As 2015 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on our 10 most popular articles. We hope this reminds you of the important events, outstanding achievements and compassionate people who shared their remarkable stories with ANHA.org.
In this installment, we’ll review articles six through 10 and give you an update on what has happened since we first reported the news. Click on the title to read the original article. Links to other information are included throughout this countdown.
#10. A Labor of Love: Celebrating LTC Administrator’s Week
Left to right: Lynwood Administrator Laura Saxon with resident Ray Rogers. Cook Springs Administrator Trent Jackson with resident Sharon Enyart.
In honor of Long-Term Care Administrators Week in March, we interviewed licensed nursing home administrators Laura Saxon and Trent Jackson. Laura gave valuable insight from her point of view of a long tenured administrator. Trent shared his perspective as relatively new administrator in the early stages of his career. In our story, Trent eloquently told us long-term care is hard work, but it is also heart work because you must care about the people you serve and put yourself in their shoes.
Update: Laura is preparing wrap up her 36-year career in long-term care and retire in the Spring of 2016. While she has plans to move to Costa Rica, Laura is finishing her career on a high note. Her facility, Lynwood Healthcare & Rehab Center, was the only one in Alabama to earn My InnerView’s Excellence in Action Awards for Customer Satisfaction and Workforce Satisfaction. Lynwood also earned both awards in 2013 and 2014.
Trent recently completing his first decade as a long term care administrator and continues to enjoy his work at the Village at Cook Springs. He is overseeing extensive renovations to the skilled nursing care center which are expected to be complete in 2016.
#9. Change Leads to Positive Outcomes
Several Glenwood Center staff members pose for a picture outside the center’s main entrance.
Following an ownership change, the staff of Glenwood Center rose to the challenge and earned a perfect score on its first government inspection. At the time, Administrator Dana Runager said, “It’s easy for your boss to come in and tell you ‘You’re doing a great job.’ It’s another thing to have an outside agency come in and say ‘You’re doing a great job. You’re meeting the expectations.’”
Update: Glenwood Center continued to meet and exceed expectations throughout 2015. In October, the center received the American Health Care Association’s Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award. Only 51 Alabama nursing homes have earned this national award.
#8. Two Women, Two Lifetimes of Caring for Others
From left to right: Fran Howell and Charlene Guest.
In September, we met Fran Howell and Charlene Guest. These two women have a combined 102 years of experience as licensed practical nurses. Both were recognized at Alabama’s Best Practices 2015 for their dedication to the long-term care profession. In the article, both women said they planned to continue working for the foreseeable future.
Update: So far, both women are holding true to their promises and have renewed their nursing licenses. Fran plans to slow down a little bit and will transition to working part-time in 2016. Charlene says she’ll continue to work because she enjoys helping others and making her patients smile.
#7. Alabama Homes Earn High Marks for Veterans Care
Staff members of William F. Green State Veterans Home in Bay Minette.
This spring, Bill Nichols State Veterans Home and William F. Green State Veterans Home earned perfect scores on their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs inspections. Just like other nursing homes, state veterans homes are inspected annually by the Alabama Department of Public Health. However, state veterans homes have additional oversight from the VA. The VA measures veterans home on 158 standards that are either met or not met.
Update: Things keep getting even better at these veterans homes. In October, William F. Green State Veterans Home received the American Health Care Association’s Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award. On December 11, Bill Nichols State Veterans Home will cut the ribbon on an expansion and renovation project.
#6. Nursing Home Operator to Lead Local Business Organization
2014 Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce President Chris Mohon, right, congratulates Stallion Sasser on being elected the chamber’s 2015 president.
For 2015, Andalusia Manor Assistant Administrator Stallion Sasser served as president of the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce. Stallion, who feels strongly about nursing home employees being involved in the community, said: “try a civic organization, get involved and get your employees involved. It helps make your nursing home known in your area.”
Update: Stallion began the year with a goal to bring in 50 new chamber members. As of December 7, he’s recruited 48 new members and is working to sign up two more before the end of the year. Also, Stallion and his fellow chamber leaders brought snow and ice skating to Andalusia as part of Christmas in Candyland.
Click here to see the top five articles of 2015.
Editor’s Note: The rankings were determined by the number of page views of each article from January 1-December 4, 2015. Articles related to the Ms. Alabama Nursing Home Pageant were excluded.
