RHD July 2016 Newsletter

2016 • Volume 5 • Number 3

15
Quarterly
Puzzles
Print out our
quarterly puzzle
page for your
staff or residents to
enjoy! We have a sudoku
puzzle, a word
scramble, and a crypted
quote puzzle for all
to enjoy.
14
West Nile
Virus Info:
Summer time and
mosquitos. The
first thing that
comes to mind is West
Nile Virus. What is
West Nile Virus? It is a
virus that is spread by
an infected mosquito.
West Nile Virus is
worldwide and is generally
more prevalent during
late summer to early
fall, when mosquitos are
around.
8-10
Facility
Updates
Get the latest
news from our
facilities. Updates
events and other
community involvement.
4 8 6 2
3 1 7 6
1 3
2 4 7
7 5 8 9
1 4 5
7 8
5 1 9
1 6 L XY Z Y FL K N B LR
Why do you
always play so
soft?!?!
SUDUKU Jumble Game
Crypted Quote:
The quote below has had all of its letters switched
with another in the alphabet. Use clues like
sentence structure and length to solve the puzzle.
Example: XAFFAW -> BETTER
VEYMG JL LXY T H L HEY
GF LR J EYNL Y GL –
NZENX NQ A GUJRA U
A b c d e f g h i j k l m
n o p q r s t u v w x y z
L i ttle Noc olo’s teac hers
regrette d their instruc -
t ions a fter t hey told him
t o .
Combine
the circled
letters to finish
the above
sentence
Unscrample the letters below to form every-day
English words.
EMS IGH T O N
MIFLA Y
T TUEND S
RCAIG
IEU R RQ E
C E ROPD U

5
From The
President’s Desk
Updates from Ron Ross
Have you ever
heard that you
can get better
gas mileage from
keeping your tank below
half full? Or have
you heard that a full
tank gives you the
greatest savings on
gas? Either way, read
some tips to save money
on gas.
Tips on
Saving
Gas
10
Since the purchase
of Oculus Rift,
a virtual reality
company, by Facebook
for 2 billion dollars,
many technology
buffs are excited to see
the technology fall
into consumer hands.
Though Virtual Reality
can be used as a
form of entertainment
the medical community
has adopted it with
open arms faster than
some have predicted.
Read about how health
care professionals are
using Virtual Reality.
Virtual
Reality
Adopted
by Health
Care
Professionals
4
Soon long term
care facilities will
be able to apply
for federal funds
to help them pay for
faster internet. The
federal legislation is
believed to be signed
into law soon by president
Obama. The law
allows Long Term
Care facilities to be
covered under the Rural
Health Care Program.
Faster
Internet
for Rural
Providers
4
Proud
Member of

VIRTUAL REALITY ADOPTED BY
HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
It’s no secret that Facebook purchased Oculus
Rift, a virtual reality company, for 2 Billion dollars. The
founder Mark Zuckerberg said in a post back in March of
2014 “Oculus’s mission is to enable you to experience the
impossible.” If you haven’t yet experienced VR (Virtual
Reality) yourself you may think that this is an outlandish
statement. Though Zuckerberg envisioned that VR would
be able to do wonderful things this writer wonders if he
foresaw the outlandish support and adoption of this
technology by heath care professionals. Indeed VR is
currently allowing us to do things in the medical field
that before were impossible. What is impossible with some
of our modern medicine and techniques may become
plausible or even possible with Virtual Experiences.
Not only can Virtual Reality be used in treating
patients but it can also aide in the training of medical
professionals without risk to a real person. Before
physicians would have to practice on cadavers or alongside
another surgeon during a real operation to get
hands on experience in surgery. Not so with the new VR
experience with tactical feedback. Not only are surgeons
able to perform surgeries on digital people they are also
able to conduct surgeries across continents with the aid
of both VR technology and robotics.
Page 4

R e m o t e
Surgeries
It may sound like
science fiction to know that
it is now possible for a doctor
in Tokyo to conduct a surgery on
a patient in Cambridge, Nebraska
but it is a reality. Currently the
industry is working on perfecting the
feedback from the robot performing the
task to the surgeon, because perform intricate
tasks via the internet requires a great level of
feedback from the robot to assist the physician
in applying the right amount of force during an
operation. This feedback along with the stereo vision
that VR (Virtual Reality) gives the doctor can greatly
increase the speed and accuracy of the procedures.
A little trivia:
The first complete remote surgery or telesurgery
happened on September 7, 2001 and was dubbed Operation
Lindbergh after Charles Lindbergh who made the
transatlantic flight from New York to Paris. This surgery
was also done by a doctor in New York while the 68 year
old patient was located in Strasbourg, France.
Pain Management
Surprisingly enough the US military conducted a
study involving a virtual reality game called SnowWorld
in which players would throw snowballs at penguins
while listening to music and observe its effect on pain
management. The study showed that, for solders that were
wounded by burns found, the game was more effective than
morphine in managing pain. The university of Washington
Seattle created the game in an effort to reduce pain by using
Virtual Reality as a distraction while doing painful wound
care on burn victims.
Also Virtual Reality has also been used in helping cure
phantom limb symptoms of patients who have had
amputations.
Other uses
VR has been used in a myriad of ways by the medical
field, from being used to treat phobias to diagnosing brain
damage. As technology continues to advance we are sure to
see drastic change in how we treat and deal with ailments.
If you are curious about VR and have any smartphone, you
can purchase a low cost google cardboard VR kit for about
$20. If anything it could bring a great bit of fun into any
environment and maybe a few laughs
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
Nobody said it was going to be easy. Rural nursing homes continue to have
many , many challenges. We continue to see a decline in census as people
move to more urban areas. There are several reasons this takes place.
The two obvious reasons are: they move to where their children live
and work: and the cost continues to rise. It is also getting difficult
to find employees. We cannot let these challenges keep us from
providing good care. It will take everyone in the community
to work together and we will continue to overcome the
challenges.
Page 5

