FALL 2020
PIONEERCARE
FOUNDATIONS
Wind in your hair
True Heroism In times that feel historically unhinged, we all believe in respecting our elders, ensuring their health and well-being, and protecting the most vulnerable among us. Thank you for sharing this treasured belief as guided by Pioneer’s longstanding mission. Thank you for living it out with your generous support – spiritually with your prayers, physically with your presence, and financially through donations to the Foundation. We also believe in heroes. Father Richard Rohr in his book, Falling Upwards, reminds us that being a hero isn’t about “being bold, muscular, rich, famous, talented, or fantastic by himself [or herself]… that a classic hero is one who ‘goes the distance,’ whatever it takes, and then has plenty left over for others. True heroism serves the common good, or it is not really heroism at all.” We hold great value and appreciation for our caregivers. They go the distance to ensure our elders’ needs are supported. People PioneerCare serves have acted as heroes too, with a resiliency and sense of calm that inspires. Still, the coronavirus pandemic can shake our confidence. It was already fragile because of the demographic trends of this generational era and from the
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flawed economic model that attempts to support Pioneer’s work. While the heroism is there and in cases even more visible, it is more vulnerable than before. Together, we can participate in that heroism in different ways. Through generous giving, we can meet the diverse spiritual needs of each resident, send a new nursing student to college, present meaningful activities and social programs to enrich the lives of residents, purchase new technology to support exceptional care, and enhance each living setting within the Pioneer family with needed capital improvements. Last spring, we introduced friends of Pioneer to a new fundraising appeal called Support Our Frontline Heroes. This effort now has two goals: to provide “a little extra” bonus and to provide grant support in times of personal economic crisis. Perhaps that effort speaks to you. I believe in the healing power of the outdoors and that speaks to me. Last winter, I had dinner with Ole Kassow when he visited PioneerCare. Ole is a hero in his own right as the founder of Cycling Without Age. Seeing PioneerCare residents enjoy a bike ride outdoors with Ole – in February, no less – spoke to me. Cycling Without Age
Steve Guttormson has been financially supported by PioneerCare Foundation and other community resources, and is just one example of the creativity seen within programming of resident activities. The pandemic has challenged our resiliency and positioned us to make agonizing choices, trying to set the balance among physical, mental, social, and spiritual health for the people Pioneer serves. It also leads us to creative new ways of being a hero and finding joy in the everyday activities of life. I believe you can be a hero. You can help the people Pioneer serves through gifts to the PioneerCare Foundation. That is an important part of respecting our elders and supporting their needs. I hope you will continue with me in providing that help. And again, thank you. Stay well and be blest.
A Note from Nathan build goes, “Crisis does not at th e ag ad d ol an s e’ r. Ther inly no has never been stronge high, and there’s certa e ar s ke sta e th n Our sense of purpose he w leadership e are ere is no playbook for e-time emergency. W Th ac ” pe it. of als te ve re sta it d r, an te ic ac char ntury pandem lution. in the face of a 21st ce do to t ha w r fo e is no silver bullet so er ok th bo d an play , ity al re dation, w are have a strong foun ultiple fronts in this ne rC m ee on on s Pi at at re ed th rm ng fo ci fa ps all ionshi aled a lly grateful that the relat w months have reve fe st pa e es Th e. That is why I am eterna os – in our purp our staff, r mission and values I’m referring to are ou le in op pe ed e ot Th ro . ly le ep op de ected and loyal pe nization to be conn ing, resilient, smart, ga ag or ur r co ou r en , Fo te s. na nd io ie ss pa rs, and our fr highlights a few key NS TIO es, our board membe DA ili UN m fa FO d of an on ts iti en ed sid re iring! This Fall gh character is insp hi ch su of le op pe to er. e, to e is stronger than ev ble, quick and nimbl os xi rp fle pu be r to ou d at ire th s qu ay re w we are fety ng on a daily basis, portant duty – the sa im t os m r ou on As things are changi s cu e keep our fo invent ourselves as w re to d an n, tio ac ke ta oach d positive in our appr pends on us. an de , ic ho ist w al re ne , yo tic er en ev th of to be au le. . We believe we need m we are responsib ho w r fo ne yo We have a clear plan er ev at all cial needs of ysical and psychoso rtners. We believe th ph pa e ity th e un nc m la m ba co e r w he as d ot leverage our team an We have been sure to power. an any of us. believe knowledge is e th r W . te cy ar en sm ar e sp ar an us tr of n and