Within last month’s newsletter, I reviewed some results of our paying it forward random acts of kindness holiday campaign. Whenever I or one of my elves (Mark Steinberg, Stephen Brumer, Wendy Janulis, Stephanie Peterson, Sherry Bengtson, and Helen Friedman) were in a facility and saw a staff member going out of their way, paying particular kindness to a resident, or spreading great Holiday cheer, they were rewarded with a gift to show our appreciation. This campaign was a huge success in that we awarded over $1,000 in gift cards to our staff. Staff were rewarded for things like a CNA singing Holiday songs while providing care to residents; staff shopping and buying Christmas gifts for residents using their own money; staff staying late to help newly admitted residents get settled in; staff working on a problem and seeing it to a positive end result; and many more. We know our staff work with kindness every day and don’t need gifts to do it, but it was nice to surprise people with our random acts of kindness gift cards.

Also in last month’s newsletter, I promised to review the Extended Care Consulted Facilities collective goals for 2016. Each facility has their own set of goals as it relates to the operation of their facility, but collectively we work on a few throughout our consulted group. Here are a few of our goals for 2016:

To work more with residents and family members on communication of concerns or issues. We want to establish (more) open communication to assist us in providing even better care and services to

our residents. And to assist us in problem-solving when things don’t go quite as expected. This can be done by: • creating an open door policy for

the Administrator and department heads;

• hosting periodic family meetings; • Administrators attending resident

council meeting for a portion to hear any concerns first-hand;

• set up and evaluate systems to make sure concerns move to a positive resolution where possible.

Fully implement the new standard of Quality Assurance which is called QAPI. QAPI is the merger of two complementary approaches to quality, Quality Assurance (QA) and Performance Improvement (PI).  Both involve seeking and using information, but they differ in key ways:• QA is a process of meeting quality

standards and assuring that care reaches an acceptable level. Nursing homes typically set QA thresholds to comply with regulations. They may also create standards that go beyond regulations. QA is a reactive, retrospective effort to examine why a facility failed to meet certain standards. QA activities do improve quality, but efforts frequently end once the standard is met.

• PI (also called Quality Improvement - QI) is a pro-active and continuous study of processes with the intent to prevent or decrease the likelihood of problems by identifying areas of opportunity and testing new approaches to fix underlying causes of persistent/systemic problems. PI

Welcome to the February IssueFEBRUARY• ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 3

in nursing homes aims to improve processes involved in health care delivery and resident quality of life. PI can make good quality even better.

To continue our 2015 goal in reducing resident falls within our consulted facilities. Anyone who reads Extended Care Chronicles knows that resident falls with injuries has been a priority for me and our facilities. Our goal in 2015 was successful in that we were able to reduce resident falls with injuries significantly. We want to continue to work on this goal and reduce them even more. We are looking at assessments, education, and interventions including the possible reduction of using alarms, which in some cases can increase resident falls.

To continue our 2015 goal of reducing the use of Anti-Psychotic medications in the elderly population. Current research demonstrates that these types of medication may provide benefits, but may also have some negative consequences. Reducing these types of medications must be done in conjunction with the Physician and are generally done with what is called a gradual dose reduction (GDR) program.

I hope I can count on all of our employees to embrace these goals and help us work toward an even more successful year. When we all work together – great things can happen.

Ron NunziatoCEO, Extended Care Clinical , LLC@extendedcarellcPhone: 847-905-3000Efax: 866-570-5619

What’s Happening at EstatesEstates of Hyde Park Welcomes the Newest Members

of the Activities DepartmentPlease join us in welcoming Shinese Yoakum,

Director of Activities and Ivory Mays, Assistant Director of Activities to Estates of Hyde Park. Both Shinese and Ivory (pictured left to right) started at the Estates in December 2015.

Shinese’s career in long term care began in 2008 at Bronzeville Park Nursing Home. She started there as a Certified Nursing Assistant. After two years, she was promoted to Assistant Activity Director. Shinese has a passion for the healthcare industry. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family. Shinese has four children and recently had her first grandchild.

Ivory comes to us from Alden Princeton where he worked in the Activities Department for three years. Prior to that, Ivory worked at Stroeger Hospital as a Peer to Peer Liaison and Advocate for the Youth. In 2005, he became a Licensed Certified HIV Tester. Ivory enjoys dance and choir.

