“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Happy Nurses Week!
This week we focus on the heads of our Health Services Department, getting to know a little about them, and their roles at River Pointe. Thank you for all you do, as the great leaders that you are…
Our Registered Nurse is Ashley May, Director of Health Services. She is from Park Rapids, Minnesota. Ashley joined River Pointe in February, and is really enjoying getting to know our residents. Ashley graduated with her Associate’s Degree in Nursing, from Minnesota State Community and Technical College, and just completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, through Bemidji State University. We are so proud of her and all that she has accomplished. We know she will continue to do great things.
When asked about her experience working at River Pointe, Ashley commented on the great relationship we have with Hospice of the Red River Valley – especially with their Palliative Care group. She is so thankful for comfort care they are able to provide, allowing residents to remain in their home for things like routine doctor visits. “It’s much more comfortable for the resident,” she says; “They don’t have to go out for appointments, and it’s so much less stressful.”
When asked about some concerns she has encountered over her time working with seniors, she was quick to respond that people should, “Just come see us! If you’re interested at all in joining a senior living community, there’s no pressure, and it ranges from residents using River Pointe solely as an apartment, to full care. It’s also nice to have the housekeeping and meal options.”
Katie Sayler, LPN, is our Lead Care Manager. She is from Fargo and graduated High School from Fargo South. Katie went on to receive her Licensed Practical Nursing Degree from Northwest Technical College (now Minnesota State Community and Technical College). Katie has been with River Pointe over 3 years and has, “too many favorite stories to pick one.” She does a phenomenal job meticulously managing things like medications, physician’s orders, and resident’s charts, while still getting to know them on a personal level.
Katie has enjoyed our partnership with At Home Therapy. She comments, “They are able to provide services to our residents, right in their own apartment. So they’re using their own bed, their own kitchen, their own bathroom, their own couch – when receiving therapy services, versus training at a facility that’s nothing like what they are used to.”
When asked about concerns she has encountered as a nurse working with seniors, Katie thought of her own grandparents and how they made the decision early on that they weren’t interested in assisted living, and preferred to go straight to a nursing home if either one got sick. She also commented that it’s important to start having these discussions early on. “Assisted Living can help a person remain independent, as long as possible, in a more home-like atmosphere as a nursing home can provide.” Katie especially stressed how much safer assisted living can be, especially for those with steps inside or outside the home.
Cacey Armstrong, LSW, is our Memory Care Case Manager. Cacey has been working at River Pointe for almost two years. She began as an Activity Assistant working much of the time with Memory Care, and was later promoted to Case Manager. Her favorite part of her job remains interacting with residents. “Now that the weather is nice, I love being able to go outside with them on the patio, or do an activity.” Cacey received her Social Work Degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead and comes to us all the way from Lake of the Woods. Having a Social Worker on our team makes the environment more beautiful, and brings that feeling of passion to the career.
Cacey echoed the voices of her teammates, stressing the importance of taking action early on when you start to see life changes happening. “Don’t hide the symptoms. Be honest with yourself and your family. Treatment can help issues that come with aging, but only if you start early.” She also commented on how our partners help us to truly make River Pointe a home. “Everything they need is here, especially for those that utilize the Palliative Care Program. Then they don’t even have to leave for doctor appointments!”
In conclusion, a huuuge thank you to everyone providing health services to our residents! It is privilege to work with each of you, who work with such care and dedication to what you do. You are the Heart of River Pointe, and truly make this little place a home.
If you’d like to learn more about River Pointe, visit our website by clicking here, or give us a call any time! 218-287-6900