MessengerNewsletter of Morrow Home Community • Sparta, WI 54656 • (608) 269-3168

SPRING/SUMMER/FALL 2016

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Michael’s MessageWho will care for those you love? By Michael Bonello, Executive Director

Morrow Home Community

The year 2017 will mark the 100th Anniversary of Morrow Home Community. In 1917, Mary Morrow set in motion her dream of a Home for the Aged in honor of her parents, Judge Joseph and Olive Morrow. The original eight-bed home for the elderly that started a century ago has now grown to serve over 250 people daily in all stages of aging. Our care continuum for these seniors ranges from independent living with services to assisted living to advanced/dementia assisted living to skilled/rehabilitation nursing care. Young at Heart Child Center, on our campus, provides loving care for children aged 6 weeks to 9 years. Our community services, such as Meals in Motion and Mary Morrow’s Attic, assist many people in Sparta and the surrounding area.

While we celebrate the ministries of Morrow Home Community and thank all who have made our “Christian Tradition of Caring” possible, there is a dark cloud over our future. We continue to thank God for the many blessings He has showered upon His people here; however, we are very troubled by a looming workforce shortage.

The upcoming “Silver Tsunami” will usher in a significant growth in the over-65 population due to the aging of baby boomers. By 2022, the need for professional caregivers to care for the aging throughout the state will grow by 26.4%. Morrow Home Community, along with all other community senior aging organizations, is not ready for this increase. We are having severe difficulties serving our existing populations. Currently we have over 10 openings for Certified Nursing Assistants or Personal Care Givers. We have had an available full-time night charge-nurse position for over one year. Our Child Care Center is having a very difficult time filling a current need for a teacher.

What are the reasons for these vacancies? The major reason is there are very few applicants or applicants with no experience or training. Why no applicants? Caring is very hard work. Our caregivers work with people during some difficult times in our residents’ lives and also in very important times of the child-care children lives. All these jobs require training or certification.

We hear from other employers and businesses that, “Yes, filling job openings is bad all over.” It may be bad for them, but we are caring for people. We are different. We care for the people you love – both old and young.

How do we cope with this employee shortage? Our competent and compassionate caregivers work extra shifts, work overtime, work more weekends – just work, work, and work more. This is unsustainable. Burnout and quitting are distinct possibilities. We, as other quality organizations, also limit admissions and limit who we can serve to match our staffing. We refuse to admit people for whom we cannot provide quality care. Yet the main reason for few, if any, applicants is the fact that we cannot afford to pay higher wages because of inadequate Government reimbursement. This year a non-partisan report concluded that the Wisconsin nursing home reimbursement is the “WORST” reimbursement in all 50 States. In 2014, assisted living reimbursement was cut 5% in one of our ministries. Our Governor and legislators should be ashamed and embarrassed of this terrible distinction and their actions placed upon our caregivers. They hold the care of your loved ones in their hands. What can Morrow Home Community and you do to help? Morrow Home Community, along with many Wisconsin care providers, will be requesting a major reimbursement increase in the next legislative session. You can help by contacting your State Assembly person and State Senator and the Governor and demand they work to raise the reimbursement to care for those who you love. Demand them to make senior care and child care a top priority. They must support additional funding for quality nursing homes and senior living facilities. Those elected must fund increases in nursing education programs that will help schools and programs hire the educators to educate more students. They must recognize the profession of caregiving and reward the work caregivers do with appropriate compensation. Morrow Home Community has weathered many storms over their blessed 100 years of quality service. With your advocacy and support, we will survive and grow to serve more people and continue our “Christian Tradition of Caring” into our “Second Century of Service.”

In Christ,Michael

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We welcome all those who are new to our Home and say “thank you” to all who have chosenMorrow Home Community for their care needs.

Several of our veteran employees have moved on to other aspects of their lives and new peoplehave now settled in as part of our Morrow Home Community family, as noted below.

Jen Williams has been employed at Morrow Home since 1992. She was first a CNA, then a Nurse Tech, RN, Charge

RN, Assistant Director of Nursing, MDS Coordinator, and Director of Nursing. In August of this year, Jen was named as our Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. We would like to note that Jen also has a name change in addition to her new title. In November, she and Steve Brieske exchanged their wedding vows so she is now Jen Brieske.

