U.S. News Names JCH&L Gardenside One of Best Nursing Homes

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US News has named JCH&L Gardenside as one of the best nursing homes in the United States for 2018-2019. Gardenside was one of 1,844 nursing homes in the United States receiving a rating of “High Performing” by U.S. News, of 15,317 nursing home rated.

U.S. News began publishing ratings of nursing homes in 2009. Gardenside was recognized that year for receiving a 5-Star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Gardenside has received 5 Star ratings since the ratings system began. Until the 2016-2017 release, the tool reflected a snapshot of the star ratings posted on Nursing Home Compare. In the 2016-2017 ratings, U.S. News modified their approach by evaluating nursing homes over a one year time period, rather than a one month snapshot.  For 2018-2019, the U.S. News ratings are based on staffing, inspections and quality, not the overall rating. U.S. News ratings given were High Performing, Better than Average, Average, Worse than Average or Poor.

“JCH&L Gardenside staff members work very hard to ensure the best quality of care for our residents,” said Deb Sutton RN, BS, NHA, administrator. “We are pleased to see our care reflected in ratings through U.S. News Best Nursing Home Report and Nursing Home Compare and the star ratings.”

JCH&L Gardenside has been providing long-term care to area residents since 1963. Currently, JCH&L Gardenside is licensed for 40 beds and has one Hospice room. In the past few years, JCH&L Gardenside has been nationally recognized for its work on natural awakening, improving the sleep of residents. JCH&L Gardenside has been recognized as a 2017 recipient of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award for its dedication to improving the lives of residents through quality care.

“What sets us apart and makes our facility special is our wonderful staff,” Sutton said. “Their hard work, dedication and care for our residents truly makes us a ‘best nursing home.’ “

The U.S. News Best Nursing Home ratings and nursing home finder can be accessed at http://health.usnews.com/best-nursing-homes. The Nursing Home Compare statistics can be accessed by going to www.Medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare and searching by zip code and/or name.

JCH&L Seeks Funding for Christmas Project

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Each year Jefferson Community Health & Life asks the community’s help in completing a special project for our patients, residents and visitors. This year, we’re asking for everyone’s help once again for three special projects which would benefit Gardenside residents, fitness center members, and our area women. A mailing went out to many friends and donors in mid-December, and almost $16,000 has already been donated, nearly half of our $32,000 goal.

JCH&L Gardenside residents exercise to regain and maintain strength and mobility. The NU Step exercise machine in the rehab room is a popular machine which offers great low-impact exercise. It is particularly helpful for those who struggle with balance, have weak muscles or have joint problems. It is the most recommended machine in health care. Our NU Step has been serving Gardenside residents for many years, and is in need of replacement, at a cost of about $8,000.

JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center offers a wide variety of equipment to its members. The most popular machines year after year are the treadmills. We have five treadmills and replace them at intervals to keep our machines serving our members dependably, and to keep up with new features. A new replacement treadmill will cost about $10,000.

 Mammography is a proven way to catch breast cancer early, and we want to help women follow the guidelines and recommendations for screenings for their best health. We are seeking to add a new mammography tracking system which will help our staff to give women timely reminders and follow-up on their mammograms. The software costs an approximate $14,000.

Donations of all amounts are welcome and will help our project be successful.  All contributions will be recognized in the fiscal 2019 annual report for Jefferson Community Health & Life and the Jefferson Health Care Fund! If you would like, you may make a contribution 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 on the Wall of Honor.

If you would like to donate or need more information, please contact Lana Likens, extension 4479.

January Health Today: Finding Your WHY

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The January Health Today Program will be “Finding Your WHY” by Bekah Kimberlin, PharmD, Diabetes Educator, Lifestyle Change Coach. The session will be held at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15, in the Conference Rooms at Jefferson Community Health & Life.

There are changes we all know we SHOULD make in our lives. How do we motivate ourselves to make those changes? How do we stop the “resolution” cycle and start a lifetime of positive change? Bekah will help us find ways to recognize the WHYs that will motivate us and learn to set SMART goals to help us reach our goals.

Health Today is a free monthly health education session offered by Jefferson Community Health & Life in a lunch-time session. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch, or are welcome to purchase lunch in the JCH&L cafeteria, which is located near the Conference Rooms.

JCH&L works with a wide variety of professionals who bring educational programs on health-related topics each month.

Reservations are not required. The program is FREE. The only cost for participants would be lunch, if they choose to purchase it. Participants are also welcome to carry in their lunch. Anyone who would like to be on a mailing list to directly receive notices about the monthly sessions or anyone with questions about the program should contact Likens at (402) 729-6855.

