2020 Health Care Heroes: Gretchen Houchin

Source: Louisville Business First
February 18, 2020

Gretchen Houchin, director of community development, Nazareth Home Inc.

Years in current job: 14

Years in health care: 16

Describe your job and your responsibilities.

I act as a liaison in the community for Nazareth Home and Nazareth Home Clifton by working with our clinical liaisons and admissions directors. I coordinate the admissions process for patients and elders to our two communities. I walk the journey with the elders and their families, to ensure a smooth transition to our community and provide assistance throughout their stay. The planning of marketing and business events, to increase facilities awareness and services, is the entertaining part of my job. In addition to my daily responsibilities, I am also an active member on several community committees. I also manage the organizational communication with our public relations firm. I enjoy being part of our leadership team, where we analyze our overall operations to find areas of improvement. I supervise our clinical liaison, admission, and social service teams.

To you, what makes someone a health care hero?

Empathy and compassion in health care play vital roles in being a health care hero. The ability to connect and understand each family’s unique situation is very important. Showing compassion and empathy builds trust, which provides an overall positive outcome.

Tell us some highlights from your career in health care.

I am honored to be a part of our elder’s end of life experience. It is truly a calling of mine to provide as much help and support not only to the elder, but to their family. I do this through education, compassion, support, and just being present. Being present goes a long way.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? The most challenging?

One of most rewarding parts of my job has been leading an Alzheimer’s Support Group. My co-leader is Stephen Bliss, M.D. We have led this group for 14 years. I love being able to help and provide education to the individual affected by dementia, as well as their family. The most challenging part of my job is keeping up with the ever-changing regulations and reimbursement standards. It can definitely be overwhelming at times.

What advancement in health care are you most looking forward to?

I am intrigued by all the new technology and innovative ways to keep elders as independent as possible. Louisville is home to The Thrive Center, which features innovative technology that is specifically designed to enhance the quality of life for those aged 50 and over. There are so many awesome ways technology can be used in all aspects of care. I highly recommend taking a tour of The Thrive Center.

Tell us about a gratifying experience with a patient/client.

I have met so many amazing people and worked with so many loving families over the years. One particular family comes to mind. I grew very close to a husband and his wife. I assessed her at her home before she moved in. She and her husband were so in love. Unfortunately, she had advanced Alzheimer’s disease. He was heartbroken he could no longer care for her at home. When she moved in with us, the staff went out of their way to make him feel comfortable in her new home. Even though the husband was still living at home, he often told me that Nazareth Home was now his real home. He said that because in his heart and mind — wherever she was — is truly home. After she passed, the husband thanked me and the staff for giving him peace of mind. He said he knew she was always safe, loved, and happy. He said that was priceless. I will never forget the love and devotion they shared, despite her debilitating disease. I was proud to be a part of their positive experience.

What makes you hopeful about the future of health care in our community?

I am hopeful about in-home care options. I see a future of providing a new approach in delivery care to elders in our community. Many of the baby boomers are caring for their aging parents right now. They will demand a higher quality of care, technological innovations, and in-home care options other than residential. The boomers will trend towards in home services to remain home with all aspects of care provided. This will include a holistic approach, which so important.

How do we change people’s behaviors to adopt healthy lifestyles?

I believe you have to look at each person as an individual. You have to consider their specific barriers they are going up against when trying to live a healthy lifestyle. There are many factors that can cause strain and present challenges for people trying to develop and maintain good health. Healthy choices need to be readily accessible to all people. Taking it one step at a time and providing encouragement along the way can help someone achieve success in this area.

Favorite health care organization(s) making a difference in Louisville.

I have been involved with the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Kentucky & Southern Indiana chapter for many years. According to their website, “The Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association provide service and education to 125 counties across greater Kentucky and southern Indiana. Over 5 million Americans are living with the disease, and more than 90,000 of them reside in our service territory. Services provided include education programs for persons with dementia, caregivers, professionals and the general community as well as support groups and a 24/7 Helpline. Further, the chapter advocates at the state and national level of government for research and support services on behalf of the people of Kentucky who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.” I have personally seen their support and services provided to many affected by the disease and to their families. We are fortunate to have this local chapter in Louisville.