We are excited to have Shinese and Ivory on our team.

“Holiday Fun at the Estates of Hyde Park”As can be seen in the Holiday Pictures, the Team at Estates of Hyde Park, knows how to have some “Holiday Fun”!

What’s Happening at Beecher Manor

A groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, January 12th, helped to kick off construction at Beecher Manor. Government officials, corporate officers, Beecher Manor employees and residents all took part in celebrating the beginning of the long-awaited facility expansion. As a longstanding business within the community, Beecher Manor has proudly served the town and surrounding areas for the past decade.

As we continue “Changing Lives and Lifting Spirits,” we are elated to add some amazing new features including: several private rooms, library, ice cream parlor, conference room and gift shop.

We are also excited to be enlarging both our rehabilitation and main dining rooms. With updated amenities, common areas and meeting rooms, we are thankful for the opportunity to provide a greater quality of life for both our residents and staff alike.

This tremendous journey is only the beginning for Beecher Manor, as we seek to further enhance the lives of those we serve. The first phase of construction is already underway and we can’t wait to share the progress with you. Stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled for the many great things to come!

Beecher Breaks Ground… Prepares for Expansion

What’s Happening at Lakewood

What’s Happening at St. James

What’s Happening at Briar PlaceChestnuts weren’t the only thing

roasting here at Briar Place.The Department Managers hosted a holiday breakfast for the

staff with a scrumptious spread of eggs to order, bacon, sausage, HR’s famous hash brown casserole (that her mother made) and Jeneane’s world renowned cheesy grits! Everyone had a great time and - more importantly - left with full bellies!!

Little People EntertainmentNot to be outdone by the fabulous breakfast, Niki (our

Assistant Administrator) set up a wonderfully special event for staff and residents. Those Funny Little People from Drusselstein dazzled everyone at Briar Place with their Holiday Cheer. They sang, they danced and they made us laugh until we cried. We all had a blast and were sad to see them leave. Thanks Niki for setting up a very memorable event!!

On January 6th 2016 Lakewood Nursing Center turned what would have been just another in-service into an exciting event.

The guest speaker for the in-service was Char Strepka from PEL VIP, the topic was on the procedures during a Code Blue.

Char wanted to know how much urgency the staff would put into a CODE BLUE. Only managers were aware that this in-service was taking place, the floor staff had no idea. She asked that we call the code blue and then she would start the timer and see how fast staff responded and she was also going to check what equipment was brought to the area to make sure that they came to the

emergency prepared.The CODE BLUE was called to the administrator’s office.

Although there was some staff who stayed behind to watch the residents there was great participation for the CODE BLUE Drill since the staff were unaware that they were participating in a drill.

The staff passed the drill and the training with flying colors. One of the biggest lessons that we learned is the amount of emotions that they felt when they thought that they had to work on a co-worker. The subject was still being discussed through several different shifts.

St. James Manor & Villa’s Honors Activity Professionals’ Week

Happy Activity Professionals Week! Elizabeth Jackson, Director of Activities (pictured Center) wanted to make sure that the Activity Team at St. James Manor & Villa know how truly appreciated they are for all they do for the residents and families. The team was surprised with shirts, lunch bags and lots of treats throughout the week. Thank you to our Activity Team!

Happy Birthdayto our ECC Family!

Patricia Sutliff Jennifer A. JenkinsSusan L. Nordin Kristy A. Kopman Donald Algozine Jessica L. Simonaitis Kathy A. Liedtke Sarah M. Senesac Patricia E. Bailey Chris E. Carter Judy M. Goldschnikl Tomyatta Brooks

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Barbara Karny Sonia P. Jimenea Emma Smith Pamela M. Fields Linda Simms Jose Quiros Pedro J. Mojica Daryl I. Dildy Montez Stockley Krystal Adams Nikita Patel

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Sofia PantojaShaneka DavisJincy CherianCarnell MossAngela GeorgeDametta MooreMaxwell ArnofaSusan HasselManuela SandovalJavier SeranoSunitha SajuIrma Cornelio

