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Ensigntherapy.com
29222 Rancho Viejo Rd, Ste 127
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
April 2021
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This edition of our FlagPOST is dedicated to our amazing OTs across the organization. Working with our elderly population calls on a greater depth of sensitivity from all disciplines, but I have always thought of our occupational therapists as the beacons of compassion and sensitivity as they integrate all aspects of the patient to help restore lost function.
The picture on the front of this edition is of my own mother, receiving occupational therapy from Dodgie Frankera, OTA extraordinaire for over 20 years at Southland Care Center. This smile, elicited during the uncertainty of a life turned upside down from 2 broken hips and a diagnosis of Parkinson’s, is just what Dodgie does…expertly taking in all aspects of my mother’s condition as he somehow got her to laugh her way through functional activities every day.
We love our OTs – arriving early mornings and marching down the hall with adaptive equipment in hand. We love them when they are working side-by-side with our nurses and SLPs to address cognitive changes and implement Abilities Care. We love them for their creativity and compassion and even quirkiness - they make our teams complete. Thank you to each and every one of our OTs and OT Assistants!
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Shared by Danthea Oliveros, DPT, DOR, Panorama Gardens, Panorama City, CA |
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The Importance of "Champions" in a Market
By Kelly Alvord, Therapy Resource, Sunstone UT
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For OT month, we wanted to highlight two of our Market OT champions who not only provide amazing care to the residents at their own facilities, but also help facilitate support for others in our market.
In Sunstone, we host ongoing champion calls to further the development of these programs. This forum is a great place to share best practices, brainstorm to resolve barriers, and to enhance the interventions to improve the lives of our patients.
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Gary Pearson, OT, Pointe Meadows, leads our Abilities Care call. Gary is an occupational therapist and leader of the LTC programming and the CQR (long-term case management) process at Pointe Meadows, where he is also the assistant DOR. He has a passion for skilled intervention for patients with dementia, has participated in several dementia courses, and is the TEACHA for the Sunstone Market. He has also brought this skill set to the community, where he has brought the Abilities Care Approach into several local assisted living centers. Gary has had an impact at Pointe Meadows, in the local community and throughout the market. |
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Ryan Porritt, OT from Orem Rehab, leads our Heart Math Call. When Ryan started working as a new grad, it became apparent that there was a certain patient group he could not reach because of their self-limiting behaviors and the emotional components to healing. Reducing these emotional barriers to function quickly became his passion, which he has pursued over the past four years. Ryan has found HeartMath and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to be effective means of increasing participation in value-based activities by reducing the emotional barriers to function. He is excited to share his passion with anyone who is interested. |
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Drum Circle Group Activity
Submitted by Loupel Antiquiera, DOR, and Laura Kramer, COTA/L, Pacific Care Center, Hoquiam, WA
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Laura Kramer, OT, provided the following exercise to promote OT month. Residents are provided with a yoga ball placed on a base (like a round laundry basket) and a pair of drumsticks with instructions to follow the leader in a set of coordinated movements with lively music that has a strong musical beat. The variations of instructions may be tailored to the residents’ limitations and therapeutic goals. It can be upgraded or downgraded to tolerance throughout the task, with the therapist monitoring signs of fatigue or pain, cueing residents to rest if needed. Read On for the full story and video...
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Growing Flower Gardens at
Beacon Harbor Submitted by Barbara Mohrle, OTR, Therapy Resource, Keystone North
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April Trammell, SLP/DOR at Beacon Harbor in Rockwall, Texas, and her amazing team are celebrating OT Month with flowers! (You could even do this for your whole staff and have a mega-garden). Thank you, April, for sharing and for giving us an amazing example of Celebration and Loving One Another!
We are having a great time at Beacon Harbor celebrating our OTs this month! This week, we grew a flower garden. Each PT/ST wrote a positive word describing the OT therapist on the back of a flower petal. Petals were sorted and blossomed into beautiful flowers with the OT’s name in the center and displayed outside of our Therapy Gym. There were many smiles as our OT staff read the beautiful words describing themselves!
