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4 Undeniable Reasons St. William’s Living Center is the Long-Term Care Facility for You

Have you planned for your future? If not, it’s time to start!

You’ll want to consider creating a detailed long-term care plan. And that plan should include what facility you’d like to live in if the time comes when you need full-time nursing care.

St. William’s Living Center in Parkers Prairie, MN should be at the top of your list. And we’re about to tell you why!

Keep reading to learn four undeniable reasons that St. William’s is the long-term care facility for you.

State-Of-the-Art Therapy Clinic

In our recent remodel, we revamped our therapy clinic. With our new, expanded facility, we can now support a wide variety of therapies right here on our main campus.

The trained physical therapy staff works with residents to improve range of motion, increase strength, and manage pain. And the therapy clinic isn’t only for residents. We offer injury treatment services to a wide variety of patients, including student-athletes.

Our occupational therapists work with residents on day-to-day living activities like cooking and cleaning. And our speech pathologists help residents communicate more effectively and work on memory skills.

Private Rooms and Private Bathrooms

The new, remodeled campus offers private rooms to all incoming residents. Private rooms are an important part of making your new home feel more like your old home.

Most private rooms have their own private bathroom. Many rooms have a handicap accessible-shower with your own space for toiletries and personal items. These rooms have a more modern feel and improve privacy for our residents.

Incredible Food and Fun Activities

If you love delicious food, St. William’s has you covered! In fact, resident satisfaction surveys consistently rate our food as top-notch. When you choose St. William’s for your long-term care needs, you’ll get a variety of food options for each meal.

We also have an all-star activities staff. Every month, a new activities calendar comes out so you can plan your activity time in advance. We treat our residents to live music, regular bingo sessions, weekly happy hour, and weekend church services.

5-Star Rating on Medicare.gov Nursing Home Compare

At St. William’s, we’re very proud to have a consistent history of 5-star ratings from Medicare.gov’s Nursing Home Compare program. This means that we rank above the state and national average in all of the following categories:

  • Health inspections
  • Fire safety inspections
  • Staffing
  • Quality of resident care
  • Zero fines or penalties in the last three years

Resident care is our top priority and these excellent ratings are a testament to the dedication of our amazing staff.

The Perfect Long-Term Care Facility for You

When creating a long-term care plan, it’s important to do your research. Discuss the options with your family members and make sure they have a copy of your plan. This is the best way to ensure that your wishes are carried out when the time comes for long-term care.

And part of your research should be to visit the facility you’re interested in. St. William’s would love to show you everything we have to offer! Contact us today to schedule a visit to our campus.

/ By St. William's Living Center / Assisted Living • Skilled Nursing/ 0 Comments

How to Talk to Your Parents About Long-Term Care

If your parents are over the age of 65, the odds are pretty good that they’ll need long-term care at some point in the future. Which is why it’s so important that you start preparing them for this possibility.

But it’s not always easy to talk to your elderly relatives about the future. If you go into the discussion unprepared, you can come out of it frustrated and without answers.

That’s where we can help. Keep reading to hear some of our best tips for how to talk to your parents about long-term care.

Do It Early

As your parents age, their health can take a turn any day. Start the process of planning for long-term care sooner rather than later. If you don’t, you may have to make these difficult decisions under stress from emergency medical or financial situations.

This is also important because you want your parents to play a big role in the decision-making process. And if you wait too long, you may have to deal with memory loss or other mental health issues. These health problems can prevent your parents from participating in this important process.

Make a List

Walk into the discussion with an organized plan. We suggest making a list of all the important points you wish to discuss with your loved ones. That way nothing gets left out.

Here are a few of the items you’ll probably want to have on your list.

  • Review existing assets, liabilities, and income.
  • Talk about how they will pay for long-term care with options like retirement funds, long-term care insurance, medicare, etc.
  • Discuss estate planning and obtaining updated documents like their will, power of attorney, trust agreements, and care directives.
  • Give them information about facilities that provide hospital care, rehabilitation, memory care, skilled nursing care, etc. And make a list of which facilities your parents prefer.
  • Discuss alternative options for when they can’t live on their own anymore, like assisted living, home health care, or moving in with relatives.

Because every family is different, your list might look different from this list. And you’ll probably need to have several discussions with them over time to check all the boxes.

Inform Them, But Let them Make the Decisions

Do plenty of research before you attempt to discuss long-term care with your parents. Print out what information you can or bring brochures or pamphlets to the table. This way your loved ones can read through the information and take their time making decisions.

Give them advice, but allow them to make their own decisions about long-term care. If they have control of the discussion, it will keep stress levels down for all parties involved.