Faster Internet for Rural
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Rural Health Care
Connectivity Act
of 2016
Soon long term care facilities
will be able to
apply for federal funds to help them
pay for faster internet. The federal legislation
was signed into law by president Obama on June 22,
2016. The law allows Long Term Care facilities to be covered
under the S.1916 Rural health Care Connectivity Act of 2015.
As the medical field adopts more and more technology
based services, the need for fast internet connections has become
exceedingly necessary. The Rural Health Care Connectivity
Act of 2016 that was singed into low will help subsidize the
high cost of broadband internet for rural communities
where such services are either too
expensive or non-existent. The law
will allow for funds to be administered
to pay the difference in
cost between what
rural
telecommunication companies charge and what urban telecommunications
company charge.
With the law to be enacted within 180 days of its signing,
you may find that more ISPs (Internet Service Providers)
opting to bring greater internet coverages to rural areas. The
current law, which was amended to included skilled nursing
facilities, states that if there is no approved telecommunication
provider in your area then the state will ask a telecommunication
company to provide service to the area if it is a public
request. The law states that the only caveat to this rule is if the
act of providing service is de minimis, or trivial to
the company.
Page 6

Monday, December 19, 2016
The date that Skilled Nursing Facilities will be included
into the FCC’s legislation that grants funds for subsidizing
telecommunications for Rural Providers.
The Rural Healthcare Connectivity Act of 2016 includes
Skilled Nursing Facilities into the list of community
health care centers, hospitals, and medical schools that are
granted funds to split the difference of the cost of telecommunications
based on what urban providers charge and what
rural providers charge. This means that if in a major city in
your state you can get phone and internet services for $500
less per month less, your facility now may be able to pay the
same rate as your urban partners.
The legislation was attached to a chemical safety act
which passed both the house and senate before being signed
by president Obama on june 22, of 2016. This Act amended
the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254(h)(7)(B)) to include
“Skilled nursing facilities (as defined in section 1819(a)
of the Social Security Act (42) U.S.C. 1395i-3(a).”
Can I go through any telecommunication company?
The legislation stipulates that you must go through designated
telecommunication providers in your area, and
also the Universal Service Federal-State Joint Board requires
facilities to bid telecommunication service for 28 days prior to
accepting the lowest cost bid while also regarding features,
quality, reliability, and other factors.
How do I apply for this assistance?
You can apply for assistance if you are eligible under the
Rural Healthcare Connectivity Act of 2016 if you are a
non-profit entity that offers skilled nursing services in a declared
rural area.
The Health Care Providers Universal Service has
a Description of Services Requested & Certification Form
(FCC Form 465). This form is the first step
that you need to take in
order to apply for
assistance.
How do I know if my facility is in a declared rural
Area?
You can use the tool located on the RHCD website here:
http://www.usac.org/rhc/telecommunications/tools/
Rural/search/search.asp or call the Rural Health Care Division
at (800) 453-1546 to see if you are eligible and meet the
criteria.
The only exception for meeting the rural location
requirement is if your urban facility is required to pay toll
charges in order to reach the internet, and in which case the
lesser of being paid $180 or 30 hours is available to you.
What entities are covered under this law?
Currently until December 19, 2016 the following entities
are eligible:
•Post-secondary educational institutions offering health
care instruction, teaching hospitals, and medical schools
•Community health centers or health centers providing
health care to migrants
•Local health departments or agencies
•Community mental health centers
•Not-for-profit hospitals
•Rural health clinics
And on Monday, December 19, 2016:
•Skilled nursing facilities (as defined in section 1819(a) of
the Social Security Act (42) U.S.C. 1395i-3(a)
References:
H.R.2576 - Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act
The United States Telecommunications Act of 1996
Rural Health Care Pilot Program
S.1916 - Rural Health Care Connectivity Act of 2015
Page 7

