The Laurel Spirit - Laurel Health Care Company

The Laurel Spirit
A L A U R E L H E A LT H CA R E C O M PA N Y A S S O C I AT E P U B L I CAT I O N VOL. 14 • WINTER 2013
Holiday Spirit Shines Bright
at The Laurels
Each year, our Associates do everything they can to make the holidays
special for our Guests and families. Here are just a few of the many
joyful moments shared by our Laurel Health Care family.
The L
Grin aurels of
c
Snow h spoil th Defiance
Grin man and e festiviti didn’t let
ch at
e
O
t
a hol ld St. N s. Frosty he
ic
t
iday
party k joined he
.
the
Laurels
Associates at The
Management and are a holiday brunch for
ep
of Sandy Creek pr
s.
families and Guest
n
ave fu
reek h little
C
y
d
f San ta look a
rels o
man?
n
he Lau k. Does Sa Frank Chris
T
t
a
s
ic
Guest with St. N e Director
c
posing Maintenan
e
bit lik
Activities Director Cat
herine Blanche
bundles up blankets gat
hered by The
Laurels of University Par
k for Ashland
Christian Emergency Ser
vices (ACES).
Children from
the nearby G
oddard School
enjoy a story
with Santa at
The Laurels of
Willow Creek.
A Look Inside
1 Holiday Spirit
2 Words of Thanks
The Laurels of Blanchester held a
tree-lighting ceremony during the
inaugural Celebration of Lights. “The
event celebrates those who are special
in either memory, honor or through
recognition of their impactful efforts
in our lives,” said Administrator Lori
Byrom. The goal was to have enough
donations for 20 trees and the project
actually finished with 35 trees.
3 Focus On...
Laurels of University Park guest Bobby
Sgro was happy to bring in the New
Year with his friends at The Laurels of
University Park. The facility sponsored
a fun New Year's Eve Party with a real
countdown, live entertainment, and
delicious refreshments.
4–5 That’s the Spirit!
6–7Reflections
8 Spirit News
A
W O R D F R O M O U R C U S T O M E R S
Words of Thanks
Often, Laurel Health Care Associates go
above and beyond the call of duty, reaching
out in the communities they serve and
demonstrating The Laurel Way of Caring.
Here are a few of the letters, or excerpts
of letters, of appreciation we have received
commending these Associates for their
extra efforts.
low Creek
The Laurels of Wfoilr the quality care
The Laurels o
f Norworth
Writing this
letter to exp
entire staff o
ress my dee
pe
f The Laurels
of Norworth st appreciation to the
initial pre-s
urgery visit
is
a joyful task
that began
Jackie Valad
. From my
with a warm
ez followed
greeting fro
by the plea
of April De
m
sant and info
arth
rmative ma
Candusso, w and Kacy Gilliland to
nner
my final go
ho became
odbye to Ba
as much an
flawless Env
rb
encouragin
ironmental
g friend as
Specialist. T
hierarchy, T
a
h
roughout th
he Laurels is
e organizati
the best . .
most deman
onal
.You are all
ding profess
professiona
ion; I canno
ls of a
t sing your
praises eno
ugh.
Donna M. H
uch
Thank you so m
g [my
ff provided durin
sta
ur
yo
d
an
u
that yo
urels of
of stay at The La
mother’s] years
t comfort
ea
brought me gr
Willow Creek. It
d surrounded
fe
other was sa an
m
y
m
at
th
ow
to kn
Moreover,
cared about her.
by people who
return to
ot
tting my m her
le
u
yo
d
te
ia
ec
rged from
I appr
e she was discha
tim
ch
ea
y
lit
ci
fa
your
ed and she
her felt welcom
ot
m
y
M
l.
ita
sp
the ho
d fellow
with the staff an
g
in
ct
ra
te
in
d
ye
enjo
nd of. Finally,
whom she was fo
of
y
an
m
ts,
en
resid
making my
preciative of you
ap
ly
al
ci
pe
es
I am
I wish each of
l on her birthday.
ia
ec
sp
el
fe
r
he
s of Willow
mot
d may The Laurel
an
st
be
ry
ve
e
th
you
success.
