Our people make Laurel Health Care great. Every year, we say thank you to our Associates on Laurel Day. Every facility celebrates in their own way, but no matter what they do it’s sure to involve lots of fun — and usually lots of food!

Fun, Food and Festivities at Laurel Day

The Laurel SpiritA L A U R E L H E A L T H C A R E C O M P A N Y A S S O C I A T E P U B L I C A T I O N

VOLUME 21 • SUMMER 2015

The Laurels of GalesburgAssociates and families at The Laurels of

Galesburg enjoyed beautiful weather and lots of laughter at their Laurel Day picnic. The little ones loved the face painting and balloon art!

The Laurels of KentAt The Laurels of Kent, Laurel Day is spent

outside in a carnival atmosphere. Associates compete for prizes in a variety of games, activities, and competitions, many involving water balloons. Other games include a watermelon eating contest and tug-o-war. Grand prizes are reserved for those brave enough to go down the waterslide! Prizes are paid for by the STEPS committee with the proceeds from fundraisers held throughout the year. Associates and their families also enjoy face painting, water balloon fights, a summer cook out, and the Laurel Legacy awards.

The Laurels of SteubenvilleAssociates at The Laurels of Steubenville do not let a little

rain stand in the way of fun. In spite of some showers, everyone enjoyed a fun-filled day with games, a scavenger hunt, door prizes, and lots of food. The ice cream man even made a special stop! New Administrator Lori Marsh was initiated to the Laurel family with cream pies and silly string.

Administrator Lori Marsh took a

pie—or several—to the face at The

Laurels of Steubenville.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 8)

2 T H E L A U R E L W A Y O F C A R I N G C O M E S F R O M W I T H I N

Words of ThanksWords of ThanksA W O R D F R O M O U R C U S T O M E R S

Often, Laurel Health Care Associates go above and beyond the call of duty, reaching out in the communities they serve and demonstrating The Laurel Way of Caring. Here are a few of the letters, or excerpts of letters, of appreciation we have received commending these Associates for their extra efforts.

The Laurels of Worthington

This letter is dedicated to all of you on staff at The

Laurels of Worthington. Today, in particular, [we]

would like to recognize all who participated in the

care of Leslie Nateman after she faced several

catastrophic health issues. Your efforts and patience

recognized what Leslie could not and helped her on

the journey to survive, gain back her memories, and

become semi-independent again. Every single one

of you can have a significant impact on a life;

every call, visit, and touch is a pivotal contact that

strengthens or guides a Resident so that they can

find their way to living in a restricted world they

did not build for themselves. Thank you all for

your passion and dedication.

The Nateman Clan: David,

Barry, and Cheryl

The Laurels of Sandy CreekI want to thank you for the excellent care I received during my stay. I loved the staff and became friends with many. I will never forget you all. Below are names of some of the best aides I was close to and they enriched my life: Peggy (my energizer bunny), Angela (loved her), Michelle (who was always there with an encouraging word), Jody (loved her bouncy personality), Dan (the man!), Edna (great smile), Jane (always willing to help when I needed her), Lynette (worked those double shifts), plus Jaime on the third shift who always rushed to answer my call light in the wee hours of the night, and the rest too many to name. Now for the great nursing staff: Tina (loved her to pieces), Aeron (funny man), Tanzy (great gal), and of course Dee (my JIF peanut butter buddy), and I can’t forget Cheryl (my giggling buddy). I also want to thank Janine, my management buddy. Plus I want to thank the great therapy staff for all the great workouts and words of support. Again, I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the excellent care.Sharon Demond

The Laurels of DefianceTracey Belcher, STNA, has been exceptional during

my stay. I appreciated all of her help. She was very quick to answer my light with a smile on her face. Thank you for everything. I will miss you! Theresa (Clemens) is such an attentive caring nurse. I had her last year and again this stay. She made me feel as if I was her only patient. She took time to explain things to me and made sure I had my pain controlled. Thank you and I will miss you.

