Thank you with all my heart to the people of Manor Care Hinsdale who lovingly, compassionately, cared for my mother, Silvia Ricchiuto. Mom's stay was not very long but she enjoyed the kind and caring people who dressed her, fed her, prayed with her and made her laugh. Ice cream was a favorite of hers and she thoroughly enjoyed the treat. Whenever music programs were scheduled, we were singing along with the entertainer of the day. “I Love You Truly” was very special.
In the eyes of a mother's child, there is always the feeling/doubt of not being able to do more or do fast enough to help a parent. All the personnel of Manor Care Hinsdale embraced my mother and eased my sadness at the loss of my mom.
Lucia Schmidtke
Silvia Ricchiuto's daughter
IMPORTANT NOTICE Regarding the Administration of IV Medication by LPNs
The Illinois Department of Professional Regulation has released a notice stating that LPNs who possess the proper education, training and experience may administer antibiotic medications through a peripheral IV line via IV piggyback for a continuous infusion of fluids, with or without medications, through an IV access device. Antibiotics may also be administered through peripheral access for intermittent infusions. The medication should be premeasured and prepacked. The notice further goes on to define a peripheral IV line as a short catheter inserted through the skin into a peripheral vein.
As in the past, LPNs MAY NOT administer chemotherapeutic agents via intravenous routes, starting or adding blood or blood components, administer medications via intravenous push or add medication to existing intravenous infusions, including heparin in heparin locks.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact Debbie Belt at dbelt@ihca.com or via phone at 1-800-252-8988.
The entire notice may be viewed at http://www.idfpr.com/Forms/Memo/041508LPNIVissue.pdf
Read about IHCA Members in the News
March 2008
Long-Term Care Profession Sponsors Statewide Program to Benefit Nursing Home Residents and Families
SPRINGFIELD – A new statewide program will benefit residents and their family members by streamlining quality improvements in today's long-term care facilities.
The new program, called the Road to Excellence quality initiative, provides the necessary tools to help facilities across Illinois develop their own plans to achieve a higher level of quality during the next two years. It is being proposed by the Health Care Council of Illinois (HCCI), Life Services Network (LSN), Illinois Council on Long Term Care (ICLTC) and Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA).
This is the first time all four associations have collaborated on such a wide-reaching program.
According to HCCI Director Pat Comstock, the Road to Excellence quality initiative focuses on three major objectives:
*Preventing and reducing the incidents of resident pressure ulcers
*Assisting residents in managing and reducing chronic pain
*Improving resident and family satisfaction through consistent surveys
The goals of this initiative are to:
*demonstrate the proactive commitment of the long-term care profession to overall care improvement
*provide individual facilities with the necessary tools and resources to positively impact resident care in targeted areas
*monitor success achieved as a result of increased funding for nursing home residents
“This exciting new program is intended to complement and support the efforts already being made in our facilities across the state,” said Dennis Bozzi, president of LSN. “The areas we are focusing on have already been designated as priorities of most facilities.”
The Road to Excellence is designed to highlight in an organized, measurable way the overall success of our individual facilities statewide, said IHCA Executive Director David Voepel.
Success will be monitored through statewide resident and family satisfaction surveys. Individual facilities may also voluntarily participate in a corresponding staff satisfaction survey.
Terry Sullivan, executive director of the ICLTC, said the associations will provide guidance to facilities through s tandardized tools to support and guide the facility's overall Quality Assurance program, as well as provide standardized protocols, assessment tools, reporting forms and documentation guides for pressures ulcers and pain management. Training seminars for staff on pressure ulcer prevention and pain management will also be held.
For more information, go to: www.roadtoexcellence.org.
February 2008
IHCA Announces New Employees; New Membership Manager
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA) has announced two new employees and a staff promotion as part of a structure reorganization. The changes are the result of the association's continued growth and expansion of member/constituent long-term care services.
Mark Westenberger of Jacksonville was named Membership Services Manager. He joined IHCA four years ago and is a graduate of SIU-Edwardsville. He previously served as communications assistant and executive assistant. His duties will include overseeing membership information and services, serving as a liaison between member facilities and the association, and staffing the Assisted Living and Nursing Facility Steering Committees.
