Author: Hillary Smith

LeadingAge Recognizes LifeSpire of Virginia for Stewardship, Workplace Excellence

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LifeSpire of Virginia is pleased to announce that two of its communities were honored by LeadingAge Virginia—an association of not-for-profit life plan communities—during its annual awards gala held virtually on August 18.

Lakewood resident and former LifeSpire of Virginia Board of Trustees member Joe Teefey was selected as the recipient of the 2020 Stewardship Award. This award recognizes Joe for his advancement of public trust and confidence in aging services through public service, collaboration, media or other efforts to educate consumers and help them make informed choices.

Teefey has generously donated his time, talent and treasure to address health inequities in the Richmond community. He has served as a leader and volunteer for the Board of Missions, leading more than 10 tours to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in the U.S., and tours to Brazil and Panama, bringing care to those in need. During his time on the LifeSpire of Virginia board, he was instrumental in guiding recent expansion projects.

“I think the Lord gave and the Lord set an example for us to give. If you want to feel good, do something for somebody. And, if you want to feel great, do something for somebody every day,” Teefey said.

The Chesapeake Retirement Community was selected as the recipient of the 2020 Workplace Excellence Award which recognizes a community that demonstrates investment in their staff and workplace environment for the delivery of quality care and services; demonstrates innovation in workforce development practices.

LifeSpire of Virginia recently purchased a private home adjacent to The Chesapeake that is being used to assist employees who need transitional housing. The Fresh Start program provides team members with up to three months of housing while they work on a plan to become financially independent. 

Many residents at The Chesapeake donated furniture and volunteered to clean and decorate—making the house a home. Additionally, LifeSpire of Virginia is offering all team members a financial wellness program called Momentum on Up, which is offered by SunTrust, now Truist.

“This program gives somebody the opportunity to look past what’s going on right now in their life, to not have to worry about a mortgage or rent, to use food vouchers to take up three meals for the next day,” said Wellness Director Damien Polewczak. “Our team members have our support. We’re going to provide them with all the resources that they need to be successful.”

LifeSpire of Virginia, VBH Foundation Award $20,000 in College Scholarships

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LifeSpire of Virginia and the Virginia Baptist Homes Foundation (VBHF) are pleased to announce the 2020 scholarship recipients. A total of $20,000 was awarded to 22 deserving individuals. The scholarships are funded by the LifeSpire of Virginia Employee Education Fund.

The fund provides financial assistance for deserving team members to obtain higher education, as well as updated training and specialized skillsets. 

Support is awarded with grants in two categories:

  • Tuition Reimbursement toward a degree, continuing education or certification that is not covered by the community budget
  • College Scholarships for college-age team members, team member’s children and grandchildren

“The LifeSpire of Virginia mantra, ‘Faith.  Wellness. Community.’ represents an unwavering commitment to residents’ wellbeing and health; contentment and engagement; independence and safety.  The same values include LifeSpire of Virginia’s team members and are supported in part by the LifeSpire of Virginia Employee Education Fund. We are honored to help our staff and families in fulfilling their higher educational dreams. We wish everyone good luck in their future—especially our high school seniors who are leaving LifeSpire of Virginia and heading off to their first year of college.”

VBHF Vice President Jodi Leonard

2020 Scholarship Recipients

The Culpeper

  • Tykia Cottoms, dining
  • Shannon Cottrell, nursing
  • Armani Hoffman, dining
  • Capone Hoffman, dining
  • Lauren Jamison, dining
  • Kaitlyn Shifflett, daughter of Rada Nicody, dining
  • Anna Camille Stein, dining
  • Cheyanne Washington, dining

The Glebe

  • Cynthia Duarte, daughter of Dilma Duarte (housekeeping) & Robert Duarte (dining)
  • Tessa Goad, daughter of Angie Goad, marketing
  • Cody Hatter, grandson of Joyce Horton, dining
  • Coby Kingery, dining
  • Kendrick Messerich, dining
  • Brauxton Munshi, security
  • Lauren Rakes, dining
  • Samantha Reid, nursing

