The Manor at Seneca Hill
Issue 4 Fall 2016
An Affiliate of Oswego Health
Connection The Manor
A Publication for Friends, Family, Healthcare Providers and Supporters of The Manor at Seneca Hill WHAT’S INSIDE 02 Message from our COO 03 Leadership and Employee Spotlight 04 Adult Day & Resident Picnics
05 Medical Records Implementation 06 Farmers Market & Car Show 07 The Foundation and Ways to Give
Health Care Facility of the Year
The Manor continues to enjoy accolades this year, as it has been named the Health Care Facility of the Year as a part of the Excellence in Health Care Awards presented by the Bankers Healthcare Group. Staff members at The Manor were honored at a special evening event held at The Lodge at Welch Allyn in Skaneateles on Oct. 20th. “I am so proud of our staff, which works every day to provide excellent and compassionate care to our residents, rehab patients and those who participate in our Adult Day Health Services program,” said Jason Santiago, Oswego Health Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
of The Manor. “This award recognizes their dedication.”
This award was partially based on The Manor’s 3-star rating, the highest overall score of any skilled nursing home facility in Oswego County in the most recent Centers for Medicare and Medicaid survey (CMS). Along with this overall score, the facility achieved a 4-star on quality. The overall star award is based upon three individual star ratings, which include staffing, inspections and quality. The Manor accomplished this milestone by increasing the number of hours registered nurses are on duty, as well as implemented initiatives
that reduced patient falls and pressure ulcers. It also improved the independence of patients in their activities of daily life. In addition, staff members are more closely monitoring the pain levels of both the residents and rehabilitation patients, in an effort to reduce the use of medications, if appropriate. The award further recognized the successful Veteran’s Administration survey of the Adult Day Health Services Program. During a daylong inspection, an entire VA team that included a social worker, nurse, dietitian and a safety specialist thoroughly reviewed their respective areas of The Manor. continued on back page
A MESSAGE FROM OUR COO
I hope everyone had a great summer! Summer is a wonderful time of year for Central New York. We wait patiently all winter for those months as we plan our vacations, take advantage of local activities and festivals, i.e. Oswego Harborfest, or just simply take advantage of all that Central New York and Oswego County has to offer us. The same goes for our residents. The Manor had some great outdoor activities this past summer. A thank you to Heather Huggins, Activities Director, and her entire activities staff for helping plan these outdoor activities. They spend a lot of time preparing and engaging our residents in meaningful activities they enjoy. The Manor hosted two car shows this past summer. Our activities team along with a former short term rehab resident helped organize this event. The turnout for both were terrific. It was great to see the residents faces light up as they saw some great classic cars. In addition, our residents, got to listen to some great music provided by Oswego Health’s own Paul Vandish, which provided a nice touch to a great evening.
Jason Santiago VP and COO for the Manor and Springside at Seneca Hill
OSWEGO HEALTH BOARD OF DIRECTORS Atom Avery Floyd Backes Michael Backus Barbara Bateman Gary Bozeman, MD Chris Burritt Pamela Caraccioli William Clark, Past Chair Peter Cullinan Victoria Furlong Adam Gagas, Chair William Galloway Chuck Gijanto, President & CEO Ellen Holst, Secretary Matthew Liepke, MD, President, Medical Staff Renato Mandanas, MD Patricia Mears Zach Menter Yvonne Patrella Ivan Proano, MD Thomas Schneider Mark Slayton, Treasurer Micheal Stephens, MD, Vice Chair Scott Van Gorder, DO
2
The Manor hosted its annual resident and family picnic in mid-August. This event has been a long-standing tradition at The Manor. Lots of hands went into planning this event from all levels of our organization. I must say, our staff hit it out of the park. From the sunflower themed décor, BBQ themed food, musical entertainment by ‘Elvis,’ etc., everything was outstanding, including the weather. This is that one event every year where I get to see the most families all in one setting. It’s wonderful to be able to spend time talking with them in a casual setting. I received lots of positive feedback on The Manor from them. Great job by all who participated in this event! Lastly, I recently learned that The Manor at Seneca Hill was nominated and won the Healthcare Facility of the Year as part of the Healthcare Excellence Award by Bankers Healthcare Group. This is a huge distinction for The Manor. As stated in my newsletter last spring, one thing you can count on in healthcare is change. It’s changing rapidly, almost daily. There are so many moving parts to the services and care The Manor provides on a daily basis. I am very proud of all the staff from direct caregivers to management staff for their diligence on how they deliver care, impact change, and persistence in making The Manor at Seneca Hill a recipient of this prestigious award. That old saying in this case holds true that “there’s no I in team.” Congratulations to the entire Seneca Hill Manor team on a job well done!
Jason Santiago VP and COO for the Manor and Springside at Seneca Hill
leadership SPOTLIGHT
Fowler Participates in Leadership Program Social Worker Jessica Fowler, who works with The Manor’s long-term residents, has been accepted into the Leading Age New York 20162017 Leadership Academy.
profit providers of care, housing and service to seniors.
