Making Zero Harm Possible: Dietary Department at Granite Falls Health Care Center

Posted on November 12, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

The Health Dietary Department at Grant Falls Health Care Center was recently awarded the Make Zero Harm Possible Award from LeadingAge Minnesota. The award recognizes staff or teams in aging services settings who demonstrate their commitment to safe, quality care and to treating the people they serve with respect and dignity – always.  

“The Health Dietary Department at Granite Falls Health Care Center go above and beyond in their daily work to enhance the quality of life for the older adults they serve,” said Gayle Kvenvold, President and CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota. “It is our honor to recognize them for their teamwork, dedication and commitment to respect, safety and dignity.”

 

Pictured are team Members of the Health Dietary Group: Jayne Nordang, Megan Lipetzky, Dannielle Lund, Kari Twedt, Megan Canatsey, Mary Rice,Barb Tepfer, Val Wensauer, Nicole Howe, Lee Timm, Morgan Jaenisch, Lexi Savig, Emma Carter, and Jason Brandt. Not pictured: Brenda Lantz, Brandon Beyer and Tiana Rupp

The Health Dietary Department is an integral part of the quality care and support older adults receive at Granite Falls Health Care Center. The staff keep up-to-date on the definitions and requirements of all diets and diet changes for residents, making sure that the residents get the accommodations they require. They also work closely with the nursing department when they notice concerns regarding a resident’s safety.

The Health Dietary staff spends time with residents, often seeing suggestions on meal planning, providing special snacks based on resident requests and needs, and making sure there are alternative menu choices available. In addition, they make compliance with the regulations and laws on food safety a top priority.

One example of this team’s commitment to person-centered care is their primary role on the FOOD Quality Improvement program team. Working in partnership with residents and staff, the Dietary Team has implemented a new menu system that is better able to meet the resident’s needs, desires and preferences. They also incorporate the resident’s favorite foods and snacks into the menu system and provide special meals for events such as resident family picnic, a Valentine’s Day couples meal and a Fourth of July grill out.

“Our dietary staff are compassionate, have excellent attitudes and in-depth skills in all aspects of our organization’s dietary program – from planning healthy meals and understanding each resident’s dietary requirements to remaining in compliance with evolving regulations,” said Val Wensauer, Granite Falls Health Care Center. “They are core to our team. Their work each day contributes to a safe, positive environment that helps all who live and receive care at Granite Falls Health Care Center experience a quality of life.”

To see all recipients of the Make Zero Harm Possible Award or to nominate someone for the award, visit Make Zero Harm Possible.