News
 
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

While the state of California is sheltering in place, the medical industry is working around the clock to serve one of the most vulnerable populations: seniors. But with businesses and schools closed, many essential healthcare workers are looking for alternative forms of childcare. Park Terrace (a Kisco Senior Living community) is stepping up to take care of its associates and their children. With a standalone building not being used, the community decided to turn it into a childcare center, so associates’ children could have a safe place to be while their parents are focused on providing the best care for the seniors who call the community home. Childcare is provided free of charge, and the children have no contact with the seniors. After submitting the proper paperwork, the community recently became licensed.

“I knew I needed to do something to take care of my associates so they could take care of the residents without any worries,” said Geno Koehler, executive director at Park Terrace. “Margie Nakanishi, our wellness director, used to work in daycares, and when I floated the idea by her, she lit up with excitement. We value the work each associate does, and we knew this would benefit them. They are working nonstop to ensure each resident is well taken care of and staying engaged while practicing social distancing. By offering free childcare onsite, associates have the comfort level of knowing their kids are being cared for and residents know they will continue to receive the best care possible.”

The childcare center, which the children have named The Clubhouse at Park Terrace, is only open for associates children, and they can only attend when their parent is working. Before entering the clubhouse, children get their temperature taken and screened for any COVID-19 symptoms, then they are taken directly to the bathroom to wash their hands. The clubhouse can have children ages five to 13, and they are watched by associates at the community. They are provided lunch, snacks, beverages and a multitude of programs to keep them engaged. Executive Director Geno Koehler says this worked out better than he could have imagined.

“When the children leave, they tell their parents it’s the most fun they’ve ever had, and that is wonderful to hear,” said Koehler. “We are licensed to have up to 45 children, but we keep a one teacher to eight children ratio. All meals and snacks are provided by our culinary team. We actually make a menu for the children to have each week. We also are working with their parents and schools to find out how we can help the children with their schooling during this time. When times are tough, we need to stick together and find ways to help one another, and that’s exactly why we wanted to open The Clubhouse for the kids.”

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Turnover and a shortage of qualified employees are both tremendous challenges for senior living operators across the country. More than ever, it is important to find creative ways to attract and keep talented associates. To express appreciation, provide recognition and give associates more opportunities for personal growth in their current role, Kisco Senior Living, a national senior living leader, is pleased to announce the implementation of its first-of-its-kind Career Lattice Program. Park Terrace, a premier Kisco Senior Living community, is pleased to announce that its first round of Career Lattice Associates (CLAs) have graduated after completing a series of activities that introduced them to new people, responsibilities and experiences. A career lattice is a path filled with learning experiences and opportunities that an associate can explore to drive the acquisition of knowledge, skills and abilities to apply to their career. The Kisco Career Lattice is one way that Kisco Senior Living enables associates to foster a learning environment of continuous improvement for the benefit of the associates, residents and community as a whole. Rather than promoting up to another position, it provides lateral growth. Park Terrace serves as the pilot community for this program, and other Kisco Senior Living communities will begin implementing it as well.

 

“The Career Lattice Program is a wonderful way for associates to familiarize themselves with other departments and positions within the senior living community,” said Ben Davis, executive director of Park Terrace. “The program holds the team accountable to one another, promotes the sharing of ideas and information and provides new perspective on working together and learning new processes. Throughout the program, the associates are responsible for meeting with their supervisors to create a plan of events with opportunities for community contributions, learning new skills or a new position in their department, spending approximately two hours shadowing people in other departments, as well as sharing what they learn and sharing their passion on the job. We were thrilled to pilot the program and are eager to give more associates in our community this opportunity.”

 

The program features three levels, each with different exercises and two to four percent pay increases. It takes six months to complete each level and up to 10 associates may participate each time. Associates may apply during a two-week open enrollment and must meet certain qualifications to apply. Level one focuses on learning basic skills and tasks, and it introduces CLAs to other positions and departments. Level two provides an in-depth exposure to responsibilities and processes of other positions and departments. Level three focuses on leadership and sharing knowledge with others. The program is entirely voluntary and is completed during scheduled work hours and considered compensated time. CLAs who successfully complete all three levels are rewarded with an additional $500 award. Park Terrace CLAs Maria Damian and Ada Leon thoroughly enjoyed level one of the program and feel it benefits their careers.

