Celebrating Heroes from Across Signature’s Revolution

Louisville, Ky. – June 14, 2018 – Signature HealthCARE CNAs, or heroes as we know them, honorably serve thousands of elders and residents each day. Certified Nursing Assistants are the backbone of Signature’s mission making up the largest single group of stakeholders in the company. Each June Signature joins the industry in recognizing exceptional service and care during National Nursing Assistants Week.

“It is an honorable choice to serve in a career caring for others, and CNAs choose every day to serve our residents with joy and purpose-driven hearts,” Joe Steier, Signature HealthCARE CEO and President, said. “Our CNAs mean so much to our residents and families from the role of caregiver to confidant to trusted companion to dance partner and more.”

With baby boomers aging, life expectancy growing, and hospitals releasing more patients to skilled-nursing or short-term rehabilitation, the need for Certified Nursing Assistants will continue to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that by 2026 the need for nursing assistants will grow by 11 percent, faster than the average growth rate for most other occupations.

“In an administrative role, we oversee so many things in our elders’ care, and sometimes it’s the things our CNAs see that can make the biggest difference,” Leigha Page, who began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant and now serves as the Director of Nursing at Signature HealthCARE of Monroe County, said.

Signature is meeting the demand for Certified Nursing Assistants by empowering them with support and opportunities to learn and to grow. The Pinnacle CNA program is a one-of-a-kind career ladder for CNAs to learn new skills and nurture career growth. To read more stories highlighting Signature’s CNAs, click here.

AHCA Bronze Award Recognizes Comprehensive Quality Performance

Louisville, Ky. – June 1, 2018 – Signature HealthCARE of Mallard Bay was recently honored with the Bronze National Quality Award, an industry honor. The distinction is the first of three progressive award levels through the National Quality Award Program, presented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the leading association for long term and post-acute care. The program honors association members across the country that have demonstrated their dedication to improving quality of care for seniors and persons with disabilities.

“Our commitment to quality healthcare and revolutionizing the industry transcends others. We are honored to receive this distinction of excellence in quality care,” Joe Steier, Signature HealthCARE CEO and President, said.

The Bronze Award recognizes providers for developing a foundation to begin a journey of continuous quality improvement. The awards will be presented during AHCA/NCAL’s 69th Annual Convention and Exposition in San Diego, California, in October.

“Earning this recognition for excellence in quality has been about the journey, not the destination, for our team,” Phyllis Coleman, CEO at Signature HealthCARE of Mallard Bay, said. “Each day we make a commitment to our residents and families to serve with compassion and excellence. It’s a joy to be recognized by the American Health Care Association.”

The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program is a progressive, three-step process that encourages the continuous learning, development, and execution of integrated quality systems to achieve performance excellence. Each progressive step requires a more detailed and comprehensive demonstration of quality integration and performance.

Serenity HealthCARE Celebrates 14 years of behavioral healthcare solutions

Louisville, Ky. – May 30, 2018 – Signature HealthCARE’s behavioral health division, Serenity HealthCARE, marked its 14^th anniversary during National Mental Health Month this May. With an estimated 5.7 million people living with Alzheimer’s dementia in the U.S., and many cared for by the long-term care industry, Serenity was founded to answer a need for those with neuro-cognitive and mental health conditions.

“It’s our passion to arm and to empower caregivers with holistic assessments, evidence-based tools and proven training,” Dr. Jeff Beaty, Serenity HealthCARE CEO and behavioral health expert, said. “It’s important to talk about mental, physical and psycho-social well-being, not just in our residents, but also in colleagues and families.”

Experts at Serenity HealthCARE rely on research and interdisciplinary, innovative solutions for creative, customized care. Research shows the impact of depression, anxiety and cognitive impairment directly related to ADL function, heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Not only during National Mental Health Month, but each day Serenity supports caregivers to enrich the lives of elders so that they may live with purpose.

I Won’t Grow Up Project Infuses Creativity into Care

Louisville, Ky. – May 29, 2018 – Last week nationally renowned artists spent five days in residency at Signature HealthCARE locations across Kentucky. The artists’ residency is the next phase of the Peter Pan inspired I Won’t Grow Up Project where art, creativity and imagination is embraced in skilled-nursing care centers and breaks traditional boundaries.

“The power of arts in healthcare is transformative. All of us are searching for a little bit of magic and opening ourselves up to imagination brings that to life,” Angie McAllister, Director of Cultural Transformation at Signature HealthCARE and International Board Member of the Eden Alternative Registry.

