The staff at Vista Prairie at Copperleaf in Willmar, MN is ready to help, assisted by a completely renovated interior, some gee-whiz technology that they and the residents are getting acquainted with, and the new fine dining options we introduced last December. It will all be on display May 5, at Copperleaf’s Grand Re-Opening. Here’s a preview of what you’ll see.
A first in Minnesota for a community its size, Copperleaf will debut CarePredict technology. Residents Lois (90) and Anitra (97), are pioneers, part of the testing and introduction of the sophisticated system that puts residents in direct contact with caregivers, sending a robust stream of personalized health data. Each is wearing a Tempo device on their wrist.
They’re pictured with Marketing Manager Courtnee Ziegler. She’s eager to promote the system, which has already shown its benefits. Lois remembers a recent encounter with a fellow resident in distress who wasn’t part of the initial testing in which she and Anitra are involved.
“I pushed my button, my new one,” Lois recounts, “and a girl came running right away to help her. She was completely exhausted because she had had the flu last week. So, this gal that had come running helped her back to her apartment, and everything was fine.”
Copperleaf Director of Health Services Celeste Matter pointed out some of the system’s potential to head off health problems, “Usage has been shown to reduce falls by more than two-thirds,” she said. “Falls are the most preventable cause of healthcare challenges in older adults. The overall benefits to residents, family and care staff are enormous.”
“The thing that I like about it,” Anitra says, “Is that you hear a response. As soon as you press your button, it says ‘Help is on the way.’”
Finally, more on North Winds Fine Dining. Tiana Chase, is taking down selections from Joyce, Lois, Lea and Estelle during the new luncheon service. In her eight years as a Copperleaf staffer, Tiana also became a Certified Nursing Assistant. She is clearly called to serve. “They get to pick what they want, and they really enjoy that,” she says. “They get to make decisions that before, they got what was on the schedule and they didn’t have many other options.” Chef Erik Nazarenus serves fresh fruit, assisted by Culinary Aide Michael Medina and Erik’s wife Rita, who pitched in beyond her regular role as activities manager.
It’s all part of a day of helping at Copperleaf, making sure residents thrive on their way to pursue their purpose, no matter their age. A new video seeks to capture in all. Please have a look, until you can join us on May 5 to see for yourself.