Lakewood

  • Shakiera Branch, granddaughter of Jimmy Edmonds (housekeeping) & Mary Edmonds (health care)
  • Jessica Cookmeyer, marketing
  • Desiree Johnson, dining
  • Mujinga Kapanga, health care
  • Mary McLaughlin, daughter of Steve McLaughlin, maintenance
  • Karishma Vahora, daughter of Hamidaben Vahora, housekeeping

Lakewood Opens Align Senior Clinic in Partnership with Ally Align Health

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Clinic offers safe, convenient primary care for all residents

Lakewood, a LifeSpire of Virginia community, and AllyAlign Health, a care management company focused on improving care access and quality of life for residents in senior living communities, are pleased to announce the opening of Align Senior Clinic. The clinic is a collaboration between Lakewood and AllyAlign Health, providing onsite primary care services exclusively for Lakewood residents.

The Align Senior Clinic, located in the Health Services Building on Lakewood’s campus at 1900 Lauderdale Drive in Henrico County, is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.

Designed with input from the Lakewood Resident Advisory Committee and the Lakewood leadership team, the clinic offers service options for all levels of care needs, including clinic-based, home and telehealth visits.

“We are excited about Align Senior Clinic’s ability to provide a wide spectrum of options for all residents in all health levels, ranging from same-day sick visits to concierge-style care for residents who need to be monitored for chronic conditions or who require complete care management,” said Barrett Way, executive director of Lakewood. “This is just one way that Lakewood is elevating the level of service and care for residents so they can live the life they envision.”

The Align Senior Clinic is part of AllyAlign Health’s ongoing commitment to providing innovative care models that improve the wellbeing of senior housing residents. “Now, more than ever, having access to high-quality, safe and convenient care is an expected part of the senior housing community experience,” said Will Saunders, founder and CEO of AllyAlign Health. “Align Senior Clinic furthers our mission to seniors and is representative of Lakewood’s commitment to their residents.”

“This new clinic demonstrates our strong commitment to partner with continuing care retirement communities in a big way moving forward in 2020 and beyond,” said Amy Kaszak, president of special needs plans at AllyAlign Health. “Every resident at Lakewood now has easy access to services to assist them as they transition through the continuum of care.”

LifeSpire of Virginia to Expand Independent Living Options in Culpeper

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25 New Cottages Coming Soon

LifeSpire of Virginia is pleased to announce the expansion of its independent living options at its community in Culpeper, Va. Sitework is underway for 25 new cottages at The Culpeper Retirement Community—a 100-acre continuing care community where residents enjoy a variety of offerings that cater to their individual wellness, social, intellectual and spiritual needs.

Sitework at The Culpeper began in June 2020 with construction scheduled to begin in late summer. The initial phase of the project is to build 25 cottages with an additional 11 cottages possible in future phases. The cottages will be built in five floor plans that range in size from approximately 1,200 square feet to 1,800 square feet.

“This project is fueled by in-depth market and industry research. As a result, this is an exciting time to live at work at The Culpeper as we embark on this venture to bring an innovative product to our community,” said Jonathan Cook, LifeSpire of Virginia president and CEO. “I’m looking forward to seeing The Culpeper continue to grow and welcome new members to our extended LifeSpire of Virginia family.”

The first Culpeper cottages are expected to be available in 2021.

VBH Foundation Announces Influencer Award

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influencer logo

The Virginia Baptist Homes (VBH) Foundation is proud to announce the inaugural 2020 Influencer Awards. 

The Influencer Award is given to a champion of the Foundation from each of LifeSpire of Virginia’s four communities who causes a positive effect on its mission to enhance the lives of our residents at LifeSpire of Virginia. Influencers embody the core values through their spirit, their engagement and their generosity.

The awards recognize the outstanding service of individuals whose efforts take on many forms, including volunteer time, charitable giving and pro bono support. What all of the honorees have in common, however, is the positivity and commitment to the ongoing work of the VBH Foundation: to faithfully support LifeSpire of Virginia’s benevolent mission of providing hope and security for seniors.

