ANNUAL MEETING
TUFF MEMORIAL HOME CORPORATION
JANUARY 21, 2014
AGENDA
6:30 PM SUPPER
7:15 PM ANNUAL MEETING BEGINS
1. Dana Dahlquist, Administrator
2. Pastor Mahlon Bekedam
- Welcome and Opening Remarks
- Introduction of Pastor
- Invocation
3. Dana Dahlquist
- Introduction of President
4. Tracy Gayer, President
- Call Meeting to Order
- Introduction of Secretary
5. Sandy Moose, Secretary
- Secretary’s Minutes
- Roll Call
6. TDK
- Auditor’s Report
7. Tracy Gayer, President
- President’s Report
8. Dana Dahlquist
- Administrator’s Report
- Department Supervisors Reports
- Report on Tuff Housing
- Introduction of Foundation Chairman
9. Richard Bakken, Chairman
- Tuff Home Foundation Report
10. Tracy Gayer, President
- Election of Board of Directors
-Asks for nominations from the floor 3 times.
- Asks for a motion that nominations cease and a
unanimous ballot be cast for all the candidates
(if appropriate).
- Ask Delegates if any other business
- Asks for comments or questions.
- If no response asks for a motion to adjourn.
11. Dana Dahlquist, Administrator
- Close with Lord’s Prayer
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DELEGATES OF CORPORATE CONGREGARTIONS
ANNUAL MEETING JANUARY 21, 2014
BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH - HILLS, MN
Pastor Mahlon Bekedam
Larry Warner
Glenda Warner
Wendell Erickson
Kathryn Erickson
BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCHE - INWOOD, IA
Pastor John Wolf
Kim Gayer
Tracy Gayer
OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH – INWOOD, IA
Pastor Richard Stevernson
Art Stensland
Rosie Stensland
PALISADE & FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCHES - VALLEY SPRINGS, SD
Pastor Ray Heidenson
Richard Bakken
Linda Bakken
Lynn Heidenson
Linda Hengeveld
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH - LUVERNE, MN
Pastor Ron Nichols or Pastor Josh Enderson
Elmer Menage
Karen Menage
Val Saarloos
Greg Spath
Diana Spath
Rhonda Olson
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH - ROCK RAPIDS, IA
Pastor Dan Kordahl
Hope Kordahl
Joan Wenzel
Jeff Wilke
Kathi Wilke
JASPER EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH - JASPER, MN
Pastor Norman Shomper
Don Etrheim
Jim Vatne
Jim Johnson
Maxine Johnson
KENNETH LUTHERAN CHURCH - KENNETH, MN
Pastor Kerry Boese
Sterling Severtson
Denise Severtson
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TUFF MEMORIAL HOME, VILLAGE AND APARTMENTS
HILLS, MINNESOTA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF TUFF MEMORIAL HOME
Mr. Tracy Gayer - Inwood, IA - President
Mr. Greg Spath, - Luverne, MN - Vice President
Ms. Sandy Moose - Jasper, MN - Secretary
Mr. David Leenderts - Hills, MN - Treasurer
Mrs. Denise Severtson - Kenneth, MN
Ms. Joan Wenzel – Rock Rapids, IA
Mr. Paul Opheim – Hills, MN
Mr. Allan Top – Hills, MN
Mr. Richard Bakken – Garretson, SD
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF TUFF MEMORIAL HOME FOUNDATION
Mr. Richard Bakken - Garretson, SD - Chairman
Mrs. Pat Paulsen - Hills, MN - Secretary/Treasurer
Mr. Dennis Erickson - Hills, MN
Mrs. Marybeth Binford - Luverne, MN
Mr. Mike Sandager – Hills, MN
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Tuff Memorial Home, Village and Apartments 2013 Annual Meeting
The Tuff Memorial Home Annual Meeting was held January 15, 2013, at the Tuff Memorial Home,
Hills, Minnesota.
At 6:30 P.M. delegates were served a delicious meal by Tuff Home dietary staff. Annual meeting
started at 7:15 in the Tuff Dining Room.
Dana Dahlquist welcomed all delegates and thanked them for coming and appreciated their
commitment. He introduced Pastor Mahlon Bekedam who gave devotions.
Pastor Bekedam spoke on Isaiah 61, about the good that is being done at the Tuff Home and every day
by God.
Dana introduced Tracy Gayer who called meeting to order and welcomed everyone. He introduced
secretary, Kathi Wilke who read the Secretary’s minutes of the last Annual Meeting in 2012. A
motion to approve Secretary’s report from 2012 was made by Keith Hoven and second by Linda
Bakken, carried with all ayes.