Fill in the blank. Health care is …

…rapidly growing and ever-changing at the same time. Advancing technology will change health care in ways we have not imagined.

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January 27, 2020January 27, 2020

Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults

For people older than 65, the leading cause of injury is falling. While medication side-effects and health conditions can contribute to falls, normal changes of aging are also a factor.

Balance seems very simple, but it is actually incredibly complex. There are multiple systems or parts of our body that harmoniously work together to keep us upright – our inner ear, vision, muscles and bones, brain function, and even skin with regards to touch and feel. When any of these systems are impaired, it can place us at a higher risk for falls.

Through the natural aging process, multiple changes occur in many of these systems. That, along with medications taken for mood, cardiovascular diagnoses, pain and other medical conditions can affect balance. Because of this, the aging adult has a much higher risk for falls than any other population.

Falls also can be attributed to environmental hazards. Things such as uneven surfaces, poor lighting and loose rugs can impair our balance. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and remove any hazards you may see in your home. And it never hurts to be extra careful and take your time as you move around.

At Nazareth Home, our Rehabilitation to Home program utilizes multiple evidence-based strategies and techniques to determine a person’s risk for falls. Technology, such as the BIODEX, is used to measure balance and assess your risk level. It also aids in increasing mobility, improving balance, developing muscle tone and increasing agility. With these techniques, treatment and trained staff we improve the balance of the elders with excellent functional outcomes.

For more information on Rehabilitation to Home, contact us or visit nazhome.org.

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January 2, 2020January 7, 2020

What is a Snoezelen Room?

On any typical day at Nazareth Home Clifton, an elder with dementia might become agitated and confused. When this occurs, our staff can utilize the Snoezelen Room to provide stimulating options to calm the elder.

Snoezelen comes from the Dutch words “snuffelen,” to explore, and “doezelen,” to relax. A Snoezelen Room is a controlled, multisensory, therapeutic environment that soothes, stimulates and helps reduce agitation and anxiety. It can also engage and delight, stimulate reactions and encourage communication.

Snoezelen Rooms were first created in the 1970s for autistic children and later was developed for patients with dementia or for elders suffering from anxiety or confusion. It allows elders to seek out experiences that engage their senses of seeing, hearing, touching and smelling.

The dark space serves as a blank slate on which a variety of visual stimulation can be used, including bubble tubes, black lights with shimmering curtains and a projector that fills the room with images that could jog a memory.There are also textured boards and mats to stimulate touch, relaxing music and aromatherapy oils and lotions.

Research suggests that spending regular time in a Snoezelen Room can have a positive effect on blood pressure and motor skills. It also can reduce the risk of falls because the stimulation helps maintain balance.

A Snoezelen Room is a powerful tool and one more way Nazareth Homes enhances the lives of the elders through innovative compassion and person-centered care.

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December 30, 2019December 20, 2019

Your Gift Matters

Your support for the Nazareth Homes Foundation is essential to everything we do.

Your gift helps provide medical equipment such as beds, lifts and computers.
Your gift helps provide engaging technology for the elders like iN2L.
Your gift helps provide life-affirming programs like Feet to the Fire Writers’ Workshop or Stories in Mind.

The impact your gift has on Nazareth Home is immeasurable. It’s an investment in each person that lives, works and plays at Nazareth Home. Your donation allows us to provide an environment where they can thrive.

A gift to our Hospitality Fund supports innovations in care, pastoral care, person-centered programming and outreach opportunities for Nazareth Home community members.

Donate to the Employee Education Fund to support our hard-working staff, offering financial aid for college, advanced certification classes and continuing education classes.

With an estate gift to our Halo Legacy Program, you can leave a lasting impact on the compassionate and empowering environment of Nazareth Home communities for generations.

As 2019 comes to a close and you consider your year-end gifts, think about Nazareth Homes Foundation and the impact you can have on the lives of elders.

To make a contribution or learn more about how you can support Nazareth Home visit https://www.nazhome.org/giving/ or contact:
Michael Buckman
Director of Development
(502) 473-2375
mbuckman@nazhome.org

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December 13, 2019December 13, 2019

A Season of Giving

Christmas is a season of giving, a time to give back to those you love and the causes you support. This year, consider a gift to Nazareth Homes Foundation.

