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Hughes Health & Rehabilitation selected to receive the Java Music Club Program, An initiative that lessens depression and loneliness in the elderly
Hughes Health & Rehabilitation has been selected to receive the Java Music Club Program, a mutual support activity group program specifically designed to reduce the rates of depression and loneliness in the elderly. Hughes Health was one of five long-term care facilities in the state to be selected by the Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program of the State Department on Aging to implement the program. “We are elated to be selected as a recipient of the Java Music Club Program,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation. “Music is a beloved art form for all ages and, especially, has a well-documented impact on the elderly. It’s a phenomena that cannot be overstated. It’s an opportunity we are grateful to implement.” The Java Music Club Program, founded in Canada, is the first standardized mutual support program that addresses the critical rates of depression and loneliness across the senior living spectrum. The program includes themes, photography, music, readings and a talking stick. Hughes Health & Rehabilitation staff will be trained by the creators of the Java Music Club, who will travel from Canada to Connecticut in early 2016. Step-by-step instructions will include a training DVD and eight CD’s of custom recorded music in lower singable keys. The program is designed to be used in a regular recreation program calendar and scheduled weekly, twice a week or daily.
According to the creators of the Java Music Club, the program is unique because the focus is on having group participants help one another. It is based on the altruistic concept that people are happiest when they are helping one another. It is different from typical recreation programs in that it is not about what the staff can do for the group participants, but what the participants can do for one another. Hughes Health & Rehabilitation, a family-owned and operated health care center for more than 50 years, provides quality care for those with chronic illness, as well as those needing convalescence and rehabilitation. Excellent healthcare, coupled with a genuine caring attitude are the hallmarks of Hughes Health. Hughes Health has been accredited for its quality as a nursing care center by The Joint Commission. It has been named as one of the best nursing homes in the United States for seven consecutive years by the Consumers’ Research Council of America, for five consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report, and for two consecutive years by the Women’s Choice Awards. Hughes Health also has received the Silver Achievement in Quality award by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) and National Center for Assisted Living, as well as other citations from national health care organizations. awards. For more information about Hughes Health & Rehabilitation, visit www.HughesHealth.com.
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Nov/Dec 2015
Hospital Newspaper - NE
Local Community Foundations collaborate to award generous grant to Waveny for Adult Day Program financial assistance
Collaboration between Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, the New Canaan Community Foundation, the Barbara Benton Davis Fund, and the Rangeley Capital Community Fund recently resulted in a $25,000 grant to Waveny LifeCare Network to support financial assistance for participants of Waveny’s Adult Day Program. Available weekdays with free doorto-door transportation throughout most of Fairfield County, Waveny’s Adult Day Program is dedicated to improving quality of life for older adults who are still living at home, but who may require personal assistance, medical monitoring or more social interaction throughout the day. Benefitting just as much as Adult Day participants are their family caregivers, who can regain the personal time they need to work, run a family household or simply relax. Key facilitators of the grant process were Louise B. Goodridge and Judy Bentley, long-time Waveny Development Committee members. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts and generosity of our local foundations, Waveny is able to continue to consistently deliver the highest quality of care to the people it serves from all areas,” said Goodridge.
“The Barbara Benton Davis Fund at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation is pleased to support Waveny’s Adult Day Program,” said Karen Brown, Vice President of Innovation and Strategic Learning at the Foundation. “Waveny’s Day Program helps so many seniors age in place in the community they love.” “This grant from the New Canaan Community Foundation exemplifies collaboration and working with others to achieve a shared goal,” said Cynthia Gorey, Executive Director of the New Canaan Community Foundation. “We are pleased to partner with funders and wonderful organizations like Waveny to ensure there is high quality care available for the elderly in our community.” The mission of the Rangeley Capital Community Fund is to support education and health initiatives, particularly in the New Canaan area. “Waveny’s Adult Day Program plays such a critical role in our community,” said Rich Townsend of Rangeley Capital. “All of us at the Rangeley Capital Community Fund are so pleased to be able to support the program once again this year.” To learn more about Waveny’s Adult Day Program, call 1-855WAVENY-1 or visit www.waveny.org.
provided
Collaboration between Fairfield County’s Community Foundation and the New Canaan Community Foundation resulted in a bountiful $25,000 grant to Waveny LifeCare Network to provide financial assistance for Waveny’s Adult Day Program participants in need. From left to right: Joanne Boyer, Director of Development for Waveny LifeCare Network; Rich and Cathy Townsend of Rangeley Capital Community Fund; Cynthia Gorey, Executive Director of the New Canaan Community Foundation, Judy Bentley, Waveny Development Committee member and past Board Chair; Karen Brown, Vice President of Innovation and Strategic Learning for Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, and Bill Piper, CEO of Waveny LifeCare Network.
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One More Thing to Be Thankful for this Holiday Season.
While there never seems to be a good time to talk about end-of-life care, one thing is for certain – not talking about it at all can be far more devastating. If you or a family member is facing life-threatening illnesses or advanced age, the holidays are the perfect time to start this conversation.
Start by asking about what is most important. This can range from type of treatment and pain management to medical interventions to where to die. Then listen. Often, the simple acknowledgement a willing ear can provide is enough to give a family much needed comfort at this time.
90% of people say that talking to loved ones about end-of-life care is important, but only 27% have actually done so.*
There are many helpful resources available to help frame the conversation and put details in writing to ensure they are honored when it becomes necessary. Visit theconversationproject.org and agingwithdignity.org.
The vast majority of us miss this opportunity to discuss our wishes and preferences. What your family will want to avoid is the regret of not discussing end-of-life care while the time is right. The holidays are an important time of family sharing and togetherness. Don’t be left heartbroken that you didn’t take advantage of this time to talk to your loved ones. Aim for peace of mind now rather than what could become tremendous stress, pain and guilt down the road. Two of the Most Important Things You Can Do to Prepare: Talk and Listen Once the conversation gets started, you may be surprised how liberating the results can actually be. Talking to loved ones about what you or they want for the final months, weeks or days keeps the control where it belongs – in your hands and not in the hands of the doctors, nurses or uninformed caregivers or family members, as well-meaning as they may be.
A Trusted Local Resource is Also Here to Help Regional Hospice and Home Care has been providing CT with 30 years of expert in-home end-of-life care. Our team sees the benefits and wellbeing that come to those who have had this discussion. In the past year, we have opened the state’s first and only all private suite hospice center. Our 36,000-square-foot Center for Comfort Care & Healing offers a unique and welcome option in end-of-life care for patients from all over. If we can be of any assistance in supporting you or your loved ones during this time, please visit our Center for Comfort Care & Healing located off I-84, Exit 2A in Danbury, call (203) 702-7400 or find more information and a video tour at regionalhospicect.org. Legal: *Source: The Conversation Project National Survey 2013.
The first off its kind. Regional Hospice and Home Care is proud to off ffer er patients and their families a new option in end of liffee care — The Centerr fo for Comffort Care & Healing. Conveniently located off of I–84 in Danbury, CT T,, this state-of-the-art, non-profit Center is unexpected in i so many ways.
REDEFINING END OF LIFE E CARE :
• 12 priv i ate suites i with i h balconies bl i • In-room family accommodations • Best practice in medical and palliative care • Outdoor playscape • Gardens and walking paths • 24/7 emotional, social and spiritual support • Gourmet food • Spa and salon
CT’s only all-suite hosspice residence. residence.
