THE GRAND CONNECTION SUMMER 2021
SEE WHAT’S NEW IN OUR FACILITIES MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO All over the world the phrase “unprecedented times” is repeated over and over again. It references home life, a myriad of professional lives, personal lives, communal life and life in general. It causes isolation from others, individual seclusion and remote existence for many. As healthcare workers we have a ‘different unprecedented life’. We have a life forced to come in to work every day being exposed to viruses, to be around ill people every day and a life filled with caring for others who need it most while putting ourselves and our families at potential risk. For this reason, Healthcare Workers really and truly are best referred to as HEROES. To be selfless and generous to the extreme is something that can best be defined as SUPER HEROES. That is what each and every employee of The Grand Healthcare System and all facilities are – true Super Heroes. The devotion, commitment and dedication that our team displayed and continues to display is something that words can’t do justice to nor describe. The team members embody the phrase ‘do unto others as you would want done to yourselves.’ It is for this reason that I take this opportunity to say thank you. Thank you to the residents and families for entrusting your loved one to our care. Thank you to the staff families for sharing your loved ones with us to provide care. Most of all thank you to the amazing, fantastic and incredible staff for all you have done, are doing and will do for the good of our residents. May G-d keep all of you, your families and our residents safe, healthy and prosperous. May He remove this pandemic from our world and bring only happiness, health and success to all individually and communally. With unbridled gratitude,
JEREMY B. STRAUSS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Pi Hagadone Hello everyone! My name is Joshua Held and I am the Administrator for The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Barnwell. I have been in Nursing Homes and Healthcare for the past 28 years. I started as a Dietary Aide in 1993. I have held positions in Social Work, Admissions, Marketing, and now as an Administrator. I started with The Grand 4 years ago and just recently returned as the Administrator here at Barnwell. Living in the same town as the facility, I hope to once again integrate Barnwell into this wonderful community as we look forward to reopening to the public.
Joshua Held Administrator at Barnwell
Pi Hagadone is April’s Employee of the Month! She has worked at Barnwell for 7 years as a housekeeper. Pi is very pleasant, kind, helpful and an all around team player making her the perfect Employee of the Month!
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IN THEIR OWN WORDS... I am a retired doctor. I have been at Barnwell for almost 4 years now. I have had the opportunity to evaluate Barnwell in my past 4 years. I have never been more pleased with another facility. I have been to many facilities as I was a practicing physician for over 30 years in Vermont. Part of my duty was to visit facilities like Barnwell. Barnwell has skilled & intelligent nurses who are also very friendly. I was compromised physically when I came to Barnwell, so I was hooked up with Physical Therapy. The therapists are very pleasant, intelligent, amenable to suggestions, & exceedingly keen and helpful to my overall care. I also have had the pleasure of working with administration. I have had very positive experiences with Jake Chapler, Aimee Rathka & Amy Michael. Also, Shanice from Social Work has been very helpful with working on a discharge plan for myself to Assisted Living. I would choose Barnwell over and over again & can’t say enough how thankful I am for everyone here & all of the help that has been provided to me. - Donald S.
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BATAVIA
HEAR WHAT OUR GUESTS HAVE TO SAY
I am very excited to be here with The Grand at Batavia. Making sure your loved ones are well taken care of is a priority of mine!
Timothy Srye
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I’m doing exercises, stretches that I was shown...I love the facility, the staff is great. - Gertrude S.
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Hello Everyone,
Administrator at Batavia
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH A graduation took place at The Grand at Batavia for CNAs! Congratulations to all our graduates!
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HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH
Brenda Calhoun I’m excited to join the team here at BCHC and I appreciate your warm welcome! I’m also excited for all the positive changes happening within our facility now that we’ve resumed family visits and with our ongoing vaccination program. We have also had the pleasure of welcoming a new Director of Nursing (DON) and Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) in the last month. We look forward to the personalities and skillset they will bring to our facility.
Brenda has been here for 42 years, and is looking forward to retiring this coming July. Brenda says what she will miss the most is her residents and being part of the process to assist them, and in many cases see them get well and return to the community. She says, “Knowing I had a hand in it…makes it all worth it.”
Overall, I want to encourage the BCHC residents, staff, and families to stay safe in the community and remember to practice the core principles of infection control when visiting your loved one at the facility i.e. social distancing, face coverings, hand washing, etc. Thank you and have a Grand Day!
