Dairyland Peach Sections Business Profile 2019 | Page 9

Dairyland Peach Business Profile 2019, Page 9
Belgrade Nursing Home: Meeting the needs
of residents for 50 years and beyond
In an environment where rural nursing homes are
struggling — several having closed in central Min-
nesota — Belgrade Nursing Home is remaining vi-
able and providing a pleasant home for its residents.
Stephanie Fischer, administrator of Belgrade Nursing
Home (BNH), mentions that staffing is one main rea-
son for closures. At BNH, they are looking at restruc-
turing and expanding services.
Providing a continuum of care will be one feature
they hope to offer. From assisted living to full-skilled
nursing care, and all levels in-between, patient-focused
care is emphasized and strived for.
The BNH was constructed in 1965. It is owned by
the city of Belgrade. It began as a 42-bed facility, and
additional beds increased the total to 64 by 1981. At
present, the nursing home has 59 beds, and it is not full
to capacity.
Stephanie Fischer has worked at BNH for 20 years,
the last 3 in her current position as administrator. She
oversees the operations of the nursing home, manages
staff, and oversees the financial operations including
payroll and accounting. She also has to stay up-to-
date on rules and regulations from federal and state
guidelines. BNH is governed by a 5-member board of
directors, all of whom are volunteer community mem-
bers.
Stephanie, who worked in various positions at BNH
before become becoming the administrator, values the
family environment between residents and staff. The
70 employees know all of the residents, and bonds are
strong among them.
They are a family, so much so, that at the passing
of a nursing home resident, the staff holds a bedside
memorial service. BNH staff, residents and family are
invited into the room for this service, often overflow-
ing into the hallway. A special homemade quilt, which
was made by staff members years ago, drapes over the
deceased, until the funeral home arrives. Often, staff
are unable to attend wakes and funerals due to their
work schedules; this allows them a chance to honor
the deceased and say their final good-byes.
Staff works hard to meet resident needs and provide
choices. Staff departments include nursing, activities,
social services, dietary and housekeeping. They all ad-
here to the same mission: Provide the highest level of
total care possible with emphasis on social, emotional
spiritual and physical needs of residents.
Unique to Belgrade Nursing Home is E-Menu
Choice, a software program that gives residents inde-
pendence in ordering meals. The system recalls food
dislikes and food allergies and prompts these as a per-
son orders — “Are you sure you want mashed pota-
toes? Milk is an ingredient” and so forth. The program
provides written descriptions and pictures of the food
items.
Another way technology has evolved with ever-
changing needs of nursing home residents is a soft-
ware program called “It’s Not Too Late,” and Stepha-
nie points out this is another unique program at BNH
which isn’t found often at nursing homes. Residents
access their personalized program on a tablet, which
they and their families can access. Even residents with
no computer experience can use this picture-based,
touch-screen learning experience, on virtually any sub-
ject they choose. Family members can, for instance,
add subjects to the page the resident is interested in,
perhaps Willie Nelson, and even link music.
“It’s Not Too Late” began with a grant, which has
since run out, but the nursing home has found enough
value to continue funding the program’s use. Although
residents still partake in bingo and crafts, today’s resi-
dents are choosing more individual activities, a trend
Stephanie points out as many residents are younger.
One resident enjoys the flower garden outside of
Belgrade Nursing Home.
At BNH, residents also have options to participate in
ladies’ and men’s groups, fishing outings, van rides,
church services, daily devotions and news, among oth-
ers.
BNH is not connected to a hospital like many nurs-
ing homes, but still offers physical therapy, speech and
occupational therapy five days a week. Outpatient
therapy is also available for community members, with
dedicated rooms and a separate entrance. Dr. Jeffrey
Schlueter, M.D., of Glacier Ridge Health System
serves as medical director. Rounding doctors from
Glacier Ridge as well as Centracare of Paynesville
care for BNH residents.
Other services available at BNH include respite care
for a period less than 14 days, and adult day services.
Whether long-term or a short-term stay transitioning
back into the community, BHN assists people Belgrade
and surrounding communities including Sauk Centre,
Paynesville and Willmar. BNH is both Medicare and
Medicaid certified, and is rated a 4-Star Facility. More
information can be found on their Facebook page.
Belgrade Nursing
Home and Centennial
Court Apartments
A member of the staff using E-menu with a resi-
dent to choose their meals for the day.
Residents use the Belgrade Nursing Home van for
leisure outings and appointments.
103 School Street, Belgrade, MN
320.254.8215