News About Kindred People and Places
Here are some current happenings at Kindred facilities across the country.
From "Lemons" to Lemonade...
By Karen L Welsh, MA/CCC/SLP
Rehab Manager
Madison Healthcare/Peoplefirst
Madison, TN --- When life hands them lemons, the rehab residents and staff
at Madison Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center make lemonade! One day
each week the residents in rehab roll and squeeze lemons, cut and batter
tomatoes (for fried green tomatoes) and squash, stir marshmallows and
Rice Krispies, and even make BLT’s to order! The Peoplefirst
therapy staff use the time to enhance the residents’ balance, endurance,
fine motor skills, sequencing and problem solving while enjoying a fun,
functional activity. Family members are also invited to come to the rehab
gym and enjoy the goodies.
This weekly activity has become a great source of socialization for the
residents and has even stimulated some fond memories about when they used
to cook for their families. Future cooking endeavors include banana splits,
tacos, Philly cheese steaks, banana pudding, fresh fruit cups, snow cones,
pumpkin pie and fruit cobbler.
Mission Accomplished: Vitamins for Hondurans
Back from her recent trip to Campamento, Honduras, Kindred Hospital Atlanta’s Education Manager Antoinette Bruno-Gaston wants to thank everyone who helped make her mission of providing multi-vitamins to poor families a success.“I would like to thank some special people who made this mission trip successful," Antoinette said. "Craig Hoover, CEO of Kindred Hospital Atlanta, as well as the employees at the hospital who contributed a thousand dollars worth of vitamins for adults and children."
Antoinette also acknowledged the help of Regional Director of Information Systems Atlanta Lynda Anderson, Wellness Coordinator Kindred corporate Henrietta Williams, Ed D, and Recruitment Coordinator at Kindred Hospital Milwaukee Stephanie Turks. "Thanks to everyone!" she added.
Congratulations to...
Debbie Freeze, Executive Director of Lewiston Rehabilitation and Care Center (Lewiston, ID), who was named Administrator of the Year by Idaho Health Care Association at their annual convention in Boise. The award was presented by Michael Sharp, past president of Idaho Health Care Association. Debbie was noted for her efforts in improving quality, not only for the residents, but also for the staff of her facility. Introducing the Eden Alternative and the Fish Philosophy have also enhanced the quality of life for staff and residents alike. Debbie also received The L. Jean Schoonover award, which is presented to those facilities that meet the standard set by the state of Idaho Licensing and Certification for quality care. Lewiston Rehabilitation and Care Center received the award for the tenth consecutive year. To qualify you must have no more than 15 tags in the last 3 years and no more than one G-level citation. Congratulations, Debbie!Nursing Center Officially Renamed in Honor of Paul Tunnell
Kindred renamed our Nob Hill nursing facility in San Francisco as The Tunnell Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare in honor of Paul David Tunnell. Tunnell worked for Kindred for almost 24 years and was the chairman of the California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF), California’s largest organization of nursing homes.On April 23, Tunnell, 49, passed away after a battle against non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The renaming dedication ceremony took place on June 2 with the unveiling of a plaque. Speakers included Paul J. Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kindred, Jim Gomez, President and Chef Executive Officer of CAHF, and Lane Bowen, President of Kindred Healthcare’s Health Services Division.
Tunnell was the Administrator of various nursing facilities in the Bay Area from 1982 through 1991. From 1991 through 1999 he was the Administrator of Nob Hill Healthcare Center, before assuming responsibilities for operations of Kindred Healthcare’s Northern California facilities.
"Paul was a passionate advocate for the elderly and a champion of quality in long-term care," Diaz said. "He spent his entire career working with the elderly and it’s only fitting that we rename Nob Hill in his memory."
"Paul Tunnell personified what long term care should be," Gomez said. "He knew that the key to quality care was staffing and in order to recruit and retain quality staff, you have to value what they do. He valued every caregiver he ever met, as much as he valued his cherished residents. We have lost a champion."
Tunnell was elected chairman of the CAHF Board of Directors in October 2003 and was re-elected in November 2004. When he was elected to his first term, he said, "I am passionate about our service, and I know that most CAHF members choose to work with this population out of love, not for the money. We all must make a commitment to being leaders in our profession, putting quality and service above all."
