Ringing the Bell for a Memorable Discharge

By Sarah Smith, DOR, The Healthcare Resort of Leawood, KS

The famous “bell ringing” ceremony has truly become something special at The Healthcare Resort of Leawood. The idea came about one afternoon in one of Leawood’s business development meetings. The department heads sat in a circle discussing strategies to ensure a positive and memorable discharge experience for residents leaving the facility. The executive director, Peter Kautz, came up with the idea to have a bell purchased, displayed, and rung to celebrate residents meeting their goals.

With help from the maintenance team, a bell was secured to a wooden post and placed near the front entrance. The ringing of the brass bell has become an inspiring and meaningful moment shared not only with the resident and their loved ones but also with members of the interdisciplinary team. During a bell ringing ceremony, the department heads and floor staff are all invited to line up, clap, and congratulate the resident as they make their way toward the front entrance. Before exiting the building, the resident is cheered on by staff as they ring the bell.

It is inspiring for the team to come together and celebrate such an accomplishment — from Admissions/Marketing to Nursing, Therapy, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Dietary, Social Services, and everyone in between. This ceremony has shown what a beautiful impact the ONE Clinical movement can achieve.

Peter Kautz, Executive Director, states: “It’s so important because it’s the product of all the work and effort that everyone in the building put together. The residents tear up, and the families tear up. It just means a whole lot to everybody, and that’s why we’re here.”