Samontra Spencer Administrator at Buffalo
FAMILY VISITATION HAS STARTED! Reunited and it feels so good! In person visitation has helped the facility on the road to healing. From Mildred Harris seeing her family for her 95th birthday, to the Gary family visiting in droves. Our families are so excited to see their love ones again! 6
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MY COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND RESIDENTS IS A PRIVILEGE.
the administrative in the process of
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Bridget Bender
Park I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with staff and residents who truly care.
This facility has a team of department heads that are Administrator committed to Acting the ongoing improvement of the facility and I am truly excited be a at toChestnut Park part of the Chestnut Park Family. Our staff is dedicated, passionate and take pride in caring for our residents!
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HEAR WHAT OUR GUESTS HAVE TO SAY
5 months here. Came in more dead than alive. Couldn’t walk. Had DVT (deep vein thrombosis, a major clot in my leg.) Through great nursing and physical therapy, my clot was dissolved, I kept my leg, and relearned how to walk. To quote Elton John, ‘I’m still standin.’ Thanks Chestnut Park, you did it all!! - Steve L.
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Having the opportunity to care for my community members and residents is a privilege. Being a member of The Grand Healthcare System allows us access to a wealth of resources at every level and has significantly becoming a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. I improved the overall outcomes of continue to play in local volleyball leagues and coach at McHugh) and I Oneonta High School. Oneonta has become my home. our facility. The facility has a team of ere at Chestnut It is where my family is planting its roots and it is a department heads that community that I am honored to be a part of. are committed up here to start my Having the opportunity to care for my community of the to the ongoing improvement neonta. During my members and residents is a privilege. Being a member facility and I am truly excited ber of The Grand Healthcare System to be a ball allows us access to a wealth of part Chestnut Park Family. Our HAVING THEof theresources ege at every level and has the OPPORTUNITY staff is dedicated, passionate and significantly improved the overall any outcomes of our facility. Over TO CARE FOR takes pride in caring for our residents! nts my first 2 months at Chestnut
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EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH: Niko Lima We presented Niko Lima, Physical Therapist, with our first Employee of the Month award as chosen by our residents!
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EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Angela Grover
Erik Howard Administrator at Chittenango
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IN THEIR OWN WORDS...
I really like the staff here and everyone is super. Lisa in Physical Therapy is doing a great job assisting me with PT. - Mark T.
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Hi all! My name is Erik Howard and I am the Administrator of The Grand at Chittenango, a boutique 80 bed facility along the creek walk in Chittenango. I have been with the company, and in central NY for close to a year now, and I am loving every second of it! I am a Licensed Master Social Worker in addition to an Administrator and I truly love helping people.
Meet Angela Grover! She is April’s Employee of the Month—Angela recently returned to us here in Chittenango and immediately got back to brightening our residents’ days. Recently, she went above and beyond when assisting a resident on a transport this month!
Fred Deck
Administrator at Colonial Park
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The nurses, aides and therapy staff are the reason I get out of bed in the morning. I couldn’t even move and now I am walking with their help! I can’t say enough about this place! It’s the best! - Kirkland D.
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At Colonial Park, we strive to obtain a special culture that clearly reflects a commitment to quality care and customer service. Colonial Park is appreciative to have such a role and we are proud to see our Concierge spread peace of mind and goodwill to all of our beloved Residents. Thank you to my entire team at Colonial Park for putting our Residents’ needs first during this pandemic. You save lives, you made a difference when it mattered most, and you will always have my utmost respect for doing everything with class.
HEAR WHAT OUR RESIDENTS HAVE TO SAY
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH I wanted to share a real-life example about how doing “the little things” can make an incredible difference for those under our care. On Easter Sunday, I came in to make a set of quick rounds and wish all the Staff and our Residents a Happy Easter. Of course, the challenges of Covid-19 have had a significant impact on all of us since our last Easter Holiday. So I was nervous of course to see how the Easter Sunday was coming along. I can tell you that the very first Resident that I came across put my mind at ease. She was up in her wheelchair with a sundress on and she looked beautiful. The special touch that put my mind at ease was some fresh flowers adorning her head as her hair was put up and the spring flowers looked perfect. One of our CNAs, Felicia, had taken the time to do several of the women’s hair that very same way and it was clearly evident that the Residents themselves felt really good about having flowers in their hair. A simple and small act of kindness set the tone for a nice Easter Sunday. So I wanted to thank Felicia and all of our wonderful staff for thinking of the little things on behalf of our Residents. I am proud to be part of the Colonial Park team along side of such kind caregivers.
