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Message from Megin Hemmerling, Regional President

January 2, 2024

Dear Residents and Families,

I hope you enjoyed the holidays and celebrated with those who mean the most to you. Spending time in the company of people you care about makes the holidays special.

The start of a new year allows us to reflect on the previous time period and look forward to a fresh start. For many, this means setting New Year’s resolutions. If you practice this tradition, I hope you are able to prioritize your health needs as well as take part in the activities you enjoy the most.

Please remember to keep your vaccinations up to date. Covid boosters, flu shots and other vaccines will help keep you, and those around you, safe this winter season.

I’m looking forward to a productive 2024. Wishing you good health and much happiness in the coming year!

All the best,

Megin

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Chief Strategy Officer Kae Santos Builds Culture of Continuous Improvement to Benefit Residents, Families, and Staff

January 9, 2024

For over 23 years, Katherine (Kae) Santos, MBA, chief strategy officer of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare (CJL), has established herself as a leading expert in healthcare quality and performance improvement. In addition to her role at CJL, Santos serves as faculty at Harvard Medical School and leads both master’s degree and post-graduate certificate programs on healthcare quality, safety, and leadership to teach healthcare leaders across the globe. She is also on the leadership board of the Massachusetts Healthcare Lean Network, a grassroots organization with over 400 members and 100 healthcare organizations across Massachusetts and New England that promotes learning within the healthcare quality and process improvement field.

At Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, Kae uses her extensive knowledge and expertise to work with leaders and staff and build a culture of continuous improvement. Here are some of the key strategies that Kae and her team use to make a positive impact on the care and service our residents and families receive every day in our residences.

Four Strategies Chelsea Jewish Lifecare Uses to Improve Resident and Staff Experiences

1. Understand Problems through Observation, Interviews, and Data

The first step of improvement is effectively identifying problems that constantly affect residents and staff. One of the best ways to do this is through directly observing their interactions on a day-to-day basis and speaking to residents and staff about the challenges they face every day.

“Through observations, we are able to spot problems that get in the way of our staff providing safe and efficient care,” explains Santos. For example, observations at the Leonard Florence Center for Living showed how often the staff were leaving the resident room to search for supplies while in the middle of providing care. Not having the right supplies immediately available resulted in delays and frustration for both staff and residents. “This process quickly identified supply organization and restocking was a problem we needed to tackle to help with efficiency and resident and staff satisfaction,” Santos shares.

Kae also feels it essential to use interviews to obtain information about our residents’ needs and preferences. Asking questions helps us better understand and prioritize what matters most to our residents and families. Finally, using data provides us with a way to measure the problem and know if the changes we put in place make a difference.

2. Look Both Internally and Externally to Find Solutions

“Inspiration can come from anywhere, so it is important to keep an open mind when looking for solutions to our problems,” states Santos. When COVID hit and visitation restrictions were first put in place, finding an effective way to facilitate communication between our residents and their families became one of the highest priorities.

“Fear and loneliness can hamper and even reverse the best clinical care in our residences,” Santos stresses. “To find answers, we looked outside our industry to see the steps others were taking to keep people connected.” Using technology to enable virtual connection was a key factor being adopted in the education and business sectors. “We saw we could use the same tools – tablets, video calling and online scheduling to mitigate the absence of families who were necessarily banned from being on-site,” she points out.

3. Test Ideas on a Small Scale

Before implementing new policies, procedures and/or programs, Santos recommends testing on a small scale. “This is the most effective way to plan a change, observe the results, and make any needed changes as you go along before you launch more broadly,” Santos explains. “For the supply organization issue at Leonard Florence, we started by setting up one resident room with what the staff thought were the right type and amount of supplies they needed.” It was only after a few days of testing, getting feedback from staff, and adjusting the amounts that the idea was rolled out to more rooms in the house. “By testing on a small scale and getting feedback, we felt more confident that we got the process right before expanding to the rest of the rooms,” Santos shares.

4. Keep People at the Center When Making Any Change to Help Sustain Improvements

“Making any change, no matter if it is big or small, and ensure it lasts is always difficult,” Santos reflects. “It is therefore important to always keep in mind the reason why we are making these changes – for the benefit of our residents, families, and staff.”

For example, even though the technology to connect residents and families during COVID was relatively simple, the culture change was significant. However, everyone understood why it was important that this process was successful. Therefore, care teams committed to reserving blocks of time to facilitate video and phone calls. Online self-scheduling was added to make it easy for families to select a time to connect with loved ones without adding administrative burden to the staff. Throughout the testing of the process, feedback was gathered from residents, families, and staff to identify potential issues and adjust.

