While many industries and businesses around the state have been able to gradually reopen their doors with precautions in place during the coronavirus pandemic, the nursing home industry is still in full quarantine mode to protect the safety of residents in long-term care facilities.
To help ease the stress of this situation and to liven up the time on campus, Logan Acres Senior Community staff have planned a variety of creative activities in recent weeks, from a day of planting flowers outdoors on the grounds to a talent show featuring residents and staff and also parade of vehicles through the complex at 2739 County Road 91, Bellefontaine.
“It’s just us inside, so we are finding ways to bring a smile to the residents and offer cheer,” said Laura Haverkos, director of campus marketing. “With the talent show, we were finding out our own talents that we didn’t know we had. It’s been a lot of fun.”
With plenty of gardening supplies ready to go on a sunny June afternoon, Administrator Lorraine Fischio said she was looking forward to digging in the dirt alongside Logan Acres residents.
“Getting the chance to soak up some sunshine is just what we all need,” she said. “It’s good for all of us, and we’ll have the benefit of adding beauty to our grounds and being able to see our handiwork each day.”
Also to boost residents’ spirits, window visits with family and loved ones have been popular, as have visits through various forms of technology to enable individuals to “see” each other despite the distance.
“It’s been a real privilege for us to be able to make these interactions happen,” Fischio said. “I think for everyone during these last several months, these times of staying home and slowing down a little have helped us to re-center and focus on our personal relationships.”
To continue to keep Logan Acres residents safe, staff members’ temperatures are taken at the beginning of each shift and employees working in resident areas wear a mask and a face shield. New residents of the facility also are in quarantine for their first 14 days.
In addition, a recent site visit by the Ohio Department of Health brought praise for the long-term care facility’s infection control set up.
“It takes a lot of work, but we have to continue to be diligent throughout this time,” Haverkos said.
Behind the careful, detail-oriented work during COVID-19 and the creative outlets developed are a caring and compassionate staff, many of whom have grown in their careers at Logan Acres, the administrator and director of campus marketing said.
They related that Director of Nursing Danielle Burk started with the facility as a licensed practical nurse in the capacity of a direct care nurse in 2007. She achieved her registered nurse credential, and then she was a resident care manager, followed by assistant director of nursing and was promoted to her current role.
In addition, Renee Snow began her Logan Acres journey more than 10 years ago as a nurse assistant. Next, she became a registered nurse and now in her role as resident care manager, she oversees the care of 25 residents and the staff that care for them.
Similarly, fellow resident care manager Brittany Hanger has climbed the same ladder with the same backbone of support.
She began her career as nurse assistant, then became a direct care nurse and she moved into her current position, performing rounds with the doctor and serving as a liaison to the families of residents.
“People come in and then they stay with us,” Fischio said of her employees. “Our team supports our staff and helps propel them toward their goals. We love helping people find their ‘home’ in the departments where they can put their skills to work.”
Both Fischio and Haverkos noted that the state tested nurse aide program is an important stepping stone that a number of high school and college students and others are able to pursue. Logan Acres has a partnership with Ohio Hi-Point Career Center and Clark State Community College to fill these clinical spots for pupils.
“We have some wonderful STNAs who work here and appreciate all of their work and interactions with residents. It is a great opportunity for kids even as young as 17 or 18 to earn a good wage while still in high school and to get some great experience,” the administrator said, noting that she once also worked as an STNA.
Logan Acres currently employs about 140 staff members and has 95 private rooms for residents. The center has earned perfect state surveys in 2016, 2017 and 2019 by the Ohio Department of Health. Logan Acres Senior Community also achieved the 2017 Silver Achievement in Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living.
For additional information, visit www.loganacres.com, or call the center at (937) 592-2901. Online employment applications are available at www.loganacres.com/employment.html or call (937) 599-7069.