BLOG Respite

If you are a regular visitor to my weekly Blog, you have probably noticed that I haven't been very timely or active with my Blog of late. Not sure why, but I guess I have just been busy with summer or have hit the "Blog wall".

It has been 2 years since I began my Blog and while I really enjoy the writing and sharing of stories, my creative energy and time appear to be fading.

Perhaps once summer ends I'll find that inner source of imagination and desire to capture my thoughts and share them with you within my Blog again. Until then, have a great summer.

Dream big, dream often.............................Jim.

Is the CEO really working?

I remember when I was just a young kid; there were three specific concepts that I had a hard time grasping. Of course my older and “wiser” siblings loved to mess with my mind and to this day still give me a hard time about these.

The first was my sister telling me that long before God created the world, there was nothing. No night and no day. No darkness and no light. Now to my way of thinking, that was impossible. If something isn’t dark it must be light and vice versa. “But no”, she would exclaim, “ there was no day or night, no light or darkness at that time”. That concept still drives me crazy to this day!

The second is a little embarrassing seeing that I eventually grew up to be a business and numbers guy. But as a kid I had a tough time grasping the concept of statistical odds. You see to my way of thinking back then, everything had a 50/50 chance of occurring. Either it would or it wouldn’t. I’m still teased to this day about the time I tried to convince my family, as we were driving up to our camp for the weekend, that there was a 50/50 chance that we would have a head-on collision with another car around the next corner. Either we would or we wouldn’t!

The third was the whole tree falling in the forest thing. If nobody was there to hear it fall, did it make a sound? “What are you talking about?” I would plead. “What difference does that make? Of course it makes a HUGE crashing sound. Haven’t you ever heard a tree fall?” But my sister would insist and try to explain that if the sound waves never hit an eardrum, no noise would be heard. Okay, I get it now, but you have to admit that is a tough concept for a kid!

Which brings me to the purpose of this particular Blog posting and a related question to pose. If the CEO is working alone in his office or out in the community, but staff isn’t there to notice, is he really working?


I only bring this up because this past week I had the luxury and joy of spending more time than usual out on the resident floors and at various staff and resident events. Heck, I even took a lunch break one day last week and showed up in the staff dining room. I received a fair amount of “Hello, where have you been?” or “Hi stranger, haven’t seen you in a long time,” or “Have you been on vacation?” or “Good to see you, you need to get out more.”

Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate the sentiment and folks appear genuinely pleased to see me. My concern is simply, what do they thing I’m doing when I’m not so visible to them? When I was the administrator and even assistant administrator, I took great pride in my visibility and day-to-day involvement in the operation. I knew the staff, residents and families, many by name. That was a key component of my role back then.

Some might argue it still should be as CEO, but the reality is it just can’t; at least not at anywhere near the same level. One reason is that I have to be respectful of those in the position now to fill the hands-on role. Another reason is that I have new responsibilities that require my attention to different priorities. My day is often filled with meetings, both in and out of the building. I spend the vast majority of my day on “big picture” items that involve strategic planning, community outreach, analysis and communications. I spend a great deal of my time doing office work, on the telephone, on the computer, meeting with contacts. I admit I missed the operational side of our business when I first transitioned to CEO, but eventually came to love the role and the work I do.

So, back to my original question posed. Is the CEO really working?

Well, I would hope the answer is as obvious as night and day, but then again maybe that concept isn’t all that clear. Perhaps I should suggest there is a 50/50 chance that I’m really working. Either I am or I’m not. Or is it like the tree falling in the forest and if you aren’t there to see me, then I’m not really working?

I think I’ll just keep it simple and continue to do what I am asked to do as the CEO. I’ll be the guy behind the scenes, out in front, helping to scout and navigate our way forward. I’ll keep on communicating to everyone all the wonderful and challenging things our organization does and faces every day. I’ll work tirelessly to ensure that Seniorsfirst continues to have a bright and successful future and that our residents, staff and families find comfort and joy within our communities.

But I’ll also try to get out more because as much as I love my job at Seniorsfirst, I do understand that it is our people that make the difference! Thanks for all you do and for being the “face” of our organization.

My First Novel Published

Many of my Blog readers have often shared kind words with me on how much they enjoy my Blog and my style of writing. Heck, a few of you have gone so far as to suggest that I should write a book!

Well my long time Blog faithful might recall that in my December 29, 2008 Blog posting I revealed that I had set a 2009 goal for myself to do just that. And so, for the past year and a half I have spent much of my "free time" writing in my journal, transcribing from my journal to my computer, editing, reviewing, editing, reviewing, editing................well you get my drift.

