Larson brings years of experience to new role as Glenhaven, Inc. administrator
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Kevin Larson, Glenhaven Administrator
By Missy Klatt
Kevin Larson joined the team at Glenhaven Care facility on July 11. He brings with him over 36 years of healthcare administration experience; management, operations and oversight of healthcare organizations. He attended UW-Eau Claire, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and has earned his master’s certificates at both UW-Madison and St. Thomas in St. Paul.
Larson who lives between Glenwood City and Spring Valley (closer to Spring Valley actually), previously worked in Spring Valley.
Since starting Larson has had a warm welcome from all at Glenhaven. He remarks that the leadership team on the board has been very welcoming. “I’m very excited to work with them.” He continues by saying that they have a great team here already and that he is honored to be welcomed into the circle and be a part of it. He’s looking forward to helping provide leadership experience as they move forward.
Of the staff, he praises their skill and professionalism. Larson’s cheery personality also seems to have won over the residents as he continues to get to know them and remember names. He’s enjoyed interacting with the residents during their activity time and has even called Bingo. He’s also enjoyed meeting some of the families and getting to know them.
When asked about more community activities to be held at Glenhaven Larson commented “Healthcare is still struggling to come out of the Pandemic.” They are still trying to figure out what the new normal is going to be however he states that they definitely want more engagement from the community again. He’s talked to a few community members who stated that they used to volunteer and he replied well let’s get that started again.
He does admit though that they are still trying to figure out exactly what is appropriate, what’s safe, etc. He said people realize that the elderly are more frail and that some people are little leary about volunteering not knowing if it’s okay or not. However Larson goes on to say that “the social aspect is some of the best medicine when they can socialize and get visits and hear people come in and do music or anything of that nature.”
He hopes to eventually bring back a lot of the prepandemic events, like the Mother’s Day tea and other activities that have the residents interacting with members of the community. He feels these events are so important for the residents.
Going forward, one of Glenhavens’ main objectives is to increase their staffing to where they want it so they can admit more people again. “We can’t have admissions without staff.” Right now it’s a matter of finding the right talent that want to be part of the healthcare sector. He jokes, it’s not for everybody. They want to make sure that they find those that are really good at healthcare and make them part of their team. Not only are they competing against other healthcare facilities, Larson states that they are also competing against the fast food sector and Kwik Trip who has upped their game (as far as wages and benefits).
While traveling nurses and assistants have helped fill a need, Larson remarks that ideally we want to use them as emergency fill in type as opposed to a regular week in week out type of employees.
Larson enthuses that the building is beautiful however there is/will be a lot of up keep on it so Capital Maintenance will become very important as part of the budget. Funds of this nature will have to be carefully looked at because usually they are planned out in three and five year increments. This along with staffing are two of the biggest prioritys currently.
As for other changes he acknowledges, “we’re always at the mercy of regulations.” He remarks that after an election and a new administration takes over there always seems to be some new regulations that they have to comply with. Currently they are subjected to annual inspections in Glenhaven (the skilled nursing area). While Grand Oaks and Havenwood are subject to inspections every two to three years. Inspections are done by state employees but at the skilled nursing level they follow federal regulations. Grand Oaks and Havenwood are inspected by state employees following state regulations.
Despite all the regulations and mountain of forms that need to be filled out Larson praises the staff by saying that “the culture here is warm but professional.” He’s very impressed by how welcoming they are, “it’s a really nice organization.” He’s thankful that he was asked to join the team and provide some leadership.
In his free time, Larson and his wife, Peggy, who is a teacher in the Menomonie School District enjoy spending time outside. They are both avid hikers and enjoy hiking the Ice Age trail in Wisconsin. They recently also had the opportunity to hike some parts of the Appalachian Trail. In the winter time Larson can be found on the ski hills in Red Wing at Welsh Village as part of the ski patrol. He describes it as being a first responder on skis. Actually though he said their level of training is above a first responder but lower than an EMT.
Larson and Peggy have four grown children and three grand kids and have been active in 4-H over the years. They both judge at several fairs in the area and judging at the St. Croix fair was one of ways he first got to know a bit about Glenwood City. Larson did comment that his wife has more flexibility since she is off for the summers so she ends up judging at more fairs than he is able to. Larson also enjoys doing shooting sports.
