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Christine Toupal attends Kind Dining Training as part of Nutrition and Optimal Weight (NOW) Grant Implementation

Christine Toupal attended Kind Dining training April 9-11 facilitated by Cindy Heilman, CEO of Higher Standards and Creator of Kind Dining. Kind Dining is a meal service method based on hospitality and “bringing warmth to the table.” This program will provide staff the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance the dining experience for residents by promoting person-centered care and nurturing a healthy sense of community and service. Christine Toupal will train the staff of Renville Health Services in the concepts, practices, and standards of Kind Dining. Renville Health Services is committed to improving the dining experience for our residents to reduce the number of residents experiencing unintended or unexplained weight loss.

URGENT

On April 24, 2019, Minnesota lawmakers will vote on House File 2414. This bill will negatively impact the senior care in the Renville Area. This bill cuts value-based reimbursement.

Please take action by reaching to our area representatives with concerns to this potentially devastating bill. Tim Miller (651) 296-4228 and Andrew Lang (651) 296-4918.

On April 24, 2019, Minnesota lawmakers will vote on House File 2414. This bill will negatively impact the senior care in the Renville Area. This bill cuts value-based reimbursement. Please take action by reaching to our area representatives with concerns to this potentially devastating bill. Tim Miller (651) 296-4228 and Andrew Lang (651) 296-4918.

Renville Health Services Starts 2019 off with a New Dining and Nutrition Services Improvement Project

Renville Health Services, an affiliate of St. Francis Health Services of Morris (SFHS), is pleased to announce the beginning of their Nutrition and Optimal Weight (NOW) Project. Over the next two years, RHS will work collaboratively with related SFHS long term care centers to improve the overall dining experience and the nutritional status of individuals receiving services at RHS. The NOW Project is a result of SFHS’s long term care collaborative being awarded a Minnesota Nursing Facility Performance-based Incentive Payment Program (PIPP) grant by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).

The goal is to reduce the number of residents experiencing unexplained weight loss, increase resident and family food satisfaction, improve resident’s overall nutritional status, and to allow individuals receiving services to achieve optimal health, functioning, and wellbeing.

The NOW Project will provide RHS with additional resources to make positive system improvements to support good nutritional outcomes for individuals receiving services, focusing on each individual’s preferences and needs. A big component will be implementing the Kind Dining program to improve dining room service. We hope to create an optimal environment in which food can be enjoyed.

Marla Miller, Corporate Grant Coordinator for SFHS, states, “This is an excellent opportunity for RHS to make an impact in the experience each individual receives at mealtimes. We want RHS’s residents to feel special, cared for, and truly enjoy what they eat. We hope mealtimes are something they look forward to each day.”

Implementation of the NOW Project began January 1, 2019 at RHS and will continue through December 31, 2020. SFHS is a faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization. In addition to their skilled nursing care centers, they offer a variety of services that include customized/assisted living, a full range of therapies, senior housing, transitional and skilled nursing care, and behavioral and residential programs throughout the state of Minnesota.

LeadingAge MN District E Caregiver of the Year Award

RHS RN Dahlia Schueller Received Prestigious Award

Saint Paul – (February 6, 2019) – Dahlia Schueller, Nurse Manager at Renville Health Services in Renville with, was recently honored by LeadingAge Minnesota with the District E Caregiver of the Year Award.

The District Caregiver of the Year Award honors individuals in older adult services who demonstrate exceptional commitment to older adults, and enhance and enrich the quality of life of those in their care. Dahlia was one of seven caregivers selected for the regional award out of a field of 50,000 professional caregivers throughout the state.

Dahlia accepted the award at the LeadingAge Minnesota Institute, the state’s largest and most comprehensive aging services conference. Nearly 4,000 professionals in all aspects of older adult services attend the annual three-day event to learn about new and innovative programs, share best practices and network with their peers.

About LeadingAge Minnesota LeadingAge Minnesota is driven to transform and enhance the experience of aging. Together with more than 60,000 caregivers, our members provide quality, compassionate care to nearly 70,000 older adults every day in all the places they call home including independent senior housing, assisted living communities, in-home care and skilled nursing facilities.

RHS acquires Prairie View of Hector

The City of Hector and the City of Hector EDA entered into a sales agreement with Renville Health Services to take ownership of Prairie View of Hector Senior Living effective July 1st, 2018.  Prairie View, located in Hector, is a 34 unit assisted living facility with 6 memory care units.  Renville Health Services is wholly owned by St. Francis Health Services of Morris and operates RenVilla, Meadows on Main and East Ridge Court in Renville MN. “We are happy to partner with St. Francis Health Services in serving our area seniors. Renville Health Services’ agreement to assume ownership and continue Prairie View’s heritage of serving Hector area seniors will assure that our seniors will still be offered important services in our own community,” states Janice Weikle, Mayor of the City of Hector.

Steve Caulkins, Chairman of the City of Hector EDA Board, said: “After 14 years of ownership, the EDA is excited to see Prairie View continue to serve our area seniors through the transfer of ownership to Renville Health Services. The City of Hector’s EDA has demonstrated through this project and others its commitment to supporting our community members.”

St. Francis Health Services, sponsored by the Diocese of St. Cloud, has provided services to the aging since its origin in 1963. The services of this faith-based, non-profit organization include 13 skilled nursing and transitional care buildings, 10 assisted living communities, home healthcare, a full range of therapies, senior housing, and over 75 community and residential services to people with developmental and mental disabilities and mental illnesses. Based in Morris, MN, services are provided throughout rural Minnesota.

 

New Renville Health Services Admin. Casie Knoshal

By Ashley Alsum
Staff Writer

The staff of Renville Health Services in Renville welcomes Casie Knoshal as the new Administrator.
Knoshal took over the position at the end of last year, Dec. 28. So far, she said the transition has been great.
“The staff here has been very receptive and very helpful,” said Knoshal. “We’re all adjusting well.”
Knoshal is originally from Granite Falls. In high school she worked as a nursing assistant and found it was something she really enjoyed. Helping the elderly and their families adjust to a new lifestyle was fulfilling.
In 2012, Knoshal graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a BA in Business Administration. She then moved back close to home to a farm north of Granite Falls with her husband. Knoshal has worked at the Rice Care Center since that time.

In 2016, Knoshal started pursuing a nursing home administrative license. This would open up more options for her career and allow her to maintain her administrative role. Just as Knoshal was thinking about a change a colleague informed her of the opening here in Renville. She applied, got the position and has found it to be a great fit – and a shorter commute.
“This is a great community here,” Knoshal said. “I look forward to building connections in the community.”
Knoshal means this both personally and professionally. She is excited to integrate Renville Health Services with the community as much as possible. When people move into assisted living they often leave behind community events and gatherings they once attended. Knoshal looks to invite these services in so residents can have the same experiences they are used to.
“It’s about maintaining connections and meeting the needs of those who come here,” she explained.
Along with day to day management and supervision, Knoshal also deals with ever-changing regulations. Keeping everything up to date and in compliance is a constant shuffle.
But all the regulations have a purpose Knoshal explained. “It’s important to have the checks and balances when dealing with vulnerable adults.”
Knoshal looks forward to providing skilled, resident centered care for the residents of Renville Health Services into the future. She hopes to continue the positive community relationships and build upon the foundation for greater success.

Scott Tedrick
Editor
Renville County Register
editor@rencopub.com
320-523-2032