The project is bringing these artists to Signature care centers in Kentucky: Kevin Iega Jeff, Chicago based critically acclaimed and award-winning dancer and choreographer; Jeff Becker, New Orleans based renowned director, designer, and sculptor; Cheyenne Mize, Louisville native, musician and music therapist; Bobby Martin, Kentucky native, theater/film artist, cultural organizer, facilitator and teaching artist; Andee Rudloff, Kentucky native, artist and muralist; Nicole Garneau, performance artist, educator and healing practitioner; and Dominic Campbell, co-founder of Creative Ageing International.

Creativity in care settings isn’t a new idea, but staff, residents, families and volunteers co-creating together is a new approach from the I Won’t Grow Up project. “Life doesn’t end when you go to live at a nursing home. Growth can continue all the way until the end of life. There is more than bingo and TV,” McAllister said.

For Quality of Life Directors, the project comes with the challenge of getting residents and staff out of their comfort zone. “They tell me, ‘well, I’m not an artist or a painter.’ And I say there’s no wrong way to do things,” Misty Montgomery, Quality of Life Director at Signature HealthCARE at Heritage Hall, said. “In Peter Pan, the story says, ‘What if I fall? But what if you fly,’”

The I Won’t Grow Up Project is a partnership between Signature HealthCARE and TimeSlips. It is funded by a Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Grant through the Kentucky Office of Inspector General and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) and grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Stories from Across Signature’s Revolution

Louisville, Ky. – May 18, 2018 – Marking National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW), formerly known as National Nursing Home Week, Signature HealthCARE locations are celebrating the life stories of residents, stakeholders and families. Retelling memories of youth, holidays, careers, farms and bedtime stories, Quality of Life teams across Signature

“It is an honor and privilege to serve our elders and residents each and every day,” Joe Steier, Signature HealthCARE CEO and President, said. “Our industry serves an essential role in every local community, and Signature stakeholders serve thousands of people each day with purpose-driven hearts.”

Established by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) in 1967, NSNCW, formerly known as National Nursing Home Week, provides an opportunity for residents and their loved ones, staff, volunteers, and surrounding communities to acknowledge the role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for America’s seniors and individuals with disabilities. With over 13,000 residents in a single year served by Signature HealthCARE, Quality of Life teams cherish collecting their stories in celebration of National Skilled Nursing Care Week. See stories from across the revolution below.

Stakeholders at Signature HealthCARE at Jefferson Place in costume for Crazy Hair Day.

Morgantown Care and Rehabilitation Center’s Plant Operations Department shared stories and how to tips of construction with elders.

Prestonsburg Care and Rehabilitation Center traveled back in time to the ‘50’s for National Skilled Nursing Care Week.

Signature HealthCARE at Hillcrest stakeholders and residents embraced childhood fun with their carnival theme.

Signature HealthCARE of Coshocton stakeholders and residents gathered around for campfire stories.

Event Celebrates $15 increase in monthly allowance signed by Georgia’s Gov. Deal

Marietta, Ga – May 17, 2018 – Nursing home residents at Signature HealthCARE of Tower Road presented state Senator Michael “Doc” Rhett with a plaque of appreciation today at an event celebrating the state’s approval increasing the personal needs allowance (PNA). Recently signed into law by Governor Deal, $15 increase in the state’s monthly personal needs allowance benefits Medicaid nursing home residents, who have often exhausted other financial resources.

“At Signature HealthCARE, we have held dialogue and conversations with legislators for years showing that the dollar amount residents receive does not begin to cover basic costs. It is a win across the state and industry for Georgia state legislators to prioritize the needs of nursing home residents increasing the monthly personal needs allowance,” Kathy Gallin, Signature HealthCARE’s Director of Legislative Affairs.

“Our residents were once the voice, parent, or caregiver for others, and now it’s our turn to serve them,” Loretta Barnes, Signature HealthCARE Administrator, said. “Today we are celebrating the PNA increase because of lawmakers like Senator Rhett and Senator Renee Unterman.”

The personal needs allowance benefits nursing home residents on Medicaid and provides for items like clothing, shoes, telephone expenses, cards to send to family, reading materials, brushes, lotion, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, a haircut and other daily items that one typically does not think twice about.

State legislatures in both Georgia and Florida have passed increases in the personal needs allowance because of Signature HealthCARE’s advocacy.

Industry Culture Change Organization Recognizes Signature for Pioneering Culture Change

Louisville, Ky. – May 8, 2018 – International culture change organization Eden Alternative Registry recognized Signature HealthCARE for blazing the trail in culture change and leading the industry. At its annual conference in Atlanta the Eden Registry presented Signature HealthCARE and Angie McAllister with the 2017 Eden Champion Award.

“We made a choice at the beginning of our culture change journey to put our residents and stakeholders first and to hold true to each of our sacred six values,” Joe Steier, Signature HealthCARE CEO and President, said. “Not only are we leading the industry in culture change, we are transcending expectations for the residents and families we serve each day.”