Explorre all your your options and schedule a tour: 203 .702 .7400 regionalhospicect.orr g In Danbur Danburry, Exit Exit x 2, off I –84
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Hospital Newspaper - NE
ADVERTISER INDEX 8
Communications Desk
Keepings spirits high during the Holiday Season Every year hospital's are faced with keeping the holiday spirit alive for patients that can't be at home. Patients benefit year-round from the outpouring of generosity the community demonstrates, especially during the holidays. Each December, there are multiple opportunities to capture the kindness of the season through the donation of time, talent and treasure.
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EMA
Fairfield County Medical Association Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital
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20-21
Some ideas include: Providing a holiday for a whole family! This option includes being assigned a family and given information for each member. You would then shop for the whole family to fulfill their holiday needs. After wrapping your gifts they would be delivered to a special North Pole at the hospital.
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Gaylord Specialty Healthcare Heroes Mortgage
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Life Care Centers of America
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Gifts in kind for Donations Sometimes just helping a family with unique donations like providing meals, Grocery gift cards and rides to the hospital for the elderly are just what is needed. Please send in your best stories from past holidays and some plans for the upcoming season. Hospital News wishes your family a safe and healthily holiday season! Please share your stories with us: news@hospitalnewspaper.com. Jim can be reached at 845-202-4737 and via email at jim@hospitalnewspaper.com
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Letters
The Sign of Excellence in Emergency Medicine® for Ne early Four Decades
2015 National Hospice Month Letter to the Editor
They come into lives as a last, new best friend, and we entrust our final days to them. They have the wisdom of a sage and the heart of an angel—they are the nurses, social workers, chaplains and nursing aides who provide hospice care. November is National Hospice Month. We at Regional Hospice and Home Care (RHHC) celebrate this designation, because it means that our country recognizes the importance of hospice care and the difference that specially trained hospice caregivers can make in families’ lives. Hospice’s caregivers possess so much more beyond their credentials: They have a unique calling, a vocation to fill patients’ and families’ lives with joy, dignity and meaning that come from boundless empathy, compassion and clinical excellence. They help a mother spending her final days at home to put words on paper for her young child to read in years to come. They bring a recluse together with people who have fallen away from his life. At our Center for Comfort Care & Healing, they are found offering trays of a patient’s favorite cookies and rehashing a World Series Game, hosting a family birthday party or honoring WWII heroes with medallions and a salute from the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs—hospice caregivers make important, joyful moments a part of life—because they mean the world to a patient— whose quality of life means the world to them. Hospice care provides comfort and support to patients with life-limiting illness and their families. As of January 2016, Regional Hospice will be the only hospice in Connecticut selected to provide hospice care for Medicare patients, through a Medicare innovation model, who may choose to continue curative treatments. The phrase “…and their families” is a pivotal distinction between hospice and all other types of home and inpatient care, and many more families will now be able to benefit from care and family support of the clinical experts whose are the angels among us. This month, I hope you will take a minute to thank a hospice caregiver. They are truly a gift to all of us; a last new friend whose profound compassion makes life even more precious for our patients and the people who love them. It is an honor and a privilege to work among our caregivers, hear their stories and meet families whose lives they impact so deeply.
Cynthia Emiry Roy, MS, LCSW, CHA President & CEO Regional Hospice and Home Care Center for Comfort Care & Healing
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Hospital Newspaper - NE
NAADAC, National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors, recognizes AdCare’s James F. McKenna with the 2015 National Lifetime Honorary Membership Award and Martha P. Deering with the 2015 Lora Roe Memorial National Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor of the Year Award Lifetime Honorary Membership Award: James McKenna
The Lifetime Honorary Membership Award honors an individual who has established outstanding service through a lifetime of consistent contributions to the advancement of NAADAC, the addiction profession, and its professionals.
This esteemed award was presented to James McKenna, LCSW, LADC I, BRI II, who has dedicated his career over the past 40 years to enhancing treatment opportunities for persons and families struggling with substance use disorders. Most notable has been Mr. McKenna’s 23-year tenure with AdCare Hospital in Worcester, MA, where he played a key role in the Hospital’s success and growth to a 114-bed inpatient facility treating over 6,000 patients per year; a network of outpatients service offices throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island delivering over 100,000 outpatient services; and a new 46-bed inpatient treatment facility in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
As founding member and past treasurer of NAADAC’s affiliate, the Massachusetts Association of Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Counselors (MAADAC), Mr. McKenna brought a fragmented organization of counselors to its present robust status. Through AdCare, he has provided space for meetings, trainings and events, and promotes MAADAC / NAADAC membership to everyone with whom he works. Mr. McKenna is also an advanced member of the American College of Addiction Treatment Administrators and the Employee Assistance Professional Association, a founding member of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Association (DATA) in Rhode Island, and serves on the Board of Direc-
tors of Caritas, Inc. As a teacher in the AdCare Educational Institute’s Addiction Counselor Education Program at AdCare, he has served as a mentor to many new addiction counselors Through the years, Mr. McKenna has received numerous awards, including recognition from the MA/RI Chapter of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association, Rhode Island Labor Assistance Professionals, MAADAC, Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR), Gateway Healthcare, and the Rhode Island Council of Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependence.
photos provided
Lora Roe Memorial Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor of the Year: Martha Deering This award is presented to a counselor who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession of addiction counseling.
Martha P. Deering, MA, CAGS, LADC I, CADC II, LRC, CRC, DOT SAP, is the recipient of NAADAC’s Counselor of the Year award for her outstanding teaching and clinical skills, strong ethics, commitment to her clients’ needs, and never ending compassion for her work as a counselor, consultant, and trainer in Massachusetts since 1978. Besides providing counseling through her private practice and working at AdCare, Ms. Deering provides consultation, supervision, and trainings to businesses, higher education, municipalities, substance abuse agencies, human service agencies, private clinicians, and community organizations. She has taught or spoken at a variety of colleges and universities in New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, and is a frequent presenter at state and regional conferences, has multiple publications in the fields of Rehabilitation Counseling and Substance Use Disorders, and has over 20 years of experience working with Employee Assistance Programs. Ms. Deering has served in leadership at the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Association, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Counseling Association, and National Rehabilitation Counseling Association, and as an
evaluator for the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification. She is the recipient of MAADAC’s 2015 Counselor of the Year Award. Conceived in 1975 as a ten bed alcoholism service in a general hospital, AdCare Hospital in Worcester, MA provides the highest levels of care for persons affected by substance use
disorders. With conveniently located inpatient and outpatient facilities in Worcester, Boston, Quincy, North Dartmouth, West Springfield, MA and in Warwick and North Kingston, RI, AdCare is nationally accredited by The Joint Commission and offers nationally recognized treatment for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.
