Regional Continuity of Care Council

REGIONAL CONTINUITY OF CARE COUNCIL

April 10, 2012

St. Joseph’s Medical Center

Educational Classroom #2

3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

The meeting was called to order at 3:10 p.m. by Bob Hopper, RCCC President. There were 24 members present at the meeting. Bob explained the procedure of networking among the

membership during the first several minutes(about 15) of the meeting. The traditional meeting format would resume after members had a chance to speak to one another.

To resume the meeting, Bob asked those present to introduce themselves to the group for the benefit of any guests in attendance, along with the guest speaker. He described to the members an idea presented by the Executive Board to encourage participation, fun, sense of community, and support of the Mission Statement. Bi-monthly Mixers, hosted by members at their facilities or other venues, during the months of May, July,  September, January 2013-date and time to be determined by the hosts-would serve a two-fold purpose. Stronger business connections and the possibility of continued fundraising for the scholarship program, and community grant funds. The theme of the gatherings was to be determined by the hosting member. No one volunteered for the month of May. Rio Las Palmas signed up for the month of July, and Delta Rehab placed their name on the sheet for September. The ‘regular’ RCCC socials in June and November would remain in place, as would the 2^nd Tuesday monthly meetings.

Diane Hopper, Vice-President, encouraged people to visit the Regional Continuity of Care Council website, and use it regularly as a tool for communication.  The benefits of membership include extended access to the Forum, Blogs, and Calendar events.  Diane was also excited about the Guest Speaker for the day, Mary Nicholson. Members were also asked to consider donating their time and/or ‘sweets’ for the coffee & donut booth at Senior Awareness Day, May 31^st, at Micke Grove Park.

Jackie Powell, Treasurer, stated the bank balance was $2275.59 with sixteen paid members.  Jackie reminded people they were able to attend meetings free of charge twice within a year. After the second meeting, a $5.00 charge, per meeting, was to be levied. Membership has its benefits.

The Fundraising Planning Committee had a great idea as a fundraiser, which they shared with the Membership. ‘Bowling for Bucks’(my moniker) at Pacific Bowl, in Stockton, would share a portion of the proceeds for the RCCC scholarship/community grant funds. Chad and committee would meet with the Board of Directors to present their request for help with the scholarships.  Chad was hoping bowling might be an event members would be interested in attending as a fun activity.  Bob wanted to be clear that these mixers would not take the place of the regularly scheduled meetings and socials.

Diane Hopper was happy to introduce the Guest Speaker, Mary Nicholson, Healings In Motion.  Ms. Nicholson described herself as a health coach for people working to recover from stroke.  Healings In Motion is a patient driven organization which employ health coaches to support and encourage stroke victims. They hold educational meetings from 12 pm – 2 pm. The topic of stroke is especially appropriate since May is ‘National Stroke Awareness Month,’

and Mary has lived through the process of stroke and rehabilitation.  She reviewed the symptoms of stroke, stressed the importance of getting to a hospital within a 3 hour window to receive the tPA shot, and the importance of establishing a Certified Stroke Center in Stockton. There are 8 possible hospitals in San Joaquin County, but a trauma center needs to have a dedicated neurologist willing to be ‘on call’, along with a ‘stroke protocol’, and a protocol team in place. The city of Modesto has Doctor’s Medical Center and Memorial Hospital which meet these requirements. The members asked several questions concerning the requirements of a Stroke Center, and what happens in an emergency room situation. Mary Nicholson also brought a gift basket to share, and Mary Riemersma won this.

The showcase business, Golden Living Hy’Pana, was represented by Brenda Wilson, Social Service Director. They are part of a larger community which includes:  Aegis, Ascera Care, Portside, and Chateau. Golden Living works to get a person back to their home, as they specialize in Pulmonary Respitory rehabilitation.  They are moving forward with electronic charting, and work to serve their residents.

Cameron Burgett, Atria Bayside Landing, won the gift basket provided by Golden Living, which means Atria will be the showcase business in May.

