Bartholomees, the new Tonganoxie Nursing Center administrator, replaces Mike Truman, who left the position because of family ties in Wichita.

Most recently, Bartholomees worked for the Tuterra Group at Plaza Manor in Kansas City, Mo. And, prior to that, he worked for Deaconess Long-Term Care at Park Place in Raytown.

“I was ready for a change,” Bartholomees said. “I need to be challenged in my work … Working here isn’t necessarily a big challenge, but it is something different.”

Bartholomees said the employees at the nursing center genuinely enjoy their work.

“This group has a high level of sincerity and they work really well as a team,” he said.

“I am definitely a people person,” Bartholomees said. “I have met a lot of neat people in long-term care.”

Even though Bartholomees has had only been in Tongan-oxie for a few days, he already has some goals in mind.

He wants there to be more community involvement with the residents. And, he would like to see the residents more involved in the community.

“I want to strengthen the ties,” Bartholomees said.

He said sometimes when elderly people become residents in a long-term care center they lose all ties with home. They can lose a sense of who they are. Bartholomees plans to initiate a volunteer program at the nursing center.

Another goal is staff development. He wants those on staff to know that they are needed and appreciated.

Also, he wants to always keep a good quality staff at the nursing center.