Choosing Care You Can Count On!

 

Finding the perfect senior living residence can be complex. If you live in a highly populated area, there may be many choices available to fit your needs. Some people like shiny new buildings, while others prefer a quaint apartment with modest amenities where they can access healthcare quickly. Everyone has a different wish list, but features and aesthetics aside, what about the care that comes with senior living?

We’ve written resources on what different services are available but haven’t touched on the importance of where that care comes from. Who will prepare your meals, clean your floors, help you dress, or maintain the heat and air conditioning systems? Who’s responsible for paying the bills and making sure the lights stay on to enjoy all of the amenities? Who will drive you, lead group activities, and order enough groceries and paper products? Every staff member who brings you comfort and helps you make your house a home matters.

 

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Be sure that when you choose senior living, you don’t just drive by the building to make your decision. Take some tours. During your visit, ask how long the company has been in business. While you’re at it, ask the staff on your tour how long they’ve worked for the company and what they enjoy about it.

“I love my job at Edgewood as I feel the residents are my family!” -Lori K., 10 years

Working with Purpose

In senior living, we need people who understand; more importantly, we need them to share what they know! Textbooks, courses, and education are helpful, but on-the-job training is even more important. Our best trainers are those who have rolled up their sleeves and worked for a few years.

When someone has been in senior living a very long time, it’s generally because they want to be. At Edgewood, our staff talks about their “why” fairly often. There’s usually some history of volunteer work or spending time with their elders when they were young, long before they began their careers.

“This work is very rewarding! My favorite part about it is being able to help seniors during a new chapter of their lives. Each day when I go home, I know I have done my good deeds for the day.” -Morgan B., 7 years

Celebrating Retention:

When staff members choose to stay at Edgewood, we celebrate their success! You can find anniversary celebration posts across all our Facebook pages. In these posts, staff usually talk about why they enjoy working with us—which almost always has to do with the residents!

“My favorite part of working at Edgewood is, by far, the residents! I love giving tours and getting to know their families. I am grateful for my wonderful co-workers. Edgewood is where I will retire.” -Nicole C., 4 years

Here’s a list of some of our staff who will be celebrating big anniversaries this year:

 

29 years: Lori Schiltz, LPN Manager at Grand Forks

26 years: Carma McLaughlin, Executive Director at Minot

25 years: Angela Pesek, CNA/CMA Lead at Grand Forks

23 years: Debra Roller, Housekeeper at Walker

22 years: Stacy Scar, Dining Assistant at Minot

21 years: Martha Gust, Housekeeping Supervisor at Grand Forks

20 years: Fran Valdez, Housekeeper at Spearfish

19 years: Michaela Coufal, Executive Director at Fremont

18 years: David Lindula, Maintenance Director at Virginia

17 years: Rita Tomchuk, Receptionist at Dickinson

15 years: Anne Schriner, Regional Dining Director at  Laramie

14 years: Chad Teske, Maintenance Tech at Bismarck Village

13 years: Guadalupe Gallegos, PCA/CMA at Plantation Place in Boise

12 years: Nancy Christensen, Reimbursement Specialist at Hermantown

11 years: Dennis Eliason, Transporter at Rapid City

10 years: Kathy Williams, CNA/CMA at Kalispell

9 years: Jason Traxinger, Dining Supervisor at Minot

8 years: Dilu Bhattarai, CNA/ CMA Lead at Grand Forks

7 years: Maria Jasman, Cook at Jamestown

6 years: Kerri Noeldner, Life Enrichment Director at Watertown

5 years: Destinee Hicks, RN at Meadow Wind in Casper

4 years: Angel Granados, Life Enrichment Assistant at Spring Creek in Meridian

3 years: Logan Peasley, Maintenance Director at Park Place in Casper

2 years: Modesta Crooks, PCA/CMA at Sisseton

1 year: Halley Gribble, HUC, at Helena

“I’ve really enjoyed working here. It’s the employees and the residents that make it a great place!” -Janel R., 18 years

Our staff are some of the best folks who care for the most important people on Earth: our residents! They’ve stood the test of time and continue to show up each day to make Edgewood a fantastic place to live. If you’d like to explore our open positions, click here. If you’re searching for senior living solutions and want to see the Edgewood difference, contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.