Like a tree can’t grow without the influence of the sun, the Foundation cannot grow without the support and generosity of its influencers and supporters—together building vibrant places to live where faith, wellness, and community flourish.

The 2020 Influencers will be honored this fall in each community. An online journal is available for sponsorship ads in recognition of the honorees. For more information about the Influencer Awards and about the four 2020 honorees, please go to www.lifespireliving.org/give/influencer-awards.

Please join us in congratulating:

  • Dr. Edith B. Ellis – Lakewood
  • Dr. Jesse W. Hughes, Jr. – The Chesapeake
  • Rev. Dr. Guy D. Mattox, Jr. – The Culpeper
  • Mrs. Pam Renga – The Glebe

Please contact Mary Beth Moody in the Foundation office at [email protected] or 804-521-9229 with questions or to purchase an ad in support of this year’s honorees.

LifeSpire of Virginia Sponsors 2020 Virtual Walk for Hope

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As part of our ongoing efforts to give back to the communities where we all live and work, LifeSpire of Virginia is pleased to announce that LifeSpire of Virginia is sponsoring the upcoming 2020 Virtual Walk for Hope to benefit HopeTree Family Services—an organization dedicated to empowering families, youth and adults to lead fulfilling lives by fostering hope through God’s love. The event will take place Saturday, July 11. The goal is to raise money and awareness for HopeTree programs.

Because this is a virtual event, anyone can participate. The LifeSpire of Virginia leadership team encourages our team members, residents, families and all interested parties to be active for 30 minutes between the hours of 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. in honor of the Walk for Hope.

Here are some ways you can participate on July 11:

  • Take a walk or bike ride
  • Take your dog for a walk
  • Go for a hike
  • Walk or run on the treadmill
  • Play catch, basketball, or kick a soccer ball around with a friend
  • Wash your family car
  • Do some gardening or yard work
  • Try yoga
  • Dance

Anyone who raises or donates at least $35 will get a 2020 Virtual Walk for Hope shirt. HopeTree will be mailing shirts after the walk.

Register and donate online.

Donations may also be mailed to:
HopeTree Family Services
c/o Janna Lee
PO Box 849
Salem, VA 24153

COVID-19 Baseline Testing Schedule

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Thank you to LifeSpire residents, families and staff for adherence to the precautions and guidelines which have been put in place over the last several months. LifeSpire’s proactive approach to these precautions has proven thus far to be beneficial to all. As the LifeSpire team continues to be vigilant with our efforts to control and prevent the spread of COVID-19, we fully understand that wellness is defined not only by physical status but also psychosocial wellbeing. This is why we are working diligently with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to implement the testing plans and procedures which will enable us to move through the COVID phases, issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), in an expedient manner.

The following provides a high-level understanding of the impact of each phase for residents, families and team members:

  • Phase 1 – Current State: visitation only in end of life circumstance and medical necessity
  • Phase 2 – Small group activities and limited communal dining will be put in place
  • Phase 3 – Indoor visitation will be permitted if appropriate precautions are taken (i.e. screening, facemasks, sanitize hands and social distancing)

The timing as to when each campus will enter each of these phases is based upon the timing and results of testing for COVID-19 which is required by VDH and CMS to enter phase two. This testing involves all residents and team members who either reside or work within healthcare, memory care or assisted living care levels. Everyone will be tested according to VDH requirements, twice over a seven to ten-day period. Each campus consults with a local health department in the respective region to determine actions needed as the testing process begins and is carried out.

To the greatest extent possible, the least invasive short swab test will be used. There will be a special team of employees assigned to carry out these procedures. If there are any positive test results, we will be required to trace the contacts of the infected individual and possibly quarantine residents who have had close contact with this individual. If a resident is infected, they will be placed on quarantine for fourteen days. If a team member is infected, they will be sent home to recover for this same duration.

