Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home

Augusta, Georgia

Vet Com

April 2019

2

We would like to welcome the following Residents and

Staff to Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home:

Staff

Residents

Birthstone:

Diamond

Flower:

Sweet Pea

Dates to Remember:

April 1st–April Fools Day

April 19th-Good Friday

April 20th-Volunteer Recognition Day

April 21st-Easter Sunday

April 22nd-U.S. Earth Day

Shirley Bush Kristen Robinson

Courtney Fairchild Manessa Stokes

Angela Jones Javonne Williams

Influenza and Visitation

Effective April 1, 2019, the temporary visitor restrictions to our family visitation policy are lifted. Family and friends of all ages are invited to visit their loved ones. As always, if you, family

or friends exhibit any signs or symptoms of illness, please delay visitation until well or no longer symptomatic.

Marvin Armour John Mahaffey

Roger Doyle Rae Preston

Johnny Bagwell

3

Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home

receives customer experience award

The Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home has been ranked in the top 15 percent of senior care

providers in the country, earning its highest reviews ever from Pinnacle Quality Insight, a nationally

recognized customer satisfaction firm. Georgia War will be recognized with Pinnacle’s prestigious

2019 Customer Experience Award, a notable and timely honor for the staff of the award-winning

facility that marks 50 years of service to veterans this year.

“This award is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our team here at Georgia War,”

said Carlton Deese, executive director for Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home. “It’s truly an honor

for our staff to be recognized for the excellent patient care they provide to our veterans on a daily

basis. We believe the men and women who have served our country deserve the best care that we can

provide them, and this award shows we are committed to that end.”

To be considered for the award, Pinnacle Quality Insight reviewed the Georgia War Veterans Nursing

Home in 16 categories including: Nursing Care, Therapeutic Activities, Communication from Facility,

Admission Process, Dining Service, Quality of Food, Cleanliness, Response to Problems, Laundry

Service, Overall Satisfaction and Overall Customer Experience.

Throughout its half century of serving the state, staff at the Augusta-based facility place a strong

emphasis on ensuring the individual needs of every resident are met. Over the course of 2018, several

Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home’s residents and their family members participated in monthly

telephone interviews. The interviews included open-ended questions, as well the opportunity to rate

the facility in specific categories. Every month, staff at the nursing home gathered these survey results

to gain a better understanding of the resident’s needs and make improvements when necessary.

By qualifying for the Pinnacle Customer Experience Award™, the Georgia War Veterans Nursing

Home has satisfied the rigorous demand of scoring in the top 15% of the nation across a 12-month

average. Clients have the opportunity to achieve this “Best in Class” distinction on a monthly basis in

each category.

This is the fourth time the facility has received this award in the past five years, and the first time they

received it for 13 out the 16 categories. -Jagwire

4

Pinnacle Celebration Cookout

5

Matthew Kuchinski’s Trains At Georgia War Matthew Kuchinski, special assistant to the Chief Information Officer for the University

System of Georgia, shares his love for model trains with the veterans of Georgia War

twice each year as a tribute to his father, John Kuchinski, who had been a resident here.

Originally from Pennsylvania, John Kuchinski served in the U.S. Army then moved to

Augusta for a position as a chemical engineer. He and his wife, Mary, raised a family of

five: Mark, Lisa, Matthew, Kimberly and Ann Marie.

Matthew’s G-scale electric train hobby began around the family Christmas tree and

quickly expanded throughout the house until his Mom established boundary lines,

relegating the trains to the basement where family members built and operated a large

model train layout.

Now Matthew’s collection is stored both in Atlanta and Augusta for easy mobilization via car and truck,

hosting shows at the Children’s Hospital, the Boys and Girls Club, as well as at Georgia War. Hosting an

event would not be possible without the help of family, friends and volunteers to set up and exhibit the trains

as well as the incredible support from the nursing home. A typical show at Georgia War involves packing,

transportation then setup up of over 400 feet of track followed by simultaneous operation of 4 or more trains

comprised of 30 or more cars. Shows can span a two-day period.