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St. Joseph Villa OT Discharge
Planning Group Submitted by Stephanie Argyle, COTA and Kyle Fairchild, OTR, ADOR
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Whether a patient comes to St. Joseph Villa for a rehab stay due to a fall, a recent injury, a surgical procedure or other medical conditions, we aim to include each individual in our discharge planning group as they approach discharge. Our goal is to educate our patients in ways to improve safety, improve energy conservation and improve self-awareness as they prepare to return home. Each group member is given a packet of written information, which includes a home safety checklist, pictures of adaptive equipment and links for ordering, and home exercises. We change our handouts based on the needs of our patients at the time. Read On...
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Celebrating OT Month at Paramount
Submitted by Todd Burgener, DPT, CBIS, DOR, Paramount Health & Rehabilitation, Salt Lake City, UT
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Our OT team consists of Rebecca Hopkins OTR/L (pictured R) and Gia Deeb COTA (L). They have been an amazing duo here at Paramount. They have revolutionized how we provide group therapy services. Becky and Gia have combined with Activities to create interactive, fun and therapeutic group treatment sessions, such as “get to know your neighbor” social events, birthday celebrations, and music and cooking groups. These have become desired and well-attended events by our residents.
An example of this is a resident in our facility who previously was essentially bed-bound. He refused to leave his room, and it became increasingly difficult for the Nursing and Therapy staff to care for him. He would frequently curse and shout at staff with even minimal attempts to provide care. He kept his television volume to nearly maximum throughout the day and night. We had a difficult time finding a roommate for him. Becky and Gia made it a focus to improve his quality of life. After a concerted and consistent effort, this same resident has attended the birthday and music groups on a regular basis. He can be found laughing, dancing and interacting with others during these groups. He is out of his room on a regular basis and is accepting care without resistance. Here at Paramount, we are so grateful to the outside-the-box and dedicated efforts of our OT team.
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Outstanding OTs at Parke View
Submitted by Cory Robertson, Therapy Resource, Idaho
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At Parke View Rehabilitation and Care Center in Burley, Idaho, Trent Gunnell, SLP, DOR, has built an exceptional therapy team. Among that team are two outstanding Occupational Therapists.
Keleah Houser, OT, is the lead OT at Parke View and has been with Ensign for seven years. One of the most common comments about Keleah is her infectious laugh. This distinctive laugh is a perfect representation of the way she spreads joy through the practice of occupational therapy. Keleah makes therapy fun and valuable to the patient by treating the patient as a whole person, helping each feel like a human being, striving for independence in self-care, including spirituality, making the patient laugh, and advocating strongly for the patient. Keleah is also known for her “magic hands” and her skill in myofascial release and soft tissue mobilization. Keleah loves to get to know the patients, hearing their stories and seeing them progress and go home. She is a valuable piece to the great team at Parke View Rehabilitation and Care Center.
Bethany Walton, OT, has been with Parke View for four years. Bethany has a passion for the entire scope of occupational therapy and excels at realizing the potential each patient has. She is becoming the Abilities Care Champion, which is very fitting because Bethany strives to enhance patient-centered care approaches. Bethany loves to use music to unlock hidden potential in her patients via the piano, her ukulele, and singing with patients. She can reach patients who may be more difficult to connect with. She loves to work with patients to increase their self-efficacy and empower the patients to enjoy aspects of the activities that they used to enjoy with adaptations. Bethany enjoys the ability to be creative in her interventions. In finding ways for patients to use their senses, it can be freeing and empowering, thus enhancing their quality of life and function. Bethany is a critical piece of the great team at Parke View Rehabilitation and Care Center!
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Welcome, Anna Hausermann, OTD, OTR/L Submitted by Lucil Lumio, OTR/DOR, Lynnwood Post Acute, Lynnwood, WA
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We want to introduce and welcome Anna Hausermann, OTD, OTR/L, our newest OT team member in Washington state. She works at the Lynnwood Post Acute facility, and within a few short months, Anna has become an invaluable team member. She is leading the Abilities Care program at the facility and is enrolled in the TEACHA, and will be piloting Net Health POC documentation. She is part of the AOTA poster presentation series this year. The date of the presentation is April 21, 2021, from 5-6 p.m. EDT (2-3 p.m. PST). Here is a summary of her poster presentation
The research conducted focused on barriers to social participation post-stroke; specifically, how the variables of fatigue, apathy, ADL (activities of daily living) and IADL (instrumental activities of daily living) impact social participation (SP) for persons with and without aphasia post-stroke. The mediation effects of ADL/IADL participation were examined on the respective relationships between fatigue and SP and apathy and SP. This research found that all examined factors correlated to decreased SP post-stroke; however, none of the factors were determined to be independent predictor variables. Additionally, it was discovered that ADL/IADL participation provides modest mediation effects on the fatigue-SP and apathy-SP relationships. This research demonstrates the complex nature of social participation and the need for treatment approaches that must consider impacting factors.