Roll call was taken with 23 delegates present and 13 absent. The following delegates were present:
Bethlehem Lutheran, Hills: Pastor Mahlon Bekedam, Wendell and Kathryn Erickson; Bethlehem
Lutheran Church, Inwood: Tracy and Kim Gayer; Palisade and First Lutheran Churches, Valley
Springs: Linda Bakken and Les Hengeveld; Grace Lutheran Church, Luverne: Pastor Ron Nichols,
Greg and Diana Spath; Kenneth Lutheran Church, Kenneth: Pastor Kerry Boese, Keith and Doris
Hoven; Jasper Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jasper: Pastor Norman Shomper, Sandy Moose, Jim
Vatne, Don Etrheim, Jim Johnson and Maxine Johnson; Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rock Rapids:
Pastor Don Kordahl, Hope Kordahl, Joan Wenzel and Kathi Wilke.
Dana Dahlquist presented the audit report from Turbes, Drealan, Kvilhaug, Hoefker and Co., auditors
for the Tuff Corporation. He said books of the Tuff Corp. are in good order and the Tuff Home
receives the highest auditor’s opinion possible for nursing homes. For the year the Tuff Home Corp.
showed an increase in assets of 2.5%, which amounted to $127,988. A motion to accept auditor’s
report made by Wendell Erickson and seconded by Pastor Mahlon Bekedam. Motion passed with all
ayes.
President Tracy Gayer gave his report. Tracy thanked the delegates for their attendance, which is a
testament to the importance of this place within each of our communities. He said the Tuff Home
Corporation was able to do blessed work this past year. He thanked the Board of Directors,
administrator and staff for their excellent work. While we were unable to give a wage increase to staff
this past year because of wage freeze the Board of Directors were able to give out two bonuses to staff.
We also continue to provide scholarships to staff to help them with career advancements. Tracy
mentioned that Rosella Metzger, dietary supervisor, retired after 40 years of service to the Tuff Home.
Brenda Tecken was hired to fill this position. Tracy again thanked the staff for their dedication and
the good fruit they continue to provide.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Dana Dahlquist’s report:
Dana thanked the delegates for their attendance. He expressed pride in our excellent staff and the
quality of care provided for our residents. One thing that has helped our stability is are department
heads who are very dedicated to their work and average over 20 years of experience.
Dana presented plaques of appreciation to retiring board members and thanked them for their
dedication and service. Board members retiring were: Keith Hoven (3 years), Ellen Aaland (6 years)
and Kathi Wilke (6 years).
Dana said that 2011-12 was a very interesting year. One good thing is that we are still being very
aggressive in supporting our staff members in getting a professional nursing degree. Rosella Metzger
our Dietary Supervisor for 40 years retired in April but we were fortunate to find a good replacement
in Brenda Tecken. We are current working on replacing our walk-in freezer and cooler due to lack of
storage space and a need for repair. We currently are still in a wage freeze for the last 4 years and it
continues to be a struggle to keep staff. He urged delegates to support us in the Legislature this year
so that we can provide our staff with wage increases.
From Oct. 1, 2011 through Sep. 30, 2012 there have been 29 admissions and 29 discharges at the Tuff
Home. He thanked Bonnie for her dedication and work. He encouraged delegates to read the attached
reports from each of the department heads and thanked everyone for their cooperation and support.
Bonnie Hengeveld’s report:
Dana gave Bonnie’s report because she is absent due to illness. The biggest change for Bonnie was to
move her office to the nursing home to be more helpful in needed areas, including the new assessment
process for our resident. Bonnie has a Social Worker’s degree and has been taking over those
responsibilities.
Thank you to a dedicated staff, the Tuff Home Board of Directors, the Tuff Home Foundation, the
local community, local churches and schools and to all volunteers that so selfishly share their time and
talents with the Tuff Home Campus.
Dana also gave Richard Bakken’s Tuff Memorial Home Foundation Board report. He thanked the
other Foundation Board members: Ellen Aadland, Marybeth Binford, Pat Paulsen and Dennis Erickson
for their dedication. Dana said the financial report for the Foundation could be found in the handouts
for the Annual Meeting on page 17 and 18. The report showed the Tuff Foundation has $91,768.74 in
assets. Dana thanked all that had given to the Tuff Foundation.
Tracy Gayer presented the three candidates for the Board of Directors: Denise Severtson from
Kenneth Lutheran Church, Richard Bakken from Palisade & First Lutheran Churches and Joan
Wenzel from Immanuel Lutheran Church. Three times Tracy asked for any other nominations, being
none a motion by Pastor Kerry Boese and seconded by Kim Gayer to cast a unanimous ballot for the
slate of delegates. Motion passed with all ayes.
Tracy asked if there was any other business. Seeing none Tracy asked for a motion to adjourn.
