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Every month I am presented with several nominations for the Appreciation Station, and this month was no different. However, when it came time to choose a winner, two individuals stood out and I felt that both deserved recognition. I would like to congratulate both Jodi T, PT and Theresa T, OT for being this month’s Appreciation Station Winners! Both women exhibit extreme professionalism and genuine care in their jobs.

Jodi is a full-time Physical Therapist at Martin Luther Care Center has been able to keep up with a busy work load since day one. Jodi’s Rehab Director noted of her performance, “Jodi has put in many long hours and always does her job with a smile. We never have a complaint about Jodi!”

Theresa is a full-time Occupational Therapist at Chapel View. She was quietly observed recently by a co-worker exhibiting an acute level of compassion when she attempted for a 4^th time to contact a family member to update them on the care of their loved one.  She did this with patience and tact. “If I had been that family member, I would have appreciated that call so greatly and the time she took to make it.” Theresa has certainly made an impression on her co-workers and patients.

Congratulations Jodi and Theresa, and thank you for your hard work!

Congratulations to Erika B. for being February’s Appreciation Station Winner!  Erika is a full-time OT for us at Minnesota Veterans Home and is doing amazing things for us there.  She is determined to do what is right and making a huge impact for good, always positive, and always keeping the patients’ best interests in mind.  She is a great OT and brings with her heightened quality of care.  We are grateful to her for all her efforts.  She is a fantastic representative for Centrex Rehab.

Congratulations to Melanie T. for being January’s Appreciation Station Winner!  Melanie has been employed with us for over 5 years and is a full-time SLP.  She takes pride in and excels at her work.  We commend her for recently taking the time and initiative to set up some important processes and organization in the Speech department at Ridges.  Co-workers say Melanie goes the extra mile to look for and see to department needs, as well as carefully tending to residents’ needs.  These are the type of employees we so value.  Melanie is an asset to our team and a great representative for Centrex Rehab.

Congratulations to Suzanne M. for being this month’s Appreciation Station Winner! Sue is a part-time PT at Open Circle who is doing so much to make this facility a success. New to the facility as of September, she has already established herself as an asset to the facility and to all staff members around her. Staff says she is outstanding! Sue is a wonderful addition to the OC team and a great representative for Centrex! Thanks Sue for all you do! We really appreciate your hard work!

Evidence Based Falls Prevention training: Otago Exercise Program!
The Otago Exercise Program (Otago) has been proven effective to reduce balance impairments and lower body weakness through individually tailored instruction prescribed by a Physical Therapist. Otago uses standardized exercises of progressive difficulty to improve strength and balance, combined with a walking program. Developed in New Zealand and endorsed by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is used by Physical Therapists worldwide. Random control trials demonstrated fall reductions of 35 – 45% in older adults. The evidence based Otago program was developed for home health intervention, and the concepts have been used in home exercise, group exercise, and restorative nursing programs. PT & PTA training is required to ensure fidelity and effectiveness of the Otago Exercise Program. http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/compendium/1.2_otago.html

STEADI – (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, & Injuries). This evidence based STEADI tool kit was created by CDC for use by health care providers who treat older adults at risk of falling or who have fallen in the past. The kit includes a clinical practice guideline, educational information, and standardized gait and balance assessment tests. http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/Falls/steadi/about.html

Presentation schedule:
Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, 4-6:30 PM – BLOOMINGTON
Thursday, March 7, 2013, 4-6:30 PM – RED WING
Wednesday, March 13, 2013, 4-6:30 PM – ALEXANDRIA
Wednesday, March 20, 2013, 4-6:30 PM – DULUTH
Tuesday, April 2, 2013, 4-6:30 PM – OLIVIA

Click here to download the flyer and registration form.

An article entitled, “A dream house in Fridley: House built with teen in mind who has spina bifida” featured partnership between Twin Cities’ Habitat for Humanity and Access Solutions.

Access Solutions provides universal and accessible design consulting services to promote active, safe and independent living for people of all ages and abilities. Services include but are not limited to home access assessments, design development, project management, and education and outreach.

Click here to read the full article: http://focus.mnsun.com/2012/11/25/a-dream-house-in-fridley-house-built-with-teen-in-mind-who-has-spina-bifida/