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POWERED BY THE BRANDYWINE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE ISSUE 40 | SPRING 2019
NEWS & NOTES ALL AROUND BRANDYWINE From the desk of... Brenda Bacon
I had an experience two weeks ago that I have never had before... and I continue to think of what it taught me. Some of you know that my 90-yearold mother-in-law lives with us. She has six children. I married her second oldest 46 years ago.
Ten years ago we installed one of those chair lifts in her Philadelphia row house. About seven years ago, the frequent falling (without injury) started to happen. Five years ago in a series of “just stay over for a long weekend because it’s so-andso’s birthday, graduation, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, etc.,”...or “we are just too tired to drive you back to Philadelphia”... we were able to get her to permanently move in with us. Pretty soon we had her all settled in a first floor bedroom (no steps), with her own bath and with lots of interaction with us, her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. My MIL has a big personality and her laugh can be heard throughout the house. We have made accommodations to her space and have had to make a few accommodations to our schedules, but not much. Then, before sunrise on Friday morning three weeks ago, her son, Tony, died surrounded by family. Tony had had many health challenges in his life, so he and his mother were especially close. Losing a child at any age is catastrophic. Telling a 90-year old her son had passed... that is never easy. We spent lots of time trying to figure out how to make it as easy as possible. Then we realized there was no such thing. The next three days, our house was a non-stop barrage of family and friends, literally from sunup to well past sundown. We could see my MIL getting physically and emotionally exhausted, but she did not want to stop talking about Tony, reminiscing, hugging and crying.
On Sunday afternoon, in pure sight (there were about 15 people in the house), she fell and hit her head on the desk in her room. She spent the next few hours in the ER, returning home with 12 stitches and a concussion. She was on concussion watch for the next week as we were planning the funeral. There was little to no sleep, as Ron, my sister-inlaw and I had constant watch on her. She was physically and emotionally spent...and scared. We all were. And then a colleague and friend suggested that we bring in a few Care Managers for some round the clock care so that we could take the tension down some. Oh my, what a difference that made! My MIL, instead of being admonished by us constantly to not do anything, no telephone, no tv, no walks to the kitchen, etc., was suddenly surrounded with happy, caring people who were excited to hear her stories about growing up in rural Georgia, about her days of owning her own hair salon, about moving to Philadelphia with six kids in tow, about her 11 brothers and one sister (all deceased), about shenanigans and adventures (some stories we had never heard - and some we had heard a thousand times). These angels helped her bathe and put on nice clothes, do her hair, make her bed. They laughed with her for hours. They supported her and encouraged her to move around, but just a little at a time. One went to the funeral with us. We were able to get a few hours sleep and be more supportive to Tony’s children and grandchildren. We all said we would not have made it without them. My MIL is stronger, back to her three sessions of physical therapy a week, going to the kitchen whenever she pleases, and watching non-stop MSNBC. (She can tell you more about the Mueller Report than all the rest of us put together!). Family were constantly asking where I found six such dedicated, loving, kind, and capable human beings on such short notice. One answer: They are Brandywine.
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BRANDYStar SPOTLIGHT Jared Ross, Assistant Environmental Services Director at Brandywine Living at Colts Neck, grew up knowing how great Brandywine Living has been to his family. His father, Ed Ross, is the Environmental Services Director at Colts Neck. His mother, Kimberly, is a Wellness Nurse at Brandywine Living at Toms River. And, his uncle, John Ross, is the Environmental Services Director at Moorestown Estates! Being a part of Brandywine is in his blood. He knew at a young age he would someday be part of the Brandywine family, too.
JARED ROSS
ASSISTANT ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DIRECTOR
COLTS NECK
(PICTURED WITH JOAN B.-RESIDENT)
1ST QUARTER BRANDYSTARS ALEXANDRIA Rebekah Pearson, Move-In Coordinator BRANDALL ESTATES Denise DeCamp, Wellness Nurse COLTS NECK Jared Ross, Asst. Environmental Services Dir. DRESHER ESTATES Sabrina Johnson, Concierge FENWICK ISLAND Aaliyah Hill, Care Manager THE GABLES Cilia Civetta, Concierge GOVERNOR’S CROSSING Tina Ajuka, Care Manager HADDONFIELD Tamika Davis, Care Manager
Jared started as a volunteer at Brandywine at eight years old. He helped his dad shovel snow during the winter months and paint rooms during the summer. Being at Brandywine for so long, Jared knew many of the residents and he felt that they were an extension of his family. The residents gush about
how kind, willing, and helpful he is to them. For example, Joan B., resident at Colts Neck (pictured with Jared), simply loves him! They enjoy a daily banter that only they share. Joan and Jared share the same traits; they are always smiling, love helping others and have big hearts. Jared shares that Joan “always remembers my name and says hello everyday”. They’re quite the pair and became fast friends. Jared’s team members say he’s a quick learner and always eager to help other departments. He creates a daily checklist and completes all the items, all while still finding time to enjoy moments with the residents. Jared is active outside of work too. You can find him riding a wave-runner or sailing in the summer!
