River City Six: Virginia Leacock

Brookestone Meadows Rehabilitation & Care Center (www.brookestonemeadows.com) is a skilled nursing facility located in Elkhorn, NE that provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term care as needed to those in the greater Omaha area. Virginia Leacock is the Administrator at Brookestone Meadows Rehabilitation & Care Center.

Tell us a little bit about your business.

Brookestone Meadows is a proud member of the Vetter Senior Living family, with caring, experienced professionals who provide exceptional care. We’ve created a culture of rehabilitation and overall improvement of health, with a team that’s dedicated to encouraging and motivating patients to excel in therapy and regain daily life skills. The facility offers state-of-the-art technology and therapy equipment, including aquatic therapy and the Alter G anti-gravity treadmill, and continues to enhance its offerings to promote successful outcomes. All operating decisions are made locally to ensure that every center remains responsive to the needs of its residents and communities. This month we are celebrating a major milestone, having served almost 10,000 families in 10 years. It’s such a blessing, and a testament to fulfilling our mission, vision, and values for all of the people we’ve been entrusted to care for throughout the past decade.

How did you get started in the business?

I grew up near a rural nursing home where I was allowed to be a volunteer as a small child. I started working there at 14, and then went on to work at other facilities in dietary, laundry, housekeeping, grounds, maintenance, billing, reception and as a nursing assistant. I love having been able to learn so many aspects of operations and having so many different experiences that I can apply to making our facility outstanding in my current role.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

There is constant pressure to reduce Medicare and Medicaid funding. The elderly in this country need this funding for quality care. A facility cannot provide quality care without proper reimbursement. It is a matter that requires constant advocacy and education.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

Taking facilities that have experienced deficiencies and helping them to construct quality, measurable practices for better patient outcomes.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

A friend who was very active with legislation and grassroots advocacy took me under their wing and taught me a lot about those efforts. I became very active. I feel that it is very important to do all you can to have a positive impact on your industry, help to advocate for those you care for and their specialized needs, and establish relationships that help educate our legislators so that they can make informed decisions on our behalf.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?

I love to ride a motorcycle. It’s very stress relieving to be in the sun and wind.

What are you most proud of?

My family.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Don’t worry what others are doing in tough times. Stand tall, have conviction, and trust the process.

If you could choose one word to be remembered as, what would it be?

Gracious.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Phone: (402) 289-2696; Website: www.brookestonemeadows.com.