Although we have taken all precautions and have a generous supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), it is possible that one or more of our campuses yield positive results. This outcome may place a strain on both staffing and PPE inventory. To ensure we mitigate these risks, we are staggering testing dates as follows:

  • The Glebe – Week of June 29
  • The Culpeper – Week of July 13
  • The Chesapeake – Week of July 23              
  • Lakewood – Week of August 4

Please keep in mind that these dates are subject to change based upon prospective receipt of more specific guidelines from VDH. In such cases, we will post alternative dates for this testing and the results related thereto in the COVID-19 section of each campuses’ website. As these dates draw near, please be looking for more detailed correspondence from your campuses’ clinical team. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the health care administrator or executive director of your community.

Averett University Accepting Applications for Online Classes

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Full-Time LifeSpire of Virginia Employees to Receive 40% Off Tuition

LifeSpire of Virginia is pleased to announce that our partner, Averett University, is continuing to operate Averett University Online as normal and has committed to educating our employees. As an Averett partner, full-time LifeSpire of Virginia employees receive a 40% reduction in tuition cost—20% from Averett, plus the 20% match from LifeSpire of Virginia.

Averett University will be offering information sessions for online programs every Tuesday until the end of June. Registration is available online.

The Averett team will assist employees every step of the way. With an extensive offering of programs and support from experienced faculty and staff, Averett University’s online degree programs and online classes offer the flexibility to gain more skills and expand potential—at any time.

The next online session starts on August 12. Applications may be submitted online.

LifeSpire of Virginia Hires Corporate Recruiter

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LifeSpire of Virginia is pleased to announce that Jillian Perez has been named corporate recruiter. Perez was promoted to this position from her previous role as human resources support specialist.

In this role, she will be responsible for developing and implementing recruitment strategies to fill key positions at all LifeSpire of Virginia locations. Additionally, she will provide support to community human resources departments and hiring managers to identify and hire high quality candidates.

“Jillian is a very valuable asset to each of our locations in support of all human resources functions. In recent months, she has also stepped in to assist with recruitment and her efforts have helped the communities tremendously,” said Corporate Director of Human Resources Megan Leftwich. “Focusing solely on recruitment as her full-time role will greatly assist the communities in hiring and retaining the best talent.”

Perez joined the LifeSpire of Virginia team in 2018. She previously worked as a national account manager and administrative assistant at MinistryResource.

Perez and her husband, Steven, reside in Richmond with their French bulldog, Uno.

LifeSpire of Virginia Seeks Temporary Nurse Aides

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Individuals looking to explore a career in the medical field may now apply to be a temporary nurse aide at LifeSpire of Virginia’s four communities. Per guidance issued March 30 by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services, senior living communities like LifeSpire of Virginia’s may permit team members to assume the role of a temporary nurse aide to support nursing staff during the ongoing pandemic.

LifeSpire of Virginia communities will hire new team members as a temporary nurse aids provided they complete the online training offered through the American Health Care Association. The training includes an eight-hour online training followed by an exam. Once the modules are completed and the exam is passed, a certificate of completion is issued and must be presented to the community. No prior health care experience is required.

Core curriculum includes psychosocial well-being, personal safety/emergency care, activities of daily living, infection prevention and control, positioning/moving/restorative care, nutrition/elimination, documentation, advanced/specialty care environments, comfort care/end of life and ethics/law in long term care.

Once the online training is complete, applicants will complete a skills checklist with an onsite nurse before they are approved to start doing nurse aide duties. Current LifeSpire of Virginia team members may also become trained as a temporary nurse aide.

“This is an excellent opportunity for people looking to start a career in the medical field. If they get in the door with this temporary program, enjoy the work and perform well, they can bridge over to getting their certification in the future to continue seeking career growth opportunities within LifeSpire of Virginia. This is a huge asset to our company as we seek to provide quality care to our residents and develop talent in our community.”

Corporate Director of Human Resources Megan Leftwich

Applications may be submitted by email to the following:

The Chesapeake: [email protected]

The Culpeper: [email protected]

The Glebe: [email protected].

Lakewood: [email protected]