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Anal Shah Talonganice Bingham Sharrell Watts Arnetris Hill Katherine Gober Lenora Graye Sandra Stimler Melinda Foresta Sanuth Sakirat Terrea Fowler Kelly Hamilton Jonah Kipkiyeny Lawonda E. Gray Emily Holly Laura Myers Vinson Love Basia Rei

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Judith Lucas Quinntin T. Stewart Donna M. Klyce Judith Calvin Kanisha K. Blake Kimberly D. Smith Dominique D. Berry Kenan R. Weekley Paul Green Paula Ogle

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Becky Ness-Crowl Taniecha Williams Roberta Gaines Shannon L. McCoog Kimberly Kurtzweil Nevie Edwards Diondre Clark Patricia Strauss

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Daphnee Jeanty Sean M. Griffin Constance Hawthorne Janay McGregory Tabitha M. Anderson Carmeshia D. Williams Rosane Guiden Roche M. Washington Lorita V. Peterson Chinenye D. Ozoigbo Oluyinka B. Azuka LaQuida I. McCoy Marc Hawk Nache J. Lackey Jackee M. Jones Shamika Kelly Stephanie B. Beard Marquisha Haywood Jamine N. Anyasor Brittney A. Robinson Terri L. Fountain Nwoye A. Daniels Lonnell Johnson Mariah L. Johnson

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Angela S. Tate Roselynette Dorsey Natasha M. Lindsey Shidat R. Kimbrough Nurrice L. Powell Markita C. Lester Latoya Smith-Brooks Deloris A. Dowd Shawn Porter Tiffany Paxton Valerie Battle-Dugger Shakenya Grant

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Ladonne Witherspoon Rosemary Franco Nakia Burks Martha Lopez Angela Armstrong Kimberly Davis Cynthia Lebron Lisa Sutton Jerrell Peterson Tatiana Bowling Elizabeth DeJoan Theresa Bresnahan Rosezata Isabell Doris Reynolds Yvette Jones Vanessa Posey Jaketa L. Patterson Donna Smith Anita Henry Marifel D. Caballero Linda Seals

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Janay Veal Kizzie Carter Nanette Bryles Lakisha Green Patricia Woodson Mary Tilsy-Crider Diamond Bender Michelle Gruszkowski Mercedes Rupert Joyce Yimbu Tonika Jones Nikka Culpepper Marquitah Stewart Maria Orozco Sharon Boedeker

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Nyeka S. Williams Sandra Murchison Ayanna Davidson Oladipupo Alonge Tina L. Boyland

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Darrl Malone Ophelia Gordon Ludim Alvarez Vivian R. Mays Bikumo Sofiyea Beverly Dickerson Alicia Jenkins Andre’ Matlock

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Margaret E. Senne Rabecca L. Loeschen Shannon Del Rio Sunita Kumar Peggy Walker Roberta Balavender Tammy Opyd Chanel Martelly Arlene I. Cabrera Latisha McCullum Consuelo Range Judy Cook Mirian Benitez Jose Quiros Latesha Edmon Heather Cheney Jaime A. Damian Allison M. Gue

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Sy Richardson James C. Samuel Stacey Barr Alberta R. Dekarkeh Omolabake G. Opakunle Tallulah Holt Marilyn S. Thomas

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Nicole R. Bostic Charisse L. Batiste Rosalina Alvarez Erica C. Biddings Nakia Marrero LaNikka C. Lewis Lekesha L. Coleman Renee A. Christ Ashley R. Sumpter Vivian Leonard Shara N. Sobiski

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Samantha Ford Alexander Davis Leona I. Horst Tamaike Washington Elizabeth Hinko Alex Krause Jikol Lockhart Nicole R. Sanders Tammara Hardy Lameka T. Kelley Kimberly Steele Shana C. Rogers Jermaine E. Johnson Dorian C. Johnson

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Jeffrey A. Tolley Mary A. Jones Rosanayeli Pruitt Jeffrey C. Rudolph Amira Krvavac James A. Ruman Latifa Atic

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Iesha L. Brown Jocelyn M. Perez Jameka R. Smith Katryn Ria C. Raza Marquis D. Eubank

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Kari L. Clark Peggy A. Walker Marilu Amaro Benjamin B. Aglubat Vernette N. Williams Isaac J. Scott Jocelyn Hernandez Elvia Villanueva Tuquails S. Hicks Vera L. Bolton

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