icate ed in communicatio n. When we commun tio ica un m om We have over-invest -c er ov en faulted for ge. y organization has be an at th e ar s, and positive messa aw t ou no ci di am ju I , le ib ed cr a st how a balance between emic has revealed ju ke ri nd st pa to is al Th go d. r te ou ec is nn it ay co erall let us continue to st otions and for our ov em r ou te la gu As we look forward, re to connection t more nnection is. We need n limitations for a bi ai rt ce ve ha ill st ill important social co ch other w ve. al connection with ea unities that we do ha rt po health. While physic op e th t ou nerous ab l tive and intentiona inue to rely on the ge nt co e w , 20 20 of 4 time, let’s be innova rter financial rter 3 and enter Qua re to bring a certain su is 20 20 , ns As we finish out Qua tio za any organi s and donors. Like m rns have been support of our friend r usual business patte ou as e ar rC ee on Pi oneer hardship to a financial gift to Pi ge ed pl u yo n he w that and rocked. Please know u serve our residents yo d an e os rp pu r up ou Foundation, you lift l. their caregivers wel – thank you! th and good spirits al he od go l al u yo I wish In Christ, Nathan Johnson
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FOUNDATIONS
Cycling Without Age
“Everyone has the right to wind in their hair.” This quote from Ole Kassow, founder of Cycling Without Age (CWA) couldn’t be truer. Now, Fergus Falls can provide that “wind in your hair” kind of joy for many people who couldn’t otherwise feel while on a bike. Here you’ll meet the founders of the program, and some local bike enthusiasts who came together with Pioneer to provide a special kind of joy for residents and tenants of the Pioneer living settings. The idea began when Ole Kassow, a resident of Copenhagen, was out cycling and noticed an older man sitting on a bench enjoying the sun. Kassow discovered the 97-year-old man was accustomed to cycling every day, but no longer could ride on his own. Ole decided to visit the man’s nursing home with a rented rickshaw, and CWA was born. The idea for bringing this to Fergus Falls started with Pedal Fergus Falls member, Jake Krohn. “In 2018, I was working on a program called ‘The Year of Play,’ where Springboard for the Arts received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts,” explained Jake, “The goal was to use the arts to engage a wide variety of people around active living.” One idea Jake wanted to follow up on was Cycling Without Age. “I travelled to the Netherlands in the spring and set up a meeting with the CWA group to get a little more insight,” said Jake, “and I immediately knew this is something we could bring back to Fergus Falls.” Jake’s next call was to Steve Guttormson at PioneerCare. “We thought a partnership with Pioneer could be just what we needed to make this happen,” said Jake, “and through the Pioneer Foundation and Pedal Fergus Falls, we were able to raise the money to purchase our first trishaw.” It took some time for shipping of the trishaw, and when it arrived in late fall, it was
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too cold to take residents for a ride. “We had high hopes for spring 2020,” said Jake, “and then Covid-19 hit, and visitation, and all the restrictions came into play. We got some pilot training in, but as far as rides for residents, we’ll have to wait just a bit longer it seems.” Along with Jake, Pedal Fergus Falls Chairman, Dr. Dave Sanderson was eager to see the program create a unique experience for people at Pioneer and around the community. “I think it’s just a wonderful opportunity for a community,” said Dave, “and we have a chance to create a real sense of joy for so many across our city. Our members were truly excited about it and we had quite a number of members who quickly signed up to be the drivers or ‘pilots.’ How cool would it be for young people to give rides to these elderly people and carry on a conversation during the ride? These people have so much to share and we see this being such a great inter-generational experience!” Dave went on to say CWA provided a real inspiration for their Pedal Fergus Falls club. “Our vision is to someday see it go way beyond nursing homes and care facilities,” said Dave, “It just seems like a really great thing to do and our hope is to share it with many, many others.” Pedal Fergus Falls and PioneerCare formed the sixth local volunteer chapter in Minnesota last year and as a special treat, hosted the CWA founder, Ole Kassow and Pernille Bussone last winter. “Fergus Falls was an absolute pleasure to visit,” said Ole, “What a resourceful and welcoming town. I enjoyed the hospitality of PioneerCare, the people who work and live there. I was particularly charmed by Ruth Berg, whom I now mention almost every time I do a presentation about Cycling Without Age. As a trishaw pilot, I have the privilege to meet people like her, with incredible stories
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By Mary Dolan
