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
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.
Jan. 10, 2007
State's Leading Long-Term Care Associations Praise State Budget; Funding Critical for Nursing Home Residents
The Illinois Health Care Association and the Illinois Council on Long-Term Care today praised the passage of the state budget, saying it is critical in providing quality care for the state's elderly and sick residents living in nursing homes.
“We applaud the legislature and Governor for doing the right thing and passing this budget. Nothing is more important than the lives of our residents. This much needed funding allows our providers to continue to provide the highest quality care for this special population,” said IHCA Executive Director David Voepel.“ Nursing homes not only provide sophisticated clinical care to their residents, but also are responsible for the quality and safety of their lives.”
The General Assembly has passed budget implementation legislation, which is vital to long-term care providers because it authorizes the state Department of Healthcare and Family Services to distribute new funds toward a nursing home rate increase effective January 1. Long-term care facilities operate under a statutory rate freeze.
The budget bill passed today (Thursday) accompanies various Human Services components of the state's FY08 budget passed earlier. It will help provide funding for services for a system based on residents' needs.
The bill, previously passed by both chambers of the General Assembly, was amended by the Governor. The Senate earlier approved those technical changes and the House Thursday agreed, giving final approval to the legislation.
“This funding is necessary to provide quality care for residents throughout Illinois,” said Terry Sullivan, Executive Director of the Illinois Council on Long Term Care.
The legislation includes:
2.5% COLA, annualized, for all DD providers
$50 million, annualized, for the second phase of the MDS reimbursement implementation
$100 million, annualized, to update the cost reports to the 2004 level.
September 2007
IHCA Announces Staff and Volunteer Awards at Annual Tribute Ceremony during Convention and Trade Show in Peoria
Administrator of the Year
Linda Hartmann has been named Administrator of the Year by the Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA). The awards were announced during the IHCA annual Convention and Trade Show Sept. 17-20 in Peoria, during a special tribute ceremony.
Hartmann works at Heritage Manor – Elgin, LLC.
“It takes a very special person to be able to handle this job with such grace and art. An administrator with this kind of job simply has to be steadfast, brave, determined, dedicated and have the perseverance to lead everyone in the facility to be the best on what they do every day. Linda is exactly this person and more,” says Director of Nursing Vicky Lagtapon.
Hartmann has worked in the long-term care profession for 22 years. She has worked at Heritage Manor-Elgin for more eight years. She is formerly a CAN, LPN and Rehab/Restorative nurse.
Director of Nursing of the Year
Vicky Lagtapon, an employee of Heritage Manor – Elgin, LLC, has been named Director of Nursing of the Year by the Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA). The awards were announced during the IHCA annual Convention and Trade Show Sept. 17-20 in Peoria, during a special tribute ceremony.
Lagtapon has worked in the long-term care profession 17 years and has been employed in her current position at Heritage Manor for eight years.
“Vicky continues to work every day to provide a high quality resident care for our residents. She is a professional who strives every day to treat residents, as well as families, with respect and always address any concerns they have,” says administrator Linda Hartmann.
Lagtapon was praised for many achievements, including staff retention and encouraging her staff to reach higher personal and professional goals.
“In the challenging field we work every day, we all realize the DON is faced every day with wearing many hats. She displays the highest level of professionalism, fairness to all and encourages pride in our profession. She is a true inspiration to her staff,”
Nurse of the Year
Crystal Ouart, an employee of Toulon Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, has been named Nurse of the Year by the Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA). The awards were announced during the IHCA annual Convention and Trade Show Sept. 17-20 in Peoria, during a special tribute ceremony.
Ouart has worked in the long-term care profession 16 years and has been employed in her current position at Toulon for 14 years.
Administrator Nat Smith says her attention to the true needs of the residents makes Ouart's job performance deserving of this recognition.
“I feel at ease when I see Crystal 's car in the parking lot when I come to work in the morning. I know I have a true professional who is going to take charge of those situations, good or bad, that are going to arise during the day. Comfort like that goes a long way,” says Smith. “As a nurse who goes way above the minimum to provide top quality care to the residents, she is also the strongest informal leader I have ever had the please to work with.”
Ouart was praised for many achievements, including her sense of humor, upbeat attitude, compassion and ability to provide exemplary and appropriate health care as a leader.
