[WASHINGTON D.C., JUNE 7, 2023] — Carla Wilton, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Immanuel Lutheran Communities, alongside Paralyzed Veterans of America Executive Director, Carl Black, recently took the initiative to advocate on behalf of the Veterans Options for Long Term Care Act in front of the United States Senate. With their impassioned plea, they aimed to bring attention to the urgent need for improved long-term care options for veterans across the nation. 

The Veterans Options for Long Term Care Act (SB 495), a critical piece of legislation, aims to expand and enhance the availability of long-term care services for the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The Act addresses the current gaps in long-term care support and strives to ensure that veterans receive the high-quality care they deserve. 

The impact of SB 495 extends to veterans who require long-term care services due to disabilities, aging, or other medical conditions. These veterans have devoted their lives to the service of our country, and it is imperative that we provide them with comprehensive and compassionate care in their time of need. 

During her testimony before the US Senate, Carla Wilton emphasized the importance of swiftly passing the Veterans Options for Long Term Care Act to alleviate the challenges faced by veterans in accessing appropriate long-term care services. She articulated the pressing need for increasing funding, addressing workforce shortages and staffing challenges, enforcing timely payments from the VA, and enhanced coordination among various stakeholders to deliver the highest standard of care to our veterans. 

To support this crucial cause and make a positive impact in the lives of our nation’s veterans, we encourage concerned citizens, organizations, and policymakers to take action by supporting SB 495. By advocating for the passage of this legislation, we can collectively improve the lives of those who have selflessly served our country. 

For Carla Wilton’s full testimony, visit: https://www.veterans.senate.gov/services/files/188D8A5C-69DC-4646-B8E0-43CE1AD78B04 

For media inquiries or further information, please contact: 

Photo credit: Paralyzed Veterans of America – https://pva.org/news-and-media-center/recent-news/pva-issues-statement-urging-congress-act-remove-barriers-prevent-disabled-veterans-accessing-long-term-services-supports/?fbclid=IwAR34fV3h4BBCFuiF28bNP5fRKxnXGmnp0UiyNboTzJMoa6REBCNWPmKzNAU

Aging gracefully and independently is a desire shared by many Older Adults. If you or your loved ones are exploring the possibilities of aging in place, Immanuel at Home has a valuable resource for you. The comprehensive guide, “71 Tips on Aging in Place,” is designed to empower older adults to create a safe, comfortable, and fulfilling environment within their own homes.

The guide is a compilation of expert advice and practical insights, curated to help seniors navigate the journey of aging in place successfully. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll find within its pages:

1. Home Modifications: Discover tips on adapting your home to meet your changing needs, such as installing grab bars, improving lighting, and creating accessible pathways.
2. Safety Precautions: Learn essential safety measures to prevent falls, enhance security, and promote overall well-being.
3. Health and Wellness: Explore strategies for maintaining physical and mental health, including exercise routines, healthy eating habits, and staying socially engaged.
4. Financial Planning: Gain insights on financial considerations, including budgeting for home modifications, exploring insurance options, and making informed decisions about retirement savings.
5. Technology and Gadgets: Uncover the benefits of utilizing modern technologies and assistive devices to enhance comfort, communication, and safety in your home.
6. Support Networks: Discover resources and support systems available in your community, including local senior centers, support groups, and volunteer organizations.
7. Emotional Well-being: Find guidance on cultivating a positive mindset, managing stress, and seeking emotional support as you age in place.

Free Download: To empower you on your journey towards aging in place, a free download of the “71 Tips on Aging in Place” guide here:

https://www.immanuelathome.org/free-guide

Download your free copy today and embark on a path towards a safe, comfortable, and enriching lifestyle as you embrace the joys of aging in place. Remember, with the right knowledge and support, the possibilities are endless.

Elevating Senior Care in the Comfort of Your Own Space

As we age, it’s only natural to seek comfort, familiarity, and a sense of belonging. Immanuel at Home, an innovative senior care program, recognizes the importance of maintaining a fulfilling lifestyle while aging gracefully in the place you call home.

With a mission to enhance the well-being of seniors, Immanuel at Home offers a comprehensive range of services that promotes independence and nurtures an active and vibrant lifestyle.