The Hearts and Soles of Healthcare

It’s Nurse’s Week, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to honor the heartfelt contributions we see every day from the caring hands of our nurses! They offer our amazing residents kindness, compassion, and healing every day while putting miles of steps beneath their feet. Saying that we’re grateful is an understatement. In truth, we couldn’t do it without them!

We’re using Nurse’s Week 2024 to praise our fantastic staff and highlight the opportunities available for nurses who choose to work in senior living with us at Edgewood. There continues to be a strong need for nurses, and that trend is rising each day.

To help meet the rising need for more nurses, Edgewood offers incentives from time to time, such as educational reimbursement programs that can help personal care staff and nurses further their education. This opportunity allows the staff to continue to become more specialized while Edgewood helps with the costs associated with those courses.

 

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A Journey into Healthcare

 

Some folks choose nursing because it’s their true calling, or for some, it’s a family affair. For Monica Lund, it was both! Monica is one of the nurses who has utilized Edgewood’s employee education grant program to further her education. Before coming to Edgewood, she found great joy in caregiving. For 14 years, Monica worked at her in-home daycare.

She wanted to continue growing as a caregiver, so she started working as a PCA or personal care assistant at Edgewood in Blaine, MN. It didn’t take long before she wanted to make an upward shift.

She took advantage of the opportunity to complete Edgewood’s reimbursable CNA course. Monica took the course and became a CNA with us, and that motivated her to keep going further…

Once grant funding was available to advance her education, she enrolled in the LPN program at Anoka Technical College. With the available reimbursement opportunity from Edgewood and state and federal resources, Monica earned her LPN degree without incurring any out-of-pocket costs!

 

“Let us never consider ourselves finished nurses… we must be learning all of our lives.” –Florence Nightingale

Monica has continued utilizing Edgewood’s educational grant funding opportunity to advance her education and career—she’s studying to become a registered nurse as we speak!

Helping others and growing as a caregiver and professional nurse was a total win for Monica, and that comes as no surprise because nursing runs in her blood. Her mom has been a nurse her whole career and is currently the director of nursing at a healthcare facility. When Monica was young, she accompanied her mom to work, where she enjoyed playing board games and cards with the residents.

 

There’s Always Room for More!

The need for nurses continues to grow, and we hope that programs like reimbursement and educational grants will continue to fill these important roles. It’s our honor to help staff reach their goals while they continue to support the residents who call Edgewood home.

We hope you will join us in celebrating the contributions of the folks you know this Nurse’s Week. If you or someone you know is an excellent candidate to work in a fantastic environment with opportunities for advancement and additional education, check out our open positions by clicking here.  Happy Nurse’s Week to all of our heroes in scrubs!

Blazing Trails to a Bright Future

 

Across Edgewood and our partner companies, many strong and successful women have worked diligently to better the lives of residents and colleagues alike. From nurses and caregivers to leadership roles, the ladies at Edgewood play a significant part in helping residents and one another to be the best versions of themselves.

This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating one of our selfless leaders who has helped inspire many! Jenni Hoffmann is Edgewood’s Executive Vice President of Resident and Employee Engagement.

Jenni’s Recipe for Success:

Jenni shared that curiosity has always served her well. “Learn from everyone around you, every project—big or small—ask questions, and learn from your mistakes. Work hard and play hard. Be bold. Be fearless. Be authentic, and most importantly, BE KIND.”

Jenni has done an exceptional job building her team and supporting her colleagues; “Helping people to find their strengths is a process that not only sets them up for success but has also helped Edgewood grow as a company. When talented professionals collaborate and share their knowledge, we can provide a positive senior living experience that helps our residents and offers peace of mind to their loved ones,” Jenni explained.