Ashley Caldwell of Springfield was named Communications Assistant. The University of Illinois graduate was formerly employed with the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois. She will serve as an assistant editor and copyeditor of association publications and materials, assist the Director of Communications and also serve as office receptionist.
Gina Alex of Springfield has been named Executive Staff Assistant. A graduate of Southeast High School and Robert Morris College , she worked in healthcare management for seven years before joining IHCA. She most recently worked as an office manager of a nursing home office and independent living community. She will perform administrative duties including overseeing employee benefits and general office management duties.
September 2007
57th Annual IHCA Convention and Trade Show a Success!
The convention and trade show held in Peoria Sept. 17-20 was a great success, with many new features including a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis. Thank you to all who attended and enjoyed the event. To view WEEK TV's news coverage of the event, go to: http://www.week.com/news/health/9854927.html.
IHCA Staff and Volunteer Awards Announced at Tribute
The following winners were announced at the Tribute Dinner:
Administrator of the Year: Linda Hartmann, Heritage Manor-Elgin
Housekeeping Professional of the Year: Verica Radonic, Heritage Manor, Streator
Social Service Director: Laura Dorse, Medina Manor Nursing Center
Food Service/Dietary Manager: Roberta Strebeck, Heritage Manor, Gibson City
Activity Director of the Year: Gail Haviland, Alden Naperville
Photograph of the Year: A Lap Full of Love, Alden North Shore Rehabilitation and Health Care Center;
Media: Alden Naperville Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, "American Idol"
Publication: Happy Trails Newsletter, Alden Trails Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Community Partnership: Senior Services Associates, Alden Terrace of McHenry
Teen Volunteer: Madison Junior High School, Alden Naperville
Group Volunteer: Field Middle School, Alden Estates of Evanston Rehabilitation and Health Care Center
Adult Volunteers: Vance Plapp, Walnut Manor Nursing Home; Deanna Osterbur, Country Health in Gifford
Innovative Program: Country Health, Inc., Gifford.
Nursing Award Winners Honored at Ovations Ceremony
The nursing award winners were honored at a special Ovations ceremony breakfast held during the IHCA Convention and Trade Show in Peoria .
Winners are:
Director of Nursing: Vicky Lagtapon, Heritage Manor – Elgin, LLC.
Nurse: Crystal Ouart, Toulon Rehabilitation and Health Care Center
MDS Coordinator: Anna Vissering, Heritage Manor Streator
Nursing Assistant: Matt Patches, Liberty Village of Pittsfield
Direct Support Person (DD): Pamela Ash, Dyball Sunshine Home
Congratulations to all our winners!!
Legislators of the Year Announced
IHCA and Illinois Council on Long Term Care jointly announce the 2007 Long-Term Care Legislators of the Year. The associations are honoring these legislators for their important work in strengthening the safety net of care for the thousands of frail, elderly and disabled individuals who depend on Illinois ' long-term care system.
A special Legislative Awards Ceremony was held during the IHCA Convention and Trade Show.
The legislators honored this year are:
- Sen. Pamela Althoff ( R-Crystal Lake )
- Sen. James F. Clayborne, Jr. (D-Belleville)
- Sen. William Delgado (D-Chicago)
- Sen. Deanna Demuzio (D-Carlinville)
- Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Mount Prospect)
- Sen. Dale A. Righter (R-Mattoon)
- Sen. Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac)
- Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago)
- Sen. Donne E. Trotter (D-Chicago)
- Rep. John E. Bradley (D-Marion)
- Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington)
- Rep. Elizabeth Coulson (R-Glenview)
- Downstate Democratic Caucus
- Rep. Jack D. Franks (D-Woodstock)
- Rep. Tom Holbrook (D-Belleville)
- Rep. Kevin Joyce (D-Chicago)
- Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie)
- Rep. Frank J. Mautino ( D-Spring Valley )
- Rep. Rosemary Mulligan (R-Des Plaines)
- Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg)
- Rep. Robert Rita (( D-Blue Island )
- Rep. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet)
- Rep. Kathleen Ryg (D-Vernon Hills)
- Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Peoria)
- Rep. Jim Watson (R-Jacksonville)
Also named to the 2007 IHCA Hall of Fame are Senator Ira Silverstein and Representative Dan Brady. Legislators who have received the annual award from the IHCA at least three times are inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The winners were chosen for their commitment to quality care for Illinois seniors and persons with disabilities.
