March 31, 2011 |

Bringing you what’s best in long-term care

Subscribers to Long-Term Living are familiar with the last page of every issue—a destination called “Good Stuff” that showcases the positive people and events in long-term care. Because online readers can also use a break from the rigors of running a facility and complying with the ever-present regulatory challenges, we’re bringing even more “Good Stuff” to you. See what’s happening in other organizations. Meet the staff and residents that give validity to your mission. Visit interesting, helpful, and/or amusing websites. This blog is about you and the people you work with and care for.

Celebrating the spirit of residents On March 21, 2011, Louise Gustafson, a resident at Provena Cor Mariae Center in Rockford, Illinois, was recognized as the first recipient of Invacare Continuing Care, Inc.’s inaugural “Yes, You Can” award that celebrates long-term care residents who remain committed to living exciting, vibrant lives despite sometimes challenging circumstances.

In the 1960s, Gustafson and her husband worked at a boys’ school in Tanzania, East Africa. Gustafson taught the boys to knit sweaters to keep them warm. In 2007, she and her husband planned to return but, unfortunately, that trip didn’t happen. Ms. Gustafson suffered multiple injuries in a car accident and underwent months of intensive physical therapy, vowing to make the trip once more. Through commitment, hard work, and sheer determination, Gustafson at last fulfilled her dream in August 2010.

This is the spirit and inspiration that inspired Invacare’s “Yes, You Can” program. Headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, Invacare manufactures and distributes home and LTC medical products. Along with the recognition, Gustafson was awarded $2,500 by the company to donate to her favorite charity: the Therapy Department at Provena Cor Mariae.

Need a laugh?

Take the edge off a rough day by visiting www.FunnySurgeryStories.com. This HIPAA-compliant site features more than amusing stories. It also provides an ongoing soap opera podcast, “As the Scalpel Slices,” where visitors can listen to weekly episodes, comment, and vote on the next week’s storyline.

Julie Ryan, an entrepreneur, inventor, and author says, “Laughter is a great stress reliever…. It’s my hope the FunnySurgeryStories.com…provides a welcome break.” Although the site is designed with surgical staffers and physicians in mind, long-term care professionals will enjoy the break, too. Share your “Good Stuff.” Send information on your achievements, outstanding personnel, inspirational residents, and more to Executive Editor Sandra Hoban at shoban@iadvanceseniorcare.com.

Sandra Hoban

Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.

Topics: Activities

Bringing you what’s best in long-term care

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