In just over a week, the title of “Board Chair” will go to my successor, Jim Birchem, president/CEO, ElderCare of Minnesota, Inc. It has been a privilege and honor to serve as your board chair and I thank you for this opportunity.

When I accepted the position as chair two years ago, I had a good idea of the time commitment and expectations associated with it. However, there have been some pleasant opportunities along the way — one being the role of Association spokesperson. This responsibility has been educational, because when I talked about long-term care as your spokesperson, I had to always look at the broader picture of long-term care and not focus on a single organization. This “broader picture” has given me further clarity on how decisions impact all long-term care options in Minnesota, and possibly, nationally. It has also made me much more aware of the impact of words and how each of us is a mini-ambassador of long-term care. Simply put, the public does not differentiate between my organization and yours — the positive and negative gets reflected on each of us!

Another opportunity was gaining further knowledge of what each of the many Care Providers of Minnesota committees do — and they do a lot! It has been truly gratifying to see how many different facilities, assisted living establishments, and associate members are represented on the Association’s task forces and committees. The diversity of opinions and thoughts is extremely necessary in order to bring forth the best ideas — this means a cross-section of new and seasoned committee members are continually needed, as well as those new to this profession and others with a little more history. And since this is my last column, I’ll make one last “ask” for any member who is considering getting involved with this Association. All committee work is important — whether you’re on the Quality Council or helping to plan Convention, so if you are even remotely curious, I urge you to take the leap and join a committee. (A description of the committees and a sign-up page are found on the Association’s website.)

One of the goals during my term as chair was to raise the issue of quality, and I am happy this has come about — threefold! Although quality is something we continually strive for, we have been able to promote quality in three tangible ways: the formation of the Quality Council, the quarterly Quality in Action newsletter, and the annual quality report. And since quality is ongoing, I look forward to continuing this quest in many of Care Providers of Minnesota's activities.

As board chair, there were many meetings to facilitate, programs to attend, and activities to host. One of my favorites happened earlier this year — our Day at the Capitol rally. With the band “Alive and Kicking,” and our bright R-E-S-P-E-C-T orange shirts, we certainly got the attention of legislators! The synergy of members and residents, combined with the music and our message, was really powerful! I encourage you to visit the Capitol — whether it’s attending an annual rally in support of long-term care, or one of the rolling days at the Capitol (part of the March region meetings). To physically be at the Capitol in St. Paul and see the legislative process at work is something everyone should experience.

Another favorite event was accompanying the Recognition Committee on two award finalist tours. As vice president of Tealwood Care Centers, my week is spent traveling and visiting our facilities. I check to see how things are going, impart advice, fix problems — that type of thing. So to be able to tour a facility just to see how they are delivering quality services was impressive. We have so many people to be proud of in this profession!

Finally, what I will miss with the end of my term is my weekly “Patti calls.” Since I travel frequently, I had asked Patti for a weekly call every Thursday morning at 0800. Patti faithfully would call to update me on the latest locally, statewide, and nationally with long-term care. We each had our lists to go over for the week, and it made decision-making efficient and timely. Patti’s wit and intelligence continue to amaze me, and I have observed firsthand why she is a respected leader in our profession. So no matter who is the chair of the Association, all members can be confident in the vision and planning of Patti, Care Providers of Minnesota’s CEO/president.

The new year and the new legislative session start soon. I urge you to stay involved, active, and informed. Given the state of Minnesota’s (and the national) economy, the upcoming legislative session, and the presidential race, we all have a lot to do. Each of these concerns and events provide us with an opportunity to make long-term care issues heard. Together, we can show that this caring profession is an honorable one.

Stay healthy, happy holidays, and once again, thank you for the opportunity to have served on your behalf!

Gail

Gail Sheridan
gsheridan@careproviders.org

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