As Meth-Wick Community bids farewell to our visionary leader and longtime President and CEO, Robin Mixdorf, we’re taking a moment to reflect on her remarkable journey over the past 25 years.
Through her steadfast leadership, Robin has steered Meth-Wick through significant changes, celebrated milestones, and faced challenges head-on, leaving an indelible mark on the organization and the field of eldercare in our community.
In this final Robin’s Nest, we discuss her time at Meth-Wick, challenges, accomplishments, what she sees for the future, and more.
Q. Reflecting on your 25 years as the director of Meth-Wick Community, what are some of the most significant changes you have witnessed within the organization and in the field of eldercare?
Over the years, we’ve seen a profound shift towards wellness and engagement opportunities for our residents. Additionally, there has been an influx of for-profit assisted living and independent living options, prompting us to continually innovate to meet the evolving needs of our residents. There’s also been a move away from more traditional models of care—such as a move away from patients rehabbing in a nursing facility and being sent straight home from the hospital.
Q. How has Meth-Wick grown and evolved during your tenure, both in terms of its facilities and its approach to care?
During my time at Meth-Wick, we’ve seen substantial growth and transformation. We’ve expanded our facilities with the addition of The Woodlands and the Town Center at The Manor, and independent living spaces like Highland Park and Oakwood, all of which enhance our residents’ living experience.
The addition of bariatric suites benefits not only Meth-Wick but also our community, as there are no other facilities in the area that offer such accommodations.
In terms of approach to care, two significant shifts come to mind: the growth of our Wellness and Recreation department and the implementation of person-centered care (PCC) initiatives.
Meth-Wick is considered a “wellness campus,” as we promote a whole-person wellness model that emphasizes six dimensions of wellness: spiritual, physical, vocational, emotional, intellectual, and social wellness. This provides a wide variety of programming and services for all dimensions and all ability levels, and a dedicated staff to plan, implement, and assist.
Our shift to PCC reflects a significant change in the way we think about long-term care. It focuses on the needs and care preferences of the resident, while considering their abilities, wants, feelings, environment, and experiences. Communication and collaboration with the resident and their family members are also essential elements of the care model. The shift to PCC in nursing homes and assisted living facilities is considered a culture change in the industry, a move away from the traditional model of care which focuses more on structure, compliance, and symptoms of illness.
Our team at The Woodlands was recently recognized for our interdisciplinary team approach and the positive changes it’s brought about for our residents, their families, and our staff.
Q. Can you share a few key milestones or accomplishments that you are particularly proud of during your time leading Meth-Wick?
I’m immensely proud of our ability to continually move forward despite facing numerous challenges, including natural disasters such as a 500-year flood and a derecho, plus a worldwide pandemic. Through resilience and teamwork, we’ve persevered and remained steadfast in our commitment to providing exceptional care to our residents.
Q. What challenges has Meth-Wick faced over the past 25 years, and how did you and your team overcome them?
We’ve encountered various challenges, but by fostering a sense of community and unity among residents and staff, we’ve been able to navigate through them successfully. Building a strong sense of community has been integral to our ethos at Meth-Wick. Our focus on creating an appealing environment both inside and outside our campus has played a crucial role in overcoming obstacles and ensuring the well-being of everyone involved.
Through initiatives that promote inclusivity, collaboration, and celebration of successes, we’ve cultivated a vibrant community where residents feel valued and connected.
Q. Looking towards the future, how do you envision Meth-Wick evolving in the coming years?
As a pioneer in Cedar Rapids senior living, I’m confident Meth-Wick will continue to lead the way in innovation and thought leadership. I foresee the organization continuing to adapt to emerging technologies and evolving healthcare practices to meet the changing needs of our residents while maintaining our commitment to excellence.
Q. As you reflect on your time at Meth-Wick, what memories or experiences stand out to you the most?
Above all, it’s the people—residents, staff, and families—who have made my time at Meth-Wick truly memorable.
Q. How do you personally feel about your retirement, and what are you looking forward to in this next chapter of your life after Meth-Wick?
While I’m excited about embarking on new adventures in retirement, it’s bittersweet to bid farewell to the wonderful community I’ve been a part of for the past 25 years. I will miss the familiar faces and the bonds we’ve formed. Our new adventure will take us away from Iowa, but I leave with the confidence that Meth-Wick is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the future.
The Robin Mixdorf Legacy Fund
As we bid farewell to Robin Mixdorf, we express our deepest gratitude for her exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to Meth-Wick Community. Her legacy will continue to inspire us as we forge ahead into the next chapter of Meth-Wick’s journey, guided by the principles of compassion, innovation, and community.
At the request of numerous residents, families, vendors and community members, we’ve created a special fund in Robin’s name that will support the upcoming UnityPoint Health Clinic on the Meth-Wick campus. Any surplus funds collected will be allocated to two education funds—the Vance J. Coleman Nursing Continuing Education Fund (VJC) and the Funding Our Future Non-Healthcare Education Endowment (FOF).
Learn more, including how you can contribute, on our Donate Page.