prosper and have
to
ue
in
nt
co
k
Cree
Angela Bell
The Laurels of Carson City
all
The La
urels of M
t. Pleasa
My hu
facility sband is curr
ently a
and I c
re
a
at this
center. n't say enoug sident at you
h
I
r Mt. P
most c
want to
about
lea
ap
so
c
Lori, H able leadersh ommend Jas me of the in sant, MI
dividua
eather
on Ale
ip and
xa
an
ls
Ti
admini
strative d Arli for the ffany, Peggy, nder for his
Mary, K
ir won
and ph
out Ms
d
ysical
.E
therapy erful nursing elly,
begin w ster Cappel
care
.
wh
Ie
i
she an th…we can't o was the re specially wa ,
nt to p
dh
ason w
say eno
oin
e
u
birthda er husband
came t gh about he came here to t
y! Afte
r perso
o see m
r gettin
my hus
nal
go
yh
ba
fortuna nd to the ho ff of work Est usband on h interest;
e
is
s
te
p
r
Kudos ly he did not ital if he nee even offered
. Wher
ded lab
to you
to take
e
for hav
work b
consid
ing the do you find
erable
ut
c
ins
cal
are like
the fam
thi
ily and iber. This is a ight to hire p
e
count
m
k
ople o s?
n
o
o
st stres
wing w
on goe
f
this
sful
eh
s a lon
husban
g, long ave people l time for me
d cont
and
ike
wa
inues o
n his u y. Thank you this that we
c
pward
health so much as m an
climb.
y
nt
Gratitude unexpressed is worthless;
therefore I need to let you know how
much I appreciate the care you provided
for my mother, Myrtle Root, but also for
our family. We are definitely a diverse and
dysfunctional family. Anyone who can get us to agree on
anything is definitely unique, and you did it! Whenever I left your facility
I felt like I had been pampered, ministered to . . .THANK YOU!!! I’m old.
I’ve been around the block a few times, but never have I encountered a
facility such as yours that has such professional and personable staff.
Michell
e Khour
y
Pat Knapp
2
T H E L A U R E L W AY O F C A R I N G C O M E S F R O M W I T H I N
I N S I D E
T H E
L A U R E L
H E A L T H C A R E
C O M P A N Y
Focus on...
A Passion for Cash Flow:
Accounts Receivable
After 14 years with Laurel Health Care and 40 years in the industry,
Accounts Receivable Manager Louise Wydra still has a passion for
keeping the cash flowing on schedule. “I love my job,” she says.
“Especially collections. I love knowing that what we do ensures that
The Laurels are meeting their cash targets every month.”
Meeting those cash targets is a core part of the job in Accounts
Receivable. This is the team that makes sure that Laurel Health Care has
the money on hand to continue taking care of our Guests and Associates.
Ms. Wydra and her team work with the Business Office Managers and
Regional Business Managers to make sure that billing goes out on time, all
the proper forms are filed, and receipts are coming in on schedule. “A big
part of my job is supporting the Office and Regional Business Managers,”
she says. “I get a great deal of satisfaction in knowing that we are helping
them get faster results and meet their targets.” Louise is enthusiastic about
working for Laurel Health Care. “The Laurels is a wonderful place to
work,” she says. “I’ve got the best team anyone could ask for.”
When she’s not keeping an eye on the company till, Louise enjoys
spending time with her husband of 34 years and with their five
grandchildren. When she can find the time, she enjoys going out on her
pontoon boat with her family.
The Accounts
Receivable team
includes four
Corporate Billing
Specialists, who
assist with monthly
closing statements,
maintain and
troubleshoot the
billing software,
submit electronic
claims, and
provide ongoing
training and
support for
the Business
Office Managers
and Regional
Business Office
Managers.
Front: Louise W
yd
Nahay, Kathy Yo ra, Betty Booth. Back: Tina Hu
nt, Jim
st
Tina Hunt has been with Laurel
Health Care for 17 years. She says,
“It’s a wonderful family we have
here. Everyone is so supportive.”
She has two daughters, one in high
school and one in college. She
enjoys watching her youngest play
softball and her eldest sing. She
also loves travel, music, and
relaxing on the beach.
Jim Nahay met his wife, then
also an employee of Laurel Health
Care, when he joined the company
13 years ago. A father of three, Jim
is an avid fan of sporting events
of all kinds. His lifelong dream is
to one day rent a yacht and sail
around the world with his family
and friends.
Kathy Yost spent her first
four years with The Laurels as a
Business Office Manager in one
of the local facilities, and has
been with the corporate Accounts
Receivable department for nine
years. “My favorite thing about
The Laurels is the people I work
with,” she says. “I also love the
variety of work that we do.” Kathy
enjoys roller blading, bowling,
skeet shooting, and gardening.