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Congratulations to Our Newest SPARC Winner!
by Jamie Funk, Therapy Recruiting Resource
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Janet Bonilla is an OTA at our Alta Vista facility in Brownsville, Texas, who is completing her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy and is the winner of our SPARC this quarter. Read her winning essay here:
Janet Bonilla, OT Student, University of Texas at Tyler, Grad Date: December 12, 2021
I have been an Occupational Therapist Assistant for 3.5 years and it has been so rewarding working in an Ensign skilled therapy service location. I am dedicated to advance my knowledge as an Occupational Therapist to understand and incorporate evidence-based practice to facilitate rehab services, prevent and reduce the risk of falls, and decrease injury so the patients can live as independently as possible when returning to home or living within the facility.
I am passionate about my education and career; therefore, I understand the importance of continuing my education to be the best therapist I can be to facilitate independence within my clients, work as a team with my rehab team, nursing staff, and administrators to have the best possible outcome for the clients.
Not only do we improve our job skills by furthering our education, our patients also notice a difference in the level of education and training of the therapist. When a patient feels their needs have been met, have gained knowledge of how to be safer at home, have been educated and trained on compensatory techniques, have increased their strength, and have been tended to in an appropriate and respectful manner, it is then when they will communicate to their loved ones on the high quality of care of the facility. It is important to have the best knowledge and skill set on a team to facilitate health and well-being to our patients for the best possible outcome.
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Do Your Patients Need Better Grooming and Hygiene?
By Barbara Mohrle, OTR, Therapy Resource, Keystone North
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I think most of us would answer yes to this question! I wanted to share a cool program that Adina Gray, SLP/DOR, and her team at Lake Village have started to meet the needs of their residents and see great improvements in this area:
At Lake Village in Lewisville, Texas, the therapy department saw a need for residents who either: didn’t enjoy showers, refused showers, had a decline in personal hygiene, and/or could benefit from some modifications and adaptations to their daily wash routine. Read On...
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Success with RMST
By Jamie Sack, SLP, Draper Rehab and Care Center, Draper, UT
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We are currently providing Resistive Muscle Strengthening Training (RMST) using The Breather with one of our patients with severe COPD and MS. With the use of The Breather, he has been able to increase breath support for voicing enough to increase volume at conversation from 68dB to 74dB, which has really improved his intelligibility. He has good feedback regarding the breather and really noticed how this intervention has helped his voice strength for better communication! |
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Improving Therapy/Nursing Communication at Rock Hill
Submitted by Heather Bjernudd, Therapy Resource, Monument, SC
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Margaret Schultz is a COTA at Rock Hill PACC. She just finished the DORITO program. Margaret developed a communication board for Nursing and Therapy. It shows the patients’ status
for diet, transfers and toileting. The levels are in “code” in order to comply with HIPAA. The goal is to improve Therapy/Nursing communication, to provide better care and to achieve goals!
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The Power of Therapy and Nursing Partnerships
by Kelly Alvord, Therapy Resource, Sunstone UT
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The Sunstone DONs and DORs recently participated in a combined meeting. This meeting of minds was designed to make sure we understand the challenges and initiatives of each other’s departments and to really collaborate where we could to help each other meet goals and obtain great clinical results.
Key partnership topics discussed:
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We first pulled the “Rehab Screen Consultation F TAGs” POSTette from the portal. Each DOR presented on an F-tag from the POSTette and how the Therapy team will support and take the ownership of these tags for survey. For example, F Tags F684, F676, F677, and F810 all have to do with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The teams addressed their strategies for therapy partnership with ADLs for this group of F Tags. We discussed specific actions and roles Therapy has to support the DONs to prepare for survey. The DONs learned how their DORs are truly their clinical partners. This discussion was very interactive. The DONs were excited to know we “have their back” when it comes to involvement with patients to prevent decline and help with survey results. Read On...
