Monthly Archives: May 2015

Instructor-led training will be provided during June on the following business office topics:

Medicaid Pending
Direct Deposit
Resident Trust
Deferral Strategies
Bad Debt
Authorizations and Notifications
Missing Documents
Business Office Duties and Frequency
Weekly Business Office Meeting Template
Private Collections

Business Office Consultants will be conducting the training sessions on the dates provided in the “June Training Schedule” attachment. Employees can sign up for the sessions by going to the company website and accessing them in the Learning Center.

The following attached reference guides provide information on how to register for and join a training session in the new Learning Center:

Learning Center – Search and Register for a Session
Learning Center – Joining an ILT Webex from the Learning Center

Questions:

Contact your Business Office Consultant or Director of Business Office Operations

Attachments:

June training schedule

Learning Center – Search and Register for a Course

Learning Center – Joining a Training Session using WebEx

REVISED: Network Upgrade Schedule

May 26, 2015Uncategorizedgoldenlivinginternal

Due to the PeopleSoft upgrades, we have pushed the Network Upgrade schedule to begin July 1.

To see the revised schedule, please download it at this LINK.

Aegis Therapies Transitions to Coupa June 1 – Training Sessions Available

May 26, 2015Uncategorizedgoldenlivinginternal

Effective June 1 for Aegis Therapies employees, any expenses paid with your Bank of America Travel card will flow into Coupa, our new expense management system. With this transition, your expenses will be reviewed, approved and submitted electronically for reimbursement through Coupa after June 1.

To access Coupa, just go to coupa.goldenliving.com. If you are inside the network, you will be signed in automatically. If you are outside the network, you will need your network ID and password to access the application.

Attend a Training!

Sign up to attend one of the training sessions below. If your supervisor is not a cardholder, please ask them to attend training as well. Forward this message with the training dates and times to your supervisor. You will need to login into your Cisco Webex account to register for the session that works for you.

Please Click a Link Below to Register:

(All Times are Central Daylight Savings Time)

Coupa Central

To answer ongoing questions, we have created a Coupa Central folder in the Travel Center on the Intranet that contains an FAQ document and training presentation for reference.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please email travel@goldenliving.com

Change in Mobile Device and Home Office Reimbursement

May 26, 2015Uncategorizedgoldenlivinginternal

Effective July 1, the Golden Living family of companies will implement a new reimbursement policy for mobile devices and home office expense. This new policy only applies to those who previously have been approved by their business unit to be reimbursed for these expenses and is an effort to make these expenditures consistent across the company.

What are the New Rates?
For mobile devices, Golden Living will reimburse up to $75 per month to cover the business use of personal mobile devices. Receipts for mobile devices still must be submitted, and the company will pay the amount of that bill up to $75.

For home office expenses for connectivity, Golden Living will reimburse up to $50 per month to cover the expense of home internet and landline phone use for your home office. This guideline does not apply to other office expenses including office supplies.

A request for reimbursement of these expenses can be submitted to AP using the excel expense report template or by using the new expense reimbursement tool, Coupa, if you have been trained as part of the business line rollout currently taking place.

How Was the Mobile Device Rate Determined?

We have seen a wide range of expenses submitted for personal mobile devices. However, the cost to the company if an employee chooses to have a company-issued mobile device is $75 a month per employee. Keeping the cost to no more than $75 regardless of whether an employee uses a personal or corporate device helps us be consistent with this expenditure.

Can I Have both a Company and a Personal Device?

If you choose to have a company-issue mobile device, you may not submit an expense to be reimbursed for a personal mobile device as well. Golden Living cannot restrict you from having your own personal mobile device in addition to a company-issued one. However, any device upon which you receive sensitive information must have the required MobileIron security installed, so we can protect sensitive data in case the device is lost or stolen.

Questions?

Please see the FAQ document on Sharepoint, or if you have any other questions, email travel@goldenliving.com.

CMS Electronic Staffing Data Submission – What You Need to Know from Golden Living

May 26, 2015Uncategorizedgoldenlivinginternal

Last month, CMS published a draft manual for the Electronic Staffing Data Submission process that resulted from the section of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) passed in 2010 related to the collection of staffing data for long term care facilities. You may have received communication directly from the CMS about how your staffing levels will be collected and reported.

Golden Living not only was aware of this change but has been on the forefront of how it will impact our internal processes and policies. In addition, we already have begun to put resources in place to facilitate this reporting change. We want to alleviate any concerns you have and shed light on exactly how this change will impact you.

Staffing Level Reporting and Survey
With staffing levels key to providing quality care within the a skilled nursing environment, CMS has looked to reported staffing levels to evaluate the care being provided to nursing home residents for many years.