Betty Booth started at Laurel
Health Care a year and half ago,
and brings 30 years of industry
experience with her. She loves that
her current position allows her to
interact with the Business Office
Managers as well as her colleagues
at the corporate office. When she’s
not working, she enjoys spending
time with her four grandchildren,
including 15-month old twins. She
loves to relax on her boat when
she gets the chance.
T H E L A U R E L W AY O F C A R I N G C O M E S F R O M W I T H I N 3
D E M O N S T R A T I N G T H E L A U R E L W A Y
That’s the Spirit!
The Laurel Way
We are a team of professionals
dedicated to promoting the highest
level of independence and quality
of life for our Guests by creating
a comfortable living environment
and providing comprehensive
health care services.
To accomplish this, we have
a responsibility to:
n Treat everyone with dignity
and respect
n Conduct ourselves with the
highest level of integrity and
ethical behavior
n Be uncompromising in our
standards of quality of care
and service
n Attract, train and retain
knowledgeable, caring and
compassionate individuals
n Challenge ourselves to grow
as people, as professionals and
as a company
n Earn a fair and reasonable profit
for our stakeholders
We embrace these responsibilities,
with commitment and enthusiasm,
in our pursuit of The Laurel Way.
The Laurels
Mission Statement
Creating a Legacy
By
Exceeding the
Needs and Expectations
Of Those We Serve,
While Embracing
The Laurel Way
4
Local Communities Show
Appreciation for Our People
and Our Business
Laurel Health Care is proud of our
economic, charitable and volunteer
contributions to the communities
where our Guests, Associates and
families live. We are pleased to see
that the efforts of several of our facilities
have been formally recognized by their
local communities.
Lori By
ro
Woman m is presente
d
Blanche of the Year Aw with the Busin
ard from
ster Are
ess
Used b
a
th
Chamb
y perm
er of C e
ission:
ommerc
Wilmin
e.
gton Ne
w
Congratulations to the Associates
at The Laurels of Athens, The Laurels
of Shane Hill and Maplewood of
s Journ
al.
Shane’s Village, and to Lori Byrom of
The Laurels of Blanchester. Thank you all for your
ongoing commitment to letting The Laurel Spirit shine in our communities.
The Laurels of Athens was named 2012 Business of the Year by the
Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. The facility was awarded the
Holzaepfel Award at a ceremony at Ohio University Inn and Conference
Center on February 13. The award is given to businesses that have
contributed to economic growth in the Athens area and shown a
commitment to the Athens community.
The Laurels of Shane Hill and Maplewood of Shane’s Village were
similarly honored with a 2012 Business of the Year Award by the Rockford
Area Chamber of Commerce. They were honored in a special ceremony
in November. Administrator Steve Schaaf and Director of Marketing Leah
Hays accepted the award on behalf of the facilities. The Chamber noted
the extensive commitment the facilities have shown to the local
community, including hosting a Head Start program at their facility,
quarterly Prime Time Dinners with proceeds going back to the
community, and numerous other community and charitable events
and programs.
Lori Byrom of The Laurels of Blanchester was named Business Woman
of the Year by the Blanchester Area Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Byrom
was nominated by Jana Wells and John Noland of The Laurels of
Blanchester, who note in their nomination that Lori “goes above and
beyond to meet the needs of either Guest or staff member. There is no
task too large or too small for her.” Ms. Byrom is also personally very
active in her local community, where she is a member of both the
Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, and supports numerous
activities for the local schools. She also supports a scholarship each year
for a student interested in nursing.
T H E L A U R E L W AY O F C A R I N G C O M E S F R O M W I T H I N
Una Grande Notte!
The Laurels
of Coldwater’s
Venetian Valentine
Guest Lillian Wert dances with Wayland High School National Honor Society students.
Shall We Dance? The Laurels of Sandy
Creek Hosts Senior Prom
On Saturday, January 19th, many of the Guests at The Laurels of Sandy
Creek were up early to start primping for the Senior Prom. Celebrated in
partnership with The Wayland High School National Honor Society, the
prom gave both young and old an opportunity to show off their finery
and get down on the dance floor. Honor Society members helped the
ladies with their hair, nails, and makeup. “One lady looked in the mirror
and said she forgot she looked so beautiful,” said Jaime DeMaagd of
Wayland Union High School’s National Honor Society. The Honor
Society also provided decorations, food and refreshments, music, and
dance partners.
