Groundbreaking Held for Ecumen Services Hub Supported by Margaret A. Cargill Foundation and Otto Bremer Foundation
Ecumen Detroit Lakes residents, families, staff and local community leaders gathered under sunny skies Thursday, September 12, 2013, for a ceremony to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new short-stay rehabilitation and wellness center.
The project is a key component of what is envisioned as an innovative "one-stop aging services hub” that integrates technology, socialization, fitness, nutrition and health care to help keep seniors in rural Becker County healthier and independent. The project is possible through grants from the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation and the Otto Bremer Foundation.
Detroit Lakes Mayor Matt Brenk welcomed the group and congratulated Ecumen on the project, which he said, “not only represents a quality of life improvement for the community but also a great economic boost for Detroit Lakes.”
The new addition will include a therapy center with a hydrotherapy pool, a wellness center with a bistro, a telehealth center and a yoga room. The project also includes updating other areas of Ecumen Detroit Lakes to better serve area residents.
Ecumen Detroit Lakes Executive Director Janet Green told the group that in 2014, when the new center opens, the campus will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. “This project is preparing us for the next 50 years,” she said. “We’re going to be able to serve people better and differently.”
Janelle Meyers' Journey To the Leadership Academy
A couple of years ago, Janelle Meyers, housing manager at Ecumen Prairie Lodge in Brooklyn Center, was feeling a little pressure and a lot of anticipation. An elite group of aging-services professionals from all over the country were descending on Ecumen Prairie Lodge to take a close look at the Enhanced Memory Care Program she had developed. The program was beginning to build a national reputation for its innovative approach to caring for people with especially difficult dementia behaviors.
The visitors were Leadership Academy Fellows, a group of about 35 up-and-coming aging-services professionals chosen by LeadingAge to spend a year enhancing their leadership skills. “It was an experience I will never forget,” Janelle said. “This was such a wonderful group of people—full of enthusiasm and insight and willingness to learn. I was honored to show them our program.”
Since that site visit, there have been many more. Aging services professionals from all over the world have come to observe the program and learn from Janelle.
Now it’s payback time. Janelle will get her chance to travel around the country and observe the most innovative work others in her profession are doing. She has been named to the prestigious Leadership Academy herself and will begin her fellowship in October at a kickoff during LeadingAge’s annual meeting in Dallas.
“I couldn’t be more excited,” Janelle said. “This is such an opportunity to learn and grow and work directly with some of the best people in the industry. I really appreciate Ecumen’s willingness to sponsor me, and I’m committed to getting as much as possible from this program. I want to improve my leadership skills and bring back lots of ideas for innovating at Ecumen.”
The fellows get together five times during the year and work intensely together. They are divided into four teams and assigned a coach who guides individual projects, facilitates team-based exercises and provides ongoing mentoring. Teams check in through monthly calls with the group, and Fellows can talk to their mentors anytime.
Over the course of the year, there are site visits to innovative organizations across the aging services spectrum, along with exposure to visionary leaders known for enabling transformation. Plus, Fellows translate leadership theory into action by working on a group project as well as a long-term individual project to champion innovation in their organizations. LeadingAge says the project aims to help Fellows “expand their comfort zone, experiment with new leadership styles, embrace uncertainty and become more self-aware.”
The fellowship ends in November, 2014, at LeadingAge’s annual meeting in Nashville, where fellows formally present their vision, passion and learning over the course of the year.
Two other Ecumen employees have been Leadership Academy fellows—Julie Murray, vice president of sales and marketing and new ventures, and Janet Green, executive director at Ecumen Detroit Lakes. Both report outstanding experiences.
Janet was in the very first Leadership Academy class in 2006. She was so moved by the experience that she came home advocating that Ecumen start its own local version of the academy. That was the seed for what is now Ecumen’s Velocity Program. “This was such a diverse mix of people from all over the country coming together to improve long-term care and to improve themselves,” Janet said. “The energy and commitment was so motivating. I wanted as many of Ecumen’s leaders as possible to have this kind of opportunity.”
Julie’s experience was similar. In fact, she still has a monthly call with her fellows’ network. “You get very close to your colleagues,” Julie said. “We help each other solve problems. We talk about everything from issues at work to work-life balance. They are a very trusted network.”
Janelle has been with Ecumen for eight years and has been in the aging-service field for 17 years, where she has held jobs in therapeutic recreation, memory care, marketing and customer relations. At Ecumen Prairie Lodge, Janelle has been housing manager for almost her entire tenure. In addition to the memory care program, she is especially proud of the work she has done on culture change and employee engagement, which has cut turnover in half.