Bob thanked everyone for their participation, and adjourned the meeting at 4:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Margie Maston, Bethany Home

RCCC Secretary

REGIONAL CONTINUITY OF CARE COUNCIL

March 13, 2012

St. Joseph’s Medical Center

Educational Classroom #2

3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Bob Hopper, RCCC president, called the meeting to order at 3:10 p.m. in the Educational Classrooms of St. Joseph Hospital. Some time had been spent ‘networking’ with other senior providers. There were a total of 26 attendees at this meeting. Members took a few minutes to introduce themselves to the assembly.  Bob extended a warm welcome to everyone present, and hinted at the informative speaker to come.

Diane Hopper, Vice President, again asked members to become familiar with the website.  The benefit of paid membership includes; posting events on the calendar, using the forum for discussion, networking with peers in the community to insure the quality of senior care. Paid members have a special code to use to allow this access.

Diane also passed out a form to ‘rate’ the guest speaker.  She asked the form to be placed in the basket after the speaker concluded their presentation.

Jackie Powell, Treasurer, stated the RCCC banking balance to be $1865.59.

There were no other Board Reports.

Bob Hopper then introduced the guest speaker, Marian Kaanon from Community Hospice of San Joaquin. Marian began by distributing a packet to everyone present. She asked members to look at the blue sheet titled, “Factors Considered as Important to Patients at the End of Life”, and rate what people thought mattered most to those at the end of their lives. People were shocked to learn cleanliness was THE most important factor. More than one’s dignity, physician, family, etc..  Ms. Kaanon went on to give a brief history of hospice and its origins, then continued with how hospice began in Stanislaus county. She gave general guidelines for the use of hospice, and busted several myths which have grown around the word, ‘hospice’. Questions asked by the membership were addressed, and Bob thanked Ms. Kaanon for her informative talk.

Chad Boeddecker, Fundraiser Planning Committee Chairperson, was asked to report on any progress the committee had made concerning ways to raise community awareness of the Regional Continuity of Care Council, and our mission statement of giving back to those interested in the health care field through scholarship.  Chad was pleased to announce Asera Care/Golden Living was donating two checks in the amount of $1,000.00 to be used as funding for the scholarship program for this year.  Everyone was so very happy!  Bob thanked Chad and the committee members for this wonderful news.  He asked the committee to continue researching ways to raise funds, along with raising awareness of the RCCC within the community.  The fundraiser for the 34^th annual Senior Awareness Day(5/31) at Micke Grove Park, selling coffee and donuts for vendors, was brought up.  Members donate time and/or items for the booth. The RCCC garners about $250.00 from this event.  Bob asked members to consider whether dues and this fundraiser were enough to sustain the scholarship program, and the community grant ($500.00) which the RCCC had also done in past years.

Mr. Hopper then introduced the Showcase Business, RSVP, as represented by Olivia Briesmeister.  Ms. Briesmeister is part of the Human Services Agency/Department of Aging of San Joaquin County.  The RSVP’s are a volunteer group of seniors who help other seniors on a regular basis under the aegis of the Department of Aging. The RCCC membership has provided gift baskets to help honor these special people at a luncheon in their honor.  The winner of the basket was Brenda Wilson from Golden Living. She will be the Showcase Business at the April 10th meeting.

There being no further business, Mr. Hopper adjourned the meeting at 4:20 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Margie Maston, Bethany Home

RCCC Secretary

REGIONAL CONTINUITY OF CARE COUNCIL

March 13, 2012

St. Joseph’s Medical Center

Educational Classroom #2

3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Bob Hopper, RCCC president, called the meeting to order at 3:10 p.m. in the Educational Classrooms of St. Joseph Hospital. Some time had been spent ‘networking’ with other senior providers. There were a total of 26 attendees at this meeting. Members took a few minutes to introduce themselves to the assembly.  Bob extended a warm welcome to everyone present, and hinted at the informative speaker to come.

Diane Hopper, Vice President, again asked members to become familiar with the website.  The benefit of paid membership includes; posting events on the calendar, using the forum for discussion, networking with peers in the community to insure the quality of senior care. Paid members have a special code to use to allow this access.