Even though it was the cold of February, Ruth that have to be shared with others; they’re simply that was asked to go on a trishaw ride. “It was the middle important and so very interesting! I’m so grateful for all of winter,” said Ruth, “but everyone said I just had to the wonderful people who I met and who welcomed me do it. So, we put on our coats and jackets, climbed to your community. A special thanks goes to Pedal Fergus aboard this contraption and away we went. Here I am, Falls for their part in bringing CWA to Fergus Falls!” out in the cold in February, doing something crazy. It Pernille Bussone accompanied Ole to Fergus Falls was such fun, and having the chance to be out and do and recounted her experience. “Fergus Falls was definitely something fun like this is right up my alley. We came the highlight of Minnesota for us,” said Pernille, “The back with cold noses and people are what stood out lots of good conversation.” the most. I am still Although Ruth amazed at the level of claimed she didn’t really cooperation and trust have a choice, she truly there seems to be in enjoyed the adventure. Fergus Falls. We were “They had my coat ready,” treated to specially made she said, “and off we went. Danish cookies and a It was a very interesting chance to meet Ruth Berg. contraption. I guess She was so interesting and that’s an old-fashioned charming. I will never word, but you know forget Ruth! Ole and I what I mean. This is took her for a trishaw going to be such a great spin around Lake Alice Ruth Berg, who lives at Pioneer Pointe, braved a winter bike ride with opportunity for more at Ruth’s request. It was Ole and Pernille from Cycling Without Age. In the background, of us to get out and stunningly beautiful, Wayne Hurley from Pedal Fergus Falls captures the scene on camera. experience something quiet, and covered with new. I’m old, fat and sassy but there’s always room snow. I still wear the Fergus Falls pin I received as a for doing something fun!” gift when we returned to our room. I could keep going Pedal Fergus Falls is always looking for ways to on about the hospitality and beauty of Fergus Falls. get biking out in front of people. “You can still enjoy These are some of the best people I’ve ever met.” the wind in your hair at any age,” said Jake Krohn, Ruth Berg would tell you the same about meeting “and a kind of freedom. We are looking forward to our visitors from Copenhagen. “Ole and Pernille were providing many, many rides in the future. We provide such fun to visit with,” said Ruth, “and you know how the power to give the rides and we get countless stories I like to talk! I got to share some of my good old Ole in return. What an amazing combination.” jokes so we had some real fun with that.” continued on the next page
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“You can still enjoy the wind in your hair at any age, and a kind of freedom.” – Jake Krohn, Pedal Fergus Falls CWA is all about creating new relationships What is now a global volunteer movement with between generations, among older adults, between 2,050 chapters in 47 countries all began with a chance pilots and passengers, care home employees and family meeting of two strangers on a street in Copenhagen. members. Relationships build trust, happiness and “We dream of creating a world together,” explains quality of life. Ole, “in which the access to active citizenship creates And finally, we have without happiness among our fellow age. Life unfolds at all ages, young elderly citizens by providing and old, and can be thrilling, fun, them with an opportunity to sad, beautiful and meaningful! remain an active part of society CWA is about letting people age and the local community.” in a positive context – fully aware This dream became reality of the opportunities that lie with a list of guiding principles: ahead when interacting in their CWA is based on generosity local community. and kindness. It starts with the PioneerCare is excited obvious generous act of taking about the opportunity to one or two elderly or less abled partner with Pedal Fergus Falls people out on a bike ride. It’s a and Cycling Without Age, and simple act that everyone can do. to enjoy bringing together Slowness is next. It allows Julie and Marian cycling in July generations and an entire you to be present in the moment community. “We build bridges between generations,” and it allows people you meet along the way to be said Ole, “We reinforce trust, respect, and the social curious and gain knowledge about CWA because you glue in our society. We give them the right to the make time to stop and talk. wind in their hair, the right to experience the city and Then there is storytelling. Older adults have so nature close up from the bicycle, and an opportunity many stories that will be forgotten if we don’t reach out to tell their story in the environment where they have and listen to them. We tell stories. We listen to stories lived their lives.” on the bike and we also document the stories and share them with others. Another principle is relationships.
