November 2013 news letter

8/14/2019 November 2013 news letter

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1

S P E C T R U M H E A L T H

C O M P A N I E S

Proudly serving the communities of Babbitt, Brainerd, Burnsville, Cook, Duluth, Ely, Eveleth,Grand Rapids, Metro/Faribault, Rochester, St. Cloud, Silver Bay and Willmar.

HORIZONSHORIZONSHORIZONS

Eveleth/Virginia Office2000 Siegel Blvd

Eveleth, MN 55734218-741-3013

FAX: 218-741-1448

Twin Cities Office6205 Crossman Lane

Inver Grove Heights, MN55076

651-451-0569FAX: 651-455-1179

www.spectrumhealthcos.com

Each November, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) celebrates National Home Care Monthto honor home

care professionals who provide care and compassion to others while making remarkable differences in the lives of patients and the

families they serve. In addition, Home Care Aide Week will be celebrated November 10-16. These critical workers play a central role

in their patients lives, and NAHC recognizes their efforts with this years theme: Home is the Center of Health Care.

In coming years, home care and hospice are poised to play a central role in the delivery of healthcare throughout the country. A wide

range of forces are joining to push care away from nursing homes and drive it toward home and community-based care. Based on

demography and dollars, experts agree that the destiny of health care lies in the home.

There is growing demand for home care, yet the Medicare home health benefit has been cut by $77 billion over 10 years. The cumu-lative effect of these disproportionate cuts has been to weaken what was once a $17 billion industry by pushing thousands of provid-

ers to the point of bankruptcy. The cuts have an even more serious impact on patients by limiting their access to the care they need

at home.

There will be even more patients who need home care as the 78 million baby boomers continue to age. The first of the boomers

turned 65 last year and the rest will reach their golden years over the next two decades.

Home care is not just the preferred choice for most patients; its also the best bang for our health care dollars. It costs Medicare

nearly $2,000 per day for a typical hospital stay and $559 per day for a typical nursing home stay. Meanwhile, home care costs just

$44 a day on average. And home care, combined with technology, helps the many U.S. seniors who live at home to stay independent

enrich their lives, and keep in touch with those they love.

Home care aides also play a central role by joining in patients lives, whether this involves running errands, going with them to thedoctor, or assisting them with medical conditions. Aides are there to provide seniors with company and conversation, and many

aides are more than caregivers for their patients. They are often friends who give warmth and comfort to the aged and ill.

Spectrum is sincerely grateful to have such wonderful homecareSpectrum is sincerely grateful to have such wonderful homecareSpectrum is sincerely grateful to have such wonderful homecarestaff that dedicate their lives to providing quality care! Thank you!staff that dedicate their lives to providing quality care! Thank you!staff that dedicate their lives to providing quality care! Thank you!

The Great American Smokeout

The American Cancer Society marks the Great American Smokeout on thethird Thursday of November each year by encouraging smokers to use the

date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking thatday. By quitting even for one day smokers will be taking an importantstep towards a healthier lifeone that can lead to reducing cancer risk.

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease andpremature death in the US, yet about 43.8 million Americans still smokecigarettes Nearly 1 in every 5 adults. As of 2010, there were also 13.2million cigar smokers in the US, and 2.2 million who smoke tobacco inpipes.

Quitting is hard, but you can increase your chances of success with help. The American Cancer Society can tell youabout the steps you can take to quit smoking and provide quit-smoking programs,resources and support that canincrease your chances of quitting successfully. To learn about the available tools, call 1-800-227-2345.
http://www.nahc.org/media/mediaPR_102909.htmlhttp://www.nahc.org/media/mediaPR_102909.htmlhttp://www.cancer.org/Healthy/StayAwayfromTobacco/GreatAmericanSmokeout/history-of-the-great-american-smokeouthttp://www.cancer.org/Healthy/StayAwayfromTobacco/GuidetoQuittingSmoking/guide-to-quitting-smoking-tochttp://www.cancer.org/Healthy/StayAwayfromTobacco/stay-away-from-tobacco-landinghttp://www.cancer.org/Healthy/StayAwayfromTobacco/stay-away-from-tobacco-landinghttp://www.cancer.org/Healthy/StayAwayfromTobacco/GuidetoQuittingSmoking/guide-to-quitting-smoking-tochttp://www.cancer.org/Healthy/StayAwayfromTobacco/GreatAmericanSmokeout/history-of-the-great-american-smokeouthttp://www.nahc.org/media/mediaPR_102909.html