 

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When she started at Edgewood thirteen years ago, Jenni was a team of one. She was tasked with forming a marketing department to serve 30 communities. Today, the marketing team she established has experienced exponential growth, serving more than 60 senior living communities.

Mentorship Matters:

Having a mentor who inspires you and teaches you what they know is also helpful in pursuing your goals. For Jenni, that mentor was Russ Kubik, former President of Edgewood.

Russ has helped many professionals in the senior living industry become successful leaders and mentors by leading by example and showing genuine kindness. Jenni also learned from Russ the importance of being authentic. “Being our true selves at work—being human allows us to connect. Connections help foster teamwork and trust so staff can work together effectively.”

Jenni’s take on Work/Life Balance:

Being there for everyone who counts on you can be challenging but also very rewarding. Jenni’s advice for work-life balance is to prioritize tasks and work hard, but always remember that family comes first. “Our teams are strong. We deliver high-quality work, and we understand that we work hard and play hard and that our families will always matter the most.”

Advice for New Professionals:

“Give Edgewood a try!”

Jenni has had a wonderful experience since starting at Edgewood, and she highly recommends that others explore career options at Edgewood, too! There are many positions to start from; the only way to go is up, professionally and personally.

From jobs in activities, personal care, and housekeeping to healthcare and leadership, there are endless opportunities that offer rewards beyond a paycheck. Our staff and residents end up feeling like one big family! If you’re interested, click here to learn more.

About Jenni:

Originally from Crookston, MN, Jenni Hoffmann earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations and real estate at St. Cloud University. She completed her master’s degree in business administration at Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN, and started working with Edgewood Healthcare 13 years ago.

Jenni now resides in Grand Forks, ND, with her husband, Eric, two children, Alexa and Anders, and their silver lab puppy, Eddie. When she’s not at Edgewood, Jenni and her family enjoy hockey games, playing sports, and spending time outdoors at the lake.

About Edgewood Healthcare:

Edgewood Healthcare is the leading operator of senior living communities in the Great Plains and Upper Midwest. Since 1992, Edgewood has been committed to helping seniors stay as independent as possible, for as long as possible, with well-trained staff members in communities designed for residents to receive various living and care options.

Edgewood owns and/or operates more than 60 independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities with over 4,100 beds in seven states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Idaho) and employs nearly 3,300 people. Edgewood Healthcare’s corporate offices are at 402 Demers Avenue, Suite 200, Grand Forks, N.D.

Love What You Do!

When you choose a caregiving profession in senior living, you’re in the people business. Whether your role is sales, accounting, management, cooking, cleaning, or nursing, long-term care is all about the people needing help.

Helpers Need Help Too

Helping others is genuinely fulfilling, but it can also be taxing. While we set out to improve the lives of others, we can quickly fall victim to jumping in too far, causing stress and, sometimes, burnout.

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To be the best caregiver, there must be downtime. Think of putting your oxygen mask on before helping others on an airplane or the adage: you cannot pour from an empty cup.

When someone has trouble in their personal life and goes unsupported, it undoubtedly trickles into the work culture and can significantly impact their service. This is precisely where giving someone a simple bit of time becomes essential.

We had the privilege of chatting with Jennifer Johnson, clinical services coordinator, at Edgewood’s Grand Forks, ND, community. She has been instrumental in improving the employee culture within Edgewood.

Jennifer explained that she’s found remarkable success in taking the time with her employees. She also makes everyone she works with realize they matter! No one at Edgewood is “just” anything. They’re not “just” a CNA, not “just” a personal care assistant, not “just” a nurse. She’s advocating the removal of ” just ” because we are all humans, no matter what the tasks at hand may be.

Jennifer Johnson, Clinical Services Coordinator at Edgewood Grand Forks

Removing the “JUST”

When someone feels like they’re “just” anything, they may feel inferior to those with different roles, experience levels, or education. Removing that word has been tremendously helpful because it brings us back to who we truly are: people helping people.