Currently, the staffing portion of the 5-Star Quality Ratings are based on a two week pay period reported on the Form 671 during annual SNF survey. Because of the daily variability in staffing levels, the need for a more comprehensive reporting of staffing levels was understandable. As a result, CMS developed a system in which skilled nursing centers will report daily staffing by employee electronically each quarter.

Background
In 2012, 28 Golden LivingCenters participated in an initial pilot with CMS involving submission of the detailed staffing levels. This pilot included the exact number of hours worked each day by every employee including hourly, salaried and contract staff.

Timeline
The mandatory date from CMS to begin reporting this level of staffing detail is July 1, 2016, and Golden Living will begin to voluntarily report this staffing detail in a phased approach beginning October 1, 2015.

What This Means for You

Corporate level resources will be assigned to coordinate and oversee the quarterly submissions of staff hours, but each LivingCenter has a responsibility to ensure the accuracy of the data to be submitted. This will require audit of the data each pay period. As such, systems and policies are in development to assist the LivingCenters with this process.

The actual submission of the audited staffing data to CMS will be completed at the corporate level with the LivingCenter responsible for overseeing the submission and assuring the accuracy of the data submitted. We anticipate CMS will use this system to replace 671 reporting, which will eliminate individual LivingCenter staffing submissions during the annual survey.

Questions?

We will keep you posted on our progress to roll out these changes as we phase in the technology and reporting procedures to the field. If you have any questions in the interim, please contact Melissa Beard.

Thank you for understanding our need to comply with the CMS policies and procedures. We appreciate the great work you do every day to take the best possible care of our residents and patients.

Medicare Bundled Patients: What You Need to Know about Model 2

May 26, 2015Uncategorizedgoldenlivinginternal

CMS announced effective April 1, more than 1,000 hospitals have entered the CMS Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Initiative (BPCI) Model 2 program. This means nearly 25 percent of all hospitals in the country are now part of the CMS BPCI Model 2 program.

As a result, our LivingCenters are being approached individually to either:

Participate as a bundled payments partner with a convener and/or
Accept a Model 2 bundled payments patient for post acute care services

If you are approached for either of these opportunities, please contact John Perticone (412) 926-9070 to facilitate the process and help ensure Golden Living negotiates the best possible relationship inside of the particular bundled payments program you would like to join. John serves as our bundled payments point of contact and has been an integral leader in cultivating Golden Living’s bundled payments strategy.

Please DO NOT negotiate bundled payments contracts or partnerships without John’s involvement because this has potentially SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL IMPACT on your LivingCenter.

Bundled payments participation provides a unique opportunity for Golden Living, and navigating the tedious nuances of our bundled payments participation requires a coordinated effort. We must ensure we get the maximum benefit associated with the influx of referred patients, while properly navigating the increased scrutiny and requirements for payment and ongoing participation in the individual bundles.

Below are some things I would like you to understand about BPCI program and our role as a skilled nursing provider in this payment program including how to accept patients, what you need to know about becoming a bundled payments provider and how Golden Living fits into this landscape.

Thank you,

Julianne Williams

President

Golden LivingCenters

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Accepting Bundling Patients

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If you receive a bundled payments patient referral, please begin their admission process using your regular Medicare procedures. Typically, this patient will have a case manager assigned to them from the sponsoring organization. The case manager oversees the bundled payment episode and likely will be the point of contact to manage cost control element of the episode for the convener to help avoid penalties and maximize gain share (see Becoming a Bundled Payments Partner section below).

Along with background on the patient episode, the referring organization should provide guidelines for the projected length of stay, terms for hospital readmission and the care coordination communication that they require for the patient care management.

What Should I Do When I Receive a Bundled Payments Patient?

When you accept a bundled patient referral, please send John the following:

Patient Name
Admission Date
Referral Source, such as hospital name or physician
Clinical Episode Name and DRG, if you have them
Case Manager Name, if you were assigned one and include their phone number and affiliated organization
Bundled Payments Sponsor, if identified

This information is needed to help us track the volume of the bundling patient referrals we receive, as well as help us assess any opportunities to expand the bundling relationship with the convener organization in that bundle.

About Model 2 Episodes

The more common clinical episodes include DRG categories, such as major joint replacements, COPD, CHF, pneumonia, myocardial infarction and other conditions. These 90-day episodes in Model 2 begin with the admission to the hospital within the chosen DRG categories and extend over a 90-day period including both acute and post acute care, which Golden Living serves as the Skilled Nursing provider for the episode.

How Will I Be Paid for These Patients?

Your LivingCenter will be paid for services as any traditional Medicare patient with payment equal to 100 percent of Medicare RUG levels for the episode. However, the convener organization will have increased scrutiny over patient care because they must contain cost for the entire episode within the bundled budget.

If your facility has not joined as a partner, your role simply is to provide excellent patient care and work as best you can to adhere to the convener’s guidelines for length of stay and hospital readmission. You are not financially rewarded or penalized if the cost of the care you provide does not fit into the requested guideline and you are not a contract partner in the convener’s bundle. This requirement changes if you enter a contract to become a partner inside the bundled payments initiative itself, so please work with our team to understand your role accordingly.

