Crown Pointe Estates Care Center Wins Excellence in the Workplace Award from LeadingAge Iowa
Crown Pointe Estates Care Center has been honored with the “Excellence in the Workplace” award by LeadingAge, an association representing non-profit aging services providers. The award is given to a program that demonstrates in policy and practice that investing in the staff and workplace environment are critical to the delivery of quality care and services. The winner shall demonstrate innovation in workforce development policies and practices and ensures that all levels of staff obtain training.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Crown Pointe Estates Care Center experienced significant staffing challenges as many long-term care professionals left the field due to burnout. At the same time, the opening of a new 32-resident household in July 2022 accelerated our need for additional staff. To maintain high-quality care, we temporarily relied on contract team members while actively rebuilding our internal workforce.
This reliance peaked between October and December 2023, when contract hours reached 13,609.93—equivalent to more than 26 full-time employees. Recognizing the need for a sustainable solution, leadership across nursing, Human Resources, and administration collaborated on a strategic initiative focused on recruitment, retention, and culture improvement.
Over the next two years, these efforts produced strong results. Weekly contract staffing decreased from 30 individuals to just 5, and 15 contract team members transitioned into permanent roles. As staffing stabilized, hiring bonuses were phased out. At the same time, we saw meaningful improvements in communication, regulatory alignment, and consistency of care.
Through a focused and collaborative approach, our organization successfully reduced contract reliance while strengthening team culture and enhancing the overall care experience for residents and staff.
“The past three years have marked a period of growth and transformation for our team. Throughout numerous changes, our staff consistently demonstrated adaptability, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Advancements included transitioning from one Director of Nursing to two with one focusing on hiring, coaching and education and the second focusing on quality measures and long-term care regulations; adding a nurse and aide/med aide education team who enhanced training programs to ensure both temporary and permanent staff meet the same high standards of care. Our scheduling professional also played a critical role in reinforcing expectations and supporting staff reliability,” says Karen Bentsen, Senior Services Officer, Crown Pointe Estates.
“Just as important has been the culture our team has built. Our staff take great pride in caring for residents as if they were family, creating a sense of comfort and familiarity that is essential in a place our residents call home. We have seen a significant shift from staffing challenges to a team that is engaged, dependable, and eager to contribute. I am incredibly proud of how our team has come together to prioritize the well-being of our residents while fostering a strong, supportive workplace.”
Recipients will receive their award at a statewide recognition ceremony at LeadingAge Iowa's Annual Conference on May 6-7 at The Meadows Events & Conference Center in Altoona.
Crown Pointe Estates is a community built on hope, health, and healing, nestled in Sioux Center, Iowa. More than just a place to live, Crown Pointe feels like a home. Living options at Crown Pointe Estates offer care at all levels, from independent and assisted living to memory care and skilled long-term care.
LeadingAge Iowa’s mission is to be the voice, support, and connector for non-profit members and the people they serve; its vision is to be the champion for advancement and innovation in aging services. LeadingAge Iowa represents a spectrum of non-profit providers including skilled nursing, assisted and independent living, home health, adult day care, respite, hospice and home-delivered meals.