Two State Associations Unite to Push for Public Policy Initiatives for Long-Term Care Profession
SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Council on Long Term Care (ICLTC) and Illinois Health Care Association ( IHCA ) have announced they will join forces to better represent the long-term care profession in Illinois. Pat Comstock, IHCA Vice President of Public Policy, will now represent both the Illinois Council and IHCA as VP of Public Policy, to lead the effort on legislative and regulatory initiatives on behalf of both groups.
“This new venture demonstrates the commitment by both associations to speak with one voice on behalf of the nursing home residents of Illinois . Just as we have been working together as part of the Illinois Long-Term Care Coalition, which includes Life Services Network (LSN), the third major long-term care association, we will continue to push for what is best for the elderly and disabled citizens of Illinois,” said Dave Voepel, IHCA Executive Director.
Joining Comstock and Voepel in representing IHCA are: Phyllis Parkinson, Manager of House Issues; Matt Hartman, Manager of Senate Issues and Karen O'Beirne, Director of DD Services. Representing the Illinois Council are Executive Director Terry Sullivan; Kevin Taylor, Director of Reimbursement Analysis; Susan Gardiner, Director of Clinical Services; Kevin Kavanaugh , Director of Public Affairs; and Myrtle Klauer, Director of Resident Services.
“Our mission of serving the elderly and disabled is strengthened by this joint public policy venture. Our team looks forward to working with legislators, state officials and the public on the important health care challenges ahead,” said Terry Sullivan, Executive Director of the Illinois Council.
June 2007
Mill Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Springfield Featured in LTC Today Magazine
Springfield -- Mill Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Springfield is featured in the summer issue of LTC Today.
The article, “Mill Creek -- A Home-Made Environment,” details the programs and services offered by the facility, located at 3319 Ginger Creek Drive. Administrator Lisa Wernsing and Health Services Director Amanda Drennan are among several staff members and residents featured in the profile. The facility, which opened February of 2006, currently is home to 30 residents.
A distinctive program offered at the facility takes a holistic approach to care for individuals struggling with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. Staff members are required to c omplete a “Meaningful Moments” course, where they acquire the necessary skills to meet the diverse needs of the residents. The staff focuses on psychological, social and spiritual needs that include connection to family, life roles, coping with loss, special care needs, non-verbal communication and more. The program strongly emphasizes activities.
LTC Today is a quarterly magazine published by the Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA), which reports the latest news and trends in the long-term care industry and profiles IHCA member facilities.
May 2007
Governor Proclaims May 13-19 National Nursing Home Week in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD -- Governor Rod R. Blagojevich has proclaimed May 13-19 National Nursing Home Week in Illinois, according to the Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA).
Treasure our Elders is the theme for National Nursing Home Week 2007.
The Governor's proclamation states that the week is designed to honor our community's citizens now residing in nursing homes, who have contributed immeasurably to our state's heritage over the years. This week is also intended to recognize those that contribute to the success of quality care performed at nursing facilities throughout Illinois.
“ National Nursing Home Week was created over 40 years ago to honor those that have persevered and pioneered our way of life… we stand on their shoulders through their many achievements and accomplishments. They should be honored and this is their week,” said IHCA Executive Director David Voepel.
IHCA member facilities are sponsoring many activities in observance of National Nursing Home Week, which celebrates not only the residents, but also the staff, volunteers, family members and community members who care for the residents.
National Nursing Home Week was created by the American Health Care Association (AHCA).
January 2007
Sunny Hill Nursing Home Residents
Receive Honorary Diplomas
By Tammy Reiher, Public Information Officer, Will County
JOLIET - They never heard Pomp and Circumstance played in their honor or marched across a stage to receive a hard-earned sheet of parchment. But for 10 residents of Sunny Hill Nursing Home of Will County, their longing for that missed milestone has been met. The three men and seven women were awarded honorary high school diplomas by Joliet Catholic Academy during the school's Christmas concert on Dec. 7.