FRIENDSHIP HOME
Audubon, IA
It’s a SMALL WORLD with a
BIG HEART” the theme of National
Nursing Home Week was just as the
motto states; community members
and volunteer groups uniting with big
hearts to help the week be a success!
The Friendship Home kicked off the
week with the Audubon 1st Graders
and Residents releasing balloons
and the Mayor joining us to sign the
proclamation, Tuesday followed with
a fashionable ladies tea and hat show,
Wednesday musical entertainment
enjoyed by all, Thursday a Christian
service honoring staff and caregivers
with a “blessing of their hands” and a
carnival that was a huge hit with the
Children of the Children’s Nest and
Residents and Friday finished out the
week with a Barbeque. In addition to
all the festivities inside we had groups
of awesome volunteers from Thrivent
Financial Services and The Audubon
School who helped us plant new
shrubs and flowering plants in front
of the nursing home and around the
gazebo area. Without, BIG Hearts this
would not have been possible.
SARAH ANN HESTER
MEMORIAL HOME
Benkelman, NE
Summer is here. We have seen
some days reach near 100 degrees.
In order to enjoy the outdoors, the
residents about have to get out in the
morning or evening, as during the
heat of the day it is just too dangerous
for the elders to be outdoors. We are
looking for some type of awning to
put out in our courtyard that will
increase the shaded areas for sitting
and enjoying the summer days. We
have not found exactly what we want
yet, but the search is on. We have
also purchased some small wading
pools and activities plans on having
a pool party where the residents can
sit around the wading pool and at
least get their feet wet. It sounds like
fun. Maybe I will join them. We also
have a new bench in the courtyard
thanks to the generosity of the family
of a former resident who used their
memorial money to purchase a lovely
bench which is made out of very
durable material and is elder friendly
for sitting and enjoying the courtyard.
Hope everyone stays cool and
has a fun and safe 4th of July. -
Janice Edwards, Administrator
SKYVIEW AT BRIDGEPORT
Bridgeport, NE
Skyview at Bridgeport is a
multigenerational facility with great
support from the community. During
May we celebrated the coming of
Spring with Mrs. Soto’s six grade
class by spreading the gift of beauty
by way of plants and flowers. A rose
plant with a solar powered cross
was dedicated to all the residents’
that passed in the last year during a
Memorial Day tribute. Resident’s and
volunteers helped to plant and water
the new additions to the Court Yard.
May is a busy month with
National Nursing Home Week, which
is when we choose and crown the
Skyview Royalty. This year Kine Bill
Jafferis was crowned King and Arlene
Huwaldt was crowned Queen. The
Kings attendant is Johnny Camacho
and the Queens attendant is Ethel
Frerichs. Ethel had just celebrated
her 100th birthday with many family
celebrating the occasion.
In honor of the crowning of Skyview
Royalty we had cake, ice cream and
cold beverages in the dining hall while
taking in the music and performance
of the Green Valley Homestead
Players. A good time was had by all
and we shared a memorable National
Nursing Home Week.
PONDEROSA VILLA
Crawford, NE
Hello everyone, it is that time
of year again when we begin getting
prepared for the 4th of July. Here on
the Ponderosa Villa front lawn we
will be serving hot dogs off the grill,
popcycles & popcorn during the parade
as well as cold iced tea & water.
The parade starts by coming through
the drive way here at teh Villa so all
of the residents get a good look at
the floats, there is also plenty of extra
room to sit and watch the parade. So
bring your lawn chairs and don’t forget
the sun screen, we hope to see you
here. Also look for our entry in the
parade, we will be giving popcycles &
popcorn to the on lookers.
Roxi Daviews - Activities Director
COLONIAL HAVEN/COLO-
NIAL COURTS
Beemer, NE
Greeting from Colonial
Haven! Did you know that Mr. Potato
Head was the first toy advertised
on TV? Did you know Bingo was
originally called Beano? And the
city of Goose Flatts had its name
changed to Tombstone in Arizona.
Did you know in Utah in the 1870’s
you could get a divorce for 2.00 from
a slot machine? Did you know that
President Andrew Jackson’s pet parrot
was removed from his funeral for
swearing?
Our residents’ had fun
guessing if these questions were true
or false in their game of Trivia. Just
like Trivia the group exercise program
we run six days a week keeps everyone
entertained and functioning at their
best. So stop in at Colonial Haven
and have some fun with us as our
residents’ exercise their minds and
bodies.
Page 8
BERTRAND NURSING
HOME
Bertrand, NE
Friday April 15th the
Bertrand Nursing Home and Assisted
Living honored over 40 volunteers
and church organizations for their
commitment to the Home. Megan
Stuart, Activities Director addressed
the assembly of volunteers and
residents. She thanked them for not
only being here today, but also for all
the time and effort that they have put
in, a fun and active atmosphere. Betty
Meyer was voted by the resident’s and
staff as Volunteer of the year for 2015.
Congratulations!
On May 6th we held our 3rd
Annual Women’s Tea! There were
approximately 50 guests who enjoyed
the afternoon of entertainment, tea
and fellowship. We had eight tables
decorated for the event. Businesses,
members of the community and
employees volunteered to decorate a
table. Thank you from all the staff and
elders at the Bertrand Nursing Home
& Assisted Living!
CALLAWAY GOOD LIFE
CENTER, INC.
Callaway, NE
Each year, the Callaway Good
Life Center has a fundraiser that
honors and remembers loved ones.
For every $25 donation, a flag with
the requested honoree or memorial
name is placed around the walkway
in the front yard. The Callaway Good
Life Center Annual “Walkway of
Flags” was a great success again this
year thanks to the many generous
flag sponsorships and donations. 90
American Flags flew in our front
courtyard area for 2 weeks; from May
23 – June 3rd 2016. Total donations
were $3240.00 and these funds will
be used towards special projects at
the center like a new steamer for the
kitchen, new lounge furniture for
our activity room, new raised garden
boxes for our residents and picnic
tables for our new covered picnic area
in the back yard!
Thanks to all who supported
the Callaway Good Life Center in
meeting our goals!
ST. JOSEPH’S VILLA
David City, NE
SJVC has been making
the rounds to cemetery’s to allow
residents to place flowers on their
loved ones graves, releasing butterflies
at our annual memorial day service,
going to Dairy Queen and taking road
trips to see how the water and crops
are doing. Since the weather has been
so nice, there is a lot of setting on the
front porches and visiting.
Sister Pytlik has been playing
the piano for rosary and mass. This
has really added to the services and all
who attend are enjoying having live
music. She also enhanced the print
size for the music so it is easier to read.
We would like to thank Sister for all
she does for SJVC. She developed a
‘virtual tour’ for the SNF side and
will do one for the A/L side as soon
as possible. We plan on using them
for marketing and admissions as well
as put them on the website.
Have a great summer…..May
God Bless………..Sandra Palmer,
ADM