Diane also passed out a form to ‘rate’ the guest speaker.  She asked the form to be placed in the basket after the speaker concluded their presentation.

Jackie Powell, Treasurer, stated the RCCC banking balance to be $1865.59.

There were no other Board Reports.

Bob Hopper then introduced the guest speaker, Marian Kaanon from Community Hospice of San Joaquin. Marian began by distributing a packet to everyone present. She asked members to look at the blue sheet titled, “Factors Considered as Important to Patients at the End of Life”, and rate what people thought mattered most to those at the end of their lives. People were shocked to learn cleanliness was THE most important factor. More than one’s dignity, physician, family, etc..  Ms. Kaanon went on to give a brief history of hospice and its origins, then continued with how hospice began in Stanislaus county. She gave general guidelines for the use of hospice, and busted several myths which have grown around the word, ‘hospice’. Questions asked by the membership were addressed, and Bob thanked Ms. Kaanon for her informative talk.

Chad Boeddecker, Fundraiser Planning Committee Chairperson, was asked to report on any progress the committee had made concerning ways to raise community awareness of the Regional Continuity of Care Council, and our mission statement of giving back to those interested in the health care field through scholarship.  Chad was pleased to announce Asera Care/Golden Living was donating two checks in the amount of $1,000.00 to be used as funding for the scholarship program for this year.  Everyone was so very happy!  Bob thanked Chad and the committee members for this wonderful news.  He asked the committee to continue researching ways to raise funds, along with raising awareness of the RCCC within the community.  The fundraiser for the 34^th annual Senior Awareness Day(5/31) at Micke Grove Park, selling coffee and donuts for vendors, was brought up.  Members donate time and/or items for the booth. The RCCC garners about $250.00 from this event.  Bob asked members to consider whether dues and this fundraiser were enough to sustain the scholarship program, and the community grant ($500.00) which the RCCC had also done in past years.

Mr. Hopper then introduced the Showcase Business, RSVP, as represented by Olivia Briesmeister.  Ms. Briesmeister is part of the Human Services Agency/Department of Aging of San Joaquin County.  The RSVP’s are a volunteer group of seniors who help other seniors on a regular basis under the aegis of the Department of Aging. The RCCC membership has provided gift baskets to help honor these special people at a luncheon in their honor.  The winner of the basket was Brenda Wilson from Golden Living. She will be the Showcase Business at the April 10th meeting.

There being no further business, Mr. Hopper adjourned the meeting at 4:20 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Margie Maston, Bethany Home

RCCC Secretary

REGIONAL CONTINUITY OF CARE COUNCIL

February 14, 2012

St. Joseph’s Medical Center

Educational Classroom #2

3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Bob Hopper, RCCC President, called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.  He welcomed all attendees.  There were 30 people at the meeting from a range of practices within the senior-care community. Everyone introduced themselves to the assembly. During this time the name change for CHW was acknowledged. It has become Dignity Health.

Diane Hopper, Vice-President and former Membership Chair, spoke next about making good and efficient use of the RCCC website. Diane had hand-outs to give the membership, delineating the steps to follow, allowing access to the calendar and the forum. Diane gave her

cell phone number (241-6788) if a member needed specific assistance.

Bob talked to the attendees about the importance of the RCCC scholarship fund, and grant monies, which were (and continue to be) a vital part of the mission statement. He suggested funds for these commendable programs should not rely solely on member’s dues, but should also include people from the surrounding community. Toward this end, Bob asked people to volunteer for a Fundraising committee for 2012. Chad Boeddecker, Rowena Ramirez, Michelle Moreno, and Margie Maston volunteered to be on this committee. Angie Walker(Delta Rehab & Crescent Court) donated a basket to be raffled off as an additional way of obtaining funds.  This gesture was much appreciated.