“I’m very excited to expand my responsibilities and to meet other colleagues who I can maintain communication with throughout my career,” Jessica said.
The program, called Ignite, encourages people to work together to problem-solve and improve performance. Ignite is an opportunity for leaders to learn how to facilitate the group process, and inspire and motivate others to achieve goals and improve quality.
This transformational leadership platform is designed to foster growth and relationships among our current and next generations of leaders within New York’s non-
Jessica is a graduate of Oswego State. As part of this leadership experience, she will attend four conferences held throughout New York State.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Terry Woodworth retires — Happy Retirement
After caring for the patients and residents on the second floor of The Manor for the past 17 years, Terry Woodworth, a Certified Nursing Assistant, retired earlier this summer. Throughout her career at Oswego Health, Terry said it was the people she cared for and her co-workers that she enjoyed the most. “It’s family,” she said. “The staff becomes your family because you work with them every day, as do the residents. It’s really been an honor to work here with the people, because they’re the best.” She said she will especially miss one co-worker in particular, her daughter, Allison Gardenier who is a unit helper at The Manor. Three years ago, Terry was the recipient of Leading Age New York’s Employee of Distinction Award. A
Among the many staff who attended Terry’s surprise retirement party were Esther Fields, Director of Nursing, at left, and, at right, Jason Santiago, Oswego Health Vice President and the Chief Operating Officer for The Manor and Springside.
state-wide nonprofit organization, Leading Age NY represents not-forprofit, mission-driven and public continuing care providers, including nursing homes, senior housing, adult care facilities, retirement communities, assisted living and community service providers. “That was an awesome feeling that they thought enough of me to nominate me and then the state selected me,” Terry said. “That was an honor.”
As she retires, Terry and her husband are packing up their camper that is decorated with her beloved Disney characters and traveling to California. After visiting some of the national parks along the way, they will settle in Fremont, Calif. Their retirement plans include living with their youngest son and his wife, where they will help take care of their newly born grandbaby twins.
3
adult day picnic
The Manor held its annual summertime family picnic for its Adult Day Health Services Program on July 28th. More than 90 family members were the guests of program participants and all enjoyed a summer barbeque.
Amanda Clawson is pictured with Oswego Health President and CEO Chuck Gijanto.
Among the families who enjoyed the summertime picnic were Alex and Ana Beattie, who are seated, along with Madelyn and Fred Lovell. Ana is a participant in the program.
Pictured at far left is Evelyn Smith, mother of participant; Laurie Morrow, participant; and Linda Smart, Laurie’s sister.
Part of the Oswego Health system, The Manor’s adult day health services program offers a comprehensive array of services in a homelike environment. This “medical model” integrates activities and socialization with the individual healthcare needs of all qualifying individuals. Participants are 18 years or older with a wide range of cognitive and physical needs that require nursing care and supervision in a structured community setting.
resident family picnic Family members and friends of The Manor attended an evening picnic held on The Manor’s front lawn in August. It was held on one of this August’s rare comfortable nights, with the food delicious and Elvis there to entertain.
Elvis sang his familiar songs and worked the crowd throughout the evening.
4
Seated is resident Lulu Green. Standing from left are Natasha Mezza and Tina Malcott, who is Green’s daughter.
Rehab patient Bill Miller and daughter Melissa Miller.
Deer Oaks Services Welcomed to The Manor Deer Oaks, a Behavioral Health Organization, will soon be providing a range of counseling services to patients at The Manor. Deer Oakes, which provides services across the country, will offer psychological assessments, individual therapy, behavior supportive therapy,
group therapy, and family therapy. The residents referred to these services will benefit greatly from this service now being offered at The Manor. To take advantage of these services, the patient or patient’s loved one, must provide consent. Deer Oakes staff members, which
include a psychologist and a licensed social worker will be at The Manor two to three times each week to provide services. Research has shown that patients with dementia can greatly benefit from behavior management or supportive therapy.
MEDICAL RECORDS IMPLEMENTATION FINAL STAGE
The Manor is in the midst of the third and final stage of its implementation of an Electronic Medical Record system (EMR) that will result in greater patient care efficiencies.
“It will conveniently place all our records on each patient in one place,” said Michele Robertson, Assistant Director of Nursing. “There will no longer be any paper records or files stored in separate places. The EMR will include nursing progress notes, medications the patient is receiving, specialized care provided, such as speech therapy and other critical patient information.” The EMR system selected by The Manor, SigmaCare, was chosen as administrators felt it was the best fit for the healthcare provider. “We
interviewed SigmaCare staff members and participated in demonstrations, which assisted in our decision making, along with the fact that key administrators were familiar with this system,” Robertson added.
Clinical staff members have been undergoing EMR training most of the summer. The licensed practical and registered nurses initially learned how to document the medications administered to the residents and rehabilitation patients, eliminating the use of these paper documents. Since then other modules have been added. While the EMR includes important patient documentation, it will also remind staff of specific care needs and will offer dashboards to ensure all
the required care is provided. The implementation of the third and final stage of its SigmaCare began in early September and once fully completed will provide documentation on many care areas to the Centers of Medicaid and Medicare (CMS). The Manor is completing its implementation of an EMR system prior to its being required by CMS next year. “We have been very proactive in selecting a system that provides The Manor with the best product, worked to ensure staff members are properly trained and are looking forward to improving the great care we already provide our residents and rehab patients,” Robertson said.