GLEN HAVEN HOME/
LINNWOOD ASST. LIVING
Glenwood, IA
We are pleased to announce
that Eagle Scout group with Trevor
Stanley has started the butterfly
habitat and a raised bed for gardening.
Please go to the back patio and check
it out it looks beautiful!
GLENHAVEN VILLAGE
PROJECT UPDATE:
We met with the Governor
last week and he has given his blessing
to the project! Phil Warren has been
very busy obtaining donations. If you
read the paper last week the Rhoden
Foundation made a commitment to
a $5oo,ooo.oo matching grant, that
means the foundation will match
dollar for dollar up to $500,000.00
that is obtained by October 1st 2016.
Thank you Rhoden Foundation for
this wonderful gift and Phil for a job
well done!
HILLCREST CARE CENTER
Laurel, NE
We have many new projects
that we are going to be starting at
Hillcrest Care Center. Our resident
council decided that they wanted to
take on the project of sprucing up
our patio outside of the dining room
so they would have a nice area to sit
and visit with each other, and their
family members. We are going to turn
it into an outdoor living area with
new cushions for our furniture, and
a painted rug. We are going to extend
our flower bed in that area to run the
entire length of the Nursing Home,
and Assisted Living. This will be our
memorial garden, and any time that
someone leaves us memorial money
for plants or landscaping they will go
in that area with a memorial plaque.
We are also planning to spruce up the
rest of our landscaping this summer,
and if anyone is thinning their plants
in the community we would welcome
donations for use around the facility.
THE LUTHERAN HOME
Omaha, NE
Zoo Trip!
Has more advantages than
a just an “outing” Interacting with
animals on any level—including
taking a periodic trip to the zoo can
offer numerous advantages.
Animals can help lower
blood pressure, and increase feelings
of happiness and wellbeing in people
of all ages, according to the Centers
for Disease Control (CDC). Zoo
excursions also get an aging adult
out and about, increasing their
opportunity exercise and social
interaction, while decreasing their
risk for developing symptoms of
depression.
Taking a trip to the local
zoo or farm can also be a wonderful
way to expose your loved one to the
pros of animal interaction, without
risking the problems that often arise
for elderly pet owners.
SUTTON COMMUNITY
HOME
Sutton, NE
Small Town Run Reaches Big
City Runners
On May 28, 2016 Sutton
Community Home hosted its 3rd
Annual Run for a Resident mile funrun,
5k, and 10k. The event is on a
mission to break stereotypes about
older adults and nursing homes. So
intriguing was the cause to three
Dallas, TX based runners that they
choose to make the drive up to
Sutton to participate. Kathy Bradley,
Tricia Meek, and Jayme Meek are on
a mission to run in all 50 states; for
their 14th race, they choose Nebraska
and beautiful Sutton. Bradley, Meek,
and Meek said the best part of the race
was participating on the course with
4 SCH residents and meeting longtime
marathoner and poster boy of
the 1976 Runner’s World magazine,
resident Don Hunt, who handed out
medals to winners.
COLONIAL ACRES
Humboldt, NE
We’ve had so many
celebrations during the last month!
Not only did we celebrate National
Nursing Home week with a balloon
lift-off and a picnic for our residents
and their adopted 5th graders, we
also celebrated National Nursing
Week. Our Assisted Living had a
special Mother’s Day luncheon and
residents were able to invite a guest,
everyone enjoyed the afternoon.
We’ve got a big week planned to
recognize our dedicated CNAs during
National C.N.A. Week and of course,
we are planning special Father’s Day
Activities, too.
We are pleased to announce
that we have completed the
transformation of one of our two
bath houses with a complete remodel
that includes a walk-in tub. It’s been
tiled in earth-tone colors and one
of our residents said, “It looks like
a spa!” We’ve started work on our
other bathhouse and expect the large
shower room to be completed by the
end of June.
Another major improvement
completed this winter was the paving
of our parking lot. Our outpatient
therapy clients are thrilled to have a
smooth surface so they can enter the
building easily and resident families
are grateful that they no longer have
to walk through the gravel parking lot.
MITCHELL CARE CENTER
Mitchell, NE
Nursing Home week makes
everyone HAPPY, the residents had
so much fun dressing for the days
and participating in the activities.
Our PROM was very therapeutic
for some and reminiscent for others.
Staff danced with residents, residents
danced with residents, residents
danced by themselves and so did
some of the staff. Stephanie ,Angie
and Jeanie, a family member, tried
to be doo whop dancers (epic fail).
Everyone laughed, danced and had
a good time. A Time to Reflect was
a good choice for the name of our
Prom.
PARKSIDE MANOR
Stuart, NE
Summer has definitely made
it to Stuart! We’ve seen temps all the
way up into the 90’s, which many of
the residents have told me is “just
right”! Our Activity Director has
several van trips scheduled and we
are also looking into some fishing
trips for some of the residents who
enjoy sitting by the pond! Stuart
has its big 4th of July Celebration, so
hopefully some residents will want to
take part in some of the activities in
the community. If you’ve never been
to the Stuart 4th of July celebration
you are definitely missing out! They
will have Cruise Night again this year,
which will go directly in front of our
building. We are hoping for many
visitors to stop by to join our residents
in the celebration. We have started
a monthly “Men’s Club” which seems
to be a great success. We would like
to wish everyone a Safe and Happy
Summer!
ALPINE VILLAGE RETIRE-
MENT CENTER
Verdigre, NE
Alpine Village celebrated their
annual Kiddie Parade on June 11th.
This year’s theme was “80’s Toys”. A
total of 11 floats were entered with 21
kids participating. All kids registered
for door prizes of ride tickets and pool
passes. Lunch of hot dogs, chips, pop,
popcorn and ice cream were free to
all in attendance. Thanks to our many
sponsors!
Page 9

