Supporting Each Patient’s Choices and Rights

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By Sarah Scott, DOR, Draper Rehabilitation & Care, Draper, Utah
Draper Rehab is a place where the patients are supported to the best of their ability to participate in activities which are meaningful and important to them. This is not always easy and as a team the IDT works together to identify if a way exists to safely support each patient’s choices and rights.

This was evident today on a beautiful late Spring Day. Paula has been attending church services held at Draper Rehab each Sunday. The congregation which meets here is an extension of a larger congregation in the community. Church members coordinate with our Recreational Therapy department to hold scripture classes during the week where members from the community come and teach weekly lessons. This allows our residents to participate in activities consistent with those from earlier periods of their lives.

Paula attended religion classes and church services and determined that she wanted to be baptized. “I went to church with my friends as a young woman and loved it. I always wanted to be baptized but didn’t get around to it.” To be baptized into the church Paula chose, she needed to be “baptized by emersion” meaning she needed to be fully submerged in water for the baptism. Despite the inherent challenges with this, Paula was determined and asked several staff members to help her.

One of Paula’s supporters is Corina, a PTA in therapy. Corina grew up an orphan in Romania. She attributes this fact to her passionate support of freedoms, religious and otherwise, of all. The church contacted the owner of a home located 2 houses down from Draper Rehab, and the homeowner agreed to the use of his pool for the baptism. On her own time, Corina scouted the location, prepared Paula, and trained those who would support Paula during her baptism. Corina came in on Saturday, donating her time, to facilitate the event. Draper’s DOR Sarah was MOD that day, and accompanied three of Paula’s friends, fellow residents, to attend the baptism to ensure safe navigation of the route. Paula’s friend and fellow resident said, “We would not have missed this for the world!”

Afterwards, Paula wore a new denim dress, purchased by Corina for her friend Paula, to a pizza party coordinated by Recreational Therapy Manager Whitney. Paula beamed as the group enjoyed pizza, chatted about the day’s events, and shared pictures of the baptism with those friends unable to attend. It was a celebration.

Paula’s friends and supporters

The route included two doorways, four gates, 200 yards of uneven sidewalk, and 100 feet of grass. It was a memorable adventure that was accomplished with safety due to community and facility collaboration.

Moment of Truth

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By Dawn Boisvert, DOR, Millennium Post Acute Rehab, West Columbia, SC
In today’s ever-changing health care system, the skilled nursing industry tends to be getting more acute residents with each passing year. This has allowed us, at Millennium Post-Acute Rehab in West Columbia, SC, to step up the bar and the expectations of skilled nursing. We are the only ventilator facility in South Carolina, with an average of 30 vent patients and 22 trach patients. We have a very robust team of nurses, CNAs, respiratory therapists, PT/PTAs, OT/COTAs, and SLPs. With all the staff that assist with our airway patients, there is one department that seems to be standing in the spotlight. This department forges new heights daily with our most acute patients. They are advocates, supporters, listening ears, a shoulder to cry on, and the provider of ice chips, honey buns, pudding, and “real regular” water. They are most definitely one of OUR Millennium superstars. I would love to introduce to you, our two full time SLPs: Melissa Alexander and Juliann Nay.


This is what some of their patients said about them:

  • “Melissa was the first person to ever listen to me.”
  • “Melissa takes care of me no matter what I need.”
  • If something is going on with me, Melissa will check on me several times throughout the day.
  • “I love Juliann’s friendliness and attitude. She’s just awesome. She even let me have her Christmas sweater.”
  • “Juliann is so sweet with a little mischief.”

These ladies give 110% to their patients everyday they walk through the doors at Millennium. Their main focus each day is work side by side with RT to build up the residents’ respiratory muscle strength to allow for vent weaning, capping, speaking valves, pharyngeal strengthening to allow for FEEs and diet upgrades, oral care, memory strategies, medication management, safety awareness, and SO MUCH MORE.

