Kokua Spirit Newsletter
May/June 2025 Vol 21, Issue 5/6
Summer is just around the corner, and we are halfway through 2025 already! This month continued to be busy as we have helped people get settled into new spaces and places. Thanks to everyone for their ongoing support and effort in the moves processes. There has been some solid teamwork from top to bottom, and we have some happy new clients that are raving about their services!
LoveOly SummerFest
We had our Annual Open Board Meeting and were able to provide a hybrid option this year. Though not flawless, we included many of our faraway staff, and those not feeling up for the in-person version. Thank you to everyone who came out and participated in the discussions and gave their feedback. We look forward to the ability to be able to do these things more often, and to seek more consistent feedback as we try to work together on solutions to problems as they arise. Things have been tough with staffing and budget uncertainties lately, but everyone is picking up shifts when and where they can and it’s making a difference for sure! Thank you for being mindful of OT hours and making sure that those are getting approved before you work them.
Summer brings adventures and fun times as well as much more sunshine. Please remember to drink plenty of water when you’re in the heat, dress in layers and wear proper footwear, and don’t forget your sun protection!
June 20-22
Washington Street SE and 5thAvenue SE, Olympia
Oly Pride Fest
June 27-29
Port Plaza, Percival Landing, Downtown Olympia
Lacey PolyFest
June 27-28 8345 Steilacom Road SE, Olympia
The Lacey PolyFest celebrates Polynesian culture
For Direct Care roles such as those at Kokua there are several things to think about in terms of safety and that are worth noting this month. Stay tuned for other safety topics at this month’s Safety Meeting on 6/18!
Many of our safety concerns revolve around medical/health related care and/or client and staff safety. Therefore, making sure that clients are set up for success with Emergency Services helps to make sure that Emergency situations are handled as smoothly as possible, and safety has been accounted for.
Stay safe and Informed
SMART911 allows people to have a personal profile with any and all relevant personal data such as communication needs, possible behavioral triggers, and the best ways to access them within the home.
This application was plugged heavily at the recent Project SAFER event which included local First Responders.
Having this profile set up could be very beneficial for people we support.
Services in your area may vary but can include…
Safety Profile
Provide additional information to 9-1-1 so they can help you faster in an emergency.
Alerts and Notifications
Stay informed of weather, traffic, and other emergencies in your community.
Access & Functional Needs
Help emergency managers prepare for disasters by providing your health or access and functional needs information.
Documentation: Because it didn’t happen if you don’t record that it did!
Documentation is important because it ensures the quality of care provided to a supported individual, facilitates communication among clinicians and caregivers, ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, helps support billing and reimbursement, and promotes continuity of care.
TLogs, GERs, Time Tracking, oh my!
TLogs are shift notes and provide details about how the shift went and need to know info about the client. These are very helpful for your coworkers to read, especially if they haven’t been in the house all week, or even longer. These notes can provide crucial information sometimes like if someone is on a certain day of their bowel protocol or if something needs to be monitored or followed up on. If someone is acting different than they usually might, perhaps it’s a good idea for carestaff to monitor that and the best way to communicate this across the board, is through a Tlog.
GERs are essentially incident reports and help us track incidents and crucial discoveries, happenings, or events. GERs can be added in addition to a Tlog if something happens or is very important to note.
Time-Tracking helps provide data about a client’s outings or behaviors, sleep habits, hygiene and anything we want to be sure and have data about. This also helps to show providers and clinicians if needed for care purposes as well as helps in our annual PCSP meetings or in the writing of various annual plans.
The MAR is how we track medications and their administration. The MAR shows the meds to be given, and we check that against the meds before we administer them. Refusals are critical to track because we need to be able to show that we are in fact trying to provide the care and not just neglecting the need.
Alzheimer’s Disease is the leading cause of Dementia accounting for 60-70% of dementia cases. It is a neurodegenrative disease that causes a progressive decline in cognitive abilities, and eventually makes it so that someone cannot care for themselves anymore.
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month presents a valuable opportunity to take concrete steps towards safeguarding our brains. Some key actions we all can take are:
Engaging in activities that challenge the mind, such as learning a new language, playing brain games, or reading.
Choosing a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which can provide essential nutrients for optimal brain function.
Exercising regularly to strengthen the heart and vascular system, positively impacting blood flow to the brain.
Taking 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night, as sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation and cognitive processing.
Cultivating strong social interactions that can benefit mental wellbeing and cognitive function.
Consulting with a physician if you are experiencing potential symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, such as memory loss, or confusion.
Source: revivalresearch.org
Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables
By Averie Sunshine
This sheet pan sausage dinner can be made with your pre-cooked sausage of choice and is done in under an hour. It's a customizable recipe because you can mix-and-match the veggies you want to include! Everyone LOVES this easy sheet pan meal!
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
▢ 12 ounces precooked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds (I used beef polska kielbasa, but you may also use pork, turkey, or beef sausage or kielbasa)
▢ 1 large yellow bell pepper, diced into bite sized pieces (red, orange, or green pepper may be substituted)
▢ 1 large zucchini, trimmed and sliced into bite sized pieces
▢ 1 cup cherry tomatoes, or grape tomatoes
▢ 3 tablespoons olive oil
▢ 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
▢ 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, regular paprika may be substituted
▢ 1 tablespoon dried parsley
▢ 1 tablespoon dried oregano
▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
▢ ½ teaspoon freshly grated black pepper
▢ freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnishing (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup, and add the sausage, bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, and evenly drizzle with olive oil. Evenly sprinkle with the onion flakes, smoked paprika, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and toss with your hands to evenly coat and distribute seasonings. Scatter vegetables in a flat layer and not piled on top of each other. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and have as much color as desired; toss halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. Start checking at 30 minutes for doneness since all ovens, veggies, etc. vary.
Optionally sprinkle with Parmesan and serve immediately.
Notes
Storage: Dish is best warm and fresh but extra will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds, or as needed.
Adapted from Sheet Pan Italian Chicken Nutrition
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 417kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 36g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 19g, Cholesterol: 60mg, Sodium: 1342mg, Potassium: 682mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 1330IU, Vitamin C: 111mg, Calcium: 66mg, Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. ©averiecooks.com.