Congratulations, Jared!
HAVERFORD ESTATES Jerome Allison, Chef
PRINCETON Frederick Nyarko, Care Manager
HOWELL Mark Shandroff, Asst. Environmental Services Dir.
REFLECTIONS Maria Luevano, Housekeeper
HUNTINGTON TERRACE Ethel “Peaches” Johnson, Care Manager
THE SAVOY Jenepha Grant, Escapades Expert
LITCHFIELD Periece Daigle, Care Manager
SEASIDE POINTE Katherine Bell, Care Manager
LIVINGSTON Enive Saintil, Care Manager
SENIOR SUITES Shannon King, Concierge
LONGWOOD Vivian Lemus, Wellness Nurse
THE SYCAMORE Kareen Holt, Care Manager
MAHWAH Jose Correa, Housekeeper
TOMS RIVER Richille Lipman, Waitress
MIDDLEBROOK CROSSING Sarah Murteira, Escapades Expert
UPPER PROVIDENCE Teresa Giaquinto, Wellness Nurse
MOORESTOWN ESTATES Rachel Keisler, Concierge
VOORHEES Devyn Seigfried, Escapades Expert
MOUNTAIN RIDGE Dolores Mullings, Escapades Expert
WALL Carmel Nagle, Butler
PENNINGTON Rollen Taylor Sr., Asst. Environmental Services Dir.
Celebrating Milestones at Brandywine… 3
MARCH, APRIL AND MAY!
AN OFFICIAL “THANK YOU” FOR YOUR YEARS OF SERVICE!
Celebrating their 20th Year Milestone!
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YEAR MILESTONE BRANDALL ESTATES BOWLES, THERESA CARE MANAGER BRANDALL ESTATES CASEY, GAIL WELLNESS NURSE COLTS NECK BERRY, KENDRA HOUSEKEEPING ASSISTANT DRESHER ESTATES DEAN, SONIA E CARE MANAGER FENWICK ISLAND GOODWIN, JONNA WELLNESS NURSE THE GABLES BESMER, REBECCA BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER THE GABLES HIGGINS, MICHELLE CONCIERGE GOVERNOR’S CROSSING TROMBLEY, MARTHA ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT HADDONFIELD FASOLO, KIMBERLY DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS MAHWAH MINUTOLO, MEAGAN DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS
THE SAVOY SIACA, RONA DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS THE SAVOY SIMMONDS, JOAN Y CARE MANAGER SEASIDE POINTE JACOBS-TAYLOR, TIA A WELLNESS NURSE
BRANDALL ESTATES LAMONT CANE CHEF
THE GABLES ADRIENNE SARRO HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
SENIOR SUITES BASS, MONIQUE C CARE MANAGER THE SYCAMORE COLEBY, SONYA J WELLNESS NURSE
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THE SYCAMORE HOLMES, MICHELLLE WELLNESS NURSE
YEAR MILESTONE
THE SYCAMORE SIMON, PHILAINE CARE MANAGER VOORHEES SANTIAGO, AMANDA CARE MANAGER VOORHEES SCHAFFER, MA MOVE IN COORDINATOR
PENNINGTON KENNEDY, MAMIE L CARE MANAGER
FENWICK ISLAND JACOBS, SYDATRIS INVEST COORDINATOR
MOORESTOWN ESTATES DUMELE, OSMANE HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR
SEASIDE POINTE NORWOOD, CARLESA WELLNESS NURSE
FENWICK ISLAND RUSSUM, TAMMY L ASST. WELLNESS DIRECTOR
LITCHFIELD ROVERO, MICHAEL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DIR.