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Chaplain Krehl Stringer It is with great pleasure that we introduce you to a new PioneerCare staff member: Chaplain Krehl Stringer, who joined us in early June. Krehl came to Pioneer from Bemidji, Minnesota, where he was serving as interim pastor. Prior to that, he served churches near Lake Michigan, on Minnesota’s Iron Range, and in Warroad, Minnesota. “Before my life in ministry,” said Krehl, “I served in the U.S. Navy as a commissioned officer and was stationed in San Diego. I also did some work as part of a research team in molecular biology while in California. I found I was looking for more of a human connection and entered a graduate program at Northern Illinois University where I studied Philosophy. That’s what led me to go to the seminary and I worked while going to school part time over the next 11 years. My last six years of seminary study were spent working in various capacities at the ELCA’s church-wide headquarters in Chicago.” Life in ministry as a pastor looked a little different than what Krehl has been introduced to at Pioneer. “There was a bit of a learning curve,” he said, “moving from the pastor of a congregation to the Chaplain role. As Chaplain, it’s those personal connections and interactions that are so important. It’s all about one-on-one visits with people and I try to be as consistent and available as possible.” Joining the Pioneer team in a time of pandemic was a challenge as well. “We have been introduced to a new time,” said Krehl, “and it can seem like a time of loneliness and isolation. My key concern is to help people understand themselves through these circumstances and realize they are not alone. The caregivers on our staff are so important in this role, too. Every day we begin with a stand-up meeting and a word of prayer. I encourage them to be that loving presence in peoples’ lives and help them to understand the work they do is so very important.” It takes a team to safely navigate these times and the Pioneer team is committed to working together to make that happen. “I’ve been so impressed,” said Krehl, “Even under stress, this team keeps the morale high. There is no sense of despair, but one of hope.
This team has the tools in place to deal with whatever comes our way. In doing so, I believe we have developed some very good habits and will come out of this even stronger in caring for people, both physically and spiritually.” As we look forward to a day of less restriction, Krehl is excited about a future where he will get to further nurture relationships. “I really look forward to a time when I can more freely visit with residents and get to know their families,” he said, “I want to be a ready resource for both the residents, tenants, and their loved ones.” For now, Krehl enjoys visiting those who live at PioneerCare Center, Pioneer Cottages and Pioneer Pointe. “I lay out blocks of time each week to visit and worship in all these places to be that constant presence our people want and need,” he said, “For now, we’ll continue to do worship as best we can and to continue a daily devotion over the intercom. I often include the singing of a hymn and they really seem to appreciate hearing an old favorite.” Krehl’s wife, Meghan, teaches piano and voice lessons and is a substitute teacher. She also just began her position as pianist and organist at Augustana Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. Krehl and Meghan have a daughter, Madeline, who is majoring in Computer Science and Japanese at College of Saint Benedict and their son, Krehl (the fourth Krehl in the family), works as a software analyst in St. Paul. “I have found Pioneer to be a safe and very caring community,” said Krehl, “and I truly believe we are in good place. My primary focus, now especially, is time spent with the residents and tenants. What a wonderful opportunity to get to know them each so personally. There is much good in the world …even today.”
On the cover: Dorothy recently posed for the camera before heading out on a bike ride with Khila. Carefully controlled resident activities like this are a blessing in these pandemic times.
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TESTING: Lessons Learned
PioneerCare staff w With close to 5,000 coronavirus tests provided to residents and employees since last May, PioneerCare has conducted the most comprehensive and robust testing program in the community. PioneerCare is held up as a model statewide among long term care providers for starting facility-wide testing early, since May 27, and continuing the effort on a weekly basis. The first few weeks, at PioneerCare’s request, testing was led by the Minnesota Department of Health and conducted by members of the Minnesota National Guard. PioneerCare nursing staff led the testing efforts after that, with test samples sent to the Mayo Clinic for analysis. According to PioneerCare CEO, Nathan Johnson, such a volume of completed tests provides insight into the disease and complements data provided by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Of the
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5,000 tests performed so far, the virus has been positively detected in a total of 15 people within PioneerCare’s living settings: three residents and 12 employees. Eight of the 15 were asymptomatic when the virus was detected and as of this writing, they remained symptom free. Staff gets creative Recent data from on testing day MDH shows that close to 40 percent of people with positive cases in Minnesota remain asymptomatic the entire time the virus is active within their bodies. At PioneerCare, a much smaller sampling, people who have tested positive and remained symptom free is currently at about 53 percent.
erCare staff worked together with the Minnesota National Guard for the first few weeks of facility-wide testing. The percent difference is likely related in part due to the people who are being tested and why. While people statewide are most often tested in response to showing symptoms, those at PioneerCare are, by far, people who have not shown noticeable symptoms. In each detected case, PioneerCare conducted an Exposure Risk Assessment and at this point, positive cases were most likely acquired not within PioneerCare, but in the greater community. Some may conclude that these asymptomatic cases may be false positives; however, health experts stress that false positives are highly unlikely and such a conclusion could be dangerous.
