Message from Kae Santos, Regional President, Chelsea

May 16, 2023

Dear Residents and Families,

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the warm weather and May flowers. This month brings us many things to celebrate as a community.

May 11th marked the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. With this change, the Department of Public Health issued new guidance for personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees and visitors on our campuses. Because COVID-19 prevalence across Massachusetts is low, facemasks are no longer required in our residences unless otherwise indicated. However, we will always have masks on hand for anyone who would like to use one. We also continue to ask that you refrain from visiting our residences if you do not feel well. It has been a long three years, but we are grateful for all the hard work of our staff to keep our residents and each other safe throughout the pandemic.

On Sunday, May 14th, we celebrated Mother’s Day with special activities of music, games, and wonderful meals. Across our campuses, our staff distributed thoughtful presents including beautiful flowers and yummy treats to all our female residents.

May also brings two important celebrations of our employees. May 6th through 12th marks Nurses Appreciation Week and May 14th through 20th marks National Skilled Nursing Care Week. During these two weeks, we recognize and honor our incredible nurses and nursing home staff who do an amazing job to care for our residents. We encourage you to join us in these celebrations and to take a moment to express your gratitude to our staff for everything that they do.

Please note that this letter also marks my final one to you as Regional President, Chelsea of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare as I’ve been asked to take on the new role of Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) for Legacy Lifecare. Moving forward, Megin Hemmerling will be supporting the Chelsea campuses as the new President of Operations for Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. Megin has worked for CJL for 10 years, most recently as Regional President of the Peabody campus. She is eager to introduce herself and meet all of you.

I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for the privilege of partnering with you and our staff to better serve our residents. Being a part of this community has been truly rewarding. I have learned so much from our team and all of you, and I have enjoyed every moment we shared. As CSO, I hope to take these lessons and apply them to further strengthen our senior care communities across Legacy Lifecare.

Although I am moving to a different role in the organization, please know that Chelsea Jewish will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you again for everything, and I look forward to continuing to work with Megin, our staff, and all of you to ensure that we provide the best quality of care for all our residents in our Chelsea campuses.

All the best,

Kae

Kae Santos
Regional President, Chelsea
Chelsea Jewish Lifecare

National Nurses Month Honors Our Remarkable Nurses

May 8, 2023

With over 4 million registered nurses in the US, nursing is the largest segment of the nation’s workforce. It is also one of the most rewarding, albeit challenging, professions. The impact nurses make on healthcare is unparalleled. Chelsea Jewish Lifecare employs 180+ nurses. They show us, firsthand, that they go above and beyond the call of duty—every single day.

As the American Nurses Association kicks off its annual month-long celebration in May, it seems appropriate to highlight a few members of our nursing staff. Take a look at why they went into nursing and their experiences at Chelsea Jewish.

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the amazing nurses in our organization. You are the very essence of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare.

 

Ron Anglo
Chief Clinical Officer

“Having moved from the Philippines, I initially became a nurse for practical reasons. Nursing was, and still is, a stable profession. I soon realized that being a nurse is an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life—at one of the most vulnerable stages of their lives. In the end, whatever we do for others, especially those who are not related to us, is what defines one’s existence.” 

“The covid pandemic taught us so many things. It showed how vulnerable our residents are and how many of them are totally dependent on us as health care workers. The pandemic also showed the goodness of our staff and how selfless they were/are. They put their own lives on the line to help care for residents during such difficult times. For that, we will forever be grateful to them.”

 

Karen Petruccelli, MSN, RN 
Vice President of Clinical Services

“After graduating high school, I was uncertain of my career path and decided to explore nursing. Best decision ever! My very first job was with the American Red Cross, working on disaster relief and emergency blood collections. From there, I moved to acute care focusing on maternal child health. I was able to work different shifts to accommodate my growing family. When I was offered a position at a SNF, I took it and never looked back!”

“I quickly learned that the nurse is always the conduit in healthcare. This was never more evident than during the height of the pandemic—in many ways a nurse’s proudest moment. I personally witnessed the heroic and selfless acts of so many of our nurses. Their work was not just traditional nursing such as transporting, cleaning, and cooking. Rather they fielded countless calls from family members, learned how to Zoom on the fly and were united as a team to do the very best for our residents. They were strong; they brave; they were truly remarkable.”

 

Ansu Kinteh, RN
Director of Resident Care
Cohen Florence Levine Estates
Florence and Chafetz Home for Specialized Care

“When I arrived in the United States, my first Job was working as a CNA in the nursing and rehab facility. Having haled from a country where nursing is widely seen as female oriented, my first job helped not only widen my horizon, but change my perspective towards nursing.”

“The trust that CJL bestowed in me from the very beginning made a tremendous impact on me. I was only a per diem floor nurse at Kaplan Estates when I was hired for my current position. The organization believed in my potential and continues to support me to this day. This degree of trust inspires me to work even harder on behalf of my esteemed residents and patients.”