SUNRISE HEIGHTS OF
WAUNETA
Wauneta, NE
Sunrise Heights celebrated
National Nursing Home Week with
a festive week of fun activities! Our
theme was “Dirt Roads and Country
Hearts”. We kicked the week off with
a Mother’s Day Social, serving pies
and entertainment provided by Kalli
Hoskovec, daughter of our Office
Manager, Julie. Monday, we wore
hats and bandanas and Tuesday was
“Little House on the Prairie Day”. Staff
dressed in outfits like what was worn
during pioneer days and we had a staff
pot luck. Wednesday was “Wild West
- Cowboys N Indians Day”. We had a
lot of fun that day, with a “shoot out at
high noon”, using nerf guns. Thursday
was our big community Backporch
Barbecue held in our parking lot. We
had lots of community visitors for
hamburgers and hotdogs, grilled up
by board members, Tony Cribelli and
Page Johnston. We also served salad,
chips and dessert bars. Local favorite
musician, Ron Scott, entertained the
crowd with his guitar and singing
good old country tunes. Residents,
staff and visitors even danced! All staff
wore their new Sunrise T-Shirts so
we stood out in the crowd! The week
ended with “Comfy Clothes Day” -
to celebrate making it through a busy
week. Thank you to everyone who
made the week special!
WILBER CARE CENTER
Wilber, NE
Summer is here. Wilber Care
Center residents have been enjoying
the outdoors as much as possible. We
have taken several van rides around
town and the local area, we are also
enjoying being able to do many
outdoor activities on the patio.
Our room remodel project is well
under way. The construction crew is
working on the first two rooms and
we are so excited to see the finished
project . I myself can’t wait to see the
reaction of residents, families and
staff when they see the changes that
will be taking place to our facility. I-
Page 10
-am so grateful that the City council
and board of directors approved this
project. I know for sure these rooms
will feel so much more like home.
We continue to work on
improving on how we care for our
Elders and continue to strive to make
them feel as comfortable and at home
as possible.
PLATTE COUNTY
LEGACY HOME
Assisted Living
PLATTE COUNTY MEMO-
RIAL NURSING HOME
Wheatland, WY
Cinco de Mayo was a real
celebration at Platte County Legacy
Home. The residents were treated
to a slide presentation on Mexico,
music, Mexican food and a cooking
demonstration on how to make Taco
Cookies. Samples were passed out to
everyone’s delight.
NEW FACILITIES!
SANDHILLS CARE CENTER
Ainsworth, NE
The Interlocal board is now
the owner of the building at 143
N Fullerton. The transfer of the
building from previous owners was
effective June 7, 2016. The Interlocal
Board plans to reopen the skilled
nursing facility under the name of
the Sandhills Care Center (SCC) and
begin accepting resident admissions
later this summer or early fall.
On June 7 2016, Rural Health
Development, Inc. (RHD) was hired
by the Interlocal Board to manage
the facility after it reopens. A new
administrator – Stephanie Rucker
from Gordon, NE – has been hired by
RHD with input from the Interlocal
Board. Stephanie will start July 1,
2016. She will soon be moving to the
Ainsworth area.
RHD will work hand-inhand
with the Interlocal renovation
committee members, plus RHD
will soon begin hiring vendors and
applicants who are interested in
employment at SCC.
This is an exciting time for the
community. It is an opportunity to
bring back elders who had to transfer
to other facilities after the Spring
2015 closing of the facility. It is also
an opportunity to recreate jobs that
were also lost last Spring. It is also a
stepping stone to the future that will
lead to a transfer of elders into a new
Skilled Nursing Facility in Ainsworth.
1
(Whiteclay)
The Oglala Sioux Lakota
Nursing Home is located south of
Whiteclay, Nebraska. We are a 60 bed
nursing facility owned by the Oglala
Sioux Lakota Nursing Home, Inc.,
and managed by Native American
Health Management (NAHM). We
are delighted to bring family members
closer to their loved ones, and have
been planning this facility for over 8
years.
2
We currently anticipate
opening our doors around July of
2016.
OGLALA SIOUX LAKOTA
NURSING HOME
Rushville, NE
WHITE RIVER HEALTH
CARE CENTER
Whiteriver, NE
3
The White River Health
Care Center is owned by the
Rosebud Sioux Tribe (RST). Native
American Health Management
entered into a management agreement
with the RST on June 1st, 2016.
The Rosebud Sioux Tribe
has been operating the nursing
4
home for more than two decades.
Currently Terry St.Cyr is
the interim administrator and we
will be advertising the permanent
administrator position here in the
coming weeks.
Our Goals
Short-Term
• Continue to give good care to
the residents of the White River
Health Care Center.
• Increase Revenue with which
we can then offer more
competitive salary and benefits
for the employees.
Long-Term
• Our long term goal is to build a
new nursing home in the next
two to three years.
BUY GAS EARLY
Gas is more dense
when it is cold and you can
therefore get more bang
for your buck if you fill up
before it gets too hot out.
Though fuel is stored in the
ground, you will not see a
drastic increase but along
with these other tips can add
up to some gas savings.
SLOW DOWN
When driving over
55mph your car gets worse
gas mileage because of all the
air that your car has to push
out of the way. If you travel at
closer to 75mph you get even
worse gas mileage.
AIR UP
Tire pressure can effect your
fuel efficiency. Make sure
that your tires are properly
inflated before traveling to
save money on gas.
DRIVE SMART
If you have a manual
transmission you can
keep your car at lower rpms
to increase fuel economy. If
you have an automatic transmission
you can avoid accelerating
quickly to increase
fuel economy. When you are
stopped you get 0 miles to
the gallon, so reducing your
speed before a red light can
also increase your fuel economy.

