At Homes At Homes
ABHM Values Diversity & Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion are important attributes for creating a learning, productive environment for ABHM employees. We learn from our differences, as well as our similarities, and strive to provide the opportunity for each employee to actively develop his or her career and contribute to ABHM’s success.
In our efforts to encourage diverse voices and perspectives, we promote and implement strategies and initiatives that will enhance ABHM’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, and:
• Increase self-awareness
• Treat others with courtesy, dignity and respect,
• Be sensitive to the interpretation and potential impact of communication and actions
• Appreciate, value and celebrate differences
• Utilize the unique talents and contributions of all individuals
ABHM Employees Eligible for LSS Financial Counseling
ABHM now offers employees free and confidential financial counseling services through LSS Financial Counseling. They are available nationwide by phone or virtually.
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ABHM Colorado Communities Receive Financial Awarding for Quality Care through State Program
Pay for Performance (P4P) is a supplemental Medicaid reimbursement program carried out through Colorado Department of Healthcare Policy and Financing (CDHPF).
P4P is a Best Practice model that reimburses communities for demonstrating their efforts and successes in enhancing quality of care and quality of life in their communities. Applications include measures such as customer feedback, testimonials, resident-centered care approaches and employee retention.
The biggest impact on this best practice model is the higher standard for care in nursing homes, primarily resident-centered care approach. Many of the measures ask for evidence of the home’s prioritization of the residents’ preference on things like their daily schedule, meals, physical environment, leisure interests, etc. and how this is a standard of care. It also has a high standard for training staff on a variety of areas, such as trauma informed care, non-pharmaceutical approaches to pain management and fall prevention.
The program started in 2009. There are several quality measures taken directly from the Casper report (Quality Measures Report), such as excessive weight loss, falls, depressive symptoms. Proactively addressing these quality measures is a preventative cost-saving measure.
Having a high standard for training and care ensures that we are meeting our commitment to our residents and their families. The high standards of P4P are best practices that are shared with and benefit all ABHM communities, residents and employees alike.
Mountain Vista Earns 2024 AHCA/NCAL
Bronze National Quality Award
Mountain Vista Senior Living Community has been recognized as a 2024 recipient of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) for its commitment to improving the lives of residents through quality care. This distinction is the first of three progressive award levels through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. The Program honors providers across the nation that have demonstrated their dedication to enhancing the quality of care for our nation’s elders and individuals with disabilities.
Mountain Vista Administrator Anthony Geiser states “This award recognizes the continued dedication of our staff and the relationships they build with the residents and one another.
Mountain Vista has provided healthcare services to the seniors of this community for more than 60 years, and we look forward continuing that tradition.”
The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program is a rigorous three-level process reviewed and evaluated by trained experts against a set of nationally recognized standards for organizational excellence. The standards of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program help organizations achieve superior performance over time to improve the quality of life and care of long-term care residents.
United in the Fight: ABHM Communities' Efforts in the Walk to End Alzheimer's
For instance, our Mountain Vista community’s efforts are robust and multifaceted. They participate in two walks annually: one in Denver with residents and staff, and another on their campus. Throughout the year, the fundraising doesn’t stop. Their innovative approach includes displaying flower bouquets for donations, wearing team shirts, holding tiedyeing events, and a variety of other fundraising activities such as pie-throwing contests. Last year, Mountain Vista even introduced a “Tiny Walk” on campus for
those residents unable to attend the larger event. This year, they plan to add an Art Walk, showcasing resident artwork and pieces from local artists, further enhancing community involvement and support.
Thorne Crest in Alber Lea, MN has been involved in the Walk to End Alzheimer's for the past seven years. Initially joining the walk in Owatonna, MN, they later combined efforts with the Weiss family to launch a Walk To End Alzheimer’s in their own city. That inaugural participation in the Walk to End Alzheimer's. Their contributions have come in unique and meaningful ways, demonstrating a collective dedication to the cause.
year was a resounding success, raising $40,000, well above the $25,000 goal.
Tudor Oaks in Muskego, WI has hosted an annual Alzheimer's Walk on their campus for approximately 10 years. This beautiful campus event involves residents, family, friends, and employees, growing in participation each year. Alongside the walk, Tudor Oaks hosts a Craft Fair and Bake Sale, with all proceeds benefiting the Alzheimer's Association.