“The teamwork, encouragement and camaraderie between staff members is so unique in our organization. Equally as important is the continuous support by upper management which I indeed rare in a healthcare organization. I consider myself fortunate to be part of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare.”

 

Amalia Almeida
Amalia RN Staff Development Coordinator
Leonard Florence Center for Living

“I wanted to become a nurse after having surgery in the hospital. I remember how scared and uncomfortable I felt, but I had the nicest nurses who took the time to calm me down, and care for me. I will always remember the kindness and patience of the nursing staff.”

“Being a nurse means that trust you with their health and medical decisions. I feel honored to get to know my residents and be a part of their team. For me, taking care of my residents as well as their families and forming relationships and trust is what being a nurse is all about.”

“I will always remember when we took one of our vented residents sailing in Cape Cod. We were able transfer him from the wheelchair on the dock to the sailboat by using a hoyer. Since his young son loved sailing, the resident was able to enjoy a day on the ocean focusing on his son instead of his complex medical issues. There is no other SNF that would be able to give this opportunity to a resident. He was able to focus on being a father and enjoy as normal a day as possible. The smiles on their faces as the sun was beaming down is etched in my memory forever.”

May Happenings at the Leonard Florence Center for Living

May 11, 2023

Activities are flourishing both inside and out as residents and staff enjoy the height of the spring season. Our Mother’s Day celebration featured a Big Bucks Bingo a few days before the holiday, sponsored by Judy Weiss in honor of Ethel Weiss. On Mother’s Day, our recreational team gave out Mother’s Day presents to all of our female residents, which included beautiful flowers, soothing hand lotion and a colorful balloon.

This month, residents and staff are looking forward to the restaurant trips at the Marina at the Wharf and the Tides Restaurant & Pub in Nahant. Additionally, our series of musical concerts showcase Tony Funches, Jimmy Honohan, Gordon Michaels and Alvis, all popular musicians at the Center. Gordon will pay tribute to the men who made soul music great.

Just a reminder that our book club meets on most Wednesdays. Up next: “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig. The book has been on the New York Times bestseller list for many weeks so we are bound to have lively discussions after reading it. Rounding out the month is our “Paint the Town” class as well as a visit from “Golden Moments 4Elders.” The adorable golden retrievers who visit delight both residents and staff.

May birthdays are celebrated throughout the month. Wishing the following residents a very special day!

May birthdays:

  • Agnes H: May 4
  • Allison A: May 06
  • Alison F: May 11
  • William R: May 12
  • Keith L: May 13
  • Michael R: May 15
  • Rose Z: May 16
  • Kevin G: May 19
  • Mary M: May 23
  • Lillian G: May 29

Katzman Family Center for Living Abuzz with Activity in May

May 11, 2023

May is a busy and exciting month at KCL. We kicked off our 2nd Annual Bazaar Sale with great success, raising over $500. All proceeds will benefit this year’s ALS & MS Walk for Living. Residents, staff, and family members did their part by attending – and shopping!

Resident Rose Taverna celebrated a milestone birthday. Rose recently turned 100! Staff gathered together to offer congratulations and best wishes. Rose summed up this momentous occasion pragmatically. “You are as old as you feel, and I don’t feel a day over 70,” said Rose with a smile. Very sound advice Rose!

There is good news on the food front. Chef Chuck Magno and Dietician Donna Saks met with residents to discuss a brand new seasonal menu. Chuck and Donna wanted to offer some of the residents’ favorite dishes that they have savored over their lifetime. Residents even had a say in how these dishes were to be prepared. Of course, the dietary team made sure the recipes followed the kosher guidelines. Residents are eager to try such new dishes as chicken marsala, seafood salad on toasted rolls, shepherd’s pie, and grilled turkey tips, to name a few. Thank you to Chef Magno and Dietician Donna Saks for your time, hard work, and creativity!

Mother’s Day is a time to honor that special lady in our lives. Our female residents and staff were given thoughtful gifts, enjoying a Mother’s Day program comprised of music, games, prizes, and delicious treats.

On the art front, residents were given the chance to let their “inner artist out” with our Art Workshop. We made delicious mini breads from scratch using a variety of ingredients. No two breads were alike, but they were all delicious.

April showers brought May flowers and it’s a joy to see them blooming in our courtyard. The flowers mark the start of a fun-filled summer and, with it, the opportunity to make great new memories!

Look What’s Happening at Cohen Florence Levine Estates and Florence & Chafetz

May 8, 2023

This Mother’s Day, we gave beautiful butterfly mirror compacts to every female resident and staff member. Hoping the day was as special as you are!

Our employee of the month for March was Nadia Chery. Nadia is an amazing home health aide who is indispensable to our Florence & Chafetz residents. Nadia, along with Cathie Mesina, spearheaded the hugely successful fashion show in March. Nadia even came in on her days off to make sure everything was ready to go. She also started a book club at night with the F&C residents. Congratulations Nadia!