Bob also brought to the membership a concern of the board involving the meeting places at St. Joseph.  Rio Las Palmas volunteered to host future meetings. These would include a large room, refreshments, and AV capabilities for speakers.  A lively discussion ensued. Members liked the ‘neutrality’ of St. Joseph’s classrooms, and felt the refreshments were adequate for the time of day.  After several minutes, Jackie Powell moved to keep the meetings at St. Joseph’s, several people seconded the motion. The remaining attendees voted in favor of keeping the venue, with Costco(Lynna Campos) providing the refreshments—for which everyone is very grateful.

The showcase ‘spot light’ was on A Place Called Home (an elder care referral service). Bob Hopper was the presenter for the business. An elder care business does the leg work for families needing some level of care for their loved ones. A Place Called Home listens to the family’s desire for placement, and ensures a good match with finances, caregiving, and physical needs of the loved one. Bob is also qualified to train new hires and give in-services to caregivers.  Diane and Bob are eager to serve the senior community.

The winner of the gift basket, donated by A Place Called Home, was Olivia Brentwiser.  She

will be the next showcase presenter.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:26 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Margie Maston, Bethany Home

RCCC Secretary

COME ONE, COME ALL!!

To the December 13th meeting at St. Joseph's Hospital, Educational Classrooms!! The fun and excitement begins at 3:00 p.m.

Veronica of ORGANIC COFFEES will provided delicious refreshments.  We are pleased to have Dr. Rowina Ramirez to speak to us about "Alzheimer's-The Disease", and give our members information about 'the walk to end Alzheimer's'.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

REGIONAL CONTINUITY OF CARE COUNCIL

                                                     August 9, 2011

                                          St. Joseph’s Medical Center

                                               Educational Classrooms

                                                       3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

In an effort to wait for as many members as possible, Mary Riemersma, President, called

the RCCC meeting to order at 3:16 p.m. There were sixteen members present. Each

member introduced themselves and identified their business.

After this brief introduction, Mary continued with the President’s report. She began by

thanking everyone who attended the July 12^th seminar. The three speakers were excellent,

and the crowd was lively.  Valley Gardens was very gracious to provide a delicious variety

of treats. The next item to discuss was the S.J. County Retired & Senior Volunteer Program

(RSVP) to be held on Saturday, October 1, 2011, at 1:30 p.m. RCCC members were invited

to donate baskets for the honorees, while promoting their businesses. Carol Clemons volunteered to bring these baskets to the appropriate agency, if members brought them to

the September meeting.  Finally, Mary announced Jennifer Tiede would lead the committee

for the Winter Social (Nov. 8^th).

Mary continued spoke about the importance of nominating people as

new Executive officers in 2012.  Mr. Hopper will move into the President’s role, while

other members will be asked to be fill the positions of Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary,

and Membership.  She spoke about the need to infuse new ideas into the RCCC. Mary went

on to give an overview of the Membership position, too, as both Diane & Bob were celebrating

their anniversary. Congratulations to them!  The website is up and running, with a small

glitch that is being handled by Diane and Deepak.

Kristin Mostowski, Treasurer, gave the account balance to be $1507.39.  Forty dollars was

collected as donations for the July seminar.

Mr. Gary Libhard, American Military Benefits group, was then introduced to the membership

as the guest speaker.  He delineated several important points about the “Aid and Attendance

Benefit”.  His company helps families complete the proper paperwork in the proper order, and get organized so that there will be no unnecessary delays in the reception of the benefit. He

was honest with the membership about possible pitfalls that families and facilities face when

submitting applications. Mr. Libhart entertained many questions from the membership. He

also encouraged facilities to have an information night with resident families.

There being no further business, Mary adjourned the meeting at 4:20 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Margie Maston

REGIONAL CONTINUITY OF CARE COUNCIL

May 10, 2011 

St. Joseph’s Medical Center

Educational Classrooms

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. 

The meeting was called to order at 3:07 p.m. by Mary Riemersma, RCCC President. There

were 19 members present around the table.  Mary asked Bob Hopper to continue his

presentation of the third of twelve marketing strategies.  Through example, Bob demonstrated

how important it was to ‘Be Prepared’ as you represent your business/yourself.  People

like to do business with friends. Give something of value to share with your friends-something

simple. A genuine observation, a referral, a compliment, a listening spirit-all these are valuable marketing tools.

