ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD GOES TO CHUCK HOFIUS OF PERHAM MEMORIAL HOME

Leadership requires going deeper than knowing what to do and how to do it. It requires vision, perseverance and thinking big, as those who nominated Chuck Hofius, CEO/Administrator of Perham Memorial Hospital and Home, as Administrator of the Year attested.

Hofius received the coveted award during the MHHA Institute for Older Adult Services, which draws more than 3,000 caregivers, nursing home administrators, senior housing managers and other aging services professionals for three days of education, networking and exhibits. It is held annually in February at the Hyatt hotel in Minneapolis. Nominations for the award came from across the state.

Hofius was lauded for his dedication, energy and drive to serve. He was praised for the foresight and work in championing a $14 million major remodel project and new building construction of the nursing home coupled with a total overhaul of the model of care.

Staff at the nursing home say that Hofius' leadership has challenged everyone to rethink the "why" they do what they do. Are the routines and systems benefiting the residents? Or, do they just make life easier for the staff. If so, say goodbye to those!

Hofius involved staff, residents, family members of residents and community members in developing what is recognized as a statewide model for nursing homes both in terms of care of residents and environment for workers.

The husband of a resident wrote, “When I think of Chuck Hofius, I think of a man who lives like it says in the Bible: We must not push ourselves forward, but quietly do what is right."

One of the success stories at the home came through cross training of staff, meaning that everyone needs to know about housekeeping, laundry, dietary and social services, etc. Chuck gave his staff the tools they needed to learn the new model and the result, according to staff, was that rather than having people say "it's not my job" or "I have no idea how to do that" staff found ways to broaden their work scope.

A staff member with 17 years at the Perham Memorial Home supported the nomination for this award with these words: "Because of the changes that Chuck has helped to develop, I absolutely love what I do and what we have been able to accomplish. The quality of life for our residents has increased an immeasurable amount and that, after all, is the most important element."

Minnesota Health & Housing Alliance (MHHA) is Minnesota's largest membership association representing faith- and community-based providers of aging services. MHHA represents the complete continuum of services for older adults including nursing home care, senior housing with supportive services, independent senior housing and community-based services.

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