When Patients Turn to You, You Can Rely on AdCare ®
A medical facility dedicated to addiction treatment, AdCare Hospital is New England’s most comprehensive provider of alcohol and drug abuse services. Our Services Include: s Inpatient and Outpatient Care s Day and Evening Treatment
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(800) ALCOHOL
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Visit our website to view current employment opportunities
PAGE 9
Hospital Newspaper - NE Nov/Dec 2015
BY MARY HERMAN-CAPPOLI
Cameron Clapp, a triple amputee athlete, mentor and motivational speaker, recently spoke at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Western Massachusetts in Ludlow and Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital in Worcester, MA. Along with delivering his central message that “Impossible is an opinion, not a fact,” Clapp spoke to staff about a variety of topics related to amputee rehabilitation. As a teenager, the 29 year-old Californian lost both his legs above the knees and his right arm just below the shoulder. But, in a way, that’s when his real life story began. Since then, he has traveled throughout the United States and beyond to deliver a singular message: “Impossible is an opinion, not a fact.” Clapp’s own life is testimony to that message. Once fitted with three prosthetics, he resumed his active lifestyle of running, swimming, surfing and kayaking. He even took up snow skiing. But the journey was not obstacle-free. “At first I was confused, lost and didn’t know where to turn,” he said. “There was frustration, struggle, pain and failure along the way, but never defeat.” In fact, Clapp looks for challenges. In 2014, he completed a pre-Boston Marathon 5K and met with some of the 2013 bombing survivors. And just last month he competed in the Hartford, Connecticut half-marathon for the second time. One day, he hopes to be the first triple-amputee to finish a full marathon. Clapp also serves as a peer visitor for U.S. veterans who are amputees and as a mentor at Camp No Limits for children who have lost limbs. “My goal is to show them what is possible and give them hope so they can move forward,” he said. Clapp urged amputee patients in attendance to partner with their doctors, therapists and prosthetists to reach their goals. “Working together is key in recovery,” he said. “And at certain point in the process, we all have to come to terms with our situation, take ownership of it and come to a place of acceptance so we can move forward.” Maggie Baumer, a business development associate for Hanger Clinic, which provides Clapp’s prosthetic care, also spoke to the group about the AMPOWER Peer
Support network, a nationwide group of trained peer mentors who have successfully recovered and rehabilitated following an amputation. “Cameron's inspiring story energizes our patients who are experiencing similar challenges in their lives,” said Corey LeBlanc, director of therapy operations at Fairlawn. “Our staff is reminded of the tremendous outcomes that are possible not just immediately following our care but also for the remainder of the patient’s life.” For more information about AMPOWER, please visit http:// www.empoweringamputees.org.
photos provided
Triple amputee inspires patients, hospital staff
After speaking to staff and patients, Cameron Clapp, a competitive runner who also surfs, skis and kayaks, demonstrates how he dons and doffs his three prosthetics.
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Nov/Dec 2015
Hospital Newspaper - NE
Back from the brink: Mark’s Story BY MARY HERMAN-CAPPOLI
In the frigid blackness of night, Mark LaPlante called out for help. But his voice, his only hope for survival as he lay motionless in the woods of Skowhegan, Maine, could not be heard above the grating roar of passing snowmobiles. Just moments earlier, Mark had been riding his own snowmobile when it hit an ice patch hidden below the latest dusting of snow. Skidding off the trail, he and his 800 pound sled sailed over a 20foot cliff, landing in four feet of snow. Losing his helmet and right glove in the fall, Mark’s body, with two broken femurs, a shattered right arm and sprained left wrist, remained quietly still in the minus-35 degree temperature. After numerous attempts to get the attention of riders speeding across the paths above him, he made the decision to remove his other glove so he could retrieve his cell phone from his pants pocket. Successful in the painstaking effort, Mark gingerly held the phone in his usable left hand, slowly positioning it to dial for help. But just as his numbing fingers touched the keyboard, the phone slipped from his grasp, tumbling into the snow.
It would be three hours before a beam of light from atop the cliff shown down into the black space where Mark lay freezing and silent. It was one of his snowmobile buddies, all of whom had been desperately searching for their friend. At a Bangor hospital, Mark underwent six hours of surgery to fixate his broken bones. It was there he also learned that all ten of his fingers had frostbite. Four days later he was transferred to UMass Medical Center, and three days after that he was transferred to Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital. A retired firefighter who works as a heavy equipment operator and loves to fish and hunt, Mark, who still played ice hockey twice a week, was used to being in a constant state of motion. “When I got to rehab,” he said, “I couldn’t do anything. Nothing at all but lie there.”
Treatment But Mark’s treatment team worked around his limitations. Using adaptive equipment and modified ways to do activities of daily living, his OT worked to improve his hand function — not an easy task given the severity of his injuries and pain.
“Just touching his hands made them hurt, and the circulation had been so compromised he could not have any contact to his dominant right hand’s fingertips,” explained Michele Pfannenstiel, OT. But Mark worked hard, and by his mid-April discharge, he could brush his teeth as well as bathe, feed and dress himself. “He only needed a bit of help for socks and shoes,” said Michele. “He used his left hand for just about everything but was able to use the right one as a helper.” Initially, PT was just as challenging. “Mark could not tolerate sitting up due to a drop in blood pressure … nor could he tolerate transfers due to pain in his legs,” explained Erin Buckley, PT. “So his initial treatments were gentle stretching and getting him to be able to tolerate sitting up for longer and longer periods of time.” Once he could tolerate being in a wheelchair for an hour or two, Mark’s inability to bend his legs kept him from standing or walking. That, as well as the deficits in his hands and arms, precluded him from propelling the chair. Yet, with his drive and the team’s expertise, he kept moving forward. Mark recalled the moment he walked for the first time: “It was four weeks and three days after the accident. I stood up from the edge of the bed, got a hold of the walker, and walked 10 or 15 feet … Jenna,
In Fairlawn’s Outpatient Center, Lauren Cayer, OT, works with Mark to increase range of motion in his forearm and frostbitten fingers.
my physical therapist, was so happy, she did a little dance. It felt so great. I was overwhelmed.” Mark says he has been overwhelmed by the entire experience. “The love and support from friends and family has been incredible. It’s been a huge part of my rehab.” What most impresses him about Fairlawn is the teamwork. “The right hand always knows what the left hand is doing. The staff always passes along information, shares suggestions and willingly answers questions.” And it did not dissipate, even on discharge day. “When I came to get him, staff lined up to say goodbye,” said Denise, his long-time partner.
“They were crying, and so were we.” Mark continued to make strides in outpatient therapy. While a heterotopic ossification in his right quad inhibits range of motion in that leg, it greatly improved in his left leg. And although he eventually had the tips of four fingers amputated, he can now do nearly everything he did before his accident, including driving, fishing and even lacing up his ice skates. Yes, in September, Mark donned his skates and got back on the rink again for the first time since last winter. He hopes that a return to coaching hockey is right around the corner.
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With Fairlawn outpatient physical therapist Ally Brawer, the focus was on improving the strength and range of motion in Mark’s legs.
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PAGE 11
Life Care Center of Acton grows respiratory therapy program
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Chronic restrictive lung diseases Chronic heart disease Pneumonia Tracheostomy/laryngectomy Sleep apnea Asthma
For the past 15 years, Paisner has practiced respiratory therapy in post-acute settings, including long-term acute care hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. “Long-term care is where I feel most comfortable,” said Paisner. “I continue to find professional satisfaction working with patients and families in need of respiratory care and rehabilitation.” For more information about the respiratory therapy program at Life Care Center of Acton, please call (978) 263-9101. Life Care Center of Acton, located at 1 Great Road, is one of 15 skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities in Massachusetts operated or managed by Life Care Centers of America. Founded in 1976, Life Care is a nationwide health care company. With headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee, Life Care operates or manages more than 200 nursing, post-acute and Alzheimer’s centers in 28 states. For more information about Life Care, visit lcca.com.
provided
Life Care Center of Acton, Massachusetts, recently added a respiratory therapist to its team to help care for both short- and long-term patients with respiratory disease. Howard Paisner, a certified respiratory therapist, will enhance existing nursing and rehabilitation care for patients at the facility. He will see patients 20 hours per week, treating those with respiratory diagnoses and educating them and their families about ongoing care. Paisner will work closely with the facility’s on-site physician, Dr. Gary Asher. Together, they will collaborate with Life Care Center of Acton’s nurses and therapists to care for patients with:
Life Care Center of Raynham welcomes new executive director
Gil Santos Real People. Real Heroes.
