Candas Schouvieller, CEO/Administrator
Do you remember a time when you had a major life event happening along with all of the regular day to day happenings? It could be the happiest time of your life and still you feel exhausted. You think, if I can just get to the end of this time I will feel better and everything will be normal again. Maybe you power through and over extend thinking it will be short lived and so you will refuel later. We have been doing that at Oak Hills Living Center for too long now.
Once COVID is over, once the funding bill is passed, once we can… it’s hard to predict the next “once”. We have been asked when/if we reschedule the bus trip to the Capitol. Dr. Ann Vogel continues to champion the effort to reach as many decision influencing legislators possible and meeting with them via Zoom from the city council chambers. Thank you Dr. Ann, Nancy Beck and Norma Hanson for all of your efforts in advocating for Oak Hills! Want to be included in future advocacy efforts? Contact Wendy Broderson, Fund Development Director at 507-233-0851.
The skilled nursing facility level of care is essential to the entire health care continuum. Assisted living is a great option for seniors and for some it may be all they need. Wonderful, and exactly the reason our expansion to offer enhanced assisted living and memory care was developed. However, for some residents, their needs progress to requiring skilled nursing 24- hours a day. For many, we are their family, there is no where else to turn. Keeping this level of care as an option in Minnesota is essential. Watching revision after revision of the bonding bill released without rate increases for skilled nursing is heartbreaking.
Our focus is providing activities of daily living, incorporating laughter, music, activities and great food for our residents, while we work with local and regional partners to collaborate on short and long term solutions. Having an ongoing life event at Oak Hills appears to be the way of our future, so healthy boundaries, balance and compassion for each other will need to be our priority.
Advocacy
As of Monday, March 27, 2023, we had no trips to the Capitol scheduled. On Tuesday, March 28th, we started to hear rumblings that a rally might be needed to move the House on securing additional funding for nursing homes and on Thursday, March 30th, we were headed to the Capitol to advocate. A word of appreciation to Greg Peterson, Brown County Veterans Service Officer, for extending the invitation to community members to join your bus to the Capitol. It was great to see so many from New Ulm at the Capitol advocating for Veterans and Skilled Nursing Facilities. The week closed with a visit from Senator Amy Klobuchar to discuss the PACT Act and visit with Veterans receiving care here at Oak Hills! Oak Hills Living Center is a contracted Veterans Administration skilled nursing facility. We have cared for 53 Veterans receiving either Millennium Bill or VA Hospice benefits since 2017. Thank you to all community members who continue to advocate for Oak Hills. You are appreciated.
Overnight Staff Celebrate Years of Service in March
Crystal Lieder celebrated 10 years with Oak Hills Living Center on March 26th. Crystal works as a nursing assistant overnights but you will often see her coming in early to help out on evenings as well. Crystal has a big heart. She is dependable and committed to Oak Hills! Thank you, for all you do for our residents and staff! The grace in which you handle the extra responsibility of overnights does not go unnoticed. We appreciate you!
Kristen Compton celebrated 4 years with Oak Hills Living Center on March 25th. Kristen works as a nursing assistant overnights, usually on Neighborhood 3 but will help in other areas too. This small but mighty overnight Team work hard to take care of all the resident needs while also completing tasks such as cleaning resident wheelchairs and many other duties. Kristen is part of the magic that works diligently to start each new day fresh. Thank you Kristen for your continued dedication and commitment, and for taking such great care of our residents!
| March Employee Name | March Employee Year |
| Crystal Lieder | 2013 |
| Kristen Compton | 2019 |
| Clare Fischer | 2020 |
| Sandra Adame | 2021 |
| Chantelle Neal | 2022 |
| Caitlyn Smith | 2022 |
| Meaghan Martin | 2022 |
| Amber Lee | 2022 |
| April Employee Name | April Employee Year |
| Karen Coyour | 1993 |
| Tammy Grossmann | 1998 |
| Christy Simpson | 2006 |
| Nina Deleo | 2008 |
| Amy Toren | 2012 |
| Carly Johnson | 2017 |
| Lillian Miklas | 2019 |
| Madisyn Fuchs | 2021 |
| Chloe Neal | 2021 |
| Margaret Shaneman | 2021 |
| Paige Kalis | 2021 |
| Jessica Nutter | 2022 |
| Megan Beranek | 2022 |
Employee of the Month
Congratulations to employee of the month, Emily Frieberger, CTRS, RNA
Emily works full time in the activity department, but also finds time to pick up and help out as a nurses aide. She shows compassion for residents, flexibility with staff and is easy to work with. We are glad to have her at Oak Hills! She was recently promoted to Assisted Living Director! Congrats and Thank You, Emily!
Fun Memories
20th Annual Bowling Classic
$14, 217.19
The 20th annual bowling classic was a success! Net proceeds of the event will fund new recliners on Deer Haven and musicians for residents. Thank you sponsors and bowlers! What a fun day!
Kingpin Sponsors: Alliance Bank, Allina Health, Citizens Bank, Concordia Lanes & Kegel Klub, Farasyn Construction, Jensen Motors, Laraway Roofing, Minnesota Valley Funeral Home, Thrivent – Tim Reinke, United Prairie Bank.
Strike Sponsors: Blue Stone Therapy, Bob Webb Insurance, Community Living Solutions, Full Service Electric, LeadingAge Minnesota, M.R. Paving and Excavating, Inc., NUVERA
Spare Sponsor: Fischer Law, PA
