The Latest and Greatest

29 Dec 2011

Christmas Recap

Here are some pictures from our Christmas dinner at Red Rock Care and Rehab. Looks like everyone had a great time! Thanks to the staff for making this such a wonderful occasion for the residents and their families. We would also like to thank everyone who donated presents to the residents this year. We are so grateful. Be sure to check out the entire album on our Facebook here.

9 Sept 201120 Oct 2011

Administrative corner with Gary

Check out what's going on at Red Rock Care and Rehab. Click here!

12 Sept 2011

New AHCA Board Elected

The Arizona Health Care Association would like to congratulate the newly elected Board of Directors for 2011-2012.  As Secretary Treasurer, Gary Olson of Red Rock Care and Rehab.  As Region 4 Director, Catherine Oliver of Sunset Hills Care and Rehab, and as Region 5 Director, Jeff Mathews of 24-7 Care and Rehab Corporate.  CONGRATULATIONS!!

9 Sept 2011

B.O.M. of the Year

It was a big night for Ryan Steinert, Business Office Manager at Red Rock Care and Rehab, at the August 25, 2011 Arizona Health Care Association awards banquet. Over four hundred attendees watched as Ryan was awarded the Arizona Health Care Association Business Office Professional of the Year. Ryan was recognized because of his varied professional strengths including his attention to detail and accuracy. Gary Olson, Red Rock Administrator recognizes that Steinert is assertive and proficient in his business roles and is very team oriented. “He promotes this within the facility—he willingly accepts additional responsibilities as needed, and performs said responsibilities admirably while continuing to perform his job at a high level as well.”

 Gary is not the only one to utilize Ryan’s abilities. 24-7 Care and Rehab corporate executives have even asked him to assist other facilities.  One of Ryan’s noteworthy accomplishments is the sixty day AR totals—in the past year, he exceeded the monthly goal established via corporate for 10 months in a row, and achieved an over 60 day low balance of less than $10,000 for two months.  Ryan not only meets and exceeds financial goals but excels in customer service and interacts well with everyone he comes in contact with. His straight forward and honest manner has led Gary to say that Ryan is the best Business Office Manager he has ever worked within his 27 year career in the skilled nursing home industry.

 

 

RED ROCK NEWS

 

ADMINISTRATIVE CORNER WITH GARY

 As my 1st installment of updates and general information from an administrative perspective, here are a couple of items:

 1)    Over the past months we have been experiencing an ongoing deterioration of our entryway pavement off Willard Street. Since we share this entryway with Cottonwood Village and Austin House, we worked with both of them to arrange for the repaving.  On July 14th, we finally had the entryway repaved to everyone’s collective relief-sorry for the bumps along the way.

 2)   As of October 1st, 2011, Evercare will be taking over the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) Program Contractor duties from Yavapai County Long Term Care.  Yavapai County has been administering the ALTCS program in our county since October of 1993-18 years, and done so in an effective, efficient and progressive fashion with each YCLTC member in mind.  Evercare is currently a part of the United Healthcare organization, though Evercare itself has a long history, via its evolution, as an ALTCS Program Contractor.  In 1989, when the ALTCS program initiated in the state, Ventana Health Systems was one of the first ALTCS Program contractors with several counties under its wing-I myself worked as Program Director for Ventana from 1993 to 1996.  Ventana was initialized by three physicians in the state including our own Dr. Henry Kaldenbaugh, and was based here in Cottonwood.  In 1996, Ventana moved its base of operations to Phoenix, and through mergers and acquisitions, changed its name to Life Mark and then to Evercare.

That’s it for now—we greatly appreciate this opportunity to let you know about our goings on, and things that can affect you or your loved one.

Sincerely, 
Gary Olson
Administrator

-We strive to be the very best there is and it shows each and every day in our care, love and commitment.

Update from Bruce Langenbach, Dietary Manager

This month the Dietary team would like to welcome two new additions to our team.  Brandon Smith comes to us from South Carolina and Dominick Lucero comes from Cottonwood, Arizona. They are both great new additions to our dietary team. 

I would also like to mention that Laura (our cook), is currently going through HCSG’s Manager –in-Training Program.  Congratulations to her!