The collective efforts of all our employees in the Walk to End Alzheimer's are a testament to their, and to ABHM's, unwavering commitment to fighting this disease.
2024 Walk to End
Alzheimer's September 21, 2024
Honoring Marilyn Claassen: Celebrating 48 Years of Dedication
In an era where job-hopping has become the norm, a 48-year tenure at a single company is not just an achievement—it’s a testament to unwavering dedication, loyalty, and exceptional service. Since 1976 Marilyn Claassen has been an integral part of Thorne Crest Senior Living Community in Albert Lea, MN.
A Journey of Excellence
As a teenager Marilyn started working summers at Thorne Crest in housekeeping. This was the beginning of a journey that would define her career. After studying physical education and gerontology at the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse, she returned to Thorne Crest to become the Director of Activities. Now, nearly five decades later, she has contributed to the community’s evolution, been a friend and
mentor to staff, and provided care and compassion to countless residents and families.
Marilyn describes a few memorable experiences: Sending a letter from the residents to the MN Twins owner opposing their decision to take the Twins off the air. The Twins responded by sending residents tickets to a game in a suite.
Marilyn, circa 1981 Marilyn today
Attending the MN State fair supporting a resident running for “Outstanding Senior of the Year”.
Taking residents on day trips to Spring Valley, MN to enjoy the summer flowers and meals over the campfire.
Marilyn is clearly a people person. She not only supports the residents and families of Thorne Crest, she also supports her community. Marilyn is a long-time member of ambulance service, teaches CPR training for American Heart Association and is a member of Bonnerup Funeral Service. Claassen states, “All three of these jobs I have worked all at the same time. It’s just jobs that I enjoy doing, it’s not like work. It’s just a passion of mine being there for people, helping people and being part of people’s lives.”
Marilyn’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact a dedicated individual can
have on an entire organization. Her legacy is not just in the work she has done, but the lives she has touched and the standards she has set. We look forward to many more years of her wisdom, experience, and camaraderie. Her story will continue to inspire us all to strive for excellence and dedication in our own careers.
From everyone at Thorne Crest and ABHM –
Thank you, Maryilyn!
Marilyn at her 48th Anniversary Celebration with Thorne Crest co-workers
A Golden Milestone: Thorne Crest in Albert Lea, MN Celebrating 50 Years of Community and Care
It is almost impossible to live in Albert Lea, Minnesota without hearing the name “Thorne Crest,” and for good reason. This year the community is celebrating 50 years of providing service to residents and families. Thorne Crest celebrates not just the bricks and mortar that have stood the test of time, but the countless stories, memories, and bonds that have flourished at Thorne Crest.
Thorne Crest admitted its first resident to skilled nursing in 1974. They were also the first senior living community in Minnesota to offer multiple levels of care on one campus. Today, Thorne Crest continues to thrive and offers top quality housing and care to seniors in southern MN.
Thorne Crest’s success over the past 50 years can be attributed to its dedicated staff with years of experience. Their unwavering
commitment to providing compassionate care and creating a warm, welcoming environment has been the backbone of the community. Brittany Gast, Director of Human Resources, explained the importance of having long-term staff members. “When people are looking for careers, they can see a future at Thorne Crest because so many people have been here for decades”.
Celebrating of Excellence
Marking the 50th anniversary reminds us that Thorne Crest is more than just a place to live and work; it’s a place where life is celebrated, and every individual is cherished. Here’s to the next 50 years of community, care, and countless more stories waiting to be written. YEARS
Summer Dessert Recipe! Deviled Strawberries
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 pint strawberries
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup marshmallow creme
• Grated chocolate or toasted coconut, for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
• Remove the top of each strawberry, cut in half lengthwise and remove the core.
• In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and marshmallow creme together with an electric mixer.
• Pipe or spoon the mixture into the strawberry halves.
• Garnish with grated chocolate and/or toasted coconut. Refrigerate until serving time.
About
At Homes At Homes
The official employee newsletter of American Baptist Homes of the Midwest
“At Homes” is ABHM –American Baptist Homes of the Midwest’s quarterly employee newsletter, created to keep you up to date on all employee news, programs, and happenings.
To create healthy Christian communities that empower older adults, families and people with disabilities. We provide choices for housing, services and technology that enrich body, mind and spirit.