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Merle Sampson

H o r i z o n s P a g e 2

Employment Anniver sar ie smployment Anniver sar iesmployment Anniver sar ie sNew Hire sew Hiresew Hires

others within the organization speak about theimportance of working safe. In the event of a workrelated injury, Spectrum supports a Return to

Work program. This program was designed toassist employees recovering from a work-relatedinjury, which at the same time, allows the injuredemployee to remain a productive and integral part

of our organization. Spectrum is committed toproviding meaningful work activity for allemployees who temporarily become unable toperform all, or portions, of their regular work as-signments due to a work-related injury.

Please be aware of your surroundings and takeprecautionary measures when walking ortraveling, allowing for increased travel time thiswinter.

As an organization, we have a lot to be thankfulfor. Not only does November bring Thanksgiving,we also have the opportunity to thank and honorthose who serve or have served our country onVeterans Day. Thank you to our clients, residents

and staff who have served.

Merle

MESSAGEFROMTHEOWNER/ CEO

CorporateKatie Olson

Ely CFLNaomi Sperry

Burnsville CFLAgnes Bambabibi

Cook CFLLauri Feela

Saint Cloud CFLKelsey JacobsonNancy GuertzEthan King

Silver Bay CFLSamantha GoetteDustin Thomason

Babbitt CFLWhitney Shivers

Christina EvridgeBrainerd CFL

Frances Marien

*Through October 30, 2013

CorporatePaul Aysta 9 years

EvelethShelly Gerulli 2 yearsNatalie Jensen 1 yearEmily Gibson 1 year

MetroRosemary Cook5 yearsKellie Parmett 1 year

Saint Cloud CFLDebra Kampa 4 years

Cook CFLShannon Zupancich

5 years

Burnsville CFLMichael Napper

2 years

William Byrd 2 yearsSaadia Omar 2 yearsSara Buckley 1 yearMohamed Mahazu

1 year

Babbitt CFLLarene Roseth 1 yearDawn Nelson 1 year

Silver Bay CFLSusan Spies 3 years

Monica Wilson 3 years

Natalie Holden 3 yearsJudy Gregerson 3 yearsGretchen Jacobson

3 yearsAlexis Jacobson 1 year

Brainerd CFLLaura Mitchell 2 years

Recently, a Willmar Homecare client called the Corporate office and expressed that he is so happy

with the care he receives from Spectrum and that without our services and wonderful staff he

would not be able to live independently. He also mentioned that everyone in this company should

be proud of what we do and how we make a difference in peoples lives. Way to go Willmar!

In each monthly article for our newsletter, I try tofocus on issues and events that deal with our Mis-sion, Values and organizational goals. I have shared

with you issues and events both within and outsideour company that impact our operations and shapeour future. Some of it is good and refreshing like thenew projects we have been able to do, and some

may not be very good such as the state and federalbudget problems, impacting our rate cuts over theyears.

This time last year we were discussing the progressof our Babbitt facility. Since opening in January, the

facility now provides home to 30 residents! Thesuccess of Babbitt and other facilities indicates weare providing a valuable service in the communitieswe serve.

The City of Orr and Iron Range Resources has beeninstrumental in our newest development. Scheduledfor a March 2014 opening, our facility will createemployment opportunities and housing for 32residents within the surrounding area.

For those who have been employed with Spectrumfor a period of time, you have heard from me or


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Brainerd CFL Resident Writes BookRachel, a resident in our Brainerd CFL has written a book called The New Normal

where she documents her journey through life tackling all of her medical and per-

sonal struggles, highlighting her faith, strength and many successes. Such a fantas-

tic accomplishment for her with a great unique perspective.