When asked why he returns to Georgia War year after year, Matthew states: “It takes just a moment to realize

what the residents of Georgia War have given to us all. Their sacrifices provide us with a gift we enjoy each

and every day…freedom. Giving back to these residents is such a small and simple thank you for what they

have given to us. Just a few minutes to engage in conversation with the residents can make such a difference

in their day. I have learned so much from those who have actually worked on the railroad to others who rode a

train on their way to fight for our freedom.”

Per Kuchinski, “Sharing this hobby with others has resulted in truly amazing experiences. The trains trigger

memories and more importantly, spark conversations which can make such a difference in someone’s day. We

look forward to sharing this hobby and more time in conversation with the residents of Georgia War.”

Matthew was presented with the 2018 Georgia War watercolor painted by Laurie Cordaro, our director of

Occupational Therapy, depicting his train sets delighting our veterans in the courtyard. NOTE: The trains will

be on display in the Charles Esposito courtyard April 5-6, 2019.

--Matthew Kuchinski, as interviewed by Laurie Cordaro, OTR/L

6

The Role of a Physician Assistant Physician Assistants (PAs) are medical

professionals who diagnose illness, develop and

manage treatment plans, prescribe medications,

and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare

provider. With thousands of hours of medical

training, PAs are versatile and collaborative. PAs

practice in every state and in every medical setting

and specialty, improving healthcare access and

quality.

According to the National Commission on

Certification of Physician Assistants, over

100,000 certified physician assistants work in the United States today. Physician assistants are

known to enhance the coordination of care, improve patient outcomes, and increase patient

satisfaction.

In order to practice, PAs must graduate from an accredited physician assistant programs and

then must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). They must

earn state licensure in the state they plan to practice and then maintain their state license and

certification. Although state requirements vary, certification requirements do not, as all

certified physician assistants must pass a recertification examination every 10 years and

complete at least 100 hours of continuing medical education every 2 years. The services that

physician assistants provide may include diagnostic evaluations, therapeutic remediation,

surgical assistance, and pharmaceutical prescription. They practice medicine in every setting

and in every specialty. Physician assistants order and interpret tests, take a patient’s medical

history, counsel patients on preventive care, conduct physical examinations, diagnose and treat

illnesses, write prescriptions, and assist in procedures.

Effective March 29, 2019, Loren Biggs, PA-C will be relocating after over 4 years of devoted

service here at GWVNH. She has provided compassionate, consistent, and dedicated care to

our veterans during her time here. Additionally, she gave substantial support to our clinical

teaching efforts. We wish Loren the very best as she transitions into new adventures.

Alongside this, is yet another key transition: Courtney Fairchild, PA-C has joined the Georgia

War team during March 2019. She is a graduate of South College in Knoxville, Tennessee

and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Courtney has worked in

the past as a teacher's aid, a pharmacy technician, and an EMT with South Star

Ambulance. She is eager to serve our veterans as she herself served in the United States Air

Force. We congratulate and welcome Courtney as our new Physician Assistant!

7

Donations and Contributions

The following individuals/organizations made contributions to our Patient Benefit Fund:

American Legion Paulding County Post 111

Stuart C Bloom

Dr. Luther & Mrs. Joan Solverson

The following individuals/organizations contributed their time and/or services to GWVNH:

American Legion Department of GA Utility Carts

American Legion Department of GA Auxiliary Valentines Party, Pizza Party, Easter Party, and Razors