We also have a new volunteer for the summer helping out in the main dining room.  Her name is Allison Langenbach.  She is a high school student from Peoria, AZ and has been a big help in keeping our residents hydrated.  Unfortunately, Allison will be returning to school soon, but promises to return as soon as she can.  Allison was also a tremendous help with the Activity department this summer.  She did a multitude of things for our residents, and enjoyed every minute of it.  The residents really enjoyed having her here.

News from Karleen Erickson, A.D.O.N.

Our yearly Station One and Station Two decorating competition for the Fourth of July celebration was a tremendous success.  Station One has decorated their area beautifully, with their star-spangled banners and patriotic flags.  Special thanks to Karla Slater for her contribution in making Station One very patriotic.  Thanks for the enthusiasm, Karla!

Please help us welcome our new  C.N.A.’s to our facility.  Nicole, Debora, Jessica, and Amelia are putting forth great efforts to join our team.

We continue monthly nursing meetings to ensure quality improvement which enables our residents to meet their goals and maintain a high quality of life.

Thoughtfully,
Karleen Erickson, ADON

 

August Facts and Fun

Origin of Augusts’ Name: August was originally named Sextilis; by the Romans because it was their sixth month.  Later, the month was called Augustus honoring the Emperor Augustus.  Julius Caesar adopted his nephew, Galius Julius Caesar Octavianus, and made him his heir.  When Octavianus became the Emperor, the Senate gave him the title, Augustus, meaning “revered or “reverend.” 

QUOTE for August -”A quiet stroll soothes the body and calms the mind.”

Happy birthday Hawaii!  The third Friday of August is celebrated each year as Admission Day.  Hawaii’s statehood took place on Aug. 21st, 1959. 

Hawaiian Facts
Nickname: Aloha State
Moto: The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.
Flower: Yellow hibiscus Marine
Mammal: Humpback Whale

 

MANDY LABRIE, RED ROCK STAFF DEVELOPER, HONORED BY 24/7 TO ATTEND NAHCA CONFERENCE IN TULSA, OK

I was recently chosen to attend the annual NAHCA Conference and awards banquet in Tulsa, Ok.   I was there from June 28th-July 1st, 2011. It was an honor to attend and was an amazing experience.  NAHCA promotes quality care, recognition, and education.  Approximately 500 C.N.A.’s from 28 states attend 

The speakers were amazing.  Megan Johnson talked about generational gaps that will help me better understand my fellow employee’s and residents.  Stanley Szpytek taught about disaster preparedness and made everyone realize that “it can happen to anyone”.  All of the C.N.A.’s present were very impacted by this seminar.  Phil Dubois is an Administrator of a facility whose family was involved in a horrible accident.  His lecture was called “Administrator as Resident”  This was eye opening and made me excited about changing our admission process to truly welcome those who are unfortunate enough to need our care.  Governor Mark Parkinson, President of A.H.C.A. spoke and we were moved by his words, excited to advocate for our industry and our residents.

I also had the pleasure of teaming up with amazing C.N.A. leads from all over Arizona.  I look forward to working with these people. 

Together we can promote quality care and spread the word about NAHCA.  We will be visiting other facilities as well as hosting facilities in our building as we all work together to build strong teams of C.N.A.’s all over Arizona. 

Exciting things are happening in our facility!  We look forward to inventive, exciting, and quality programs in the months to come.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This was a great honor for Mandy to be chosen from all of our facilities to attend this conference.  Congratulations, Mandy, awesome JOB!

ACTIVITY NEWS

Mark your calendars for August 12th at 2:30 p.m.  for a VERY special guest.  Elvis will be here to put on one of his classic concerts for us.  “Elvis Tribute with Bill and John” will thrill all of us Elvis fans.  Elvis passed away on August 16th, 1977, 34 years ago. Please don’t miss out on this one.  I’ll be putting up flyers and reminders as the date nears.  Elvis told me to tell you all “Thank you very much……………..”

We will be “Traveling the World” to Switzerland in the month of August.  This will be a fun and exciting country to visit.  They have traditions and cuisine that will be recognizable to some of us, and we, as always encourage your input into your travels around this beautiful world we live in.

Happy hour with Tinos and Fran will be on Friday, August 26th.  Don’t miss our other Happy hours, root beer float parties, craft classes, and WII games during the week, along with many other games and entertainment, including BINGO three days per week. If you would like your nails done, please stop by.  Our door is always open.

Please don’t forget our Resident Council meeting on the 10th at 10:00 A.M.  Our attendance has been fabulous and your comments and suggestions are very helpful.

