Summer 2015 - Life Care Centers of America

Summer 2015, Vol. 12, No. 2
A publication of Life Care Centers of America
National Nursing Home Week 2015:
Bring on the Fiesta!
PAGE 5
From Encouraged to Encourager
PAGE 7
At the Foundation of Care
PAGE 9
A message from the president
Letters of Gratitude
Letters flow through this office in a
steady stream. Some writers seek
assistance of one kind or another; some
share their ideas about a new program or
initiative; and, yes, some register their
complaints about a building or its
personnel.
Many residents and family members,
however, put on paper their gratitude for
service rendered and praises for specific
associates who deliver it in extraordinary
fashion. Here are excerpts of a letter from
Linda Matthews of Brunswick, Georgia:
“One of my greatest blessings in life has
been Life Care Center of Morristown.”
Her father entered the Tennessee facility
in August 2013 and just recently passed
away. “Not once during this time, neither
Dad nor I have ever had a problem that
needed to be addressed.”
About nine months ago, Ms.
Matthews said, when she and her family
moved to Brunswick, “Dad had indicated
he wanted to move back to his
hometown, which would have been
considerably closer to us also. I had made
all the preliminary arrangements to
facilitate his transfer to a facility in
Florence, South Carolina, and when we
went back to tell him everything was in
place, all he would say to us is, ‘They are
mighty nice to me here.’
“After hearing this about five times over
a two-day period, I just reworded it and
said, ‘Dad, you don’t want to move, do
you?’ He had fallen so in love with
everyone on your staff that my being seven
hours away had no bearing on him
whatsoever. They had definitely become
his family … I realized it was a total
blessing … This is the type of compassion
our senior population deserves.”
Jane Hart of Jacksonville, Florida,
wrote that her father, who passed away
this past January, had resided at Life Care
Center of Jacksonville for more than two
years – first as a rehab patient and then in
long-term care.
“My sister and I were with Dad every
day, sometimes for many hours … Under
the worst of circumstances and often
despite the uncooperative spirit my Dad
exhibited, they never wavered in their
dedication to his well-being. I cannot
adequately express in words the effect
their persistent kindness and
uncompromising excellence of care had on
my sister and me … We especially felt their
compassion and support during Dad’s last
few weeks when his comfort was our
paramount concern.”
These two letters are just a small sample
of commendations from our customers.
They represent the feelings of thousands
of others.
May is the month in which National
Nursing Home Week occurs. It is a time
to celebrate our mission and to focus on
family, life and love. As an associate of
Life Care, put an extra spring in your step
and wear your Whatever It Takes And
Then Some pin with pride.
Every day, you are earning the respect
and appreciation of those you serve.
OUR COVER MODEL:
Ken Puckett, rehab graduate
from Life Care Center of
Coos Bay, Oregon
is published quarterly by
Life Care Centers of America
P.O. Box 3480
Cleveland, Tennessee 37320
Forrest L. Preston
Sincerely,
Founder and Chairman
Beecher Hunter
President
Bob Grayson
Beecher Hunter
Vice President of The Media Center
and Art Director
Leigh Atherton
Director of Public Relations
and Editor
Tanya Bumgardner
Newsletter Coordinator
and Associate Editor
Jonathan Golden
Graphic Designer
All correspondence should be
addressed to the Associate Editor.
Features
National Nursing Home Week 2015:
5 Bring on the Fiesta!
7
From Encouraged to Encourager:
How Life Care Center of Coos Bay Helped a Paraplegic
Become an Inspiration
9
At the Foundation of Care
InEveryIssue
3 Life Care Connections
13 Whatever It Takes And Then Some Highlights
14 Resident Voices: What is your biggest pet peeve?
InsideLifeCare
12
“
”
The Groundwork of a Lifelong Career
NNHW p. 5
Encourager p.7
Foundation p. 9
Reynolds Named Life Care’s Corporate Administrative Professional of the Year
Jill Reynolds, executive secretary
for Life Care Centers of America’s
operations department, was named
Administrative Professional of the Year
on Thursday, April 23.
“Jill does a tremendous job,” said
Bart Walker, senior vice president of
operations and Reynolds’ supervisor.
“She is truly the glue that holds us all
together.”
Reynolds was praised for her ability
to anticipate and provide for needs,
as well as her organizational skills,
creativity and dedication. Part of her
responsibilities entail planning teambuilding activities for the company’s
Annual Management Meeting,
attended by more than 250 associates
from around the country.
Reynolds received a dozen roses, a
tiara and a day pass to Bliss Spa during
the presentation.