Rachel L. Vrudny Author BiographyRachel Vrudny is a 53 year old divorced

mother of two Besieged by an acute ischemic stroke at age 51, with all of its after effects includinglegal blindness, speech and swallowing problems and left-side paralysis, and other attendant prob-lems, she continues to strive toward Godly excellence and purpose in her life. As such, she contin-ues a life-long love of writing and has recently begun a non-profit group called Magdala Founda-

tion, Inc.; a corporation committed to bringing written voice to cultures of oral tradition andforgotten people groups. A bit of a gypsy at heart, Rachel has lived in 5 states, traveled to 45 of

the 50 statesincluding Alaska and Hawaii -, lived in the Middle East for several years, and trav-eled extensively throughout the world from there. A lover of languages and cultures, she continues

to avidly pursue these interests.

Description This book will explore the four times in my life when I should, by medical prognosis, have died. Yet the LORD had fur-ther plans for me, that I could not even have imagined! It has not all been pie in the sky moments, in treatments or recove ry. As a matterof fact, there have been quite a few tears, fears, and wonderings. But through it all, Christ has been faithfully and steadfastly by my side,urging me to look up and press forward. The glory of the LORD was still unfolding.

In the Midst of Our Darkness,There Is Always Light by Dawn Nelson

Good Morning! I work at Carefree Living here in Babbitt, and was asked toshare my recent darkness with you. But before I do, I need to give you alittle background.

Right away when Bill and Mae moved into Carefree Living, we saw somethingextremely rare and special about them. It was Mae who needed the extrahelp, but Bill wanting to be close to her, moved in also. Within the first week, itwas determined Mae would need additional help and was moved into the

Memory Care Unit.Over the next few months we could see Maes health deteriorating. Bill stay-ing ever faithful to her; several times a day, would come over and give herkisses, would coax her to smile by touching her cheek and depending uponhow tired she was, visited with her for hours even if she couldnt respond.

The summer months were tough ones, not only for family members, but forthose of us who took care of her. Maes condition was constantly fluctuating.One day she would be up eating, visiting, putting puzzles together, and thenext, we would wonder if she would last the night. The past couple of monthsthe expression on her face did not change much. One eye completely shut orclose to it, and the other half way open. Her mouth was in a fixed position, butonce in a while you would see a smile due to a little movement from the cor-ner of her mouth.

As for me, I work the 3 rdshift, 11 at night to 7am. When I arrived, I was won-

dering if Mae was still with us due to her condition the night before. She was.As my shift started, I made my rounds and then went back to Maes room.Like I did so many nights before, I put on her favorite music and turned it up todrown out the sound of her oxygen tank. It was a CD of instrumental hymns.Hymns we have all grown up with. And like so many times before I went toher bedside, I would hold her hand, bend down so I would be closer to herface, and stroke her cheek and forehead with my other hand as I sang along.

When I sang, I sang with a smile, and would talk to her about faith. Reinforc-ing what her family members would say; that it was ok to let go, how there isno more pain, sadness or tears in heaven, of what a good and faithful ser-vant she has been, how excited God will be to have her home and along withfamily members who have passed, how they will be waiting with our Lord towelcome her and then I would end our conversation by saying the

Lords Prayer. Then start singing again. So this night wasnt any different thanany other night for me.

Whenever I would sing, I would notice off and on tears forming in Maes eyes.I would stop and ask her if my singing was that bad and laugh while wipingher tears and start up again. On past occasions, I would get a little movementfrom the corner of her mouth and know she was laughing with me.

I called Mae, my dancing partner. When she had troubles moving on her own,I had her arms around my neck and say to her, Lets Dance! I would thenput my arms around her, hum a peppy tune and together danced in our mindsas I helped her to sit up, lie differently or move her to whatever position shewanted or was best for her. As time slowly passed this night, and seeing Mae

slowly slipping away, I reminded her that she better save me a few dances inheaven.

We were already going through the CD a second time when the hymn, HeLeadth Me came on, Mae still fixed on my face with the same expression shehas had for weeks.