It’s also important not to gang up on them regarding these sensitive topics. Choose one or two adult children to sit down with them. Involving more people will likely overwhelm them and lead to greater stress levels.

When in Doubt, Write to Them About Long-Term Care

Sometimes people react better to hard discussions if the information is written down. You might find it easier to include all the pertinent information in a letter or email. And your parents might have an easier time processing these decisions if they can read everything over slowly.

This is especially helpful if you live far away from your family. You can follow up on an email with a phone call to discuss further. A detailed email can also be a great way to guide the personal conversations you’ll have in the future.

At St. Williams Living Center, we offer a range of long-term care options for your loved ones. And our experienced staff is here to support you in planning for the future.

Visit our website to learn all about the services we offer. And always feel free to call us with questions. We are here to help!

/ By St. William's Living Center / Employment • Skilled Nursing/ 0 Comments

You Betcha! 4 Amazing Benefits of Working in a Nursing Home

Are you satisfied with your job?

Unfortunately for many, the answer to this question is a resounding “NO!” But what makes a job more satisfying? 

The answer to this question depends on you, of course. But there are a few common characteristics that make certain jobs more fulfilling than others. Caring for others, the opportunity for advancement, and building positive relationships are a few of these characteristics. 

And working in a nursing home happens to have all of these positive features! In this article, we’ll outline 4 amazing benefits you’ll get when you decide to work in a nursing home.

1. It’s Never Boring

No matter what your position in the nursing home, there’s always something to do. And one day never looks the same as the next day. 

As part of a bigger team, you’ll learn to share responsibilities and take on new roles every day. There are different levels of physical and occupational therapy to administer to residents. And you’ll get to experience the same great activities as the residents, which includes live music, group games, and off-campus trips. 

Depending on your position, you may work with food prep one day and help with bathing the next day. You’ll keep track of patient records and may even be in charge of administering medication. And you’ll be on your feet, which is important to keep your own body strong and healthy. 

2. Get to Know Your Patients

One of the most rewarding aspects of a nursing home job is getting to know the residents. Unlike a hospital or outpatient clinic, many of the residents stay for weeks or even years. You’ll get to watch them grow and progress as they heal from surgery and overcome illness. 

As a caregiver, you’ll get to know their families too. You’ll be someone they can share stories with and relive the good-old-days. And you can be a shoulder to cry on during difficult times. 

Plus, you’ll gain a new respect for aging. And you’ll learn valuable skills for how to care for aging loved ones. Which can come in handy one day when you need to care for your own family members. 

3. Room for Advancement

If you’re looking to advance your nursing career, the nursing home is an excellent place to do that. At St. William’s Living Center, we offer scholarships for people who have been employed with us for longer than three months.

We want to see our employees grow in their profession. In addition to the monetary support, we offer flexible scheduling to accommodate those who are in school to advance their careers. And if you’re newly hired LPN or RN, we offer student loan repayment options to help you get out of debt. 

4. PTO, and Insurance, and Retirement Investments, Oh My!

Plus, there’s a fabulous benefits package! At St. William’s, we offer competitive wages and affordable health insurance for as low as $45 per month for the employee. 

We also offer a dental package option and a $25,000 life insurance policy to every employee. Our Paid Time Off (PTO) policy allows you to start accruing time off starting on your first day of employment. And we offer a 401k contribution for every employee with no contribution by you required. 

Considering Working in a Nursing Home? Here’s How!

There are a ton of benefits to working in a nursing home. And we’ve only touched on the tip of the iceberg here! 

Are you ready to start? Visit our Career Page to get all the details. 

/ By St. William's Living Center / Skilled Nursing/ 0 Comments

Hospice Care in Nursing Homes: What You Need to Know

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing.” 

When you or a family member is suffering from a terminal illness, making decisions can be tough. That’s why it’s important to know the facts ahead of time so you’ll feel more prepared when that time comes.

Many of us think of hospice care as something that’s done in the home. But hospice can also be an excellent option if your home is in a skilled nursing facility. 

In this article, we’ll talk about hospice care in nursing homes. What it is and how it can benefit you or a loved one.

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is all about the quality of life in the final days of a terminal illness. Caregivers focus on easing pain and offering support. 

Rather than trying to heal the disease, hospice care providers manage symptoms. This form of healthcare is called palliative care and it’s a holistic way of caring for a patient. 

Caregivers come up with a care plan based on how the patient is dealing with pain, symptoms, and mental stress. The main goal is to allow the patient to feel as comfortable as possible yet still be mentally aware. This way they can enjoy their family and friends in their final days. 

