Sunny Hill Administrator elected Vice President of statewide group

   

JOLIET – Becky Haldorson, assistant administrator at Sunny Hill Skilled Rehab Center, has been elected vice president of the Illinois Pioneer Coalition during the organization’s recent two-day conference.

The Pioneer Movement advocates a cultural change in nursing homes that promotes more choices for residents.

Sunny Hill, the Will County-owned nursing home, is a member of the network and has been making changes that reflect that philosophy. One example is the transition to buffet dining that offers residents more choice at meal time.

Will County Executive Larry Walsh praised Haldorson for her efforts.

“Becky’s continued and expanding role in the Pioneer Movement is a reflection of the commitment I have to Sunny Hill and its residents,” Walsh said.

“Working together with Sunny Hill Administrator Karen Sorbero, we are truly working toward making Sunny Hill a real home for those who live there.”

Haldorson, who facilitates the regional Pioneer group that covers Will, Grundy and Kankakee counties, will serve in her state role for one year. She will then remain on the group’s board of directors for two additional years.

Haldorson said the group had been working informally until the Oct. 12-13 conference.

“It was a monumental week for us. We adopted by-laws and elected our first board of directors,” she said.

Waiting to organize really paid off for the group. “It was worth it. We really got our direction down.

“Now that we have our organizational structure, we can move forward in spreading the message of cultural change in long-term care.”

Anyone interested in learning more about Pioneer Movement can contact Haldorson at (815) 774-4375 or by e-mail at bhaldorson@willcountyillinois.com.