“I work in aging services because I love older adults,” Janelle wrote in her Leadership Academy application. “I see the value in each and every person at every stage of their journey. My dream is to live in a world where growing old is a privilege and not a burden.”
Ecumen Awakenings Insights on Going Beyond Drugs to Calm ‘Behaviors’ of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias
Shelley Matthes, a nurse and Ecumen's Director of Quality, shares thoughts on going beyond drugs to calm behaviors in care for Alzheimer's and other dementias.
Ecumen's Velocity Leadership Program Graduates 2013 Class
Seven Ecumen leaders recently completed the Ecumen Velocity Leadership Development Program, a year-long experience focused on building leadership skills and developing innovative approaches to aging services.
The graduating class members wrapped up with a ceremony at Hamline University, where they presented their action-learning project to the company’s senior leaders, Velocity alumni and their supervisors. Ecumen CEO Kathryn Roberts presented Velocity award certificates to the graduates and thanked them for stepping outside their comfort zones “to explore, learn, define and shape new approaches for better living.”
The Velocity program encourages broader, more innovative thinking and development of each individual’s authentic personal leadership style. To practically apply the course work, the class has an action-learning project that addresses real issues facing Ecumen and the aging services profession. The graduating class’s action-learning project focused on developing ideas and strategies for how an Ecumen campus could potentially become an “ageless community” that is less dependent on government funding. In addition, participants worked on individual leadership skills they want to enhance.
“The Velocity experience is designed to prepare our leaders for a future that transforms the way we think about and deal with aging,” said Carolyn Perron, Ecumen’s Director of Training and Development, who leads Velocity. “We work on the premise that great questions lead to great answers. So the group tackles a big project designed to challenge them and grow their skills, while also helping Ecumen deal with real issues facing the organization.”
The program is built around Ecumen’s brand promise of “Innovate, Empower, Honor.” For inspiration, Velocity participants went on site visits outside the organization to see these values in action—to 3M for innovation, to the Courage Center for empowerment, and for honor to Our Lady of Peace, a free end-of-life care program for terminally ill cancer patients. Additionally, the course has a segment on authenticity and emotional intelligence to help participants get in touch with their individual leadership styles.
“Velocity is tied very closely to who we are as a company,” Perron said. “This is a home-grown program to help our leaders put our company’s aspirations into action.”
Participants spend 10 to 15 hours a month on Velocity Program activities. Four times during the year, the group gathers for a two-day session that includes in-depth discussions, readings and conversations.
“This is an action-learning program,” Perron said. “We operate on the belief that there is no learning without action and no action without learning.” The group’s work is presented to senior management and informs Ecumen’s planning process.
Graduates describe the program as a journey of self-discovery. “I went into this thinking it would be mostly about professional growth,” said Rebecca Warpula, housing manager at Ecumen of Litchfield. “But so much of it was about personal growth as well.”
Blaine Gamst, executive director of Ecumen Scenic Shores in Two Harbors, added: “Velocity gives you the time and the tools to develop yourself. You feel vulnerable at first, as you dive into yourself and open up to your weaknesses. But then you start working to improve and move to a new level.”
Chris Carter, housing manager at Ecumen of Le Center, said, “Velocity encouraged you to be open to who you are as a person and build on that. I have a much clearer vision about how to apply all my experience to my job.”
The program emphasizes collaborative problem-solving that incorporates different approaches and perspectives. Participants come from all parts of the company, and graduates cite exposure to the diverse thinking of their colleagues as a key benefit of the experience. Later this month, a new class will get underway with eight new participants.
Following is a list of the Velocity 2013 graduating class:
Chris Carter, Housing Manager, Ecumen Le Center
Blaine Gamst, Executive Director, Ecumen Scenic Shores
Jenna Greff, Housing Manager, Ecumen Evergreen in Moorhead
Irmeli Moran, Accounting Manager, Shoreview Home Office
Mel Oelfke, Housing Manager, Ecumen Detroit Lakes
Liz Paulson, HR Rep/Corporate, Shoreview Home Office
Rebecca Warpula, Housing Manager, Ecumen of Litchfield
A Lifetime of Love Recaptured
Bill and Mary renewed their vows at Ecumen of Litchfield last week. Mary was granted her "wish," which also included lighting a unity candle and singing "Amazing Grace," through the new EcuDreams program for Ecumen of Litchfield hospice residents.
"A Lifetime of Love Recaptured" by Jenny Berg, Litchfield Independent Review
After more than 66 years, she still captures his heart.