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Lymphedema Success Story
By Jeremy McCorristin, DOR, Holladay Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT
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Danielle Kistler, OTR/L, is a new CLT at Holladay Healthcare. We are so excited to have a CLT at our facility, and we are already seeing some great successes with her interventions. We have an LTC resident that had LE skin tears that developed into stasis ulcers. The nurses were providing wound care for about six months with the patient being on and off antibiotics due to infections, with the ulcers being unable to heal.
At the same time Danielle became certified in lymphedema management, the patient was referred to a wound clinic for further wound treatment. With Danielle being able to provide appropriate compression wraps at the same time the patient was attending the wound clinic, his stasis ulcers are now healed. The nurse manager received multiple calls from the wound clinic on how well his legs were being wrapped and how impressed they were with the healing of his wounds. This patient also has aphasia and has difficulty communicating with his caregivers. We have seen a change in this patient, with signs of reduced pain, increased participation in ADLs, decreased outbursts, and improved quality of life.
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“Brain Fog”
The Lingering Effects of COVID and the Importance of Therapy Intervention for Cognition
By Tamala Sammons, M.A., CCC-SLP, Therapy Resource
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According to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, “Cognitive problems are among the most persistent and common lasting effects of COVID.” Many of these cognitive issues are becoming long-term symptoms months after an active COVID dx.
It’s important that we understand Post-COVID-19 syndrome, which is signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with COVID-19, continue for more than 12 weeks, and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis. Post-COVID-19 syndrome may be considered before 12 weeks while the possibility of an alternative underlying disease is also being assessed. These patients are also commonly referred to as “long-haulers.”
Therapy teams need to take an active role in the ongoing assessment and intervention of cognition. It’s especially important to know the patient’s PLOF and not discontinue services too soon, knowing that cognitive impairments with this population will continue long after the active diagnosis. Cognitive intervention is also important for our outpatient population in both ALFs and in the community. Physicians need to know that we are available to partner with post-COVID patients who have lingering cognitive issues. Read On...
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How to Build a Successful Outpatient Program
By Eric Feilmeier, OT, CLT, DOR, Colonial Manor, Randolph, NE,
and Ryan Hough, Therapy Resource, Gateway, NE
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With our focus on meeting all the needs of our communities, we wanted to provide some information about our Colonial Manor of Randolph outpatient program. Randolph, Nebraska, is a town with a population of 894. Despite that, they have found a way to operate as one of the largest outpatient programs as an Ensign Affiliate. Here is what Eric Feilmeier, OT, CLT, DOR, has to say about why they have been able to have success!
When working to build a successful outpatient clinic, it is important to begin with Core Values. Here are few values that we have found to be important:
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Outpatient/Inpatient Synergy at McCall Rehab and Care Center
By Dominic DeLaquil, Therapy Resource, Idaho/Nevada
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The Rehab team at McCall Rehab and Care Center in McCall, Idaho, has had a vision of providing community-based outpatient therapy in people’s homes since the facility became part of the Pennant-ID/NV market in 2018.
McCall’s DOR, Jenny Sowers, DPT, couldn’t ever seem to find the consistent time to grow an outpatient program, so she decided she should find a therapist willing to take on that challenge. In September of 2020, Jenny hired Ellie Toscan, DPT, with the goal of Ellie building their Community-Based Outpatient program. Ellie has shown tremendous ownership of the program, from marketing to clinical to financial. Read On...
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Motivating Employees—Introducing the M.E. Committee at Copperfield
Submitted by Kai Williams, Therapy Resource, Keystone-East
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The strength of a team can truly be powerful when everyone sees and feels the vision. Employee culture and retention has been at the top of the initiative list. How can we improve this area and create an environment that truly embodies Customer Second? Well let me introduce you to the M.E. committee. I spent time with one of the M.E. committee members, Loretta Johnson, PTA, to get a better understanding of what this committee has to offer.
As explained by Loretta, the Copperfield Healthcare and Rehab facility created the M.E. Committee (Motivating Employees), with a purpose to engage, support and reward their fellow coworkers. They have designed and cultivated strategies to build interpersonal skills, through exciting team-building exercises. This level of cultural promotion encourages open communication, challenges employees with friendly competition, and assists with facilitating a healthy work-life balance. Read On...
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Wound Care: A Case Study at
Pueblo Springs, Tucson, AZ
Submitted by Shelby Donahoo, M.S., OTR/L, Therapy Resource, Bandera
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Kudos to PT Andrew Ford and the Pueblo team for being willing to tackle the “impossible” wounds and having the perseverance to hang in there! They understood that chronic healing takes time.