- Fred Deck THE GRAND HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
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We are thrilled to welcome our families back for visitation. This could not have been done without the diligent effort from Great Neck’s staff and the cooperation of our family and community members. Spring is a time of growth and new beginning. The team at Great Neck looks forward to celebrating the hope and delightfulness of the spring season with you.
Kim Sodano Administrator at Great Neck
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I’m looking forward to the resting and relaxing here. The nurses, recreation and therapy here are all very nice, kind and helpful! - Mr. Salomone
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As the Administrator of The Grand Rehabilitation & Nursing at Great Neck I want to thank you for choosing The Grand at Great Neck for your skilled nursing and long term care needs. The amazing caregiving team is truly committed to providing exceptional service during your stay.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS...
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH The Grand at Great Neck residents are enjoying their time outdoors, with the beautiful sun and warm weather. Residents assisted with gardening on the patio. Recreation and Residents are working together to create a “Green Thumbs Gardening Club” to start planting a variety of flowers, vegetables and even herbs on the beautiful back patio!
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Aimee Rathka
Administrator at Guilderland
Jessica Mailhotte, one of our activities aides, is our employee of the month. She was born and raised in Albany and is mom to 4 year old Madison. She consistently goes above and beyond for our residents and staff.
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IN THEIR OWN WORDS...
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Guilderland is excited to welcome our families back for visitation. Although protective measures remain in place, visitation has been started and is a welcome phase for our residents and their families. We continue to hope that the restrictions of the past year continue to ease. Our staff and residents have been offered vaccinations on an ongoing basis, and we will continue to offer opportunities for vaccination in the coming months. As warmer weather approaches, we will begin offering outdoor visitation opportunities. We welcome you back to Guilderland!
Jessica Maihotte
The activity department is great! They cheer people up whether they want to or not. - Gerald D.
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MOHAWK VALLEY
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I am pleased at all of the hard work the team at Mohawk Valley has done during the Pandemic. The culture of the environment here is of a very caring nature and during these most difficult times has made the difference. I see people doing kind things for one another, celebrating the good in life and working very hard together to make a difference. The team has worked hard to provide excellent care which reflects in our Quality of Care Star Rating and on the lives of those that we provide care to. The team embraces the importance of customer service and works hard to promote satisfaction on a daily basis. None of these things would be possible without the cooperative effort of all who commit to working at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Mohawk Valley. I am truly grateful to be part of such an amazing team.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS...
The staff is super! They’re treating me really well. I’m looking forward to staying! - Charles H.
Lisa R. Bain Administrator at Mohawk Valley
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH: Jonelle Pettengill
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Jonelle Pettengill was nominated for Employee of the Month for May 2021. Jonelle goes above and beyond for both our residents and her coworkers.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Jonathan Halon Administrator at Pawling
We would like to acknowledge a huge accomplishment from one of our very own current nurses on achieving her RN BSN. We presented her with a beautifully created certificate made by our very own Staffer (Heather Hallinan). Jessica Villa, our Director of Nursing, and Jonathan Halon, Administrator, presented it to her. Congratulations on behalf of The Grand at Pawling for her amazing achievement.
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IN THEIR OWN WORDS...
I would like to thank the physical therapy department that was able to get me back on my feet to be able to get to where I am at today. I would recommend this facility to anyone in need of short term rehab and if you need long term too because I can tell you how helpful this has been for me. - Fred
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As the Administrator, I would like to personally welcome you and your loved one to our facility. Although 2020 was a year we all would like to forget, the reality is we lived through it and came out stronger than ever. We are excited to share that we have begun renovations within our facility and we can’t wait to share them with you. This week we are celebrating Nursing Home Week to show our appreciation for all of our wonderful staff who go above and beyond to make your loved one’s stay enjoyable while getting the care that they need. We look forward to sharing brighter days ahead.
Veronica Lopez-Santana
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HEAR WHAT OUR RESIDENTS HAVE TO SAY
Greetings!
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When I first came to The Grand at Queens I could not swallow, talk, stand or walk. Now I can. That is because of the hard work of the rehab staff. They deserve 5 gold stars. - Luann B.