 

“I currently fill a lot of roles in dining services, and when I learned of the program I jumped at the opportunity to gain a better understanding of other departments,” said Damian. “While I shadowed a variety of people and participated in many different activities, the one that stood out to me the most was the bus excursion for memory care residents. Sometimes, people have this stereotypical image of memory care residents and feel their disease limits their ability to stay active. On this bus excursion, they were active and engaged with their tour guide. It was fascinating to see how the driver kept everyone’s attention and provided such a unique experience for them during the outing. I also shadowed the concierge team, housekeepers, caregivers, sales team and operations. I found the front desk to be challenging, as you must know a lot of information about the community or must know who to put people in touch with very quickly. The phone rings nonstop, and people call for all sorts of reasons. I have a greater appreciation for associates working the front desk because they have to multitask really well.”

 

Damian valued working with different personalities and seeing varied approaches to similar roles. As part of her “Work: Play” portion of the program, she shared her love for Spanish with residents through teaching regularly scheduled Spanish classes. Though she started teaching the classes before the program started, she added in special sessions as part of the program. The fact that she started the classes before signing up for the program showcases just how much Damian values her work and the people she serves.

 

“After learning about how Maria shares her passion with residents, I knew I wanted to do something special too,” said Leon. “I am a caregiver in memory care and decided to treat residents to a spa day during which I spent time doing their hair, their makeup and their nails. Sometimes residents living with memory impairments forget how much joy it brings them to go to the beauty salon and how good it feels, so I reminded them that they deserve to feel beautiful inside and out. Their families were very appreciative, and it meant a lot to me to do this. The entire program left me feeling empowered and gave me confidence in knowing that I can do more things than I imagined. I have a lot of respect for the different departments and positions that work together to make our community run as well as it does. I found maintenance to be difficult because of the technical components like wiring and computers, and housekeeping was also hard because of the large amounts of laundry done each day. For me, my personal favorite was working in the kitchen. I helped with the dishes, cooking line and serving. I also enjoyed being in wellness and exercising with the residents.”

 

As a caregiver for 38 years, Leon was intrigued by the program and the opportunity to try new things pertaining to other people and departments. She walked away from the program with a better idea of roles in the community and a new perspective about teamwork overall.  

 

“Career Lattice growth is a way for individuals to create value and master themselves,” said Davis. “It allows people to improve upon the skills they already have in order to take on new responsibilities. Exposure to different roles and departments provides associates with a big-picture look at what is happening across the community and how each department and individual helps make it run successfully. The goal of this program is not only to educate, but also develop new ways of thinking and explore new approaches to problem solving. It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and gaining a better understanding of what is happening around you. That leads to mutual appreciation, a sense of satisfaction, and ultimately, we hope the program helps us recruit and retain associates who really want to make a difference.”

Gravatar

Turnover and a shortage of qualified employees are both tremendous challenges for senior living operators across the country. More than ever, it is important to find creative ways to attract and keep talented associates. To express appreciation, provide recognition and give associates more opportunities for personal growth in their current role, Kisco Senior Living, a national senior living leader, is pleased to announce the implementation of its first-of-its-kind Career Lattice Program. Park Terrace, a premier Kisco Senior Living community, is pleased to announce that its first round of Career Lattice Associates (CLAs) have graduated after completing a series of activities that introduced them to new people, responsibilities and experiences. A career lattice is a path filled with learning experiences and opportunities that an associate can explore to drive the acquisition of knowledge, skills and abilities to apply to their career. The Kisco Career Lattice is one way that Kisco Senior Living enables associates to foster a learning environment of continuous improvement for the benefit of the associates, residents and community as a whole. Rather than promoting up to another position, it provides lateral growth. Park Terrace serves as the pilot community for this program, and other Kisco Senior Living communities will begin implementing it as well.

“The Career Lattice Program is a wonderful way for associates to familiarize themselves with other departments and positions within the senior living community,” said Ben Davis, executive director of Park Terrace. “The program holds the team accountable to one another, promotes the sharing of ideas and information and provides new perspective on working together and learning new processes. Throughout the program, the associates are responsible for meeting with their supervisors to create a plan of events with opportunities for community contributions, learning new skills or a new position in their department, spending approximately two hours shadowing people in other departments, as well as sharing what they learn and sharing their passion on the job. We were thrilled to pilot the program and are eager to give more associates in our community this opportunity.”