Volunteer of the Year
Vance Plapp, 96, has been named Volunteer of the Year by the Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA). The awards were announced during the IHCA annual Convention and Trade Show Sept. 17-20 in Peoria , during a special tribute ceremony.
Clapp has shared his music with others for most of his life. Every Monday, he drives through rain, snow and even sleet to reach the residents at Walnut Manor, where he plays the piano and sings, then stays and has lunch and visits with them. Vance was a music teacher for many years in Ohio and Illinois schools, so may of his residents are also his past students.
In addition to the many hours he spends at Walnut Manor, he also plays for two churches, two Rotary Clubs and the Dixon Correctional Center.
Social Service Director of the Year
Laura Doise, an employee of Medina Manor Nursing Center, has been named Social Service Director of the Year by the Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA). The awards were announced during the IHCA annual Convention and Trade Show Sept. 17-20 in Peoria, during a special tribute ceremony.
Doise has worked at the facility eight years.
“She makes sure residents come first and get everything they need. Laura has always been a strong supporter of the residents and understands their needs and doesn't quit until the job is done,” say her co-workers, who nominated her for the award.
Doise began her long-term profession as a CNA before working in Social Services. As part of her duties, she meets with the Resident Council, is very involved in educating others about resident abuse and neglect issues, is a dedicated advocate on behalf of residents' rights and leads the facility's National Cancer Awareness Relay for Life team.
MDS Coordinator of the Year
Anna Vissering, an employee of Heritage Manor Streator, has been named MDS Coordinator of the Year by the Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA). The awards were announced during the IHCA annual Convention and Trade Show Sept. 17-20 in Peoria , during a special tribute ceremony.
Vissering has worked in the long-term care profession 30 years and has been employed in her current position at Heritage Manor for nine years.
“We all know the MDS drives the reimbursement process our nursing homes rely on in order to operate financially. No one can say it's an easy process – especially any MDS coordinator who has a high level of professionalism, pride in the product they provide and wear the weight of the responsibility on their shoulders to make accuracy a priority. Our MDS Coordinator is one of those rare people than can juggle multiple areas of duties,” says Administrator Janette Strabala.
Vissering began in the health profession as a CNA, as a single mom returned to nursing school to become an LPN, and later became an RN with training in restoration nursing . She served as Director of Nursing for approximately 20 years before coming to Heritage Manor, where she worked as an RN before taking the role as MDS Coordinator in 1999.
Vissering was praised for many achievements, including being meticulous with her work, working well with families during care plans, being a team player and coordinating the care plan team.
Housekeeping Professional of the Year
Verica Radonic, an employee of Heritage Manor-Streator, has been named Housekeeping Professional of the Year by the Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA). The awards were announced during the IHCA annual Convention and Trade Show Sept. 17-20 in Peoria , during a special tribute ceremony.
Radonic has worked in the long-term care profession four years.
Nothing stops her from getting to work on time,” says Helen Strauss, who works in social service at the facility. “Year-round, she walks or rides her bike found-trip, five times a week, 51/2 miles a day -- approximately 2,750 miles per year.” Besides being a dedicated employee, she has also overcome personal triumphs. A native of Croatia , she moved to the U.S. in 1984 and taught herself English. “Her daily attitude is energetic, enthusiastic and very conscientious, making every square inch of her assigned area “sparkle” as well as any other area she sees that needs attention,” says Strauss
Direct Support Person of the Year
Pamela Ash, an employee of Dyball Sunshine Home in Fairfield has beennamed Direct Support Person of the Year by the Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA). The awards were announced during the IHCA annual Convention and Trade Show Sept. 17-20 in Peoria , during a special tribute ceremony.
Ash has worked in the long-term profession and at the facility 10 years.
“Pam is always there for the residents. She makes sure everyone is cared for and isn't happy unless the residents are happy,” says Marcia Overton, her supervisor and nominator. Ash has taken two sign language classes and learned Braille to better meet the needs of a deaf and blind resident, so she can assist him with documents, which allows him to continue being his own guardian. She also takes residents on vacation and to the doctor.
“Pam is one of those staff members that a resident service director dreams of having. She will do whatever you ask her to do,” says Overton. “She is a very devoted, consistent and loyal staff member.”
Food Service Manager of the Year
Roberta Strebeck of Heritage Manor in Gibson City has been named Food Service/Dietary Manager of the Year by the Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA). The awards were announced during the IHCA annual Convention and Trade Show Sept. 17-20 in Peoria , during a special tribute ceremony.
