Valley Senior Living premieres docuseries to support workforce recruitment

The familiar scent of cinnamon and freshly baked bread often fills the air at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks, a comforting aroma that speaks to a place of warmth and connection. But beyond the pleasantries, a critical challenge faces long-term care facilities across North Dakota and the nation: attracting and retaining dedicated caregivers. To address this, Valley Senior Living has partnered with the North Dakota Long Term Care Association to create a docuseries, “People Worth Caring About,” designed to reshape public perception and inspire a new generation to consider careers in this vital field. This initiative isn’t merely a recruitment tool; it's a heartfelt effort to illuminate the profound impact these facilities have on the lives of residents and the dedicated individuals who serve them.

The Project: “People Worth Caring About”

The docuseries, subtitled “Real people. Real stories. A different look at long term care,” is a two-hour exploration of life in North Dakota’s long-term care facilities. Valley Senior Living, selected as one of just seven facilities statewide for participation, is featured in a 22-minute segment that premiered to residents on Thursday. The partnership with the North Dakota Long Term Care Association aims to highlight the rewarding nature of careers in long-term care and counter negative perceptions that often deter potential employees. The North Dakota Long Term Care Association represents facilities across the state, advocating for quality care and supporting their workforce. The complete docuseries will be shared with donors and foundation members, broadening its reach and impact.

The production, spearheaded by Peter Murphy Lewis and teams from Strategic Pete and Colomba Films based in Wichita, Kansas, focused on showcasing the relationships between residents and caregivers. Filming took place in May and captured moments like music therapist Lindsey Moffitt's work with long-time resident Bette Sorlie, and the recording of a resident’s heartbeat set to a song about her children—a poignant effort to strengthen memory and evoke cherished recollections. These intimate scenes underscore the human connection at the heart of long-term care, often obscured by broader systemic challenges. Sally Grosgebauer, the facility’s director of marketing, emphasized the project’s goal: “to show a side of long-term care that doesn’t always make the news.”

The Challenge of Caregiver Recruitment

The initiative comes at a crucial time, as long-term care facilities nationwide grapple with staffing shortages and a growing need for compassionate caregivers. According to the North Dakota Long Term Care Association, the state is facing a shortage of over 1,000 caregivers. The docuseries isn't just about filling vacancies; it’s about attracting individuals who are genuinely drawn to a career centered on human connection and purpose. The project aims to demonstrate that long-term care offers not only a stable career path but also the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, fostering a sense of fulfillment often lacking in other professions. This is particularly important as the population ages and the demand for long-term care services continues to rise.

What Makes Valley Senior Living Special?

Unique Programs

Jenny Selnes, director of nursing at Valley Senior Living, explained that the facility stood out during the application process for the docuseries due to its unique programs. These include a music therapy program, which provides residents with therapeutic activities and opportunities for creative expression, and an in-house Head Start program where residents can interact with young children, fostering intergenerational connections and a sense of purpose. Lindsey Moffitt, the music therapist, expressed her enjoyment of her work, saying, “you get to know the residents,” a sentiment contrasting sharply with the often impersonal nature of hospital settings.

Resident Stories

The docuseries features several residents, including Bette Sorlie, affectionately known as “Bette Boop.” Sorlie shared her love for Valley Senior Living, calling it “a good place.” Moffitt’s work with Sorlie exemplifies the therapeutic power of music, as she recorded a resident’s heartbeat set to a song about her children, aiming to strengthen memory and relive happy times. These personal testimonials underscore the importance of fostering genuine connections and creating a supportive community within long-term care settings—a message the docuseries seeks to amplify.

Looking Ahead

Garth Rydland, president and CEO of Valley Senior Living, believes the docuseries will serve as a valuable tool for employee orientation, illustrating the profound impact caregivers have on residents’ lives. He also emphasized the project's potential to change perceptions and encourage a new generation to consider careers in long-term care. 'It’s a great way to promote long-term care in our state,' Rydland said. The facility plans to use the segment as a recruitment tool, showcasing the rewarding aspects of working in long-term care to potential employees.

The ongoing challenge will be sustaining this momentum and ensuring that the positive message conveyed in the docuseries translates into tangible support for long-term care facilities. This includes advocating for policies that improve wages and working conditions for caregivers, increasing access to training and professional development opportunities, and fostering a culture of appreciation and respect for those who dedicate their lives to serving others. The City of Grand Forks is committed to supporting local businesses and organizations that contribute to the well-being of the community, and Valley Senior Living’s efforts align with that mission. City of Grand Forks

Resources and Opportunities

For those interested in learning more about Valley Senior Living and its programs, visit their website at Valley Senior Living website. Individuals seeking career opportunities in long-term care can find information and job postings on the North Dakota Long Term Care Association’s website: ndltca.org. Those wanting to support Valley Senior Living can contact Sally Grosgebauer, director of marketing, directly at the facility. The Grand Forks community offers numerous volunteer opportunities for those wishing to contribute to the well-being of seniors, information on which can be found through the City of Grand Forks website website.

Ultimately, the “People Worth Caring About” docuseries serves as a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the importance of valuing those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. It is a story that deserves to be shared, celebrated, and acted upon, for the benefit of our communities and the generations to come.

The project also opens a window into long-term care for students heading into college or people who are looking for a second or third career in a field that is rewarding. Sally Grosgebauer, director of marketing at Valley Senior Living, noted that the project aims to change perceptions of long-term care and introduce a new generation to careers in the field by highlighting caregivers, nurses, therapists, and others through character-driven storytelling. 'The long-term care community is trying a different approach to telling its story, particularly at a time when recruiting the next generation of caregivers is so important,' she said.