Harris Brings History of Healthcare to Salt River

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By Mark Requet

  Salt River Community Care is currently in a transition period to becoming a Baptist Homes Healthcare facility and helping to lead that effort is Executive Director Kimberly Harris. Harris started in the position in October of 2023.

  Harris comes from a long history of healthcare.

  “It’s kind of diverse with a focus in health care,” Harris said of her previous experience. “I was an administrator in Illinois before coming here. I’ve worked in a hospital in management for several years, social service, as an activity director, and have run an alzheimer’s unit.”

  She also worked for the Department of Corrections for several years.

  “I saw there was a need here, and honestly, I really believe in the mission of the Baptist Homes. That is what attracted me here to this facility,” said Harris. “I know that we’re in the transition of Salt River becoming a Baptist Homes facility. I really appreciate the vision and the value system behind the Baptist Homes and feel like I could stand behind that and want to be a part of that.”

  She added she is glad to be at the facility and is excited about the future.

  “This is a great community. I come from a small town in Illinois, so this is very familiar and comfortable for me,” stated Harris. “We got a great staff and great residents, so this facility is just in a season of transition, and I feel it’s a great opportunity to be a part of it.

  “I’m super excited about bringing my experience and my knowledge,” said Harris, who is looking forward to several changes.”

  Right now, the facility is hiring a memory unit coordinator and hiring staff that is designated to work in the memory unit. Salt River is also redesigning the memory unit as far as aesthetics and programming.

  A whole new activity program will be created and geared for the alzheimer and dementia patients and also implementing programs that are family friendly.

  “We want to have more families engaged with their loved ones that are in the unit,” said Harris.

  During the spring or summer, Harris would like to get to a point where Salt River will offer an internal support group for families. Then eventually reach a point where community education about alzheimer and dementia are offered.

  Harris said Salt River is now “Agency Free” and she is proud of that situation.

   Salt River has hired 25-30 staff members, and they are almost fully staffed.

  “As always in any healthcare, we can use CNAs or techs,” said Harris.

  SRCC has increased its wage scales and Harris believes that had drawn a lot of individuals to come back to the facility who have worked there previously.

  “I think with the changeover to Baptist Homes, people are getting more excited,” said Harris.

  Harris said with Agency not being in the building, Salt River has staff now that know their residents and take care of them with consistency and care.

  “Our family and our community know our staff, so when they come in, they’re seeing the same people, and they know who is taking care of their loved ones. I think that builds trust and you’re getting a consistency of care,” said Harris.

  Harris said Salt River is really focused on quality of care and making sure they are meeting the resident’s needs the best they can.

  With a few changes with staff leadership the facility is getting ready to roll out more education and training programs.

  “We’re really excited about investing in our staff, getting them educated and trained to the best of their ability to do their job,” said Harris.

  Regarding residency at Salt River, Harris said there is space still available.

  SRCC is taking referrals now, and as the ‘word of mouth’ is getting out there about making these changes, Harris thinks interest is arising for individuals to come here.

  Harris said Salt River must make sure patient’s healthcare needs are being met.

  “We definitely have a screening process. Anyone interested can reach out to us and our team will financially and medically process that referral,” added Harris.