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The term “hero” has often been used to describe Healthcare workers during the Pandemic…and I could not agree with this description more. While the entire planet literally went into some form of lockdown, our brave staff across The Grand Healthcare System went about the business of providing outstanding care for our residents during these unprecedented times. They were living under the same circumstances, yet they answered the call of duty and I am beyond proud of what they have been able to accomplish. I want to acknowledge and praise their heroic efforts and at the same time, thank each of you, our dedicated family members, for placing your trust and confidence in us to care for your loved ones. We have missed seeing you in our Home, and are truly excited that we can now welcome you back!
Dan Muskin Administrator at Queens
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VOLUME 34 NUMBER 2 • JAN. 14-JAN. 20, 2020
We're all about you! • Play games online at Games.QNS.com NORTHEAST
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH
‘NOT A DRY EYE IN THE ROOM’
Photo courtesy of The Grand Healthcare System
Irene Mentel
‘Polio Pioneer’ among first receive COVID-19 vaccine at Whitestone nursing home Page 19
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SPECIAL SECTIONS:
HEALTH Page 19 | EDUCATION Page 23 | BUZZ Page 26
Our resident, Irene Mentel, was featured in our local Queens newspaper. She was one of the first in the United States to receive the Polio vaccine as a child, and now was one of the first to receive the Covid vaccine.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Johny Cox
This past month our facility celebrated the 18 year work anniversary of Johny Cox. Johny started as a CNA and now oversees Central Supply at The Grand at River Valley. Johny has been instrumental in the fight against COVID-19 in our facility and we appreciate all the hard work he has contributed to our facility.
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IN THEIR OWN WORDS...
I like it here and I’m enjoying my stay at The Grand at River Valley. - Mariam F.
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As I reflect on what a year it has been, I am inspired by the greatness of the three vital links in healthcare - our staff, our residents and the loved ones of our residents. Our staff have continued to go above and beyond in devoting their physical and emotional energy to the care of our residents. Our residents have stayed patient and optimistic throughout such a trying time and have embraced the limitations with the understanding that we are all looking out for their safety and wellbeing. The loved ones of our residents have had to sacrifice the lack of in-person visitation and physical touch. We have all together risen out of this stronger than ever and are excited to be embracing the new norm of living. The sun is shining and we can now accommodate visits and our residents can finally spend time together in group activities and dining. Let us take our unified strength and continue to love and care for one another.
Mark Groundland Administrator at River Valley
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HEAR WHAT OUR RESIDENTS HAVE TO SAY
Michael Brown
Administrator at Robinson Terrace
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This year has been difficult in so many ways, but the happiness our residents show when they finally get to see their loved ones without a glass barrier has been quite frankly indescribable. We are so pleased to have our visitation center open; it’s been wonderful to welcome everyone back. I cannot give enough credit to Robinson Terrace’s amazing team for their resilience and dedication through this pandemic. We are all looking forward to better times!
I feel that I’m making progress. I’m very satisfied. - Lorraine M.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH
Karen Armao
Karen Armao, MS, RN, WCC is our Employee Spotlight for the month, and our Clinical Educator at Robinson Terrace. We are so pleased to have her on board, following many years as a clinical instructor for an associate prepared nursing program in our community. Karen states that as her “students prepare to graduate, they express their eagerness and their fears, I remind them that they will not know everything, to ask ANY and ALL questions, and most important of all, never stop learning. Healthcare in general continues to change, our patients depend on us as their resource. To be the most effective and greatest resource for each patient is to keep your knowledge fresh!”
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We’re also excited to share that we’ve opened up the community for scheduled appointments to visit with your loved ones indoors and outdoors (weather permitted) thanks to updated guidelines. As I write this article, I am visualizing the smiles and hugs that I have seen over the past week as families and friends return to visit. The return of visitors feels as warm as if the sun were shining on my face on a spring day. If you have questions, do not hesitate to reach out! Stay safe! We’re here to help in any way we can!
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The staff have been so accessible and attentive, and they’ve been that way from the very first day. I can say that I have real friendships with so many of the staff members here. Everyone wants you to be comfortable and part of life here.
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Dear Residents, Family, and Friends, happy Spring! We have a new addition to the Pavilion at Robinson Terrace team; Cara LeFever joined the team as our RN Case Manager, be sure to welcome her to the team if you haven’t already (please see her introduction below). I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank you for your continued support over the last year. With the vaccinating of residents and staff we’re excited for the changes that are already happening.