“I was in bad shape when I got there. I couldn’t even walk. But they wouldn’t give up on me. They helped me fight my way back, and return to what I love for a little longer.”
Northeast Division 15 Massachusetts Facilities 781-271-0500 | LCCA.com
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Life Care Center of Raynham, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, is welcoming a new executive director, Cyril Bellavance. Bellavance most recently served as an administrator for Golden Living Centers, first at its Fitchburg, Massachusetts, location, and then at its facility in Norwood, Massachusetts. He has six years of experience in long-term care and a previous background as a financial planner. “I love being able to take care of people,” said Bellavance. “I am enjoying it at Life Care Center of Raynham so far – the staff has been great, and the building is beautiful. It is a privilege to be at a nursing center that has been deficiency-free for three years in a row.” Originally from Lincoln, Rhode Island, Bellavance earned his bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Rhode Island, where he graduated with honors. He currently resides in Taunton, Massachusetts, with his new bride, Vicki. Life Care Center of Raynham, located at 546 S. Street East, is one of 15 facilities in Massachusetts operated or managed by Life Care Centers of America. Founded in 1976, Life Care is a nationwide health care company. With headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee, Life Care operates or manages more than 200 nursing, post-acute and Alzheimer’s centers in 28 states. For more information about Life Care, visit lcca.com.
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West Hartford’s Saint Mary Home earns Five-Star rating The Mercy Community’s Skilled Nursing Facility honored with prestigious industry rating
The Mercy Community, West Hartford’s premier continuing care retirement community, is pleased to announce that Saint Mary Home, a part of the Mercy Community, has recently earned a Five-Star Quality Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS Five-Star Quality Rating System assigns nursing facilities nationwide with a rating between one and five stars. Those care facilities with Five-Stars are considered to have a “much above average” quality compared to other nursing home facilities in their particular state. “While health inspections, nurse staffing, and quality determine the CMS ‘Five Star’ designation, I cannot understate the importance of our colleagues’ compassionate care and skill among those factors. I congratulate the full team at Saint Mary Home on this outstanding achievement and thank them for the good work they do every single day in serving those entrusted to our care,” said Eric Dana, Administrator for Saint Mary Home. The ratings are based on the star rating for the following categories— Health Inspections; Quality Measures; and Staffing Levels at
Eric Dana
the facility. The data for the ratings come from the last three years of health inspections, the average number of hours of care provided to each resident by a member of the Nursing Department, and more than 10 physical and clinical measures.
To learn more about The Mercy Community, Saint Mary Home and their full scope of services available, please call 860.570.8400 or visit www.TheMercyCommunity.org. The Mercy Community offers a comprehensive and integrated con-
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tinuum of senior care and services, including: SAINT MARY HOME, which provides skilled nursing, short- and long-term rehabilitation, dementia, hospice, palliative, subacute, residential and adult day services.
THE McAULEY, a Continuing Care Retirement Community, which promotes and fosters an independent lifestyle within a life care setting. In addition, The McAuley offers an Assisted Living Program for those residents who require more assistance with the tasks of daily living. For more information about The Mercy Community, The McAuley, Saint Mary Home, rehabilitation services, or any of our other programs, please visit www.TheMercyCommunity.org.
Wilton Meadows certified as Music & Memory facility Hospital Newspaper - NE Nov/Dec 2015
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By Lois Alcosser
Wilton Meadows Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Wilton, CT has always known that music is an essential factor in creating a positive environment for residents. However thanks to recent research and the Music & Memory Program, it has been proven that music can do so much more. Alzheimer's Disease, dementia, and neurological impairments are terrible conditions that can rob one of memory and identity. Music has been proven to help recover memories, stimulate recognition and enhance quality of life. “We are very proud to be a newly certified Music & Memory Facility. This is a phenomenal program that allows us to deliver personalized music to those in our care. Music is a lifeline to those with dementia. Where words often fail, music can thrive� says Danielle Ancona, Director of Therapeutic Recreation and Certified Dementia Practitioner at Wilton Meadows. Founded in 2006, Music & Memory is a non-profit organization that brings personalized music into the lives of the elderly or infirm using digital music technology. Each resident is provided with an ipod loaded with a person-specific playlist of favorite songs and preferred genres of music. Family members are enlisted to help provide such specific
music interests. Volunteers assist with the compilation of playlists and subsequent loading onto the devices. “The personalized playlists are key. Some residents love classical music, others the big bands. One resident who was a Sunday school teacher responds to religious music. Knowing our residents and their histories is critical in implementing this program effectively,� says Danielle Ancona. Listening to favorite music often triggers feelings and memories of the past. Holiday music, songs played at weddings, favorite tunes can break through the isolation of dementia and bring back memories. A resident will respond to their wedding song, though they may not remember their spouses name or when they married. Residents become more cheerful and less agitated. Residents who previously were remote, disengaged and completely unresponsive can remarkably become animated, tap, sway, and sing to favorite rhythms. Staff at Wilton Meadows has been trained to understand the whole procedure. Additionally, a music therapist on staff provides one-to-one music visits. For further information, please contact Danielle Ancona at daniellea@wiltonmeadows.com. Donations of gently used ipods are always welcome.
Wilton Meadows resident and Danielle Ancona.
Sevenn Hills Pediatr ic Center Top 1% of U.S. Nursing Facilitiees U.S. News & World World o Report
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Att Seven Hills Pediatr ic Center (SHPC),, we’rre taking thee quality of nursing care to new heights as one of thee top nursing ffacilities acilities in the nation. For the seventh consecutiive year, U.S. News & World Report has ranked SHPC HPC in the top 1% of U.S. nursing ffacilities acilities based on a perfect p five-star rating by the Federal Gover nment. SHPC HPC provides long-ter m skilled nursing care, short-ter m respite care, and short-ter m post ho ospitalization to children and young adults with complex medical needs.. Our state-of-the-art ffacility acility provides a sophisticated, medically advvanced anced working ennvir vironment for the highly skilled nursing staff that is able l to provide indiividualized vidualized treatment to each child in the pr ivacy of his or her beautifully appointed room. In this home-like setting,, the SHPC staff thr ivves in a fam amily milyy atmospher p e where they feel appr pp eciation and suppor pport for their skills and dedication. on. For o more infor mation or to schedule le a tour, please contact Jennifer Amadon,, Director of Admissions,, at 978.732.5311 78.732.5311 or jamadon@sevenhills.org. lls.org. To lear n mor ore about career opportunities at Seven Hills Pediatr ic Center enter, please visit www w.se .sevvenhills.org/car org/careers. Seven Hills
22 Hillside Avenue, e, Groton, MA 01450 t ' t XXX TFWFOIJMMT PSH
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Nov/Dec 2015
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With more than 200 friends of Waveny in attendance, Waveny LifeCare Network thanked its many contributors at a donor recognition reception recently. Harry T. Rein and First County Bank and the First County Bank Foundation were honored for their long-time support, involvement and commitment to Waveny and its mission. “In recognition of his consistent generosity, valued leadership and penchant for getting things done, it is our great privilege to honor our dear friend, Harry Rein,” said Tom Lewis, Waveny’s Board Chair. A key Waveny advocate for decades, Rein has actively served Waveny as a volunteer board member, board treasurer, finance committee cochair, board vice-chair, and Chairman of the Board from 2008 – 2010. He has supported and participated in “Swinging for Seniors,” Waveny’s Golf & Tennis fundraiser in support of its resident assistance fund, from inception, and has hugely supported the organization’s most critical projects and campaigns, both as a contributor and an influencer. “Outside of Waveny, Harry’s history and contributions are equally as significant,” said Lewis. “His expansive volunteerism has made countless positive impacts on our community and beyond.”