Since beginning the journey of culture change, Signature has traveled on vacation with over 1,000 residents, trained many leaders as Eden mentors and over 50 Signature locations have earned accreditation and their name to the Eden Alternative Registry, the national list of certified culture change nursing homes.

“It’s such an honor to win an Eden Champion award for pioneering person-directed care. Throughout this journey, I have personally seen passionate, caring stakeholders make a difference in the lives of our elders,” Angie McAllister, Director of Cultural Transformation, said.

The Eden Champion award recognizes individuals and organizations for ongoing advocacy and growth of the culture changing Eden Alternative philosophy. The honor is awarded every two years to an organization or individual from across the world. Angie McAllister, Signature’s Director of Cultural Transformation, received the Nancy Fox Leadership Award in 2016.

Signature expands its recruiting boundaries internationally to meet increasing needs

Louisville, Ky. – May 7, 2018 – Signature HealthCARE’s revolution has added 15 foreign trained registered nurses making the journey across the world to join the company’s revolution and more nurses plan to arrive later this year. Leading the charge in recruiting talent internationally is Signature’s Linda Howe, who with over 20 years of industry experience knows the soft skills it takes to succeed in healthcare.

“We appreciate our international nurses with their trust, dedication, and perseverance in patiently achieving their life time goal of a life in USA.  Many have overcome a 7-year process to attain that goal,” Linda Howe, Vice President of International Recruitment, said. Howe recently enjoyed lunch with the nurses and their families in Louisville, Kentucky.

The long-term care industry is projected to need four million new workers by 2050, according to the American Health Care Association. Signature is crossing borders and boundaries to add talented caregivers to its revolution.

“Signature sincerely appreciates them and their families for always believing in us.  They are all a great attribute to the profession, and we are so glad they chose Signature.  Their clinical skills, kind hearts, and willingness to learn a new culture is admirable. We want to extend a very special thank you to our international RNs,” Linda Howe, Vice President of International Recruitment, said.

U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth Speaks on Harmony Locally and Nationally

Louisville, Ky. – May 3, 2018 –  U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, Signature HealthCARE CEO Joe Steier, local interfaith leaders and nursing home residents will join hands promoting unity at the National Day of Prayer celebration. Unity takes center stage at the event promoting each person’s power for good in our local, state and national communities, despite polarizing national politics and change.

“We are stronger together as a company, as a community and as a state when we are unified under the common goal of bettering each other,” said Joe Steier, President and CEO of Signature HealthCARE. “All eyes are looking to the common goals in our future on National Day of Prayer. This unifying celebration has never been more needed.”

Diverse religious leaders, Signature leaders, and state dignitaries, who attended the event to foster unity include:

Keynote Speaker: Representative John Yarmuth

Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, Archdiocese of Louisville

Rabbi Joseph Rapport

Dr. Muhammad Babar, President of Muslim Americans for Compassion

Nancy Tinnell, Middletown United Methodist Church

Jeremiah Cunningham, Vice President Salt Creek Unity Center

Signature HealthCARE CEO Joe Steier

The annual National Day of Prayer event, which began at Signature HealthCARE in 2012, strives to unites individuals under the common theme of doing good and uplifting each other.

Living Fully in Long-Term Care

Louisville, Ky. – April 23, 2018 – Some had never before touched beach sand, heard the ocean waves or left their home state until going on vacation with Signature HealthCARE. It’s all part of Signature’s culture change movement in rethinking expectations and reimagining life in nursing homes. When Signature HealthCARE residents vacation in Disney World this week, it is the 20^th time since 2011 nursing home residents have adventured to new places.

“Why not take nursing home residents on vacation? Too often nursing homes are seen as the places where we stop living, but we believe there’s vibrant, full lives at a nursing home,” said Angie McAllister, Director of Cultural Transformation at Signature HealthCARE and International Board Member of the Eden Alternative Registry.

This week 24 Signature HealthCARE residents from three states are visiting Disney World’s Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Signature HealthCARE locations fundraise year-round to send residents on an elder vacation. From raffles to silent auctions and potluck benefits, fundraising for elder vacations is a community-wide effort.

“Even in the highly regulated industry of healthcare, it’s possible to make dreams come true beyond the physical boundaries of our locations and all the way to the Magic Kingdom, McAllister said.

The dreams that have become reality since Signature started its culture change journey in 2011 only continue growing. Since then, over 1,000 nursing home residents have vacationed with Signature traveling to destinations across the country: Disney, Boston, Panama City Beach, Washington D.C., Gatlinburg, San Antonio, and Branson.

This week’s destination at Magic Kingdom represents Signature’s commitment to continue reinventing expectations in long-term care and reinfusing dreams to nursing home residents. It is the 5^th time Disney World is the destination for Signature nursing home residents on vacation.