If you have questions about Independence Program Services, please contact Brittany Bergquist at brittany.bergquist@pinnacleservices.org

In addition to our Independence Programs, we also support individuals through Supported Living Services (SLS) homes and Housing with Services – Assisted Living.  We currently have openings in one of our six Supported Living Services (SLS) homes, located in Chaska.

Can we help you or someone you love to live a more independent life?  Pinnacle Services will provide respectful interactions and flexibility in meeting your individual needs. Questions are always welcome!

If you have questions about Residential Services, please contact Laura Boss at laura.boss@pinnacleservices.org.

THANK YOU PROGRAM!!!!

March 17 is just around the corner, and the program management staff are plotting the annual St. Paddy’s Day Party!  The party gives us an opportunity to recognize everyone’s hard work and dedication to providing quality care to each and every individual we serve.  We are excited to celebrate great work and have FUN!

Thank you for all you do!

Program Management Team

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Nominations This Quarter Were:
Dylan Curto, Cathy Hunsaker, Stefany Jones, Eyvette Maggett and Angela Price.

The Winner is:
Dylan Curto, Program Counselor at Hillcrest!

Dylan was nominated by Brittany Baker, Laura Boss and Emily Reynolds.

Absolute honesty, integrity and ethics in all aspects of business
Dylan is a dedicated, straightforward employee. When asked to complete tasks that help support the program, he is quick to respond and complete the task. He takes on added responsibility with ease and a positive attitude. Dylan’s go to line is, “Yeah, I can do that”, which is refreshing to hear.

Dylan has a challenging job at times; however, he has unbreakable commitment to complete his job to the best of his abilities. When Dylan says he is going to do something, he will make sure it is completed. He is also committed to do the “right” thing before the “easiest” thing.

Encourage people to achieve their full potential

Dylan positively encourages consumers and staff to achieve their full potential each shift. Dylan works well with the ladies at Hillcrest, through the fun times and more challenging times. Dylan encourages the ladies on each shift he works to work on their goals and to take the steps to achieve them in a way that is not demanding or controlling.

Dylan also works well with his co-workers. He is extremely flexible with his schedule and this helps out his co-workers and the program as a whole. Dylan does a great job splitting job tasks with his co-workers, and goes above and beyond each shift. He has helped out with several management tasks, supporting the program during a time when there is not a manager in place. He makes sure bills are paid, medications are filled/ordered, MARs are updated, cleaning lists printed, consumers have items that they need, and the day-to-day is communicated to others.

Work with passion, commitment, and enthusiasm

Dylan has worked with a consumer who is now on a Positive Support Transition Plan. This was a big change for Hillcrest and for the staff working with her. Dylan put a lot of time and effort to find out what works and what doesn’t work and he has trained others on his techniques. Dylan has Pinnacle’s best interest in mind. He is professional when speaking to consumers, co-workers, superiors and guardians. He represents the agency well.

Create fun and happiness in people’s lives

Dylan strives to get to know the consumers he works with. Knowing about the consumers helps him make each shift go smoothly and makes the consumers, along with his co-workers, happy and have fun.

Celebrate diversity and the uniqueness of people

Dylan has a great relationship with the consumers he works with and his teammates. He is able to work well with the consumers at Hillcrest due to his consistency and calm demeanor. He is able to work well with his co-workers because he is friendly, fair and approachable. Dylan communicates often and well with others. Others have the highest level of trust for Dylan. Time and time again he follows through with his word.

Be tenacious and innovative agents of change

Dylan is patient, loyal, committed, compassionate, consistent, thorough, and calm. Dylan has brought all of these attributes to the Hillcrest team, creating a friendly and enjoyable culture.

Pursue growth and learning

Dylan challenges himself to get to know the consumers that he works with and strives to provide quality services for them. He continues to be willing to try something new or different and is able to “rally” his co-workers to do the same.

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The legislation requires that 80% of the money made available by the rate adjustment be used to increase wages and compensation-related costs for eligible employees. Pinnacle Services will be passing 100% of the COLA increase on to our employees by increasing starting wages for all employees, increasing initial orientation and asleep shift wages to exceed 2014 minimum wage requirements, increasing mileage and meal reimbursements, establishing Affordable Care Act compliant medical insurance coverage and providing existing employees 4% increase to present wages. The wages and increases are as follows:

• Initial Orientation wage will be increased to $9.50.

• Starting wage for Asleep Overnight will be increased to $9.50.
This increase exceeds the requirement to increase asleep wages following a minimum wage increase mandate. Pinnacle is choosing to provide higher wage immediately rather than waiting until 2016 as allowed by law. Existing employees who work asleep overnight shifts will have their wages increased to $9.50.

