, CNA, Oakcrest
1 Year – Darianna Welch, CNA, Valley Transitions
March 14
12 Years – Tamie Frericks, Assistant Environmental Services Director, Valley on Columbia
March 15
20 Years – Becca Atherton, HUC/Order Input Nurse, Woodside Village
2 Year – Taylor-Rae Larson, CNA, Valley Transitions
March 16
37 Years – Diane Habedank, Human Resources Assistant, Valley Senior Living
8 Years – Therese Brierley, AR Specialist, Valley Senior Living
4 Years – Michaela Knutson, Nursing Scheduling Coordinator, Woodside Village
3 Years – John Reith, Chaplain, Valley Senior Living
2 Years – Michaela Nelson, CNA, Woodside Village
March 17
3 Years – Josh Abbott, Maintenance, Valley on Columbia
March 19
6 Years – AJ Jackson, CNA, Reeves

Upcoming Events

March 22 – Valley on Columbia Spring Craft & Bake Sale – 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM

Valley 100 Year Anniversary Article in GF Herald

In Saturday’s edition of the Grand Forks Herald, the Generations section featured an article on the 100 year anniversary of Valley Senior Living! Click here to read the article.

QAPI Update: F-Tag of the Week – F655 Baseline Care Plan

The Baseline Care Plan must be developed and implemented within 48 hours of moving in and needs to include the necessary information to properly care for the resident.

What you need to know: A baseline care plan is started within hours of a resident’s move in. At the minimum, it addresses the resident’s basic needs such as ADL assistance, fall and elopement risk, behaviors, wound care, and dietary needs. The baseline care plan helps to create the Kardex. Changes to the care plan and Kardex frequently occur so you must reference the Kardex prior to caring for a resident.

Help Us Recruit the Next CNA Class and Earn a Bonus

The next CNA training class will begin on April 8. We need your help to recruit the best care partners to join the team. The recruiter bonus remains available and you could earn a bonus of $1000 for recruiting a new full-time CNA. Please contact Human Resources at 701-787-7942 if you have any questions or to receive your recruiter bonus!

Going to Nursing School? Apply for the Allan B. Engen Nurse Scholarship   

Several $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to qualified students interested in a career in long term care. Click here to see how to qualify. The application form can be found here. Deadline April 1. 

Employee Assistance Program

3.6.24 Weekly Staff Update

March is Social Work Month!

Throughout the month of March, we recognize and celebrate the Social Workers at Valley for all they do for residents and families. Thank you to Shannon, Janine, and Lisa at Woodside Village, and Lee, Andrea, Lynn, Lexi, Londa, and Sophia at Valley on Columbia!

Valleyversaries

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

March 7
36 Years – Lorrie Lansing, AR Specialist, Valley Senior Living
19 Years – Shannon Gramm, PCA, Wheatland Terrace
2 Years – Jenna Stai, CNA, Valley on Columbia
March 8
7 Years – Sabine Erickson, Dining Services, Town Square
7 Years – Stacey Vancamp, RN, Valley Transitions
3 Years – Xia Kim, CNA, Lanark
1 Year – Alma de la Cruz, CNA, Oakcrest
1 Year – Izabel von Rueden, CNA, Valley on Columbia
March 9
4 Years – Taylor Jordan, LPN, Reeves
4 Years – Ray Peltier, CNA, Reeves
4 Years – Arlene Ulness, RN, Valley Transitions
March 10
25 Years – Kathy Feist, Payroll and Benefits Coordinator, Valley Senior Living

Upcoming Events
March 8 – Valley on 42nd Spring Craft & Bake Sale – 9 AM to 2:30 PM
March 22 – Valley on Columbia Spring Craft & Bake Sale – 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM

Eating Well for Mental Health

For March, the Wellness Committee wants you to focus your attention on eating nutritious foods that can positively impact your mental health. A healthy, well-balanced diet can help us think clearly, feel more alert, and improve concentration, attention span, and mood. Conversely, having a poor diet can lead to fatigue, impaired decision-making, slower reaction time, and can lead to increased stress and depression.

Throughout the month of March, track your intake of fruits and vegetables by using the tracker – all details surrounding the challenge can be found on the tracker. Those who submit the completed tracker by April 8 will be entered in a drawing to win one of five $50 gift cards to Hugo’s or Target.

CDC Guidance Update – NO Changes for Healthcare
Earlier this week the CDC updated respiratory guidance recommendations for lower-risk individuals and the updates are intended for community settings. Unfortunately, there are no changes to respiratory virus guidance for healthcare settings. Please continue to report respiratory illness symptoms to the Employee Illness Line at 701-741-9646.

QAPI Update – F-Tag of the Week: F812 Food Procurement, Store/Prepare/Serve – Sanitary

As another frequency cited deficiency, this F-Tag requires that nursing facilities procure food from approved sources or sources that are considered satisfactory by federal/state/local authorities. This also includes safe food preparation, proper cleaning and sanitization, and food service and distribution.

What you need to know: Frequent auditing and monitoring occurs to ensure safe food handling processes are being carried out. Any food that goes into the fridges on the neighborhood needs to be dated. If it is for a specific resident, it must be labeled with their name and the date. Any unlabeled/dated food will be thrown away. If you have any questions, reach out to the dining service team at your community.

Going to Nursing School? Apply for the Allan B. Engen Nurse Scholarship   

Employee Assistance Program