Millennium is truly blessed to have these two dedicated SLPs that deeply care about the well being and quality of life for each resident that they evaluate and treat. You can always find these two purchasing their residents’ favorite snacks, meals, and goodies once they pass their swallow study. Here’s a few extra things that they do to enhance the resident’s quality of life: they help nursing/PT/OT get residents out of bed for meals/activities, they bring their residents clothing, they drop what they are doing at any moment to help a resident or another staff member in need. There are no boundaries with this dynamic duo. They even have the nickname of “sliding board queens” by OT staff.

We are so thankful that Melissa and Juliann are a part of the Millennium family!!! Please help us celebrate all they do to make each residents Millennium experience better!!!

Wound Care Program Builds IDT Passion

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By Kayleigh Burns PT, DPT, DOR, The Villages of Dallas, TX
Dignifying long-term care in the eyes of the world through moments of truth is something I repeat to myself daily. I often think, how can I use my position of leadership to lead a movement that strives for this exact thought? As the new DOR in a very established team, I was faced with the task of not only providing a fresh perspective but also providing a revival of passion within this team. Very quickly, I started to notice that passion-driven treatments were not talked about or inspired/supported regularly. I quickly reached out to some other DORs who I knew could inspire this positive change within my team and began to set the tone of purpose-driven treatments. I wanted to change the mindset from just seeing a patient for the time scheduled, to letting us use each day as an opportunity to create an impact and inspire unique moments that make this incredible population’s life worth living.

One therapist began to passionately talk about wound care within our facility. The excitement I saw in his eyes when he talked about the past wound care programs was the exact same excitement I wanted to reignite within this team. Through the support of our local Resource and Keystone’s Resource, we were able to not only attend a wound care course but also establish our building as an Ultramist trial building. We have not only been able to successfully heal wounds in outpatient, which then helps to keep the autonomy of care for our patients, but we have also been able to assist with wound care for our long-term care residents. Wound care has created opportunities for us to not only better support our patients and provide opportunities for our therapist passions to be supported, but most importantly it has also helped to reconnect Therapy and Nursing in this building. By supporting the continuum of interdisciplinary care and helping carry the burden of our Nursing partners, our building is better when we work together. We are committed to bettering long-term care one wound at a time!

Capturing the Dimensions of Wellness

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By Shelby Donahoo, Bandera Therapy Resource, Tucson, Arizona
Jordan Monson, ED at Park Avenue Health and Rehabilitation in Tucson, Arizona, attended a breakout session at the Arizona Health Care Association meeting on Wellness Programming. The training was modeled after the “Dimensions of Wellness” concept by the International Council on Active Aging.

The seven dimensions of holistic wellness include: Physical, Social, Spiritual, Vocational, Emotional, Environmental, and Intellectual. Jordan was inspired to expand opportunities for quality of life for those within his facility and quickly assembled a committee consisting of Leaders from Activities, Therapy, and Social Services. The team created a calendar of activities using the dimensions of wellness to ensure comprehensive programming.

Above is an example calendar of events at Park Avenue. Options include Yoga, Tai Chi, Gardening Club, Memory Joggers, Aromatherapy, Poker, Baking Club, Spiritual/Religious Services, Coffee Bar, Drumming, Artistic Expressions, and Seasonal Celebrations.

With Activities and Rehab leading the groups, skilled and long-term care residents participated. It was as though the facility woke up from a long sleep that was COVID. Patients were asking to get up, as they were able to find meaningful activities to motivate them. Residents began forming “friend groups.” People began to have fun nicknames for each other. Quoting therapy staff, “The residents love it. They are happier than they’ve been in a long time.”

As with all new endeavors, the facility had to stick with it, working out the kinks. For Therapy, it was another ”mindset change” on how to deliver services. This program allows Park Avenue to be ahead of the curve in terms of providing functional therapy to patients who have limited resources now and in the future.

Shout-out to Jacob Barnes, TPM, CTO, and Simone Nakfoor, OTR/TEACHA, for their continued contribution to the Wellness Program.