“Waveny is too important an asset to be known by so few people,” said Rein, with an emphasis on spreading awareness of Waveny’s mission throughout the community. “Our future requires that our younger generations become more aware of Waveny, its vital purpose and good work.” First County Bank and the First County Bank Foundation were recognized as well, for their significant support of Waveny over many years. An independent, mutual community bank that has served Fairfield County since 1851, First County Bank commemorated their historic 150 year milestone in 2001 by establishing the First County Bank Foundation, which distributes grants to local nonprofit organizations. Today, some 14 years later, the Foundation has given over $7 million in grants to help recipients deliver upon their missions and improve quality of life for those most in need. Projects at Waveny supported by the Bank and Foundation have made a lasting impact upon the lives of many. Their funding has enabled enhanced patient communication through a modern nurse call system at Waveny Care Center, the purchase and installation of a 750 kilowatt generator powerful enough to light up Waveny’s entire main cam-
photos provided
Donors celebrated for steadfast support of Waveny, Rein and First County Bank honored
Waveny LifeCare Network thanked its many contributors for their steadfast support and commitment at its annual Donor Recognition evening recently. More than 200 guests attended, including honorees Harry T. Rein and Reyno Giallongo, Jr., Chairman of the Board and CEO of First County Bank & President of First County Bank Foundation (pictured).
pus during power outages, and most recently, an upcoming LED lighting retrofit and upgrade both inside and outside Waveny. “The Foundation is an extension of the Bank’s long-term commitment to its community,” said Lewis. “First County Bank itself has supported Waveny as well. This year, with perhaps a touch of karma at work, a long-time member of their golf foursome shot a hole in one to take home a brand new 2015 Corvette Stingray from Karl Chevrolet at “Swinging for Seniors,” an event they have supported and participated in since the get-go.”
“First County is proud to support worthy charitable organizations like Waveny, which provide essential services and improve the lives of the people they serve,” said Reyno Giallongo, Jr., Chairman of the Board and CEO of First County Bank & President of First County Bank Foundation. “Much can be accomplished when businesses and individuals work together to support vital community programs.” Waveny LifeCare Network provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the growing needs of older adults from all areas.
Waveny is a not-for-profit organization that offers independent living at The Inn, assisted living for people with Alzheimer’s and memory loss at The Village, and skilled nursing at Waveny Care Center. It also includes Waveny Home Healthcare, Waveny at Home, the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, Geriatric Care Management, an Adult Day Program available on weekdays with flexible hours, inpatient and outpatient Rehabilitation Services, and respite programs at The Village and Care Center. For information call 1-855-WAVENY1 or visit www.waveny.org.
AdCare Hospital recognizes James J. Piette, Susan A. Howard, and Edward F. O’Brien for Excellence in Patient Care and Customer Service
AdCare’s Excellence in Patient Care Award is named for Eunice Roddy, an outstanding champion of patient care throughout her 43 years of dedicated service to AdCare Hospital and its patients. AdCare’s 2015 recipient of the Eunice Roddy Award, Jim Piette is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor on the hospital’s rehabilitation unit. “Jim is known for his competency, sincerity, and for holding patients accountable for their recovery,” said Treatment Director Susan Hillis in presenting the award. Also a recipient of the 2015 Eunice Roddy Award, Susan Howard is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Ms. Howard has worked as a counselor at AdCare Outpatient Services Boston since 2003, helping countless individuals and families recover from substance use disorders. She is also an effective advocate for recovery, serving on the Recovery Services Advisory Committee for the
L-R Director of Case Management Services Ed O'Brien, VP of Clincial Services Patrice Muchowski and Chairman David Hillis.
Counselor Jim Piette with Treatment Director Susan Hillis.
City of Boston among other civic organizations, noted Vice President of AdCare Outpatient Services David Hillis, Jr. , MS, LMHC, CADC-II, LADC-I, in presenting the award. Celebrating 20 years of dedicated service to AdCare Hospital and its patients, Edward O’Brien, M.Ed., Director of Case Management Services,
was honored with the Excellence in Customer Service Award. “Ed strives tirelessly to meet the often conflicting needs of our many constituents -from patients and their families to insurance companies and staff,” commented Vice President of Clinical Services Dr. Patrice Muchowski in presenting the award.
L-R Chairman David Hillis, Counselor Susan Howard with therapy dog Maura and VP of Outpatient David Hillis. photos provided
Hospital Newspaper - NE Nov/Dec 2015
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Gaylord VP takes top honor at “Best in the State Connecticut Philanthropy Awards” Wallingford resident named year’s “Outstanding Fundraising Professional”
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Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, a nationally-recognized longterm acute care hospital that specializes in the care and treatment of people with complex medical and intensive rehabilitation issues, is pleased to announce that Wallingford resident Tara A. Knapp, Vice President, Development and Public Relations, was named this year’s “Outstanding Fundraising Professional” by The Association of Fundraising Professionals’ (AFP) Connecticut and Fairfield County Chapters. Knapp was presented with the award at The Best in the State Connecticut Philanthropy Awards Breakfast held at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale in New Haven, honoring those who have helped change lives through their fundraising and philanthropic efforts. Knapp began her fundraising career in 1988 and became Director of Development at Gaylord in 2003 and was later promoted to Vice President in 2012. Soon after arriving at Gaylord, Knapp helped launch a multi-million dollar capital campaign to expand the footprint, capacity and medical capabilities of the hospital. Opened in December, 2008, the Milne Pavilion offers a modern, technologyenhanced wing to care for the sickest among the patients in Connecticut. Tara has presented nationally, notably at the 2008 Association of Healthcare Philanthropy’s International Education Conference
in Chicago, on Engaging Physicians in a Capital Campaign. She also presented at the 2009 New England Association of Healthcare Philanthropy Conference. She is a member of the Development Directors Section of the Connecticut Hospital Association and for two years (2009-2011), she was its Chair. In addition, she is a long-term member of AFP and the Planned Giving Group of Connecticut, as well as the New England Association of Healthcare Philanthropy. Tara has given of her time and talent to organizations including the Boy Scouts, Hamden Hall Country Day School and her alma mater, Mount Holyoke. She is currently on the board of the Independent Day School, serving as its Secretary, and is a long-time member of the Town of Wallingford’s Historic Property Commission. Tara was joined at the event by her family and co-workers from Gaylord.