Finally, earlier this year I set out to publish my final, final work of fiction. I had no idea of the details and work this process would involve. It had to be just right and it had to be my way, so I spent hours every evening and weekend navigating my way through virgin territory. I learned a lot and would probably do it differently if I knew then what I know now, but I am thrilled with the final result. It has been a labor of love with no real expectation or objective other than to write a book to share with my 4 grandsons and any other interested family and friends.

So, without further ado, allow me to introduce you to my first novel:

Coming soon to a bookstore near you, a breakout novel for "Young Adults" and "Tweens" by local author James E. DeVoe.

Daydreamer is an entertaining and enlightening adventure story with comic book like superhero excitement and unexpected twists as it moves from reality to fantasy.

DYLAN LAWSON IS a typical 13 year old boy growing up in a small, rural community in the northern Adirondacks of New York; a community that provides a lifestyle rich in outdoor adventure and homespun values. Together, with his best friends Brennan and Kennedi, Dylan finds adventure and excitement in what always turns out to be anything but a typical day.

But Dylan lives in a different world than everyone else. Dylan is the world's biggest daydreamer and he lives his life in both the real world and his dream world. Worlds that often collide, causing struggles and challenges that also provide valuable lessons learned.

It begins with a harrowing experience when the boys find themselves lost on Titus Mountain in the midst of the season's worst snowstorm and ends with the kids taking on the challenge of solving the great murder mystery when they stumble upon a dead body while out kayaking. In between, they become entrepreneurs of a successful start-up business as a result of a school project, compete for the state championship on the school's hockey team, attempt to win a national contest to bring a superstar singer to perform at the school's spring dance, confront a terrorist attack at school and become entangled in many more adventures.

Dylan's daydreaming often causes him to be absent-minded, disengaged and irresponsible, but with the help of his adult mentors, he ultimately uses his vivid imagination to become a real-life hero.

The action-packed suspense within each story and adventure will keep you riveted and guessing, but is it real or just another Dylan Lawson daydream?

You can take advantage of my "Friends & Family" advance sale discount offer to order your copy today at $14.99 (25% discount). The advance sale offer will be open to all until June 30th and then I will place the bulk order with my publisher to access the discounted pricing. You will receive your copy by July 15th. After that date, my book will be available at the publisher's standard rate and at Bookstore retail rates.

SO ORDER NOW IF INTERESTED by using the link below that will take you to my secure Daydreamer PayPal ordering site.

Friends & Family Advance Sale Offer:

My curious adult friends and family can now purchase an advanced copy of my novel, check it out themselves and then gift it to their children, grand-children, nephew, niece or other child. You'll satisfy your curiosity and enjoy reading my breakout novel, and have one less birthday or Christmas gift to buy this year!

To ORDER YOUR ADVANCED COPY click ORDER DAYDREAMER NOW!

Thanks for your interest……………………….Jim DeVoe.

This Place is for the Birds!

I thought I would dedicate this Blog posting to shining the spotlight on our unique Assisted Living cottage and Adult Day program at Valley Manor.

I call them unique because they represent a relatively new trend and focus in the delivery of support services to seniors. With more and more interest and demand by consumers for support service alternatives other than nursing home care, assisted living and community-based services are gaining in popularity and attention.

Here on the campus of Valley Manor, located in the lovely East Avenue neighborhood, sits the cottage that houses our 8 apartment assisted living residence and our distinct adult day program community.

I stopped by recently to visit with the residents and clients to see what was new and exciting in their world, and wow, there is a lot going on! Let me share just a sample of what they shared with me and what I saw.

As I arrived at the cottage, I was greeted by a resident and staff having a quiet conversation in the foyer as they basked in the sunlight and warmth from the windows looking out on the neighborhood. They welcomed me in and graciously allowed me to take pictures and explore their cozy home.

I then met resident Beverly Fink sitting outside her dining room working diligently on a jigsaw puzzle. I wasn't much help to her with her puzzle but we did enjoy a nice conversation. Beverly lived in an apartment at Valley Manor for years before deciding to move into the assisted living apartments where she would have access to more aide support. She still has dinner at Valley Manor every Wednesday evening to stay in contact with her "woman's support group" that was an important part of her past routine. She has also rediscovered her love for playing piano and often plays during tea times and sing-alongs with her new friends at the cottage.

Ms. Fink insisted that I check out the gardens off the back patio so I then made my way outside. The residents had been busy in the weeks prior starting up their vegetable and flower gardens in the backyard and participating in the "Sage Project" (I'll blog on that project in the near future).

