4
MARCH 2014
Home Away From Home
The nursing home, which started in 1971, has a num-
ber of unique features. A dog named Jake and two
cats named Sparkle and Sandy Peanut are shared as
pets by all the residents. The nursing home also has a
bird aviary, housed in a large glass structure in one of
the living rooms, which typically has around 10 birds
including babies. While the animals do cause trouble
at times (during holiday festivities the cats got into
wrapping paper and the Christmas tree), they contrib-
ute to a homey atmosphere.
Unlike many nursing homes, which are owned by large
corporations, Linn Community Nursing Home is a
faith-based, not-for-profit organization. It’s supported
by local churches and the city of Linn. Church members
also serve on the nursing home’s advisory board.
Wohler notes that the nursing home is on the edge
of town, adjacent to farmland. This location brings
back memories for many residents. She says, “The
majority of residents came from farms, so they know
what’s being planted in the area, how it should look,
when it should be harvested, and so on.”
Other unique features include spa-like bathing with
a whirlpool, a beauty-barber shop, and an outdoor
patio. An on-site daycare center offers childcare services
for employees and community members. Additionally,
the nursing home focuses on resident comfort with
restaurant-style dining, complete with menus.
Feeling Better by Staying Busy
As with other nursing homes, residents have a variety
of activities to choose from each day. They include:
• Car trips such as touring local Christmas lights
• Shopping trips to Wal-Mart and other stores
• Going to Kansas City Royals games and
basketball games
• Visiting Rolling Hills Zoo
• Attending local parades
• Going out to eat for chicken fries and other
special meals
On-site activities include happy hours, monthly birth-
day parties, summer barbeques, and performances
by local school children. Because the nursing home is
Linn Community Nursing Home
Using technology to decrease paperwork and increase the quality of resident care
Above left:
Paperless charting
helps the staff keep
records more
efficiently.
Above right:
Noodle ball is a
favorite activity of
residents and staff!
Page 5:
Nurses at Linn
Community Nursing
Home do all their
charting on laptops.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Linn Community Nursing Home is more than just a home for residents; it’s a
community. Janell Wohler, Administrator at the nursing home, says, “Our residents
and staff become each other’s extended family. They get to know each other.”
