What’s Happening at Katzman Family Center for Living!

Executive Director Jill Tura traveled to New Orleans for the American College of Health Care Administrator’s Annual Convocation. This trip was a long time coming. In 2019, when Jill was an Administrator-in-Training, she applied for, and won, a scholarship to attend the convocation in 2020. However, due to Covid, the convocation was cancelled, and her scholarship was deferred until 2022. In March, Jill spent three days with Nursing Home Administrators from across the country, attending seminars and learning best practices. Jill accepted the prestigious Hollander Award, a very well-deserved honor. Congratulations Jill!

Michael Kaiser, a resident from our 3rd floor Memory Care Unit, was happily interacting with Myles, a golden retriever therapy dog from Golden Moments. It was touching to see Michael’s eyes light up as soon as he saw Myles. Bentley, another golden retriever, also stopped by KCL for a visit, eliciting smiles and laughs from many residents. These therapy dogs bring joy and happiness to our residents.

Activities are returning in full swing at KCL! The annual and much beloved Purim party was back, with residents being treated to music, prizes, and the traditional hamantaschen treats. This year, Harold Tafler and Diane Flynn were crowned “King and Queen.” It was a fun celebration for both residents and staff members.

Other activities included: jewelry instructor Mandee helping residents create their own signature pieces of jewelry; resident Roslyn Buchholz’s son Ronald Buchholz volunteered to perform a Friday evening Sabbath lighting candle prayer; a lunch trip to Jimmy’s Steerhouse where Anna Bellino, Charles Paull and Candido Serrano enjoyed the outing, especially the delicious food. These days, our musical concerts are widely attended by the residents, staff and visiting family members. Everyone was up and dancing!

On our specialized Dementia Care Unit, residents are keeping active and creative. Dietary Aide Yashonna Guillaume wanted to do something nice for resident Salima Benamar on her birthday, so she gifted Salima a day at the beauty parlor. Salima was very appreciative and, in fact, loved her new hairstyle!

Recently Susan LeClaire, Therapeutic Activities Director of the Dementia Special Care Unit, had the opportunity to attend a conference with renown dementia care specialist Teepa Snow. For Susan, it was a pivotal moment in her career. “I’m so grateful to have been mentored by the brilliant, compassionate, and dedicated Teepa Snow,” stated Susan. “The organization gave me the opportunity to partake in the dynamic Engagement Leader Certification program, which focused upon Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach To Care. After certification, I will share what I learned with our staff as we continue our dementia training.”