THE SYCAMORE WASHINGTON, JENNIFER WELLNESS NURSE
HAVERFORD ESTATES ISAAC, LYRIS CARE MANAGER
LITCHFIELD TORRES, BRITTANY CARE MANAGER
TOMS RIVER CAMPOS, ANTONIO CHEF
HUNTINGTON TERRACE CLINTON, NICOLE WELLNESS NURSE
LONGWOOD MCCUTCHEON, MICHELLE R BUTLER
VOORHEES PACOT, JESSECA CARE MANAGER
HUNTINGTON TERRACE GRAY, DELORIS A CARE MANAGER
REFLECTIONS IRELAND, NICOLE WELLNESS NURSE
HUNTINGTON TERRACE JOHNSON, ETHEL CARE MANAGER
THE SAVOY RAMGOOLAM, RAJDAI CARE MANAGER
15 YEAR MILESTONE DRESHER ESTATES CARRELL, CHRISTINA M WELLNESS NURSE
HAVERFORD ESTATES ROSE, LATANYA CARE MANAGER
LITCHFIELD WOODWARD, JOYCE INVEST COORDINATOR
TOMS RIVER CANNON, TOCCARA CARE MANAGER
DRESHER ESTATES KAYE, MARCIA M CARE MANAGER
HUNTINGTON TERRACE LUNDY, MARIE HOUSEKEEPING ASSISTANT
MIDDLEBROOK CROSSING LABIB, MOSAAD K CHEF
TOMS RIVER VILLASENOR ARREOLA, ISIDRA CARE MANAGER
DRESHER ESTATES THELEMAQUE, RHODE J CARE MANAGER
HUNTINGTON TERRACE MEMBRENO, GRISELDA HOUSEKEEPING ASSISTANT
MIDDLEBROOK CROSSING SEEMON, LARRY CHEF
HAVERFORD ESTATES ROSARIO, MONIQUE CARE MANAGER
LITCHFIELD HUBBARD, AMANDA AREA SERVICE COORDINATOR
PRINCETON ALFRED, ROODY CHEF
* BRANDYWINE HONORS SENIORITY
Next Tribute we Celebrate June,July and August!
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DEB USSERY STINE CHIEF NURSING OFFICER LEADERSHIP SERIES
Deb, how did you get started in nursing? Deb: I got started as a nurses aide in Freehold, NJ, while I was in nursing school. The staff didn’t set the best example. The care they provided was below par and it made me sad. This made me realize that someday I would go back and oversee a home I could be proud of! I graduated from nursing school in 1977and spent 10 years running an ICU, CCU and PCCU at Riverview Hospital. I then went into rehab nursing at the old Garden State Rehab Hospital with neurologically impaired young adults and the subacute elderly population for five years. I loved it!
Wow, so that is how you shifted to senior living? Deb: Yes. I decided the time was right to go into long-term care and worked for Whiting Health Care, a 190-bed nursing home with subacute and long-term care beds in 1992. It just so happened that Peter Burke and Brenda Bacon were part owners at Whiting and one other nursing home. I didn’t see Brenda often, but I saw Peter weekly. When Brandywine was developed, Whiting became part of the new ownership and I worked closely with Brenda as we became a larger nursing home and assisted living company. And, the rest is history….
FIVE THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT DEB... 1. Loves to garden and plant vegetables. 2. Owns a sail boat and travels to South Jersey water towns. 3. Enjoys crafting and
What’s the most rewarding part of your job? Deb: The most rewarding part of my job is the time I get to teach team members. Whether it’s nursing or housekeeping, or teaching a resident or family member, I enjoy that aspect of it. I would say equally rewarding is helping our care managers care for the residents, and helping a resident with a care or a concern.
We are all part of a team. They help me be the person I am and I hope that I am there for them whenever I can, even if it is simply to listen. It is the team members and the care and services they provide that make me most proud. If I still had my parents and they needed senior living, I would place them in any of our communities.
DIY projects. 4. Proud dog mama of 3 German Shepherds. 5. Always wanted to be a nurse as a little girl.
The Power of
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HAPPINESS
Did you know reviews written by residents and families note that friendliness of our team members is a trait that residents and their loved ones value above all others? Families choose Brandywine when team members are friendly and find ways to make residents happy in their new home. Everyday our team members find ways to make a resident happy. Check out a few examples below… PENNINGTON
REJOICING AT THE CELEBRATION OF BEING A RESIDENT AT
Bernadette (far left) at Captain’s Table “Bernadette joined us a week ago and has expressed how happy she is. Bernadette is very religious and has attended all of the Catholic programs that we offer. Currently, she is participating in rosary and I will remind her of happy hour to socialize with other residents. She has expressed to me that she really likes the variety of things to do and glad, ’there’s always something happening.’ Lauren Strano - Escapdes Producer Guess what? Bernadette made Brandywine her full time home.
