I am thinking about “legacy” this month. Legacy has always been one of those words that sounds like a reference to something old or something in the past. But for me, the word is much more today! I see it as something we are creating together at The Wesleyan as a team. This issue shares just a few examples of the legacy of service you are building every day; what we celebrate when we say, “you make it matter.”
Another word or words we will be talking about this month are “values.” Values are something that hold an organization together for the people it serves. They express our sense of purpose and how we work together. With your help and participation, we are starting a project to explore and identify The Wesleyan’s core values. Be sure to read more about this project in this issue.
We recently completed our resident satisfaction survey and we have been sharing the results with our communities. I am proud to report to you that the care and service you provide our residents are consistently ranked the highest in what we do best! This was also reflected in the open-ended questions. In other words, teammates are clearly making it matter every day!
Finally, back to the word, “legacy.” The Wesleyan Homes Foundation received a generous gift last month from the family of Hubert Jones, whose mother, Annetta, spent her final years at our former long-term care facility, The Wesleyan at Scenic. The gift, which is designated to be used for capital improvement (repairs, renovations, etc.), recognizes the compassionate care Annetta Jones received at a vulnerable time of life. These impressions were lasting and are another validation of how much our teammates’ connections do matter. This is our legacy of care and service, one we should all be proud to be part of!
Thank you as always for making it matter.
Bethany Sisneroz, LNFA
President and CEO
WHO IS MAKING IT MATTER
Mitul Bhakta, Community Relations
Shout-out from Leslie Rozeff, outside client
Good Afternoon Jennifer,
I wanted to formally go on the record to recognize the amazing work of Mitul. I’m very discerning so it’s a pretty high bar for me to write to someone about great work, etc.
I want to personally commend Mitul for the fantastic job he has done over the past month on behalf of my family. He called me after hours the first day I made an inquiry and has continued to be super responsive to all emails/calls on weekends, evenings, etc.
He is a shining star, great representative of Wesleyan and personally knew all residents and their histories. I came to tour with a friend, and he also immediately wanted to move his mother there.
I’ve continued to be in touch at least twice a week with Mitul regarding waiting list, parents functioning and assessments, and them coming to take a tour. They are up here in the Georgetown area for a visit and we took a tour yesterday. My mother was super, super resistant, and we didn’t even know if she would agree to take the tour. As usual, Mitul did a wonderful job of putting them at ease.
The staff spent so much time just getting to know my parents. There was a gentleman, whose name I can’t recall, who was a wait staff. He was so committed, kind, and spent a long time talking with us about the facility and the food (Super important as Mom was previously a gourmet cook).
Almost immediately into the tour my Mom was beaming and my Dad in the middle of it said, “I think, your Mom really likes it and she’s been won over.” I really attribute it to Mitul’s professionalism, responsiveness and ability to engage and truly care about residence and potential residents.
We want to acknowledge this and thank him very very much!
Kind regards,
Leslie Rozeff
Maintenance Team, IL
Shout-out from Ann Bell, resident
I want to thank everyone who had a part in replacing my windows. I know it was done with a great deal of expense and time for many and I want you all to know how much I appreciate it. It was a difficult adventure at times, but everyone persevered until it all came together in the end.
Nancy Day went the extra mile in helping add the decorative film at the top of the window. Now the view from my bedroom window is so clear I can actually take pictures through the glass of the deer playing in the pond. (Frankie is also grateful that he can better monitor the birds’ flight patterns outside HIS window.)
Thanks again to everyone involved, you are the best.
Eva Carrizales
Shout-out from Joe Urias, Independent Living resident
Here is our administrator hard at work doing what is necessary to make our home look as good as possible. She and Clayton (from our maintenance team) powered washed every east and west independent living porch entrance, including the entrance to our bistro. They worked all day, in the heat, to get it done!
This young lady continues to surprise me with the things she does around here to make The Wesleyan a better place to live.
Wanda Eckols, HR
Shout-out from Holly Hallen, Director of Marketing
I hate to admit it, but I am a little afraid of technology. Especially office machines like big color copiers! I find they are always breaking down (usually in the middle of a job) and it is hard to find help. That is why I want to give a shout-out to Wanda Eckols from HR for helping me with a two-sided job on a deadline! She helped me through the printing process. All 100 copies were perfect. Thank you, Wanda for your great customer service!
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
Listening to Teammates
One of the key recommendations from our engagement survey conducted last fall was to identify The Wesleyan’s core values and what they mean to teammates. Many responders shared that understanding core values is vital to how we work together, as well as our culture.
Bethany and Michele will be leading a process to define our core values, with the participation of teammates, over the next several months.
Here are some of their thoughts as they begin this process.
Q: Don’t we already have values? What about purpose, passion and possibilities?
M: (Michele) Those words are an expression of values that came out of a process that focused mostly on residents…what the organization offers residents. And I think that gives them a bit of a different focus. Our process will be driven by understanding teammates’ points of view to ensure the resulting values are meaningful to the daily experience of working at The Wesleyan.
B: (Bethany) It might be that we find that one or more of those words — purpose, passion and possibilities — is relevant to teammates as well, but we need to determine that through our process. That’s why it will be crucial to engage teammates from every level and each facility!