Aimee Schwartz, RN, became our new Director of Nursing in August. We are happy that she and her family have decided to move to Sparta from Minnesota.

Our Recreation Therapy Department has seen some changes. Lindsey Taylor, left, is the Director of Recreation Therapy and her assistant is Tara Schleppenbach, right. We’d also like to report that Lindsey and her husband are celebrating the birth of their first child; Bennett Lee Taylor, who was born in mid-November.

Promotions and retirements seem to be the pattern here recently. Mary Siekert, a faithful Linen Services employee since 1980, has now joined the ranks of the retired. We thank her for her many years of faithful service.

Anne Snell has worked in several capacities at Morrow Home since 1986, most recently as Director of Health Information. During this time, Miss Mary Morrow was portrayed by Anne during orientations and special events. Anne has decided to take life a little slower and has chosen to work casual-call hours. Her assistant, Joan Shawley, who had served Morrow Home since 1984, also decided to retire in August and take time to enjoy her grandchildren and gardens.

We would like to introduce the employees who have transferred to fill these vacancies in Health Information. Hilary Wolf who formerly was the casual-call staff, has switched slots with Anne and is now the new Director of Health Information. Moving to Health Information from Rec. Therapy is Kim Thicke who is doing all the duties formerly handled by Jo Shawley.

Young at Heart Child Care is proud to announce that they have named Karla Sullivan as their Assistant Director. Karla, who is also the teacher of our two-year-old children, will be assisting Mary Ellen Leis with administrative duties. Congratulations Karla!

Anne Jo

Hilary Kim

SPRING/SUMMER/FALL 2016 - Messenger 3

Kasey Hansen, Housing Coordinator with the Adult Living Services portion of our Morrow Home Community has also gone into retirement. Kasey is the new president of the Morrow Home Auxiliary and would like to invite everyone to visit an Auxiliary meeting. The next one takes place on January 16th, 2017 beginning at 1:30 in the Morrow Home Chapel.

The restructuring due to Kasey’s retirement resulted with Carly Ochoa, left, joining us as the Administrative Assistant in A.L.S. Jenny Koehler, right, is now the A.L.S. Housing Coordinator plus the Marketing Manager for the Community.

Take Note: Anne Snell and Kasey Hansen are going to co-chair Morrow Home Community’s 100th Anniversary Celebration in 2017.

Morrow Home has far exceeded what began as a desire to help serve the elderly 100 years ago. We invite all to celebrate with us next year!

We do have fun in the process of serving our residents with fellow staff in our daily endeavors. The Morrow Home Community is proud of their recent state survey for receiving no citations regarding hand-washing sanitation regulations. As an incentive to staff, five of the Nursing Home’s Management volunteered to take a pie in the face if no hand-washing citations were received.

Although when Emily Bouzek offered the idea, the reality of

receiving a pie in the face didn’t “hit” until

the big Pie Day. Thank you for being such

great sports! Pictured - left to right: Lindsay

Weibel, Nursing Home Social Services

Director; Emily Bouzek, Infection

Control/Staff Education Director, Michael

Bonello, Executive Director of Morrow Home Community;

Jen Williams, Nursing Home Administrator;

Kari Hauser, Assistant Director of Nursing.

Another new face on the A.L.S. side of the campus is Pastor Fran Hewuse who is working with residents as their Chaplain. We all enjoy Pastor Fran’s musical talents and we are so happy that the Immanuel Methodist Church in Norwalk is sharing him with us.

�eButterfest!

This year our theme was “One in a Minion.” We had a ‘Minion’ Reasons to love Morrow Home! Thank you to all those that helped make such a fun, creative float. What a success!