Deb Cain Longwell

The Laurels of Blanchester

To all of the gals and guys at Laurel Health

Care, you have brought me through a most

difficult time of emotional and physical health

problems and I will be eternally grateful. Your

wonderful sense of humor and consistent good

care and helpfulness made my recovery a

certainty from the beginning of my stay at The

Laurels. I will never forget you and I hope and

pray that if you ever need care for yourself you

will be treated as kindly as I have been. Thank

you all so much. With love and good wishes,

Joy Shoemaker

T H E L A U R E L W A Y O F C A R I N G C O M E S F R O M W I T H I N 3

Focus on... AwardsFocus on... AwardsD E M O N S T R A T I N G T H E L A U R E L W A Y

2015 Management Meeting Awards Laurel Health Care Company is pleased to recognize these facilities and Associates for outstanding performance in 2014. Congratulations to all of the hard-working

Managers and Associates who made these results possible.

The Laurels of AthensThe Laurels of Blanchester

The Laurels of Bon Air The Laurels of Carson City

The Laurels of Charlottesville The Laurels of Defiance The Laurels of DeKalb

The Laurels of Forest Glenn The Laurels of Galesburg

The Laurels of GreenTree RidgeThe Laurels of Hillsboro

The Laurels of HendersonvilleThe Laurels of Kent

The Laurels of Massillon

The Laurels of Mt. Pleasant The Laurels of NorworthThe Laurels of Salisbury

The Laurels of Shane Hill The Laurels of Summit Ridge

The Laurels of Toledo The Laurels of University ParkThe Laurels of Willow CreekThe Laurels of Worthington

Maplewood of AthensMaplewood of Mt. Pleasant

Maplewood of MarshallMaplewood of Shane’s Village

The Laurel Way Award Winners for outstanding demonstration of The Laurel Way of Caring

The Gaulke Award for Outstanding Business Management

The Laurels of Athens (Business Office Manager: Julie Huggins)

PinnacleAward

Overall Winner – The Laurels of Bon AirCongratulations to the Associates of The Laurels of Bon Air, winner of the Pinnacle Award for the fourth year in a row. The facility received a check for $10,000. 25% will be spent on an employee celebration, and the rest will go towards facility improvements.

Runner-Up – The Laurels of CharlottesvilleThe Laurels of Charlottesville came in second place for the Pinnacle Award for the second time this year. They received $5,000 for facility improvements and employee recognition.

4 T H E L A U R E L W A Y O F C A R I N G C O M E S F R O M W I T H I N

The Laurel Way We are a team of

professionals dedicated to promoting the highest level of independence and quality of life for our Guests by creating

a comfortable living environment and providing

comprehensive health care services.

To accomplish this, we have a responsibility to:

Treat everyone with dignity and respect

Conduct ourselves with the highest level of integrity and ethical behavior

Be uncompromising in our standards of quality of care and service

Attract, train and retain knowledgeable, caring and compassionate individuals

Challenge ourselves to grow as people, as professionals and as a company

Earn a fair and reasonable profit for our stakeholders

We embrace these responsibilities, with

commitment and enthusiasm, in our pursuit of The Laurel Way.

ManagementD E M O N S T R A T I N G T H E L A U R E L W A Y

ManagementLaurel Legacy Award Winners

for exceeding Guest and Employee expectations

The Laurels of AthensThe Laurels of Blanchester

The Laurels of CharlottesvilleThe Laurels of DeKalb The Laurels of Fulton

The Laurels of GreenTree RidgeThe Laurels of NorworthThe Laurels of SalisburyThe Laurels of Toledo

The Laurels of Worthington

The Castor Award Winners for outstanding quality of care and service

The Laurels of AthensThe Laurels of BedfordThe Laurels of Bon Air

The Laurels of Carson City The Laurels of DefianceThe Laurels of DeKalb

The Laurels of Forest Glenn

The Laurels of Fulton The Laurels of Galesburg

The Laurels of GreenTree RidgeThe Laurels of Hendersonville

The Laurels of SalisburyThe Laurels of Summit RidgeThe Laurels of University Park

100% Club Winners for full occupancy during 2014

The Laurels of AthensThe Laurels of Bedford

The Laurels of Blanchester The Laurels of Bon AirThe Laurels of Canton

The Laurels of Carson CityThe Laurels of Charlottesville

The Laurels of DefianceThe Laurels of Forest Glenn

The Laurels of FultonThe Laurels of Galesburg

The Laurels of GreenTree RidgeThe Laurels of Hilliard

The Laurels of HillsboroThe Laurels of Huber Heights

The Laurels of Norworth The Laurels of Salisbury

The Laurels of Shane HillThe Laurels of Steubenville

The Laurels of ToledoThe Laurels of University ParkThe Laurels of West CarrolltonThe Laurels of Willow CreekThe Laurels of Worthington