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Becoming a Bundled Payments Partner

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Becoming a skilled nursing partner within a bundled payments program will help your LivingCenter access patient referrals for post acute care within a group of bundled payment providers. The benefit to the patient will be more highly coordinated level of care among the participant providers.

Financial Implications of Being a Bundle Partner

Golden Living will benefit as the skilled nursing provider of choice within a group of bundled payments providers and should see an increase in the number of patients referred to us as a result.

To participate in the CMS BPCI Program, the convener and its partners have agreed to provide patient care for the given episodes within the standard claim cost rate minus three percent (-3%) or be subject to a penalty for the overage. This encourages providers to be as efficient as possible with patient care and should help prevent unnecessary rehospitalizations while giving patients the therapy and rehabilitation options that support their long term recovery and care.

If the convener and its partners’ actual cost of the episode is below the Medicare claim cost less the three percent requirement, then the difference, or “gain share,” is either absorbed solely by the convener or shared among the convener and its partners.

Whether Golden Living participates in the gain share of the cost savings or not is dictated by the terms of our contract with the convener in the bundle. This is why your LivingCenter must work with John Perticone to negotiate any contract entered into with a potential convener. We need to ensure Golden Living can access both the accountability to contain cost and the revenue potential associated with the gain share.

Because this program is maturing, coordination across Golden Living becomes paramount as we enter this new healthcare payment program.

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BPCI and Golden Living

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The way healthcare providers are compensated for patient care has gone through a number of iterations over my career and yours. The bundling of patient care across an episode is the newest framework for how some patients will be covered under Medicare now and in the forseeable future. Golden Living has been an early adopter in the Bundling programs – especially in Model 3. We want to take this experience and extend our expertise aggressively in the Model 2 program.

The Bundling Opportunity

In the short term, accepting these bundling patients will help us grow our patient census, and in the long run, you will develop a strong reputation in your community with a new group of potential patient referral sources – especially if you are friendly to accepting and caring for patients who are in this bundled payment model. Model 2 programs also have a waiver from CMS of the three day pre-qualifying hospital stay rule.

We welcome these patients with open arms and are here to support you as you work with us through this transition as we grow. Golden Living also will develop training materials and provide webinars in the near future to better prepare our facilities to better understand the key elements of the program.

Celebrate Our CNAs June 11-18 – CNA and Hospice Aide Profiles Needed, Giveaway Items Available and Celebration Tools

May 26, 2015Uncategorizedgoldenlivinginternal

GLS-13123-15-CNA-Email-Header-Artwork_v1

With National Nursing Assistants Week around the corner, June 11-18, the marketing and communications teams along with our Vice President of Clinical Operations Wanda Prince are continuing our special campaign A Work of Heart to help celebrate our nursing assistants and hospice aides across the family of companies.

Profile Your Nursing Assistants and Hospice Aides

We want to showcase our incredible CNAs and hospice aides across Golden Living and AseraCare by including their stories in a special social media campaign during Nursing Assistants Week. Please send the following items to Carol Harber by June 5 to ensure we can recognize the individual nursing assistants and hospice aides who give such wonderful care to our patients and residents.

Name and title
Year they joined your agency or LivingCenter or Agency
Picture or video (if picture includes a patient/resident, include a signed AseraCare or Golden Living consent form)
Touching story about why you want us to profile them
Nominator’s name and email address

T-Shirts and Giveaway Items

On Gold Mine, you can order the custom t-shirts we designed for the campaign or use the “A Work of Heart” logo on any other items you may want to order to celebrate your nursing assistants and hospice aides this week and every week. Some items you may want to order with this special logo include the following:

T-shirts
Tote Bags
Frosted Votive
Mobile Pocket
Over-the-Shoulder Lunch Cooler
Bobble Iced Tumbler
Other items available

Community Celebration Tools

To help you celebrate your nursing assistants and hospice aides in your community, the following tools are available for you to download, customize and distribute to your local blogs, newspapers, radio stations and television stations.

Media Alert for Nursing Assistants Week Event (GLC & AseraCare)
Informational Article to submit to the newspapers (GLC & AseraCare)
Photo Cutline (GLC & AseraCare)

Benefits News 5-11-15

May 11, 2015Uncategorizedgoldenlivinginternal

Thirty-Nine Golden LivingCenter and AseraCare Nurses Recognized

May 11, 2015Uncategorizedgoldenlivinginternal

This Nurses Week we want to recognize our nurses who may think what they do is just ordinary or part of their job; When they are in fact some of our most extraordinary and caring people in Golden Living and AseraCare. Our nurses are wonderful, dedicated people who make a difference in the lives of our patients and residents everyday.