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SPRING/SUMMER/FALL 2016 - Messenger 5

A visit with “Twinkle” the Goat Sept. 2016

Rudy’s July 2016

Concert in the ParkAugust 2016

Senior Olympics Closing Ceremony August 2016

Summer Fun at Morrow Home Community

Hymn Sing with Pastor Fran July 2016

Olympics Opening CeremonyAugust 2016

MEMORIALS AND DONATIONS In memory of Cecelia Carr from Mr. and Mrs. Ed JohnsonIn memory of Steve Dwyer for use at Parkview from Judith Harr and Kasey HansenIn memory of Ellie Ebert for the Bootstrapping Program from Mr. and Mrs. Randy Abbott; Colleen Bulman; Habelman Brothers; Michael Klauke; Barbara Rice; and Mr. and Mrs. Duane SelbredeIn memory of Al Ewers for the 2nd Floor Dayroom remodeling from his familyIn memory of Judy Gallup from her friendsIn memory of Stan Hays for the Care Assurance Program from Dr. and Mrs. John Alexander; Mr. and Mrs. Gene Arenz; Mr. and Mrs. Chris Barlow; Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Bisinger; Mr. and Mrs. Laural Brandt; Mr. and Mrs. James Cook; Mr. and Mrs. Tom Eddy; Mr. and Mrs. Gary Edwards, Mr. and Mrs. Avert Eklov; Leif Erickson; Mr. and Mrs. Dick Gajewsky; Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Glaman; Mr. and Mrs. Gary Halverson; Lois

Harr; Caroline Hulsether; Mr. and Mrs. Scott Herrman; Patricia Rentschler; Kiwanis Club of Sparta; Cheryl Kremmer; Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Krueger; Carol Long; LTC and Mrs. Michael Machac; Mr. and Mrs. Mike McAlpine; Mr. and Mrs. Duane McClain; Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Mihalovic; Mr. and Mrs. Gene Olson; Mr. and Mrs. Todd Page, Dorothea Page, Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Perry; Barbara Rice; Babette Rice; Bettie Rousch; Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Slotten; Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Snow, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Snow; Mr. and Mrs. James Storey; Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Sturm and Family; Mr. and Mrs. John Sund; Jackie Vaver; Doris Wall, and Rita WanlassIn memory of Bea Helgesen from Janice Erdman and Mr. and Mrs. James WegnerIn memory of Bob Langwill from Mr. and Mrs. Gary ClemIn memory of LaVerne Lutjen from Mr. and Mrs. Ed JohnsonIn memory of Evelyn Olson for use by the Recreation Therapy Departments in both the Nursing Home and Assisted Living by Marilyn Aasen, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Gajewsky, Cheryl Nelson, and other friendsIn memory of Zel Rice, II from Sarah CooperIn memory of Pat Steinhoff from Joan Hanson MaysIn memory of Hilda Wacker from Mr. and Mrs. Loren CaulumIn memory of Della Wilcox from Mr. and Mrs. Don WilcoxOther monetary donations were received from: The Sparta Chamber Ambassadors for Rec. Therapy Eva Clay - General gift Marshall Deters for Recreational Therapy Immanuel Methodist Church in Norwalk – General gift Jenny Koehler for Young at Heart Child Center Alice Manke – General gift Sparta Chapter OES - General gift

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The Morrow Home Messenger is a newsletter of Morrow Home Community. If you would like to be included on our mailing list, or know of someone who would enjoy reading this newsletter, please call 608-269-3168. We will be happy to add these names to our ever-expanding mailing list. To receive the Messenger in full color, send an email to jkoehler@morrowhome.org (Pictured: Sandi Foster and Theresa Schaub)

Sparta Area Cancer Society Donation

Our Morrow Home SACS Team raised $1225 this year for the Sparta Area Cancer Support group. The numerous fund raisers and all those who participated are a memorable portrayal of how many lives have been touched by this disease. Thank you so much for your support.

Thank you Mary Morrow’s Attic volunteers!!!! You have blessed our Morrow Home residents in so many ways. An extra special thank you to volunteer Violet Good (pictured) for all your years of cleaning the store and volunteering every week. Please know how much we appreciate you!

Each year, the Morrow Home Foundation contacts friends and family asking for donations to improve the quality of life for the residents. Resident satisfaction and enhanced care are always important here at Morrow Home Community. Please look for a mailing soon regarding the next needed project. Also each year, for $5 you may sponsor a light on the beautiful pine at the Nursing Home entrance in memory and honor of loved ones. These funds will be used to construct raised gardens for the enclosed courtyard. Your generosity over the years has been greatly appreciated!