Rural Health
Development Staff Directory
RON ROSS
PRESIDENT
Ron Ross and Roger Petrik started RHD in 1990.
As President of RHD, Ron provides leadership
for the staff and their facilities.
“I believe the biggest reason for our success has
been in delivering value to our customers. We
enjoy an excellent reputation based on our ability
to meet the needs of our clients, at a fair price.”
EMILY PLAGEMAN
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Emily began working for RHD as a Marketing
Director in the spring of 2010. Emily loves the
opportunity that she’s been given to meet so
many wonderful people at the facilities that RHD
manages, including staff and residents, and looks
forward to working with many more talented and
inspiring people. In addition to her work with
RHD, Emily is in charge of operations for RHD’s
sister company, HHS Solutions, which provides
healthcare billing and consulting services.
JANET LYTTON
DIRECTOR OF REIMBURSEMENT
Janet Lytton has lived in rural America all her
life and worked in Rural Health Care the last
27 years. She lives on an acreage near Shelton,
NE with her husband, Gary. She has been the
Director of Reimbursement for Rural Health
Development for the last 25 years.
MARGARET MESSERSMITH
OFFICE MANAGER
Margaret Messersmith’s official title at Rural
Health Development is “Office Manager” however,
with this title, she wears many hats. Margaret
is the receptionist, secretary, human resource
director, payroll clerk, accounts receivable/accounts
payable clerk, and corporate accountant.
MATT ROSS
VICE PRESIDENT
Matt has worked for Rural Health Development
since 2008 and has been the RHD Eastern
Regional Manager since 2012. Before assuming
the Regional Manager position, Matt was the
Administrator in our Glenwood, IA facility for
3 ½ years. In his current position, Matt seeks to
help guide our Administrators through the challenging
and rewarding duties of running a skilled
nursing facility.
JO FULLER
REGIONAL MANAGER
Jorena (Jo) Fuller began her employment with
Rural Health Development (RHD) in September
of 1999. Originally, she was hired to help with
rural health clinic consultations, as Jo has over
12 years of experience serving as director of 5
hospital-based rural health clinics.
WALT DYE
SPECIAL PROJECTS
Walt was the Administrator at Mitchell Care
Center from January of 1997 to 2011. Since 2011,
he has been involved with several other facilities
in Western Nebraska in the financial area. Walt
has also been involved in training several new
Administrators, who have developed into very
talented and capable Administrators within the
company and outside the company.
SUE BOOE
NURSE CONSULTANT
Sue Booe graduated from Lincoln General
School of Nursing in 1971 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
She has been actively licensed as a registered
nurse as well as worked in acute care for 4 years.
Sue spent eighteen years as a Director of Nursing
in LTC. Her experience includes 10 years working
with veterans in a 329 bed skilled facility,
working in a 48 bed assisted living facility, supervising
a nursing staff of 250, and preparing and
managing a budget of 9 million dollars.
MIKE HARRIS
SPECIAL PROJECTS
Mike started working for Rural Health Development
in June 2010. Since that time, he has served
as interim administrator at six RHD facilities
in Nebraska and Wyoming, plus he worked
part-time on various other projects. With RHD
expanding rapidly, Mike was offered full-time
employment in May 2012 with the responsibility
for special projects.
DIANE ROSS
SPECIAL PROJECTS
Diane was brought on in 2015 to help with
Special Projects. Diane has over 20 years of experience
in LTC management positions and helps
RHD with census building, interim administration,
and general project guidance. Diane brings
with her a wealth of knowledge she gained from
her management background with multiple
non-profits and for profit nursing homes over the
years and looks forward to sharing her expertise
with all of the RHD facilities.
Page 11

TERRY ST.CYR
NAHM - VICE PRESIDENT
Terry has worked with numerous tribes over the
last 25 years, creating jobs, building businesses
and providing strategic planning. He served on
the National Congress of American Indians Economic
Development Committee and the Finance
Committee. Terry is a member of the Winnebago
Tribe of Nebraska. In his formative years Terry
spent summers learning the traditional
ways of his people and his school years
growing up in the Dallas, Texas area.
KATHY SCHMID
NAHM - NURSE CONSULTANT
Kathy Schmid graduated from Western
Nebraska General Hospital in Scottsbluff in
1986 as an RN. She worked in acute care for 10
years, including Pediatrics and surgery. Kathy
has worked the last 20 years in long term care,
working with Veterans and their families. Kathy
has been married for almost 32 years and has 3
children and 2 grandchildren.
MISSIE BRAMHALL
BILLING MANAGER
Missie Bramhall has been in the healthcare field
for more than 5 years. She started off working in
Long-term Care eventually working her way up
to Business Office Director for one of Nebraska’s
largest nursing homes. Missie earned a degree
in Business Management and also Healthcare
Management from the University of Phoenix.
TORY MOGHADAM
GRAPHIC DESIGNER/MARKETING
ASSISTANT
Tory joined Rural Health Development in October
of 2013 as the Graphic Designer & Marketing
Assistant. He has been doing graphic design and
marketing for over 10 years and has designed
many digital and printed marketing materials.
Tory also helps with Rural Health Development’s
IT needs and enjoys solving tech related issues.
JESSICA RIDDER
BILLING SPECIALIST
Jessica Ridder began working for the billing department
for HHS solutions in June 2015. She is
currently attending the University of Lincoln Nebraska,
and majoring in Business Management.
Prior to joining the team at HHS she worked in
a Dermatology clinic and at ALN Medical Management
as a medical billing specialist.
SHELLY BERGONIA
BILLING SPECIALIST
Shelly joined HHS Solutions in August of 2015.
She grew up in Nebraska City, Nebraska. She
received her Medical Billing and Coding degree
from Herzing University in 2012. Prior to her
time with HHS Solutions she worked for a
Skilled Nursing Facility in the Billing Department.
ANNA MCCLAIN
ACCOUNTANT
Anna joined Rural Health Development in April
of 2013 as the Accountant. Anna attended Southeast
Community College in Lincoln, NE, where
she earned her A.A.S. in Business Accounting
in 2008, and a Bachelors Degree in Business Accounting
from Doane in 2012.
ADMINISTRATORS:
Audubon, IA
Beemer, NE
Benkelman, NE
Bertrand, NE
HILAREE STRINGHAM
FRIENDSHIP HOME
Stringham began her work in the nursing home
industry, holding positions from activity assistant
to social service coordinator. In 2005, Stringham
decided to further her career by going back to
school while working full time and earning a
bachelor’s degree in health care administration.
In 2007, she finished the required education to
sit for the nursing home administrator exam and
became licensed.
LAURIE LIERMAN
COLONIAL HAVEN AND COURTS
I started my career at West Point Living Center as
administrator from 1988 to 2001. In 2001 I was
employed by Colonial Haven and in 2004 I was
hired by RHD when the Village of Beemer signed
a management contract with them.
I live in West Point with my husband LeRoy and
together we have 7 children and 15 grandchildren.
JANICE EDWARDS
SARAH ANN HESTER MEMORIAL
HOME
I have been an employee of Rural Health
Development for almost 5 years. Prior to that I
was employed directly by the Sarah Ann Hester
Memorial Home in various capacities since
1986. I was a Certified Nurse Aide and a Care
Staff Member until I became a Licensed Nurse.
I worked as a Charge Nurse and over time had
various duties such as Nursing Scheduling, Staff
Development Coordinator, Infection Control
Coordinator, Assisted Living Director, and Social
Services Director.
AMY GRUBE
BERTRAND NURSING HOME
Bertrand Nursing Home & Assisted Living is
a non-profit, long term care skilled nursing &
Assisted Living facility that has been providing
care for the Bertrand area since 1973. The facility
is Village owned and managed by Rural Health
Development.
Page 12

