Missouri Coalition

Continues to Grow

Contact: Pam Roe
S218 School of Nursing
(573) 884-2690

February 7 , 2007

COLUMBIA , Mo. – Two years ago a voluntary coalition formed to address the needs of Missouri seniors. Today, with more than 168 volunteer members from organizations, nursing homes and private consulting companies throughout the state, the coalition is influencing the long-term care industry from the inside out.

“The Missouri Coalition Celebrating Care Continuum Change (MC5) is trying to transform Missouri's nursing home industry's culture of aging,” said Marcia Flesner, MC5 steering committee chair. “We are trying to promote and support collaborative efforts throughout the adult-care field. Our goal is to encourage nursing home environments that honor an individual's dignity and value.”

At the coalition's recent quarterly meeting, four Missouri nursing homes were recognized as promoting the values and mission of MC5.

“The four homes recognized are creating environments where the dignity and value of each individual who lives or works there is respected and celebrated,” said Flesner, an MU Sinclair School of Nursing faculty member.

The four homes honored by MC5 were Garden View Care Center , of Chesterfield, Mo.; Jackson Manor, of Jackson, Mo.; Laurie Care Center, of Laurie Mo.; and New Mark Care Center, of Kansas City, Mo.

“Each nursing home has made the effort to change the way business is done at their homes,” said Flesner. “The changes vary from transitioning from a medical model of care to a social model of care at Jackson Manor, to improving social activities with events such as ‘Girls Night Out' at New Mark Care Center.

“Laurie Care Center's activity program has expanded with increased participation from elders thanks to the leadership of the Center's restorative aide. Garden View Care Center implemented a unique morning routine called ‘Happy Feet,' where the day starts with listening and dancing to music chosen by residents who have dementia. The program has resulted in improved morale among staff and less agitation in residents.”    

Also at the most recent meeting, MC5 members enjoyed a presentation by Terry Etling, Administrator of Lutheran Senior Services at Meramec Bluffs, titled “The Journey toward Person-Centered Care.” Etling shared her experiences in building a new facility based on person-centered care principles and the challenges and outcomes seen during the transition to a less institutionalized nursing home.

Any individual or group interested in joining the MC5 coalition should contact Marcia Flesner by e-mail or phone (573) 884-5778. Additional information about the recognized homes can be obtained by contacting the homes' administrators (Garden View Care Center: Rhonda Uhlenbrock, 636-537-333; Jackson Manor Nursing Home: Dave Walker, 573-243-3101; New Mark Care Center: Karen Stockard, 816-734-4433; Laurie Care Center: Lori Steffen, 573-374-8263.

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