About Gaylord Specialty Healthcare Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, headquartered in Wallingford, Connecticut is a not-for profit long-term 137 bed long-term acute care hospital that specializes in the care and treatment of people with complex medical and intensive rehabilitation issues. Gaylord also operates outpatient therapy centers in Wallingford and North Haven. For latest news or more information go to their website at www.gaylord.org.
Harrington HealthCare System receives $20,000 donation from Southbridge Savings Bank to expand behavioral health services
Southbridge Savings Bank recently donated $20,000 to Harrington HealthCare System to help Harrington expand its behavioral health services. The donation will go towards funding a new, 16-bed inpatient psychiatric unit at Harrington Healthcare at Webster. The 8,200square-foot facility will focus on treating patients suffering from mental illness and substance abuse. The facility is scheduled to be opened in late 2016. “There is no denying that a lack of resources has played a role in the rise of substance abuse in the community,” said Don Brechner, Vice President of Behavioral Health Services at Harrington. “By expanding our behavioral health program, we aim to increase access to vital mental
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health services. Our facility in Webster will be the first inpatient unit in central and western Massachusetts to offer a specialty track that addresses both mental illness and substance abuse.” “Substance abuse inpatient treatment centers generally do not admit a patient if they have mental health issues, even though the two illnesses tend to play off one another. This is why we feel it is so important to be able to address both issues and offer the community a comprehensive wraparound facility and behavioral health program.” Additionally, Harrington plans to implement a partial hospitalization program and an intensive outpatient program to ease the transition for patients back into the community.
From left: Todd Tallman, President and CEO of Southbridge Savings Bank, Ed Moore, President and CEO of Harrington HealthCare System, Ronald Cooper, Chair of Southbridge Savings Bank Charitable Donations Committee.
“We are very grateful to Southbridge Savings Bank for their generous donation,” said Ed Moore, President & CEO of Harrington. “We are tackling what has become a healthcare crisis in the community, state, and country. This project is essential for local patients who currently have no choice but to travel a significant distance for care. We look forward to using this dona-
tion to fill a great community need and serve not only the Webster area but patients in the entire south central Worcester County.” Southbridge Savings Bank’s President and CEO Todd Tallman stated, “One of our passions is about giving back to our communities. We care about our communities and want to partner and be actively involved in order to help create an en-
vironment in which we all flourish. Everyone at Southbridge Savings Bank shares this commitment to service and strives to make life a little better for people in our area. We provide a full range of products and services to meet the needs of both individuals and businesses and proudly support the local communities where we live and work!”
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Nurse’s Viewpoint By Alison Lazzaro, RN
Lates
nursteinfo for stude s and nts Hospital Newspaper Correspondent
Stereotyping against our future selves
“Old hag,” “geezer,” and “senior moment.” These derogatory terms categorize older adults as different. Using traits like “gray hair,” “hard of hearing,” and “poor eyesight” exemplify the negative perceptions many people have toward older adults. Ageism is defined as stereotyping against people because they are old. Ageism can be detrimental to our aging Baby Boomers. Attitudes towards this population need to be re-evaluated. Ageism has been characterized as a paradoxical form of prejudice because it discriminates our “future selves.” According to an AARP study, 92 percent of workers ages 45 to 74 say that age discrimination is very common in the workplace. Even though studies show that there are no large differences between older and younger employees, there is an unconscious nature of bias against older workers at many institutions. Although unwarranted, older workers are seen as less productive and less flexible. Age discrimination at work leaves older workers with less opportunities for employment interviews, with less recruitment and retention, and with less than optimum treatment. Ageism can even affect how and when individuals retire because they may feel marginalized and disempowered due to age. Ageism is detrimental in healthcare. A 2011 study found that physicians reportedly spoke less and used simpler language with older people, spent less time when providing information, and preferred providing information on interventions to relatives rather than the older adults. Older patients are also less likely to receive preventative care. The possibility that older adults are receiving poor healthcare due to negative attitudes held by healthcare professionals is a negative consequence of ageism. Harmful stereotypes have the ability to influence older adults' functioning and behavior. One study by Levy found that older adults may feel at risk of confirming a negative stereotype and consequently underperform on the task, especially when cognitive measures were tested. Perpetuating ageism could subconsciously contribute to more dependent older adults. Nurses must be aware of the concept of ageism and the consequences of the public's negative attitudes towards older adults. Eliminating things like “Elderspeak,” or the speech style of communicating with older adults that is similar to “baby talk” is vital to changing the culture of ageism. Discouraging derogatory terms to describe aging and periodically reassessing our own biases will help combat the negative consequences of ageism.
Seton Hall University College of Nursing Website: http://nursing.shu.edu/
Phone: 973-761-9306 Email: Nursing@shu.edu
education & careers
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Hospital Newspaper - NE Nov/Dec 2015
University of Massachusetts Medical School and University of Connecticut Health Center receive Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative award
The University of Massachusetts Medical School, in partnership with the University of Connecticut Health Center, created one of the 39 health care collaborative networks selected for funding in the Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative, announced recently by Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. The Southern New England Practice Transformation Network will receive up to $29.2 million to provide technical assistance support to help equip primary and specialty care clinicians in Massachusetts and Connecticut with tools, information, and network support needed to improve quality of care, increase patients’ access to information, and spend health care dollars more wisely. “Supporting doctors and other health care professionals change the way they work is critical to improving quality and spending our health care dollars more wisely,” said Secretary Burwell. “These awards will give patients more of the information they need to make informed decisions about their care and give clinicians access to information and support to improve care coordination and quality outcomes.” As a Practice Transformation Network, UMass Medical School and UConn Health Center will support efforts by 5,400 clinicians to expand their quality improvement capacity, learn from one another, and achieve common goals of improved care, better health, and reduced costs. Initial network partners include Baycare Health Partners, Baystate Health, Berkshire Health Systems, eHealthConnecticut, Qualis Health, Massachusetts eHealth Institute, Massachusetts Health Policy Commission, and UMass Memorial Health Care. Other eligible health care systems and clinical practices will be invited to join the network. “Anchored by a partnership between Massachusetts’ and Connecticut’s public medical schools and four large regional health care systems, the Southern New England Practice Transformation Network is designing and implementing an improvement model that supports clinical practices in the transformation needed for success under alternative payment models,” said David Polakoff, MD, MSc, chief medical officer and associate dean of UMass Medical School’s Commonwealth Medicine division. For more information, visit: http:// innovation.cms.gov/initiatives/ Transforming-Clinical-Practices/
Part-Time Programs for Healthcare Professionals
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Online Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics
Master’s Degree in Health Informatics & Management
UMass Lowell’s Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics is now available entirely online. This four-course certificate program is intended for individuals with a background in health and healthcare who wish to apply current computer technology to the management of healthcare services in clinical, financial and record keeping areas.
UMass Lowell’s Master’s Degree in Health Informatics and Management is a 12-course master’s degree program designed to produce healthcare and management professionals with knowledge and expertise that is essential to the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective health services, and critical in the design, analysis and evaluation of public health and private sector health policies. Students may opt to complete one of UMass Lowell’s graduate certificate programs in health and count the courses with a grade of “B” or better toward the Master’s Degree program. Moreover, students who complete one of the certificates with a GPA of 3.5 or better are not required to complete the GRE for admission to the Master’s Degree.