Meeting requirements of documenting progress every 30 days, changing protocols when healing began to plateau, and using skilled assessment allowed them to continue the POC to closure/near closure of the wounds. Read the full case study here...
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Low Vision Strategies and Partnering with Commission on the Blind
Wayne NE
Submitted by Ryan Hough, Therapy Resource, Gateway-NE
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Kim Cooper, our lead OT at Wayne Countryview Care and Rehab in Wayne NE, is a very clinically driven therapist who is always creatively implementing programming to address the needs of the residents. Kim recently identified several patients with low vision, and immediately went to work to strategize ways to improve their lives. She pursued a partnership with The Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and with their help and generous donations, they now have products for these residents to enhance their ability to participate and do day-to-day tasks. Some examples of the products donated are large bingo cards, large playing cards, writing templates, glare reducing sunglasses, dice with raised numbers, and an Eschenbach magnifier that works like a smart phone that you can move with fingers. When implementing any of these strategic interventions, remember to work with nursing to care plan the findings and the interventions provided. Read On...
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Building a Connection with Your Patients
By Suzanne Estebo Simko, M.S. CCC-SLP, Olympia Transitional Care, Olympia, WA
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Sharon came to Olympia Transitional Care following an intracerebral abscess that left her with aphasia. With very limited verbalizations, she was easily frustrated, cursing at our staff and refusing all treatments. Sharon was offered an array of nonverbal tools to assist with a total communication system, but she rejected these, stating "No, stop!"
After about a week, she yielded and agreed to try a white board and notebook. SLP Suzanne Simko recognized that one of the first things Sharon wrote was "Baker/Potter," which Suzanne knew is a vendor at the local farmer's market. Suzanne also happens to be an avid fan of farmer's markets. In addition to frequenting her local favorites, Suzanne makes a point of visiting farmer's markets whenever she is out of town.
This conversation helped build a connection between Sharon and her SLP Suzanne. From this point forward, Sharon began making detailed lists of more of her favorite vendors and foods. She started participating in therapy and engaging with staff. Suzanne decided to pick up some of her favorite items on Sharon's lists so they could make a salad together and share some bread during a speech therapy session. Sharon was thrilled with this idea. Not only did she willingly participate, but she closed her eyes, savoring each bite of her favorite foods.
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LTC Programming: Rise and Dine
Submitted by Elizabeth Munford, PTA/TPM, The Healthcare Resort of Olathe, KS
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Our long-term care population is now fully vaccinated, and it seems as if we are entering, dare I say it, a post-pandemic environment. We made it, but now what?
...Our Speech Therapists, with multidisciplinary collaboration, hosted a new program this month called “Rise and Dine.” This program began as a nutrition and hydration-based club that requires participants to get out of bed and engage cognitive and communication skills in choosing meal preferences for the event. “We are all very passionate about our residents’ quality of lives and saw this as an opportunity to meet our residents’ nutritional and social needs. The excitement and feedback of our residents really fueled the idea and brought our entire dietary and therapy staff together to make this such a successful event!” — Breean Ludwig, HCRO Speech Therapist Read On...
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An Often Overlooked Powerful Muscle to Increase Gait Speed
Submitted by Jon Anderson, DPT, Therapy Resource
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I t’s no news flash that walking requires quite a bit of lower-body strength. You need powerful glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves to propel you forward. You might also recognize the crucial role your abs play in keeping you upright and lightening the load on your lower half. But there's one muscle you probably never even think about when it comes to your stride. We're talking about your “lats” (or latissimus dorsi), the biggest muscle of your upper body. Affording itself a large attachment centrally from the T7 to L5 spinouses, laterally to the iliac crest and thoracolumbar fascia, to the lower three or four ribs and inferior angle of the scapula, to travel superiorly and laterally to attach to the medial lip of the intertubercular sulcus, it is perfectly situated to effect both the upper and lower extremities in a large variety of movements. It is one of the quintessential and often overlooked muscles in gait. It is generally quiet electrophysiologically (EMG) during pre-gait activities (1,2) but as speed increases, the muscle becomes more engaged and active (2-4). The latissimus dorsi is the functional link between the upper and lower extremity, particularly through its connections with the thoracolumbar fascia (5,6). Read On...