Maplewood of Athens Maplewood of Marshall

Maplewood of Mt. PleasantMaplewood of Sandy Creek

Maplewood of Shane’s Village

Sales Achievement AwardsPercent Over Budget:

Medicare: The Laurels of Hillsboro Total: The Laurels of Shane Hill

Medicare/Medicare Replacement Days: The Laurels of Bon Air

T H E L A U R E L W A Y O F C A R I N G C O M E S F R O M W I T H I N 5

D E M O N S T R A T I N G T H E L A U R E L W A Y

Meeting AwardsMeeting Awards

The LaurelsMission Statement

Creating a Legacy

By

Exceeding the

Needs and Expectations

Of Those We Serve,

While Embracing

The Laurel Way

Rehab Awards for DocumentationThe Laurels of Carson City

The Laurels of DeKalbThe Laurels of Forest Glenn

The Laurels of HilliardThe Laurels of Kent

The Laurels of MassillonThe Laurels of Summit Ridge

The Laurels of ToledoThe Laurels of West Carrollton

The RSD Rookie of the YearCasey Pontones, The Laurels of Canton

Rehab Services Director (RSD) AwardsBest Fiscal Management:

The Laurels of Massillon & The Laurels of Toledo

Best Staffing Management/Productivity:

The Laurels of Steubenville

Best ICF/Part B Patient Advocacy:

The Laurels of New London

Rehab RUGs Management: The Laurels of Bedford

New RSD Council Member

Tyler Mackall, The Laurels of Bon Air

New DON Council Member

Marleen Miller, The Laurels of DeKalb

The Finnerty Award Winners for excellence in property management

The Laurels of BlanchesterThe Laurels of Carson City

The Laurels of DeKalbThe Laurels of Fulton

The Laurels of HendersonvilleThe Laurels of Massillon

The Laurels of SteubenvilleThe Laurels of Toledo

New RSD Council Member Tyler Mackall with Regional Rehab Manager Beth Simpson

New DON Council Member Marleen Miller

Associates participate in Management Meeting classes.

6 T H E L A U R E L W A Y O F C A R I N G C O M E S F R O M W I T H I N

A C L O S E - U P L O O K A T A C T I V I T I E S

ReflectionsReflectionsThe Laurels of Massillon Guest at The Laurels of Massillon enjoyed a special visit from Jungle Terry. He brought

all kinds of animals, including an American alligator, a boa constrictor, a corn snake, doves, turtles, a scorpion, a tarantula, and even a skunk!

The Laurels of Norworth Guests showed off their skills at a watermelon

seed spitting competition at The Laurels of Norworth. What great fun after enjoying a summer treat!

The Laurels of Toledo The Therapy Team at The Laurels of Toledo built a raised flowerbed for Guests with an interest in gardening. The team is always looking for ways to incorporate Guests’ interests and hobbies into occupational therapy. Pictured: COTA Cristina Nickle and Guest Janis Deahl show off the results of their hard work.

The Laurels of DeKalb During National Nursing Home Week, The Laurels of DeKalb hosted a canvas painting activity. Guests painted under the direction of an area artist. Pictured: Guest Verna Morrow proudly holds her rendition of the painting.

The Laurels of Fulton We are blessed to have many Associates who give of their time and talents far beyond the workday. Maintenance Director Jeremy Swan took his personal time to build this amazing bench for the courtyard at The Laurels of Fulton. Wonderful work, Jeremy!

The Laurels of University Park Guests and a few special friends enjoyed hamming it up at the summer photo shoot at The Laurels of University Park. Pictured: Guest Bobby Sgro and Medical Supplies Associate Freeda Stewart raise a coconut cup of summer fun.

