New Salem nursing facility invests in residents’ health and well-being
Towering high on a hill above New Salem, N.D., stands a larger-than-life Holstein cow named Salem Sue. For 50 years, she has been an icon welcoming travelers and locals to this small, rural town.
Another community staple that isn’t in the constant limelight, but is having a big impact on people’s lives, is Elm Crest Manor, a 57-bed nursing facility, open since 1969.
“I feel like our facility is a little diamond in the rough,” said Administrator Carrie Zazeski.
“We work hard to take care of our residents. Every one of them is someone’s mother, grandfather or other family member, and they deserve to get the best care possible.”
To underscore the importance of providing quality care to people living in nursing facilities, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a new program to recognize nursing facilities with incentive payments for their performance in four federal quality care measures.
One of those quality measures is reducing pressure ulcers. These form when fragile skin is exposed to prolonged periods of laying down or sitting in one position.
Zazeski said, this quality measure has always been a top priority for her and her care team. So much that they devote an enormous amount of time to regular hands-on skills training and continuing education on things like routine turning and repositioning of residents, proper catheter care and personal hygiene care.
Prioritizing residents’ health and safety
It was no surprise that Elm Crest Manor was awarded nearly $27,000 from HHS’ Nursing Facility Incentive Program for their performance in delivering quality care to its residents.
With their incentive payment, the facility purchased a new twin mattress for each resident’s bed. Mattresses are soft on one side and firm on the other, giving residents choice when it comes to their comfort.
“Being able to get new mattresses with these incentive funds has made our skin issues so much better,” Zazeski said. “We’d maybe have one or two residents with a pressure ulcer in the past, and now our numbers are zero.”
Elm Crest Manor also purchased a long-awaited bladder scanner and five medical sleds used for rapid evacuation during emergencies.
“As an older, rural facility, we have limited resources,” Zazeski said. “It’s difficult to keep our facility and all of its components up to date, so this program was very impactful for us.”
As for the care team, they also see on-the-job benefits.
“Receiving funds for the facility really helps instill confidence in the staff for the good care and outcomes we are creating through the work that we do every day,” Zazeski said. “It’s important for overall morale in the facility, knowing that they can make a difference.”
“Moo-ve” over Salem Sue! The team at Elm Crest Manor also deserves a splash of the small-town spotlight.
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The HHS Nursing Facility Incentive Program was developed in partnership with the North Dakota Long Term Care Association and nursing facilities, approved by lawmakers during the 2023 legislative session and signed into law by Gov. Doug Burgum.