Glenwood, IA
David City, NE
Crawford, NE Callaway, NE
Bridgeport, NE
ADMINISTRATORS:
DEAN DRAGON
SKYVIEW AT BRIDGEPORT
Allow me to summarize, I started off as a medic
in the service. That led me to become a Respiratory
Therapy major at Creighton University
where I found a fondness for management which
has provided me a great career spanning more
than two decades.
VICKY HENDRICKS
CALLAWAY GOOD LIFE CENTER
On November 1, 2012, the facility changed from
Good Samaritan to the Callaway Good Life
Center and is locally owned. We are very proud
of that fact, as the communities have come together
to help keep the facility open. At that time
I became an employee of RHD as I was hired as
the Administrator.
STEPHANIE HUFFMAN
PONDEROSA VILLA
I am the administrator at Ponderosa Villa in
Crawford, Nebraska. I began working at Ponderosa
Villa in 2011 as the social services director.
I found this experience very rewarding and
developed a passion for long term care. I have
a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and Human
Services from Chadron State College. I have also
taken long term administrator courses through
Southeast Community College.
SANDRA PALMER
ST. JOSEPH’S VILLA
I am currently the Administrator at Saint Joseph’s
Villa and Court. Being an Administrator affords
me the opportunity to give back to a population
that has given me the freedoms we all enjoy. I
encourage residents, staff and families to enjoy
the ‘gift of time’ we have been given.
My education consists of a Bachelor of Science
in Business Administration from BHSU in
Spearfish, SD and Accounting and a Masters in
Theology from Creighton University in Omaha,
NE. I am also a chaplain, completing my training
in the CPE program out of the Alegent Health
System in Omaha, NE.
Deborah Clarke
GLENHAVEN/
LINNWOOD ESTATES
Deborah started with Rural Health Development
in December of 2014. Deborah has a rich history
in healthcare starting in Altoona, IA in 1976.
Over the course of her career she has led many
communities as the Regional Director of Operations
for Village Properties Inc. Most recently she
worked as the regional Director of Operations
for American Baptist Homes of the Midwest
overseeing their communities in Omaha, NE and
Harlan IA.
Humboldt, NE
Laurel, NE
Mitchell, NE
Omaha, NE
Stuart, NE
Find us us online: online:
MARY KENT
COLONIAL ACRES NURSING
HOME
Mary Kent is the administrator at Colonial Acres
Nursing Home and Assisted Living in Humboldt,
Nebraska. Mary has spent her entire life working
and living in Southeast Nebraska. Prior to
becoming a nursing home administrator, Mary
worked in the banking industry and for the
Nebraska State Probation System. She also has
written federal and state grants and administered
those grants for housing rehabilitation and
education and training.
HEATHER EAGLE
HILLCREST CARE CENTER
Heather is the administrator at Hillcrest Care
Center in Laurel. She began employment with
RHD in September 2011. Heather has been
around nursing homes her whole life. She
became a nurse aide and a medication aide in
June of 2001. She then obtained her associates
Nursing Home, and Assisted Living Administrators
license.
STEPHANIE HAHN
MITCHELL CARE CENTER
Stephanie in the administrator at Mitchell Care
Center. She began employment with RHD in
May of 2011. Stephanie has been around nursing
homes her whole life. She has worked as a nurse
aide at Ponderosa Villa nursing home in Crawford
and also as a nurse aide/med aide in Wilber
Nebraska. Between those two locations she also
worked for a home health agency in Lincoln,
Nebraska.
DONNA SCHELLENBERGER
THE LUTHERAN HOME
In 1983, I decided it was time to work on my
education. I joined the US Air Force, and served
my four years in Phoenix working in the hospital
as a “906”, which translates to medical administration.
While keeping Arizona safe, I earned
my BS in Human Resources and have since
obtained a Masters of Science in Health Services
Administration.
LUCAS KAUP
PARKSIDE MANOR
My name is Lucas Kaup and I started work as an
Administrator May 1, 2013. Prior to being the
Administrator I worked at a local financial office
in Stuart as an Insurance Agent and also helped
with Income Tax Preparation. I also worked at
Parkside Manor from 2005 – 2010 during summer
breaks from high school and college in the
Maintenance Department.
Page 13