Left to right: Beecher Hunter, president; Donna Tyson, motivational speaker;
Reynolds; and Bart Walker, senior vice president of operations
Garden Plaza at Cleveland Campus Manager Named Empowering Woman
of the Year
On May 7, 2015, Esmerelda Lee,
campus manager of Garden Plaza at
Cleveland, Tennessee, was named one
of two Empowering Women of the
Year during the Boys & Girls Clubs of
Cleveland annual Empowering Women
banquet.
The banquet served as a fundraiser
for the organization, with proceeds
supporting girls’ programming. Jackie
Joyner-Kersee, who won six Olympic
medals from 1988-1996, was the
keynote speaker, sharing her story of
overcoming obstacles to become a
record-setting athlete.
The Empowering Woman of the Year
Award recognized Lee for her character
in overcoming obstacles, commitment
to her family and involvement in the
community.
3
Left to right: Andrew and Esmerelda Lee and Lola and Beecher Hunter
Physicians Honored at AMDA’s 2015 Conference
March 19-22, 2015, Life Care’s physicians and medical directors gathered for a special evening during the American
Medical Directors Association’s 2015 conference in Louisville, Kentucky. That night, physicians from each division were
honored for excellence in 2014. Congratulations to all of the winners.
Central Division
Dr. Bruce Hodges at Garden Terrace Alzheimer’s Center of
Excellence in Overland Park, Kansas
Eastern Division
Dr. Sue Gouge at Life Care Center of East Ridge, Tennessee
Mountain States Division
Dr. Kristina Stefka at Life Care Center of Cheyenne, Wyoming
Northeast Division
Dr. Gary Asher at Life Care Center of Acton, Massachusetts
Northwest Division
Dr. William Elledge at Life Care Center of Puyallup, Washington
Southeast Division
Dr. Vance Maloney III at Life Care Center of Punta Gorda, Florida
Southwest Division
Dr. Kenneth Cable at Life Care Center of North Glendale, Arizona
Company-Wide Physician of the Year
Dr. Keith Thompson, second from the right,
at Life Care Center of Greeley, Colorado
Life Care Center of Crossville Associate Wins Rehab Servant Heart Award
Angela Eckelson, an occupational therapy assistant at Life
Care Center of Crossville, Tennessee, received Life Care
Centers of America’s Rehab Servant Heart Award on May 18,
2015.
The honor was presented during Life Care’s annual rehab
meeting, held this year in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
It recognizes a rehab associate who not only selflessly
contributes his or her professional expertise and time in
providing rehab services but also gives personally beyond his
or her job description.
Eckelson, who has served the Crossville facility for more
than seven years, was praised for demonstrating a servant’s
heart on a consistent basis. She has prepared special meals,
arranged tasks of interest for patients and made sure that
residents have had groceries in their homes when they have
completed therapy and returned home.
Recently, Eckelson came in on her day off to encourage a
resident who was having a difficult time with her physical
and emotional health. She is generous toward her co-workers,
often volunteering to work weekends and holidays to ensure
patients’ needs are cared for while her teammates take time
off. And she has provided occupational therapy coverage to
other Life Care facilities in the region – including Sparta,
Lynchburg, Tullahoma, Antioch and Wartburg.
At the ceremony, left to right: Bart Walker, senior vice president of operations;
Greg Stephenson, regional director of rehab of the River Region; Angela Eckelson,
occupational therapy assistant at Life Care Center of Crossville; Beecher Hunter;
Mike Reams, senior vice president of rehab services; and John Fischer, divisional
director of rehab of the Eastern Division
4
Our residents bring on the
fiesta by celebrating family,
life and love with fellow
residents, associates and,
of course, their own loved
ones. We celebrated their
influence on our lives during
National Nursing Home
Week, May 10 – 16, 2015.
RUBY SIMPSON
LIFE CARE CENTER OF BROOKFIELD, MISSOURI
Ruby Simpson, a 101-year-old resident
at Life Care Center of Brookfield, Missouri,
celebrates family, life and love every day.
Simpson’s overflowing love for family began
as a child when she took care of her sick
mother, along with daily farm chores. Her love
grew when she married and started a family
of her own with Gilmer Simpson.
After 70 years of marriage, Gilmer passed
away, but Simpson’s love for life didn’t. She
began writing letters to her granddaughter
that would later become a book, “That’s My
Here are four residents who
bring on the fiesta in their
facilities.
Grandma,” sharing her memories, stories and
pictures of her life.
When asked to describe her life in one
word, Simpson said, “Happy!” Every day she
wears a smile that radiates her love for family
and friends.