Motion to adjourn was made by David Leenderts. Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Kathi Wilke, Secretary
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
This past year has been filled with many positive events at the Tuff Memorial Home. I am very proud
of our excellent staff and the quality of care that we provide to our residents and to the people in our
area. We will continue to strive to work together and find ways to improve our service to the elderly.
Our Mission Statement says, “The Tuff Memorial Home is a Christian Home with a Heart!” If you
had a chance to visit us, I think you will see the “Heart” at work.
The Board of Directors is very helpful in directing the operations of the Tuff Memorial Home, Village
and Apartments. The board oversees the operations by doing the following: formulating philosophy
and policies, reviewing and evaluating the Home’s goals and programs, approving budget, handling all
legal business, being responsible for the physical properties of the Home, determining that the Home
operates under federal and state laws and regulations, etc. A sincere thanks you to all the board
members who volunteer their time and energy.
We currently have 50 skilled nursing home beds, 25 units of assisted living beds with the Tuff Village
and Viste Manor and nine independent apartments which have filled the need of providing a circle of
caring.
The Tuff Memorial Home has been very aggressive in supporting our staff in getting a professional
nursing degree. We have been supporting other staff members with a $10,000 scholarship program
this past year. This past year we gave out five scholarships to Natalie Leuthold, Heath Van Wyhe,
Joanna Knoblock, Caitlyn Grotewold and Hannah Carlson. It is estimated that by 2020 the nursing
shortage in Minnesota is anticipated to be 15 percent. Therefore, it is very critical that we find ways to
increase the number of nurses available to us. In Minnesota we currently get reimbursed for any
scholarships that we provide to our staff, so these programs seem like a perfect fit for us.
We have made several major changes this past year that have benefited the residents and staff at the
Tuff Memorial Home. These improvements include the following: new whirlpool tub, replacing our
roof, expanding our walk-in freezer and cooler, replacing our nurse call system, purchasing new lift
chairs, replacing hallway closets and nurses station, putting in new cabinets in employee lounge,
purchasing a new pick-up and new washer.
In January we had an intern Administrator at the Tuff Memorial Home, Paul Perrine. Paul has been a
teacher, maintenance supervisor and now is finishing his training to become an administrator of a
nursing home. It was great having Paul at our facility for the month of January and he was very
thankful for the opportunity.
In April we were faced like many people in our area with an ice storm not knock out power for several
days. We were faced with a big decision on what to do with our tenants at the Tuff Village because
they did not have a back-up generator and conditions were getting colder. We decided to move the
tenants for the Tuff Village over to the Tuff Memorial Home on Wednesday were they stayed in the
Chapel, Lounge areas and Activity room until power was restored to the Tuff Village on Sunday. I
would like to thank my staff for all the extra work they did during this natural disaster. Fortunately,
we had no damage to our buildings but we did face damage to a lot of trees. We were able to get help
from FEMA in dealing with this disaster both physically and financially.
This past year we had the retirement of Bonnie Hengeveld who has worked for the Tuff Memorial
Home for the past 24 years as Assistant Administrator, Housing Manager, Social Worker and many
other capacities. She has been a great partner and will be missed. Because of the increased lower
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occupancies levels in our area the board has decided to absorb her position. Carol Gehrke will take on
her Social Work position and I will assume her other duties.
As an administrator in a small nursing home, I find myself involved in a variety of activities during the
year. Duties that I am involved with this past year include the following: attending workshops and
professional meetings, creating policies and procedures; chairing the Quality Assurance Committee
Meetings, writing letters to state and federal representatives; preparing board reports; organizing and
leading in-services and department head meetings; dealing with Medicare and Medicaid billing;
writing letters to insurance companies to collect co-insurance payments, collecting overdue bills,
creating budget; getting quotes on insurances and various capital items; giving orientation to new
employees; attending meetings; preparing inservice schedules; filling out reports to various
organizations and state and federal government; helping with payroll; evaluating department heads;
dealing with outside inspectors; helping with admissions; attending Family Council meetings, and
overseeing the general operation of the Home. Currently, I have added the position of Housing
Administrator to my duties. As you can see, my job keeps me busy.
Nursing homes are continuing to be asked to do more with less. Occupancy levels continue to drop in
Southwest Minnesota because the elderly population in disappearing in rural areas and more people
are moving into bigger cities. So challenges to keep rural nursing homes open and financial solid will
increase.
We were fortunate to finally give our staff a 3.25% increase in salary this past year, which is the first
increase in the past five years. As you know the State of Minnesota has been faced with budget
deficits and this is the reason why there has been no increase in wages over that time. Needless to say
staff were very happy to finally receive an increase in pay.