Other projects that the residents have been enjoying include creating centerpieces for their dining room tables, wreathes for each individual apartment door, baking for each others' birthdays and embarking on their daily exercise and wellness program.

But the newest and biggest news of the week was the addition of Pete and Kiwi to the cottage. Pete and Kiwi are parakeets that the residents have named and adopted as their new cottage pets. In addition to their beautiful colors and singing voices, the parrots provide a sense of companionship, responsibility and enjoyment.

I then wandered next door to to visit with the clients of the adult day program. Here I was greeted by a group of seniors seated in the bright, roomy dining room enjoying an afternoon snack and finishing up a card game. I asked who was wining all the money, but they just laughed and said "not them".

Outside in the courtyard I saw a large congregation of folks enjoying the warmth and sunshine (that does bless Rochester from time to time). I walked out to see what was going on and was immediately introduced to Tiddly and Wink, two other parakeets that the adult day program clients have named and adopted as their pets. The birds are awesome and will even sit on your finger, head or wherever and provide hours of enjoyment.

By the time I left the cottage, it was clear to me that this place is very special. The "smallness" of the community fosters a unique family atmosphere that is so much like home and nothing like an "institutional setting". Relationships, friendships, activities and person-centered support are obvious key components to the joy and laughter that was so evident to me in just my short, one hour visit.

As I left and walked out to my car, I thought to myself what a wonderful place to live or come to. This place may be for the birds, but it is also a delightful place for our elders.

Some Things Improve With Age!

Kirkhaven held a "Celebration of our Elders" event this past week in recognition of National Nursing Home Week. I was asked to give a special honorary toast to kick-off our resident celebration.

In planning for my toast and words to our elders, it occurred to me that aging in general seems to get a bad rap. You know what I mean. The car we bought 10 years ago doesn't run as well as it once did and what is that strange rattling noise coming from under the hood. Those fresh plump grapes I just bought last week now are turning brown and soft. And oh yeah, don't get me started about my lower back and knee joints.

So what exactly was I going to say to these elders that would be appropriate for a celebration rather than a precursor to a doctor visit? Then I got an idea! There must be some things that improve with age. So I did some on-line research and it turns out this aging thing ain't all bad.

Under the category of Food & Drink I submit the following:

• Wine & Cheese- sure we all knew that


• Eggs- turns out the older eggs are the better eggs


• Beef- remember to cure and age your beef for the best taste


• Casseroles- I love lasagna, but it always tastes better later reheated


• Cookbooks- the best are always your grandmother's old recipes

Under the category of Nature:

• Fruit Trees- my dad would know that the more mature trees bear the best fruit
• Soil- it takes years to "warm your soil"
• Shade Trees- that century old elm is the most majestic of them all
• Compost- isn't worth a dime without mother-nature and time
• Bird's Song- didn't know this but the older birds have a sweeter, stronger tweet

Under the category of Tangible Items:

• Antiques- well of course these become more valuable over time


• Real-Estate- don't you wish you bought that piece of property 20 years ago
  
• Leather- it only gets better with age


• Classic Cars- what we wouldn't give to own our father's first automobile now


• Photo Albums- the older the picture the better the memory

Under the category of Relationships:

• Friends- the best friend is usually an old friend


• Grandchildren- if I knew grandchildren would be such fun I wouldn't have had kids
  
• Traditions- the older the tradition, the more meaningful


• Memories- they grow fonder over time
  
• Family- we grow closer and more appreciative as we grow older

Which brings me back to my "Celebration of Elders" toast. After sharing these tid-bits that improve with age, I raised my glass, as the elders and others in the room did the same, and saluted the top 10 benefits of aging under the category of Elders:

1. Vocabulary- we learn more words and how best to use them as we age
2. Common Sense- it doesn't come naturally, we learn it over time
3. Humor- it becomes more acute and important as we age
4. Emotional Stability- it takes time, but eventually we discover who we are
5. Perspective- the longer we live, the broader our outlook on life becomes
6. Resilience- we learn to handle whatever life gives us as time moves on
7. Acceptance- we don't sweat the little things and tolerate diversity as we age
8. Wisdom- the older we get the wiser we get
9. Faith- thank God our faith grows stronger as our years and fears grow longer
10. Soul- while our body might desert us, our soul remains with us forever

So here's to our Elders, may they age well and gracefully. SALUTE!

A" Beer" Story

Happy Mother's Day to all my Blog readers who are mothers.