• Starting wage for Program Counselor will be increased to $11.64.
Existing employees who work at Bavaria Lake, Hidden Valley, Jasper Hill, Sunset Park, Ridge Point, and in Supported Employment Services (SES), Independent Living Skills (ILS), In Home Family Support (IHS), Ryan White (RW) will receive a 4% increase to their present wage.

• Jackson Square and Edinbrook Crossing starting Program Counselor wage will be increased to $12.08.
Existing employees who work at Jackson Square and Edinbrook Crossing will receive a 4% increase to their present wage.

• The starting wage at Hill Crest will be increased to $12.60.
Existing employees who work at Hill Crest will receive a 4% increase to their present wage.

• Program Specialist starting wage will be increased to $13.40.

• Meal reimbursement rates will be increased to: $6.25 for breakfast, $7.00 for lunch, and $8.25 for dinner.

• Mileage reimbursement will be increased to $0.50 per mile.

All wage and reimbursement increases took effect July 13, 2014 and be reflected on the paycheck received on August 8, 2014. If you have questions regarding how the 2014 COLA specifically applies to you, please contact:

Ellen Behrhorst, Human Resources Director at 612-977-3103;
Susie Mayer, Human Resources Associate at 612-977-3119; or
Rose Hoye, Human Resources Associate at 612-977-3128.

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It’s important for caregivers to understand that the incontinence is more than just inconvenient. Associated health problems can occur and potentially turn serious, such as skin rashes and urinary tract infections. And incontinence is even known to increase the chances of falls and injuries. Further, the need for long-term care often arises; one study found that urinary incontinence is second only to dementia among reasons for admission to long-term care.

Here are several ways to help those suffering urinary incontinence:

• Establish a restroom routine and be diligent and patient. Try to get the person to go to the bathroom every two hours during waking hours. This can lead to a degree of bladder “retraining.”
• Consult a health care professional with experience training the patient in pelvic-floor strengthening exercises (such as Kegel exercises).
• Consult a doctor, who may determine if prescribing a medication called an antimuscarinic is appropriate. These can help with the different types of urinary incontinence: overactive bladder and urge incontinence.
• Ensure the person avoids stimulants in the evening, such as caffeine, as well as liquids before bedtime.
• Simplify the person’s wardrobe — pants with elastic waistbands offer great convenience.
• Keep a close eye on nonverbal signals that the patient needs to use the restroom. These include facial expressions, distraction, and pulling at clothes.
• Realize the person may have been hiding their incontinence and suffering longer than you’re aware of. This can result in a longer time period required for managing the incontinence, and if the patient has become more socially isolated and less likely to leave home, the incontinence may have been the primary reason.
• Know that surgery may be an option for patients who do not respond to conservative methods as described above.

Sources:

http://www.bmj.com/content/341/bmj.c3835.full

http://www.caregivershome.com/community/askexpert_full.cfm?UID=90

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What’s more, prescription drugs can also reduce the body’s ability to adjust to temperature changes.

The effects of too much heat
Watch for these symptoms of heat stroke:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea

If you suspect heat stroke, call 911 or summon medical personnel immediately.

Tips for preventing heat-related illnesses
Here are tips to safeguard your health during the hot weather:

• Drink more fluids. It’s very important to keep hydrated. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your physician limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, check with him on how much you should drink while the weather is hot.Avoid drinking liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar. These types of liquids make you lose more body fluid.
• Stay indoors and, if possible, stay in an air-conditioned room. If your home does not have air conditioning, visit a shopping mall or public library. You can also contact your local health department to find out if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
• Electric fans may offer some comfort. However, when the temperature reaches the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or spending time in an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Wear clothing that is lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting.
• Visit adults at risk twice a day or more. Watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

SOURCE: elderparenthelp.com

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New venue, new attractions.  This year Pinnacle Services began what it hopes to be a tradition; The Pinnacle Pub Crawl.  Approximately 150 participants gathered Wednesday evening to receive pub crawl T-shirts and patronize some of the area establishments surrounding the Hilton.  Pre-registration was required and managed by the MSSA conference committee.  Pinnacle Services employees served as guides visiting Hell’s Kitchen, 8^th Street Grill, Brit’s Pub and Eating Establishment, The Local and Zelo.  Feedback from attendees of the event was overwhelmingly positive.  Pinnacle Services also participated in the Booth Bash conference event Thursday evening.  While the organization did not sponsor a booth, attendees were invited to try the 14 foot Velcro Wall the agency provided.

The widely attended annual conference and expo provides opportunity for those in the field to attend educational sessions, network and gather information.  Pinnacle Services provided information to attendees regarding the services the agency provides including In Home Family Support, Housing with Services, Case Management/Service Coordination, Employment Services, Independent Living Skills, Semi-Independent Living Services, Support Planning, Corporate Foster Care and Supported Living Services, Home Care Services and 24 hour Customized Living Services.

For more information regarding any of these services please contact Sara Yee, Program Director at sara.yee@pinnacleservices.org.

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