It was evident in the way Bill Olson slowly rose from his walker, leaned in and tenderly kissed his bride last week during a ceremony to renew their vows. With tears in his eyes and a single rose pinned to a simple plaid shirt, Bill repeated that he still takes Mary to be his wife.
“It really got to me,” Bill said thoughtfully while eating a cupcake after the ceremony.
Bill and Mary, both 85, have lived in Litchfield for decades and ran Gambels in downtown Litchfield for many years. A few months ago, Mary transferred from living at the couple’s home to living in hospice care at Ecumen. Read more and see photos of the event on the Litchfield Independent Review's website.
Judy Blaseg's Role as Philanthropy VP Gets Personal
Judy Blaseg recently signed on as vice president of philanthropy at Ecumen. While she has raised money for good causes her entire career, this new job involves fundraising that is especially personal.
Judy’s mother is now in a dementia and Alzheimer’s care facility, much like those Ecumen operates, as was her now-deceased aunt, who had early onset Alzheimer’s.
“I know first-hand that it takes dedicated caregivers, safe and structured surroundings—and philanthropy—to ensure that those who need this specialized care receive it,” Judy says.
Judy grew up with an understanding of senior services. Her mother worked for 30 years as an activities director in a long-term care community. So when the Ecumen opportunity came her way, Judy felt a compelling convergence of experience and passion.
Now her work life and home life complement each other in special ways. On a recent visit to Ecumen Lakeview Commons in Maplewood she noted that every Thursday night is bonfire-and-smores night. That sparked an idea.
“My mother’s 85th birthday is coming up, and I have decided to give my hometown nursing home a bonfire pit in her honor,” Judy says. “I just loved that idea, and I hope my mom will soon be toasting marshmallows with her pals, just like they do at Lakeview Commons.”
Judy grew up in Hand County, South Dakota. For the past 25 years, she has worked in philanthropy and fundraising for numerous local and national organizations, including Catholic Charities, VocalEssence, and the Jeremiah Program. She has served on many boards including Mill City Summer Opera, Citizens League, DeLaSalle High School and MinnPost. She and her husband live in Minneapolis and have three children.
“Since coming to Ecumen, I’ve already met so many grateful family members who truly appreciate what we do, and I so personally understand their gratitude,” Judy says. “It connects me in a special way and makes my job so much more meaningful.”
One More Way to Look at Old Folks - by Ecumen Blogger Jim Klobuchar
I met Eleanor Roosevelt, the widow of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, more than 50 years ago on her last book tour as a public personality. She was often lampooned in her ungainliness and passion for causes, but also much loved for her commitments to social justice, world peace and other goals seemingly too far.
I was then writing for the Associated Press wire service in Minneapolis, assigned to interview her. Her escort at the book signing was a Democratic Party figure in the Midwest, Joseph Robbie, who later became the owner of the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. Joe was there to insure that all protocols were observed and that Eleanor’s encounters with the newsman were amicable and touched with suitable respect.
The lady set him at ease. “Oh, I’m going to be all right,” she laughed. “I enjoy this.”
And so she did. I asked about her books and current causes, as well as her most recent role in party politics—she would be supporting Adlai Stevenson and not John Kennedy in the forthcoming scramble for the Democratic nomination. What I remember most vividly were her volleys of laughter, her unsinkable devotion to the uplift of women in this country and around the world—at the time not a subject overwhelmingly popular. Her escort, assigned to make sure all reputations were adequately protected, including the former first lady’s, seemed nervous when she insisted on staying a little longer than the initial schedule.
Joe could have saved himself the sweat. She was a delight. I thought of that morning at the book store a few days ago when a world-traveling friend of mine sent me a quotation from Eleanor Roosevelt. It said: “Beautiful young people are accidents of nature. But beautiful old people are works of art.”
Please know this is not a commercial. I’m not applying for a corner wall at the Louvre to celebrate my membership in the octogenarians club. But what my friend was suggesting by quoting Eleanor Roosevelt was the fruits that are available to older folks today—assuming they have been wise in protecting their health and reaching out for the gratifications available to them in today’s world.
And what are those?
The literature on the subject is endless. Much of it counsels awareness and good sense in our treatment of body and mind. I’ve trekked and climbed with people in their 80s. That’s hardly an achievable goal for most, or, it might be argued, even a sensible one. So what is a reasonable goal, achievable by most?
On this my friend and I agree: that coming to terms with those questions is largely shaped by our interests, by our dreams and by our needs – and ultimately by what have become the important markers in our lives, so we do not have to ask: “Is this all there is?”
