Luther Home skilled nursing facility provides state of the art dementia care for residents by training all direct care staff members on Normal vs not Normal aging, GEMS, Positive Physical Approach and Hand under Hand care techniques. We use the Positive Approach to Cares materials developed by renowned dementia care expert Teepa Snow. Each training session provides Luther Home employees with hands on experience on how to best serve and connect with our residents who are living with dementia. Employees of Luther Home are trained to see the value and importance of those living with dementia as dignified and unique individuals. Our training goal is to create an environment that allows those living with dementia to not only thrive but shine.

Did you know that Luther Home has a PAC certified dementia Trainer? Meghan Rutherford, Luther Home social worker, is one of 20 individuals in the state of Wisconsin to hold this certification. Meghan also participates on the board of Directors for the Dementia Friendly Community Coalition of Marinette County. Meghan’s expertise is shared with Luther Home staff and the community on Hand under Hand, Positive Physical Approach, GEMS, and Normal VS. Not Normal Aging. Because Luther Home is committed to top notch Dementia care and education for its staff, these trainings are required for the benefit of all direct care staff. Look for our next specialization highlight, next month!

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU: A VERY GOOD SURVEY On August 26, 7 employees of the Wisconsin Department of Quality Assurance started Luther Home’s regular annual recertification survey. There was no complaint associated with the survey. The survey ended with an exit conference on August 28. The results reported to us were very good. We received four deficiencies. None of the deficiencies cited were the result of sub-standard care and no resident harm was cited. Three of the four deficiencies came from the same event. The surveyors determined that we made a late report of an incident that had occurred a few weeks prior. The staff member (actually an agency employee) decided to report the incident related to her by the resident at the end of her shift. Remember, all resident reports of issues must be made immediately. The other deficiency was in the area of hazard prevention/supervision of residents. None of the citations should be serious in scope or severity. When the survey team exited, they told us the deficiencies were at a D level. You don’t want to see a D on your son or daughter’s report card, but in our world a D is not too bad. So, thank you very much for your good work and your top-notch care of the residents of Luther Home! We are not perfect, but we sure do provide a good quality of life for our residents. Keep up the good work.

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.