The program features three levels, each with different exercises and two to four percent pay increases. It takes six months to complete each level and up to 10 associates may participate each time. Associates may apply during a two-week open enrollment and must meet certain qualifications to apply. Level one focuses on learning basic skills and tasks, and it introduces CLAs to other positions and departments. Level two provides an in-depth exposure to responsibilities and processes of other positions and departments. Level three focuses on leadership and sharing knowledge with others. The program is entirely voluntary and is completed during scheduled work hours and considered compensated time. CLAs who successfully complete all three levels are rewarded with an additional $500 award. Park Terrace CLAs Maria Damian and Ada Leon thoroughly enjoyed level one of the program and feel it benefits their careers.

“I currently fill a lot of roles in dining services, and when I learned of the program I jumped at the opportunity to gain a better understanding of other departments,” said Damian. “While I shadowed a variety of people and participated in many different activities, the one that stood out to me the most was the bus excursion for memory care residents. Sometimes, people have this stereotypical image of memory care residents and feel their disease limits their ability to stay active. On this bus excursion, they were active and engaged with their tour guide. It was fascinating to see how the driver kept everyone’s attention and provided such a unique experience for them during the outing. I also shadowed the concierge team, housekeepers, caregivers, sales team and operations. I found the front desk to be challenging, as you must know a lot of information about the community or must know who to put people in touch with very quickly. The phone rings nonstop, and people call for all sorts of reasons. I have a greater appreciation for associates working the front desk because they have to multitask really well.”

Damian valued working with different personalities and seeing varied approaches to similar roles. As part of her “Work: Play” portion of the program, she shared her love for Spanish with residents through teaching regularly scheduled Spanish classes. Though she started teaching the classes before the program started, she added in special sessions as part of the program. The fact that she started the classes before signing up for the program showcases just how much Damian values her work and the people she serves.

“After learning about how Maria shares her passion with residents, I knew I wanted to do something special too,” said Leon. “I am a caregiver in memory care and decided to treat residents to a spa day during which I spent time doing their hair, their makeup and their nails. Sometimes residents living with memory impairments forget how much joy it brings them to go to the beauty salon and how good it feels, so I reminded them that they deserve to feel beautiful inside and out. Their families were very appreciative, and it meant a lot to me to do this. The entire program left me feeling empowered and gave me confidence in knowing that I can do more things than I imagined. I have a lot of respect for the different departments and positions that work together to make our community run as well as it does. I found maintenance to be difficult because of the technical components like wiring and computers, and housekeeping was also hard because of the large amounts of laundry done each day. For me, my personal favorite was working in the kitchen. I helped with the dishes, cooking line and serving. I also enjoyed being in wellness and exercising with the residents.”

As a caregiver for 38 years, Leon was intrigued by the program and the opportunity to try new things pertaining to other people and departments. She walked away from the program with a better idea of roles in the community and a new perspective about teamwork overall.  

“Career Lattice growth is a way for individuals to create value and master themselves,” said Davis. “It allows people to improve upon the skills they already have in order to take on new responsibilities. Exposure to different roles and departments provides associates with a big-picture look at what is happening across the community and how each department and individual helps make it run successfully. The goal of this program is not only to educate, but also develop new ways of thinking and explore new approaches to problem solving. It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and gaining a better understanding of what is happening around you. That leads to mutual appreciation, a sense of satisfaction, and ultimately, we hope the program helps us recruit and retain associates who really want to make a difference.”

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Claire French, Audrey Windsor, Jean Johnson, Pauli

The members of the Park Terrace Needlecraft and Chat group are hard at work preparing knitted, loomed and crocheted items for those in need. Throughout the year the group meets at the senior living community to make and donate dozens of items monthly to Knots of Love, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing handmade caps for those experiencing the effects of cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Once donated, these items are distributed to various hospitals and organizations across the country. To date, the Needlecraft and Chat group donated more than 2,000 items, including knitted or crocheted caps, lap robes and incubator blankets. While group members work on their items independently, they come together once a week every Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. to spend time with one another socializing, knitting or crocheting. For group member and Park Terrace resident Audrey Windsor, this meaningful activity provides a sense of purpose and achievement.

 

“When I first joined the group, I had given up knitting for some time,” said Windsor. “When I realized what we had the opportunity to do for Knots of Love – such a worthy organization – I knew that I needed to start up again. It is very special to be involved in something that not only makes a difference for others, but provides a sense of accomplishment and peace in my own life. I’ve been a volunteer in some capacity my entire life and this seemed like a natural fit. We’re all very devoted to the project and the group, and it’s made a difference in all of our lives.”

