3 minute read
Mission-Driven Employees
A resident of Crane’s Mill Retirement Community receives the COVID-19 vaccine.
Caring for NJ’s Most Frail Population
When the coronavirus hit New Jersey in March 2020, Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey (LSMNJ), a faith-based non-profit that operates 20 locations across the state, felt the earth shake. Providing services to more than 2,500 individuals through senior living, affordable housing, hospice and home care, the organization braced for the worst. Although it has been a turbulent journey, the more than 500 team members at LSMNJ have remained true to its mission of serving “those in New Jersey who hurt, who are in need, or who have limited choices” throughout the pandemic.
Of the many programs operated by LSMNJ, the most notably affected during COVID-19 have been Crane’s Mill Retirement Community, The Villa at Florham Park, and Lutheran Senior LIFE PACE Program. These communities are located in northern New Jersey, the state’s initial COVID-19 epicenter. They all also provide essential care to the most vulnerable and frail elderly population.
“We had days over the past twelve months that have been overwhelmingly sad and solemn,” recalled Colleen Frankenfield, President and CEO of LSMNJ. “We’ve lost residents that have meant a great deal to us and even an employee.” Frankenfield continued, “However, throughout the crisis we have learned so much about the power of the team working together as one. Every department and every team member has cared for our clients, residents and participants as they would their own family.”
With more than 80 percent of LSMNJ’s staff providing direct health care to seniors and hospice patients, the pandemic has shined a beaming light on the unwavering dedication and personal commitment of LSMNJ’s everyday HEROES. From the leadership team to the nursing staff, housekeeping, property managers, maintenance and marketing – everyone has made personal sacrifices and voluntarily stepped into harm’s way.
During the toughest times, LSMNJ executive staff members willingly moved into Crane’s Mill, a senior care community, to give relief to the RNs and LPNs who were already working double shifts as a result of COVID-19. Others took on alternate roles to assist where they were needed. Many employees placed their personal lives on hold—enduring long hours, then returning home each night to their families, realizing the risks that came home with them.
Makala Haggan, LPN, for Lutheran Senior LIFE PACE program in Jersey City conducts a home visit with a PACE participant.
Lutheran Senior LIFE at Jersey City, a program of all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE) traditionally delivered at a Center, shifted to provide care for seniors in their own homes. To keep participants safe and to offset loneliness and isolation, employees conduct daily well checks and facilitate nurse and nurse practitioner visits in the home. The chaplain visits participants, recreation hosts virtual activities, meals and prescriptions are delivered, and door-to-door transportation to doctor appointments is provided.
In a true “all hands on deck” effort, LSMNJ team members from across the state were brought in to assist wherever needed. Endless hours were spent securing and delivering PPE (personal protective equipment) and supplies to all program locations. The human resources team worked around-theclock to help meet staffing needs. The marketing department worked closely with leadership members to ensure that everyone, including families, were receiving the most up-to-date, accurate information via phone calls, emails, letters and postings on the various programs’ websites.
“All of the staff and administration continue to go above and beyond to keep us safe and informed,” touted Cheryl Friedman, an independent living resident at Crane’s Mill. “While many of my friends have waited for hours in lines to go food shopping, our meals are delivered to us. Although these are extremely stressful times, the care we are getting here has helped to alleviate at least a small part of that stress. There are no words to express how grateful I am to be here and how appreciative I am for the wonderful staff we have.”
“I couldn’t be more proud of our team,” added Frankenfield. “With every new challenge they face, our team members continue to rally together to ensure that everyone’s health and safety is the highest priority. That’s why we were so eager to administer our first round of vaccinations in January.”
Many of the residents, staff, and participants at LSMNJ have already been vaccinated, with additional dates rolling out regularly. “Our team members know the importance of protecting those we serve, themselves and their loved ones,” explained Frankenfield. “I am forever grateful to each and every member on our team.”
—Cheryl Friedman, an independent living resident at Crane’s Mill
An employee at Crane’s Mill in West Caldwell delivers food to one of the community’s independent living residents during the pandemic.
Read more when you download "Retirement Living Sourcebook"