How Hospice Helps Nursing Home Residents

It’s true that many people choose to be at home while they are under hospice care. But that’s not always an option. Nursing home residents can benefit greatly from hospice care when the time comes. 

Residents who choose to have hospice care receive regular visits from a hospice nurse that’s specially trained in end-of-life care. Hospice nurses have experience dealing with issues like trouble breathing, swallowing, and severe pain. 

The hospice service often provides a social worker to help answer questions and fill out paperwork. Counseling services are also available to help them deal with stress and depression. They may also give suggestions for certain dietary or therapy needs that might make the resident more comfortable. 

Hospice caregivers also provide a level of emotional support that is unique to those facing the end of their lives. A compassionate voice and someone to listen helps the resident to deal with the physical and mental pain. 

How Hospice Helps Family Members

Not only does hospice care benefit those who are ill, but it also benefits friends and family members too. There are counseling services available for loved ones to help them come to terms with the situation. 

The social worker or nurse will schedule regular meetings to keep the family informed about the day to day status of their loved one. These meetings offer a place where you can voice your opinion about treatment and ask questions. 

If your family is spiritual, there is often spiritual counseling available too. In fact, many hospice services offer bereavement care for after your loved one passes away. Family members can receive counseling and support for up to a year after the death. 

More Info About Hospice Care in Nursing Homes

If you’re interested in getting more information about hospice care in nursing homes, give us a call today. St. William’s Living Center works with some excellent hospice partners on a regular basis. 

We’re here to help you and your family get through the difficult times. And the supportive, end-of-life care provided by a hospice service might be just what you need.

/ By St. William's Living Center / Healthy Living • Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy • Skilled Nursing/ 0 Comments

Fall Prevention: How Physical Therapy Can Lower Your Risk of Falling

Does your body feel the same today as it did 5 years ago? 10 years ago? 15 years ago?

Of course not! As we age, our bodies change. Our muscles get weaker, our bones lose mass, and balancing becomes harder.

All of these issues increase the risk of falling and injuring yourself. That’s where physical therapy can help. 

In this article, we’ll give you important information on how physical therapy can help with fall prevention. Keep reading to learn more!

Why is Falling so Dangerous?

About three million Americans end up in the emergency room every year because of fall-related injuries. Many times, these injuries require hospital stays and extensive physical therapy.

When an older person falls, the greatest risk is harm to the body. This includes fractured or broken bones. It also means damage to soft tissue causing extensive bruising. And it may even cause joint issues like torn cartilage and ligaments.

Not only is falling physically painful, but it takes an emotional toll too. People who suffer falls lose some of their mobility. This can affect everything from walking to using the restroom.

This loss of mobility leads to a higher risk of depression and other mental health issues. And when you’re restricted to bed, you’re also at a higher risk for heart attacks and strokes.

To sum it up, falling is bad news! Fortunately, there are ways to prevent falling.

How PT Helps with Fall Prevention

Physical therapy is a great fall prevention measure because it keeps your body active and strong. A PT program will give you consistent strength training using different tools like weights, stretch bands, and resistance machines.

This type of exercise makes your bones stronger, which can lessen the damage done if you do happen to fall. And it strengthens your muscles too. Your quadriceps, the large muscles on the front of your thighs, carry most of your weight when you walk.

Strengthening this muscle group, in particular, can help you distribute your weight better on your feet. And it can give you more strength to catch yourself when you trip, rather than falling all the way to the floor.

PT is also a great place to work on improving your balance since losing balance is a common cause of many falls. Your therapist can give you a balance assessment to see how well you currently balance. Then they’ll assign exercises targeted specifically at improving balance. These exercises often include strengthening the ankles, knees, and hips.

Lower Your Risk of Falling at Home Too

Regular fall prevention exercises with a physical therapist are essential to keep you upright as you age. Your therapist will also give you exercises to do at home. But there are other things you can do to reduce your risk of falling at home.

Make sure you have good, supportive shoes that fit correctly and don’t slip. Also, make your home a safer place to walk by picking up slippery rugs and removing exposed electrical cords. Declutter the main walking areas so there’s nothing poking out to trip you.

Use bright lighting around your home to make sure you can see where you’re going. And install grab bars near steps and in your bathroom.

With these tips and a great physical therapist, you’re sure to prevent falls in your future. Visit our Outpatient Therapy page to check out our brand new, state-of-the-art physical therapy room!