We have also added a few new groups on the calendar, including travelogue every Wednesday @ 3:00 p.m. in the T.V. lounge and a Tuesday night movie at 6:30 p.m. also in the T.V. lounge.  Please check your daily activity boards for each day’s events.

Any new Activity suggestions always appreciated!!!

One of our Resident Family members has hired a Mariachi band to be here for a celebration of her Mothers’ birthday on Aug. 27th @ 2:30 p.m.  in the courtyard. 

ALL OF YOU ARE INVITED!  PLEASE JOIN THE FUN WITH ROSA AND HER FAMILY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
JAMES BETHANIS Aug. 16
AGNES HARRIS Aug. 13th
ROSA LUCERO Aug. 30th

Thank You,
Kathy LaPort, Activity Director

Jewish Holiday: Tisha B’Av August 9th 2011

Tisha B’Av begins at sunset on august 8th 2011. No discussion of Tisha B’Av can be complete without the addition of bein ha-metzarin (Literally, “between the straits”), more colloquially known as the “Three Weeks” or “The Dark Time”. During this 3 week period, weddings are not permitted, nor any other celebration and festive gatherings, particularly if accompanied by music. It is also customary not to cut ones hair, shave, or wear makeup or perfume during this period. New clothing is not bought or worn until after Tisha B'Av. The weeks conclude the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av on the Jewish calendar (Tisha means nine).

This holiday is important because it marks the day when temples were destroyed, the fist temple by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E. and the second temple by the Romans in 70 C.E. Thus, in subsequent centuries, observance of Tisha B’Av indentifies with all other tragic events in the lives of the Jewish people.

DIRECTOR OF NURSING NEWS AND VIEWS

Residents of Arizona are faced with rising temperatures.  The elderly are the most likely individuals to suffer from dehydration, along with the very young.  Please remember to hydrate.  Water is your best option for consumption, but juices and other sport type drinks are adequate too.  Please do your part in ensuring a healthy hydrated body.  With our residents, it is important to ensure water, along with multiple hydration passes during the day.  The beverage/hydration cart goes around the facility midmorning, afternoon, and evening, please help us ensure all residents are given adequate liquids and the assistance they need for consumption of stated beverages. 

The nursing department is gearing up for two additional registered nurse positions, Unit Coordinators. These added roles will enhance the stations by allowing for additional nurse support.  They will also act as a liaison for the nursing office to ensure quality care and services to all of those entrusted in our care.  I m currently in the interview process.

In the month of July we were able to hire two national R.N. Staff members.  Please welcome Tami Williams, RN, and Katie McBride, RN to the nursing team.  Both of these fine nurses come from the recent graduating nurse program of Yavapai college.  We also welcome back Bill Pinar, LPN to full time status, assisting in both MDS and nursing coverage.

Chris Mattson, R.N., Director of Nursing

IT’S GOING TO BE A ROTTEN DAY WHEN…
YOUR PET ROCK SNAPS AT YOU
YOUR INCOME TAX CHECK BOUNCES
YOUR TWIN SISTER FORGETS YOUR BIRTHDAY
YOUR BIRTHDAY CAKE COLLAPSES FROM THE WEIGHT OF THE CANDLES
YOU SEE A 60 MINUTES NEWS TEAM WAITING IN YOUR OFFICE 

13 Jun 2011

Red Rock Care and Rehab News Bites for June 2011

This month we celebrated national C.N.A. week the 16th through the 23rd. Our staffing coordinator, Mandy Labrie, planned a wonderful week for the nursing department, including awards, scavenger hunts, pot lucks, and lots of recognition for the terrific job our nursing team does at our facility. Both the residents and the staff had an exciting week of celebration.

Mandy Labrie, our staffing coordinator, was chosen by 24/7 Care and Rehab to go the N.A.H.C.A. national convention in Oklahoma next week and will be bringing back valuable information for our Nursing Department and facility.

We are also taking our monthly “around the world” trip this week. We are currently on our way to Portugal and will be there Thursday, June 23rd @ 3:00 p.m. We celebrate the culture, cuisine and customs of each country we visit.

Sing-a-longs, birthday parties, outings, fundraisers for the resident council, happy hours, beach parties, ice cream socials, and a Father’s Day party are some of the highlights on our activity calendar this month.

13 Jun 2011

Red Rock Gets Website Facelift

We are excited to have a new website today