When KAHSA rolled out the information in 2008 about the grant that supported the Health Support Specialist Registered Apprenticeship Program, we were thrilled. The goal of creating an on-the-job learning experience, an opportunity for staff to receive college credits, and the enhancement of our work force with multi-task workers was a dream come true.
The apprentice program was comprehensive in that it covered a wide variety of important topics, including health care, dining, dementia, medical terminology, person centered care and more. The pay-off, is in the staff who are now able to use this education in a way that makes caring for the elders, efficient, and seamless. Imagine, the person who helps you out of bed, can make your bed, cook your breakfast, provide your medications, help you with your personal therapy program, and inspire you in a meaningful activity. All of these tasks would potentially have been fragmented and impersonal as they were carried out by a variety of care givers in the past, leading to frustration for the care receiver. A consistent, multi-skilled caregiver, can be more efficient and offer more personalized care.
Pleasant View Home was willing to take the initiative and make the commitment to this educational program where the training period stretched out for more than a years time. The program concluded with 8 proud, highly skilled workers, with new titles and increased pay rates.
Pleasant View was honored with an award from KAHSA for implementing the Health Support Specialist Registered Apprenticeship program.
TOPEKA, KS - Kevin Reimer received the 2011 Excellence in Leadership Award from the Kansas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (KAHSA) as part of their annual Quality First Awards of Excellence Ceremony on May 6, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency in Wichita. The award was presented by Bonnie Bing of the Wichita Eagle. This award is presented to a KAHSA member, their board, local committee, or individual who inspires, demonstrates relational leadership, and promotes change. Leadership can be found at any level of employment in an organization.
Kevin Reimer Receives Excellence In Leadership Award.
Kevin Reimer is the President/CEO of Pleasant View Home in Inman, Kansas. Under Kevin's leadership, Pleasant View Home has been a leader in providing person-centered supports and services to their residents. Pleasant View has received numerous awards from KAHSA and the Kansas Department on Aging's PEAK Awards program. Kevin believes that "The best leader is a guide, not a teller. You create power by encouraging others". "Kevin is an excellent example of leadership in aging services in Kansas," states Debra Zehr, KAHSA president. "We are pleased to honor Kevin with this award and appreciate all he has done for our field."