UltraGroup Healthcare News
- kdick36
- 29 minutes ago
- 7 min read
News & Inspiration | JAN 2026
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Meet, Kookie!
During the recent holiday season, the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Senior Life Solutions team welcomed a new (and very mischievous) member—Kookie. Each day, the staff chose a fun theme, and Meghan, the therapist, used it to kick off the morning with patients, setting a positive tone for the day.
One day, Kookie delivered Little Debbie Christmas trees along with a note about the importance of giving. Meghan then used the theme of giving to spark meaningful discussion during group psychotherapy. On another day, Kookie challenged everyone to a game of tic-tac-toe—marshmallow game pieces and all—bringing smiles, laughter, and friendly competition to the group.
This was the first year the team introduced Kookie, and the experience was a hit with both staff and patients. Each morning, patients eagerly looked forward to seeing what Kookie was up to next, adding a touch of surprise, connection, and joy throughout the holiday season.
Bringing the Team Together
UltraGroup hosted the Northern Indiana Holiday Luncheon in Fort Wayne, Indiana, bringing together staff from Parkview LaGrange and Parkview Wabash for a festive afternoon of connection and celebration. The luncheon was filled with laughter, warmth, and meaningful conversation, providing a wonderful opportunity for colleagues to connect outside of their daily work and celebrate the season together.
UltraGroup Hosts 2025 Central Illinois Holiday Luncheon
UltraGroup hosted its 2025 Central Illinois Holiday Luncheon in Springfield, bringing together hospital partners for a warm and festive celebration of the season. Attendees included teams from Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville, Mason District Hospital in Havana, Paris Horizon Health in Paris, Staunton Memorial Hospital in Staunton, Carlinville Area Hospital in Carlinville, and Taylorville Memorial Hospital in Taylorville.
Kenna Johnson and Allen Creamean of UltraGroup served as gracious hosts, welcoming guests and fostering connection and conversation among colleagues from across the region. The gathering offered an opportunity to reflect on the past year, strengthen partnerships, and celebrate shared successes.
The event was further enriched by the presence of Drs. Woerner, Johnson, and Alexander, whose attendance underscored the collaborative spirit between clinical and administrative leaders. Overall, the luncheon provided a meaningful time of fellowship, appreciation, and holiday cheer for all who attended.
A Legacy of Service
UltraGroup recently celebrated Dr. Phil Woerner during the Central Illinois Holiday Luncheon, recognizing his remarkable service to the Senior Life Solutions program at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville, Illinois.
Dr. Woerner served as Medical Director of Senior Life Solutions for 13 years, launching the program after initially entering retirement and continuing to practice until age 91. His commitment was driven by a desire to give back to the community, and his compassionate leadership has left a lasting impact on patients, staff, and colleagues alike. Sara Barrientos, LCSW and program director, shared, “He has a serving heart and truly cares about people.”
During the luncheon, Dr. Alexander reflected on their time working together, noting that Dr. Woerner “took me under his wing,” and spoke highly of his mentorship and character.
As he transitions into retirement, Dr. Woerner looks forward to traveling and spending time with family, while continuing to provide consultation to psychiatric providers in the region. UltraGroup is grateful for Dr. Woerner’s dedication, leadership, and the legacy of compassionate care he has built within the Senior Life Solutions program and the Rushville community.
Building Relationships through the Community Church
Andy Tanaro, LCSW and KenYatta Williams, RN/PD from Senior Perspectives at the Med Center in Franklin and Scottsville had the privilege of presenting at the new Single Senior Adult Group at Calvary Baptist Church. Forty-four people attended and learned about depression in older adults and the services that Senior Perspectives offers.
Celebrations at Breckenridge Health
The staff from Tranquility at Breckenridge Health and UltraGroup celebrated the holiday season at Le Moo in Louisville.
Congratulations to Monika!
Monika Kieslich, PRN RN, with Tranquility at Breckenridge Health, celebrated becoming a US citizen on January 15. Monika has lived in the US for 30 years. She is now a citizen in both Germany and the US.
Ornament Contest Brings Community Together
The Parkview Wabash Senior Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) recently hosted its annual Ornament Contest, inviting participants, staff, and community members to showcase their creativity and holiday spirit. The festive event featured a wide variety of handmade ornaments, with first, second, and third place prizes awarded to standout creations.
Attendees also enjoyed a hot cocoa bar and snacks, adding to the warm and cheerful atmosphere. In total, 57 guests signed in, and 43 cups of hot cocoa were served alongside cookies, making it a well-attended and spirited gathering.