After Mary thanked Bob, she welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked people to

introduce themselves to the group.  Once this was completed, Mary spoke about the

upcoming Senior Awareness Day in Lodi, on May 26^th. The RCCC sponsors a coffee/donut

booth to help raise funds for our scholarships and grants.  Mary asked members to

consider donations of time or donuts/muffins/etc. Sr. Katherine, Kristin, and Mary will arrive at 6:30 a.m. to set up the coffee and donuts, and sell goodies until we are sold out. The June

Social will be held at Atria, Bayside Landing, in Stockton. Jill brought invitations for

everyone. Mary encouraged all members to attend, and bring a guest! for the chance to win      a special prize.

Bob Hopper, Vice-President, told membership about the July 12^th workshop at Valley

Gardens.  Our hope is to provide CEU’s for those who may need them. The workshop/

seminar will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 4 p.m., and the cost will be $25.00.  We hope to have

three speakers who will address the issue of “Keeping Seniors Happy, Healthy & Safe”.

An in-home health care professional, Lee Eppler, will be a presenter along with a representative from the Alzheimer’s Society, and an attorney who deals with possible elder

abuse. Details will be made available on the website! Check it often.

Kristin Mostowski, Treasurer, reported our bank balance to be $1260.31. She thanked

new members for their prompt payments. Kristin reviewed the policy for guest members.

A guest is invited to attend three meetings at no cost. A $5.00 charge will be assessed after

the third meeting, thus encouraging new membership. Kristin again stressed the importance of

membership, which allowed the RCCCC to fund grants and scholarships for the community.

Diane Hopper, Membership, asked everyone to complete a membership form. This would

help in updating member information.  The information from the old website could be

transferred. Members will have access to the Forum if dues are paid, which also allows for

the posting of announcements and events for the website.

Mr. Lee Eppler, the guest speaker from Gentiva Home Health Care, was introduced to the

membership.  He began by explaining the representative from San Joaquin County, Lisa

Rabb, had intended to be part of this forum, but had been called away unexpectedly.

Mr. Eppler passed out a general brochure, and a very informative diagnosis page which

Delineated the services needed for certain medical conditions. On the flip side of the

handout was a description of each skill a professional might offer to someone as an

in-home health service.

Mr. Eppler asked everyone to take with them this one, very important point: In Home Health

is proven to be beneficial on many levels. It saves Medi-Care millions of dollars, since

Skilled Home Care is a great intervention, which keeps residents in their own communities/

environment, and healthy for as long as possible.  This saves on Skilled Nursing & Hospital

costs. Skilled Home Care can be covered by Medi-Care entirely. Skilled In Home Health

care is also a benefit to assisted living facilities.  It takes a pro-active role toward residents

and staff. It helps with the retention of residents, since they stay healthier longer, able to

remain in assisted living. It helps with the retention of staff, who have the support of the service, and also keeps workmen’s compensation injuries to a minimum.  Finally, In Home

Health helps with regulatory compliance in a facility, since all staff at In Home Health agencies should be well qualified and bonded.

Mr. Eppler entertained questions concerning In Home Health in a SNF or a Rehab center.

Mary thanked Mr. Eppler for his time, and opened the floor to anyone who had a case

which might be challenging.  Mr. Iremonger asked if anyone knew how the Veteran’s Administration worked concerning help for veterans who needed assisted living.  A lively

discussion followed, and it was determined by questions from the group, that we should

once again have a guest speaker from the VA to explain how best to serve our senior veterans.

There being no further business, Mary Riemersma adjourned the meeting at 4:24 p.m. 

Respectfully Submitted,

Margie Maston, Bethany Home

RCCC Secretary

The Asparagus Festival is just around the corner. Lisa, in charge of the Volunteers,has arranged for RCCC members to help all three days in the

Fried Asparagus Booth in Asparagus alley. The booth chairperson will let us know dates and times.  Please consider joining in this very worthwhile, and fun event.