HEAR WHAT OUR RESIDENTS HAVE TO SAY
- Sylvia V.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH
Cara LeFever
My name is Cara LeFever, and I am the RN Case Manager at The Pavilion at Robinson Terrace in Stamford NY. I have been a nurse for almost 10 years. I have two children and live in Oneonta, NY. I enjoy working here at The Pavilion and all of the Residents and Staff are wonderful to work with.
Kaci Pondolfino
Administrator at The Pavilion at Robinson Terrace
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Brighton Manor
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Shane Derock I am very excited and grateful to be representing The Grand Healthcare System as the Administrator for Brighton Manor. For many years, leading and caring for others has been my passion. With the help from my team, we will continue to provide loving, dignified care to our residents and promote excellence to meet the needs of our diverse population.
As the nurse manager for our long-term unit, I am very dedicated to providing the best experience for our Residents. I am willing to do whatever it takes to make sure our Residents are safe and that their needs are being met.
Eugene Farrare Administrator at Brighton Manor
Therapy went well; I like to continue with what I was taught to keep up my strength. I am pleased with the staff, they all have gone out of their way to keep me comfortable. Keep up the great work! Thank you! - Joe L .
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IN THEIR OWN WORDS...
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April Recap! In April we started our table bowling team practice. We celebrated Earth Day with Earth cookies, we took the time to get to know our customers with quality time spent enjoying some McDonalds, we had Live Musical Entertainment back for the first time in over a year!!! And to wrap up the month we celebrated all of our April Birthdays with cake and balloons!
IN THEIR OWN WORDS...
I am enjoying my stay. The staff has been helpful. I would recommend coming to The Grand for short-term rehab. - Bruce S.
Christina Audi Administrator at Rome
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Lori Clark
Lori Clark started working here in 1987. Throughout the years she has worn many hats. She has worked as a CNA within our SNF, she spent time as a ward clerk on the units, as an activity aide, as well as a CNA for our adult day health program. Lori has been an exemplary addition to the facility from day one and continues to touch the lives of every resident she has the opportunity to care for. She more than exceeds the Gold Standard for employees here at The Grand which is why she was named our April Employee of the Month.
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SOUTH POINT
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Janice Ryder-Kelly
Doni Mozorosky Administrator at South Point
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Janice Ryder-Kelly is the Concierge at The Grand at South Point. Janice has proven to be a tremendous asset to the facility. The relationships she builds with the residents and their families are everlasting and nothing short of remarkable. Congratulations Janice for being The Employee of the Month!
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IN THEIR OWN WORDS...
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The time has come! The Grand at South Point has finally turned the corner. There is music and dancing in the hallways once again. There are residents sitting together again to enjoy a meal or just to break bread. Family members have swarmed the facility to see their loved ones for the first time in a year! Residents attending their daily activities is finally not a dream but a reality. Watching this whole process has been tiring and at some points even depressing, but to see everyone getting back into the normal swing of things and to see the happiness it has brought them makes it all worth it!
I love the food at The Grand at South Point and I love that the CNAs are compassionate and kind. - Irene W.
UTICA
Michael Hotz Administrator at Utica
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As always, May has been a busy month for The Grand at Utica. We were able to meet NY State Guidelines and return to in person visiting of families and residents. Our National Nursing Home week was very full of activities – we had Mother’s Day carnations for all the female residents and “virgin” mimosas for all. Monday was Arctic Blast day complete with creative snow cones. Tuesday was a Western Hoedown complete with boots, cowboy hats and flannel. Wednesday was the costume carnival complete with BBQ and our Assistant Administrator Zach was pelted with water balloons (thanks for being such a good sport, Zach!) Thursday was Summer Splash with a sandcastle contest. Friday was our Spring Fling including tattoos and 70’s dress up. I cannot wait to see what we will do next year!
HEAR WHAT OUR RESIDENTS HAVE TO SAY Very nice staff who will help you with any concerns and respond quickly with your call light. - Virginia P.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH Kayla Snyder
We are very excited about our new staff training. We sent our Recreation Director, Kayla Snyder away to be trained to become an official trainer of Certified Dementia Practitioners. This is special training that helps staff know more about memory care and dementia residents focusing on how to engage them and how to manage them safely.
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