Q: So, what is the difference between the You Make It Matter campaign and core values?
B: The YMIM campaign is about culture building; a message to individual teammates, we see you, we value you. Core values are about the organization. They are the value proposition from the organization’s perspective or guideposts (of the organization) that will help you do your job successfully.
M: I think values will provide the “context” of how we work and how we work together. This project is important because we will be finding the voice of teammates. The resulting values will be an expression of that voice!
B: If we do our process right, our values will help give teammates a sense of purpose and an understanding of how they contribute to the organization.
Q: What are your thoughts on how you will roll out this process?
B: Michele and I are committed to ensuring this will be inclusive of teammates from all departments…from each facility. We want to make sure this process is authentic; that is the only way it will be successful. We plan to host a series of work groups to include teammates from around our organization.
Q: When can we expect to hear results from this process?
M: We are planning ongoing communication around this process and again, we want to be sure it is inclusive. It is so important that core values are defined by our teammates. It may take a few months to ensure as many groups as possible within our organization have a voice.
Q: Anything else about the process?
B: The process is as important as where we end up with core values, I think. This is a chance for us to learn from caregivers and service providers about their day-to-day experiences in serving our residents. The process will be a safe space and we will keep it real! If we listen, there is a lot we can learn together. I look forward to it!
INSPIRATION MATTERS
Being the First in the Business of Lasts
by Jacob Butler, Director of Dining Services, IL
This may not be a comfortable topic for most people, but it is a reality of the industry we are in. We strive to be the best when it comes to resident care, dining, activities, amenities, etc. We want to be the first place people think of when they think about retirement living or healthcare needs. People look at the services we provide through all levels of care, and though it may not always be discussed, we could likely be the last place someone calls home.
From a food perspective, we serve last meals. My boss tells me this all the time. This is something I know, and that a lot of us know well. I think back to my grandmother. I tell people that she is the reason I became a chef. She taught me to cook, and I had the honor of making her last meal. She wanted a big BBQ with all the family there, but she didn’t eat. She didn’t feel up to it at that time. Later that day she just wanted a simple grilled cheese sandwich. She was so happy to have that sandwich. I remember the smile on her face as she enjoyed each bite, like it was something she was experiencing for the first time. She didn’t eat after that, and we lost her three days later. I tell the story of my grandmother because that is who we serve. We serve grandparents, and many times, they truly are our adoptive grandparents. We love them like family, and we want our family to have the best, but we must accept that it could be their last.
We must be able to step back from what we are doing and ask ourselves if it is the best it can be. Think about how you would feel if the service you receive is under par. Would you want that? I think the answer is no. Often, we get wrapped up in the day-to-day issues that we have and forget about the big picture. I could be putting food on that resident’s plate for the last time. Would I want that to be my last meal? Does it look good? Taste good? If your answer is no, then why do it? Work toward the end product being something you are proud of. Let it be something that you would stand behind as a last meal.
I know that this is tailored more toward food; that’s my forte, but you can apply this mentality to anything we do around here. Housekeeping, maintenance, activities and administration can all look at the service they provide to the resident and ask if it is worthy of being a “last.” We are not perfect, and we will fall short, but we must try. We must put the best foot forward every day. That is how we can be the “First in the Business of Lasts.”
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
Taking Care of Your Mental Health
With our Mutual of Omaha Employee Assistance Program, you can get the help you need so you spend less time worrying about the challenges in your life.
Our Employee Assistance Program offers resources on a variety of financial, well-being, behavioral and mental health topics.
Managing Stress Over a Lifetime
From EAP Series Article
Watch what you eat.
Give your body proper nutrients and vitamins every day. Eliminate the majority of unnecessary, unhealthy calories. Watch the caffeine and sugar intake — too much will have you on a roller coaster.
Exercise every day.
If this feels like work, then reframe it in your mind to simply getting up and moving around often. Your muscles and bones will stay stronger and more flexible, your circulation will improve, and you will even be able to think more clearly. The benefits are enormous.
Get proper rest.
Know how much sleep you require to function at your best. Then go back to #1 and #2 and be sure you aren’t losing sleep due to too much caffeine or not enough exercise.
For additional resources and assistance, visit MutualofOmaha.com/eap or call an Employee Assistance Program professional at 1-800-316-2796.
SAFETY MATTERS
Prioritizing Teammate Well-being
Our mission is to create a safe and healthy work environment through ongoing education and prevention awareness.
As part of an overall Workplace Safety Program, The Wesleyan is dedicated to creating and fostering a safe and injury-free workplace for all employees, residents and visitors.
Why is June National Safety Month?
In 1996, the National Safety Council (NSC) established June as National Safety Month to increase awareness of health and safety risks to decrease injuries and deaths among workers in the United States.
Stay Safe at Work and Home
In 1996, the National Safety Council (NSC) established June as National Safety Month to increase awareness of health and safety risks to decrease injuries and deaths among workers in the United States.
Join us in observing National Safety Month as we work together to highlight leading causes of preventable injury and death, so people can live their fullest lives.
HYDRATION is Key to Maintaining Health and Safety!