ALEXANDRIA
Brandywine for Seven Years. WRITTEN BY CYNTHIA GROOPMAN RESIDENT AT THE SAVOY
Ah, my heart is dancing to a merry tune and I am elated, For on June 5 I shall rejoice as the seventh year of my living here is celebrated. My life is full of smiles, sunshine glows fun festivity and joy, All negativity has been destroyed. I love the vegetarian meals, Which give me energy and zest and zeal. The doctors and nurses help keep my health in tune, I feel like a flower blooming splendidly in the garden of fragrant happiness in the month of June. The staff is kind and understanding to my needs,
Ed (left) smiles for a photo “Ed joined us last week and on his first day Ed and I connected with our heritage and our love for pierogies. I told him I make homemade pierogies from scratch every year and that I’ve been waiting for some Polish/Ukrainian residents to join us before I made them at Brandywine. He loved that idea. Yesterday we took a Cherry Blossom van & car ride. We filled BOTH vehicles!!! I drove the car and followed Todd in the bus. Ed sat “shotgun” and he was my GPS. He used to work in DC and knew the ins and outs. He was also our tour guide and pointed out all the different buildings and who worked in them.” Jennifer Soss - Escapades Producer
Respect and deep caring they heed. I socialize and have nice friends with whom to relate, Ah, you cannot imagine how thankful I am to God that I live here and I celebrate. For seven years ago when I moved in, I was just recovering from a loss and my heart cried and my head did spin. Brandywine is my garden of joy and where I can bloom and grow, Oh I love Brandywine more than you ever know. So on June 5, I shall be counting my blessings and dancing with pride, For in Brandywine I shall reside.
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LETTERS FROM FAMILY Dear Ms. Bacon and Ms. Nadelstumph,
Gerda Lauckner SEASIDE POINTE
This note is about Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe in Rehoboth Beach Delaware. My mother, Gerda Lauckner, has been residing there, mainly in Reflections, for the past several years.
I also know that at any time I can go to the administration and voice concerns or things that need to be taken care of and without hesitation, they listen and follow through.
I am absolutely so happy with the care my mother has been receiving and would like to commend all of the administrators and staff. Everyone from Donna, Heidi, Steve, to the direct care staff have been great. The direct care staff, Reschelle, Chevron and Anna (to name a few), have been so good and thoughtful in the activities they have offered and the care they provide.
I would also like to let you know that I am a licensed psychologist who has worked in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and nursing homes, so I provide this feedback, not only through the eyes of a daughter but a professional, with many years of experience, who knows when good care and services are provided.
Reshelle recently said, that what she tries to do is “make sure the residents have the best life they can�. This is so evident in the efforts she and everyone make at special events and day to day care/activities. I have a wonderful image of a recent monthly birthday party where residents and staff were doing a line dance all laughing and TRULY having a good time together.
Dear Brenda,
I just want to reach out to you and tell you how wonderful your staff at the Brandywine in Rehoboth Beach and Fenwick Island have been to my mom, Betty Dickey. My mother is a respite resident from April - October, normally at your Fenwick Island community. My mom lives with us in Florida in the winter months and then comes north with us in the summer while we are in our condo in North Ocean City. I bought plane tickets to take her up on April 2 only to get a phone call on Friday, March 29th from Erin in Fenwick, advising us that they had an influenza issue and she could not check in on 4/2. I was in a panic as my husband & I were going out of country on 4/9 for 3 weeks on vacation and now what are we to do about Mom? Erin at Fenwick and Jeannie Elgin at the Rehoboth community got together and Jeannie offered an alternative that Mom stay in Rehoboth until she is allowed to move into Fenwick. We accepted
A sincere thank you to them and to you who established and oversee this community! Doris Lauckner
that offer although my 85 year old mom was a bit nervous that she was going into unknown territory even if temporary. We flew up from Florida as planned and were greeted with welcoming smiles by Jeannie. She helped ensure Mom was comfortable and Jeannie and all the staff were wonderful. Mom moved back to Brandywine Fenwick Island yesterday (4/11) and the staff at Rehoboth helped her pack her room and a member of the Fenwick staff picked her up with all of her belongings and moved her to Fenwick. I cannot say enough praises for your company, communities and your fantastic staff. What could have been a disastrous situation turned into another wonderful experience for my mom and me. Many, many thanks to Jeannie Elgin and both Erin & Eileen at Fenwick. They are a wonderful team!
With grateful thanks, Betsy Miller
Betty Dickey
SEASIDE POINTE AND FENWICK ISLAND
YOU CAN TEACH SKILL, BUT YOU CAN’T TEACH
HEART!