At the facility, Simpson attends all of the
activities, including weekly card games and
most of the outings. She is up for anything –
on past birthdays she even rode a motorcycle
and took a ride in a hot air balloon.
CINDY BOTTOMLEY
LIFE CARE CENTER OF RENO, NEVADA
Cindy Bottomley, a 62-year-old resident at
Life Care Center of Reno, Nevada, celebrates
life by being a loving friend to all she meets.
After going to school part time and raising
her daughter, Jenna, Bottomley’s thirst for
knowledge and children’s literature led her to
a successful 26-year career as a teacher and
librarian.
5
Despite her difficult recovery after suffering
from a heart attack and stroke, she’s now
found her place befriending new residents.
She’s known for the “Good afternoon” that she
extends to all, and for the hand of comfort
she gives to those around her.
Bottomley doesn’t stop there; she also
assists in decorating and planning every
activity in the facility. She’s spent a lifetime
celebrating others through her thoughtful
actions.
“This facility hasn’t been the same since
Cindy came here,” said Adriene Angelini,
activity director. “Her heart is to help other
people.”
MASARU “MAMO” HAMAKAWA
LIFE CARE CENTER OF HILO, HAWAII
Upon entering Life Care Center of Hilo,
Hawaii, it doesn’t take long to hear ukulele
music. Masaru “Mamo” Hamakawa, an
83-year-old resident, often greets other
residents, associates and visitors with a
cheerful song, a quick wit and a warm smile.
Comfortable in the spotlight, Hamakawa
is known for getting up on stage at facility
events to perform a collection of songs. He
learned to play the ukulele in the Air Force
while stationed in Japan, performing publicly
for the first time in front of 1,000 people!
With an engineering
degree from the University
of Hawaii, Hamakawa
worked in Japan as a civil
engineer before retiring to Hawaii at age 57.
Miriam, his wife of 59 years, visits him
daily. With their two children, Glen and Lisa,
the Hamakawas have always celebrated
both American and Japanese holidays. He is
grateful for family, life and love.
“I’m lucky – lucky to be alive, lucky to be
where I’m at,” said Hamakawa.
THERESA TEXLER
LIFE CARE CENTER OF ELYRIA, OHIO
Theresa Texler, an 87-year-old resident at
Life Care Center of Elyria, Ohio, knows what
family, life and love are all about.
Though Jim, Marilyn and Helen have
passed away, Texler still treats her son-in-law
as close family.
One of 14 children, Texler learned early the
value of close relationships, and of fun.
Texler extends that same love to her facility
family. She’s a member of the Resident
Council, participates in almost every activity
and has even shared her bingo bucks with
another resident.
“We’d go to Polish dances all over
Cleveland,” Texler said, “and we really liked to
roller skate.”
Texler and her husband, Jim, shared that
love and excitement with their own family.
They traveled and cruised frequently with their
daughter, Marilyn, and her husband, John
Pleichner. The four of them, and Texler’s sister
Helen, even shared a home for several years.
“I just like to keep busy,” Texler said.
“Otherwise, life is boring.”
Texler keeps spreading the spirit of family,
life and love to all she meets.
6
From
Encouraged
to
Encourager
How Life Care Center of Coos Bay Helped a Paraplegic Become an Inspiration
By Heidi Tompkins, Life Care Public Relations
Associates and residents at Life Care
Center of Coos Bay, Oregon, look
forward to Wednesdays.
Part of it could be that Wednesday
is Ice Cream Day. But what makes it
even sweeter is that it’s also the day
when Ken Puckett, a rehab graduate,
and his wife, Cheri, come to visit.
Although a paraplegic without use
of his arms, Puckett comes in walking,
with a smile on his face and a word of
encouragement for the residents.
Yet it wasn’t that long ago when he
was a resident himself, arriving at the
facility in his wife’s van and having to
slide out of the vehicle on a board with
the help of three therapists.
Puckett’s health problems were
many: acute respiratory failure, endstage renal disease and congestive
heart failure. In 2009, he underwent
open-heart surgery, and complications
7
led to him being in a coma for several
months. Even when Puckett regained
consciousness, he was paralyzed from
the neck down. Rehabilitation helped
him regain some mobility, but more
complications, two occasions when he
went unresponsive, CPR and surgery
set him back.
From the end of July 2014 to the
end of September, Puckett spent time
at Life Care Center of McMinnville,
Oregon, undergoing therapy to
regain strength. Associates there
helped him get to the point that he
could sit in a wheelchair, but since
his home was closer to the Coos Bay
location, he transferred there on
Oct. 1.
“I could not turn over in bed
unassisted,” Puckett remembered.
“My rib cartilage was cracked and
bruised from CPR.”