We are always looking for volunteers to help in activities, reading to the residents, attending outings with them, etc. For more information, please call 269-3168 and ask for Lindsey Taylor, Recreation Therapy Director for the nursing home, or 366-6277 for Kim Braatz, Activities and Volunteer Coordinator for assisted living.

Our Culinary Services Department is also looking for volunteer drivers for our Meals In Motion program (weekday noon meals delivered to local homes). PICK YOUR DAY! TAKES ONLY 90 MINUTES. MAKE A SENIOR VERY HAPPY FOR THE VISIT AND THE FOOD. DRIVERS RECEIVE MILEAGE AND A DELICIOUS MEAL AS WELL. Please call 269-3168 and ask for either Kathleen Snow or Renee Thurston.

Thanks so much for your support!

SPRING/SUMMER/FALL 2016 - Messenger 7

UNTO LIFE ETERNALJanuary 19, – November 11, 2016

Annabelle Albertson

James Beron

Marian Borden

Frank H. Brabant

Joanne Brown

Cecelia Carr

Adeline Crum

Helen Donskey

James D. Drake

Eleanor Ebert

Lorraine Fiet

Judy Gallup

George Giudice

Jeanette Greeno

Lillie Habhegger

Collette Haseley

Stanley Hays

Marie Heller

Vera Hughart

Lawrence Isensee

Leona Kast

Theresa Kenyon

June Lawrence

Nelda McCauley

Eugene Miller

Evelyn Olson

Marlene Rietfort

Arlene Roberts

Doris Roraff

Adeline Sampson

Lawrence Schaub

Eleanor Stark

Hilda Wacker

Wanda Wortman

Elsa Yeske

Thelma Zimmerman

Planned gifts are a way for givers to make a lasting legacy, the ultimate expression of generosity. These gifts generally come from wills, bequests or other estate planning vehicles. The Wisconsin United Methodist Foundat ion is available to assist you. Please call them toll-free at 1-888-903-9863 or email them at wumf@wumf.org

CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR HOMEJanuary 11 through October 31, 2016