Discover the Freedom to Age in Place

Immanuel at Home understands that every individual is unique, with distinct needs and preferences. That’s why they prioritize a person-centered approach, tailoring their services to ensure each senior’s well-being is met with the utmost compassion and attention to detail. A dedicated Concierge Service Coordinator (CSC) empowers older adults to maintain their independence within the familiar surroundings of their own residence.

Comprehensive Services Catered to You

Immanuel at Home offers an array of services designed to cater to the evolving needs of Older Adults. Whether you are seeking a more active social life, assistance with appointments and transportation or referrals for home maintenance services, your highly trained Concierge Service Coordinator will be there to lend a helping hand.

Some of the benefits Immanuel at Home provides:

• 24/7 Concierge Line
• Members-Only Outings
• Transportation Credits (24/yr)
• Access to all Immanuel Exercise Facilities and Services
• Dining Credits ($400/year)
• Participation in Immanuel Social / Educational / Cultural Campus Calendar
• Information and Referrals For Vetted Home Maintenance Services (Billed Directly to Member from Vendor)
• Virtual Senior Center
• Tablet
• Advance Care Planning Guidance
• Spiritual Care Services
• Book Club

Experience the Immanuel Difference

Immanuel at Home is a part of Immanuel Communities, an organization with a rich legacy of over 66 years in senior care. With a deep commitment to holistic well-being, Immanuel at Home integrates the latest advancements in technology and best practices in senior living to deliver exceptional services that cater to seniors’ unique needs and preferences.

Immanuel at Home offers a new paradigm in senior living, allowing older adults to age gracefully and independently in the place they cherish the most: their own homes. With a comprehensive range of services and dedication to person-centered care, Immanuel at Home is redefining what it means to provide exceptional support and assistance to Older Adults.

If you or your loved one desires to maintain an enriching lifestyle while receiving the support you deserve, explore the possibilities that Immanuel at Home has to offer. Visit www.immanuelathome.org to learn more and embark on a journey towards enhanced well-being and contentment in the comfort of home.

GREAT PLACE TO WORK CERTIFIED 2023-2024

WE are thrilled to be recognized once again as a Great Place to work. We’re even more thrilled to have scored higher than last year, with an 89% satisfaction rate.

Immanuel Lutheran Communities is the only Life Plan Community in northwest Montana serving the older adult population. As a not-for-profit LPC, we offer retirement choices that embrace a philosophy of dignified care for the whole person. Our community offers the full spectrum of care from independent and assisted living, memory care, post-acute care and skilled nursing.

Company Culture at Immanuel Lutheran Communities

The employee experience below at Immanuel Lutheran Communities, compared to a typical company.

Why Work at Immanuel Lutheran Communities?

See what employees say about what makes Immanuel Lutheran Communities a great workplace. These words are drawn from employee comments on the Trust Index™ survey.

For the full article, click here: Great Place to Work – Immanuel Lutheran Communities

(Kalispell, MT)-Flathead Valley Community College’s President Jane Karas is the recipient of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce’s Flathead Legacy Award.

A number of awards were handed out at the chamber’s annual Grand Event Wednesday night at the Wachholz College Center.

Known for being the Kalispell chamber’s oldest and most prestigious award, recipients of the honor have a civic and volunteer spirit that spans a lifetime and creates a legacy for the community.

Karas began working at FVCC in 1999 as the vice president of Student and Academic Affairs, and was selected as the FVCC President in 2001.

Karas has been described as approachable, available, approaching goals with an unmitigated “can do and anything is achievable” attitude, thoughtful leader, community-oriented, a uniter, passionate, humble, focused, impactful and more. As one of her many nominators said “Legacy is a good word to use when talking about Dr. Jane Karas. She has led a small junior college from a modest start to one of the most respected community college successes in the nation.” Expansions of the campus, including new teaching buildings, dormitories, and the new Wachholz College Center and Performing Arts building just one part of her many legacies that will remain in the Valley forever.

Her work has directly benefited and impacted the Flathead and thousands of other businesses in the community through her successful students and their journeys to employees, the chamber notes. She is active in Rotary, chairing hospital boards and numerous other community activities.

Businessperson of the Year – Doug Shanks

For 47 years, Doug Shanks has served the communities of the Flathead and beyond growing from one location to 12 locations and over 400 employees with Western Building Center. He has created well-paying jobs, training programs in high schools, started a scholarship program for his employees’ children, and a mentoring program.