JCH&L Offers Free Smart Moves Introductory Session

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Lifestyle change program helps participants learn to live healthy

FAIRBURY – If you have made a resolution you want to keep, come to a free introductory session for Smart Moves set for 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15, in the Large Conference Room. The free no-obligation session will introduce you to a successful lifestyle change program being offered by Jefferson Community Health & Life. Registration is not required for the introductory session.

Smart Moves is a year-long program is designed for those who are at risk for diabetes and want to change their lifestyle to avoid getting diabetes. Lifestyle coaches who lead the program are JCH&L Dietitian Lisa Edeal RD, LMNT; Bekah Kimberlin, PharmD; and Craig Bontrager, director of JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center.

“This program has been successful in helping participants to make lifestyle changes which positively impact their health,” Edeal said.

JCH&L’s program has received Full Recognition from the Centers For Disease Control (CDC). This designation is reserved for programs that have effectively delivered a quality, evidence-based program that meets all the standards for CDC recognition.

Studies show that diabetes can be prevented. Diabetes risk can be lowered by losing weight, eating healthy, exercising regularly, and taking part in a lifestyle change program, such as Smart Moves. Smart Moves is a program of the National Diabetes Prevention Program. JCH&L participates with the support of Public Health Solutions District Health Department.

For the first part of the program, participants meet in a small-group setting weekly for one-hour presentations. For the second portion of the program, participants will meet twice a month.

The program provides lifestyle coaching and group support, promotes healthier eating and weight loss, explores ways to be physically active, creates strategies to overcome barriers, and teaches participants how to apply coping skills to stay successful.

The cost of the program is $225 for the full year. This fee includes not only the program, but also a six-month membership to the JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center (a $200 value.) Financial assistance is available for those who meet certain financial eligibility criteria.

Anyone interested in Smart Moves or the free introductory session is encouraged to call Lisa Edeal RD, LMNT, at (402) 729-6846 or email lisa.edeal@jchealthandlife.org to register or for more information.

Nebraska Community Bloodbank Visits Jan. 28

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FAIRBURY – Giving blood is giving a gift of life. Nebraska Community Bloodbank is Jefferson Community Health & Life’s bloodbank, and the two organizations partner for blood drives in Fairbury to save lives.

The next blood drive will be held on Monday, Jan. 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Nebraska Community Bloodbank bloodmobile in the JCH&L parking lot (on the H street side of the building.) All types are needed.

During this drive, all presenting donors will receive a free coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts, in celebration of National Blood Donor month.

To make an appointment, call Jean Smith at JCH&L at 402-729-6851, the Nebraska Community Bloodbank at 1-877-486-9414 or visit NCBB.org and use sponsor code JCHC.

JCH&L Introduces Women’s Health Day

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

Three hours – that’s all it takes for women from Jefferson County and beyond to complete their annual health checks and receive a well-deserved indulgence at the same time. Jefferson Community Health & Life introduces Women’s Health Day, a complete wellness experience designed to make women’s health easy. JCH&L is now scheduling women for the experience on Tuesday, Jan. 22.

The program, now available at the Jefferson Community Health & Life Health Center and Fairbury Clinic on select Tuesdays and Thursdays every month, 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 mini facial, 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 Quality 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).

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

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group to Meet Jan. 28

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The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group will meet on Monday, Jan. 28, at 6:30 p.m. in Jefferson Community Health & Life’s Small Conference Room.

The program will be “Inside the Brain: Unraveling the Mystery of Alzheimer’s,” a video from the National Institutes of Health which shows the intricate mechanisms involved in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain.

Easiest access will be by parking in the H Street parking and entering through the JCH&L Main Entrance. Follow the lobby signage to “Hospital.” The meeting rooms will be to the left. The Small Conference Room is the second door.

The Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Support Group is a program of the Alzheimer’s Association which typically meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Jefferson Community Health & Life. It is designed for those who are caregivers and family members of those who have Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias.

The group is designed to provide an opportunity anyone interested to share their experiences with Alzheimer’s Disease. There is no cost, and no pre-registration.

For more information, contact Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health & Life at 402-729-6855.

Parkinson’s Support Group to Meet Jan. 14

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The Parkinson’s Support Group will meet on Monday, Jan. 14, at 10 a.m. in Jefferson Community Health & Life’s Small Conference Room.

The program will be a webinar, “Diagnosis PD, Now What? Managing the first years with Parkinson’s” by Suketu Khandhar, MD, Medical Director at Kaiser Permanente Northern California Movement Disorders Program, Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center.

Easiest access will be by parking in the H Street parking and entering through the JCH&L Main Entrance. Follow the lobby signage to “Hospital.” The meeting rooms will be to the left. The Small Conference Room is the second door.

The Parkinson’s Support Group generally meets on the second Monday of each month.

The group is designed to provide an opportunity for area residents to share their experiences with Parkinson’s disease. There is no cost for participants.

For more information, contact Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health Center at (402)-729-3351.

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