“He really wanted to stand up and
walk – that was his goal,” shared
California Orr, Puckett’s treating
occupational therapist.
Orr and Jessica McGrath, physical
therapist assistant, worked with
Puckett and his wife to develop a plan
to help him reach that goal. That plan
revolved around a lot of repetition,
physical support and encouragement.
Certified nursing assistants helped
get Puckett out of bed using a Hoyer
lift with a body sling. And because
he couldn’t use his arms, they helped
him get dressed and groomed, eat
breakfast and be ready for therapy.
Orr and McGrath started Puckett
with exercises to strengthen his legs
and shoulders. At first, he would sit
in a chair, and the therapists would
push on his legs while he tried to
extend them, providing resistance.
shoulders, and we would start sit-tostands, as many as he could do.”
After about six weeks of work,
Puckett was able to do a full stand.
“When he was in a full stand, we
started working on things like weight
shifting,” said McGrath. “He got a
little better every day.”
Puckett soon began to practice
walking, setting a little farther goal as
he was able to go longer distances in
the facility hallways.
“Everyone who saw him in the hall
was very encouraging to him and
giving him hugs along the way,” said
Orr. “I think that meant a lot to him
and encouraged him to keep going. It
was pretty awesome to see everybody
work together with him.”
From walking, the therapists began
helping him to go up and down a step
in preparation for going home with his
wife. Mastering that, and completing
a walk-through at his house to
everyone’s satisfaction, he was able to
return home.
Puckett continued outpatient
therapy three times a week from
Jan. 19 – March 30, 2015, to continue
his progress for living as independently
as possible, and he and Cheri still
continue to visit their friends at the
facility.
“We enjoy seeing him,” said
McGrath. “It’s amazing how far he’s
come. He knew that we believed in
him, and he wanted to prove to us that
our belief in him was valid.”
Now the one who received
encouragement is the one giving it
back to those around him.
“He talks to the other residents and
patients and encourages them to keep
going in therapy because it’s possible
to meet their goals,” said Orr.
Those goals are now realities for
Puckett, who lives an active and
fulfilling life.
“I owe a lot to the entire staff at
Life Care Center of Coos Bay,” said
Puckett. “I can’t say thank you enough
for giving me my life back.”
Photos by Joshua Rainey Photography
The first goal: getting out of his chair.
“There were many days when I
was so sick I could barely do leg
exercises,” Puckett said. “I would get
discouraged and feel like I was never
going to go home. [The therapists’]
thoughtfulness and positive
reinforcements continued to motivate
me, even on my roughest days.”
The therapists and nursing associates
weren’t the only ones who helped
Puckett through this hard time. All
along his journey to recovery, Cheri
was there for him, cheering him on
day by day.
“It was hard for him physically as
well as mentally,” McGrath said. “But
he really applied himself in both ways
to achieve his goals.”
As Puckett regained strength in his
legs, the therapists worked with him
on other areas as well.
“We did a lot of trunk
strengthening,” Orr said. “We would
take him to the table, and he would
put his elbows up on the table so he
could put a little bit of pressure on his
8
AT THE
Foundation of Care
A Look at Life Care Centers of America’s Current Physical Growth By Ivey Lawrence, Life Care Public Relations
Part of Life Care Centers of America’s mission to be the facility of choice in every community doesn’t
just mean that the facility’s interior is full of compassionate associates and state-of-the-art equipment, but it
also means that the physical state of the facility is first-rate as well.
The construction services department at Life Care’s corporate offices in Cleveland, Tennessee, oversees
all new construction and renovation projects throughout the entire company. Life Care started with one
facility in Cleveland, Tennessee, and now, 45 years later, has reached more than 200 facilities, and its
corporate offices have experienced much growth. With so much to take care of, construction projects of
all kinds are always in motion. These construction improvements don’t just make Life Care better, but they
help make the communities in which they’re built better, too.
“We’re constantly in the process of making things happen once a project gets approved,” said Scott
Gooch, a member of the construction services team. “And I really like that about my job: I’m able to help
make a difference in the field and in the communities where you find our facilities.”
Here are four major project updates as they enter different stages of construction:
Life Care Center of East Ridge, Tennessee
Life Care Center of East Ridge’s celebration of
40 years came with the decision to construct a
brand-new building. The new facility will be built
on the existing site in East Ridge, Tennessee. While
construction isn’t underway yet, the new facility is
set to follow a similar floor plan to Life Care Center
of Blount County’s facility, increasing Life Care
Center of East Ridge’s footprint by 16 resident
rooms, an additional courtyard and overall size by
more than 30,000 square feet.