Strebeck has worked in the long-term care profession 18 years and has been employed in her current position at Heritage Manor for 15 years.
“She is selfless, hard working and dedicated to the residents and staff,” says Director of Nursing Debra Ehmen.
Strebeck was praised for many achievements, including listening to the wishes of residents to provide what appeals to them, communicating well between departments and providing a family atmosphere in the dining experience.
She began her career as a dietary aid in 1989 and became dietary manager in 1991. She recently attended more classes to become a personal feeding assistant to help those who need additional help to eat in the dining room at the facility. Known fondly as “Bert,” her co-workers call her a highly motivated person dedicated to her job, who embraces challenges and new situations. She wears many hats, from manager, cook, dietary aid, dishwasher and personal feeding assistant, according to Administrator Paula Johnson.
Innovative Program of the Year
Country Health, Inc. of Gifford received the Innovative Program of the Year Award from the Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA). The awards were announced during a special tribute ceremony during the IHCA annual Convention and Trade Show Sept. 17-20 in Peoria .
The facility won the award for its Life Skills program, which was started in 2005.
Whether it's getting dressed up in pearls, rolling out a perfect piecrust or working with wood, this program has allowed residents to live their past hobbies again through “life skills.” Life Skills consists of a room with five different stations or areas that address an interest related to past life experiences of a low-functioning resident. At these stations, residents are able to “step back in time” and actively participate in a familiar setting. Connie Rutledge is the Activity Director for the program.
The program is aimed at residents who have cognitive decline. Not only has this program met the varied needs and interests of 30 to 40 residents each week, but there has been a decrease in lobby noise and congestion, a decrease in unsocial mood and behavior indicators and a big increase in smiles from this special population of residents.
Administrator Carol Ruthenberg said, “What joy for families to see their loved ones get all dressed up with boas and pearls in the “Foo-Foo” station. What joy to the resident and families to see that Grandma can still roll out the perfect piecrust, even though she has not spoken a word in months.”
The annual awards are chosen by an IHCA Awards Task Force. Country Health, Inc. is located at 2304 CR 3000 N, Gifford, IL. Phone: 217/568-7362.
Long-Term Care Legislators of the Year
Sept. 25, 2007
The Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA) and Illinois Council on Long Term Care (ICLTC) 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.
The two associations represent more than 60,000 healthcare professionals, therapists and caregivers serving 80,000 residents in Illinois.
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. They also supported measures to:
• fund the new Medicaid reimbursement system for nursing homes
• update the support and safety system from last century's costs
• modernize existing facilities into more person-friendly environments
• convert and utilize existing facility resources to provide more home-based and community services for the elderly
• attract and retain quality bedside nurses and caregivers
• promote innovative practices in the care of the elderly; and
• provide an efficient, coordinated spectrum of senior services.
“The long-term care community in Illinois has benefited greatly from the outstanding dedication and hard work of these public officials,” said David Voepel , IHCA executive director. “These individuals have shown they are a true friend to our profession.”
Terry Sullivan, executive director of the Illinois Council on Long Term Care said, “Our coalition and the facilities we represent greatly appreciate these legislators for being advocates for long-term care.”
Assisted Living Week Sept. 9-15, 2007: IHCA Honors Heroes of AL Facilities
Sept. 6, 2007
SPRINGFIELD -- In honor of National Assisted Living Week Sept. 9-15, the Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA) is recognizing “heroes” of assisted living facilities in Illinois – dedicated and caring staff members and residents who have made meaningful contributions to the lives of their facilities.
Area heroes being celebrated this month are:
*Irene Vazquez, CNA, Alden Gardens of Des Plaines.
“Irene is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure each resident receives all the attention they need. She takes initiative to complete most tasks without needing to be asked,” says Margie Hernandez, executive director. She also praised Vazquez with having endless patience, working well with peers and enhancing the atmosphere for the residents of Alden Gardens of Des Plaines.
*Hannah Inusah, CNA, Alden Estates of Evanston.
Inusah was nominated by the residents of Alden Estates of Evanston, says administrator Janine Ciemny. “With a big smile on her face, and a whole hearted laugh, she continually goes above and beyond to get to know her residents, learn their likes and dislikes and make the transition to assisted living a smooth one,” says Ciemny. Inusah, who works the 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift and is credited for motivating and encouraging residents, considers the facility her home and makes the residents also feel like they are home.