Required Courses 32.531 Health Informatics 32.607 Healthcare Information Systems Elective Courses (choose 2): 32.632 Health Information Systems Planning 32.633 Healthcare Database Design 32.635 Healthcare Project Management 32.638 Strategic Planning in Healthcare and Healthcare Information Technology 32.639 Electronic Health Records Systems Visit continuinged.uml.edu/him
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Online Graduate Certificate in Clinical Pathology This four-course graduate certificate program was developed for medical laboratory personnel, medical professionals, nurses and people working in the pharmaceutical industry who are interested in expanding and updating their knowledge of clinical pathology.
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RN to BS Degree Completion Option for Licensed RNs UMass Lowell’s RN to BS Degree Completion Option is available part-time, making it more convenient than ever for licensed RN’s to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Nursing courses are offered in a blended face-to-face and online format, plus students can take many of their nonnursing electives entirely online, or on campus if preferred. Visit continuinged.uml.edu/rntobs.cfm
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Questions? Call 978-934-2474 to speak with an advisor today! UMass Lowell is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, Title IX, H/V, ADA 1990 University. This ad was produced at no cost to the Commonwealth.
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education & careers
Nov/Dec 2015
Hospital Newspaper - NE
Lawrence Memorial/Regis College Nursing Program redesignated Center of Excellence in Nursing Education The National League for Nursing (NLN) recognized Lawrence Memorial/Regis College Nursing Program within the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Regis College as one of 35 schools of nursing throughout the country, representing programs across the academic spectrum of higher education, chosen as NLN Centers of Excellence™. The honor distinguishes organizations that demonstrate sustained, evidence-based and substantive innovation in nursing education. This is Lawrence Memorial/Regis College Nursing Program’s third consecutive designation as a Center of Excellence in Nursing by the NLN. Lawrence Memorial/Regis College is one of only 12 schools to receive the designation three or more times. The program was also the first school of nursing in New England to earn the designation in 2008 and has continued to pursue and sustain excellence. The program received the designation in the category of Creating Environments that Enhance Student Learning and Professional Development.
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Diane Welsh, DNP, RN, associate dean at the Regis College School of Nursing and Health Science and Nancy Bittner, PhD, CNS, RN, vice president for education and professor of nursing at Lawrence Memorial/Regis College Nursing Program, received recognition for the redesignation of the Lawrence Memorial/Regis College School of Nursing as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.
“I am extremely proud of the work of the faculty and staff to make ours a true program of excellence,” said Nancy Bittner, PhD, CNS, RN, vice president for education and professor of nursing at Lawrence Memorial/Regis College Nursing Program. “These recognitions do not happen by accident. They happen because we are truly focused on the student and on providing an excellent education that will provide our graduates with the skills to become the finest and best prepared nursing professionals.” “The 2015 COE designees’ visionary leadership and dedication to creating environments of inclusive excellence nurture the creation of a strong and diverse nursing workforce to advance the health of the nation and the global community,” said NLN CEO Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN. Lawrence Memorial/Regis College Nursing Program, along with the other centers of excellence, was formally recognized at the NLN’s 2015 Education Summit in Las Vegas. The four-day event draws a capacity
crowd of nurse faculty, deans, administrators and professionals from allied health organizations. The NLN looks to its centers of excellence to serve as exemplars of the NLN’s core values: excellence, integrity, diversity and caring. COE faculty bear a responsibility to share their experiences, knowledge and wisdom for the benefit of everyone in nursing education. They are expected to provide guidance and be available as sounding boards to other nursing programs that aim to achieve COE status. Every year since 2004, the NLN has invited nursing schools to apply for COE status, based on their abilities to demonstrate in concrete, measurable terms sustained excellence in faculty development, nursing education research, or student learning and professional development. Since 2012, health care organizations have been included within the category Creating Workplace Environments that Promote Academic Progression of Nurses. Schools and health care organizations must also have a proven commitment to continuous quality improvement.
UConn School of Medicine reshaping the future of Medical Education
UConn School of Medicine was one of 20 medical schools selected today by The American Medical Association (AMA) to join its Accelerating Change in Medical Education Consortium to reshape the medical school of the future by sharing their innovations with other schools around the country. “UConn is thrilled to become a new member of the prestigious consortium and leading the evolution of medical education,” said Bruce T. Liang, dean of UConn School of Medicine. As a new member of the 31 medical school Consortium, UConn School of Medicine will receive $75,000 in grant funding from the AMA during the next 3 years. This funding will support UConn’s new project to enhance medical education through the teaching of electronic medical records (EMR). EMR technology is an accessible software database physicians often use to manage a patient’s medical history, coordinate clinical care, and share information with other medical providers.
UConn medical students will meet required competencies working with the de-identified EMRs of diverse patient families. Working with the EMRs of real patients will allow medical students to learn how to use the technology, meet specific objectives, and also prioritize and assess relevant health information. “In our growing digital age health care delivery is rapidly changing,” says Principal Investigator Suzanne Rose, senior associate dean for education at UConn School of Medicine. “It is critical that all medical students have exposure to integrated electronic medical records which are becoming federally mandated in the future for all physicians.” This EMR learning-based initiative led by Dr. Rose and her team in Academic Affairs & Education at UConn School of Medicine will also involve students of UConn’s School of Dental Medicine and other interprofessional UConn school partners including: pharmacy, nursing, social work, law, and others.
The AMA launched its Accelerating Change in Medical Education Consortium in 2013 to bridge the gaps that exist between how medical students are trained and how health care is delivered. UConn School of Medicine and other schools were selected through a competitive grant process. Schools were selected from among 170 eligible U.S. medical schools by a national advisory panel which sought proposals that would significantly redesign medical education. “Our goal throughout this initiative has been to spread the robust work being done by our consortium to accelerate systemic change throughout medical education,” said CEO James L. Madara of the AMA. “Together, the 31 schools will collectively work to quickly identify and widely share the best models for educational change to ensure future physicians are prepared for a lifetime of learning, to lead a team of professionals in delivering care and to explore innovative ways to care for patients, populations and commu-
nities in the evolving health care system,” said Susan E. Skochelak, group vice president for medical education at the AMA.
The list of newly selected schools, along with short descriptions of each school’s project, can be found online at www.changemeded.org.
Hospital Newspaper - NE Nov/Dec 2015
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Center for Hospice Care selected as Top Workplace 2nd Year in a row
Center for Hospice Care is pleased to announce that it has been selected for the second year in a row as one of The Hartford Courant Top Workplaces. The organization also received anadditional award for Outstanding Ethics. Our distinction as a Top Workplace is based solelyon employee feedback. An employee survey is conducted by WorkplaceDynamics, LLP, a leading research firm on organizational health and employee engagement. WorkplaceDynamics conducts regional Top Workplaces programs with 40 major publishing partners across the United States. Over the past year, more than 5,000 organizations and 1 in every 88 employees in the U.S. have turned to WorkplaceDynamics to better understand what’s on the minds of their employees. In our surrounding 4 counties, 987 organizations were nominated and only 60 were chosen to receive the Top Workplace award. Since 1985, Center for Hospice Care Southeast Connecticut has been the only community-based nonprofit hospice program in Eastern Connecticut. We have served more than 11,500 patients and their
families. We are the largest hospice in the region and the only hospice that delivers all the care and services needed by patients and their families including extended group and individual Bereavement Counseling to anyone in the community who needs it, free of charge. Our 100 experienced staff and over 140 trained volunteers provide expert hospice and palliative care that enables our patients to and their families to optimize quality of life together. Center for Hospice Care was designated as a Top Workplace because of our outstanding staff. Our staff is unified in a common mission: to provide the very best care for those in our community facing a terminal illness and the death of a loved one. In striving to fulfill our mission we are committed to serving all of the people in our care with respect and compassion. Center for Hospice Care is not just a place where you go for a job; it takes special people to do such special work. Working in interdisciplinary teams of professionals, every team member matters in the care of our patients and their families. We are extremely fortunate to have such a terrific team.