I was to the left of her when suddenly she opened both of her eyes so widethat it actually startled me! She looked so alive with excitement! Her eyesstrained farther left, leaving my face. I asked her, What do you see Mae?Her eyes still wide open, slowly started moving to the right. She stopped onmy face and then like she was catching up to something, continues on movingright. I remember saying to her of the words spoken from family members,Fathers Bill & Seth and friends; that it was ok to let go, that there will be nomore pain or tears. I then asked if she sees her mom & dad, and the Lord,telling her it was time to come home.

She fixed her eyes to the far right and smiled bigger than you could everimagine, showing all of her teeth. A smile that I have never before seen onher face, nor had seen in earlier photos. Her face was absolutely radiant; inher eyes and smile you could see such calmness but at the same time andexcitement of a child. I could feel the over powering love in her gaze.Andthen.her face began to relax, and return to how it was earlier. As I contin-ued to sing He Leadth Me, I knew she was gone. In the darkness I felt theloss of my dancing partner, but she was rejoicing in the light! I was blessed bysharing that brief moment of light with her and know I willcherish it for as long as I live.

I want to leave you with this Bible passage: Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

Thank you Mae, I love you!


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Congratulations to the branches listed for their success

achieving an extended period of no lost time injuries!

Rochester HC2130 days no lost time (since 2008)Duluth HC2130 days no lost time (since 2008)Eveleth HC2130 days no lost time (since 2008)Eveleth Corporate2130 days no lost time (since 2008)Cook CFL1327 days no lost timeIGH/Metro HC1324 days no lost timeSilver Bay CFL1084 days no lost time

Thank you for working safely


SAFETY FIRST!SAFETY FIRST!

SSSPECTRUMPECTRUMPECTRUM(S)M(S)M(S)MILESILESILES

UUUPDATEPDATEPDATECongratulations to:Gladys Aika Cosmus Arita Samantha BergLyndsey Brown Sara Buckley Kathy Celley Rachelle CrowSandra Forbes Danee Haenke Amanda Herberg Heather HydeKathy Jarve Patti Johnson Jen Karr Alina Kruth Debbie Len-zen Corissa Lindell Misty Mealey Mike Napper Kathy NasrAquilla Oglen Rochunda Seymoure Linda Storms MeganTimm Tiffany Zemke who received recognition from their su-pervisors or co-workers for going above and beyond their day-to-day duties. These individuals will receive points that can be

applied towards Spectrum merchandise shown in the Spectrum

(S)Miles catalog. To recognize someone for their outstandingcontributions, request a Spectrum (S)Miles recognition form

from your branch office or obtain one from a designated loca-

tion. Nearly 500 (S) Miles have been given to deserving Spec-trum employees since the program began in 2010.

4TH QUARTER CEUS4TH QUARTER CEUS

AVAILABLE SOONAVAILABLE SOON

We are in the process of transferringour online learning information to

Silverchair s new parent company,Relias Learning. Your 4th quarterCEUs will be completed through

this new system. You will receiveinformation on the changes that will

effect you in the coming weeks.*Reminder to all staff that SilverchairCEU's are an ongoing requirement of

employment. Please complete as-signed programs in a timely manner.*

Thanksgiving un actshanksgiving un actshanksgiving un acts 91% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving Day. More than 40 million green bean casseroles are

served on Thanksgiving.

The cranberry is a symbol and a modern diet staple of

thanksgiving. Originally called crane berry, it derived

its name from its pink blossoms and drooping head,

which reminded the Pilgrims of a crane.

The First Thanksgiving lasted for three days

Mashed potatoes, pumpkin pies, popcorn, milk, corn

on the cob, and cranberries were not foods present on

the first Thanksgiving's feast table.

Lobster, rabbit, chicken, fish, squashes, beans, chest-

nuts, hickory nuts, onions, leeks, dried fruits, maple

syrup and honey, radishes, cabbage, carrots, eggs, andgoat cheese are thought to have made up the first

Thanksgiving feast.

The pilgrims didn't use forks; they ate with spoons,

knives, and their fingers.

The heaviest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds, about

the size of a large dog.

Turkeys will have 3,500 feathers at maturity

Do you have a story to share, a specific client or employeethat stands out? We want to hear about it!

Contact: humanresources @spectrumchealth.com

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November 2013 news letter