“By the end, this process has been so well-received by families and staff that even now, we continue to use it to connect residents and families virtually and in care plan meetings to keep families informed,” Santos says. “Every day, our continuous improvement efforts have us constantly testing and adapting ideas to address the needs of our residents, families, and staff.”

The Key to Success

“Ultimately, having a systematic approach to continuous improvement is what allows us to quickly identify and solve problems that greatly impact our residents, families, and staff,” Kae concludes. “It is because of this never-ending pursuit of excellence that we are able to provide the best quality care and service in all our residences.”

We are extremely thankful that Kae’s expertise and knowledge is available to Chelsea Jewish Lifecare on a daily basis! Her work every day, on behalf of residents, families, and staff members, helps our organization grow and flourish.

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Look What’s Happening at the Leonard Florence Center for Living

January 4, 2024

November and December were busy months at the Leonard Florence Center for Living. Some of the highlights included “The Magic of Houdini” show, which delighted attendees of all ages; a lively “Bay State Elvis” convert and “Sandie’s Spa,” which provided spa treatments that promote the “Art of Relaxation.” Manicures, face masks and hand massages were available for all residents. Pampering is definitely the way to go!

For the holiday season, residents, families, and visitors were treated to a beautifully decorated lobby at the Leonard Florence Center. The fountain, in particular, looked gorgeous with blue, white, and silver accents.

As always, music plays a large role in our activities. Residents love Musical Bingo, a mix of music trivia and bingo. In both music trivia and regular trivia, it’s clear that our residents know all the answers. We have a very smart group!

The month of December also marked a return to our popular “Deli Days” where our famed New York style deli offers a wonderful assortment of sandwiches such as corned beef, pastrami, roast beef, tuna salad and chicken salad. Get there before the line is too long.

Patrick O’Brien, longtime resident of the LFCL, was featured in an inspiring Boston Globe story on January 3. You can read the interview with Patrick elsewhere in this newsletter. Patrick, you are an inspiration to us all!

Welcome to 2024! Let’s make it a happy, healthy, and enjoyable year for all.

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Look What’s Happening at Katzman Family Center for Living

January 3, 2024

At KCL, we understand why December is often referred to as the “most wonderful time of the year!” We enjoyed many fun and festive celebrations. At our annual Hanukkah party, everyone was singing, dancing, and getting into the holiday spirit. The traditional treats of jelly donuts and chocolate gelt were savored by all. Residents did their part in creating our Hanukkah décor, which was displayed throughout our building.

Chef Chuck Magno made truly delicious traditional potato latkes thought out the eight nights of Hanukkah. Resident Rona Margolis led the prayers as the menorah was lit each night.

Another highlight of the season was our bus trip to view the beautiful holiday lights in the area. Hot chocolate and doughnuts completed the annual ritual.

A big thank you to the Home Instead team for spreading holiday cheer at KCL. Representatives stopped with holiday gifts for our residents. What a nice idea! And, in the spirit of the holidays, our hard working staff was treated to a festive lunch with delicious food, along with the chance to win multiple gift baskets.

We held a very special celebration for resident Ruth Finkelstein (Gilda Richman’s cousin) who celebrated her 102nd birthday. Happy birthday Ruth!

Ice cream is always a big hit with our population here at Katzman, so it was only fitting to have a grand ice cream social. Residents had their choice of multiple toppings to create their favorite ice cream sundae.

Residents had the opportunity to see baby goats, chickens, and other farm animals, when The Party Animal Farm stopped by for a visit. They even got to hold hamsters and bunnies!

As safety is a number one priority here at Katzman, our team members, comprised of staff volunteers, enacted an emergency evacuation. This way, in the unlikely event that an emergency occurs, our staff will be fully prepared to execute a safe evacuation. It’s important to be prepared for all potential emergency situations.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, and busy 2024!

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Lessons on Living from Patrick O’Brien (LFCL Resident) in The Boston Globe

January 3, 2024

“As I See It” a weekly photo column by Pulitzer Prize winner Stan Grossfeld. This week Grossfeld vists with ALS Survivor Patrick O’Brien.

By Stan Grossfeld (Globe Staff)
(Click here to read on BostonGlobe.com)

Patrick O’Brien, 49, is trapped in a body ravaged by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and hooked up to a ventilator. Doctors gave him two to five years to live. That was 18½ years ago. In 2005, he was known as TransFatty, a NYC disc jockey and filmmaker. Diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, he filmed his own decline in the documentary film “TransFatty Lives.” The New York Times called it “refreshingly unpredictable.” The film won the audience award at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2015. O’Brien did it as a valentine for his son, Sean, who was born two years into his battle with the progressive disease.

