News
Category: Member News
Welcome to the Member News category. These stories are intended for current LeadingAge Minnesota members, profiling aging services professionals, providing new resources, and keeping them informed about the aging services community.
Vista Prairie Communities Appoints New CFO
On May 5, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Vista Prairie Communities (VPC), a nonprofit provider of assisted living, independent living, memory care and care suites in Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio and Wisconsin, has announced the appointment of Dewey Pettit as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Volunteer Opportunities Available for the Virtual 2021 Institute
On April 28, 2021 by Heidi Simpson
LeadingAge Minnesota is seeking volunteers to help facilitate sessions at the 2021 Institute, which is occurring virtually from May 18-21.
Even in a virtual environment, it takes a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes work to make the Institute run as smoothly as possible. There are two opportunities to serve. One is acting as a session host. The role requires no previous experience, no public speaking, no need to appear on the screen and a very minimal time commitment, particularly for a session you might have been planning on attending anyway. We will provide a short list of simple instructions.
It’s Not Too Late! Participate in Careers in Aging Week
On April 21, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
LeadingAge and Argentum, our national partners, are joining the Gerontological Society of America and AHCA/NCAL to promote Careers in Aging Week from April 18-24.
eMenuCHOICE to Host Free Webinar on Dining Requirements for Assisted Living Licensure
On April 7, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
eMenuCHOICE, a LeadingAge Minnesota business partner and partner of the Savings & Solutions Center, is hosting a free webinar on April 13 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. to review new dining requirements associated with assisted living licensure. Effective Aug. 1, assisted living settings in Minnesota must be licensed and, as a condition of licensure, assisted living providers must adhere to several new standards related to menus and food requirements, including:
Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging is Now Trellis
On March 31, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging has changed its name to Trellis. The change signals an expanded mission for the organization, beyond the original mission as the area agency on aging for the metro area.
Trellis will continue to be a regional leader in aging but will also provide services, information and innovations that connect and improve the lives of people across Minnesota and in ten other states.
Veterans Homes receive Pinnacle Awards
On March 24, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
The Minnesota Veterans Homes’ four skilled nursing facilities in Fergus Falls, Luverne, Minneapolis and Silver Bay have all been recognized with the Pinnacle Customer Experience Award. The Homes’ “customer experience” is measured through Pinnacle monthly telephone interviews with residents and/or their families. Throughout the year, the survey results are reviewed to better understand residents’ needs and make improvements when necessary.
A Vaccination Celebration! Cassia Vaccinates 10,000 Against Coronavirus
On March 17, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
By March 26, 10,000 people will have been vaccinated against the coronavirus by Cassia, a LeadingAge Minnesota Member organization
Cassia began administering coronavirus vaccines to residents and staff in December 2020 through the organization’s own A&E Pharmacy. To date, 10,000 people have been vaccinated by Cassia.
MAGIC Seeks a New, Passionate Executive Director
On March 17, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
The Minnesota Association of Geriatrics Inspired Clinicians (MAGIC) is actively seeking a new executive director.
The Minnesota Association of Geriatrics Inspired Clinicians (MAGIC) is a membership association whose purpose is to support its members as they advocate for and serve those with complex medical needs.
Cassia joins Allina Health and Presbyterian Homes in ownership of Genevive
On February 24, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Cassia, a LeadingAge Minnesota member organization, has acquired a minority ownership share in Genevive, complementing the existing ownership of Allina Health and Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS). Genevive is a geriatric medical practice and care management organization providing comprehensive care for over 7,000 older adults throughout the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota.
Lifesprk Wins National Top Workplaces Award
On February 17, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Lifesprk been named a Top USA Workplace and #1 in healthcare for mid-size companies in the Top Workplaces Industry and Culture Excellence Awards.
Welcome Jim McAlpine as Ecumen’s Senior Vice President - Legal Affairs and Corporate General Counsel
On February 17, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Ecumen, a nonprofit provider of housing and services for older adults, has announced that Jim McAlpine has joined its senior management team as senior vice president, legal affairs and corporate general counsel.
Friendship Village of Bloomington Opens First Phase of Redevelopment Project
On February 10, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
This month, Friendship Village of Bloomington will officially open the first phase of its new health center to area seniors. The project adds 16 assisted living apartment homes and five memory care suites to the senior living community, bringing the total communitywide capacity to 42 assisted living apartments and 32 memory care suites. The three-story building is equipped with a secure memory care courtyard, game and activity room, and spa bath.
Governor Walz visits Jones-Harrison to Highlight Vaccine Successes
On February 10, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Commissioner Jan Malcolm visited Jones-Harrison to highlight Minnesota’s successful vaccination effort in long-term care settings on the afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 9.
Sue Voigt Announces Retirement from Law Practice
On February 3, 2021 by LeadingAge
LeadingAge Minnesota extends our deep appreciation and gratitude to Sue Voigt, partner at Voigt, Rode, Boxeth & Coffin Law Firm, for her years of dedicated service to our field and our association. Sue has announced she has stepped away from her practice as of Feb. 1, 2021.
5 Fact About Newest Team Member Matt Steele
On January 27, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Just last week, Matt Steele joined the LeadingAge Minnesota advocacy team. We want you to get to know Matt so we asked him five questions:
Participate in 2021 LeadingAge Minnesota Committees
On January 27, 2021 by Lori Meyer
As we turn the page on a new year, we invite you to get involved in LeadingAge Minnesota committees in 2021. Ongoing COVID-19 response and recovery, implementation of new Assisted Living Licensure requirements, protection of Value Based Reimbursement for care centers—just a few of the impactful issues facing senior care in the coming year. Through it all we have a tremendous opportunity to improve the aging experience for those we serve, and we encourage everyone’s involvement in our committees to shape the important work ahead.
Metro Health & Medical Preparedness Coalition Hosts PPEManagement Webinar
On December 23, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
The Metro Healthcare Coalition is offering a mini-webinar on management and tracking of PPE on Monday, December 28, at 1:00pm. Mary Ryan and Aaron Aslakson from Walker Methodist will share tools created and used at their organization to track and manage PPE supplies. The webinar will be approximately 30 minutes and will include time for Q&A. If you’d like to attend this webinar, register HERE.
New Staff for the New Year
On December 23, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
Start 2021 off with new staff joining your team!
Skilled nursing facilities have the ability to train caregivers quickly using the Basic Care Aide and Paid Feeding Assistant programs from EduCare. The expedited training programs are eligible under the current 1135 waiver, allowing you to train Basic Care Aides in just 9 hours and paid feeding assistants within 2 hours. Basic Care Aides are eligible to work in place of traditional nursing assistants.
Your Awesome Staff Deserve Recognition – Nominate them for Stars Among Us Awards
On December 16, 2020 by Barbara Landeen
Your staff has been working extremely hard this year in unprecedented conditions. Want to do something special for them? We have just the thing – our annual Stars Among Us Awards honor and celebrate caregivers, leaders and rising stars in our settings throughout Minnesota.
Carley, Koranne, and Kvenvold Named Three of Minnesota’s “100 Most Influential Health Care Leaders”
On December 16, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
This year’s “100 Most Influential Health Care Leaders” list published by Minnesota Physician, a medical business journal, includes three prominent leaders at LeadingAge Minnesota: Jerry Carley, President and CEO; Benedictine; Dr. Rahul Koranne, President and CEO, Minnesota Hospital Association; and Gayle Kvenvold, President and CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota