JCH&L Gardenside named a Valentine King and Queen on Feb. 14.
Crowned King was Keith “Mike” Slater, and crowned Queen was Joan McKenzie. Assisting in the crowning was Miss Jefferson County Kenzie Strain.
FAIRBURY – Jefferson Community Health & Life Gardenside has received a 4 Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.
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. Five stars indicate much above average quality, while a one star indicates much below average quality. The ratings are publicly available on the agency’s Nursing Home Compare website at www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare.
“While Gardenside has been a 5-star facility for years, CMS revised how facilities earn these stars, making it much harder to stay a 5-star facility. Gardenside is currently a 4-star facility, which is above average,” said Laura DeBoer, RN, director of nursing at JCH&L Gardenside. “Gardenside staff and administration strive to improve this rating and working hard to ensure that our residents receive the best care possible. We believe the well-being of our residents and their quality of life is crucial.”
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 an outstanding facility.”
JCH&L CEO Burke Kline, DHA, MHA, MBA, 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,” Kline said.
The Nursing Home Compare statistics can be accessed by going to www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare and selecting Gardenside LTC-JCHC.
FAIRBURY – The Fairbury Rural Fire Department was awarded $750 for the community’s participation in this year’s Nebraska Community Blood Bank Hometown Heroes blood drive campaign. With 65 units collected over the summer, the drives at JCH&L earned Hometown Heroes funds to support the department’s rescue truck.
The rescue truck went out on 27 calls last year, and has already been out on 6 this year, said assistant fire chief Judd Stewart.
Nebraska Community Bloodbank is JCH&L’s blood supplier. The bloodmobile comes to JCH&L’s North Building parking lot 6 times a year. This year’s Hometown Heroes drives will be June 10 and Aug. 5.
Nebraska Community Bloodbank offers Hometown Heroes donation dollars to communities outside Lincoln and Omaha which host blood drives. Awards are allocated based on the total collections combined. Communities can direct up to $1,200 to a charity in their community.
Any community outside Lincoln and Omaha city limits is eligible to participate by hosting a blood drive in support of the Hometown Heroes campaign. There is no limit to the number of blood drives your community can hold. Awards will be allocated based on the total collections combined. • Based on the success of your community’s blood drive(s), you’ll have the opportunity to direct up to $1,200 toward funding a charity in your community. Awards may not be directed to the organization sponsoring the drive, nor used for a general fund. To get started, email us at blooddrives@ncbb.org or call 402-486-9414. Or visit NCBB.ORG/HEROES to learn more.
Learn more about our Hometown Heroes campaign at ncbb.org/heroes, email blooddrives@ncbb.org, or call 402-486-9414.
Jami Kassebaum, assistant manager of donor recruitment with Nebraska Community Bloodbank (2nd from right) presents a check for the Hometown Heroes program to the Fairbury Rural Fire Department. Pictured are, from left, Judd Stewart, assistant fire chief; Steve Zimmerman, firefighter; Brett Rogers, captain; Kassebaum; and Barry Schwab, assistant fire chief. The Hometown Heroes funds will go to the rescue truck fund.
The Jefferson Community Health & Life board of directors held the organization’s annual membership meeting for fiscal 2023 on Thursday, Jan. 25. Anyone who has donated $100 or more to Jefferson Community Health & Life is a member of the private not-for-profit corporation.
Two board members were re-elected to continue service on the board. Ross Boeckner, Fairbury, was elected for his second term. Dallas Christ, Plymouth, was elected for his first full term after completing the unexpired term of the late Dr. Jeff Johnson. Board members are elected from among members of the corporation and may serve up to two consecutive four-year terms.
Trevor Steinmeyer, board chairman, thanked the administration, medical staff, board members and staff for continuing to be excellent and providing exceptional care at the highest level to patients. He noted JCH&L was named for several honors and awards in 2023, including being named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital, an award we have received 8 out of the last 10 years. We were also recognized with a Chartis Performance Leadership Award for patient perspective and quality improvement.
“It’s obvious that Jefferson Community Health & Life continues to be a leader in health care, while continuing to strive for the mission of providing exceptional health and life services for every person, every time,” Steinmeyer said.
Highlights in the CEO’s annual report to the membership from CEO Burke Kline, DHA, MHA, CHFP, FACHE, included the Performance Leadership Award and Nebraska Quality Award. JCH&L received the 2023 OnCon Icon awards for “Top 10 Executive Teams” and “Top 50 Operations Teams” in October 2023 (fiscal 2024.)
Leta Mau, nutrition services dining room assistant, was named JCHL’s Caring Kind employee the fall of 2023. Wayne Franzen, Gardenside day activities coordinator, was named JCH&Ls Caring Kind employee in the fall of 2022 (fiscal 2023.)
Dr. Kline earned his Masters in Business Administration from Bellevue University. He was named in Becker’s Hospital Review as one of “80 Rural Hospital CEOs to Know.” He also received an ACHE Service Award in October 2022.
Kim Francis, RN, was named infection preventionist/employee health coordinator in June and in August also became housekeeping and laundry supervisor. Amber Brunow was hired as Laboratory Manager. A new position handling prior authorizations was added and Kayla Young was hired to fill the position. A new Fairbury Clinic Health Coach position was created and Deb Sutton, RN, was hired. Carly Berkenmeier, RN, joined JCH&L as an oncology nurse and earned her ONS/ONC Chemotherapy Immunothrapy certificate. Brittany Filipi was hired in radiology to do ultrasounds and we added vascular equipment so she could do vascular studies. Speech therapist Kristin Banahan, M.S., CCC-SLP, and Occupational therapist Taylor Zimmerman, MOT, OTR/L, joined the Sports Medicine and Rehab Services pediatric team. Anne Itzen, RN, WCC, renewed her Wound Care Certification through the National Alliance of sound Care and Ostomy. Jenn Mau, RN, BSN, passed the Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional Course. Erin Starr, RN, earned her Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. Laura DeBoer, RN, Gardenside Director of Nursing, earned her social worker designee certification. Laura DeBoer, RN, Kelli Doty, RN, Kim Francis, RN, and Patrick Hoins completed a Water Management Training course. Jenn Mau, RN, was elected to the Fairbury Chamber of Commerce board. Kelli Pohlmann and Mary Feldkamp became Social Worker Designees. Wayne Franzen received an activities certification. Teresa Kroll earned her medical assistant certificate. Ashley Norden, LPN, and Jenn Mau, RN, completed the Nebraska Hospital Association Leadership Academy in October 2023.
New services added included a new Dexa Scanner (bone density screening), Men’s Health Clinic days, expanded occupational health services, cosmetic and therapeutic aesthetics, and vascular screenings in house, rather than by contracted services.
Major projects included updating in Gardenside, remodeling laboratory, implementing a new appointment reminder system for Fairbury Clinic patients, utilizing new wound care software, implementing new software allowing patients to estimate the cost of a service, and a number of other capital projects.
JCH&L remained active in community collaboration and events.
Chance Klasek, CFO, presented a report containing a comparison of financial data over the past five years. Chance noted that gross revenues increased to just under $43 million in the current year. After bad debt and contractual adjustments of $11 million and expenses of $31.5 million, this left JCH&L with $500,000 of operating loss which equated to a 1.45% operating loss. We recognized gains on investments and grants of roughly $5.3 million for a total increase in net assets of $4.8 million.
At the regular monthly board meeting which followed the annual meeting, officers were elected for 2024. Officers are: Trevor Steinmeyer, chairman; Ross Boeckner, vice chairman; and Glenda Austin, secretary-treasurer.
In just about three hours women from Jefferson County and beyond can complete their annual health checks during one visit to Jefferson Community Health & Life. Women’s Health Day is a complete wellness experience designed to make women’s health easy. JCH&L has recently updated the program, and it is now easier than ever for women to schedule.
The program is available at the Jefferson Community Health & Life Health Center and Fairbury Clinic. Women can scheduled with their preferred primary care provider for an annual exam, and then other screenings are scheduled to coordinate with the appointment.
The Women’s Health Day experience 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 will be available before participants leave for the day; mammogram results may be available or may be mailed; Pap test results will be provided later by mail)
* Complimentary coupon for a meal in the JCH&L cafeteria
* 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, in one visit to JCH&L.”
All major insurance plans are accepted for screening and exams (coverage is subject to individual policy terms).
For screenings and exam, we accept all major insurance plans. Coverage is subject to individual policy terms. Please note not all lab work is considered screening dependent upon your insurance plan and your personal health conditions. Deductibles may apply. Please check with your insurer.
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 402-587-5218.
Aesthetic treatments are available at Jefferson Community Health & Life, with services provided by Kirisha Afuh, FNP-C. JCH&L is now accepting appointments Feb. 2 and March 7.
JCH&L offers both cosmetic and therapeutic injections. To make an appointment for a cosmetic injection, please call 402-729-6851. To make an appointment to discuss possible medical treatment, please call 402-729-3361, option 1.
Cosmetic neurotoxin injections (such as Botox® and Xeomin®) can relax the muscles on areas of the face and neck which cause wrinkles associated with facial expressions or facial pain. Treatment with neurotoxins can cause facial expression lines or wrinkles to be less noticeable. Areas most frequently treated are around the eyes, forehead and lips.
Cosmetic injections (removing or reducing wrinkles) are typically not covered by insurance. For cosmetic injections, payment is required the day of treatment. JCH&L offers a Cosmetic Neurotoxin Loyalty card program. Free consultations are offered for cosmetic services. At your consultation, you can discuss your needs, procedure recommendations and costs.
Therapeutic neurotoxin injections may be covered by some insurances for 1) TMJ dysfunction; 2) Bruxism (teeth grinding); 3) types of orofacial pain including headaches and migraines; or 4) Excessive sweating. Therapeutic neurotoxin injections for medical purposes will typically be referred by a health care provider.
Therapeutic neurotoxins are diluted to a very controlled solution. When the solution is injected into the muscles with a very thin needle it is almost painless. Patients may feel a slight burning sensation during the injection. The procedure takes about 15- 20 minutes. Results are not permanent, but may last up to three months.
Treatment with dermal fillers can smooth out facial folds and wrinkles, add volume to the lips, and contour facial features that have lost their volume and fullness due to aging, sun exposure, illness, etc. Facial rejuvenation can be carried out with minimal complications. These dermal fillers are injected under the skin with a very fine needle. This lifts and smooths wrinkles and folds. Results may be seen immediately. Dermal filler treatments are not covered by insurance, and payment is required on the day of the treatment.
If you have questions for a medical professional trained in Aesthetics, Afuh can help. Afuh received certificates through Aesthetics Medical Educators Training and the American Academy of Facial Aesthetics. Her training included hands-on work with patients.
Men’s Health Clinic days have been scheduled at JCH&L Fairbury Clinic for Feb. 22 and March 14. Bryce Taylor, PA-C, offers a wide variety of men’s health services at the Men’s Health Clinic. Appointments can be made by calling 402-729-3361 and asking for a Men’s Health consultation. You don’t need to give a reason.
Men’s Health consultations may cover a wide variety of men’s topics, including but not limited to: low libido (sex drive), insomnia, depression/anxiety, erectile disfunction, male pattern hair loss, enlarged prostate, weight loss, fatigue (low energy), smoking cessation, scrotal pain/mass, urinary incontinence, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, alcoholism, and infertility.
Privacy is the top priority. The scheduler does not need to know the specific reason for the appointment.
These consultations are covered by most insurances, similar to other routine office visit appointments. Copays and deductibles may apply depending on your insurance carrier. Lab services may also be subject to deductibles.
Men who have questions should schedule their Men’s Health Clinic visit today. Call 402-729-3361. Select option 1 for scheduling.
The Caregivers Support Group offered by the Alzheimer’s Association will meet on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 4:30 p.m. in the Jefferson Community Health & Life Clinic Conference Room. The program will be a video “Caregiver Training: Agitation an Anxiety” from the UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program.
Easiest access will be by parking in the H Street parking and entering through the JCH&L Main Entrance. Follow the signage to “Caregiver’s Support.”
The Caregiver’s Support Group is a program of the Alzheimer’s Association. The group meets on the second Thursday of each month in the JCH&L Clinic Conference Room.
The support group is designed for those who are caregivers and family members of those who have Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias. The group provide an opportunity anyone interested to share their experiences with Alzheimer’s Disease and learn from other’s experiences. There is no cost, and no pre-registration required.
For more information, contact Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health & Life at 402-729-6855.
Each year Jefferson Community Health & Life asks the community’s help in completing a special project for patients, residents, and visitors. This year, JCH&L is seeking donations for three special projects which will benefit our community—a renovation of the JCH&L Gardenside long-term care dayroom, new lights for the helicopter pad, and a new elliptical trainer for the JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center. We hope to raise at least $41,000 for these three worthwhile projects.
Renovation of the Gardenside dayroom is much needed. An estimated $20,000 will allow JCH&L Gardenside to reconfigure the area to make it the most useful and comfortable for residents. The project will include replacing carpet, paint, and some furnishings. JCH&L Gardenside residents and their families spend a lot of quality time in the day room and it should be comfortable and convenient for them.
The JCH&L helicopter pad has been used an average of more than 19 times a year for the past four years for emergency air transport. It is and is literally a lifesaver in some emergency situations. Flight staff are well trained and provide critical care when in transit to a trauma center. Star Care 5 provides air ambulance service to JCH&L. The pad needs some updating, including new lights, which is anticipated to cost about $15,000.
The JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center provides fitness opportunities for our area residents. The elliptical training machines are very popular, and one is in need of replacement. The Precore elliptical is a provides excellent cardio exercise with less stress on joints than a treadmill and it inclines to work even more muscle groups than other ellipticals. This popular machine will cost about $6,00o.
Donations of all amounts are welcome and will make our project successful. All contributions will be recognized in the fiscal 2024 annual report for Jefferson Community Health & Life and the Jefferson Health Care Fund. Contributions may be made in honor of someone living or in memory of someone who has passed away. Memorial gifts are recognized each year in a newspaper ad prior to Memorial Day. All donations of $1,000 or more will be recognized with a plaque on the Wall of Honor, and contributions of any amount are counted toward cumulative recognition.
Those who would like more information should contact Lana Likens at 402-729-6855, or by emailing lana.likens@jchealthandlife.org.
Dr. Sean Flor will be leaving JCH&L in December, and Carolyn Ferguson’s last day was Nov. 27.
Dr. Flor’s last day will be Dec. 21. He will be employed at another Nebraska clinic.
Ferguson’s last day was Nov. 27. She is going to the west coast to be closer to family and the ocean.
“We encourage those who considered either Dr. Flor or Carolyn their primary care provider to choose another Fairbury Clinic provider for their care,” said Ashley Norden, clinic administrator.
She said care will still be readily available.
“We remain positioned to be able to offer our patients same-day appointments when needed,” Norden said. “We will still have 4 physicians, 3 nurse practitioners and 2 PAs ready and able to serve your needs.”
JCH&L is currently recruiting for both another physician and another Advanced Practice Provider.
“While we are sorry to lose both of these excellent family medicine providers, we wish them the best in their new endeavors,” said Burke Kline, DHA, MHA, MBA, CHFP, FACHE.
2200 H St., PO Box 277, Fairbury, NE