The pursuit of the academic acknowledgment began in June when the nursing home's community liaison, Mary Behringer, wrote area high schools, asking for help in fulfilling some residents' dreams of high school diplomas. In September, Behringer heard back from JCA. The 10 became honorary members of the Class of 2006.
Will County Executive Larry Walsh, who oversees the county-owned nursing home, lauded the effort. "It's important that our residents get out into the communities they helped build," he said. "In this instance, I am sure that some of the young people who were part of the holiday event were touched by it. Even if they don't realize it now, someday the kindness of this act and the pleasure it brought to the residents will come back to them. Maybe it will even encourage them to do another kind act."
Meet the Grads
The honorees range in age from 65 to 97. Many had to quit school to help their families. The newest members of the JCA Class of 2006 are:
*Louise Betti, 83, quit school to care for ill parents. She then went on to care for other homebound people, an experience she found humbling. The trust families had in her caring for their loved ones meant more than any paycheck.
*Theresa Botka, 92, left formal education to help support her family. Among her jobs was one at the arsenal during World War II, where she would load explosives with powder and bolt together the shipment boxes the explosives were shipped in. She said she was able to help her family and her country at the same time; *Martha Centeno, 84, enjoyed school, but it was too expensive and a three-mile walk made it difficult to get there. She helped on the family ranch and later began cleaning houses and apartments *Collis Jones, 65, was forced to quit school because of an illness. When he recuperated he joined the workforce, first at a concrete plant in Lemont and later at Shetfield Steel, previously Phoenix Steel.
*Lucille Kempke, 97, attended continuation school, which taught job skills. She completed the course, but never received a certificate. She went to work at Republican Printing Press, where she met her future husband. While she does not regret working at the Printing Press, she wishes she would have gotten some documentation from the school because it might have helped her find a better job.
*Agnes Ludden, 95, was unable to finish her education, but wished she could have. She did secretarial work at a tile store and raised three children. She has no regrets about her life, but still wanted a diploma.
*Mary Praylor, 65, had to quit school to help support her family. She worked at Folger Adam's and fruit canning factories. While she speaks of her work experiences fondly, she says her best experience was tending to her children. She says looking at pictures of her grandchildren assures her it was all worthwhile.
*Art Tarlini, 79, had to leave school and join the workforce. He worked for Material Services and later the Joliet Park District, where he helped maintain many Joliet parks. He enjoyed working outdoors and meeting people.
*Joe Thurmond, 68, also wishes he had been able to finish his education. The Tennessee-born Thurmond eventually relocated to Illinois, where he found a job with Ceco Steel in Lemont, where he enjoyed working and made a lot of friends.
*Ethel Vahlkamp, 84, didn't mind the studying in school. Her problem was the students - and occasionally teachers - who would tease her about speech problems. She left school to go to work, including jobs at factories and as a waitress at the Athletic Club.
Sunny Hill Grateful to JCA
Sunny Hill Administrator Karen Sorbero is grateful for Joliet Catholic Academy's response to Behringer's request. "We know how important it is for our residents to see others care about them. I'm sure the students and staff at the Christmas program couldn't help but feel their gratitude and joy," said Sorbero. "I have to believe the holidays were enriched for all of the people who participated in or watched this heartwarming event."
2006
Alden Administrator Receives Filipino of the Year Award
Marie Rosete, R.N., Administrator, Alden Long Grove Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Long Grove, recently received the 2006 Filipino American Hall of Fame Award for her outstanding contributions in the field of nursing.
Rosete also recently received the Administrator of the Year Award from the Illinois Health Care Association ( IHCA ) at its annual convention in Springfield.
2006 IHCA Volunteer of the Year Awards
IHCA Launches new Magazine
LTC Today is IHCA's new four-color, quarterly magazine. The publication, launched in the fall of 2006, is a valuable source of information for members of the IHCA and others interested in the long-term care industry. LTC Today is another tool in the IHCA's efforts to educate, entertain and inform members and the public about the industry. Each issue covers a variety of topics, including the latest in technology and products, members' accomplishments, future trends in long-term care, facility profiles and more. For story ideas or more information, contact Editor Penny Zimmerman-Wills at pwills@ihca.com .