Here in Rochester, we use this special day when we honor our mothers, to also remember and support our most senior and often frail mothers and grand-mothers who reside in senior care homes. Mother's Day is designated "Homes Offering Day", where our local Presbyterian church congregations take up a special offering to help support Kirkhaven's mission.

You know, whenever I tell people what I do for a living, I often still get the response, "Jim,I'm sure you run a nice facility, but if I ever get to the point where I need a nursing home, just shoot me!"

Yes, it is pretty obvious that despite our best intentions to provide quality care for seniors, something is still wrong. As I have Blogged about before, with its typical hospital furniture, sterile rooms and endless routines day after day, there is nothing even remotely like home about the traditional nursing home.

But thankfully, things have begun to change and Kirkhaven is leading the way here in Rochester. As I have shared with you before, the keystone of this culture change is person-centered care, where seniors are empowered to direct the decisions that affect their daily life.

By providing them with the opportunities to live their lives in a similar manner to how they always did, pursuing the same type of activities, routines and rhythms of daily life, that is what culture change is all about.

On Mother's Day, I spoke at my own church, Summerville Presbyterian, and shared this true story which I think helps define culture change to a tee.

This past Friday, I volunteered as a celebrity bartender at Kirkhaven's weekly Friday afternoon resident Happy Hour. We were about 15 minutes into the Happy Hour and I had set everyone up with their first round of drinks and bar snacks, when a young man, probably around 35-40 years old, walked into the lounge wearing jeans, a Buffalo Bills jacket and a ball cap. He looked around the room for his mother and then saw her sitting at a table with some friends, a beer and a bag of chips in front of her. He strolled on over to her and pulled up a chair as the waitress came over and asked him if he would like a drink. He looked around with this look on his face that said, "Where am I? Am I in the right place?", and then gladly ordered up a beer. I popped a top and poured him a tall , cold beer and set it down next to him. "What's the matter buddy," I said to him. "Aren't you used to coming in to the nursing home for a frosty beer and some fun." He just looked at me and said, "I love this place! I'm just going to sit here, relax and share a beer and some conversation with my mom."

Now that's the response I'm looking for!

It's not just about Friday afternoon Happy Hours, but it's about nursing homes looking and feeling like home, where residents can pursue their life-long interests and routines. It' s about person-centered care.

Kirkhaven is on the Pathway to this remarkable evolution and you can help. The Mother's Day Homes Offering is an opportunity for anyone to make a donation towards supporting this journey. I invite my Blog readers to click on the Kirkhaven website link to the right of my Blog and then click on the Seniorsfirst Foundation button at the top of the web page. You can make an on-line donation (or mail in a donation) to the Directors' Discretionary Fund in honor or in memory of your own mother to help make a difference in the lives of our seniors.

On behalf of the current and future residents of Kirkhaven, I thank you for your support!

Evaluating Your Supervisor

Most organizations conduct an annual routine whereby supervisors conduct a performance evaluation of each of their staff, but only a few have the courtesy and courage, like Seniorsfirst, to give staff an opportunity to evaluate their supervisor.

I have always been a big supporter of this program and lead the way by encouraging my own direct report staff to participate and provide confidential feedback on my leadership and supervision performance. I use the feedback to monitor my strengths and potential for improvement. I always report back to them the collective results and any action plans I develop to follow-up on their feedback.

Seniorsfirst has been conducting this program for years, but not without some controversy. Some managers argue that at times you have to be stern disciplinarians or conduct employee counselings that obviously leave their staff resentful or angry. "How can I do my job as a supervisor and still expect my staff to like me?" they might ask.

I'm a stern believer that in most cases you can and that is what all great leaders should strive for.

We use the results from our "Evaluate your Supervisor" program to identify both individual and organizational leadership training and support needs. Our objective is to help ensure the proper development of our leadership so that our staff feel properly supported.

I am delighted with the collective results and scores of our leadership team. At Kirkhaven the average leadership performance rating, based on 10 specific leadership skill questions and a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being highest), was 4.1 and at Valley Manor was 4.4.

These scores represent a slight increase in our previously consistent and high supervision and leadership skills. Supporting our staff and ensuring their satisfaction leads to a direct correlation of their quality service and resident/client satisfaction.

Here are some photos of a recent resident art show at Kirkhaven:

Here is a nice photo of our honorary nurses at a recent Nurses Recognition Luncheon:

Here are some fun photos of my grandson Logan playing basketball with our dog Jessi:

Thanks for visiting my Blog. See you next week.