We are thankful for our nurses who make sacrifices for others, work around the clock, speak up for patients, are dedicated to our mission, professional, committed to patients and their families and care for each other. Our nurses are just one of the many things that make Golden Living and AseraCare a great place to work.

Please help us recognize these 28 Golden Living and 11 AseraCare nurses who were nominated by someone who works with them on a daily basis. They have been featured on our social media pages, and all of them received a personal RAVE from Dr. Neil Kurtz

Golden LivingCenter Nurses

Golden LivingCenter – Edwardsville Magnificent Seven Nurses

With great admiration for seven nurses who have lovingly been nicknamed the Magnificent Seven, Golden LivingCenter – Edwardsville in Kansas would like to recognize the following nurses who have almost 50 years of combined service.

Anita Hall, LPN, January 2014

Francis Gatimi, LPN, February 2007

Stephanie McGaughey, LPN, April 2012

Jennifer Terrien, LPN, January 2001

Bridgett Washam, LPN, May 1997

Deaven Workman, LPN, September 2008 and

Jessica Wisner, RN, May 2010.

Golden LivingCenter – Edwardsville is a 100-bed facility that provides care to those patients suffering from mental illness in addition to physical ailments. This is a challenging facility to work in because of the serious problems that all of the patients face due to their mental illness. Since the LivingCenter is currently struggling with numerous licensed nurse openings, these nurses have worked extra shifts to care for their patients in addition to helping agency nurses feel welcome. The teamwork exhibited by these staff members has been outstanding and they have always gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Two of the above mentioned nurses, Anita Hall and Deaven Workman, originally worked for GLC -Edwardsville as CNAs. Over the years, I have witnessed these nurses calmly and professionally deal with serious behavior and/or medical problems with compassion, concern and a professional approach of the highest standards during extremely stressful situations. We are very proud of our facility and the contributions made by our staff to advancing public awareness of Mental Illness.

Submitted by Jacqueline Collins, Business Office Administrator for Golden LivingCenter – Edwardsville

Gina Robinson

Gina Robinson is a Director of Nursing Services at Golden LivingCenter – Richmond in Indiana. Gina is one of Golden Livng’s “Most Incredible Nurses.” I have had the privilege to work with her for 15 years is one of the most dedicated nurses I have ever worked with and always leads by example. Gina graduated from nursing school and started working at Golden LivingCenter – Richmond in 1990. She has spent 25 years of her life here and has never worked in another health care setting beginning as an LPN and then working as an RN, DCE, RNAC, Unit Manager and Charge Nurse before her current position. I Recently asked Gina why she does what she does and this is what she had to say, “I have a passion for taking care of patients and being their second family. I try to treat the residents as I would want my family treated.”

I never will forget the day that Gina received the results that her daughter was diagnosed with Cystic fibrosis about 6 years ago. Gina faced this challenge like a captain of a ship going into a great storm – she never wavered and she has not wavered as the Director of Nursing either. Gina not only cares for her daughter daily, personally seeing that she receives her treatments, but rarely works less than an 10 hours a day caring for the patients at our facility. Gina is truly an inspiration to all of those of us who have the privilege to work with her.

Submitted by: Kurt Abshire, Executive Director for GLC- Richmond

Vineatta Walker

Vineatta Walker is an LPN for Golden LivingCenter – Richmond in Indiana. She graduated from nursing school in 1993 and started before that at GLC – Richmond where she worked in the front office. She then became a Charge Nurse and worked for Golden LivingCenter – Richmond for more than 20 years. She has been one of the most trustworthy employees here. When asked why she is a nurse, she said, “I love taking care of the patients at my LivingCenter. I love bringing smiles to their faces when I am able to help them or just listen to them and let them know that I care. It is very rewarding to me to know I make a difference in their lives. I love the family members who I have met over the years and have become close to.” Vinetta has served in our building as not only a Charge Nurse over the years but as a Unit Manger, MDS Coordinator and a Treatment Nurse. She is a special member of our GLC – Richmond team and to Golden Living.

Submitted by Kurt Abshire, Executive Director for GLC – Richmond

Vera Fennell

Vera Fennell is the Director of Nurses at Golden LivingCenter – West Newton in Massachusetts. She has worked for Golden Living for 38 years and has been the Director of Nurses for the past seven. She received her nursing certificate in 1961 and joined Golden Living in September 1977. As the Director of Nurses, she oversees the operation of the entire nursing department including 90 employees who provide patient care to 102 residents.

Vera is bright, energetic and has an easy going manner that puts resident’s, staff and family members at ease when speaking with her. She is open-minded, uses sound judgment based on broad experience and makes effective use of humor in tense situations. She has an open door policy and is always available to anyone seeking guidance or advice. Her level of competence coupled with her empathetic and compassionate manner quickly puts residents at ease and allays their fear.