He has served on boards across the county including Habitat for Humanity, North Valley Hospital, Student Build, Sapa-Johnsrud Baseball field, FVCC and others.

As shared in the nomination, “Doug would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He is always there for his team and community”.

Educator of the Year – Micah Hill

Established to honor educational programs or professionals, the Educator of the Year award went to Micah Hill, Superintendent of School District 5.

During his rookie year as superintendent, Hill led Kalispell through one of the most challenging periods in recent history and kept Kalispell schools open during a global pandemic.

Hill was a leader in getting students the technology they needed to successfully participate in virtual instruction when necessary. He kept approximately 750 people employed in the community during a time when many businesses in the Flathead were shutting down or downsizing.

He developed creative ways to recruit and retain staff when employees were difficult to find, the chamber notes, saying he has done all this with grit, grace and compassion.

Hill has shown the ability to respectfully work alongside whoever is in the room, according to a release, and he is admired by his peers and his community and always puts families and children first.

Business of the Year – Large – Mann Mortgage

Founded in 1989 in Kalispell, Mann Mortgage has grown far and wide and now provides home loans to families in 21 states across 44 offices. They are a family owned business with 140 employees in the Flathead Valley and 470 people across 21 states.

They have won distinctions for both the services they provide and the incredible work culture and environment they have created. They support multiple Valley nonprofits with their employees’ time and expertise as well as financial donations, including Habitat for Humanity, ImagineIF library, Montana Children’s at Logan, Kalispell Parks and Recreation, and Columbia Falls Community Market to name just a few. Mann Mortgage makes Kalispell a better place to live, work, and play, the chamber notes.

Business of the Year – Small/Medium – Bias Brewing

Gabe Mariman and his partner Adam opened Bias Brewing in 2018 with a mission to “create a community through quality craft beer.” They have created a gathering space and amazing craft beers that are much loved and have built a sense of community within their doors, according to the chamber.

This has also been greatly extended by Mariman’s service to Kalispell outside of the brewery. He serves on the Kalispell Downtown Association board, the Kalispell Business Improvement District Board, leads the Kalispell chamber’s successful child care initiative, spearheads Frosty the Brewfest, and just recently was the impetus for the new KDA fall run fundraiser. Bias accomplished all of this while purchasing the former Kalispell Brewing, selling Bias previous First Avenue location, remodeling and relocating all within less than an eight-week period.

Nonprofit of the Year

Immanuel Lutheran Communities has been serving the greater Kalispell community for 65 years. Providing “purposeful living” to senior citizens is a tenant strongly guiding them as they provide a spectrum of care and living options.

They pride themselves on encouraging employee participation in service and community engagement — from Rotary to Leadership Flathead, Montana Health Care Association, Hospital Association, Glacier Symphony and Chorale, and more. Always listening to the needs of their residents, employees and community, the chamber notes, they have answered the call and opened a child care early learning facility to address this growing challenge as an employee benefit which opens up other opportunities for children in other centers.

Rising Star of the Year – Adam Cebulla

Recognizing an individual under the age of 30 who demonstrates a passion for their career and community, the Rising Star of the Year was given to Adam Cebulla of J2 Business Productions.

As a part of his leadership team, Cebulla consistently and continually shows up with innovative ideas and motivates all of those he works with, according to the chamber. He has a team spirit that works to add value to his company instead of being siloed in his division. His strong work ethic and sales skill are growing, and he is always looking for ways to be involved and support local businesses.

He was a chamber ambassador and enjoys supporting local events, serves on the board of the Kalispell Education Foundation, and is always working on self-improvement.

Community Spirit of the Year Award – Tony Brockman

Recognizing an individual who is making a powerful difference in the greater Kalispell community, the Community Spirit Award was given to Tony Brockman.

It is simply impossible to cover all of the involvement, service, and community engagement activities that Brockman has been involved in throughout Kalispell, Evergreen, and the Flathead as a young and growing young professional, the chamber notes. He serves, or has served, on the Flathead County Economic Development Authority board, assisted with the Gateway Community Center restructuring, as a trustee for the Evergreen Rural Fire District, and more. He is known for saying, “Decisions are made by those who show up.”

His passion and desire to ensure the community’s vitality shines through in all he does, the chamber says.

The Montana Health Care Association honored Ivy Nelson of Immanuel Lutheran Communities with its Certified Nurse Aide of the Year award at its annual awards banquet during its recent midyear convention in Anaconda.