*Wayne Betz, volunteer at Alden Gardens of Waterford .
Betz, the son-in-law of residents Peggy and George Kruiswyk, is a volunteer. “ Wayne is always volunteering to help whenever needed,” says Rob Anderson, executive director of Alden Gardens of Waterford . Anderson credits Betz with setting up tables, helping residents at community events, and helping staff with a multitude of tasks. “His enthusiasm and thoughtfulness rubs off on anyone he works with. We're blessed to have Wayne as our Hero in Long Term Care,” he adds.
“These are three shining examples of the outstanding people in our profession who demonstrate c om mitment, selflessness and caring day in and day out,” said Dave Voepel, executive director of IHCA. “We are very proud to honor and celebrate these heroes in long-term care who have made such a meaningful impact on their facilities' quality of life.”
These long-term care heroes were honored with a certificate of recognition from IHCA and profiled in the association publications.
Aug. 10, 2007
Funds to Continue Quality Long-Term Care Included in State Budget Passed by G.A.
SPRINGFIELD – The finalized FY 08 state budget passed by the General Assembly Friday includes funding for the services necessary to meet the complex care needs of the residents in long-term care facilities throughout Illinois.
“This budget recognizes the severe underfunding of our long-term care facilities,” said Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA) Executive Director David Voepel. “We are grateful to the legislature that this population of citizens has not been forgotten and encourage the Governor to sign the bill. This funding is vitally important in maintaining the high quality of care, safety and well-being of nearly 70,000 Medicaid residents in over 800 facilities statewide.”
Voepel said IHCA and the Illinois Council on Long Term Care, which joined their public policy unit, and Life Services Network have been working as a coalition on behalf of long-term care. The budget reflects agreement by all four legislative caucuses that services to seniors in nursing homes have been severely underfunded.
The budget, which is now before the Governor, includes the following components that directly relate to long-term care:
*An annualized $150 million increase for skilled nursing facilities. The increases will begin October 1 and be split between $50 million for MDS and $100 million to update the support rate from the 1999 level to the 2004 cost report level.
*A 2.5% increase for the Developmentally Disabled (DD) c om munity. For programs not eligible for a federal match, the increase will be retroactive to July 1. For programs like the ICF/DDs that require public notice of a rate increase, the increase will begin October 1, but will still be a full 2.5%.
Com munity residential programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, such as ICF/DDs, SNF/PEDs, and CILAs, also provide many services once provided in state-operated developmental centers. “Although the 2.5% increase helps, we need to continue to actively work to improve the reimbursement system to more appropriately reflect the cost of meeting the needs of the individuals served,” added Voepel.
Nursing homes today provide many services once provided in hospitals. MDS, the new reimbursement system, recognizes these services but the state implemented the system without full funding. The FY 08 budget provides funding for about 25 percent of the new reimbursement system.
Aug. 1, 2007
IHCA Announces Four Maitland-Warner Long Term Care Nurse Scholarship Winners
The Illinois Health Care Association ( IHCA ) has announced the winners of the John W. Maitland, Jr./Joseph F. Warner Long Term Care Nurses Scholarship Fund scholarships for the 2007 school year.
The scholarship recipients are: Susan Wearsch of Rockford; Lisa Stark of Normal; Linda Capek of Genoa ;and Jessi Kay of East Peoria . Each will each receive $1,000 scholarships.
*Susan Wearsch of Rockford is currently employed as an LPN at the Walter Lawson Children's Home in Loves Park and plans to graduate as a RN fr om Rock Valley College in 2008. She worked as a special educational paraprofessional for nine years before returning to school, graduating as an LPN in 2006. “I like to think of myself as a patient's advocate, promoting the patient's decision in a nonjudgmental manner.”
*Lisa Stark of Normal works as an LPN for Heritage Manor of Normal and Br om enn Regional Medical Center in Normal . She plans to attend Heartland C om munity College to become an RN. “Over the span of my work history with Heritage, I have grown to love my residents and their families. My commitment and future plans to stay in long-term care are due to this,” she says.
