News About Kindred People and Places
Here are some current happenings at Kindred facilities across the country.
Kindred Facilities Awarded at Annual THCA Convention
By Melissa Hansen
The Tennessee Health Care Association (THCA) held their Annual Convention and Trade Show September 7-10, 2003 at the Nashville Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
Since 1974, THCA has celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of many individuals, groups, and facilities through its Awards of Excellence program.
Kindred was well represented this year!
THCA’s affiliate organizations select awards for outstanding service through leadership and support of their programs and activities. This year Christy Creswell, Social Worker at Fairpark Healthcare Center in Maryville, Tennessee, was chosen the Social Services Workers Association Member of the Year. Christy has been employed by Fairpark Healthcare Center for two years.
Madison Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Madison, Tennessee, was the recipient of two awards this year, the Family Relations Award and the Innovative Program Award. Kindred’s Angel Care Program was nominated for the Innovative Program Award, and received the Family Relations Award as well! The Innovative Program Award is presented to a member facility that sets a positive industry precedent for others to follow. The Family Relations award recognizes outstanding achievements in communicating with and providing special programs for the families of patients. Executive Director Melissa Hansen accepted the award on behalf of the facility.
The Better Life Award spotlights the achievements of an individual not affiliated with THCA or the long term care industry, who has enhanced the quality of life for nursing home patients and increased the community’s awareness of long term care and aging issues. Masters Health Care Center in Algood, Tennessee, was the winner of the Better Life Award for their nomination of Jennifer Golz.
Jennifer, an English professor at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee, requires students in her class to perform 10 hours of volunteer work with the elderly each semester. Her students volunteer at Masters Health Care Center and often give more than the required 10 hours. Through this project, Jennifer has developed a sense of responsibility to the elderly in her students.
Country Gardens Employee Named Recipient of OPie Award
Swansea, MA -- Michael Spearin received the first annual
OPie award for Outstanding Performance in Excellence from the Alliance
of Alzheimer
Program Directors in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on September 12,
2003.
Michael was completely surprised to find he had been nominated. The presenter,
Joanne Konenig-Coste, is the founder of the Alliance, an author, and
a member of the Massachusetts Alzheimer's Association. In announcing
the recipient, Joanne praised Michael for the effect he has had on a
national level to improve Alzheimer's-based services through Kindred
Healthcare’s task forces. Michael has been active in both the Dementia
Care Task Force and the Abilities Focused Care Task Force.
Michael has been the Program Director at Country Gardens Skilled Nursing
and Rehabilitation Center for nearly a year. As the Program Director,
he is responsible for developing the Reflections Program, working with
residents, families and staff members by providing support, guidance,
understanding and education. All of the Reflections employees are specially
trained by Michael for specific care of the residents with dementia.
In addition to assuring a homelike environment for the residents, a welcoming
and supportive home for the families and a well-trained, confident staff,
Michael has high personal standards that fit with Kindred’s code
of conduct and policies. Mike is an outspoken advocate for encouraging
the residents’ abilities instead of focusing on their disabilities.
Prior to working at Country Gardens, Michael was the Program Director
and Activities Director at Oakhill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
(Pawtucket, RI). Mike started as a certified nurses assistant 12 years
ago and was an Activities Director on an HIV unit.
Michael is a tireless, enthusiastic director and is known for his willingness
to help other Kindred facilities. He has started a strong support group
for families at Country Gardens, including an email support group. He
has regular family meetings and often includes outside speakers, such
as local neurologist practices. He is active in Connecting to Caregivers
and helps with its newsletter and with evaluations needed in the community.
We all enjoy many community events because of Mike’s energy. He
is involved in the Alzheimer's Association both in Massachusetts and
Rhode Island and is heading up our team for the annual walkathon. Recently,
Mike hosted an Art & Quilt Show at Country Gardens celebrating all
the talents of our Alzheimer's residents.
Mike is a new first-time homeowner and is enjoying all the work this
requires, including gardening. He loves boating and playing the guitar
and saxophone.
Mike is one of those special people who makes you smile and has fun with
life. He listens to every word and makes everyone feel that they are
the most special person in the world. He has a great big laugh and an
off-the-wall sense of humor that keeps everyone at Country Gardens smiling.
Congratulations to . . .
Marcia Sams at Fairpark Healthcare Center (Maryville, TN), who was awarded the Caregiver of the Year award for the Knoxville District at the Tennessee Health Care Association's Annual Convention and Trade Show on September 9. Each facility recognizes one caregiver internally and submits his or her name for the district competition. The six district winners compete for the state winner, who is chosen in November. Marcia was honored with the other Tennessee District winners.
Kindred Medical Technician Garners Award in Her Field
Atlanta, GA --- Hattie Cooley Gallon, MT, is a senior laboratory technician
at Kindred Hospital Atlanta. She recently received an award from the American
Medical Technologists for her work in the field.
Certified in 1977, she graduated as a Lab Technician from Atlanta College
of Medical and Dental Careers and received her associate's degree in 1998
and bachelor's degree in 1999 from St. Leo College. She is currently in
the Naval Reserves as a First Class Petty Officer.
Her honors include state Certificate of Merit and Technologist of the
Year, and national Distinguished Achievement. Hattie has sat on numerous
state and national committees. She served as chair of Uniformed Services
(2000-2002).
She is the chaplain of Mt. Welcome Missionary Baptist Church Missionary
Department, Secretary of Viola Hart-Felton Chapter #584 Order of the Eastern
Star, Second Vice President of the Atlanta Baptist Association Women's
Department, a volunteer in the Annual Peachtree Road Race, an assistant
adult Sunday school teacher and a member of her church prayer band.