While Edgewood has many positions as an organization, each job makes the communities what they are. If it weren’t for the CEO, there wouldn’t be housekeepers. There wouldn’t be residents if it weren’t for the maintenance staff. Every hand within Edgewood washes the other. Jennifer is also a big proponent of asking staff how they’re doing with a genuine interest in their well-being to ensure that all those hands work together for the greater good.

Taking the Time

The best approach to helping others avoid burnout is to take the time. Ask staff how they’re doing and how you can support them.

Taking the time—sometimes that’s an extra five minutes to talk face to face and socialize without distractions helps us to be more accepting and to show one another grace. While caregivers have big hearts and want to help as much as possible, we’re all human and need it!

No matter our job titles, we all have complex emotions and relationships inside and outside our paid roles. Whether we know it or not, the more time we spend with others, the more hats we wear. Some days, we’re all playing the part of a parent, teacher, and mentor.

Open Door Policy

Open doors create the opportunity to learn. In another recent blog, our former president, Russ Kubik, said, “Senior living is managed from the hallways.” He couldn’t be more accurate. This is a hands-on business; all the work cannot be done in one place or with a closed door.

Jennifer explained that we have greater accountability to one another with open doors. We learn from our coworkers and get to know them on a deeper level for who they are as people.

It’s been said repeatedly across Edgewood that staff end up like family to the residents and one another. The open door and the extra five minutes to ask how someone is doing is precisely why this happens. A job is a job, but you cannot put a price tag on the perks of making solid connections and life-long friendships.

Mentorship

Providing oversight and advice to new staff is crucial to their success. If they come into work and don’t have support and proper training, they will feel beyond overwhelmed as new staff.

Not only are personal connections made through checking in, but knowledge and years of experience can be passed down to new staff members who can continue serving others with integrity. Shared expertise goes a long way, allowing staff the skills and opportunity to be promoted into other roles to keep learning and growing.

If you’re interested in making a positive impact in the lives of others, give Edgewood a try. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at all the benefits you’ll experience that are not listed in a typical “now hiring” advertisement.

From the fantastic residents to vast opportunities for advancement, Edgewood is a wonderful place to work and learn. Interested? Check out our open positions at www.edgewoodhealthcare.com/careers.

The Keys to Every Heart Are… Health & Happiness!

 Ahh, February. It’s almost time for pink and red decorations, gifts from sweethearts, and sugary snacks—everywhere. Don’t forget, it’s American Heart Month, too!

Did you know that more deadly heart attacks happen during the winter and holiday season? How about the fact from the CDC that 1 in 5 people having a heart attack don’t even know they’re having one? The American Heart Association reported that December 25th has the highest number of heart attacks compared to any other day during the calendar year. The second-highest day is December 26, followed by the third-highest on the first of January.

 

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What do all these days have in common? Holidays can throw people off their routines. There may be travel, nights spent sleeping poorly on bony hide-a-beds, more visiting into the late-night hours followed by the early morning coffee chatter that throws people off their routines.

As a result of all the socializing and fun, folks may skip more medications, move less, eat more, and may also use more alcohol or too much caffeine. They’re also probably forgetting their recommended eight glasses of water to flush out the holiday fun.

All of these factors compounded may contribute to the uptick in heart attacks around these days of the year. The good news is that all those dates are behind us, and if you’re enjoying this blog, you can share some of this helpful information with your loved ones!

Do you know what the symptoms of a heart attack are? Many folks don’t know that they’re even having a heart attack!

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack:

 Prevention Tips:

Regular & Routine Medical Care

Maintain your health through regular visits to your primary care physician. They can recommend specialty care and services if you are at risk of a heart attack based on personal and family history. Primary care providers can also help you manage long-term conditions such as diabetes, which can increase your risk for a heart attack.

Regular cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose checks help your doctor understand your risks so they can advise you on the next steps. Make sure to attend your checkups, ask questions, and take notes. Bring someone with you to help you remember important details if you find it helpful.