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Keystone Therapy Resource Leads Take on San Antonio Spartan
Submitted by Jon Anderson, DPT, Therapy Resource
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On March 22, 2021, the Keystone Therapy Resource leads completed a Spartan race. The Spartan race sprint is not just a run; it’s a 5K obstacle course that travels throughout the world and includes 20 obstacles, such as spear throwing and carrying a 75-pound bucket of pebbles 200 yards. Fun was had by all who completed the race. The team decided as part of every upcoming meeting in 2021, they would start their meeting with a 5K walk/jog, with a goal of getting fit and stronger as a team. |
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Note the Date: April 26
Congratulations Malathy!
Submitted by Denny Davis, Therapy Resource - Bandera
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Malathy Venkatesh, our amazing ST from Tempe Post Acute in Tempe, Arizona, is a featured speaker at the Asian Indian Caucus of ASHA. |
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Thank You Emerald Ladies!
Submitted by Chad Long, Therapy Resource
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On behalf of Maryann Bowles, Whitney Warkentin and Endura Therapy, we wanted to say thank you so much to Danielle Banman (HCR Leawood), Beth Munford (HCR Olathe) and Abi O’Keefe (HCR Kansas City) for supporting the Endura transitions last week. Having each of you brilliant ladies sitting side-by-side with the new therapy leaders, teams and resources was so impactful and set a course for great processes, systems and culture for the new Endura facilities.
I greatly look forward to continued partnership between Emerald and Endura therapy leaders, as the sharing of ideas and leaning on each other will be the key to success in the ever-changing future.
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Congratulations, Arbor Glen!
Submitted by Nelson Layos, Therapy Resource, Momentum CA
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Giving a big shout-out to the Arbor Glen team in Glendora, CA, for their MSCA A and B rehab score of 100%! |
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Congratulations, Mary Jo Walker!
Submitted by Kelly Schwarz, Therapy Resource, Bandera, AZ
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Mary Jo Walker, ST/DOR at Coronado Healthcare Center in Phoenix, Arizona, received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” during her last week as Director of Rehab before retiring. Known by most as MJ, she led the Therapy Department for 20 years, including 17 years as an Ensign Affiliated Facility.
MJ will be missed by many after she provided every resident, employee and customer with a true Ensign experience for so many years. She will be remembered for her creativity, witty personality, leadership skills and heart of gold.
When asked why she chose retirement at this point, she simply states, “It is time to smell the roses!” MJ, we wish you health, happiness and an abundance of roses in your path!
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March Madness: St. Catherine Edition
By Denise Luong, COTA/L
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The Momentum Therapy Culture Committee has been rolling out simple yet fun and meaningful activities that help ignite partnerships between departments. Some of you might have even received heart-shaped lollipops from your favorite therapists during our February Love one Another Project.
In the spirit of March madness, we kicked off the month with our fabulous Rehab team from St. Catherine, “tossing” it out with our hard-working maintenance department, for some great memories. Read On for the full story and video.
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It's National Unicorn Day!
By Jacob Barnes, PTA, TPM, Park Avenue Health & Rehabilitation, Tucson, AZ
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Park Avenue in Tucson, Arizona, celebrated a fun way to create culture in the building on National Unicorn Day! |
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Competency Skills Fairs
A Great Way to Learn and Have Fun!
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We spent the day at South Bay in Chula Vista, California, partnering with all the IDT resources and department heads for a day of skills checks. |
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Rio Vista: Come Grow With Us!
By Jackie Harris, TPM COTA/L, Rio Vista Post Acute, Peoria, AZ
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Recently, we had our first annual Rio Vista Skills Fair with the theme “Come Grow With Us.” Every department here had booths displayed, and we were in full costume to cover such topics as: cardiac complications, infection control, EJA, HIPAA, nursing skills checklist, resident trusts, ADL documentation for nursing, grievances, residents’ rights, inventory checklists, case management, and discharge planning.
As a Therapy Program Manager, I set up a booth to cover safe lifting techniques/body mechanics and functional transfers with a gait belt and with a sliding board. Some CNAs had questions about safely performing a slide board transfer, so we were able to educate and have them return demonstrations with us. It was an educational, fun time with plenty of food, of course! Theresa and Brenda from HR/Staffing won a prize for best booth, and I won for best costume (sunflower)! All of us can’t wait to do this again next year!
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