Restaurant trips to the Cheesecake Factory and The Continental promise good food and animated conversation. Also on the agenda are Mystery Rides, Great Room concerts, Paint Day, movies, book club and more. Over at Florence & Chafetz, residents and staff made coffee filter flowers that were used to decorate our May calendar. Additionally, we have two new hair stylists at the salon, so please stop by and say hello.

Bargain hunters and fashionistas will be out in full force on May 17 for the popular “Judy’s Jewels Sale.” Gently used clothing, costume jewelry and accessories will be available for purchase at amazing prices. All proceeds benefit the Estates on Admiral’s Hill Activities Department, so this event is for a very good cause. Happy shopping!

Get to Know Antonio Alvarez!

May 8, 2023

Director of Community Relations at Harriett and Ralph Kaplan Estates

With a September wedding in the works, a successful marketing career and a passion for music, Antonio Alvarez is one of the busiest people on the Peabody campus. Good thing he thrives on being active! In his current position as Director of Community Relations at Kaplan Estates, Antonio has no doubt that he is in the right position. “I enjoy working with assisted living residents because of the relationships I’m able to make,” explained Antonio.

Born in Schenectady, NY, Antonio resided in Hoosick Falls, a small country town in upstate New York. He is the youngest of five siblings and grew up with four older sisters. His parents owned a restaurant in Bennington, Vermont for five years until, sadly, his dad passed away when Antonio was 14. His mom, who is a wonderful cook, continued to work in the food industry until her recent retirement.

Antonio moved to the Boston area in 2009 and now lives in Salem with his fiancé, Alissa, and their precocious eight year old cat Nala. The couple met almost six years ago while they were both working at another skilled nursing facility. Their September 9th wedding promises to be an intimate, festive celebration.

A graduate of Suffolk University, Antonio holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. While in college he spent two years studying in Madrid, Spain. Early in his career, Antonio began his affinity for nonprofit work with a position at Oasis Coalition of Boston, an organization that focused primarily on the underserved and homeless. From there, he began his journey into social services, entering the senior care arena in 2015. It was then that he realized he had found his calling.

For Antonio, the best part of his job is that he gets to work with families. As he noted, “I like to help families by making the assisted living process seem less daunting,” stated Antonio. “It’s gratifying seeing a new resident find safety, stability, and community again, especially since they doubted this was possible outside of the home. It’s very cool to watch the process from start to finish.”

When asked about the spirit of the organization, Antonio was quick to respond. “The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare is the long tenure of the employees,” said Alvarez. “So many employes have been here for five, ten, 20 plus years, including aides, nurses, dining staff as well as top tier leadership. I don’t think most people realize just how rare this is for a healthcare organization, especially in these post-pandemic times. The longevity, dedication and loyalty across our organization speaks volumes.”

In his spare time, Antonio likes to hike, watch soccer, play games, take photographs, and travel. But his real passion is music. He’s a talented drummer, composing electronic music and soundscapes using a mixture of computer software, drum machines, and modular synthesizers. As he puts it, “Music is where I find my inner peace.”

Antonio feels fortunate to have found a position he thoroughly enjoys day after day. “I love the fact that I can build a relationship with a new resident and their family. I find there’s a major emotional component to this transition that is truly rewarding for me. Added Antonio with a smile, “I’m also very comfortable in crisis-mode!”

CJL Employee Luisa Bautista Appears on the Today Show!

May 8, 2023

Click here to watch the segment on the Today Show.

Dietary aid Luisa Bautista made an appearance on the popular Today Show with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush, where she was awarded a $60,000 scholarship from the Sandberg Goldberg Foundation! Needless say, Luisa was both surprised and excited. “This feels like a dream,” exclaimed Luisa upon hearing the news, with her mom and best friend by her side as well as millions of viewers. “Getting accepted to Boston College has been a dream. I never thought it would have been possible to get to this point, but dreams really do come true. You just have to believe and have faith.”

Luisa and her friend Cindy Cuellar were asked to be on the show when producers heard how hard the girls worked upon coming to this country. Both got into college this past spring; Luisa was accepted at Boston College and Cindy will be attending Boston University. Luisa, who works part time in food service, likes interacting with the residents. “Working at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare has brought me much happiness,” said Luisa. “I truly enjoy helping the elderly.”

“Luisa does an amazing job here in Peabody,” remarked Sally Little, Food Service Manager on the Peabody campus. “She is so warm and kind to our residents, while inspiring her co-workers to go above and beyond every day. We are lucky to have Luisa here.”

With goals such as majoring in criminal justice and political science, attending law school, and becoming a prosecutor specializing in domestic abuse, Luisa is setting the bar very high. However, everyone who knows her has no doubt she will achieve all this –and more. Congratulations Luisa!