Self-Care & Diet

In the land of hard work, slowing down can feel impossible. It can even look selfish to some, causing guilt if we take a moment. But to be healthy, we need prep time to schedule workouts, shop and prepare healthy foods, and relax.

Unchecked stress can contribute to your risk of a heart attack. Missing sleep, quick and ready-to-eat sodium-laden prepackaged foods, and not getting enough movement can take a toll. Make time to prepare and eat healthy meals.

You don’t have to do it alone, though. If you’re struggling to adjust your diet, your doctor may recommend the help of a registered dietician to advise you on making the right changes.

Friends & Loved Ones

The CDC tells us that meaningful relationships can help improve your health and reduce heart attack or stroke risks. Having people to support you is vital to helping you through life’s setbacks.

Age can significantly impact our connections with others. Perhaps we lose loved ones from their passing or don’t leave home as much to see the people we enjoy for a number of reasons. It’s helpful to identify our social needs to reduce the barriers to avoid becoming isolated.

Consider how senior living could alleviate your concerns if you or a loved one is navigating the aging process and could use an easy button. From socializing to on-site healthcare oversight to daily exercise and engaging activities, senior living could help you hit all the notes for a healthy and happy heart! Reach out to us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com to learn more.

3 Steps to a Joyful January

January is a fresh start. New beginnings can feel excellent but a little overwhelming, too. The holidays have gone, the year ahead looks busy, and perhaps you need some extra coffee to help you get up and go.

If you’re looking for ways to make the first month of a hectic new year a little more relaxed, we can help. Check out these quick thoughts on how to enjoy your January.

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1. Be Mindful

The APA (American Psychological Association) tells us that mindfulness is acknowledging all that’s going on inside your mind and body and what’s happening around you. It’s paying attention to the feelings (good and negative), the sights, the sounds, and the thoughts you’re having. It’s like stopping to take a minute to be present.

With cell phones and constant distractions, being present in the moment can take some practice. Find a quiet space and allow yourself some time to calm your mind. When you do, take some inventory of your surroundings and feelings.

When we stop and take a minute to evaluate how we’re feeling and what we’re thinking before we do something, we can develop a better sense of control over our responses to ourselves and others. That little pause can do wonders—maybe even help you to choose the best possible words before that first cup of coffee has taken effect!

2. Be Grateful

January is cold. It’s usually gray. You might be dreading leaving your warm bed to tackle the day. Negative thoughts might flood into your head. But what if, just for a moment, you paused your thought process (because you’re being mindful, remember)?

Before your mind fills up with the ickiness that winter can bring, think of everything around you that you’re grateful to have. If it’s cold, this can be as simple as acknowledging the home you’re standing in, the warm stockings on your feet, or a blanket you’re snuggling to stay toasty. Some folks are not fortunate enough to have these things. Feel gratitude that you have what you need to be warm today, and keep that momentum moving!

Continue thinking about all the beautiful parts of your life. Think about the people you’re grateful to have. Consider all the wonderful opportunities you’ve been given. Write them down if it’s helpful. Practice this as often as possible, especially if you’re feeling grouchy. The more good you notice, the better you may feel.

This works the opposite way, too. The more negative things you think, the more they can sneak into your mind and make your day poor. If you choose wisely at the start of each day, perhaps you’ll have a better one!

3. Be Gracious

 Grace is allowing yourself and others to be imperfect. In a world that values perfection, it’s important to remember that none of us can be 100% the best mom, teacher, dieter, or driver all day, every day. We all make mistakes, and this is ok. What matters is that we all keep trying our best.

Cut yourself some slack and try to do the same for others. Try not to feel frustrated for long when something or someone bugs you. Use grace to move past it for your peace of mind. By remembering that we’re all just trying to get by, you might find more joy in your day.