1 NORTH EXTERIOR ELEVATION
SCALE: 1" = 20'-0"
2 EAST EXTERIOR ELEVATION
SCALE: 1" = 20'-0"
3 WEST EXTERIOR ELEVATION
SCALE: 1" = 20'-0"
ts
franklin|architec
COPYRIGHT ©
2013 FRANKLIN
ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS,
INC.
4 SOUTH EXTERIOR ELEVATION
SCALE: 1" = 20'-0"
CONV.
316
300 WING
CORR
370
DR.
SUITE
90
LOUNGE
63
T
92
VEND
48
EQ.
358
ST
354
CORR
65
CORR
373
PRIV
138
CORR
271
PRIV
136
PRIV
137
PRIV
134
CONV.
124
ELEC
182
OFF.
163
CONV.
120
MECH
164
PRIV
102
JAN.
157
CHART.
162
EQ.
158
N.S.
100
CORR
173
PRIV
129
CONV.
127
CONV.
125
CONV.
123
CONV.
121
CONV.
119
SO. UTIL.
167
NOUR.
152
MECH
168
PRIV
116
PRIV
118
ELEC
184
ACT DIR
23
CORR
22
PRIV
214
OFF.
19
MECH
20
LIB.
21
PRIV
212
CORR
170
CORR
171
N.T.
155
PRIV
101
BATH.
153
PRIV
103
PRIV
105
PRIV
107
PRIV
109
T
10
PRIV
224
PRIV
222
PRIV
226
JAN.
257
EQ.
258
CORR
270
ELEC
283
OFF.
13
PRIV
213
PRIV
211
CORR
272
CORR
273
ELEC
282
N.T.
255
PRIV
207
PRIV
209
PRIV
205
PRIV
203
SC.
CL. UTIL.
265
266
ST
254
SO. UTIL.
267
NOUR.
252
SPA
253
PRIV
201
EMPLY
509
MECH
512
T
510
PRIV
215
PRIV
217
PRIV
219
PRIV
221
PRIV
223
PRIV
225
ST
511
ION
T - BY STAT
BED COUN
ADD
BED
OFF
508
BATH
507
ROOM TYPE
O.T.
506
B. OFF
07
E.D.
09
ENTRY
08
CONF
04
PRIV
113
REC
05
WORK
06
TREAT.
505
REHAB.
GYM
502
200
PRIVATE
VEST.
501
PRIV
117
COUNT
CONV.
10
32
42
10
0
10
LEGEND
ROOM TYPE
PRIVATE
CONVERTIBLE
ROOM
COUNT
PRIVATE 14
CONVERTIBLE
94
PRIVATE
108
BED
COUNT
14
94
108
ING
GROSS BUILD
9
SKILLED NURSING
REHAB SUITE
PLAN
TRUE
1
N
FLOOR PLA
= 20'-0"
SCALE: 1"
4
0
4
14
4
24
28
108
T - BY TYPE
BED COUN
ROOM TYPE
PRIVATE
0
0
38
38
38
38
300
PRIVATE 4
CONVERTIBLE
24
PRIVATE
28
108
SPEECH
503
ENTRY
01
ROOM
COUNT
100
PRIVATE 10
CONVERTIBLE
32
PRIVATE
42
TREAT.
504
LIVING
02
B. DEV.
03
PRIV
115
PRIV
220
PRIV
218
OFF.
264
N.S.
200
WOMENS
12
MEN'S
11
CHART.
263
PRIV
202
MEDS.
256
ROTUNDA
18
MECH
14
PRIV
204
PRIV
206
PRIV
208
PRIV
210
ELEC
281
PRIV
111
PRIV
112
PRIV
110
PRIV
108
OFF.
16
CL. LINEN
151
PRIV
114
PRIV
104
ELEC
181
CL. UTIL.
166
PRIV
106
MECH
262
PRIV
216
MEDS.
156
ST
154
ELEC
180
SC.
165
DAY
260
CORR
25
ICE
CREAM
26
DAY
160
PRIV
131
CONV.
122
ACTIVITY
24
PRIV
132
PRIV
133
200 WING
OFF.
261
P. DINING
27
CORR
174
CONV.
126
PRIV
228
PRIV
227
PRIV
135
CONV.
128
PRIV
230
PRIV
229
CORR
175
PRIV
130
PRIV
232
PRIV
231
PRIV
139
100 WING
PRIV
234
ELEC
383
PRIV
233
DINING
28
PRIV
140
PRIV
328
PRIV
326
PRIV
324
PRIV
322
PRIV
236
PRIV
235
ELEC
183
PRIV
320
PRIV
318
PRIV
238
PRIV
237
28A
DAY
360
JAN.
