One local assisted living facility recently received a stamp of approval from a state-wide organization serving older adults.
Decker’s Family Care was named a Confident Choice for Senior Living by the Aging Services of Minnesota, which is a group of senior housing providers throughout Minnesota.
Decker’s Family Care started in 1987 with the Ranier Roost location, and in 2003 expanded with the purchase of the Papermaker’s Place location, located west of International Falls. The 23 beds at Ranier Roost and the nine beds at Papermaker’s Place combine in the longest-operating nurshing home alternative in the area.
John Decker, director of nursing and operations, said all credit for the award goes to the staff, who go “above and beyond” what’s expected of them.
“For me, it means an affirmation of quality of our staff, and the care they give to residents,” Decker said. “It highlights us as being above and beyond the expectations the state has for our license.”
The facility has a higher standard when it comes to charting resident progress, Decker said, as well as their creative programs for residents with dementia. He said he hasn’t seen the updated list of Confident Choice facilities, but he believes they’re the only winner in Koochiching County.
Rainy Lake Medical Center announced its recognition of outstanding employees for 2014 at the organization’s annual holiday party on Dec. 12.
Two awards were presented, including a non-nursing category, and a nursing category, known as the Isabelle M. Nilson Award.
The recipient of the 2014 Isabelle M. Nilson Award was Sherry Veillieux, Surgery Center manager. Rod Bowman, maintenance technician, received the 2014 Employee of the Year Award.
“Sherry and Rod are two exemplary employees at RLMC that we are very happy to honor with this distinguished award,” Dan Odegaard, RLMC CEO, said in a release.
Veillieux was nominated by Kris Foss and Kelly Millerbernd.
“Sherry is quick with a smile and shares a genuine happiness with others,” Foss said in a release. “She finds a way to make those around her feel better about themselves, eases their concerns about a situation, and is an overall positive influence for everyone around her.”
“Sherry has a great outgoing personality and is a fun person to be around,” Millerbernd said in a release. “She has incredible work ethic and strives to be the best that she can be, and she is dedicated to the organization and is a great leader.”
Bowman was nominated for Employee of the Year by Chrisanne Polus.
“Rod is always considering others before himself,” Polus said. “Whether it is family, friends, or co-workers he steps up to give that extra hand.”