Sutton, NE
ADMINISTRATORS:
HANNAH ELLIOTT
SUTTON COMMUNITY HOME
I began my college education at Concordia in
Seward and graduated with degrees in Psychology,
Behavioral Science, a certificate in
Gerontology and a minor in Spanish. I applied
for Concordia’s Master’s program in Gerontology
and once again felt like I was where I belonged.
It became apparent in college after working with
Dr. Renea Gernant that Gerontology and working
with aging adults was where I yearned to be
the rest of my life. I eventually was to earn a MA
in Gerontology and an MBA.
Wilber, NE
BARB DREYER
WILBER CARE CENTER
Barbara Dreyer graduated from Western Nebraska
Technical College in 1978 with an Associate
in Accounting Degree. Her first work experience
in the health care field was in 1979. Barb worked
at the Rushville Community Hospital first in the
Medical Records Department and then in the
Accounting Department. While at Rushville,
Barb went back to school and became an Accredited
Records Technician. In 1986 Barb accepted
the administrator position at the Parkview Lodge
Nursing Home in Rushville, Nebraska.
Whiteclay, NE Wheatland, WY Wauneta, NE
Verdigre, NE
Page 14
AL SHAKESPAERE
ALPINE VILLAGE RETIREMENT
CENTER
Al Shakespaere is the Administrator Alpine Village
Retirement Center. He has worked in Long-
Term Care for the past 17 years. He has been
an administrator for the last 9 years. He loves
working with the residents that he serves. Al has
a degree in Business from Western International
in Phoenix, Arizona. He grew up in Southern
California but loves small communities.
LISA KISINGER
SUNRISE HEIGHTS OF WAUNETA
I am the administrator at Sunrise Heights of
Wauneta. Prior to being Village owned and the
name changed to Sunrise Heights, our facility
was a Vetter Health Services facility and we
were known as Heritage of Wauneta. I’ve been
working for this facility since September of 1999,
when I was employed as the business office manager.
I held that job until January of 2008, when I
became the administrator.
SHANE FILIPI
PLATTE COUNTY LEGACY HOME
Shane has been the administrator of Platte
County Memorial Nursing Home in Wheatland,
WY, since November of 2011. Shane grew up in
Malcolm, NE and graduated from Doane College
in 2002 with a degree in Business Management.
Shane started in long term care after college
and has been involved with healthcare since he
graduated.
SUSAN POURIER
OGLALA SIOUX LAKOTA
NURSING HOME
I have been hired as the Administrator for the
Oglala Sioux Lakota Nursing Home (OSLNH) in
White Clay, Nebraska. I am an enrolled member
of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in Pine Ridge, South
Dakota. I have been blessed with two sons, an
amazing daughter-in-law, and five grandchildren.
I have been in the health field for the majority of
my career. I attended a year of Nursing School at
Presentation College in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-
Superior, with an BS degree. I obtained Long
Term Administrator courses from Southeast
Community College in Lincoln, Nebraska.
West Nile Virus
Summer time and mosquitos.
The first thing that
comes to mind is West Nile
Virus. What is West Nile Virus?
It is a virus that is spread by an
infected mosquito. West Nile Virus
is worldwide and is generally
more prevalent during late summer
to early fall, when mosquitos
are around. Most people have
no lasting effects from mosquito
bites, however about 20% of people
bitten will develop flu-like
symptoms. In rare cases West
Nile Virus can lead to severe
complications and even death.
The most common symptoms of
West Nile Virus are: Fever and
chills, Headaches, Muscle pain,
Nausea and vomiting, Diarrhea,
Rash, Swollen lymph nodes and
eye inflammation know as conjunctivitis.
Symptoms can appear
within 2- 15 days and can
last several weeks.
A small percent of the
people who develop West Nile
Virus will have more serious
neurological symptoms that affect
the brain and spinal cord.
These symptoms may include
High Fever, Headache, Stiff
Neck, Disorientation, Stupor,
Tremors, Vision Loss, Severe
muscle weakness, Paralysis and
Coma. In rare cases death will
occur. The risk factors for having
complications include being
over 50 years of age and a having
a condition that affects your immune
system. In rare cases West
Nile Virus has been acquired
through blood transfusions.
So avoid spending time
in areas where mosquitoes are
present, and if you do, always
wear insect repellent that is effective
for West Nile Virus (DEET).
Always remove standing water
on your property as this is a
breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Avoid going outdoors at dawn or
dusk, if you do wear long sleeves
and long pants. Also if you have
a dead bird dispose of it with
gloves do not touch the bird with
bare hands. Some areas require
that you notify public health
for testing. Mosquitoes contact
WNV by biting infected birds.
So stay safe this summer
enjoying the outdoors by
taking the time to use repellent
to ward off any mosquito bites
that may cause health concerns
from West Nile Virus.

SUMMER PUZZLES
SUDOKU
4 8 6 2
3 1 7 6
1 3
Jumble Game
Why do you
always play so
soft?!?!
2 4 7
7 5 8 9
1 4 5
7 8
1 6 8 2
4 5 1 9
LXY ZYFL KNB LR
VEYMGJL LXY THLHEY
GF LR JEYNLY GL –
NZENXNQ
Crypted Quote:
The quote below has had all of its letters switched
with another in the alphabet. Use clues like
sentence structure and length to solve the puzzle.
Example: XAFFAW -> BETTER
AGUJRAU
A b c d e f g h i j k l m
n o p q r s t u v w x y z
Combine
the circled
letters to finish
the above
sentence
EMSIGHTON
MIFLAY
TTUENDS
RC AIG
IEURRQ E
CERO PDU
Little Nocolo’s teachers
regretted their instructions
after they told him
to __________ ________.
Unscrample the letters below to form
every-day English words.
Rural
Health
Development, Inc.
Find us online:
Health Care Consulting & Management
Page 15