357
MEDS.
356
N.T.
355
MED REC
150
PRIV
141
PRIV
329
PRIV
327
TENNESSEE
NOUR.
352
BATH.
353
PRIV
301
PRIV
303
PRIV
305
PRIV
307
PRIV
309
PRIV
311
BEAUTY
64
PRIV
142
PRIV
325
PRIV
323
ELEC
250
CORR
374
CORR
371
CL. LINEN
351
DISH
30
ASSISTED
45
IN-SERVICE
47
ELEC
382
CORR
372
KITCHEN
29
T
33
POT
32
ST
47A
OFF
47B
N.S.
91
ST
96
JAN.
34
MECH
44
CENTRAL
46
ST
49
DOCTOR
93
EX
94
N.S.
300
DRY ST
31
DIET
35
ENV.
50
DR.
56
EX
95
SO. UTIL.
367
EAST RIDGE,
CORR
58
JAN.
51
DR.
54
T
55
T
57
CL. LINEN
62
PRIV
321
PRIV
319
REHAB
363
GARAGE
GRAND TOTAL
FACILITY
ADD
CONV.
14
0
14
AREA
76,810 SF
4,014 SF
80,825 SF
1,969 SF
1,969 SF
82,793 SF
20'-0"
Scale = 1" =
DRY
61
ST
363A
CHART.
362
GN
SCHEMATIC DESI
FLOOR PLAN
CORR
191
DIRTY
59
WASH
60
PRIV
306
PRIV
308
PRIV
310
PRIV
312
CL. UTIL.
366
PRIV
302
PRIV
304
MECH
361
SC.
365
MECH
364
CORR
36
E.M.
52
ELEC
53
CONV.
314
CONV.
313
SAT
39
MAINT
40
CAN
43
ST RIDGE
CENTER of EA
LIFE CARE SKILL
ITY
ED NURSING FACIL
CONV.
315
MECH
42
March 2, 2015
A2
Life Care Center of Blount County
in Louisville, Tennessee
Since April 2014, Life Care Center of Blount
County has been under construction. The new
facility is in the foothills of the Great Smoky
Mountains in Louisville, Tennessee, just 15 miles
outside of Knoxville, one of the state’s largest cities.
The 120-bed, 88,900-square-foot skilled nursing
facility is located on a 13.5-acre site. All 120
rooms are private, including three suites, and the
facility includes features such as a 4,000-squarefoot rehab center, an ice cream shop, spa-like
bathing rooms and three enclosed courtyards, one
with a putting green. Plans in the future include
building an assisted living facility on the adjacent
six-acre property.
Life Care Center of South Hill
in Puyallup, Washington
franklin|architects
ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS,
INC.
Scale = 1" = 20'-0"
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS
March 2, 2015
A3
EAST RIDGE, TENNESSEE
SKILLED NURSING FACILITY
LIFE CARE CENTER of EAST
RIDGE
COPYRIGHT © 2013 FRANKLIN
The brand-new facility in Puyallup, Washington,
Life Care Center of South Hill, just hosted its grand
opening on May 28, 2015. The 78,000-squarefoot facility offers 100 beds, including 80 private
rooms and 10 semiprivate rooms. The facility
specializes in post-acute care, skilled nursing and
rehabilitation services and also offers long-term
and respite care. The latest therapy equipment fills
the 4,800-square-foot therapy gym and outdoor
mobility park. Two cafés, a gift ship, an outdoor
putting green and three fireside lounges are also
featured at the facility.
“It’s wonderful to have this beautiful, state-of-theart building that we can offer to the community as
a gift,” said Karen Williams, executive director.
“Starting this building has been a huge project,
and we’ve learned so much along the way. We’re
excited to share our five-star service with the
community and celebrate the residents we get to
serve.”
10
Professional Development Center,
Corporate Offices in Cleveland, Tennessee
Life Care’s corporate offices in Cleveland,
Tennessee, may primarily serve as the hub of
support to all of its facilities, but the corporate
campus also hosts internal meetings such as Your
Life Care Journey, Directors of Nursing Meeting and
Annual Management Meeting, and it serves as a
venue for community partners to use when available.
The Professional Development Center is the most
frequently used building for hosting events. The
space is utilized for meals, conferences and classes.
As Life Care continues to grow, the PDC is in need
of an expansion to accommodate its frequent
guests. The new PDC will expand from all four
sides of the building, enlarging its size by 10,735
square-feet. The expansion will include a new
atrium and classrooms, a larger meeting room
and kitchen, and additional restrooms. The
project will also include a few small renovations
on campus such as an enclosed sidewalk
between buildings and the parking garage.