Janine Caley, RN and program nurse, shared, “It was such a wonderful way to see the community come together.” Events like this highlight the program’s commitment to fostering connection, creativity, and joy during the holiday season. Great job, Parkview Wabash Senior Mental Health Program!
Southern Illinois Hospital Luncheon
UltraGroup recently hosted the 2025 Southern Illinois Hospital Luncheon in Herrin, Illinois, bringing together team members from Hamilton Memorial, Salem Township, Fairfield Memorial, The Franklin Hospital, and Pinckneyville Community. The event provided an opportunity for programs to connect, share experiences, and strengthen collaboration across the region.
Attendees enjoyed lunch together and time for meaningful conversation, highlighting the strong camaraderie among the Southern Illinois teams. Dr. Johnson was also in attendance, adding to the celebration and fellowship of the gathering.
The luncheon served as a wonderful reminder of the dedication and partnership that support Senior Life Solutions programs throughout Southern Illinois.
Silver Bells
As the holiday season approached, the halls of Massac Memorial Hospital were filled with more than the usual bustle—they carried the quiet excitement of giving. For the eighth year in a row, the New Beginnings program brought its beloved Silver Bells holiday initiative to life, continuing a tradition rooted in compassion and community care.
This year, Silver Bells touched the lives of 34 older adults across the community, providing them with thoughtfully chosen gifts and essential toiletry items. Each package represented more than a holiday present—it was a reminder that they were seen, valued, and remembered during a season that can often feel lonely for seniors.
The success of the program was made possible through the generosity of many. Individuals and community groups stepped forward to sponsor recipients, hospital departments organized toiletry collections, and additional support came through donations and grants. Together, these efforts created a ripple of kindness that extended far beyond the hospital walls.
Through Silver Bells, New Beginnings continues to turn goodwill into action, ensuring that the spirit of the holidays reaches those who need it most. As the program celebrates another successful year, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with open hearts—and a shared commitment to new beginnings.
Building a Culture of Quality Through Routine Chart Audits
In senior behavioral health outpatient programs, quality care is built on more than compassionate clinical interactions - it is also grounded in strong documentation practices. One of the most effective ways to ensure that care remains safe, compliant, and person-centered is through routine internal chart audits.
Internal chart audits provide programs with a structured opportunity to review clinical documentation, verify regulatory compliance, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. When conducted regularly, they serve as a proactive quality assurance tool rather than a reactive response to external reviews or surveys.
Promoting Clinical Quality and Continuity of Care
Accurate and complete clinical records help ensure that every member of the care team has a clear understanding of each patient’s goals, progress, and ongoing needs. Chart audits help confirm that treatment plans are individualized, progress notes reflect patient participation and clinical decision-making, and discharge planning supports a smooth transition to the next level of care. This consistency is especially critical in senior populations, where complex medical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs often intersect.
Strengthening Compliance and Risk Management
Senior IOPs operate within a highly regulated environment that includes federal, state, and accreditation standards. Internal audits help verify that required elements - such as consents, assessments, physician orders, treatment plans, and signatures - are present and completed within required timeframes. By identifying gaps early, programs can reduce the risk of citations, reimbursement denials, or legal exposure.
Supporting Staff Development & Engagement
Chart audits are not just about finding errors; they are also a valuable educational tool. Sharing audit results with clinical and administrative staff promotes clarity around documentation expectations and highlights best practices. This feedback loop encourages consistency across the team and reinforces a culture of accountability and professional growth.
Enhancing Patient-Centered Outcomes
When documentation accurately reflects the patient’s voice, goals, and progress, it strengthens the program’s ability to measure outcomes and demonstrate value. Internal audits help ensure that care remains aligned with each senior’s evolving needs, preferences, and discharge goals, supporting more meaningful and measurable treatment success.
Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement
Ultimately, internal chart audits help shift the focus from compliance alone to quality improvement. Trends identified through audits - such as recurring documentation challenges or workflow barriers - can inform policy updates, targeted training, and process enhancements.
Recommendations
Conduct chart audits monthly using the program director chart audit tool located in tab 8 under form # 08.03.07.
Complete audits on all admits within 7 days of admission. Monthly audits should be at least 30% of active records. You may increase this frequency if audit findings show significant deficiencies (e.g., missing documentation, incomplete assessments, incorrectly completed documentation).
Review findings with your teams during monthly team meetings.
Develop action plans to address deficiencies and follow up with staff until issue is resolved.
By making internal chart audits a routine part of operations, senior behavioral health IOPs can reinforce their commitment to excellence, regulatory integrity, and compassionate, patient-centered care - ensuring that every chart tells a clear, accurate, and meaningful story of each patient’s journey.