American Legion Post 178 Lunch/Bingo

Church of Christ Scripture Readings

DAV Chapter 10 Bingo

Elk Sub Sandwich Party

Faith Baptist Church Service

Faith Outreach Scripture Readings 5th Floor

Faith Workers Gospel Music

Gayle Hammond Board Games

Glory Road Singers Gospel Music

Jae Mar Pet Therapy Dog Visits

Jim and Delores Aguiar Worship Service

Lakemont Presbyterian Church John Tabb S.S. Class Ice Cream Party

Macky House Music Music

New Life Ministries Movies

OVAP Ice Cream Party

Pete Hoffman, Bill Gustafson, and Ron Smith Bible Study

Pine Needle Garden Club Flower Arranging

Target of Evans Flowers for the Garden Club

VFW Auxiliary Department of GA Birthday Party

Warner Wish, Dorothy Price, and Karen Aaronson Friendly Visitor/Bingo

William Kelly Bingo

8

Chaplain’s Corner

Welcome Chaplain Travis Jones

Greetings all,

I wanted to take this opportunity to say how grateful and excited I am to be

onboard as your Chaplain here at Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home!

Excitement is overwhelming about getting to know everyone and thankfulness for

the warm welcome I have received from you all. As the journey begins, it is

paramount for everyone to know that I am available to you anytime you need me.

It excites my soul to be here for you. Never hesitate to call or come by to see me. I

will be on the floors very often and want you to know that I am here for you.

I would like to share a devotion with you all. The late Reverend Billy Graham

explained, “Heaven gives us hope and makes our present burdens easier to bear.”

We hear the word hope often throughout life. But the word hope in scripture is so

much more then the hope so we hear people say around us each day. You see, if

you believe that God is truth, and He cannot lie. Scripture tells us many promises.

Hope no longer is a hope so, but a know so. James 1:12 explains, “Blessed is a

man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the

crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” What joy we

can have in knowing these promises.

9

Always There Emma Marie Etwell

When you remember me, Please do not weep. My body may not be there. It has chosen to sleep. I'm not that far away. My soul lives on, Looking down, watching over You and everyone. And when you feel sad And life seems so blue, Just remember That my spirit has its arms around you. And on those special days, Times that you wish I could see, That cool breeze flowing past you... Well, that will be me, So don't be sad. Have no fear. God has taken me under his wing, But I'll always be near. I still watch you Every minute, every day. My love and soul are with you, And that's where they will stay

Chaplain's Corner in Memory of:

Wilbur Beaman Vernon Fox

Alex McCain Arnold Wheelbarger

10

Residents

These wonderful people are the residents and staff

who will be celebrating birthdays in April!