With floor plans complete, the expansion is set
to begin within the next few months.
11
Groundwork
The
of a Lifelong Career
By Marshall Pickard, Life Care Public Relations
Arlene Thompson has served as
activities director of Life Care Center of
New Market, Virginia, for more than 30
years, but her journey with the facility
started before the building was even built.
Her husband, Paul Thompson, helped
construct it in the early ’80s.
The two met first at Shenandoah Valley
Academy, a Seventh-day Adventist college
preparatory boarding school in New
Market, where Arlene’s sister attended.
Her family visited from Pennsylvania
often, and during one visit, Paul first
encountered Arlene.
“I knew I was going to marry you since
the first time I saw you,” Paul told her
years later.
The next year, Arlene was a freshman at
Shenandoah. Standing outside her dorm
room window one day, sophomore Paul
asked her to the movies.
That simple date was the start of a
lifelong relationship: Paul and Arlene got
married two weeks after she graduated
from the academy.
By 1972, they were living in Silver
Spring, Maryland, and Arlene was met
with an exciting opportunity: she was
asked to be a member of her church’s
building committee.
The church they were attending,
Spencerville Seventh-day Adventist
Church, was expanding and wanted
to construct a new building. Paul was
working in construction but not on this
church project.
Because she did not know much about
construction but wanted to help, one
night Paul told her, “If you want to do this,
I have the time and will help you.”
Arlene agreed to help plan the project
and led the decorating committee as well.
The new church, a gorgeous stone chapel,
opened in February 1980.
After seven years of Arlene’s work on the
church, Paul bought a farm in Timberville,
near New Market, and the family moved
back to Virginia, where they had first met.
“We moved so that my daughter could
go to Shenandoah Valley Academy,”
Arlene said. “I did not want to leave!”
Through her work with the church,
Arlene met Don Kirkman, an architect
who has designed many of Life Care
Centers of America’s buildings.
Paul and Kirkman would go on to work
together to build Life Care Center of New
Market. Arlene remembered them laying
out the plans on her big farm kitchen table
one night.
Kirkman asked, “Arlene, are you going
to work at the nursing home? You would
make a good activities director!”
Arlene, who knew nothing about skilled
nursing facilities, replied, “What do they
even do?”
After learning more, Arlene decided to
apply for the position. She started working
at the facility on July 26, 1983, and the
facility opened Aug. 3 of that year.
She has been the activities director
there ever since and loves working with
residents.
“We try to bring the world to them,”
said Arlene, who coordinates five or six
events every day for residents. “We want to
give them something to look forward to.”
In retrospect, her story of love for her
husband and devotion to her church is
truly interwoven with the history of Life
Care Center of New Market.
“One thing just led to another,” said
Arlene. “If the church had not hired
Kirkman, I would have never known
about Life Care Center of New Market.”
12
Whatever It Takes And Then Some
Highlights
Alandra Vaccaro, certified nursing
assistant, Life Care Center of Port
Orchard, Washington
When a resident lost a daughter,
she was unable to attend the
funeral in person because it was
too far away. She took part in
the service via Skype. Vaccaro
helped her look her best over the
connection – fixing her clothes,
hair and makeup and even
rearranging the furniture in her
room. The gesture showed the
resident that she was cared for
during this hard time.
Betty Roberts, licensed practical
nurse, Life Care Center of Colorado
Springs, Colorado
Roberts believes every resident
should have personal touches in
his or her room to help it feel like
home. She takes the time on her
own to paint pictures for residents
to brighten their rooms and make
them feel homier.
Jay Bourdo, director of building
maintenance, Life Care Center
of Plainwell, Michigan
Bourdo fixed an associate’s vehicle
that had been in a minor accident
so it would be safe for her to
drive again. He also dug another
associate’s car out of a snow bank
and drove it back to the facility
for her.
13
Doriedee Mark, physical therapist,
Life Care Center of Michigan City,
Indiana
Mark noticed that a resident was
missing his wife, who lives in
an assisted living facility. Even
though he was not physically
ready, he wanted to quit therapy
so he could go back to the assisted
living facility and be with his wife.
Starting on Valentine’s Day, Mark
began personally bringing the
resident’s wife to visit him every
week. He is happier and stronger as
a result.
Barry Larsen, bus driver, Desert
Cove Nursing Center in Chandler,
Arizona
A resident who had completed
his rehab program was ready to
return to his apartment. When
mentioned that he needed help
to get to the bus stop and then
would have to ride multiple buses
to get home, Larsen took it upon
himself to rearrange and reroute
his transportation for that day so
that he could take the resident
back home without having to use
a city bus.