Therapy Recruiting Resources: The Future of Recruiting

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Submitted by Carly Peevers, M.S, CCC-SLP: Therapy Recruiter for Summit; ID, NV, UT
Since COVID-19, therapy and the recruiting world have shifted significantly. With staffing shortages, uncertainty, and so many new challenges, recruiters have had to step up their game. From January 2020 through December 2022, it was reported that our Therapy Recruiters hired about 2,582 new therapists nationwide, which equates to about 73 new therapists a month. Although these have been trying times, these numbers are phenomenal. Potential candidates love to hear from actual treating therapists, so many markets have started to use our very own therapists as therapy recruiters. Brilliant, right? Who better to represent the CAPLICO experience than our very own therapists who have lived, breathed, and loved our unique culture?

Our Therapy Recruiter Resources are elevating the recruiting field by increasing school/student and facility relationships, attending career fairs, attending therapy conferences, holding mixers, and increasing their social media presence. Their innovative ideas and styles are reaching therapists around the country and the world and helping increase our presence to help LEAD a therapy movement.

Listed below are the Therapy Recruiter Resources Ensign-affiliated facilities. Please reach out to them with any recruiting or marketing needs:
● Andy Cisneros PTA, CTO: Keystone Texas East and Keystone Enspire
● Angie Taylor COTA: Midwest: Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin
● Ashley Keenan, M.S, CCC-SLP: Keystone Texas West and North
● Carly Peevers, M.S, CCC-SLP: Summit; Idaho, Nevada, Utah
● Jay Jupillo COTA/L: Keystone North East Texas
● Lyda Latagliata, MOT, OTR/L: Bandera: Arizona, Pennant: Washington, Monument: South Carolina
● Paul Medvene: Flagstone: California
● Scott Hollander PT, DPT CEEAA, CTO: Theratroopers

Mark Woods Honored with the Natalie Blasczienski Award 2023

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By: Jon Anderson, PT, Therapy Resource
It is with great pride and admiration that we announce the recipient of this year’s Natalie Blasczienski Award: Mark Woods. Mark was honored for this accomplishment at the Annual Therapy Leadership meeting and at a celebration held at his facility. This prestigious award, created in memory of the extraordinary Natalie Blasczienski, recognizes therapy leaders who exemplify the qualities that made Natalie such an incredible human being. Natalie’s unwavering dedication to helping others, her love for her family and friends, and her remarkable spirit continue to inspire us all.

Mark Woods, the Director of Rehabilitation (DOR) at Pleasant Valley Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Garland, Texas, has made a lasting impact on his team, the facility, and its residents. Through a rigorous nomination process, Therapy teams from across our affiliates shared countless stories of Mark’s unconditional love, unwavering dedication, and strong leadership, especially in times of adversity.

Mark’s morning inspirational texts, appreciation for his team’s growth, and weekend grilling sessions for PRN staff are just a few examples of how he consistently demonstrates his love and support for his team. His kind-hearted actions, such as providing a ride to a resident who would have otherwise missed church service, show his genuine compassion for the people he serves.

In his relatively short time as a DOR, Mark has already had a significant impact on his facility. By leading meetings focused on the question, “Would you send your loved one here?”, Mark has driven positive change and improvement in the resident experience. His commitment to education and professional development has resulted in the addition of 14 new full-time team members and the implementation of evidence-based programs that have improved quality measures.

Mark’s exceptional leadership was particularly evident during the Texas snow apocalypse, when he worked tirelessly at the facility, helping residents and cleaning up after multiple bursting pipes, or through his thoughtful support for a staff member facing the devastating loss of her child. These efforts further underscore his compassionate nature and unwavering dedication to his team.

We are thrilled to honor Mark Woods with the 2023 Natalie Blasczienski Award. His inspiring actions, devotion to his team, and embodiment of the qualities that made Natalie such a remarkable individual make him more than deserving of this prestigious recognition. Congratulations, Mark, and thank you for your continued dedication to enriching the lives of those around you.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

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By: Jon Anderson, PT, Therapy Resource
We had such an incredible video shared by some of our colleagues at the Annual Therapy Leadership Meeting as it relates to their journey/struggles/wins in facing mental health challenges. Let’s not lose momentum around the importance of understanding/recognizing mental health issues. Awareness has become an increasingly important topic in recent years, as people have started to recognize the impact that mental health can have on their overall well-being. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and taking care of your mental health is essential for leading a fulfilling life.