We have goals that we would like to see accomplished for next year. One will be to look at sharing
with other nursing homes in our expenses. We will have to continue to change to meet these new
challenges. Our major focus will be to continue to meet the needs of the elderly in our area. These
goals cannot be accomplished without your support spiritually, physically, and financially.
During the time from October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013, there have been 33 admissions and 36
discharges at the Tuff Memorial Home. Presently the Home has openings, the Village is full, Viste
Manor currently has two openings and the Apartments have three opening. Attached to this report is a
summary from each department supervisor of the Home. Thanks for you cooperation and support you
have given this Home the past year. God bless you!
Dana Dahlquist, Administrator
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Tuff Village/Viste Manor – Assisted Living and Home Care
As we finish our twelfth year in providing assisted living and home care to our tenants, we are amazed
at how the time has quickly passed. We have witnessed many changes in those twelve years and
expect we will see many more. However, our duties remain the same in taking care of our tenants.
We have seen some employee changes in those twelve years but are thankful to several employees
who have been here almost from the beginning (Deb Bowman, Grace Tofteland, Shirley J. Johnson,
Kayla Vis, Marsha Jandl, Jill Ykema and Jane Wieneke). There good work makes my job a lot easier.
We have remained at full occupancy at the Tuff Village and we continue to fill our apartments in Viste
Manor. We may witness the need for admitting tenants with different needs in the future. Nursing
home admission protocol is becoming stricter, which means that these people will have to seek
housing elsewhere. The State of Minnesota is looking to keep lower care residents out of nursing
homes to try and reduce their costs as our population ages. Therefore, housing with services continues
to be an exciting and needed service for our elderly.
We are looking forward to these changes and improving the care that we provide to our tenants.
Mary Lemke, RN Administrator
Social Service Annual Report 2013
There have been some changes in the Social Service Department this year. Bonnie Hengeveld, LSW,
retired in November and I took over the management of the Social Service Department working as the
Tuff Memorial Home Social Service Designee. Bonnie began training me February 11, 2013 and I
became officially in charge of the Social Service Department on November 22, 2013. Having worked
at the Tuff Home for many years in different capacities, this is a position that allows me to be an even
stronger advocate for our residents than before.
My duties include admissions, discharges, and care planning to mention a few. Being a part of the
care plan team is essential to developing strong relationships with the families and the residents which
in turn make me a stronger advocate for them. All disciplines attend the care conferences and we
work as a team to address the needs of the resident and any concerns that the families may have
regarding quality of care. The Tuff Home has a fine reputation for delivering excellent care and it is
my desire to see this reputation continue.
In an effort to involve families more in the care of their loved ones, in September, we offered an
organizational meeting to form a Family Council once again. There had been Family Councils in the
past but not an active one in the recent years. The Family Council met once again in November and
elected Ray Tilstra as President and Sandy Bush as Secretary. It is the duty of a facility to listen to
the resident and a family group regarding recommendations or grievances. Acting upon these
recommendations does not mean the facility must accept all group recommendations – rather it will
attempt to accommodate those recommendations, to the extent practicable. Another purpose of a
family council is offer and plan programs of interest for the families, residents and for the public.
Informative programs on Alzheimer’s, Advance Directives, and Hospice Care are a few examples.
We look forward to an active Family Council.
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It was my pleasure to organize a Virtual Dementia Tour for the staff in November. It is a scientifically
proven method designed to build sensitivity and awareness of the challenges faced by those living
with dementia. PK Beville, Gerontologist and founder of Second Wind Dreams developed it.
The Virtual Dementia tour helped each of us gain a better understanding of what someone with
memory loss is experiencing It was well attended by the Tuff Home Staff and the Village Staff as well
as our Medical Director, Dr. Jennifer Thone.
In conclusion, it is my desire to continue the strength of a strong Social Service Department, to serve
as an advocate for the residents and help to maintain the long-standing reputation of the Tuff
Memorial Home.
Carol Gehrke, Social Service Designee
ACTIVITY DEPARTMENT 2013
The Activity Department continues to strive to bring a positive attitude to the residents and enrich their
lives daily. For many of our residents we become their family as some have family members who live
a distance and unable to visit as frequently as they would like. We feel being a team player with the
entire staff is the key to success. Employed in the Activity Department are Lou Kellenberger, Judi
Feucht, Glenda McGaffee and our newest employee Betty Ackerman.
We continue to try to be in tune with each of the departments in the nursing home nursing, dietary,
laundry, housekeeping and maintenance. One of our main jobs is assisting residents to and from their
rooms to the scheduled activities for the day. We work together and attempt teamwork with our coworkers. We feel we are 100% responsible for the happiness of each of our residents. Our department
strives to meet the regulations set up by the State and Federal government with our various programs.