Vera refers to her training skills as “old school.” However, her clinical expertise and knowledge is futuristic. She possesses strong and sound clinical knowledge that is second to none. When reviewing resident charts, care plans or medication regimes, she is thorough, pays close attention to detail and leaves nothing to chance.

This center is very fortunate to have this wonderful lady oversee and direct the nursing care delivered here everyday. Despite a challenging population, Vera remains calm, flexible and always shows the utmost respect and integrity which is beyond reproach.

Submitted by Stephen Copper, Executive Director for Golden LivingCenter – West Newton and the GLC staff

Jaci Null

Jaci Null is the Director of Nursing for Golden LivingCenter – Uniontown in Pennsylvania. She graduated with an Associate Degree in Nursing in 1997 and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1998. That year, straight from nursing school, she came to Beverly Healthcare Uniontown (aka GLC) as a charge nurse. She was promoted to Nurse Manager, then Assistant Director of Nursing and then Director of Nursing. She has maintained that position since June 2004. On her first day as DNS, the DOH came in for their annual survey and was able to handle it with no problems. Jaci is an excellent role model who expects great things from her staff and herself. She holds people accountable, but also helps them achieve success. During her tenure, the facility has achieved a deficiency free survey twice. And most recently held a 5-Star Rating status.

She makes work fun and can laugh at herself most of all. While making sure all the I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed, she recognizes employees for years of service, employee of the month, “going above and beyond. Jaci says, “This is the best facility.” In fact, she has said it so much, we all believe it. She is involved in all aspects of the operation, not just the nursing department and can be found throughout the facility.

She received her NHA license several years ago and is a great support to her Executive Director. She understands the big picture and works many hours a day to realize success. Most of all she promotes customer service in a sincere manner.

Submitted by Joyce Hoch, Executive Director for Golden LivingCenter – Uniontown

Deb Matthews

Deb Matthews is the Assistant Director of Nursing for Golden LivingCenter – Uniontown in Pennsylvania. She became an LPN in 1988 and an RN in 2003. She worked at another SNF for 17 years before she came to Beverly Healthcare in November 2005 as the ADNS.

Deb is in the middle of everything going on at our LivingCenter. She is responsible for staffing and downsizing when the census decreases. Last year, through her diligence, Golden LivingCenter – Uniontown was No. 1 with the lowest overtime. She wears many hats as she interviews, hires, disciplines, schedules, documents and trouble shoots issues within the LivingCenter. She has an excellent rapport with the attending physicians and the Medical Director and she keeps them informed and on task with signing orders, completing progress notes and writing scripts for discharge etc. Everyday she impresses us with her knowledge of what’s going on with the residents and families. She gets involved when progress on a project is stalled. She is not afraid to address a problem with anyone at anytime. And no one has to direct her or tell her what to do. With all the new initiatives rolled out by Golden Living, Deb takes the bull by the horn and gets them started.

Deb and Jaci Null, Director of Nursing Services, are a perfect match. They work well together and keep the lines of communication open. Deb has helped the facility realize deficiency free DOH and Life Safety surveys in 2014 and 5-Star Rating status. She is conscientious and works until the job is done often working late.

Submitted by Joyce Hoch, Executive Director for Golden LivingCenter – Uniontown

Lauren Carter

Lauren Carter is an LPN for Golden LivingCenter – Woodbridge in Indiana. She received her license in 2014 and joined Golden Living shortly thereafter. Lauren is a single mother of a special needs child. She was formerly a pharmacy technician and she put herself through nursing school while working. She is now enrolled in an LPN to BSN program. She always comes to work with a smile on her face and is a sweet person. Lauren is always willing to go the extra mile and do anything asked of her. She puts her resident’s needs first, and has a good working relationship with all her coworkers.

Submitted by Jennifer Hamilton, RN at Golden LivingCenter – Woodbridge

Stephanie Hutchens

Stephanie Hutchens is an LPN Charge Nurse in our Rehab to Home unit at Golden LivingCenter – Golden Rule in Indiana. She joined Golden Living in 1988 after graduating from Ivy Tech. She is caring and a dedicated staff member. After her husband was diagnosed with cancer and subsequently passed away, Stephanie continued to work during this difficult time. She provides compassionate care to our residents and is a great role model for our nursing staff. Our residents go out of their way to tell us what a great job she does and they miss her on her days off. She works hard to make our facility the best it can be. Thank you for your hard work, Stephanie!

Submitted by Amy Johnson, RN, BSN, Director of Clinical Education and Staff Development for Golden LivingCenter – Golden Rule

June Cass

June Cass joined Golden LivingCenter – South Hills in Pennsylvania in 2005. June is an extraordinary LPN who provides each resident with the attention and care that she would show her own family. June not only gets to know the resident, but she also gets to know the patient’s relatives thus creating a special bond between the facility and family. She is always seen smiling and having a pleasant attitude, creating a warm and welcoming environment, both to new residents and employees alike. When it comes to teamwork, June is more than willing to accommodate the facility by picking up open shifts to ensure the proper care is provided to the resident’s. June truly cares for her residents and we are truly privileged to have June as part of our team and look forward to having her for many more years.