Erin Kelly, occupational therapist,
Life Care Center of Cleveland,
Tennessee
A 99-year-old resident yearned
to go fishing again, but he could
not leave the facility. Kelly drew
several catfish, laminated and
attached magnets to them, and
attached magnets to a fishing rod
so the resident could still have the
experience. Kelly went even further
by frying some catfish for him to
enjoy for dinner.
Arturo Valdez, driver, Life Care
Center of Haltom in Fort Worth,
Texas
During winter storms in the area,
Valdez picked up many associates
who needed rides to and from
work. He worked long hours in
less-than-ideal weather, but his
dedication ensured the residents
were cared for.
Resident Voices
What is your biggest
pet peeve?
People that are jealous of others, and
people that are two-faced.
Janie Ramsey, Life Care Center
of Tullahoma, Tennessee
My pet peeve is when somebody takes my
spot at the dinner table.
Ruth D., Life Care Center of Greeley,
Colorado
My pet peeve is when people make too
much noise while they eat.
Bertha G., Life Care Center
of Greeley, Colorado
It bothers me when people mispronounce
my name!
E.K. Waldrop, Life Care Center
of Collegedale, Tennessee
When someone is walking and someone
else passes, and they don’t move over.
Judy Clark, Life Care Center
of Cleveland, Tennessee
People with bad attitudes.
Peter Boates, Life Care Center
of Acton, Massachusetts
Leaving lights on. The economy is
so bad and we can’t afford it. Shut
the lights off.
Bobby Duncan, Life Care Center
of Vista, California
I don’t like when people are not polite
and do not say “Please” and “Thank you.”
Lucy Murphy, Life Care Center
of Estero, Florida
My pet peeve is having to wait for
something. I don’t like to have to wait for
long periods of time.
Diane Ross, Life Care Center
of Florissant, Missouri
I guess my biggest peeve is when people
assume what I'm saying and shake their
head in agreement when I know good
and well they haven't a clue what I said,
or worse than that, care. I know it takes
extra time to understand people with
speech difficulties, but some time stop
and just try to understand that person.
You may be surprised at what’s locked
up inside that heart and head. If people
would just take the time to understand
me, they might end up with a good friend. Susan Fuller, Orangegrove
Rehabilitation Hospital in Garden
Grove, California
It was my pet peeve when my son kept
trying to bring snakes in the house. I had
to lock the doors to keep him out. I am
very afraid of snakes.
Mildred Byerly, Life Care Center
of Greeneville, Tennessee
When people are not trying to join
the fun.
Robert Link, Darcy Hall of Life Care
in West Palm Beach, Florida
I don’t like it when people interrupt me
when I’m talking.
Lea Arena, Life Care Center of Punta
Gorda, Florida
Men leaving the toilet
seat up is my pet
peeve. I lived with
three sons and my
husband. They always
left it up.
Marjory Waye,
The Lane House in
Crawfordsville, Indiana
Melted ice cream.
Jack Umberson, Garden Terrace
Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence
at Fort Worth, Texas
I don’t have many pet peeves. If I think
of something that bothers me the most,
I would say people who only care about
themselves. It is important for people
to stay on task and respect one another.
People should treat one another kindly
and no less.
John Cormier, Life Care Center
of West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
None. It doesn’t pay to get annoyed.
Vern Easterling, The Lane House in
Crawfordsville, Indiana
14
Life Care Centers of A merica
Directors of Nursing Meeting 2015
Congratulations to all of our associates who received awards at our
annual Directors of Nursing Meeting on April 20, 2015, at Life Care’s
corporate offices in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Mary Denton Award
Nancy Magnuson
Life Care Center of Sarasota, Florida
Company-Wide Director
of Nursing Award
Shannon Ryan
Cottesmore of Life Care in Gig Harbor, Washington
Division Directors of Nursing of the Year
Central Division
Northeast Division
Christina Nyirenda at Westside Village Nursing Center
in Indianapolis, Indiana
Diane Fox at Life Care Center
of Acton, Massachusetts
Eastern Division
Northwest Division
Connie McAnulty at Ridgeview Terrace of Life Care
in Rutledge, Tennessee
Gulf States Region
Maribeth Cantu at Life Care Center of Haltom
in Fort Worth, Texas
Mountain States Division
Clint Scearce at Life Care Center of Cheyenne, Wyoming
Carol McIver at
Life Care Center of Lewiston, Idaho
Southeast Division
Christine Smith at The Gardens Court
in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Southwest Division
Renato Hintay at Orangegrove Rehabilitation Hospital
in Garden Grove, California