It is important to note that asymptomatic people can and do spread the virus, and for that reason, testing, wearing masks and other protective equipment, proper handwashing, and other preventive measures are critical tools in controlling spread. “Our testing strategy is important to identify cases early enough to stop the potential spread within our buildings,” Johnson said. “Testing, along with vigilant attention to prevention measures, is helping us focus on our number one priority – to protect residents and staff within PioneerCare Center, Pioneer Cottages Memory Care, and Pioneer Pointe.”
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Outdoor Concerts Abound
Outdoor concerts have become a silver lining to the coronavirus cloud this summer, thanks to local and traveling musicians and the creativity of activities staff. At PioneerCare Center, violinist Gabe Dalhoff inspired us, DC & Hawk played our old favorites, and Tim Mosser impressed us his vocal and keyboard talents from his pickup bed. Seams Like Swing got us moving at Pioneer Pointe and Tim Mosser performed there and Pioneer Cottages as well. “I happened upon this concert,” Sara Hage said in response to Tim Mosser’s performance. “It made my day to see that my mom was outside enjoying it.” Staff arranged the parking lots as concert venues for residents, following social distancing practices and other guidance from the CDC and Minnesota
Violinist Gabe Dalhoff
Department of Health. Musicians, volunteers, and others continue to be restricted from entering long term care and living settings.
We All Otter Help PioneerCare CEO, Nathan Johnson, was interviewed in August by a Star Tribune reporter regarding infection control and prevention in care settings such as PioneerCare Center, Pioneer Cottages, and Pioneer Pointe. The editorial piece was titled All of Us Play a Role in Protecting Seniors from COVID-19. Referring to visitor restrictions, the writer told the story of Melanie Van Wyhe counting the days since the last time she hugged her mother who resides in a care center. On the other hand, the story pointed to a resurgence of coronavirus cases in care settings this summer. To people who still resist wearing masks or following other precautions, “Think about the vulnerable population, their caregivers, and their visitors and know that you’re serving them,” said Johnson. Of the cases identified at PioneerCare, each one appears to be community acquired; in other words,
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the exposure came from outside our buildings. And many who test positive are asymptomatic. “The virus doesn’t magically appear in senior care settings,” the Star Tribune writes. “Instead, its presence reflects its spread in the community, where staff and family visitors live. And that’s why all of us play a role in preventing the Van Wyhes and others from having to endure long separations again.” Visiting restrictions are expected to ease as community infection rates begin to trend downward county by county. What happens in the community directly affects people at PioneerCare. That is why we applaud the work of Otter Tail Lakes Country Association and Otter Tail County Public Health for their lighthearted public service messaging to “mask our muzzles” as a spinoff from their Find Your Inner Otter campaign. Otter-wise, we’re all in this together.
NAVIGATING THE ROAD AHEAD
Mask Your Muzzle
Wear a mask that covers your mouth, nose and whiskers.
Spread Your Wings Channel your inner loon and stay six feet apart.
6’-’0”
How to Protect Others Hibernate When Sick
Scrub Your Paws
Under the weather? Stay in & rest up if you don’t feel well.
Wash your hands often. Raccoons do it, so can you!
get tested
Even otters use tools, so go in and get tested if you feel sick.
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PioneerCare Pioneer Home, Inc. 1131 Mabelle Avenue S. Fergus Falls, MN 56537
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PIONEERcare Corporate Board Suzanne Demuth Bonnie Denzel, Vice Chairperson Joe Ellig Janet Freeman Lyle Hoxtell, Secretary Dean Monke John Sethre Brandi Sillerud, Treasurer Brad Tollerson, Chairperson Peggy Underwood
Foundation Board Leslie Flugstad Janel Fredericksen Bruce Gerhardson Lorri Holt, Vice Chairperson Tom Kingston Paul Lundeen George Mathison, Chairperson Paul Nelson Pamela Olson, Secretary Joshua Overgaard Renae Rasmusson Hans Ronnevik, Treasurer
Auxiliary Board Honey Anderson Jean Blondeau Elle Habberstad Jackie Klinnert Barb Lorsung Joyce Nerdahl Carol Pocta, Secretary Pamela Schroeder Ardis Searles Lois Stinogel, President Donna Toso, Treasurer Norma Worden Julie Erlandson, Staff Auxiliary Liaison
Foundations is a publication of the Pioneer Foundation to inform friends, supporters and stakeholders of PioneerCare. For questions, comments, or address corrections, please contact Steve Guttormson, Foundation Director, at 218.998.1501 or email steveg@pioneercare.org. Mary Dolan and Steve Guttormson, Editors; and Beth Hagemeister, Graphic Design. PioneerCare is an equal opportunity employer and provider.