UPCOMING EVENTS November 11th – Resident & Adult Day Participant Veteran’s Luncheon November 17th – Adult Day Health Services Thanksgiving Dinner November 20th – Annual Memorial Service November 24th – Resident & Family Thanksgiving Dinner (by reservation only) December 10th – Resident & Family Holiday Open House February 14th – Resident Valentine’s Day Dinner (by reservation only)
5
farmers market in oswego
The Manor and Springside were well represented at the Oswego Farmers Market on Sept. 8th. Pictured from left, Heidi Bush, Clinical Administration Nursing Secretary; Jennifer Baker, Nursing Recruitment and Retention Specialist; Sarah Weigelt, Director of Springside; Brianne Barr, Rehab Social Worker; Michelle Yablonski, Assistant Unit Manager, 2nd floor; and Matt Munski, Springside Cook. Along with providing information about the two facilities, a delicious Vermont Cheese Soup was available for market goers that promoted Springside’s upcoming line up of Soup Lovers events. The luncheons are held the second Wednesday of each month from October through April.
AN EVENING AT THE MANOR CAR SHOW The Manor hosted another car show for its residents and guests on a beautiful fall evening. Thanks to Chip Pelton, a former rehab patient, who coordinated this latest car show on Sept. 13th. “Once you put the word out these car guys love it and they just come out,” Chip said. ”They’re awesome.” Adding to the festivities was music
provided by Double V. Helping out during the evening were students from SUNY Oswego who visit The Manor once a week as part of an Adopt-A-Grandparent program.
opportunity to be seen up close. Chip is already planning several similar events next year.
As with past car shows held this year at The Manor, the cars paraded in front of the skilled nursing facility for viewing and then parked near the main entrance offering an
Among the cars who took part in the car show was this Cameo Chevy pickup truck.
Another successful car show was held this fall at The Manor. Among the residents pictured from left are Rose Ferrazzoli, Lula Green, Elizabeth Sheldon and Don Ingison. Standing from left are Oswego Health President and CEO Chuck Gijanto; Oswego Health Board Member Barbara Bateman; Manor/Springside Chief Operating Officer Jason Santiago; and his son, Mario, along with SUNY Oswego Adopt-A-Grandparent students Kayla Peterson, Olivia Coppeletti, Kaitlin Concannon, Bryce Colvin, Echo Cutter and Sara Gredelj.
6
A few of the cars at the show.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT General Donation — Thomas Mieden
Karen M. Ferguson, CFRE Director for Oswego Health Foundation
OSWEGO HEALTH FOUNDATION AVENUES FOR GIVING Ways to Give
We can help…. Are you worried about the economy and feel like you don’t have as much to give this year? There are many ways that you can still help our organization’s work and benefit yourself through a planned gift. One of the most popular planned gifts is a bequest, which allows you to make an estate tax deductible gift through your will. The resources on our website can help you save on taxes today and increase your income through a variety of lifetime plans. To learn more about the benefits of making a planned gift, please call 349-3791 or visit our website at oswegohealth.org/foundation.
Families and friends can remember a loved one with:
Leaf or Support Stone on the Recognition Tree
Memorial /Honorary Brick on the Memorial Walkway
Memorials/Honorarium Gifts can be made in memory of loved one or in honor of a living loved one. These are a great way to honor special occasions and milestones.
Partners in Healthcare Your gifts ensure our residents and patients receive the best quality care available with the latest technology, services and physician care. Please contact:
Karen M. Ferguson, CFRE Director, Oswego Health Foundation 110 W. Sixth St., Oswego, NY 13126 p. 315-326-3795 f. 315-216-4702 | c. 315-591-3963
7
continued from front page The Adult Day Program provides care to an average of 25 community members each day. The program offers a comprehensive array of services in a homelike environment weekdays to those aged 18 and older. This medical model integrates activities and socialization with the individual healthcare needs of all qualifying individuals.
found to be very successful, as it is improving the quality of life for those with swallowing issues. The Manor has also implemented an IV service for both short-term rehabilitation residents and skilled nursing residents that may need antibiotic therapy, or who become dehydrated. This service allows these individuals to remain at the facility and not be transferred to the hospital.
The Manor was also acknowledged for its development of innovative programs that improve care. Most recently, two initiatives have been developed that assist those with specific healthcare needs. New software has been installed to assist those with swallowing disorders or dysphagia. The software, Synchrony, a virtual reality-assisted biofeedback system, allows participants to visualize swallowing activities in real time. This new software has been
The Manor at Seneca Hill An Affiliate of Oswego Health
20 Manor Drive, Oswego, NY 13126
“Community members have a local facility that truly provides the best care to those needing skilled nursing, rehabilitation services or our Adult Day Health Services program,” said Santiago. “This award is a testament to that care.”