Staff

Preston Shands 04/02

Willie Payne 04/03

Donald Beck 04/04

Max Proctor 04/08

James Richardson 04/09

William Davis 04/12

Daniel Paxton 04/13

Robert Brown 04/24

Fermon Poole 04/27

Emerson Bruce 04/28

Nathaniel Smith 04/30

Debra Fields 04/01

Polly Hill 04/03

Mark Buckner 04/10

Julia Eveker 04/10

Mike Garnett 04/10

Charles Neal 04/16

Owen Hall 04/17

Tyler Gardner 04/18

Nancy Moon 04/19

Carlton Deese 04/23

11

11

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

1

9

:30

2/3

/4/5

Fo

od

4 T

ho

ugh

t 2

:30

Bin

go

7:0

0 G

lory

Ro

ad S

inge

rs

2

9:0

0 2

/4 B

ike

Clu

b

9:0

0 3

rd M

usi

c/M

oti

on

9

:00

5th

Co

ffee

Clu

b

10

:00

Wo

rsh

ip S

ervi

ce

3

8:3

0 5

th B

arb

er

9:3

0 2

/4 E

xerc

ise

9

:30

3rd

Bik

e C

lub

1

0:0

0 B

ible

Stu

dy

7

:00

DA

V C

h.1

0/B

ingo

4

9:3

0 2

/3/4

/5 M

ovi

es

2:3

0 O

VA

P/I

ce C

ream

Par

ty

5

10

:00

Ele

ctri

c Tr

ain

s/C

Y 6

Fam

ily V

isit

s

10

:00

Ele

ctri

c Tr

ain

s/C

Y

7

Fam

ily V

isit

s

3:0

0 C

hu

rch

of

Ch

rist

/All

Fl

oo

rs

8

9:3

0 2

/3/4

/5 F

oo

d 4

Th

ou

ght

10

:30

Pet

Th

erap

y

2:3

0 B

ingo

9

9:0

0 2

/4 B

ike

Clu

b

9:0

0 3

rd M

usi

c/M

oti

on

9

:00

5th

Co

ffee

Clu

b

2:0

0 N

ew L

ife

Min

istr

ies/

Mo

vie

10

8:3

0 4

th B

arb

er

9:3

0 2

nd

Exe

rcis

e

9:3

0 3

/5 B

ike

Clu

b

10

:00

Bib

le S

tud

y

2:3

0 E

lks/

Sub

San

dw

ich

P

arty

11

9:3

0 2

/3/4

/5 M

ovi

es

12

10

:00

Cra

fts

13

Fam

ily V

isit

s

9:0

0 M

en M

ake

A

D

iffer

ence

/All

Flo

ors

14

Fa

mily

Vis

its

2:0

0 F

aith

Bap

tist

/Reh

ab

G

ym

15

9

:30

2/3

/4/5

Fo

od

4 T

ho

ugh

t 7

:00

Will

iam

Kel

ly/B

ingo

16

8

:30

3rd

Bar

ber

9

:00

2/4

Bik

e C

lub

9

:00

3rd

Mu

sic/

Mo

tio

n

9:0

0 5

th C

off

ee C

lub

1

0:0

0 W

ors

hip

Ser

vice

2

:30

Lak

emo

nt

Pre

sbyt

eria

n/

I

ce C

ream

Par

ty

17

9:3

0 2

/4 E

xerc

ise

9:3

0 5

th B

ike

Clu

b

10

:00

Bib

le S

tud

y

2:3

0 G

osp

el M

usi

c

18

9

:30

2/3

/4/5

Mo

vies

1

9

10

:00

Cra

fts

2:3

0 E

aste

r Pa

rty

20

Fam

ily V

isit

s

11

:00

2n

d F

aith

Ou

trea

ch

2:3

0 B

ingo

21

Fa

mily

Vis

its

H

app

y Ea

ster

!!!!

22

9

:30

2/3

/4/5

Fo

od

4 T

ho

ugh

t 1

0:3

0 P

et T

her

apy

2

:30

Bin

go

23

9

:00

2/4

Bik

e C

lub

9

:00

5th

Co

ffee

Clu

b

24

8

:30

3rd

Bar

ber

9

:30

2/4

Exe

rcis

e

9:3

0 5

th B

ike

Clu

b

10

:00

Bib

le S

tud

y

2:3

0 B

irth

day

Par

ty

25

9

:30

2/3

/4/5

Mo

vies

2

:30

Am

eric

a Le

gio

n P

ost

19

2/P

izza

Par

ty

26

1

0:0

0 G

ames

2

7

Fam

ily V

isit

s

28

Fa

mily

Vis

its

2:0

0 F

aith

Bap

tist

/Reh

ab

G

ym

29

9

:30

2/3

/4/5

Fo

od

4 T

ho

ugh

t

2:3

0 B

ingo

30

9

:00

2/4

Bik

e C

lub

9

:00

3rd

Mu

sic/

Mo

tio

n

9:0

0 5

th C

off

ee C

lub

1

0:0

0 W

ors

hip

Ser

vice

2

:30

Am

eric

an L

egio

n P

ost

20

5/B

anan

a Sp

lit P

arty

O

NE-

TO-O

NE

A

CTI

VIT

IES

OC

CU

R

THR

OU

GH

OU

T TH

E M

ON

TH O

N E

AC

H

FLO

OR

Ap

ril

20

19

12