/ By St. William's Living Center / Employment • Skilled Nursing/ 0 Comments

LPN for a Day: What It’s Like to Be a Licensed Practical Nurse

Where would we be without nurses? These exceptional people care for us when we’re sick, hold our hands when we need support, and lend an ear when we need someone to listen.

It’s true that a skilled nursing facility like St. William’s couldn’t function without the care provided by nurses. And this goes for any long-term care facility, hospital, and surgical center in the country.

If you’re considering a career change, becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) might be just the right move! Nursing is a rewarding profession that will keep your brain and body active. And give you the satisfaction of knowing that you’re doing great work for those in need.

Keep reading to learn all about the duties of an LPN in a skilled nursing facility.

What Is a Licensed Practical Nurse?

If you’ve ever looked into healthcare professions, you might know that there are several types of nurses and assistants.

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) provides basic, hands-on care for residents. They help with feeding, bathing, and cleaning up rooms.

Registered nurses (RNs) provide the most advanced level of care. They administer and analyze diagnostic tests, come up with treatment plans, and manage the nurses below them. Because of their advanced duties, RNs require longer, more in-depth education.

Which brings us to an LPN, the Goldilocks version of “just right” in nursing! LPNs do some of the work of CNAs, like dressing and bathing.

But they also take on more advanced care tasks like administering medication and measuring vital signs. And becoming an LPN is faster and easier than training to become an RN.

Duties of an LPN

A day in the life of an LPN usually starts with an update from the RN on duty. The RN will give you your schedule for the day and let you know if there are any special tasks to do. Then you’ll make your first rounds to the residents.

One of the most important tasks of an LPN is administering medication. This includes oral medications, eye drops, nebulizers, skin creams, and blood sugar checks.

Not only do you administer medication, but you will keep track of the timing of medications for different patients. And you’ll also be in charge of preparing and sanitizing the medical tools. You might also dress wounds, change catheters, and report any issues to the RN in charge.

You’ll also be assigned administrative tasks to work on when you aren’t making medical rounds. This might include organizing files and writing reports. And you may be in charge of supervising the CNAs on duty.

At meal times, you’ll help residents move to and from the dining hall. Then you’ll help them eat and provide them company while they enjoy their meal.

Afternoon tasks usually involve making additional rounds to administer medications. And helping residents groom themselves, take showers, and providing assistance with moving to and from the toilet.

Are You Considering This Rewarding Career?

Becoming a licensed practical nurse might be one of the best decisions you ever make! LPN training programs are usually 12-24 months long. And you can find them at many local community colleges.

There’s always a need for LPNs. Alexandria Technical & Community College has a practical nursing program that has 100% job placement for those who complete the course. Earn a great wage, care for those in need, and get the job security you deserve with an LPN degree!

At St. William’s Living Center, we are rated as a 5-star facility by Medicare.gov’s Nursing Home Compare. We offer the benefits you want and the positive work environment you need. Visit our careers page to join over 100 other people who have chosen to work for St. William’s!

/ By St. William's Living Center / Assisted Living • Employment • Events • Healthy Living • Mental Health • Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy • Skilled Nursing/ 0 Comments

We’ve Remodeled! Join Us for a Grand Opening Event

We’ve Remodeled! Join Us for a Grand Opening Event

On May 20th, something very exciting happened at St. William’s Living Center. Our new addition was completed and residents officially moved in! 

This new addition has been in the works for several years now. And we couldn’t be more excited to give our residents a beautiful new facility to enjoy. And now we want to share it with you!

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about our upcoming grand opening event.

About the New Addition

The new addition to St. William’s started with a groundbreaking ceremony on April 27, 2018. Since then, we’ve been working hard to complete this new beautiful new space. 

The project included the construction of 14 private resident rooms, each with its own private bathroom and shower. Before the renovation began, there were 16 shared rooms at St. William’s. Now that the new addition is complete, there are only three shared rooms at our facility. 

This change has also increased the number of private bathrooms from nine before the renovation to 29 after. These new rooms and spacious bathrooms offer our residents a more modern feel with a greater sense of privacy. 

Not only do residents get to enjoy more private space, but they get additional common areas as well. There is a large new kitchen, a beautiful new lobby, and a spa room too. Plus, residents have access to a brand new handicap-accessible courtyard. The outdoor area offers a safe and peaceful environment for residents to enjoy our beautiful Minnesota summers.

Renovation Update

But it’s not only the new addition that we’re excited about! We’ve been working on renovations to our existing skilled nursing facility too. 

We’ve replaced our roof and added state-of-the-art heating and cooling systems. These changes will make our residents more comfortable by adding efficiency and humidity controls. There were also new electrical receptacles added in every existing room. 