Volunteers from the community donated their time, service, and
donations of makeup, hair products, and all the beautiful clothes so each
and every Guest could look and feel beautiful for the event. Associates at
The Laurels worked extra hard that day to ensure everyone could attend.
Activities Assistant Julie Hibma was overwhelmed by the community
support. Project Hope of the Annetta Jansen Ministry Center in Dorr
donated $500 worth of clothing for the event. Dorr Community Pharmacy
donated nail polish and makeup; Hillcrest Floral donated the corsages,
and places like Encore and Ruthies’ Community Closet of the
United Church of Wayland also donated clothing.
mber
y me
ociet eier pins
S
r
o
Hon Kortem n Guest
a
Alyss tonniere o
u
o
b
a
is.
Wolf
John
Families came and dressed in prom attire as
well. A photographer was on hand to
commemorate the occasion with 50’s-style
backdrops. Everyone danced the day away to
a soundtrack of 50’s music put together by
the Honor Society students. For Guest Babe
Walburn, the occasion brought back
memories of her husband of 66 years, who
died this past September. “I married the
man I went to my prom with,” she said.
“We danced the night away.”
The Laurels of Coldwater hosted
its 15th annual Valentine’s Gala on
Feb. 7th. This annual event, which
has been running for 15 consecutive
years, is open to the public and
widely anticipated by the local
community. The facility created
a Venetian Valentine experience
with a three-course Italian meal
complete with homemade Italian
cream puffs, a chocolate fountain,
and an antipasto bar. The “Venetian
masquerade” theme even included
live Venetian “statues” that broke out
in Italian arias while posing against
Venetian backdrops. The event drew
more than 300 people, including
Laurel Guests and families and
members of the Red Hat Society
of Coldwater.
Venetian statues pose at The Laurels of
Coldwater’s Venetian Valentine event.
T H E L A U R E L W AY O F C A R I N G C O M E S F R O M W I T H I N 5
A C L O S E - U P L O O K A T A C T I V I T I E S
Reflections
Associates in the Therapy Department at The
Laurels of Sandy Creek help a Guest make caramel
corn. The treat was a special request by the Guest on
her last day of treatment.
The Laurels of Sandy Creek
Associate Linda Stone at The Laurels of University
Park had fun “SKYPEing” with her mother, who lives
at a local ALF.
The Laurels of University Park
Janet, Trenton, and Hailey Hightower give an
on-camera shout-out to The Laurels of University
Park from the set of The Today Show in New York City.
The Laurels of University Park
6
T H E L A U R E L W AY O F C A R I N G C O M E S F R O M W I T H I N
Guest John Deshazor’s trusty companion Kujo
provided daily support and inspiration as he
progressed with his therapy goals. Kujo got a very
special certificate from The Laurels of University Park
to acknowledge his contribution.
The Laurels of University Park
Young cadets from the Fork Union Military
Academy honored veterans at The Laurels of
Charlottesville in November with a drill team display,
a flag ceremony, and poems authored by the Middle
School cadets. Upper School cadets played Echo Taps
during the flag folding ceremony.
The Laurels of Charlottesville
Guests at The Laurels of Sandy Creek enjoy a
performance from the high school honor choir over
the holidays.
The Laurels of Sandy Creek
T H E L A U R E L W AY O F C A R I N G C O M E S F R O M W I T H I N 7
W H O ,
W H A T,
W H E R E ,
W H E N A N D H O W
Spirit News
The Laurels of Shane
Hill Achieve 100%
Occupancy and
Deficiency-Free Survey
Congratulations to The Laurels
of Shane Hill for achieving 100%
occupancy on Saturday, January
26, 2013.
The team at Shane Hill held an
occupancy averaging 7.2 above
budget for ADC and 6 above budget
for MCR in January. They also
received a Deficiency-Free Survey in
December of 2012. Thank you to all
of the Associates and Managers who
made this possible.
Laurels Associates Participate in Skin
and Wound Management Internship
Laurel Health Care would like to recognize several Associates that have
recently participated in a Skin and Wound Management Internship. This
was a one-day intensive training program that was taught by Carolyn
Brown from Advance Tissue, focusing on improving knowledge and
confidence in assessing and treating wounds. Individuals who participated
continue to show that Laurel Associates are committed to excelling in care.