One of the most important things you can do for your mental health is to be aware of it. This means understanding the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and knowing when to seek help. It also means being aware of the stigma that is often associated with mental health and working to break down those barriers.

Self-care is an essential component of mental health awareness. Self-care refers to the actions that you take to care for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Here are some ideas on things you can do to practice self-care:

  1. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, without judgment. This can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall well-being. Try incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine by practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises.
  2. Get enough sleep: Sleep is crucial for mental health. Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, anxiety, and depression. Make sure you are getting enough sleep each night, and try to establish a regular sleep routine.
  3. Exercise: Exercise is not only good for your physical health, but it can also have a positive impact on your mental health. Exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve your mood. Try to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, even if it’s just a short walk around the block.
  4. Connect with others: Connection with others is essential for mental health. Make time to connect with friends and family, and consider joining a support group or seeking out counseling if you are struggling.
  5. Take breaks: It’s important to take breaks throughout the day to recharge and rejuvenate. This can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, going for a walk, or taking a short nap.
  6. Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself. Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend.
  7. Limit social media: social media can be overwhelming and contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. Consider limiting your social media use or taking a break from it altogether.

Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health. Practicing self-care and being aware of your mental health can help you lead a happier, healthier life. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, don’t hesitate to seek help. There are so many resources available within the organization, and you don’t have to go through it alone. Check out all of our Wellness Resources available at: https://www.ensignbenefits.com/health-wellness/mentalhealth

Outpatient Success Story at Patriot Heights

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By Deepa Basil, DOR, Patriot Heights, San Antonio, TX
In the outpatient therapy program here at Patriot Heights, our therapists see many people from all walks of life. Sadly, many of our patients come to us during some of the most difficult times in their lives, but there is a silver lining to this! Our favorite part is seeing the therapy transformations from start to finish! Making a difference in people’s lives is what we do, and our patients would certainly agree that we do it exceptionally well.

We would like you to meet Joe! Joe came to our therapy program in the form of a skilled nursing stay in January 2022 after a fall incident in which he sustained a femur fracture and underwent surgery. Joe was admitted to our skilled nursing facility for short-term rehabilitation. After his discharge from our skilled nursing, Joe was seeing such great results with our therapy team, he chose to continue with our Outpatient therapy program and contacted Jessy Garcia, our outpatient coordinator. By his side the whole way, he had his loving and devoted wife taking care of him while also getting a front-row seat to his amazing progress day by day! We would like to take the time to highlight some of the praises she has voiced for our therapy team and share a bit about Joe’s story with you as one of our most exceptional success stories!

“Dear therapy team, thanks for ALL the love and compassion you showed Joe! You all went far beyond the call of duty meeting him where he was… in his hour of need! You all treated him with such dignity and respect; we love and appreciate you! [He went] From bedridden to a walk down in the park, thanks to prayers and your therapy program!

He feels loved and accepted at the gym. He is rather quiet and/or shy but the community he feels there has brought out a new facet of his personality. It thrills me to see him so ready to get up at 6AM to get to therapy on time… 92 but Joe is in PERFECT Health. Thank you for your major role in providing this for him!

[Recently] Joe walked at home for 30 minutes Saturday, 20 Minutes Sunday, and then 45 minutes at the park. This was our first walk in the park. It has a slow incline and is asphalt. His legs got really tired. Upset? No! He said ‘We need to do this more often!’

Saturday I assisted Joe in the shower. He always clutches two safety bars, I use a washcloth with soap to wash him all over, and I hold the shower wand. He said, ‘May I have the washcloth, please?’ He took it, got it wet, and put soap on it. He used both hands and washed himself from head to toe. With perfect balance, and with me only helping by washing his back, he took the towel and completely dried himself — a first! He was so pleased!

Three cheers for Joe’s therapists!! Every one of you has contributed to this success story! THANK YOU, therapy team! God bless you for caring!”.

Yoga Clip Reflection - Leaning In

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By Michelle Mitev, Therapy Resource, Monument, South Carolina
Well, this happened… (https://vimeo.com/822770838?share=copy) and was subsequently played in front of everyone at the Leadership Experience! After this clip was played (in front of hundreds!), I received high fives, compliments, and praise. Big “wows” and “How did you do that?!”