JON & JEAN AT PRINCETON
“I want to see Jon”…
“Jon” or Jonathan Scharff, is the Administrator of The Rehabilitation Center which is an extension of our Princeton community. Jean Atcheson has been going to therapy for years. She and another resident were “regulars” at the gym and enjoyed working out and lifting weights together. Jonathan was their personal trainer. He recorded their progress and encouraged them to keep going. When Jean moved to the Reflections neighborhood, Jon was determined to make sure she continued to come to the gym because he felt that is where she found peace. Although Jean
doesn’t always remember most things, she sure knows Jon’s face and will occasionally ask for him by name. Jonathan enjoys her company and they’ve become best friends. He FaceTimes her family in England and California a couple of times per week so Jean can speak with them! The family is so happy and appreciative that he assists in calling them as it tends to be a bit difficult with the time differences. The two buddies will continue to smile, laugh and work out together! All Jean has to say is, “I want to see Jon”, and the team at Princeton will make sure of it!
Our Mission
Brandywine Living will provide our residents with the highest quality care in the most appropriate setting based on an individual’s needs while respecting their individuality, independence and dignity.
Our Core Values •
We believe that every resident has the right to be treated with dignity and respect and has the right of selfdetermination.
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We believe in delivering the best quality service possible to those who have put their trust in us.
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We believe that honesty, integrity, caring and thoughtfulness are as important as the health care we provide.
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We believe that our residents are active, joyful and fascinating individuals who will continue to learn and grow each day and will contribute to our learning and growing as well.
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We believe that great care is a team effort where ideas, collaboration, and mutual respect for each team member’s efforts and contributions are essential to the result.
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WHAT’S GOING ON AROUND THE KINGDOM WELCOME!
The Brandywine Babes
Kathy Acuna Dining Room Supervisor At The Sycamore Emil Balitzki Director of Dining Services At Toms River Donna Boone Asst. Wellness Director At Moorestown Estates Ben John M Canamaque Asst. Wellness Director At Livingston
Congratulations to Justin
Rona Siaca (Director of Community
Andrea Dronca (Case Manager
Blandy (INVEST Coordinator at
Relations at The Savoy) welcomed
at The Savoy) gave birth to her
Longwood) on the birth of his son,
her second grandchild, Jacqueline Hyland Curry.
second daughter, Amelia Kate
Julian Lucas, on March 19th!
Sara Catalano Welcome Coordinator at Middlebrook Crossing Michele Chamberlain Wellness Director At Toms River
on November 1st, 2018.
Mary Chilcote Director of Community Relations At Haverford Estates Monica Cipully Director of Dining Services At The Sycamore Ruben M Correa Asst. Director of Dining Services At Livingston Danielle DeStefano INVEST Coordinator At Governor’s Crossing
Senior Suites celebrated their Nurses and Care Managers during Nurses Week with certificates and swag bags.
Samantha Tricoli (Director of Community Relations at Alexandria) and Jennifer Soss (Escapades Producer at Alexandria) ran the Cherry Blossom 10-mile race!
Congrats to Jackie Pelliccione (Executive Director at Haddonfield) on her first pregnancy!
Caitlyn Soklaski (Concierge at Pennington) graduated from Middlesex County College with a nursing degree! She is Pennington’s newest Wellness Nurse!
Dining Excellence at Brandywine Living Sean Keating (Corporate Director of Dining Services) and Susan Lopresti (Associate Director of Dining Services at Voorhees) attended the first Senior Dining Association Conference in North Carolina in March, 2018. Sean was happy to accept the Excellence in Operations award for Chop House, our signature dining program.
Judy Howley Wellness Director At Howell Lawrence Hughes Asst. Environmental Services Director At Dresher Estates Sharon Moore Executive Director At Princeton & Alexandria Jonathan Tomasovic Asst. Environmental Services Director At Senior Suites Ronald Walker Housekeeping Supervisor At Mahwah
CONGRATULATIONS!
Sean Keating accepts the award on behalf of Brandywine Living.
Bryce Verry promoted from Asst. Environmental Services Director to Environmental Services Director At Middlebrook Crossing Caitlyn Soklaski promoted from Concierge to Wellness Nurse At Pennington Sheri Brino promoted from INVEST Coordinator to Escapades Producer At Livingston
Click to watch Sean Keating and Susan Lopresti’s interview with Steve Moran from Senior Housing Forum.
HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS LATEST EDITION OF THE TRIBUTE! If you have a special story or accomplishment to share, please send to thetribute@brandycare.com.
Corporate Office: 525 Fellowship Road, Suite 360 | Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 | 856.813.2000 | 1.877.4BRANDY | www.brandycare.com