Our job is to take the tools we have and use them to make a person feel valuable again, bring them in
touch with the beautiful things in life and build comfortable and warm relationships with other people.
This is accomplished by our daily 1:1 visits, our activity bulletins which are distributed on a daily
basis which report the weather, a special topic for the day, the days activity schedule, a smile or words
of wisdom and important events scheduled for the week.
We look forward to having the area churches involved with programs, visits and sending us
volunteers. Volunteers are always a wonderful, yet necessary part of the nursing home’s function. We
have volunteers that range from high school youth to the elderly. They assist with bingo, manicures,
outings, delivering home delivered meals and visiting with our residents. Our dilemma is always
finding enough volunteers to help out since many of our volunteers are aging. We Need Volunteers
to assist with bingo, manicures and van outings. If interested please contact the Activity Department
at 507-962-3275.
We appreciate the efforts of Tuff Home chaplain Pastor Malone Bekedam who works very closely
with our department conducting weekly bible study; Sunday morning chapel services and visits
residents on a regular basis. We also appreciate other Pastors that seem to know when a visit is
important.
Other activities include: monthly Red Hatter’s meetings, highlights have been a style show, a Spring
Fling, Valentine’s party and October Fest. Music events are always a highlight. Programs included
Kullpepper Kounty, Marlin Roberts, Bruce Dysthe, Ray Larsen and piano recitals by students of
Glenda McGaffee. Our men’s group enjoys conversing on topics, which included farming, sports,
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fishing, hunting and family memories. The groups are generally served special foods that please a
man’s appetite.
Residents have enjoyed reading a series of books by Carol Brands. At the present time they are
reading “Strangers In Minnesota.” The books have been very interesting because of the family
connections to some of our residents.
Bingo continues to the number one event in the facility. This is scheduled Monday and Thursdays and
many families state they do not want to interrupt this activity. Residents also enjoy the outdoor garden
bunks this past summer. A few of them enjoy assisting with planting and weeding. A majority of the
residents enjoy looking at the flowers in full bloom and seeing the vegetables grow. The bunks are in
poor shape and we looking forward to the new garden bunks, which are being constructed by the Hills
Beaver-Creek industrial arts class. We look forward to them being delivered this spring.
Residents continue to enjoy trips in our van. Trips this year have included attending the Shrine Circus
in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a pontoon boat ride at Palisades State Park in Garretson, South Dakota,
outings to the casino, seeing the crops being harvested in the fall and viewing the beautiful Christmas
lights.
Our annual Resident Christmas party was held in December. Staff are given the opportunity to pick a
resident and purchase a gift for them. Residents were able to pick their menu at our monthly Food
Committee meeting. The tables in the dining room were decorated with the colors of the season and
Santa Claus made an appearance.
The hope of the Activity Department is that we can continue to inspire our residents and make each
day special in the New Year 2014.
Lou Kellenberger, Activity Coordinator
BUSINESS OFFICE 2013
The Business Office for the Tuff Memorial Home, Apartments and Tuff Village handles the
responsibilities of payroll, petty cash, accounts payable, accounts receivable, resident trust accounts,
bank deposits, preparation and submission of reports for State and Federal taxes, staff records relating
to vacation and sick time, balancing all ledgers, board reports, reconciling all bank accounts, assisting
with Medicare, Medical Assistance and MSHO billings, ordering office supplies, and various other
business duties related to the care and well-being of our residents. Front desk receptionist, answering
telephones and directing calls to various departments are also part of my job responsibilities.
May mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance as we move towards the New Year of 2014. As a
member of the administrative staff at Tuff, I have many opportunities to witness God’s love reflected
in the special care given to our residents. The Tuff Home staff make every effort to work together to
provide our residents with the respect, love and care that they need.
Pat Paulsen,
Business Office
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DIETARY DEPARTMENT 2013
I am back (Rosella Metzger) helping as Dietary Supervisor until we find someone to take this position.
Staff has been very supportive with my coming back for which I am very thankful.
I have been busy getting to know the residents and tenants of the Tuff Home and Tuff Village. An
important part of the Dietary Department is to get acquainted with our residents and tenants to learn
their likes and dislikes to promote resident centered care. We offer liberalized diets consistent with
the resident’s condition, prognosis and choices.
I have been busy making some minor changes to make things run smooth in the Dietary Department. I
have been reviewing the 5 week cycle menus and making some changes and adding more desserts at
noon, and soup and sandwiches at supper meal. I am attending care conferences and currently nursing
staff is helping with the nutritional assessments that are required on the MDS. I have been busy with
hiring some new employees and training them in their positions.