*Linda Capek of Genoa works at the DeKalb Area Retirement Center – Oak Crest and will attend Kishwaukee Community College . “I have always had a passion for caring for the elderly and since the passing of my parents, I want to carry on my passion for quality care,” she says.
*Jessi Kay of East Peoria is employed at the Apostolic Christian Home for the Handicapped Timber Ridge in Morton and attends the Graham Hospital School of Nursing.“ The residents at Apostolic Christian Home have greatly impacted my life and earned a very special place in my heart over the years. The quality of care and quality of life are the two utmost important aspects of my job,” she says.
“These professional young women are shining examples of the future of the long-term care profession and embody the determination and excellence of the Maitland-Warner Scholarship program,” said David Voepel, executive director of the IHCA. “We are honored to reward their goals, efforts and accomplishments.”
The scholarship is named in honor of former State Senator John W. Maitland, Jr. and Joseph F. Warner, two statesmen who worked to advance the needs of the long-term care profession's vision. The award was created to continue the work they dedicated themselves to for so many years.
July 24, 2007
Heritage Manor in Mt. Zion Receives National Honor for Quality Care
Springfield – Heritage Manor of Mt. Zion has received a 2007 Quality Award from the American Health Care Association (AHCA) and National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL).
Since 1996, the AHCA/NCAL Quality Award program has been recognizing member facilities for demonstrating a clear commitment to continuous quality improvement in serving its residents. Heritage Manor of Mt. Zion -- a member of the Illinois Health Care Association ( IHCA ), a state affiliate of AHCA/NCAL – was the only facility in Illinois to receive the honor.
"We're small, highly qualified, honest, and dedicated," says Administrator Marge Oblinger. "We are quality-care driven and attentive to our residents. Our residents trust us."
The facility, as a Medicare and Medicaid certified facility, offers respite and hospice care, in addition to physical, occupational, and speech therapies.
The Quality Award program is a voluntary initiative which encourages long-term care providers to improve quality through accountability and disclosure and emphasizes the goals in the national Advancing Excellence in America's Nursing Homes campaign.
This year, AHCA/NCAL received a total of 595 Quality Award applications. Recipients will be recognized Oct. 10 during the AHCA/NCAL/MECF Convention in Boston .
Heritage Manor of Mt. Zion is located at 1225 Woodland Drive , Mt. Zion , Illinois . It is owned by Heritage Enterprises, which has a long tradition of providing quality nursing h om e care in central and northern Illinois . The first Heritage Manor opened in 1963 and the c om pany now owns or manages 34 facilities, with headquarters centrally located in Blo om ington .
June 10, 2007
Heritage Manor/Colfax Nurse Featured in LTC Today
Bloomington – Trish Kruse, R.N., an employee of Heritage Manor-Colfax, is featured in the summer issue of LTC Today.
The article, “LTC Nursing: Trish Kruse Discusses Her Dream Job,” details Kruse's career, from working in post-operative medicine, psychiatric units, institutions, private practice, pediatrics and as a certified childbirth educator. She spent five years as director of nursing in a 164-bed skilled licensed facility in Normal, before taking a short leave to help Hurricane Katrina victims in 2006 as a member of the American Red Cross of the Heartland Disaster Health Services. She currently works the evening shift as a floor nurse at Heritage Manor, a 55-bed skilled licensed facility.
“My work as an LTC nurse requires everything I have ever been taught and more,” says the 52-year-old Kruse. In her spare time, she indulges in her passions, including sailing, bicycle riding, writing short novels and gardening.
LTC Today is a quarterly magazine published by the IHCA, which reports the latest news and trends in the long-term care industry and profiles IHCA member facilities.
Heritage Manor-Colfax is located at 402 E. Harrison, Colfax, Illinois. Phone: 309-723-3013. It is owned by Heritage Enterprises, which has a long tradition of providing quality nursing home care in central and northern Illinois. The first Heritage Manor opened in 1963 and the company now owns or manages 34 facilities. The Heritage headquarters is still centrally located in Bloomington, Illinois.
May 15, 2007 - Heroes in Long-Term Care
During May, as part of National Nursing Home Week, the Illinois Health Care Association and the Illinois Council on Long Term Care is recognizing the “heroes” of our facilities – those dedicated and caring staff members and residents who have made meaningful contributions to the lives of their facilities. Honored heroes receive a Certificate of Recognition, presented to them by their facility.