“It is an honor to receive these 2 awards,” said Carol Mahier, President and CEO of Center for Hospice Care. “It’s important to Center for Hospice Care because they validate what each of our staff feels about what we do and how we do it. Above all it is a tribute to the excel-
lence and dedication of our staff; as a community of professionals, each with unique and specialized skills, together we achieve more. We believe it signifies that our staff feels themselves treated with the same respect, compassion and mutual appreciation as we collectively treat
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our patients and their families.” The Hartford Courant published the complete list of Top Workplaces on September 20th. For more information about the Top Workplaces lists and WorkplaceDynamics, please visit www.topworkplaces.com and www.workplacedynamics.com.
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Nov/Dec 2015
ARCHITECTURE
Bernstein & Associates, Architects Founded in 1990, Bernstein & Associates, Architects, specializes in the design and construction of hospital and healthcare facilities. Our focus: high-quality design, excellent service, and client satisfaction. We have worked for over 100 hospitals and another 200 private healthcare facilities, across the United States. Our project types have included all hospital and healthcare service groups, including: Adult Day Care, Alcoholism Treatment Facilities, Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Assisted Living, Cancer Centers, Cardiac Cath, Cardiology, CCU/ICU, Clinics, Coronary Care, Dental, Dermatology, Dialysis Clinics, Doctors Offices, Drug Treatment Facilities, Elder Care, Employee and Student Health Support Services, Emergency Departments, Emergency Preparedness, Endoscopy, ENT, Expert Witness, Group Practices, Hospices, Hospitals, Infectious Disease, Information Systems, Intensive Care, JCAHO Survey, Joint Commission Survey, Laboratories, Master Plans, Medical Offices, Medical Equipment, Medical Libraries, Medical Records, Neurology, Nursing Homes, Ophthalmology/Eye Center, OB/Gyn, Orthopedic, Pain Care Facilities, Pathology, Patient Safety Consulting Services, Pediatric, Pharmacy, Physical Fitness and Sports, PT/OT, Primary Care Programs, Psychiatric, Radiology, Rehabilitation, Senior Citizen Facilities, Sleep Centers, Social Services, Statement of Conditions, Surgical Suites and Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Urgent Care Centers, and USP 797 Consulting Services. The firm's projects have won design awards from Progressive Architecture, Architectural Record, and the Architectural Woodworking Institute, and have been published in Advance, Health Facilities Management, Medical Technology Today, Bio/Technology, Progressive Architecture, Architectural Record, Design Solutions, Hospitality Design, Sound and Communication, Contract Design and Hospital Newspaper. Architectural Services include: programming, planning, design, construction documents, bidding and negotiation, and construction administration. The firm also offers sustainable or “green” healthcare design. The firm has a number of LEED-accredited professionals, has successfully completed numerous green healthcare projects, and has published articles on “Greening the Healthcare Environment”. Project Management (or Owner’s Representative Services) is offered as a stand-alone service through our affiliated project management company, Empire Projects, Inc. (www.empireprojects.com). Bernstein & Associates, Architects - PLLC 100 Pearl St. - 14th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103 Contact: William N. Bernstein, AIA Managing Principal Tel: 860-616-2200 Fax: 860-616-0018 wb@bernarch.com NEW YORK - HARTFORD - PRINCETON
Hospital Newspaper - NE
ASSISTED LIVING
WHALER’S COVE ASSISTED LIVING “EXCEPTIONAL CARE AT AN EXCEPTIONAL PRICE”
Whaler’s Cove Assisted Living has 120 safe and affordable rental apartments in a beautifully restored historic building. Life at Whaler’s Cove means living independently for senior adults who no longer want the responsibility of maintaining a home, but may need a helping hand with personal care and other needs. Located in Southeastern Massachusetts, on the site of the former Whitman Mills, bordering the Acushnet River, Whaler’s Cove offers all of the comforts of home. Amenities include a spacious dining room, large sunroom with interior gardens, chapel, library, beauty/barber salon and beautifully furnished lounge areas. Whaler’s Cove has recently added a billiards room and gym, as well as refurbished the Reception Desk area. At Whaler’s Cove, our professionally trained and dedicated staff is sensitive to residents’ changing needs, assuring that they receive the services they need to maintain their independent lifestyles. Whaler’s Cove is one of the most affordable assisted living facilities in the area. In addition, our units are 20-50% larger than other local facilities, making ours the most generously sized apartments in Southeastern Massachusetts. Are you in need of accommodations following surgery or an injury or just want to try us out before you decide? Ask about our Short Stay Suites. At Whaler’s Cove, we understand that everyone’s financial situation is unique and that these circumstances determine how you will fund your or your loved one’s stay in an assisted living. There are a wide variety of options available which offer the flexibility and additional resources that you need. Call us today to ask how we may be able to help you make the transition to assisted living. Whaler’s Cove Assisted Living 114 Riverside Avenue New Bedford, MA 02746 Phone 508-997-2880 • Fax 508-997-1599
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
HOSPITAL WORKERS HAVE YOU BEEN INJURED ON THE JOB? Learn What You Must Do To Protect Your Workers' Compensation And Disability Rights! Do Not Make These Mistakes That Can Cost You Benefits 1. You must report the accident or injury as soon as possible, even if you might not lose time from work or need immediate medical care. 2. Report all injuries to all body parts, no matter how minor they may seem. If you do not report it and the injury gets worse over time, the job may deny benefits. 3. Remember, you are entitled to treatment and benefits even if you have previously injured the same body part in a prior accident. Do not let the job tell you different. 4. Your doctor controls the treatment, not risk management. If you need an MRI and the job will not approve it, the experienced attorneys at BAGOLIE FRIEDMAN can fight to get it approved at no cost to you. 5. When you are released from treatment, you may be entitled to money for your injury and disability. You may also collect for repetitive stress, cumulative trauma, cancer, hearing loss & hepatitis. 6. Contact Attorneys Ricky Bagolie or Alan Friedman now for a confidential and free consultation and to discuss your workers' compensation and disability rights. There is no fee if there is no recovery.
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BAGOLIE FRIEDMAN, LLC Workers' Compensation & Disability Attorneys
CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-333-3529 (After Hours / Emergency Number - 201-618-0508) The Five Corners Building - 660 Newark Ave Jersey City, NJ 07306 • (201) 656-8500 790 Bloomfield Avenue - Clifton, NJ 07012 (973) 546-5414
www.bagoliefriedman.com
Contact Jim Stankiewicz to find out how your organization can be featured in Hospital Newspapers Resource Directory. 845-534-7500 ext.219 Fax: 845-534-0055
Online Directory available at www.hospitalnewspaper.com
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Hospital Newspaper - NE Nov/Dec 2015
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New York City
Nov/Dec 2015
Hospital Newspaper - NE
PGA69 Dec. 2015
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