The Nazareth Homes Foundation supports the pioneer spirit and the practice of innovative compassion in providing health and wellness services for adults and their families that live at each Nazareth Home community.

Giving to the foundation fosters an empowering environment and culture or elders who deserve the best person-centered care. It provides development opportunities for staff to be life-long learners to ensure they provide the best possible care. It funds equipment and capital improvements for innovative technology, programs and enhancements to our communities.

One of the easiest ways to give to Nazareth Home is through one of our funds.

Hospitality Fund
Supports innovations in care, pastoral care, person-centered programming and outreach opportunities for Nazareth Home community members.

Employee Education Fund
Supports staff, offering financial aid for college, advanced certification classes and continuing education classes.

Halo Legacy Program
A gift from your estate will leave a lasting impact on the empowering environment of Nazareth Home communities for generations to come.

This holiday season, as you consider your year-end gifts think about the impact of Nazareth Homes Foundation. Every gift matters.

To learn more about how you can support Nazareth Home contact:
Michael Buckman
Director of Development
(502) 473-2375
mbuckman@nazhome.org

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December 12, 2019December 12, 2019

Nazareth Home employees honored for years of service

We have a lot of experienced staff at Nazareth Home. Each of our employees are valued members of our team, and their continued contributions are vital for Nazareth Home to be successful in meeting our mission of proving a compassionate, empowering and welcoming community. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to our healing ministry.

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December 5, 2019December 12, 2019

Nazareth Home Clifton Named 2019 Best of Kentucky Facility by KAHCF

Nazareth Home Clifton was honored at the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities’ Quality Awards Banquet with the Best of Kentucky – Nursing and Rehabilitation award. Director of Nursing Alison Snow was also recognized as a Top 10 Nursing Excellence winner.

“Receiving the Best of Kentucky award is such an honor, and we are proud of the expertise our nursing, therapy and care team brings to elders each day,” said Lisa Biddle-Puffer, administrator of Nazareth Home Clifton.

The Best of Kentucky – Nursing and Rehabilitation honorees were selected based on CMS star ratings of four or higher and satisfaction surveys of residents and families.

“It is a privilege to honor caregivers for the outstanding care and devotion they show every day to their residents. These honorees are an example of the many Kentucky providers and caregivers delivering quality care,” said KAHCF Board Chair Chris Page. “This recognition is a testament to their dedication to their residents.”

More than 800 long-term care providers met during the meeting. General sessions offered panel discussions with the ambulance association and the office of inspector general. Other topics of the day included hiring and retaining quality staff, and breakout sessions on a variety of issues facing long-term care providers. More than 100 vendors exhibited during the Expo showcasing the latest innovations to providing quality care.

The week was capped off with the Quality Awards Banquet. The Association honored 23 facilities with the Best of Kentucky – Nursing and Rehabilitation Award, along with the Top 10 Caregivers, Nurses and Supportive Care staff awards.

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September 13, 2019September 16, 2019

Finding Hope in Memory Loss

Join us for Finding Hope in Memory Loss at Christ Church United Methodist on September 28. Nazareth Home’s Director of Community Development, Gretchen Houchin, will be speaking at the event. To register click here.

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September 3, 2019September 3, 2019

Some Companies Offer a New Benefit: Payroll Advances and Loans

Source: The Wall Street Journal
By Anne Tergesen
September 2, 2019

Click here to view article

A growing number of companies are helping workers gain access to payroll advances and loans, reflecting concern over the impact money problems are having on productivity levels and worker retention.

Employers including Walmart Inc. have recently added these services. The aim is to help cash-strapped employees, many with damaged credit, cover unexpected expenses without resorting to high-cost debt.

“Employers have woken up to the fact that a majority of workers are having a lot of trouble simply getting by, never mind getting ahead,” said Sophie Raseman, head of financial solutions at Brightside, a company Comcast Corp. co-founded that provides financial guidance to workers and is testing payroll loans with some corporate clients.

Workers typically access the services online. The payroll-advance programs generally give employees the option to accelerate a portion of their next paycheck for a fee that often amounts to a few dollars. The loans are typically a couple thousand dollars, and are repaid through automatic payroll deductions over a few months to a year or longer. Approval and interest rates, generally 6% to 36%, often depend on factors including a borrower’s credit score.