Thousands of “heroes” live and work in long-term care facilities, and their stories of commitment, selflessness and caring deserve to be told.
Heroes in Long-Term Care-Region 1
Heroes in Long-Term Care-Region 2
Heroes in Long-Term Care-Region 3
Heroes in Long-Term Care-Region 4
Heroes in Long-Term Care-Region 4 #2
Heroes in Long-Term Care-Region 5
Heroes in Long-Term Care-Region 6
February 2007
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.
The Illinois Health Care Association ( IHCA ) is a non-profit organization comprised of more than 450 licensed and certified long-term care facilities and programs throughout the state, including DD services, Assisted Living and Geriatric/Nursing facilities. Founded in 1950, IHCA is the largest long-term care association in Illinois . IHCA is an affiliate of the American Health Care Association.
The Illinois Council on Long Term Care is a professional association representing more than 22,000 long-term care professionals and caregivers serving 30,000 residents receiving care and treatment in more than 150 nursing homes in Illinois.
Jan. 11, 2007
Pete Bolt Recognized in Winter Issue of LTC Today
Bloomington – Pete Bolt, Director of Western Operations for Heritage Enterprises, Inc. has been recognized in the winter issue of LTC Today for his achievements in the American Health Care Association's (AHCA) 2005/2006 Future Leaders Program. Bolt graduated from the program as a “Super Star.”
The Future Leaders Program started in 2004 as a symposium designed to train and mentor long-term care professionals who are leaders at the state level and show potential to be leaders at the national level. Participants are nominated through state affiliates, and if selected for the program by AHCA, are required to attend a two-day training session, complete strategic goals and plans, complete assigned reading, participate in scheduled conference calls and activities (including AHCA convention), and get involved at the national level.
Heritage Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1962 and is involved in a variety of residential and health care services for seniors including skilled and intermediate nursing care, sheltered care, respite care, therapy and institutional pharmacy, supportive living facilities, licensed assisted living and independent living. In 1963, Heritage Enterprises, Inc. opened the first Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Bloomington and now owns or manages 34 facilities throughout Illinois. The Heritage headquarters is located in Bloomington, Illinois .
For more information about Heritage Enterprises, please visit www.heritageofcare.com .
LTC Today is a quarterly magazine published by the IHCA , which reports the latest news and trends in the long-term care industry and profiles IHCA member facilities . To receive a copy of LTC Today , contact Penny Zimmerman-Wills at IHCA at pwills@ihca.com.
2008 IHCA Press Releases
Long-Term Care Profession Announces Statewide Project
IHCA Names New Employees
2007 IHCA Press Releases
May 9, 2007 - Governor Proclaims May 13-19 National Nursing Home Week
February 23, 2007 - Petersen Joins IHCA
January 4, 2007 - Sunny Hill Nursing Home Featured in LTC Today
January 11, 2007- IHCA Says MedPAC's Decision Could Hurt Nursing Facilities
January 21, 2007- IHCA/IL Council Joins Forces for Public Policy Issues
2006 IHCA Press Releases
March 20, 2006 - Hinsdale Administrator Meets with Legislators
May 5, 2006 - National Nursing Home Week Op-Ed
May 5, 2006 - Legislative Session Benefits Seniors
May 9, 2006 - Governor Proclaims National Nursing Home Week
May 9, 2006 - National Nursing Home Week
July 14, 2006 - IHCA Endorses Silverchair Learning-Online Staff Training
June 29, 2006 - IHCA Staff Promotions
Sept. 1, 2006 - National Assisted Living Week 2006 Op-Ed
Sept. 5, 2006 - National Assisted Living Week Proclamation
Sept. 6, 2006 - Illinois Facilities Celebrate National Assisted Living Week
Sept. 11, 2006 - 2006 Legislators of The Year
Sept. 11, 2006 - 2006 Adult Volunteer of the Year
Sept. 11, 2006 - 2006 Administrator of the Year
Sept. 11, 2006 - 2006 Community Partnership Award
Sept. 11, 2006 - 2006 Group Volunteer of the Year
Sept. 11, 2006 - 2006 Housekeeping Professional of the Year
Sept. 11, 2006 - 2006 Media, Photograph and Innovative Program of the Year Awards
Sept. 18, 2006 - 2006 Social Service Director of the Year
Sept. 18, 2006 - 2006 Publication of the Year
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