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In the News

May 2024

Pine Ridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center Rocks Out for National Skilled Nursing Care Week

Musical Celebration Theme Focuses on Nostalgic Songs and Fashion from the ‘80s and ‘90s  

PAGOSA SPRINGS, Colo. (May 30, 2024) Pine Ridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, in Pagosa Springs, was rockin’ out for National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW), May 12-18. Sponsored by the American Health Care Association, the week recognizes the important role of skilled nursing care centers in providing specialized care to seniors and other individuals.  The theme of this year’s NSNCW was Radiant Memories – A Tribute to the Golden Age of Radio. “Like cherished moments shared through music and stories on the radio, skilled nursing centers, residents and staff, contribute to the creation of radiant memories,” said Christine Cochran, the facility’s administrator. Established in 1967, NSNCW starts each year on Mother's Day.  Throughout the week, Pine Ridge planned fun-filled celebrations for residents and staff centered on the theme Pine Ridge Rocks, Battle of the Bands. Each day featured the music and fashion of the ‘80s or ‘90s.  The events kicked off with a show your favorite sports team day. Other nostalgic activities for the week were Western Day, Beach Day, Battle of the Bands, and a BBQ. Residents and staff were encouraged to dress up in their most creative outfits to match the day’s activities. The celebration week culminated on Friday, May 17, with a special finale, ‘80s Neon Night Club.  Cochran also noted that, “National Skilled Nursing Week honors the legacy of skilled nursing care centers around the country. This year’s theme shines a light on the pivotal role music has played in our lives over the years. Nothing evokes memories like the magic of music for our residents while providing comfort and joy.”

Pine Ridge also marked the observances with several additional special activities:
- Beach volleyball with staff and residents
- A scavenger hunt for residents
- Hula hoop contest with staff and residents
- Balloon toss
- Cake decorating

About National Skilled Nursing Care Week
National Skilled Nursing Care Week recognizes the essential role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for America’s elderly and disabled. Established by the American Health Care Association in 1967, the week-long observance starts each year on Mother’s Day and is celebrated through the following Saturday.

Residents at Pine Ridge Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center gather outdoors, smiling and watching fireworks light up the night sky on July 4th, expressing joy and camaraderie.
March 2023

Local Admin Honored For Unique Healthcare Approaches

Pine Ridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center Honors Kodee Buck for Unique Approaches Required to Run Today’s Healthcare Facilities

Pine Ridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, the 60-bed skilled nursing facility, honored its administrator, Kodee Buck, for her healthcare leadership during National Long-Term Care Administrator’s Week, March 13-17, 2023, established by the American College of Health Care Administrators.  Long-Term Care Administrator's Week honored the nation’s leaders of skilled nursing facilities, including Buck, of Pagosa Springs, Colo., who have proactively led the way in adapting to evolving healthcare needs. These leaders have anticipated their facility’s needs, improved outcomes, and utilized resources to provide quality services to the residents in their care.  As a successful leader in today’s ever-changing healthcare landscape, Buck has taken on unique approaches to make positive differences in her residents’ and staff’s lives every day. “I believe that to run a successful, resident-centered skilled nursing facility, you must have  great communication and leadership skills and be adaptable to the changing long term care and healthcare industry,” she said. “Serving our small community and being here locally is what is most important.”   Buck became a skilled nursing facility executive director (also known as an “administrator”) in 2019. “I chose a career in this industry because I have always enjoyed working with older adults,” she noted. “They have so much to teach us, and I hope the feeling is mutual! I love the work I do with residents; they truly are the best part.”  Commitment to Patient Care To become an administrator, it takes commitment and dedication. Individuals often undertake a rigorous internship, followed by state and national exams. Upon becoming an administrator, they must continue lifelong learning to provide the best care possible. They are masters of multi-tasking, taking into account every aspect of a person's life – not just their medical needs – while building the sense of home and community for which Pine Ridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center is known.  Administrators, including Buck, wear many hats and take on numerous challenges on a daily basis. “What many people might find most surprising is the amount of information you have to know to be an administrator, especially during COVID-19," she said. “The number of policies, procedures and regulations are astounding!”   This culture of caring set by Buck is part of what makes her leadership unique in the region’s healthcare community.  

Portrait of the dedicated team at PIne Ridge Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, smiling and standing together.
August 2023

Pine Ridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center Earns Align’s 2022 “Workplace Excellence Award”; One of Just Four in Colorado Named to List

Award Recognizes Skilled Nursing Facility’s Commitment to Employees

PAGOSA SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 25, 2023) Pine Ridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, in Pagosa Springs, Colo., has earned Align’s “Workplace Excellence Award” for its dedication to workforce engagement during the past year.  Pine Ridge was one of only four skilled nursing and senior living providers in Colorado to receive the Workplace Excellence Award, and among just 160 in the U.S. to earn it. The award was determined through a third-party employee engagement survey that was conducted during 2022, where eligible facilities needed at least a 25 percent employee response rate, and had a minimum of 80 percent of survey participants respond either “Excellent” or “Good” to the statement “Rate us as a place to work.”     “This employee satisfaction survey demonstrates the success of our mission to empower staff to deliver safe, high-quality, and reliable care,” said Kodee Buck, the center’s administrator. “At Pine Ridge Rehab we are focused on finding new ways to improve the lives of patients while creating a path for employees to achieve their personal and professional goals.”  “Attaining a high level of favorable responses to ‘Rate us as a place to work’ is an indication of Pine Ridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center’s attention to creating a positive work environment,” said Neil Gulsvig, CEO of Align. “Their achievement clearly demonstrates that they care about their people and are committed to their engagement and success.”  Align, the applied research and quality-improvement solutions provider that presents the annual awards, supports leaders across the entire senior care profession with tools to measure staff engagement and make meaningful improvements to create a more engaged workforce. Learn more at www.align30.com.

December 2022

Helping Healthcare Staff Through Tough Times

The Valley Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center Launches Unique Staff Assistance Fund to Support Employees with Immediate, Unforeseen Financial Needs

Employees in immediate financial need at The Valley Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center can now get economic help to tide them over during difficult times, courtesy of the facility’s just-created employee assistance fund.  The unique fund, which is set up as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is administered for the skilled nursing facility by a third party, the Emergency Assistance Foundation (EAF). Employees can apply for financial grants – which may range from $500 to $2,500 – to help meet expenses for unforeseen disaster or personal hardship. The applications and awards are handled directly by EAF, without the facility knowing who was awarded grants or their purpose, to maintain strict confidentially.  Ashlee Monarco, The Valley Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center administrator, said the facility wanted to create a benefit for its staff that reflects part of its mission – treating employees as family – and can help employees in their times of need. “There are many reasons extra money may be needed, whether to deal with natural disasters, accidents, epidemics, illness, domestic abuse, or a death in the family,” she said.  “In this season of giving, The Valley Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center is grateful for our staff and to provide additional means to support their well-being,” Monarco said. “This is another way we fulfill our mission. While our commitment is to provide genuine hometown care while becoming a vital partner in the community, none of that can be accomplished without ensuring the health, safety, and happiness of our valued teammates.”

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Call: 970-731-4330
Email: admin@pineridgerhc.com
Visit: 119 Bastille Drive, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

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