If you’re interested in helping our residents find as much joy in their day as possible, consider applying with us at Edgewood. We have more than 60 locations to choose from, many great jobs waiting, and we happen to have the best residents on Earth! We have no doubts that your January with the residents of Edgewood will give you all the joy you need. Check us out at www.edgewoodhealthcare.com to learn more.

Edgewood Employee Shares How Community is Successfully Fighting COVID-19

Ken Kemboi’s workdays have looked very different this year, due to COVID-19.

Before he clocks in as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Edgewood in Brainerd, Minnesota, Kemboi shows up early to take his temperature and put on his mask, gloves, goggles, and other personal protective equipment.

During his shift, he and his colleagues rigorously disinfect common areas and follow social distancing protocols when interacting with senior residents and one another. Kemboi takes his temperature again after clocking out and goes straight home to wash his clothes. He hasn’t set foot in a grocery store or Wal-Mart for months, opting for curbside pick-up instead.

While it can be physically and emotionally exhausting to adhere to CDC guidelines at work and in his personal life, Kemboi says it’s worth it to know the senior residents in the Edgewood assisted living community are safe, as older adults continue to be the most at risk for serious complications from the virus.

The hard work of the Edgewood employees is paying off so far. To this day, the community has had only one positive case among residents.

Successfully preventing a virus from entering an assisted living community is not achieved “just by luck,” Kemboi says. “It’s from proactivity.”

“Edgewood has taken the virus seriously since day one,” says Kemboi, who has worked at the community for nearly a decade. “We always wear masks and follow the CDC guidelines. It makes all the difference.”

In addition to investing in proper personal protective equipment for employees, early in the pandemic Edgewood Healthcare began regular antibody testing of all staff members as part of its “Stomp the Spread” initiative. As testing options and availability have improved since April, Edgewood has evolved its testing practices as well to ensure workers are not unknowingly spreading the virus to residents. If an employee feels sick, they are required to isolate for 14 days.“It’s not about me. I know I can survive it. Everything I do is for our residents,” Kemboi adds. “Supervisors know how stressed (the staff) is at this moment, but I feel like we are appreciated for everything we do.”

Kemboi credited his supervisors with maintaining strict protocols, even when visitors come to see their loved ones.

Visitors are always limited to small groups and must undergo a brief health assessment before entering the building. They are also required to wear proper masks—not cloth masks—that the staff gives them.

“Sometimes families get upset when we enforce visitor restrictions, but the safety of our residents always comes first,” Kemboi says.

He has enjoyed seeing how creatively family members of Edgewood residents have stayed in touch with their loved ones but acknowledged that there are still challenges every day—especially for residents in memory care. He tries his best to separate his work and personal life “so the stress doesn’t consume me,” he says.

When he’s not working, Kemboi attends classes to become a Registered Nurse by the end of next year. He’s always wanted to work in the medical field, and his experience working as a CNA at Edgewood – especially during a pandemic – is only strengthening his resolve to help as many people as he can. When asked what motivates him to keep going, without missing a beat, Kemboi responds “the residents.”

“Being there every day and seeing their smiling faces helps me get up and go to work each day,” he says. “I can tell that (the employees) mean a lot to them. They are always thanking me, even for the smallest things. That goes right to my heart.”

Ultimately, Kemboi hopes Edgewood sets an example for individuals and businesses alike to follow the guidelines and get the virus under control. “People are still skeptical about the virus,” he says. “I wish people would take it seriously and not try to politicize it. The guidelines are credible, and clearly, they work.”

He also hopes his story encourages others interested in pursuing a career in nursing or other related field to apply at Edgewood Healthcare.

“Edgewood is a service-focused company if you need a place to work,” Kemboi says. “They’ll take care of you and give you everything you need to do your job safely.”

Edgewood Healthcare remains committed to keeping our residents and employees safe during COVID-19. If you have any questions or concerns about Edgewood Healthcare’s pandemic protocols, please email us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com or contact an Edgewood community near you. Employment opportunities with Edgewood Healthcare are available on our Careers page.