The changes in the kitchen with the addition of the new and larger walk-in freezer and cooler have
been great. There is a lot more space to store food and provide a better quality product to our
residents. Also, we have lots of new equipment, steam tables, dishes and new shelving for the walk-in
cooler and freezer.
The first week in December new flooring was installed in the dining room, front and back entries,
around the nurse’s desk and in room number one. This project took over a week to install so we had to
feed our residents in the chapel and the activity room during this time. The staff at the Tuff Home all
pitched in and helped with transporting food, setting up tables and what every else needed to be done.
The new flooring looks great and also absorbs some of the sounds in the dining area as an extra bonus.
Geraldine Mitchell, Registered Dietitian, continues to be our consulting dietitian, and is an integral
part of our team. She comes one day a month to review residents, review nutrition at risk residents,
and makes recommendations as needed.
Rosella Metzger, Dietary Supervisor
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LAUNDRY/HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT
As Laundry/Housekeeping Supervisor I enjoy the challenges of the job, keeping busy between the
Tuff Home and Village making sure we have a clean environment for our residents and tenants. It
sometimes seems like an endless job. Doing the same work washing clothes and cleaning floors
seems boring at times but it keeps residents clothes and rooms looking nice. How clean a nursing
home looks and smells is generally the first thing visitor’s notice, and we strive to keep up the Tuff
Memorial Home and Village’s good reputation.
This past year staff were extra busy with the installing of new flooring, nurse’s desk and new
cupboards. We are very happy with the new additions to our home but we had to live through a little
construction mess. I would like to thanks all the staff for their extra work during this time.
The staff keeps everything looking tremendous, so we can make a good first impression on
residents, families and visitors. We had a few changes this past year with staff as Dalton Bass left for
college, Kelsey McGuire moved to California and Karah Hellerud left to pursue other things. Karen
DeNoble, Sheryl Bouwman and Laurie Kruid continue to do the daily cleaning of the facility and keep
things neat and clean. New laundry staff this year are Thea Richards and Joanna Westphal. Sandy
Bush, Heidi Gehrke, Samantha McGaffee, Dylan Gehrke, Brittany Boeve (who returned from the
military) and Katie McGaffee make up the rest of our laundry staff. I would like to thank my staff for
their excellent work. God Bless America and God Bless the Tuff Home in the year 2014.
Judy DeNoble, Supervisor
MAINTENANCE REPORT
This past year has been good because we did not receive any deficiencies from the State Health
Department or from the State Fire Marshall’s office.
This past year we installed a new boiler. The old one was over 50 years old and was starting to pit out
and needed to be replaced. The process of taking out the old boiler and putting in the new one was
quite interesting. In taking out the old boiler they had to use a torch to cut the old boiler apart and take
it up out of the basement piece by piece. For installing the new boiler in the basement they had to
install a steel beam in the stairway and used heavy chains to move the new boiler down the stairs into
the boiler room, which took them several days to accomplish. Then once the boiler was completely
installed the State had to do an inspection. The inspector made us install a make up air fan to equalize
the air pressure in the boiler room. Every time we change something there always seems to be added
expense.
The maintenance department is very involved in keeping the Tuff Memorial Home in good shape.
Some of the major projects we did this past year include the following: adding a new roof on the
nursing home and chapel addition; installing a new walk-in freezer and cooler to give the kitchen more
storage room; and recently we had new flooring installed in the dining room, around the nurse’s
station, in employee lounge area and in room number one. This winter we have been replacing many
of the zone valves in the heating system. The major valve we changed was the chapel heating zone. It
was still providing heat but the valve was actually leaking so it needed to be replaced.
At the present time we are looking to repair and replace the air handler in the Northwest wing. The
shaft on the fan is worn down and unfortunately in 1963 when the air handler was made it was custom
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built. Therefore, no air handler will actually fit in the spot. So we have to be creative and find
something that will work in that space. Nothing seems to be easy when replacing old equipment.
We were very thankful to the board of directors for purchasing a new pick-up for the maintenance
department. The old one had over 200,000 miles and was staring to show its wear.
At the Tuff Village we have completed several changes this past year. The ice machine was not
working well and we found out that it would cost too much to repair so we had to purchase a new one.
Other than that the Village did not have any major repairs.
I have worked at the Tuff Memorial Home for 26 years and it seems like you learn something new
about the building every year. Ed Gehrke and I are looking forward to new challenges and another
year at the Tuff Memorial Home. God Bless our Troops and God Bless America.
Stan Van Wyhe, Maintenance Supervisor
RESTORATIVE THERAPY REPORT 2013
The main purpose of the restorative nursing department is to help the residents achieve and maintain
their highest level of functioning for as long as possible and maintaining and re-establishing
independent self care skills. Gaining independence in ADLs gives the resident a feeling of self worth
and decreases depression. Several of our residents have been able to return to their homes after
completing therapy.