What folks probably saw was me! Almost an optical illusion. Up in the air, spinning, upside down. Major smiles. An undeniably cool thing.

There are a few things that I want my peers to know …

I was unprepared. I wasn’t stoked for the early wake-up but was determined not to let my new peer down. I didn’t know what “acro yoga” was until Tyrah laid down and told me to lean on her feet (omg!). It was freezing! I felt incapable. I felt unsure what would happen if I tried. I wasn’t even sure what was happening the majority of the time!

What folks might not have noticed: Tyrah, strong and steady, holding me up. What folks might not have heard: Tyrah, calm and confident, instructing me one step at a time.

I left the beach on a high. I felt SO proud (Did I really just do THAT?). I left the beach changed. I had tried something completely new and unknown to me. I literally and metaphorically leaned on my partner. She literally and metaphorically elevated me.

Growth comes from conquering uncomfortable moments. And we are the lucky ones and ought not to forget it! Within our organization our growth is exponential because of who we are as individuals and as peer groups. We are our best when we steadfastly pursue new opportunities while leaning on our relationships to help us through the journey. I am SO grateful to Tyrah.

I suppose my message is to recognize you, Tyrah; to lean into new and potentially uncomfortable experiences; and to let go. Then take pride in your effort. Practice gratefulness. (And repeat indefinitely.)

Welcome to our New Flagstone Facilities

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Submitted by: Roxie Maceda, Lead MDS Resource of Flagstone
February 1, 2023 was a very special day for Flagstone. It was the day when 17 new facilities joined our growing bigger and happier family. Apart from celebrating with them, we made sure we did education activities. Even before 2/1, we already had some boot camp sessions with their ED’s, DON’s and Therapy. We also had 4 PDPM Basic Workshops last February 15, 16, 17 and 28. The workshops included the Facility IDT, and these were hosted by the Flagstone MDS, Clinical, Therapy, AR Resources and Compliance partners. Our topics included PDPM in a Nutshell, MSCA and CCA Audit preparedness, the different roles each IDT member plays in PDPM, To IPA or not IPA and Waiver updates. Since they joined us, we’ve introduced the many great and handy PDPM tools and Tips sheets with them. We also did some fun ice breakers in between topics. To make it a full circle, after the PDPM Workshops, they all then participated in the IDT Master Class.

One month has passed since our new facilities have joined us and looking at their metrics and performances, we are proud to say, despite the hiccups here and there, the overall transition was a very big success. This successful outcome is due in major part to the collaboration of all the Resources and openness of our 17 new members. There were many partners throughout the organization who travelled all the way to the Golden State and from the Flagstone family, we Thank each one of you!

Welcome to our Family!

  1. Grand Terrace Health Care Ctr in Grand Terrace, Ca. (59 beds)
  2. Palm Terrace Care Center in Riverside, Ca. (75 beds)
  3. Garden View Post-Acute Rehab in Baldwin Park, Ca. (97 beds)
  4. Ramona in El Monte, Ca. (148 beds)
  5. Lake Balboa Care Center in Van Nuys, Ca. (50 beds)
  6. Chatsworth Park Health Care in Chatsworth, Ca. (128 beds)
  7. Danville Post-Acute Rehab in Danville, Ca. (53 beds)
  8. Pacifica Nursing & Rehab Ctr in Pacifica, Ca. (68 beds)
  9. Fairfield Post-Acute Rehab in Fairfield, Ca. (99 beds)
  10. Fairmont Rehabilitation Hosp in Lodi, Ca. (59 beds)
  11. Beachside Nursing Center in Huntington Beach, Ca. (59 beds)
  12. Coventry Court Health Center in Anaheim, Ca. (97 beds)
  13. New Orange Hills (Orange Coast) in New Orange, Ca. (145 beds)
  14. Alamitos-Belmont Rehab Hosp in Long Beach, Ca. (94 beds)
  15. Broadway by the Sea in Long Beach, Ca. (98 beds)
  16. Edgewater Skilled Nursing Ctr in Long Beach, Ca. (81 beds)
  17. Lomita Post-Acute Care Center in Lomita, Ca. (71 beds)