Today, he resides in the Leonard Florence Center for Living in Massachusetts, operated by the nonprofit Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. It has 21 residents living with ALS.

Everybody can learn something from O’Brien. “Being paralyzed is a lot like you might think. … But it has hidden joys and immaculate highs,” he wrote earlier. “There’s a bright side to ALS. I know that sounds twisted, but in a lot of ways ALS saved my life. Having a fatal disease turns the odometer of the soul back to zero.”

It has robbed his body but not his mind. He uses a speech generating-computer that reads his pupils to communicate. He blinks his eyes for yes and he frowns for no. Sometimes he pretends the tubes around him are a space station. Above his head is a portrait of his favorite Howard Johnson’s restaurant. In his dreams, he’s always eating treats.

“People may say: ‘Big deal, you can’t eat.’ But eating solid food — a Payday [candy] bar or just staring at it is my God-given right. I am entitled to compensation in the form of an Entenmann’s coffee cake,” he says.

But he has a serious holiday message for others.

“If I could say one thing in the globe, take care of yourself, and each other,” he says.

During a recent visit to the Chelsea center, O’Brien is upbeat and there’s a twinkle in his eye.

“When I think of all the people out there with no support, my heart floods,” he says. “I’m lucky because I get to live in one of the best ALS communities in the country.”

With team support, he has visited the White House and gone to Disney World and a Celtics game. He wants to film the volcano in Iceland.

Ever mischievous, he surreptitiously photographs his visitor and posts it on his wacky Instagram account @realTransFatty. He is also making a sequel to his film.

He’s not giving up either, despite the lack of a cure.

“I’m running a Marathon in my head, from bed,” he says. “So many people walk around with a meaningless life. This is because they are chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning in your life is to devote yourself to loving others. Something that gives you purpose and meaning. In the end, what else really matters?”

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Behind the Scenes at Cohen Florence Levine Estates and Florence & Chafetz

January 2, 2024

The past few months have been chock full of holiday festivities and celebrations, with beautiful decorations, fun activities, delicious food, and a great deal of laughter. One highlight stood out: the holiday dessert competition. Our residents made excellent judges! Take a look at the photos elsewhere in this newsletter.

In celebration of Thanksgiving, Florence & Chafetz residents and families got together for a “Be Thankful Event” the week before Thanksgiving. The agenda included games and treats for residents and families. It was the perfect activity to kick off the holiday season.

Donkeys, dogs of all sizes, mini horses, goats, and chickens greeted residents on their visit to Goldy’s Farm in Ipswich. Founded and run by Carlene White, who is in her 80’s and is still involved in the day-to-day activities. The farm has evolved and thrived for over 50 years.

The holiday lights tour was enjoyed by residents and staff as they toured the area to see a medley of colorful and creative lighting displays in the area. Also on the agenda: Hanukah parties, games, arts and craft projects, musical entertainment and a fabulous New Year’s Eve concert.

Congratulations are in order to Lucian Francois, who was named the December Employee of the Month. Lucian cooks amazing dishes for our residents. Thank you, Lucian, for all that you do!

As we ring in 2024, we are looking forward to a busy and productive January. First up: a fun themed movie lunch. Italian food will be served as we watch Under the Tuscan Sun, the popular romantic comedy-drama film written, produced, and directed by Audrey Wells and starring Diane Lane. It’s a great way to take a trip to Italy in the comfort of our home!

Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy 2024!

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Just Desserts at Cohen Florence Levine Estates

December 12, 2023

It’s a tough job but someone had to do it. In December, the residents of CFLE judged a lively Bake Off Competition! Five employees baked their family’s favorite dessert so residents could sample the goods and vote for their favorite. It was a close contest. Jen Fazekas won the competition with her delicious Pistachio Cake – recipe below. Runners-up included second place winner Armando Alarcon for his tasty Cherry Cheesecake and Shellie Honohan, who won third place for her mouth-water Chocolate Trifle.

Thank you to all our residents and staff who participated in the tasting. What better way to spend a winter afternoon than eating homemade desserts?

Jen’s Pistachio Cake

Jen’s grandmother made this colorful green cake for her grandfather every year on his birthday on March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day!

Cake:

  • 1 box of yellow cake mix
  • 1 packet of instant pistachio pudding
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together and spread into pans. Jen uses two circle cake pans to make a double layer, frosting the center of the cake as well as the top and sides.

Frosting:

  • 3 cups of milk
  • 2 packs of Dream Whip
  • 2 packets of pistachio instant pudding

Blend on high for 1 minute and refrigerate if not using right away.

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