Nelson came to Immanuel Skilled Care Center 15 years ago.  During her time on staff, she has earned her certified nurse aide (CNA) II and medication aide II certifications.  She is also involved with training and mentoring other team members. 

 “Ivy has always been a hard worker and her goal is to be sure every resident she cares for receives the best care she can give,” said Director of Nursing Lisa Gandolfi, R.N., in nominating Nelson. “Over the last two years, Ivy was on the frontline, and when needed, was the first to jump in.” “We are truly blessed to have Ivy on our team, residents miss her when she is not at work and will often ask for her, they blossom with smiles when they see her; she is trusted by her residents, families, peers and leaders,” Gandolfi said.

Immanuel Lutheran Communities Earns Top Honor for Healthcare Employer of the Year

(Helena, Mont.) – The Montana Hospital Association is pleased to announce St. Immanuel Lutheran Communities is the winner of the association’s 2022 Best Place to Work Award for non-hospitals in the state.

The Best Place to Work Award is designed to honor both small and large hospitals as well as non-hospital healthcare organizations that go the extra mile in enhancing employee satisfaction through basic or creative retention strategies. Nominations effectively described improvements that have been made to the work environment, retention efforts currently in place, and how employee work satisfaction has benefited from these improvements. Judging was based on the following criteria:

·      Creativity, scope, and implementation of the retention strategy.

·      Verifiable outcomes in employee retention.

·      Demonstrated effectiveness in raising employee morale through a hospital morale tracking system.

·      Potential for applicability in other healthcare organizations.

·      Employee references of improved work environment.

“Immanuel Lutheran Communities goes the extra mile to attract and retain high-quality healthcare talent. We are pleased to honor them with our 2022 Best Place to Work Award,” said Rich Rasmussen, Montana Hospital Association CEO. “The pandemic has demonstrated the importance of supporting our healthcare workforce and Immanuel Lutheran Communities is a leader as a great place to work.”

Immanuel Lutheran Communities is a nonprofit organization offering independent residential living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation services and skilled nursing care in Kalispell. Celebrating its 65^th year serving the area’s older adult population, Immanuel Lutheran remains committed to its philosophy of providing a faith-based environment to enrich the lives of older adults.

The Montana Hospital Association (MHA) is the principal advocate for the interests of members in their efforts to improve the health status of the communities they serve. MHA, in partnership with our communities, will make Montana a “Top 10 Healthy State.” Learn more here. 

Katie Kelly discusses fall prevention, simple changes you can make in your life to avoid falls, and what to do when a fall does happen. Listen to the full episode to hear tips and tricks to help improve your safety!

Welcome Michael!

Carla Wilton, COO welcomes Michael Weideman, LPN as the Administrator in Training for the Immanuel Skilled Care Center and The Retreat at Buffalo Hill.

Michael Weideman graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelor’s of Science in Health and Human Performance, and a Licensure in Teaching K-12 Physical Education and Health.

Upon moving back to the Flathead Valley in 2008, Michael started working with children who had autism for the rural schools in the Kalispell area. In 2012, Michael received his Licensure in Nursing and has been working at Immanuel Lutheran Communities ever since.

Michael has overseen Assisted Living services at Buffalo Hill Terrace as the Assisted Living Director since 2016, and in 2022 began pursuing his Nursing Home Administrator’s license to take on the role of Administrator at the Immanuel Skilled Care Center.

(Kalispell, MT) – Immanuel Lutheran Communities has been awarded a grant through the Child Care Innovation and Infrastructure Grant under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) administered by the state totaling nearly $900,000. These funds will support a childcare initiative by Immanuel to support staffing challenges presented by the lack of childcare availability in the Flathead Valley.  

Jason R. Cronk, President and CEO of Immanuel Lutheran Communities says, “this award fully funds 100% of our request to open a new early learning center, which we have named ‘Growing Roots Early Learning Center’ in Kalispell, MT, and we are targeting 2023 for our full grand opening.”

This new early learning center will serve approximately 74 children ages zero to five, and meets a huge community need, not only for the staff at Immanuel Lutheran Communities, but also for other families in the area struggling to find available childcare.

To learn more about this initiative, please contact Leigh Ann Downie-Economy at LDownie@ilcorp.org.