The restorative therapy room is a busy and active area five days a week working with our residents
and a number of people in the community that are in need of out patient therapy. A Registered
Physical Therapist comes to the Nursing Home 3-5 times a week to evaluate new admissions, make
rounds for our residents on the restorative program, track their progress, see resident on Medicare and
handles any outpatients. Each resident is evaluated every six months or sooner if necessary. The
therapist’s orders are approved by the resident’s physician and carried out by the Restorative Nurse.
More residents are entering the nursing home in need of skilled services both as in patients and
outpatients. Coordinating schedules and accurate documentation from Occupational, Speech, and
Physical Therapy needs to be monitored daily for maximum reimbursement from Medicare. Our
consultants are from the Sanford Hospital Luverne. This group is very beneficial to our residents and
to myself as a learning experience.
This year we replaced our Bowflex machine with a set of wall pulleys, which takes up less space and
is much easier for our residents to use. Many of our residents just did not have the muscle strength to
use the bowflex and the pulley system is easily adapted to their individual needs and strength. We
also purchased Magnetizers, which is an adjustable hand bike that is used by our residents and any
outpatients.
The restorative department assists residents to ambulate and help them to use their assistive devices
properly. If they are unable to ambulate training is given for independent wheelchair mobility.
Restorative Therapy is very involved in proper positioning of residents in wheelchairs to prevent
contractures and skin breakdown.
Jean Hellerud RN
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ANNUAL NURSING REPORT—2013
The Nursing staff of the Tuff Memorial Home are dedicated in giving individualized, dignified care to
our residents on a daily basis.
The current nursing staff consists of eight registered nurses, 5 Licensed Practical nurses, 10 Trained
Medication Aids (TMA’S), and 42 Certified Nursing Assistants. We have 6 feeding assistants
The nursing staff documents resident information in the computer. This is done on laptop and desktop
computers. The nursing staff continues to utilize SAEnCompass software. We have used this software
for nearly 10 years.
Judy Reese RN is the Quality Assurance Coordinator and Assistant Director of Nursing. She reviews
fall, skin/injury, and med error reports along with the DON, checks safety monitoring devises, and
attends behavior management meetings. She also does charge nurse duties, goes with the Dr. on
monthly Dr. rounds, assists with daily CNA assignments and with the nursing staff schedule.
Ruth Weignant RN continues be our infection control nurse. She provides annual infection control inservices. She track infections both among the staff and the residents. She does annual flu vaccine
clinics and keeps resident’s and employee’s immunizations records updated.
Jody DeBoer RN is the MDS/Medicare coordinator. Kristee Hart RN is the second MDS nurse. They
both work on assessments, MDS’s (Minimum Data Set), attend weekly care conferences, and submit
MDS’s to the Federal level.
Harriet Jordan makes out the monthly CNA/TMA schedule. She brings the schedule to the DON for
finalization.
Jeanne Hellerud RN is the instructor for the nurse aid classes, which are held in one of the independent
living apartments. She held eight classes this past year.
Monthly in-services are provided for CNA’s, TMA’s, and feeding assistants. It is mandatory to
provide 12 in-services a year to keep staff educated with current requirements.
Quality Assurance (QA) meetings are held monthly with the department heads. Quarterly QA
meetings are held with our medical director, Dr. Jennifer Thone.
We have one charge nurse scheduled for each shift. There are two nurses scheduled twice weekly on
the day shift, one of whom overlaps into the PM shift. It is required to have eight hours of registered
nurse coverage within a 24-hour period.
We have eight day shift CNA’s, one restorative CNA, six evening shift CNA’s, two night shift CNA’s,
one-day shift TMA, and one PM shift TMA scheduled.
The restorative nursing supervisory role changed this fall to having the MDS nurses overseeing this
area along with the licensed therapists.
We added a three-hour shift to the evening shift December 1st. On Dec. 2nd, we assigned a day shift
CNA as a bath aid to give resident baths on both wings for their 8-hour shift.
We continue to contract therapy services through the Sanford Luverne Rehab Department.
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The medication administration system used is the Opus system. We have a medication cart for each
wing.
Aggeus Health care provides podiatry services once every 62 days. Residents choose upon admission
if they would prefer this service. Worthington Hearing Aid service comes every other month to service
resident’s hearing aids if the resident has chosen this service.
Lewis Pharmacy long term care from Rock Rapids is our primary pharmacy. Several residents utilize
Shopko pharmacy in Luverne. Omnicare from Sioux Falls provides our intravenous supplies when
this is needed.
Dr. Jay Vancura continues as our consulting pharmacist. He does monthly medication reviews and
gives recommendations to help keep in compliance with State requirements.
