Candas Schouvieller, Administrator
In 2003, Oak Hills was busy fundraising for $300,000 to complete the addition of 16- 1 bedroom HUD assisted living apartments. Simultaneously, nursing home funding was in question due to a State budget deficit. Fast forward 20 years, we are fundraising for upwards of $3 million to add 30 enhanced assisted living and memory care units, and remodeling the existing 16 studio apartments built in 1995. The State of Minnesota has a budget surplus, our rates for 2022 came in today after a seven month delay, and the state of the larger long term care industry is at a turning point. History is indeed repeating itself.
The Long Term Imperative (a collaboration for changes in older adult services) published survey results in April 2022 that revealed the average nursing home will lose more than $800,000 in 2022 and over 40 facilities have indicated they may need to close. Advocates for long term care introduced bill SF 4410, which passed the Minnesota Senate on April 26, 2022. This bill would have provided permanent increases to caregiver wages. Using just 6% of the budget surplus would have increased caregiver wages to $25/hour. We need our legislators to call a special session and pass this bill. Long term care facilities throughout Minnesota, especially rural Minnesota are at risk.
Our expansion will enable us to continue the process of diversification however had groundbreaking happened on schedule, this still would not solve the immediate state of the long-term care industry. Expansion is a long-term strategy and very much in process. While the original financing structure has become less feasible, we continue to not only work with agencies who step in to ensure these care center services critical to the success of our communities remain viable but also review all opportunities that will help us meet our long-range goals. At Oak Hills, we care for those who can no longer care for themselves, and it is highly likely that we will all need some level of care in our lives. Thank you for helping us keep these services locally operated and viable for years to come. We need your continued support and understanding that we are doing our due diligence to ensure funding, grants, donations and reimbursement are being allocated responsibly.
Support Oak Hills
Register today to join us for a fun filled day at the New Ulm Country Club to benefit Oak Hills. Click here to register.
Step 1: Mark your calendars for August 15th and watch our website and Facebook page for a registration link.
Step 2: Register for the virtual race ($20) and build your page to fundraise
Step 3: Link your wearable to track your activity and start logging miles for Oak Hills!
Questions: call 507-233-0851 or [email protected]
Thank you for voting Oak Hills Living Center The Journal’s 2022 readers choice for skilled nursing facility. We greatly appreciate the support of all of our community members including gifts totaling $1,152,641 for our capital campaign as of 8/2/2022.
COVID-19
COVID -19 transmission levels remain high in Brown County. Oak Hills experienced an outbreak in July in residents and staff. We were out of outbreak on 7/19/2022. Unfortunately, an additional case has been reported and we again are on outbreak. Thank you for continuing to follow masking and social distancing requirements within our facility.
Oak Hills Living Center received a grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services for COVID-19 Visitation air filtration. This $3,000 grant allowed us to purchase 7 large room air filters and 15 small room air filters and the replacement filters associated with each type.
Staff Celebrate Years of Service
Mandi Malcolm has achieved vast experience at Oak Hills over the past 15 years. From TMA to medical records and nursing she following the practice of caring for the whole person. We thank her for leading by example helping in the dining room and keeping living areas neat and tidy. Mandi sets such a positive example of leadership and hard work she has the respect of her staff and co-workers. Thank you Mandi and congratulations!
For the past 18 years, Kara Fluegge has grown and expanded her skills through the positions of RNA, TMA, Nurse-Assisted Living, Charge Nurse, Skills Instructor and currently our PIPP leader. Her ability to look at things from the vantage point of all of her experiences make her a valuable part of our Team. Thank you for helping in so many different ways!
August Employee Anniversaries
| Name | Hire Year |
| Barbara Waibel | 1993 |
| Paula Evers | 1999 |
| Nicole Blekestad | 2011 |
| Mary Thom | 2011 |
| Sabina Traulich | 2012 |
| Faith Palmer | 2013 |
| Taylor Weyhrauch | 2014 |
| Sarah Wieland | 2015 |
| Lexi Krosch | 2016 |
| Julie Portner | 2016 |
| Linda Fulkerson | 2017 |
| Briann Anderson | 2018 |
| Emmilla Turner | 2018 |
| Scott Hogan | 2020 |
| Katelyn Becker | 2021 |
| Tamara Hellendrung | 2021 |
Employee of the Month
Congratulations to employee of the month, Emmy Munson. Emmy was nominated by co-workers as being a dedicated staff member who is willing to help both residents and staff. Thank you for your dedication and ability to bring joy to our home!
Meet a Resident
Frank S.’s favorite childhood memory is playing ball games at school. He dedicated his career making cabs for tractors. A good meal includes sauerkraut, ring sausage or pork roast or mashed potatoes and gravy. At Oak Hills he enjoys activities that include music! Thanks, Frank, we are glad you are here:)