 

The group was founded by Park Terrace resident Jean Johnson in July of 2012 when she realized there wasn’t a group like it at the community. What started as a weekly gathering for those who loved knitting has now become a place for learning and making a difference. After reading about Knots of Love, Johnson realized the group could put its skills to good use. The first donation of 60 items went to the organization in 2013 and they have never looked back. The group has since seen their family members join the mission, contributing their own creations to the donations. When the items are completed, group member Claire French delivers them to a local yarn store which collects the donations for Knots of Love.

 

“It’s incredible to see the impact this group has on everyone involved,” said French. “We have women who come to socialize leave feeling a sense of pride in what they have accomplished for themselves and others. Our group wouldn’t be successful without the support of everyone around us, and we’re thankful for everyone who has helped in some capacity along the way.”

 

“I’m especially proud of what we continue to achieve with this group,” said Johnson. “Not only have we made an impact on the lives of those in need, but on our members as well. We’ve helped each other start knitting again – and in some cases even learn – and it’s sweet to see the friendships that have developed over the years. All of us have varying degrees of health issues that hinder us in some way, and it’s very gratifying to see others complete a piece they didn’t think was possible. In a lot of ways this group has kept us going; from the knowledge that we are leaving a mark in the world, to the friendships that have developed. It’s a special group of women, and I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

 

“We’re extremely proud of our residents and humbled by their generosity. Reaching this milestone of 2,000 donated items is tremendous, and they deserve recognition for their selfless commitment to helping others,” said Jerry Church, executive director of Park Terrace. “Our community is honored to stand alongside the Needlecraft and Chat group as they work to make a difference in the lives of others. With the approaching holiday season we are all reminded of the importance of coming together and giving back. We hope these incredible women inspire others in the local community to find ways they can benefit someone else.”

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
, Fran Forsch, Stephen Faessel, Tom Tait, Andy Koh

Emerald Court, a premier independent and assisted living community in Anaheim, recently commemorated the completion of its $22.5 million expansion and renovation project with a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration. The ribbon cutting brought together residents, elected officials and other invited guests, followed by an open house for everyone to see the expansion and renovation first hand. Additionally, Emerald Court encouraged attendees to bring a new, unwrapped toy, as the event also kicked off the community’s annual Toys for Tots drive.

 

The expansion includes a new two-story building with 58 assisted living residences, a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen and dining venue, as well as a cutting-edge wellness center lined with windows to overlook the courtyard. The expansion physically connects with the existing building and adds additional space to the courtyard. As part of the project, renovations were made to the main dining room, as well as corridors, lighting, the activity room and the salon of the existing building. A total of 58,000 square feet was added to the community overall.

 

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome our new residents into the community,” said Carole Bush, executive director of Emerald Court. “We knew that this project would help us meet the ever-changing needs of today’s seniors. The support we received from our current residents along the way was incredibly valuable. We pride ourselves on providing a welcoming environment, and it’s wonderful to walk through the new spaces and experience the same warm and friendly feeling.”

 

Seniors today want a vibrant environment, and the renovations and expansion provide an experience that exceeds the expectations of current and future retirees. Now complete, the community boasts common areas and amenities one would expect in a high-end, newly built community. This includes the new state-of-the-art wellness center, which adds 2,000 square feet of space for new wellness programs and activities.

 

“We’re very proud of the results and the finished product that we can now offer to current and future residents,” said Marco Vakili, executive vice president of Kisco Senior Living. “Our team did a spectacular job, and it’s evident that each detail was executed with the residents in mind. When walking through the new assisted living residences you can see that everything is innovative. As we worked to tie both buildings together our goal was to establish a cohesive community, and we feel we accomplished that vision. There is a level of excitement in the air as we prepare to welcome new residents and team members. We are all very happy with what we accomplished together.”

 

The expansion provides various living options including one- and two-bedroom apartments, along with studios and alcoves. Emerald Court is dedicated to offering all of the comforts of home along with the comradery that a neighborhood provides. With a number of courtyards and garden spaces, residents have plenty of opportunities to gather together and enjoy the California sun. Additionally, the community is conveniently located on Medical Center Drive, with access to a number of nearby doctors and specialists.

