JCH&L Women’s Health Day Scheduled for July 19

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Wellness Experience Offers Women a Convenient Way to Take Control of Their Health

In just about three hours women from Jefferson County and beyond can complete their annual health checks and receive a well-deserved indulgence at the same time. Women’s Health Day is a complete wellness experience designed to make women’s health easy. Jefferson Community Health & Life is now scheduling for the experience on Wednesday, July 19.

The program is available at the Jefferson Community Health & Life Health Center and Fairbury Clinic on select days every month, and includes:

* Personalized guidance from an on-site Women’s Health Day navigator

* Important health screenings, including fasting lab tests, a screening mammogram and a routine annual exam to assess overall and gynecological health (lab test and mammogram results will be available before participants leave for the day, while Pap test results will be provided later by mail)

* Complimentary breakfast and a relaxing indulgence—such as an express manicure or hand massage, for example. Offerings may vary.

* Reserved parking

“It’s so important for women to make time for their own health, but we know life sometimes gets in the way,” said Erin Starr, Chief Nursing Officer. “That’s why we created Women’s Health Day—to provide a convenient way for women to get their essential health screenings all at once, while also taking time to unwind.”

All major insurance plans are accepted for screening and exams (coverage is subject to individual policy terms). JCH&L Fairbury Clinic accepts new patients.

Appointments for the Women’s Health Day experience start as early as 6:30 a.m. To schedule, call 402.729.6841.

JCH&L Important Part of Community

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During National Hospital Week, May 7-12, Jefferson Community Health & Life thanks the many individuals who contribute to the excellence of health care in our community.

Jefferson Community Health & Life – in 60th year of providing health care to residents of Jefferson County and the surrounding area — is one of Jefferson County’s largest employers with more than 260 full- and part-time employees. Annual payroll of the health center is about $$13.6 million. JCH&L employs staff from Jefferson County and all of the surrounding counties.

JCH&L appreciates the community support which is shown through use of its services, as well as donations to the non-profit charity.

JCH&L provides a wide range of health care services, including emergency, inpatient, outpatient, surgical, family medicine, visiting specialists, home health, occupational health and long-term care services.

JCH&L also provides a variety of health education and outreach services – health education opportunities, community health programs, a community fitness center, health fairs, speakers on health issues, support groups, screenings, and more.  JCH&L also provides donations for many area activities, events and programs. In fiscal 2021, JCH&L provided more than $1.8 million in donations and support, in addition to $130,000 in charity care to area residents. Staff members also volunteer in many area organizations and for events.

“Jefferson Community Health & Life is committed to providing quality health care to our area residents,” said JCH&L CEO Burke Kline, DHA, MHA, CHFP, FACHE. “We also take pride in being an active member of our community.”

More information about Jefferson Community Health & Life is available by going to its website at JCHealthandLife.org.

JCH&L Gardenside Earns 5 Star Rating Again

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Jefferson Community Health & Life Gardenside has once again received a 5 Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Gardenside has been a 5-star facility since the program began in 2008.

Nursing Home Compare and the star rating system allow consumers to compare information about nursing homes. It contains quality of care, staffing and survey information for all 15,000 plus Medicare- and Medicaid-participating nursing homes. Facilities are assigned star ratings from a high of 5 stars to a low of 1 star based on health inspection surveys, staffing information and quality of care measures. The ratings are publicly available on the agency’s Nursing Home Compare website at  www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare.

“We are pleased to remain a 5-Star facility, even though we know it becomes more difficult each year to receive the top rating,” said Laura DeBoer, RN, director of nursing at JCH&L Gardenside. “All of our staff members work very hard to provide the best quality of care for our residents. We are pleased to know that our care for our residents is reflected in our ratings through Nursing Home Compare.”

JCH&L Gardenside has been providing long-term care to area residents since 1963. Currently, Gardenside is licensed for 40 beds, and has one Hospice room available. Gardenside has an aviary and a variety of activities in which residents can participate including organized activities in the evenings and on weekends.

Gardenside prides itself on having a homelike environment, and being a small, family-oriented care facility. Three enclosed courtyards provide outdoor space for residents and their families to enjoy.

“What really sets us apart and makes our facility special is our wonderful staff,” DeBoer said. “Their hard work, dedication and care for our residents truly makes us a five-star facility.”

COVID-19 has been difficult for Gardenside residents. Gardenside continues to take appropriate precautions as necessary and as recommended by CDC, CMS and ICAP. Visitation is allowed, although depending on our county’s COVID transmission status and Gardenside’s status visitors may be asked to mask or take additional precautions. For more information on visitation guidelines, see our website at JCHealthandLife.org/locations/Gardenside or call 402-729-5220. Visitors may enter using Door 31 or the JCH&L main entrance.

JCH&L CEO Burke Kline, DHA, MHA, CHFP, FACHE, said he is very proud of the Gardenside’s care and commitment.

“I’m proud of our outstanding Gardenside team and the quality of care we continue to offer to our residents. The continued 5-star rating is a testament to our quality program especially during this historic pandemic. It really shows our commitment to our residents and community,” Kline said.

The Nursing Home Compare statistics can be accessed by going to www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare and selecting Gardenside LTC-JCHC.

Grief Support Series Planned by Cottonwood Hospice

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Cottonwood Hospice will hold a Grief Support Group June 13-Aug. 22 at JCH&L Fairbury Clinic Conference room, 2200 H St.

Sessions will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. every other Tuesday starting June 13. Sessions are set for June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25, Aug. 8 and 22.

There is no cost, and the sessions are open to anyone who has lost a loved one in the past year.

Pre-registration is requested for planning purposes. Please call Cottonwood Hospice at 402-228-8501.

Gardenside Recognized for Vaccine Status

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The Infection Control Assessment and Promotion Program (ICAP) has recognized  JCH&L Gardenside with Gold Status for having more than 90 percent of residents fully vaccinated. A certificate was presented showing Gardenside as one of the six long-term care facilities in the state with more than 90 percent of residents fully vaccinated.

Director of Nursing Laura DeBoer, RN, said: “All of our elders were more than willing to take their COVID series and boosters. Most felt it was their ‘duty’ to get these vaccines to protect themselves, and others. One gentlemen said ‘Why wouldn’t I get it?’ We discussed the COVID vaccine in our resident council and our elders wanted to live around others who were fully vaccinated as well. Moving forward, we made it an admission criteria that all new admissions needed to be fully vaccinated with boosters.”

The long-term care wall of honor can be found here:

LTC Vaccine Wall of Honor

2200 H St., PO Box 277, Fairbury, NE