Submitted by Anthony Molinaro, Executive Director, and Chris Richmond, MBA, Executive Director in Training, for Golden LivingCenter – South Hills

Teresa Reed

Teresa Reed is a Showcase Nurse for Golden LivingCenter – Knox in Indiana. Teresa began her career in Health Care as a CNA at Golden LivingCenter – Laporte in Laporte, Ind., in 1991. Teresa enrolled in Nursing classes at Ivy Tech. shortly thereafter and achieved her LPN license in 1993. She began as a staff Nurse, then moved on to Unit Coordinator and also became proficient in the MDS process. Teresa transferred to Golden LivingCenter – Knox in March 2014 and quickly became an esteemed member of the team. She is a great mentor to both CNA and new nursing staff. She takes extra time to teach the reasons “Why” behind policies, procedures, and the “Golden Difference.”

We know that Teresa’s picture is in the dictionary beside the word “Patient Advocate” as she builds a close rapport with both patients and their families. Teresa takes care to explain patient challenges, trials, tribulations and their journey toward end of life, all while advocating for our patients and families. Teresa is also a great singer, “so so” dancer and gets staff and patients engaged in her showmanship efforts to have a great time during the course of her shift. She brings goodies and treats, recognizes staff special efforts and resident goal achievements. There is never a dull moment when Teresa is in the house! Teresa continues to lend her expertise and help both Laporte facilities with MDS assessments, as well as the Knox building. Team 4875 feels fortunate that Teresa calls Knox GLC her home, demonstrating and advocating the Golden Difference.

Submitted by Colleen Folkers, Executive Director for Golden LivingCenter – Knox and the team

Cynthia Quick

Cynthia Quick is the Director of Nursing Services at Golden LivingCenter – Titusville in Pennsylvania. She joined Golden Living in 2007.

In visiting the facility, one of the greatest things I have noticed about Cynthia is her dedication to the residents and the families. She always stops what she is doing to attend to their needs. As reflected in her low staff turnover, Cynthia is nurturing to her staff as well. Her calm and kind way she responds to all is a true blessing to all who have had the opportunity to cross her path. Cynthia humbly leads her staff to the great outcomes that they have produced. From Laurie

Cynthia is a very dedicated and hard working nurse who was nominated for PHCA Caregiver of the year 2014 and 2015. She was awarded a certificate of appreciation from PHCA in December and a signed letter from PHCA President and CEO, Dr. Stuart Shapiro, on March 3rd, 2015 for “Extraordinary Quality of Care, Compassion and Dedication” to Golden LivingCenter – Titusville. Cindy has worked in admissions and later as a Nurse Supervisor at the LivingCenter. She was later promoted to ADNS and has served as the DNS for the past two years. Cindy aspires to only the very best and is relentless in her pursuit of excellence. In my more than 10 years as an Executive Director, I have not found a more caring, focused and dedicated nurse to the industry. Cindy was instrumental in the LivingCenter achieving a deficiency free Health Survey in 2015 and is not only a great role model, but also a kind and compassionate leader to her staff.

Submitted by Laurie Hayden, FSCD Team 2 and Dan Bucci, Executive Director for Golden LivingCenter – Titusville

Constance Aytch

Constance Aytch joined Golden LivingCenter – Greenville in Greenville, North Carolina in 1992 as a Staff Nurse. She is now the Director of Nursing Services for the LivingCenter. It did not take long for the Executive Director, Hal Garland, to recognize Constance was a hard worker, who cared about her residents. In 1993, Constance became the Infection Control Nurse, and continued in that role until 2004, when she became the Assistant Director of Nursing. After two successful years, Constance became the Director of Nursing, and continues in that role today.

Constance has a tremendous work ethic, arrives early each day, and leaves only after her work is completed, usually no earlier than 6:00 p.m.

GLC – Greenville has had three Director’s of Nursing since 1989. The first Director passed away in 1999; the second was promoted in 2006 and Constance had the benefit of learning from both, working side by side with each of them, each day. She has developed into a respected Director of Nursing, with survey success on a consistent basis. We currently have 6 consecutive surveys with less than 3 tags, and 10 of the last 11 with the same success. Golden Living Center Greenville is blessed to have Constance Aytch lead the Nursing department.