Because the services deduct repayments from workers’ paychecks before the money goes to their bank accounts, default rates tend to be low.

According to an Employee Benefit Research Institute survey of 250 employers last year, 12% offer accelerated pay. The same percentage offer short-term loans repaid through payroll deductions. Another 4% and 6% plan to add the services, respectively.

Lauren Saunders, associate director of the National Consumer Law Center, said payroll-advance services may create “a cycle of chronic early spending.”

Companies, meanwhile, are responding to data that indicate American workers are financially stressed. While incomes have been stagnant for many, expenses for items including health care and education have risen.

Employers are concerned about the impact on productivity and turnover. Research by Todd Baker, a senior fellow at Columbia University’s Richman Center for Business, Law and Public Policy, looked at 16 companies in the U.K. that offered payroll loans and found that borrowers had, on average, an annualized attrition rate 28% lower than the rate for all employees.

Mary Haynes, chief executive of Nazareth Home, which runs long-term-care facilities in Louisville, Ky., said the company began offering accelerated paychecks through PayActiv Inc. two years ago after realizing many of its staff were incurring late fees and using payday loans. PayActiv works with 500 employers, including Walmart.

Of Nazareth’s 400 employees, 338 are enrolled in PayActiv and 280 use it regularly, Ms. Haynes said.

The benefit attracts workers and saves Nazareth money, Ms. Haynes said, by “practically eliminating” its use of a staffing agency some workers preferred because the agency provided access to paycheck advances.

Typically, payday loans charge $15 for every $100 borrowed. Bank overdraft fees often cost about $35. In contrast, PayActiv charges $5 per pay period when an employee uses the service, which also includes financial counseling and online bill payments.

Some point out that a $5 fee can equate to a high annualized percentage rate on a small short-term loan.

State officials also have concerns. Regulators in 10 states, including New York, are investigating whether the payroll-advance services are violating state banking laws. The companies that provide this service maintain that they give employees access to money they have already earned and aren’t lenders.

Robyn McGuffin, a medication technician at Nazareth Home, says PayActiv has helped her avoid late and overdraft fees of as much as $80 a month.

Ms. McGuffin, 36 years old, says she typically uses PayActiv once or twice per pay period, generally for bills due before her next paycheck arrives. The Louisville resident also used it to buy a new car battery and cover her fiancé’s share of the household expenses when he was temporarily out of work due to a medical emergency.

By avoiding late fees, Ms. McGuffin, who earns about $16 an hour, said she has been able to splurge on the occasional restaurant meal or toy for her daughter. “I don’t freak out as much about bills, because I know I have the option to access money if I need to.”

Some employers pair loans or accelerated paychecks with online tools to help workers budget, reduce debt and amass emergency savings.

Walmart introduced salary advances in late 2017. It has seen employees rely less on payday loans and bank overdrafts, said David Hoke, who oversees health and well-being.

Employees pay $6 a month to use PayActiv. It is embedded in an app called Even, which also includes a budgeting service that nudges users to save surpluses. Walmart covers the cost for one month per quarter and caps the amount workers can accelerate at 50% of pay. Of the company’s 1.4 million workers, 380,000 are frequent app users, Mr. Hoke said.

For those in need of larger sums, some employers offer loan services that typically advance as much as $5,000, with repayments deducted from workers’ paychecks over four months to a couple years.

Lender Kashable approves “more than 60%” of applicants, said co-CEO Einat Steklov. It considers factors including job tenure and credit scores.

The average user has a subprime credit score and pays an annual interest rate of about 20%, Ms. Steklov said. Kashable’s default rate is 5%. Borrowers who leave their jobs before repaying in full generally switch to automated bank transfers.

Pima County, Ariz., has offered its 7,000 employees Kashable loans since 2016. Nearly 500 workers, many with credit scores below 650, have borrowed an average of $2,000 each, said county supervisor Richard Elías.

Mr. Elías said nearly half reported using the loan to pay off higher-cost debt, and many purchased or repaired cars.

“Anything we can do to make the economic lives of our workers more stable benefits us” in the form of higher productivity, said Mr. Elías.

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August 28, 2019August 28, 2019