Staying hydrated is always important for optimal body functioning, but especially during the hot and humid months. That’s because fluids are lost through sweat, which happens a lot more often in the summer. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, make sure you keep water with you and drink it often. Consuming foods with high water content — think melons, lettuce, cucumbers, etc. — can also help you stay hydrated to avoid heat illnesses.
- Be prepared for anything by checking the weather before you head outside.
- Lather on sunscreen anytime you're outdoors.
- Wear the right clothing and accessories.
- Pack a refillable water bottle and first aid kit.
- Be vigilant about water safety.
- Know the risks and signs of heat exhaustion.
- Never leave your pets or children unattended in a car.
YOUR HEALTH & NUTRITION MATTERS
Superfood – Kale!
Kale…You love it or you hate it. It is good for you but does not always go down well. Some folks hate the bitterness of it, but when cooked right it is great! For those that don’t like it, try it in a smoothie…Gina at the Bistro can whip one up on Smoothie Saturday pretty quickly.
About Kale
- Kale is more closely related to cabbage than other leafy greens.
- There are over 50 varieties of kale that come in all colors, but they all taste about the same.
- Kale loves cooler weather and is ready to eat when it is around the size of your hand.
- Kale stems can grow up to seven feet tall.
- Kale fruit is a seed pod that is filled with small black seeds — but it doesn’t taste great.
Fun Facts
- The average American only eats 2-3 cups of kale per year.
- Kale has been cultivated for around 6,000 years.
- Kale, though naturally bitter, will taste sweet after surviving a frost.
- A British group cross-bred kale and brussel sprouts. They call it “Hipster’s Dream” or “Flower Sprouts.”
- Kale is a superfood that is extremely affordable to anyone.
- Pizza Hut was once the largest purchaser of kale for use as garnish on their buffets.
Nutritional Facts
- One serving of kale has more calcium than an 8 oz. carton of milk.
- Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat at 33 calories per cup raw. It contains 684% vitamin K, 134% vitamin C, 206% vitamin A, plus iron, folate, omega-3s, magnesium, calcium, iron, fiber and two grams protein.
- Kale is high in antioxidants.
- It can be used as a natural way to help someone sober up.
- Too much of it can cause hyperthyroidism in iodine-deficient people.
HOW I MAKE IT MATTER
Serving Residents as Members of My Own Family
Suzy White, Transportation Team
As part of The Wesleyan Transportation Team, Suzy describes her days as “crazytypical” in one word. There is no “routine” day she explains, but she is quick to say “this is the work I love.” Suzy is a self-described “people” person (although she is passionate about protecting homeless animals) and enjoys being part of the daily lives of The Wesleyan residents she serves.
Before joining the Transportation Team six years ago, Suzy had just lost her mother. She believes that somehow, in her mother’s place, “she was given 300 people to take care of.” And that is something Suzy takes very seriously. “It is my honor to take care of them as part of their Wesleyan family,” she says.
Interacting with residents, driving to and from medical appointments, Suzy understands their ups and downs. She views the “one-on-one time” of these trips as important, “a lot of medical appointments are serious,” she points out. If needed she will help residents register for appointments and wait until they are ready to return home. “I always try to understand the circumstances and make resident’s as comfortable as possible”.
In addition to the “crazytypical” trips that might make up her day, Suzy describes how much she enjoys the special day trips with residents that she has been part of over the years. One of her favorites is “Vanishing Rivers of Texas.” Suzy is a proud fifth-generation Texan, and an accomplished fisherman. Prior to The Wesleyan, she worked in security and served in the United States Army for eight years.
MEET THE TEAM
Transportation Team: “The work we do here is special”
Every day members of the Transportation Team are making a difference in the lives of residents of all The Wesleyan communities. From trips to healthcare providers, shopping at Wolf Ranch, runs to pick up prescriptions at CVS and Walgreens, grocery shopping at HEB and Randall’s, to Sunday church service, “the Transportation Team makes it possible for residents to do everything they would do if they had a car,” says Carmen Anglada, Transportation Supervisor. This mobility also includes special getaways
with day trips outside the routine, such as outings to Topsey Exotic Ranch and a Lunch Bunch trip to B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub at Mueller, as just a couple of examples.
As the manager of the Transportation Team, Carmen works as a dispatcher, creating schedules and assigning drivers to meet residents‘ requests. “It can be challenging covering all three communities, but I try to accommodate everyone, even last-minute requests.” She adds, “I love what I do and so do our drivers!”
In addition to covering all of Georgetown, the team will drive residents as far north as Temple or into metropolitan Austin. The transportation team is made up of seven drivers and eight vehicles. Carmen explains drivers see themselves as family members in the service they provide. They are “there for our residents,” sometimes driving them to a critical appointment to hear good news or bad, she says” This requires heart and flexibility. As Carmen says, “it takes a special person to be part of the team. Our residents see our drivers as family, and they are often their heroes”.
MATTERS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
Follow Us to See What Everyone is Up To
Your teammates are involved in fun and creative activities throughout The Wesleyan’s facilities. Be sure to follow us on social media to see new teammates, event recaps and photos. Don’t miss out on all the fun!