Submitted by Hal Garland, Executive Director for Golden LivingCenter – Greenville

Mariflor Liwanag

Mariflor Liwanag is the Director of Nursing Services at Golden LivingCenter – Reedley in California. She earned her license as a Registered Nurse and Bachelor of Nursing degree in 1977 in the Philippines. She started out as the Charge Nurse on the floor, then worked as the Director of Staff Development and finally as the Director of Nursing Services for the past 14 years. Mariflor has devoted herself to Golden LivingCenter – Reedley for the past 27 years. During this time period she has mentored numerous staff who have blossomed from Certified Nursing Assistants to become licenses nurses. She treats all her nurses as if they are her own family member and goes above and beyond to help them in their own success. Mariflor lives five minutes from the living center and is known to come at all hours to provide support to the staff, families and patients.

Every resident and family member here at Golden LivingCenter – Reedley is made to feel like they are a welcome member to “our family.” Mariflor ensures that she meets one on one with each new resident, and spends good quality time with them providing education and comfort. Mariflor has a strong influence on our 5- Star Rating with the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services in Quality Care. She does this by keeping and maintaining good quality measures year after year. Under Mariflor’s direction the Living Center has been awarded the 5-Star Rating ever since the start of this award in 2008. She does an excellent job keeping a close eye on her residents and puts interventions in place proactively, which results in our residents receiving good quality care.

Submitted by Rachel Rogers, Executive Director for Golden LivingCenter – Reedley

Jamie Patterson

Jamie graduated from nursing school in 2013 and joined Golden LivingCenter – Muncie in Indiana. in 2014. She is a compassionate and caring nurse. Her smile is infectious. She keeps a smile on our residents’ faces as well as our nurses’ faces. No matter how long her day may become, she will still go the extra mile to complete a task. Jamie is a favorite face to our residents and is very knowledgeable about their care.

Submitted by Lynnee Everson, RN, BS, Assistant Director of Nursing Services for Golden LivingCenter – Muncie

Janelle Ondrusek

Janelle Ondrusek, LPN, is a Charge Nurse for Golden LivingCenter – West Shore in Pennsylvania. She began working as a CNA a couple of years ago and realized this is her passion to take care of others. She attended Lebanon County Technology Center to become an LPN and graduated in 2012. Janelle has been a fantastic asset to the team at GLC – West Shore. She is well known for her exemplary documentation, wound care management and ability to handle multiple issues with grade. She consistently goes above and beyond for her residents and their loved ones. She has never hesitated to hold a hand in need or wipe a tear from someone’s cheek. She is always willing to take the time to explain care procedures to patients and what has led to her special relationship with the residents and their families.

Submitted by Savannah Lynch, Assistant Director of Nursing Services, and Howard Hay, Assistant Director of Nursing Services, for Golden LivingCenter – West Shore

Dorothy Ivey

Dorothy Ivey, LPN, joined Golden Living in 1998 after finishing nursing school in 1987. She is a Charge Nurse for Golden LivingCenter – Glenwood in Georgia. She is dedicated, dependable and resident oriented. Dorothy takes the time needed to assist her residents with meals even if it takes 30 to 40 minutes per resident. She is a good example of what a “Charge Nurse” should be.

Submitted by Yvette Mitchell, RN, Director of Nursing Services for Golden LivingCenter – Glenwood

Beverly Bembry

Bevery Bembry, LPN, joined Golden Living in 1977 and is a nurse for Golden LivingCenter – Glenwood in Georgia. She is dedicated to our LivingCenter and very resident oriented. She has a great attendance record with includes being at the LivingCenter during inclement weather. She is willing to work any shift that may require her services. She is frequently asked to supervise when there is an opening and is always willing to assist with challenging residents or family members. Beverly can be called to assist at any time. We rely on her.

Submitted by Yvette Mitchell, RN, Director of Nursing Services for Golden LivingCenter – Glenwood

Chris Jones

Chris graduated from nursing school in 2006 and joined Golden LivingCenter – Muncie in Indiana in 2013. She is a very caring nurse and she is always willing to do whatever is asked of her. Chris is not afraid to jump in and help our CNAs if they need her. She is very competent and dependable.

Submitted by Lynnee Everson, RN, BS, Assistant Director of Nursing Services for Golden LivingCenter – Muncie

Mariellen McGough

(Mariellen in white is pictured with Jessica Grady, LPN, standing next to her, and from left to right sitting, Amanda Corallo, LPN, and Darlene Sigfried, LPN)

Mariellen McGough is the Director of Nursing Services at Golden LivingCenter – Scranton in Pennsylvania. She graduated from nursing school in 2005 and joined Golden Living in 2012 and came to Golden LivingCenter – Scranton in October 2014. She hit the ground running her first day. She is knowledgeable, resident centered, focused on employee retention activities and open to business development. She most recently assisted in an employee retention event by cooking waffles all day for our staff on International Waffle day. Clinically, she has been key in lowering our return to hospital rate by providing education to our staff and physicians about the clinical capabilities of our LivingCenter.