 

“At Emerald Court, we are like a cruise ship that never leaves port,” said Bush. “We work each day to provide residents with the highest quality of service and a plethora of amenities and opportunities to live life as they see fit. Whether it’s a quiet dinner with friends in the new fine-dining bistro or time spent with family making Christmas cookies in the family room, there’s something for everyone. With the completion of this project we have the ability to expand our services and continue to offer residents opportunities to live purpose-filled lives.”

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

When imagining a boxing lesson, one’s imagination might immediately turn to the poorly-lit training facilities seen in the movies, envisioning figures like Rocky or Muhammad Ali floating like butterflies as they sting the punching bag. Of course, the scene is never complete without a coach screaming and pushing the athletes as far as they can to victory. While this may be the idea most people have when they think of boxing, for the senior residents of Park Terrace, a premier senior living community in Rancho Santa Margarita, the boxing program is quite different. The activity offers plenty of mental and physical benefits to those living with Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s as it enhances their everyday activities and lifestyle. This is the goal that Gary Ballard, trainer and former World Super Middle Weight Championship Fighter, keeps in mind while working with the residents each week. Exercises used in the program are based on traditional boxing drills and designed to empower the body and challenge the mind while improving overall strength. Ballard modifies the exercises to fit each resident’s capabilities while finding ways to motivate each individual to push beyond perceived boundaries.

“My priority for every class is to see the residents happy and engaged,” said Ballard. “Since we first started there has definitely been a change in their abilities and strength, as most were hesitant or unable to do the exercises in the beginning. I’ve been working with them for a while now, and I can see how the movements are benefiting their physical health by keeping them active. The same can be said for how the interaction with others is improving their well-being by helping them to engage with the world around them. For many of the residents, health conditions prevent them from doing what they once loved or even rob them of the ability to connect with others. If I can help them to regain a small piece of that back then I’ve done my job.”

Every Thursday at 10:15 a.m. Ballard can be found working with the 15 residents who regularly attend his class. For many of these residents standing is not an option, but that isn’t a problem for Ballard. He can be seen moving from person to person providing the individualized attention and encouragement needed to put up a fist or block a punch. The activities and drills are similar and repetitive, which helps the residents feel comfortable while reducing the frustration and anxiety that can come with trying to keep up with a variety of moves and changes. Ballard keeps things simple and does what he can to lighten the mood by telling jokes and tossing out friendly “trash talk” when needed. This is particularly meaningful for residents like Russ Walvoord, as Ballard’s classes have allowed him to rekindle his formerly active lifestyle. His wife Lori, who also resides at the community in independent living, makes regular visits to see Russ in memory care. Lori values the moments she gets to spend with Russ and is pleased with the way the boxing program has enabled him to regain a piece of himself.

“Russ was always very active before he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and even afterward while he was able,” said Lori Walvoord. “Seeing him participate in the boxing program has been something special, as it has given Russ a piece of himself back. There are not many activities left that Russ is still able to do, but he can still throw a punch or two at Gary every Thursday. While I have no way of knowing, I feel the boxing program is an outlet that helps Russ release his frustration. There’s no denying that after the class he is always in a cheerful mood and more engaging. After one particular class, Russ talked for a bit about how he had a ‘match’ with Gary and was really able to get him. It’s moments like those that I am thankful for, when I can hear in Russ’ voice that he is happy and still himself, even if he can’t always express it.”

“When I first started coming to the community for the program I had no idea what I was getting myself into,” said Ballard. “Each class was a new experience, but with time I learned how to adapt my coaching style to fit the needs of the residents. In many ways this program has made me a better trainer overall, and I couldn’t be more thankful. Knowing that each week I have the opportunity to walk in and lift someone up and bring a smile to their face is truly something special.”

As a trainer and former championship fighter with his own gym, working with the residents at Park Terrace is very different from what Ballard does on a daily basis. However, it is the simplicity of being able to encourage someone in the moment without a specific long-term outcome which has touched Ballard and brings him back each week.

“We’re thrilled to see the boxing program continue to grow and benefit our residents,” said Jerry Church, executive director of Park Terrace. “Every great boxer has a story about how he or she achieved victory, and our residents are no different, as they are able to overcome hurdles and shape their own triumphs in the ring. At Park Terrace, we are dedicated to making sure each resident has the opportunity to live life to the fullest, and the boxing program is just one of many examples of how we do that.”