U.S. Representative Tim Walberg of Michigan, chair of the House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, with Fred Benjamin, COO of Medicalodges.

Medicalodges COO Fred Benjamin testified in front of a congressional subcommittee on behalf of the American Health Care Association during the ongoing immigration hearings, highlighting the benefits of the proposed W visa program, which would admit low-skilled foreign workers.  Fred is on the board of the Kansas Health Care Association and active in the American Health Care Association in support of the Medicalodges’ commitment to promoting quality in the long term care provided, not only to its own residents, but for all individuals.

Please take a few moments to learn more about the proposed W visa program and Fred’s presentation by reading the following articles:

Employers Eager For New Foreign Worker Program, NPR

AHCA Outlines Principles for Immigration Reform, American Health Care Association

AHCA makes push for immigration reform, McKnight’s Long Term Care News & Assisted Living

Medicalodges, Inc. is pleased to announce that nine of our facilities will receive the Bronze Quality Achievement award for 2012.  The award presented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), highlights facilities across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment  implementing  a rigorous quality improvement program.

“This just demonstrates what we already knew, that we provide outstanding care to our residents.”  “Please join me in congratulating these facilities and their employees for all of their hard work and dedication to our profession,” said Garen Cox, President and Chief Executive Officer of Medicalodges, Inc. Those achieving this distinction are Medicalodges of Arkansas City, Jackson County, Atchison, Kansas City (East), Butler (MO), Paola, Columbus, Douglass and Medicalodges Gran Villas at Atchison Assisted Living.

There were 15 Bronze “Commitment to Quality” Award winners in the state of Kansas in 2012, with Medicalodges facilities receiving eight of them.  Medicalodges Gardner, Clay Center, Eudora, Wichita and Kinsley are previous recipients. Representatives of the facilities will receive their awards in ceremonies to be held at the American Health Care Association Annual Conference later this year in Tampa, Fl.

Implemented by AHCA/NCAL in 1996, the National Quality Award Program is centered on the core values and criteria of the Malcolm Baldrige Performance Excellence Program. The program assists providers of long term and post-acute care services in achieving their performance excellence goals.

AHCA/NCAL is pleased to announce the 399 National recipients of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award. This is the first step to the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award journey recognizing that a provider has developed a foundation to begin a journey of continuous quality improvement. “Our ability to provide demonstrated quality services is the single most important issue in our success now and in the future. Most of all, it defines who we are and how we feel about our company” said Fred Benjamin, Chief Operating Officer of Medicalodges, Inc.  He continued, “As the saying goes: Quality is not a destination, it is a journey, and we are well on our way. Our heartfelt thanks and congratulations go to all of our dedicated employee owners.

Medicalodges, Inc., headquartered in Coffeyville, Kansas celebrated its 50 Year Anniversary in 2011. It provides skilled nursing, assisted living, home care and services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. America’s first employee-owned healthcare company, Medicalodges employs over 1800 people in 30 locations.

Jake’s ad was chosen for its originality and outstanding creativity. Ms. Rogers and Amanda will be working together in the fall to provide this opportunity to the students of Goddard High School again. “This is a great way to help students learn what creating professional media ads involve.  It helps them understand what a client is looking for in an ad and how to create a usable product. We plan to use Jake’s ad in our future marketing efforts. Look for it in print ads and on our website, www.medicalodgesgoddard.com. All the ads were really great and it was a hard decision. I was amazed at the fantastic work these students submitted, and Ms. Rogers was so supportive in helping to get this started” said Amanda.

This year the following Medicalodges employees are honored to be elected as officers in the Kansas State Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals:

Leonard Turpen, Dietary Manager at Medicalodges Gardner: President
Steve Nelson, Dietary Manager at Medicalodges Post Acute Care Center in Kansas City: President Elect
Toni Pommier, Dietary Coordinator, Medicalodges, Inc.: Secrectary
Cindy Cothern, Dietary Manager at Medicalodges Coffeyville: State Impact Chair (legislative)
Patty Thompson, Dietary Manager at Kansas City East: State Education Chair

Congratulations and thank you to our dedicated employees!

Judith Bagby, Medicalodges, Inc., Quality Improvement Committee

Fred Benjamin, Medicalodges, Inc., Finance Committee

Garen Cox, Medicalodges, Inc., Legal Committee; Regional Multifacility Council

Read their letter of congratulations to administrator, Stephanie Bean, and her team.

Over 300 long-term care professionals watched as Susan Peters, anchorwoman for KAKE News, and Secretary Shawn Sullivan, Kansas Secretary on Aging, honored Juanita. Juanita loves to help her family, no matter how hard the job. She cared for her father, mother, and eldest brother as they aged. She has belonged to the same church, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, since her children was young, and is proud that her children continue to attend. She attends as many of her grandchildren’s activities as she can and loves to go to ball games and attend the fair.

“These awards are a chance for the long-term care community to honor the many wonderful residents we care for every day,” said Cindy Luxem, President of the Kansas Health Care Association.

The Annual Awards Ceremony was part of the KHCA/kcal 61st Annual Convention & Trade Show, where nearly 600 members and suppliers of the long-term care community were gathered.

TOPEKA – Medicalodges-Jackson County Employee Honored with Award

Amy Spiker, Social Worker at Medicalodges-Jackson County, was honored on Thursday, October 13 at the KHCA/kcal Annual Awards Ceremony in Wichita. Amy was named the 2011 KHCA/kcal Social Services Director of the Year.

Over 300 long-term care professionals watched as Susan Peters, anchorwoman for KAKE News, and Secretary Shawn Sullivan, Kansas Secretary on Aging, honored Amy. Amy is known throughout her facility as the person who will fight for the “right thing” for her residents. She began her career as a CNA 21 years ago, and her passion for resident-centered care drove her to become the activity director and then the social services director.

“These awards are a chance for the long-term care community to honor the many wonderful caregivers who have devoted their lives to this profession,” said Cindy Luxem, President of the Kansas Health Care Association.

The Annual Awards Ceremony was part of the KHCA/kcal 61^st Annual Convention & Trade Show, where nearly 600 members and suppliers of the long-term care community were gathered.

Luella Williams, a resident of Medicalodges Kinsley, was honored on Thursday, October 13 at the KHCA/kcal Annual Awards Ceremony in Wichita. Luella was named the 2011 Distinguished Citizen of Support of Worthy Causes for her avid support of numerous charities and causes throughout her life.

Over 300 long-term care professionals watched as Susan Peters, anchorwoman for KAKE News, and Secretary Shawn Sullivan, Kansas Secretary on Aging, honored Luella and thanked her for her charitable work. A breast cancer survivor, Luella was an ardent supporter of the Cancer Society in addition to her work with other worthy causes. Luella was a very proud parent and grandparent and loved participating in activities at her facility.

“These awards are a chance for the long-term care community to honor the many wonderful residents we care for every day,” said Cindy Luxem, President of the Kansas Health Care Association.

The Annual Awards Ceremony was part of the KHCA/kcal 61st Annual Convention & Trade Show, where nearly 600 members and suppliers of the long-term care community were gathered.

The breeder referred to the litter as “The Survivors” and subsequently named Haise after Fred Wallace Haise, Jr. of the Apollo 13 Mission.  Fred Haise is well known as a Nasa Astronaut who overcame all odds during a disastrous space mission, with a badly damaged and malfunctioning lunar module, to eventually return safely to Earth.

Since joining Medicalodges Wichita, Haise has become an instant favorite to our residents, visitors and our staff members.  He brings a ready smile to the residents and helps to encourage positive interactions for all.