Date: October 11, 2006
Contact: Barbara Schoof Conant
barbara.conant@aging.ks.gov
Director of Communications
(785) 296-6154
Note: Media coverage of the award presentation is welcome. Time will be allotted afterward for media to visit with the Secretary and facility staff.
Kathy Greenlee, Acting Secretary of the Kansas Department on Aging, will recognize the Newton Presbyterian Manor’s efforts to provide resident-centered care during ceremonies at the home at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 19. Secretary Greenlee will present the facility with KDOA’s annual PEAK award for Promoting Excellent Alternatives in Kansas nursing homes.
Shawn Sullivan, administrator, and the Presbyterian Manor staff will be recognized for their achievements in the area of culture change.
“The culture of care can’t be changed without leadership from administrators and staff,” Greenlee said when initially announcing the seven adult care homes chosen to receive 2006 PEAK awards, which focus on resident control, staff empowerment, home environment and community involvement. “We applaud the staff at these facilities for creating a different kind of life for nursing home residents.”
Newton Presbyterian Manor started its transformation in the spring of 2004 with the creation of the “Living Your Way Team,” composed of residents, family members, front-line staff, advisory committee members and management staff. Other teams soon followed, including activity, renovation, nursing and universal worker teams to address the combination of housekeeping, laundry and dietary assistant positions. The result has been some unique programs to further person-centered care.
The “Be an Angel” program empowers staff to enable residents March 25, 2008 avenue for non-direct staff, such as maintenance and administration, to become involved in the life of the neighborhood and develop deeper relationships with the residents. Donations from families and other community members to the “Quality of Life” fund allow for treats such as a steak at Applebee’s, a blizzard from Dairy Queen or fresh flowers for a resident’s room. A hot beverage cart now provides residents with coffee or tea in bed when they first awake.
Activity staff creates weekly and monthly themes, increasing resident, staff and family involvement. This effort, along with an active volunteer recruitment program, has resulted in an increase in participation with all levels of care. The facility, known in the community for its apple dumplings, makes and sells dumplings each year as a fundraiser.
Also receiving 2006 PEAK awards are Minneola District Hospital Long-Term Care Unit; Medicalodge of Eureka; Dooley Center, Atchison; Bethany Home, Lindsborg; Hillsboro Community Medical Center; and Pleasant View Home Inc., Inman. Both Hillsboro and Pleasant View have received prior PEAK Awards.
KDOA began recognizing adult care homes through the PEAK Awards in 2002. Facilities must submit an application for consideration for the honor.