Dr. Timothy Ceynowa and Dr. Jennifer Thone come to the nursing home monthly on an alternating
basis to do the State required Dr. visits.
I continue to oversee daily nursing functions, hire nursing staff, do annual job performance reviews,
order nursing supplies, set up CNA classes, update the MN CNA registry every 6 months, orientate
new nursing staff, help set up monthly in-service training, do the yearly inventory report, and assist
with new admissions.
I am currently a member of the MN Director of Nursing Association and attend the annual fall
conference. I am also a member of the University of Iowa Alumni Association.
We purchased a transfer aid device and one 42 inch wide bed this past year. We currently have
five mechanical hoyer lifts and seven mechanical stand lifts. We have two Apollo whirlpool tubs, one
blanket warmer, a bladder scanner, and one-foot whirlpool tub.
The Tuff home is fortunate to belong to a small-town community, The employees of the Tuff home are
family-oriented, respectful, caring, and do their very best to give quality care.
I thank the nursing staff and all of the Tuff Home staff for their caring ways that they show every day
to make this “home” for our residents.
May God bless all of you and guide you in the coming year.
Deanna Hrdlicka RN/DON
FINANCIAL REPORT FOR TUFF MEMORIAL HOME AND
APARTMENTS FOUNDATION
2013
CASH BALANCE JANUARY 1, 2013:
Checking Account #103705
Savings Account #513739
CD #64448 (Matures 11/6/2013) 1.25%
CD #63960 (Matures 5/23/2013) .75%
TOTAL
99.10
12,682.22
69,809.35
9,178.07 WHIRLPOOL FUND
$91,768.74
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RECEIPTS:
Memorials
Gift - Grace Lutheran Church Luverne
Gift - Frances Sandager for Tuff Village
Gift - Arnold Thorin Estate
Gift - Richard Bakken for Folding Chairs
Gift - Shirley J Olson Endowment Fund
Gift - Kristine DeWandel (VanderWoude Estate)
Gift - Frances Sandager for Tuff Village Guest Suite
Gift - Dana & Kay Dahlquist
Gift - Dorothy Thorin for Tuff Village Flooring
Gift - BLCW Hills
Gift - Grace Lutheran Church Luverne
Gift - Jasper WELCA
Gift - Roger & Janet Knoblock
Gift - Palisade WELCA
1,045.00
500.00
2,000.00
20,086.88
200.00
82.91
28.20
660.00
500.00
5,000.00
25.00
500.00
600.00
500.00
100.00
TOTAL
INTEREST EARNED:
Savings Account #513739
CD #64448
CD #63960
$31,827.99
4.67
875.34
68.96
TOTAL
$948.97
TOTAL CASH BALANCE, RECEIPTS & INTEREST
DISBURSEMENTS:
Tuff Memorial Home for:
Landscape Project Designated Fund
Nurse Call System
Folding Chairs
Apollo Whirlpool Tub
Chapel Piano
Bank Box Rental
Tuff Village for:
Guest Suite Expense
$124,545.70
1,009.00
30,000.00
200.00
15,832.00
2,345.00
10.00
660.00
TOTAL
-50,056.00
CASH BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2013
$74,489.70
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CHECKING ACCOUNT #103705
SAVINGS ACCOUNT #513739
CD #65407 (MATURES 11/6/2014) 1.20%
CD #64999 (MATURES 5/23/2014) .80%
$89.10
$9,153.57
$56,000.00
$9,247.03 WHIRLPOOL FUND
TOTAL ASSETS
$74,489.70
PATRICIA PAULSEN, SECRETARY-TREASURER
DESIGNATED ITEMS INCLUDED IN CASH BALANCE:
Tuff Home Activity Department
Tuff Village Activities
Tuff Village Fran Sandager Honorarium
Tuff Village Combined Fund Balance
Tuff Home Rehab Department
Tuff Home Staff
Tuff Village Fran Sandager Gift
Tuff Village Flooring Dorothy Thorin Gift
TOTAL
1,444.00
530.00
100.00
2,677.42
200.00
500.00
2,000.00
5,000.00
$12,451.42
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ELECTION BALLOT
TUFF MEMORIAL HOME, HILLS, MN 56138
ANNUAL MEETING – JANUARY 21, 2014
FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
VOTE FOR ONE
________ Mr. Greg Spath – Grace Lutheran Church – Luverne, MN
________ _______________________________________________
VOTE FOR ONE
_________ Ms. Sandy Moose – Jasper Evangelical Lutheran Church – Jasper, MN
_________ ______________________________________________
VOTE FOR ONE
________ _Mr. David Leenderts – Bethlehem Lutheran Church – Hills, MN
________ _______________________________________________
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