Submitted by Patrice Shutt, NHA, Executive Director for Golden LivingCenter – Scranton

Betsy Jarnecke LPN, Unit Manager

Betsy Jarnecke, LPN, is the Unit Manager for Golden LivingCenter – Merrillville in Indiana. She graduated from nursing school in 1989 and began working for Golden Living in 1999. She has worked for Golden LivingCenter – Portage and Golden LivingCenter – Merrillville. Her nursing staff says that she is a dedicated nurse, leader and a team player. It doesn’t matter what is asked of Betsy, she is always willing to step out of her comfort zone and participate to the betterment of the residents. Betsy is also very innovative and creative with her approach when all roads have appeared to have lead to an end. Her humor in difficult situations is often the catalyst to bring us beyond the point of our frustration. Our team would not be the same without Betsy.

Submitted by Rebecca Neff, RN, Director of Nursing Services for Golden LivingCenter – Merrillville

Judy Funkhouser

Judy Funkhouser, LPN graduated from nursing school in 1981 and began working at Golden LivingCenter – Elkhart in Indiana 40 years ago (1975). She is a caring and compassionate nurse. The residents look forward to her coming in to care for them because she treats the residents as if they are family. During the course of 40 years she has seen so many changes in nursing and administration and has stuck it out through thick and thin. She is a cheerleader for new employees and tries to stay positive at all times. She is such an asset to our facility and the nursing profession.

Submitted by Wendy Fletcher, RN, Director of Nursing Services at Golden LivingCenter – Elkhart

Sue Fedor

Sue Fedor, BSN, is the Director of Nursing Services for Golden LivingCenter – Hillview in Pennsylvania. She graduated from nursing school in 1989 and joined Golden LivingCenter – Hillview in 2003.

Without exception, the Directors of Nursing Services that I’ve met during my association with Golden Living have been first class professionals; true leaders who are compassionate about the residents they serve and for the company for which they work. Sue Fedor, our DNS, is no exception and we are honored that she lends her skills and talents to our residents and to working for our company. With that in mind, two recent events stand out as examples of the true dedication and compassion that not only typifies the attitude of outlook of Sue, but also serves as an example regarding the level of commitment and kindness to which we should all aspire.

On a recent trip on company business, Sue asked if we could stop at a particular location for a short period of time in order to “pick something up.” She returned from her shopping with a hat that had been embroidered with the first name of one of our residents with a diagnosis of dementia, a resident who delights when people call him by his name. This act of kindness, this simple gift, done without any expectation of financial return or social recognition, typifies the work Sue does for the residents and the staff at Hillview every day.

During the preceding holiday season, an event on Christmas Eve required my calling into the facility. While on the phone with the Manager on Duty, she indicated, “I’ve already talked to Sue about the event….she’s here at the building.” Curious, I asked what prompted her to be there, at which point the MOD stated, “she’s here in costume…passing out the Christmas presents.” Once again, without fanfare or for any reason besides genuine compassion and kindness, Sue spent her well earned time off in service to our residents.

Our residents and staff could provide countless incidents where Sue has supplied her leadership and knowledge in order to solve an incident at the building or developed an idea to improve the care that our residents receive. But it is the incidents like those recounted above that really demonstrate Sue’s character and the authentic, unquestioned and positive impact she has on the lives of those we serve. She is the true definition of caring professional and we all feel very fortunate that she is in our lives and works for our company.

Submitted by Robert Etchells, MHS, NHA, Executive Director for Golden LivingCenter – Hillview

AseraCare Nurses

Samantha Griffith

Samantha Griffith is an RN with AseraCare of Johnstown in Pennsylvania. She joined AseraCare in January 2014 as an LPN and went back to school for her RN certificate. Samantha has helped grow the census in Indiana County over the past year and half through her RNCM position. After making a great impression at physicians’ and home health offices, she became a WEN RN.

She became a WEN RN to take care of her five-year-old daughter during the week and is a caregiver to her husband. She inspires us with the amount of energy she has and how she is able to balance home life and work. Samantha is currently working full time and taking classes to obtain her BSN. In March 2015, Samantha tested and passed her CHPN. She is leading our staff by example and mentoring a new RN that joined our team in March.

She is always willing to help out with staffing needs and is flexible to make sure our patients’ needs are met. She has taken extra calls and extra visits to help out our staffing needs. Samantha deserves to be recognized for raising the bar in nursing care and balancing work, education and family. She presented to the AseraCare Johnstown staff a team building presentation in April and plans to apply to the AseraCare Career Ladder Program.

Submitted by Danielle Cimba, Director of Clinical Services for AseraCare of Johnstown

Mandy Stone, RN. Mandy graduated nursing school in 1998 and began working at AseraCare in 2007. She was a full time Case Manager until recently deciding to go back to school to become a Nurse Practitioner. Mandy continues to work PRN and helps out almost weekly. Mandy has been a recipient of the Employee of the Quarter award.