• The Laurels of Athens: Ashley Bean
• The Laurels of Blanchester: Marlissa Corby and Judith Medley
• The Laurels of Bon Air: Monica Patron, Melissa Chandler, Crystal
Pritchard and Sandra Jeffries
• The Laurels of Canton: Barb Ailing and Richard Hayes
• The Laurels of Charlottesville: Michelle Sutton and Colleen Stanton
• The Laurels of Chatham: Ebony Harrington and Paula Corns
• The Laurels of Defiance: Helen Day
Catch the Spirit
• The Laurels of DeKalb: Renee Ray
To help make The Laurel Spirit
truly valuable for every Laurel
Associate, we want your input.
If you have ideas for stories, features
or photos, let us hear from you!
Do you know someone who
exemplifies The Laurel Way of
Caring? Please submit your ideas
to your Administrator, who will
pass them on to The Laurel Spirit
editor, Brent Tippie.
• The Laurels of Forest Glenn: Lori Bishop, Dorothy Nwizy,
Judie Vaughan
• The Laurels of GreenTree Ridge: Amy Walters, Wendy Davis,
Johnnie Sanders, Dawn Constance, and Angie Black
• The Laurels of Hendersonville: Beverly Harden, Tara Jolley
and Nancy Wallace
• The Laurels of Hilliard: Kimberly Barnett
• The Laurels of Hillsboro: Kim Hart
• The Laurels of Massillon: Julie Farmer
• The Laurels of Mt. Vernon: Shanna Perreault
it
el Spir
r
u
a
L
The
ht
VOL.
Y
C
ASSO
I AT E
PUB
LICA
TER
14 • WIN
• The Laurels of Norworth: Stephanie Smith
2013
• The Laurels of Salisbury: Rebecca Davis, Nancy Pearsall, Cassie Faletti
and Jan Condrey
TION
Brig
Shines
y Spirit
Holida Laurels
at The
U
A LA
REL
HEA
LT H
CAR
M
E CO
PAN
idays
the hol
to make
ny
they can few of the ma
rything
ta
do eve
are jus family.
ociates
s. Here
Care
familie
r, our Ass
Health
Each yea our Guests and our Laurel
l for
red by
specia
nts sha
mome
joyful
• The Laurels of Shane Hill: Jodi Lacey
The Laurels of Defiance
didn’t let the
Grinch spoil the
festivities. Frosty
the
Snowman and Old
St.
Grinch at a holiday Nick joined the
party.
• The Laurels of Steubenville: Jo Ann Dobbs
s
Laurel for
s at The nch
ociate liday bru
and Ass
e a ho
ement
prepar
Manag dy Creek ests.
of San s and Gu
familie
fun
have
eek a little
y Cr ok on?
Sand nta lo Harm
e
s of s Sa
urel Doe or Le
e La ick. irect
at Th St. N ce D
sts
an
Gue g withainten
posinlike M
bit
• The Laurels of Toledo: Olivia Parker
Blanche
Catherine by The
Director
Activities blankets gathered Ashland
up
bundles University Park for (ACES).
Services
Laurels of
Emergency
Christian
Goddard School
of
the nearby
Children fromwith Santa at The Laurels
enjoy a story
Willow Creek.
e
k Insid
A Lolidaoy Spirit
Ho
1
Words of
2
3
a
ster held
Blanche during the e
y
rels of
The Lau ting ceremon of Lights. “Th ial
tree-ligh l Celebratione who are spec
inaugura brates thos or or through
rts
cele
ory, hon actful effo
event
imp
er mem
Lori
in eith ion of their
trator
inis
ugh
recognit s,” said Admto have eno ject
live
in our The goal was s and the pro
Byrom. ns for 20 tree 35 trees.
donatio finished with
actually
8
by
st Bob
Park gue
versity g in the Newof
of Uni
Laurels
Laurels happy to brin
red
at The
Sgro was his friends facility sponsoreal
. The
with a
Year with
ity Park Eve Party nt, and
Univers
nme
Year's
entertai
a fun New
wn, live ents.
ntdo
cou
s refreshm
deliciou
Thanks
• The Laurels of University Park: Janice Taylor, Nancy Parker,
Shahida Newkirk, and Omega Walton
...
Focus On
at’s the
4–5 Th
Spirit!
6–7
s
Reflection
8
Spirit Ne
ws
• The Laurels of Willow Creek: Valerie Mann and Shakina Meredith
• The Laurels of Worthington: Annie Woods
T H E L A U R E L W AY O F C A R I N G C O M E S F R O M W I T H I N