Programs

New LED Lighting

Gundersen Tweeten Care Center is looking at the facility in a whole new light, literally. The facility updated their lighting this winter to new LED (Light Emitting Diode) technologies. 

The new lighting system automatically changes colors and intensities throughout the day in common areas to simulate a beautiful Minnesota summer day. The lighting in the residents rooms has a daytime bulb to promote alertness and a nighttime light that is a warm color, like a campfire, to promote sound sleep at night.

Research supports effects of this type of lighting can lead to reduction of falls, reduction of behaviors, decreased use of psychotropic medication and better moods.

Music and memory

Our Music and Memory Program brings personalized music into the lives of the elderly or infirm through digital music technology, vastly improving quality of life. We train nursing home staff and other elder care professionals as well as family caregivers, how to create and provide personalized playlists using iPods and related digital audio systems that enable those struggling with Alzheimer's, dementia and other cognitive and physical challenges to reconnect with the world through music-triggered memories." Gundersen Tweeten Care Center in Spring Grove is in the process of implementing this program with their patients.

Essential oils

Essential oils are extracts of the plants that are used to restore balance to the body primarily through olfactory stimulation. The chemical aspects of the essential oil triggers the limbic system of the brain which affects mood, emotions, memory and learning. Care of the resident's mind, body, and spirit contribute to the healing environment at Gundersen Tweeten Care Center. Essential oils are used to complement and support healing care of our residents. The use of essential oils may enhance resident healing through:

• Reduction of resident stress/anxiety, perception of pain, and nausea;
• Promotion of resident relaxation and sleep.

Compassionate Touch^®

Compassionate Touch is an evidence-based, relationship-centered, practical, proactive and cost-effective approach combining skilled touch with compassionate presence. It's a tool that can help establish holistic dementia care while meeting regulatory requirements.

Compassionate Touch brings together the world of medical technology with the human side of care.

Antibiotic Stewardship 

Gundersen Tweeten Care Center strives to use antibiotics carefully and with our residents' best interests in mind to minimize infection and make thoughtful decisions about how to treat infections when they occur.

We pledge to avoid unneeded use and to monitor our usage practices and provider habits. This is done by developing and regularly reviewing guidelines and procedures for when an antibiotic may be necessary to treat a suspected infection.

Our infection preventionist can answer questions you have about our Antibiotic Stewardship Program.