What most of us seek is a place where we can enjoy and even expand life in later years and – whether we are physically active or not—avoid be dogged by the mysteries and fears of what’s ahead.
This is not living for the moment. We’re mortal. We can be aware of our vulnerabilities. But age does not mean we need to abandon our curiosity to know what’s around the corner or over the hill. Nor does it mean we better be prepared for sieges of loneliness or abandonment. We’re not helpless in all of this. If we were sensible 40 years ago, or ten years ago we wouldn’t be worrying about it today. But even if we weren’t, we have sense enough to know that John Dunne was right all along four hundred years ago: No one is an island.
So let’s say we actually start over at the age 50 or 60 or 70 or more. And we now know all of these sensible paths that we ignored. We had allowed some of our friendships to disappear because of neglect or selfishness. We got fat and that curtailed fun and achievement and respectability and built resentments.
So there’s a really powerful temptation to watch television for eight hours and to sign off.
Put it in the ash can. Most of us have more choices than we realize. There is a marvelous earth here to be explored. We don’t have to be millionaires or 21st Century Magellans to do it. What we need are people in our lives who matter! It is called relationships, which do not magically give us solace or comfort when needed but have to be nourished. In one of the most primitive societies in Africa there is what we would call a medicine man. He’s not skilled medically but when he is asked to tend to someone sick with a condition the medicine man can’t identify, he will usually ask the ailing one, as his first question, the equivalent of “how are your relationships?”
My friend told of a trip to South America where she met a woman traveling alone. The woman had just turned 92. She was the last to board the boat for a cruise to Antarctica. “We all knew she was going to be the most fascinating person on board,” my friend said. “I remember sitting with her one evening at dinner for eight. A passenger, curious as we all were, asked if she had children. The 92 year old woman considered this question momentarily and then shouted, ‘Not yet.’ The table was in hysterics the rest of the dinner.”
When I talk to students who want to know what is the best way to seek success in life I tell them if I had any gift I could give them, it would be the gift of curiosity. Curiosity about the world, about the people in it, about the beauty and the mystery of it and about the choices available to us. Because from there comes discovery. And if I had any advice that would give them the greatest satisfaction in life and chance for comfort and success, it would be to nourish the relationships in their lives, and to be serious about it. Because out of that can come love, which opens our lives to what we call a fulfillment that lasts.
Reframing Our Country's Thinking on Care for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias
A new post by Shelley Matthes, Director of Quality Improvement at Ecumen, on overcoming outmoded thinking related to Alzheimer's care and care for related dementias.
Inc.com: AgePower and the Quest to Help Boomers Age Gracefully
Last week, Inc. magazine reporter Will Yakowicz highlighted The AgePower Tech Search and the quest MOJO Minnesota and Ecumen have begun to find technology that helps Boomers age gracefully. Read more on Inc.com: "AgePower and the Quest to Help Boomers Age Gracefully"
AgePower’s intent is to locate, reward and help launch new technologies (high-tech and low-tech) that have a positive, near-term impact on the aging experience. It’s being launched from Minnesota, an epicenter for innovation in healthcare, social innovation, technology and other essential areas to our global future. Four finalists will gain a real-life test environment for their technology and access to experts in key areas necessary to fueling a successful venture. For more information, visit www.agepower.org.
Ecumen, the most innovative leader of senior housing and services, empowers individuals to live richer and fuller lives. A non-profit that has served for more than 150 years, Ecumen envisions a world in which aging is viewed in radically different ways.
MOJO Minnesota is an innovation co-operative comprised of like-minded business leaders working to fuel entrepreneurship and reignite Minnesota’s culture of innovation. They are business advisors, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, angel investors and attorneys passionate about creating jobs and economic growth through the power of Minnesota based technology companies.
KARE 11: Technology contest seeks ideas to help aging population
MOJO Minnesota's Ernest Grumbles and Ecumen's Eric Schubert joined KARE 11 News at 4 on Tuesday, August 20, to encourage tech entrepreneurs to enter The AgePower Tech Search. Read the story on KARE 11's website.
AgePower’s intent is to locate, reward and help launch new technologies (high-tech and low-tech) that have a positive, near-term impact on the aging experience. It’s being launched from Minnesota, an epicenter for innovation in healthcare, social innovation, technology and other essential areas to our global future. Four finalists will gain a real-life test environment for their technology and access to experts in key areas necessary to fueling a successful venture. For more information, visit www.agepower.org.