We upgraded our security camera system to provide a safer environment for residents and staff. The fire alarm system got an update as well. And we renovated our tub room and spa. 

Our entrances are improved now too, with handicap accessibility on Jackson St, Soo St, and McCornell Ave. New sidewalks surround the entire facility. Plus, there was an additional parking lot added near the Jackson St entrance to accommodate outpatient therapy, residents, and their visitors. 

More Room and Expanded Services

All of this extra room means we can offer more services to our residents and to the community. The new addition features an outpatient therapy clinic that provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy. 

Therapy is so important in helping those recuperating from illness or injury to get back on their feet. The new addition houses a large gym with two private treatment rooms. It also includes an occupational therapy kitchen, bathroom, and laundry. 

And our therapy services aren’t only for residents. With this new facility, we can treat people of all ages in the surrounding communities. This includes physical therapy for student-athletes. 

We’ll See You at Our Grand Opening Event!

We are so excited to show you all these wonderful changes! Join us on Tuesday, August 20th from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. When you visit, you’ll receive a map showing you around our new facility. There will be tours of all the new areas, including our exercise gym and therapy rooms, our new mental health office, and the new resident rooms. 

Therapy Gym

There will be finger foods and appetizers available throughout the building. And we’ll have live music in the south dining room from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Stop by our grand opening event for a great time!


St. William’s Living Center consistently receives 5-star ratings in the Medicare Nursing Home Compare program. Which means we are well above average among other nursing homes in the country. We’re proud to serve our residents and the Parkers Prairie community!

/ By St. William's Living Center / Employment • Skilled Nursing/ 0 Comments

Reward Yourself: How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant

How rewarding is your career?

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to change things up, it’s important to find something that keeps you motivated. You want a job that provides stability and offers the opportunity for advancement. And everyone deserves a career that makes them smile!

We just happen to know of a career that wraps all those things up into one, easily-obtainable package. Becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) means you can have a real impact on people’s lives. 

In this article, we’ll give you the scoop on how to become a CNA and why you need to do it now! 

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant?

CNAs are what make a nursing home run smoothly. They tackle the day-to-day needs of the residents. 

As a CNA, you’ll help residents take care of themselves by providing physical and emotional assistance. Typical duties include helping residents move around their rooms and the living center. This often includes bringing them to and from activities and therapy sessions. 

You’ll also help deliver meals, feed those who can’t feed themselves, and record daily food intakes. Many residents need help with basic hygiene, so you’ll help with bathing, brushing teeth, and brushing hair. You may also be in charge of preparing rooms for new admissions and resupplying the rooms of current residents. 

Plus, you’ll be there to answer resident questions and respond when they need help. It’s your job to make their days easier and more comfortable. 

Why YOU Should Consider Becoming One

There’s nothing more fulfilling than helping those in need. The nursing home residents depend on CNAs to help them live fuller lives. That makes your job one of the most important jobs on the planet!

You’ll get to see people recover from injuries and cheer them on as they reach their goals. You’ll hear about their lives, their children, their grandchildren. And you’ll learn to love the people you care for. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience!

Plus, there’s always a need for CNAs, so the job stability is second-to-none. And there’s plenty of room to move up in the field. 

Many CNAs continue their education and get a higher nursing degree. Working as a CNA gives you the real-world experience that other nursing candidates may not have. Plus, you’ll receive a full list of benefits including health insurance, dental insurance, and scholarships. 

Here’s How…

The best part about starting a career as a CNA is that it’s not a difficult field to get into. Start by enrolling in an approved nursing assistant course at a 2-year technical college. Alexandria Technical and Community College and Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Wadena are two local options. 

Programs like these will usually require a background check and tuberculosis skin test before you start. And you must be over the age of 16 with a valid ID card. The course takes about 84 hours to complete and will give you everything you need to become a successful CNA. 

At the end of the course, you’ll take your certification exam. The exam consists of a written exam with multiple-choice questions. This is followed by a skills exam where you’ll demonstrate the CNA skills you’ve learned in the training program. 

Another option is to take a test out challenge. This involves taking the test without completing the course beforehand. You’ll be able to review a handbook prior to the exam and take a practice exam online before you take the actual exam. 

Ready for a Rewarding Career? Become a CNA

Becoming a certified nursing assistant is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. You’ll find that being a CNA offers you the job stability and growth potential you’re looking for. And you’ll have the opportunity to help others in the process. It’s a win-win scenario!

At St. William’s Living Center, we care about our employees. Visit our Career Page to learn more about all the opportunities available for your next career!