T H E L A U R E L W A Y O F C A R I N G C O M E S F R O M W I T H I N 7

The Laurels of Steubenville This time last year the goats "Bubbles" and "Kid" paid a visit to The Laurels of Steubenville. They had such a great time that they returned again this year with new additions Lola and Ace. One of the

baby goats was named after a Guest! Pictured: Restorative Aide Brittany Ragen holds Baby Goat Lola while Guest Lola looks on.

The Laurels of DeKalb The Laurels of DeKalb hosted a local Tractor Pull Club. Nine restored tractors and their owners came. Guests enjoyed every minute, many of them reminiscing on their own “farm days.” Of course, each Guest wanted to talk to the owner of their preferred make and model of tractor!

The Laurels of Forest Glenn Mr. Anthony (a.k.a. Nathan) Cooke, a Guest at The Laurels of Forest Glenn, was inducted to the GCAA (Greater Cleveland Athletic Association) 2015 Sports Hall of Fame. Mr. Cooke played basketball for the Garner Tigers from 1959-1963, where he was known as “Blimp.” After being presented with his award he said he felt like Michael Jordan!

The Laurels of Worthington During the summer, Guests at the Laurels of Worthington enjoy visiting the different Metro Parks around the Columbus (Ohio) area. In July, they traveled to Highbanks Metro Park for a picnic on a beautiful sunny day. After lunch they enjoyed card games, a walk through the park, and people watching.

Maplewood of Marshall Each month, Maplewood of Marshall celebrates birthdays in the Maplewood of Marshall Ice Cream Parlor. Pictured: Guests Dorothy Van Meter (left) and Mary Lou Ebner (right).The Laurels of

Shane Hill and Maplewood of Shane's Village The Laurels of Shane Hill and Maplewood of Shane’s Village celebrated their first annual

SummerFest in July under a large tent at the facility. More than 200 family and friends, community members, volunteers, and Guests enjoyed fried chicken and freshly baked pies. Entertainment was provided by local oldies band Triad and Marty the Magician.

8

W H O , W H A T , W H E R E , W H E N A N D H O W

Spirit NewsSpirit News

Celebrating 30 Years at The Laurels of Defiance Congratulations to Debbi Kisor, who is celebrating her 30-year anniversary at The

Laurels of Defiance. She began her career as an STNA and later worked as a Restorative Assistant. She is currently working as a Rehab Technician in the Therapy Department. She says that each position has been equally rewarding, with its own set of rewards and challenges. Debbi lives in Defiance with her husband, Larry. They have three children who have blessed them with 11 grandchildren. Thank you for your service, Debbi!

Words of Wisdom from Debbi: “No matter the position, the goal is always the same: Guest satisfaction. Always put your best foot forward, knowing at the end of your shift you have given your best. If you can’t listen to someone, laugh with someone, and cry with someone—you had better try a different career. And remember your pedicures because you definitely need your feet!”

The Laurels of ToledoAssociates at The Laurels of Toledo channeled their inner pop stars with

a fun-filled karaoke day. Dancing, food and a photo booth rounded out the day. Door prizes included iPads, restaurant gift cards, and tickets to Cedar Point.

The Laurels of Bon AirAssociates at The Laurels of Bon Air

enjoyed a good old-fashioned American cookout with hotdogs, hamburgers, and fried chicken. Kids loved the bouncy house and cotton candy machine. Everyone enjoyed taking aim at Administrator Ryan Koeniger in the dunk tank

PTA Matt Snyder raps to the Beastie Boys' "Paul Revere" at The Laurels of Toledo.

The Laurels of Sandy CreekThe Laurels of Sandy Creek

celebrated Laurel Day with a veritable feast of pulled pork, hamburgers, corn-on-

the-cob, baked beans, watermelon, popcorn, snow cones, and many other delicious treats. The celebration was a family-style affair with yard games, kid prizes, and raffle prizes including a FitBit, a TV, and a $100 gift card. The day was capped off with more fun as members of the management team (chosen based on votes in the form of donations to the STEPS committee) were doused with whipped cream.

Administrator Ryan

Koeniger awaits his fate

in the dunk tank at The

Laurels of Bon Air.

Laurel Day (continued from page 1)

If you have ideas for stories, features or photos for an issue of The Laurel Spirit, let us hear from you! Please submit your ideas to your Administrator who will pass them on to the editor. Thank you!