CLOTHING: Family of Bernice Helgesen; Family of Wanda Wortman; Family of Leona Kast; Family of Adeline Sampson; Family of Cecilia Carr; Family of Elsa Yeske; Jeanette Berg; Barb Small; Family of Nelda McCauley; Family of Adeline Crum; Family of Stanley Hays; Family of Theresa KenyonMAGAZINES AND BOOKS: Janice Frederick; Jeanette Berg; Vera Knudtson; David Rowan; Mary Loveland; Marilyn Tomsha; Dennis Slayton; Barb Reisinger; Vera Knudtson; The Chenoweth’s; Carolyn Hendersin; Blanche Egebrecht; Mary Erickson; Fred Hammes; Eleanor MullMISC: Handmade tie blanket, Boys and Girls Club of Sparta; Computer for the Daycare, Andy, Renee, and James Thurston; Books and child-size desk for the daycare, Scot, Sarah, Alex, and Kayla Wiedenfeld; Duplos and books for the daycare, Kari and Jacoby Hauser; Family of Leona Kast; Family of Adeline Sampson; VHS tapes, Debbie Herrick; Decorations, Pat and Dennis Lambert; Material and Yarn, Judy Sommers; Nook, Dennis and Pat Lambert; Cards, Mel Cleveland; Decorations and many other misc. items, Elsa Yeske; Easter Baskets for our veterans, American Legion Post 100; Easter Cards for residents, St John’s Lutheran School in Sparta; Decorative plates, Louise Wilson; Handmade birdhouses, Rose Shaw; Office supplies, computer monitor, Carolyn Hendersin; Decorations, JoAnn Aycock; Family of Nelda McCauley; Family of Adeline Crum; Craft supplies, Tom Kress; Teresa Consolvo & Jane Norgaard, making and donating new valances for Nursing Home Dining Room in memory of Richard Siebenaler; Gripper socks, Diane Johns; Greeting Cards, Phyllis Roberts; Televison and other misc. items, Family of Theresa Kenyon; Greeting Cards, Donna Path; Various greeting and thank you cards, Butch and Jan Williams; Greeting cards and calendars from Evelyn Olson, Family of Cheryl Nelson; Tennis balls for walkers, Family of Stan Hays; Rosaries, Family of Bertha Fowler; Cards, pens, notepaper, Francis Blackburn; Devotionals, magazines, and greeting cards, John and Vickie Wieman; Movies and new decks of cards, Grace Schmidt; CD’s, Wayne Janssen; FURNITURE: Television, Family of Bernice Helgesen; Living Room Straight Back Chair, Family of Letitia Peterson; Electric recliner chair and a Lazy Boy recliner chair, Lois Bridwell; Couch, Family of Ruth Poss; Recliner and lamp, Family of Nelda McCauley; Dresser, table, Family of Adeline Crum; Electric lift chair, Family of George Giudice; Television, Lisa Smith; Recliner, Family of Evelyn Olson; Family of Gladys Nichols; Office chair, Family of Theresa Kenyon; Magnifying reading machine, Bill Nussdorfer; Televison; Cindy Klaas; Wood frame wall pictures, Jane and Mike Finn; Desk and dresser, Judy Harr; 2 chairs, table, and a lamp, Randall and Mary Hilleshiem; Dishes, Sheila Yeske; Refrigerator, table, storage bins, wall art, lamp, greenery, trays, Gretchen and Gurmohan Grewal; Storage bins, wall art, lamp, greenery, trays, Cindy Simpkinson; Couch, chair, wall picture, table, shelf, Donna Kretschmer FLOWERS/PLANTS: Marie Grewal; Sparta Girl Scouts troop; Family of James D. Drake, Family of Richard D. Hoffman; Bob and Linda Smith PUZZLES: American Legion Post 100; Judy Gallup; Kay Larson; Stacie Greene; Alice HaeffnerMEDICAL EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES: Lift Chair, Family of Bernice Helgesen; 2 canes, reacher, and a walker, Family of Gordon Tjaden; Cane, Family of Cecilia Carr; Wheelchair and walker, Family of Evelyn Olson; Family of Helen Helgesen; Wheelchair, Family of Bernice HelegesonTREATS: Annabelle Sharp & West HCE Farmer’s Valley Homemakers; May baskets hand delivered from Sparta Charter Preschool children; Family Dollar in Sparta, WI; Ice cream treats for Nursing Home residents; Delicious Pizzas, Rick Greeno; Dennis Sweet and The Colonial Bowling Center; Ice cream for staff, Stan Hays Family; Supplying fresh tomatoes to Parkview reisdents, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Olson PERSONAL CARE SUPPLIES: Debbie Herrick; Mens’ razor, Richard Williams.YOUNG AT HEART: Television given in memory of Lucy Marie Yahnke by her grandparents, Del and Jan Yahnke; Toys, Jenny Koehler on behalf of her grandchildren

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PAIDSparta, WI

Permit No. 130

Morrow Home Community331 S. WATER STREET • SPARTA, WI 54656

(608) 269-3168 • FAX: (608) 269-7642(866) 324-7365

www.morrowhome.org

Return Service Requested

You Do Have A Choice! Choose Morrow Home!Norman and Darlene Ziegler each had a total knee replacement. “They treat you like family.

We appreciate everything they did for us!”

The Meissner Transitional

Rehabilitation Wing at Morrow Home provides

Therapy from the compassionate

staff with RehabCare.

Seated: Nicole Wattke, PTA; Lori Thomas, COTA. Standing: Tina Mack, PTA; Tammy Gagnon, PTA; Norman & Darlene Ziegler; Lisa Smith, Director, Jackie Sands, OT. Back: Kim Buchholtz, COTA; Lois Flock, PTA/ROC.

331 S. Water Street • Sparta(608) 269-3168 • (866) 324-7365 toll free

www.morrowhome.org

Homestead ApartmentsIndependent & Assisted Living

331 S. Water Street • Sparta(608) 269-3168 • (866) 324-7365 toll free

www.morrowhome.org

A Caring Place To Be

Since 1917

+ Three Meals Daily + Social ActivitiesFor Seniors 60 years and older

A Well Designed Senior Living Facility C ari

A Christian Tradion

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