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June 14, 2023
Dear Residents and Families,
June 21st marks the first day of summer! We are all looking forward to outdoor activities, seasonal foods, and an abundance of warm weather. With that in mind, I’d like to remind everyone that it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Equally important is the use of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect ourselves from sun exposure. Preventive measures are the key to a fun and safe summer.
On the Peabody campus, our beautiful patios are ready for you to enjoy. It is our hope that you use the courtyards and outdoor patios on the nice days ahead. Nothing lifts the spirits more than being outdoors on a sunny day. In Chelsea, Katzman Center for Living (KCL) will begin their weekly BBQs in the courtyard this month, complete with musical entertainment. Residents and staff alike look forward to this lively summer series. Additionally, as part of our ongoing renovations, each resident room at KCL will receive a new armchair for comfortable relaxation or visits. This month, Leonard Florence Center and Estates on Admiral’s Hill will begin their evening summer concert series. It’s a time to enjoy warm summer nights with music, refreshments, and camaraderie with friends.
This month we pay tribute to the dads amongst us. It’s a special time for our families and we enjoy celebrating the holiday in all of our residences. Hope everyone had a very Happy Father’s Day!
All the best,
Megin
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June 13, 2023
Whether at home or in a traditional assisted living residence, it’s always difficult for families to determine if a loved one needs additional support. Sometimes the signs are clear-cut, but often, they are merely attributed to “getting older” and being forgetful. It’s important, therefore, to address all safety issues that may result from memory loss since the biggest challenge for families and caregivers is keeping a loved one safe.
“We continually strive to ensure that a safe, clean, and comfortable environment exists for everyone who lives, works, or visits our facilities,” explained Jeffrey Lind, Director of Facilities Engineering at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. “It is the number one priority for the engineering and maintenance department.”
As June is National Safety Month, it seems timely to explore the safety issues facing many of our seniors and families who may have loved ones with memory loss. The first step, and often the hardest one, is to recognize the signs and symptoms that indicate that something may be wrong.
Common Signs of Memory Loss:
- Wandering
Adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease often feel compelled to walk about. They have no real place to go, and they often do not realize what direction they are heading. They just feel the need to move and walk somewhat aimlessly. This behavior is often called “wandering” by clinicians, researchers, and caregivers
- Memory Problems
Often seniors are unable to remember details of a conversation or event that took place a year ago, an acquaintance, events or have difficulty finding words.
- Disorientation
A person with dementia may have difficulty finding their way to a familiar place or feel confused about where they are, or think they are back in some past time of their life.
- Personality and Behavior Changes
Individuals with memory loss may get upset, worried, and angry much more easily than before. Staying engaged with art and music activities helps individuals communicate and express themselves.
Preventative Safety Measures for Memory Support Residents
Assisted living and nursing homes with memory support focus on keeping their residents safe, active, and happy. At Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, the staff are highly trained to make sure residents remain safe at all times. Lind noted that the organization makes use of all local resources, “In addition to on-site training, we have partnered with MassMAP (Massachusetts Mutual Aid Plan,” said Jeff. “This ensures that we have the resources and manpower available to cover any potential issue that might arise at any day/hour.”
Below are areas of concern for memory care residents and some of the preventative steps we take on our campus:
- Falls are a common and serious safety concern in assisted living facilities and nursing homes as they can lead to serious injuries and among elders. As over half the falls take place in one’s apartment or room, it is important to reduce clutter, avoid overcrowding with furniture, and make sure the resident is wearing supportive footwear with no-slip soles.
- Emergency preparedness is an essential aspect of ensuring the safety of residents in assisted living facilities. Staff are trained regularly on procedures and protocols for emergency situations such as severe weather, fire, power outages and more.
- Dementia care safety includes grab bars in bathrooms, rugs tacked down to prevent falls, wide corridors, call buttons and high staff to resident ratio
- Regular safety inspections of the assisted living
- Floors and surfaces kept clutter free
- Door and window alarms
- 24-hour supervision
Seek Professional Guidance
Even after recognizing the signs of memory loss, it is challenging to decide on the best living situation for loved ones. Our professional team can help guide you and offer resources. Call Terry Halliday at 978-854-1825 or email thalliday@legacylifecare.org. Meeting staff members, touring properties and/or talking with other families facing similar situations can be extremely helpful.
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June 16, 2023
Summer activities are gearing up and both residents and staff are excited to spend time outdoors. With that in mind, the Summer Evening Concert Series is back in full swing! Entertainment from Ray Cavicchio and Sharon Zee as well as Smokin’ Joe Cheffro will be featured in June. Restaurant outings include tasty Chinee food at Su Chang and lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, followed by a boat cruise along the Charles River. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the lazy days of summer. Take a look at the many photos of residents enjoying the June outings.
Elaine and Leslie Lerman, one of our very favorite couples, are celebrating their 46th anniversary on June 26. Wishing a very “Happy Anniversary” to you. You two are an inspiration to us all!
Congratulations are in order for Jazlyn Alarcon, our cheerful and well-organized receptionist. Jazlyn, who is the daughter of Armando’s Alarcon, longtime Director of Maintenance at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, recently completed her Home Health Aide course. She is now an HHA here at Cohen Florence Levine Estates/Florence & Chaffetz. We are thrilled to have you on board Jazlyn!
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June 15, 2023
Our live summer series has begun! Residents and staff are excited to be outdoors and listen to a variety of musical entertainers. On the agenda: Rockin’ Rollin, June Birthday Concerts with Jimmy Honohan, and a tribute to tribute to the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s with Big Smile Entertainment. There’s bound to be singing, clapping, and dancing! Our 2023 Playbill Summer Concert Series is also in full swing. Concerts take place in the Cohen Florence courtyard and we will have our recreational team available to assist our residents in getting from LFCL to CFLE.
Father’s Day was celebrated in style with Big Bucks Bingo—and lots of cash prizes—as well as a festive ice cream party. This month’s restaurant outings include tasty Asian food at the Mandarin as well as a special outing to The Cheesecake Factory, which will be followed by a Charles River Boat Cruise. What could be better than delicious food and a trip along the water? It’s the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.
Our activities calendar is chock full. Every Tuesday at 2pm we are starting a “Walking Tour of…” video series in the Perlman House. The videos consist of beautiful walking tours set in a variety of countries, such as London, Spain, Ireland, among others. Residents will be able to visit and sightsee from the comfort of the living room. “I am really excited to take residents to places they have never been or are hoping to visit again,” said Activities Director Jimy Aguilar. “Traveling the world has never been so easy!”
The Gardening Club met for the first time this year. The goal is to get residents involved with the planting so they can follow the progress of the plants and flowers as they grow. We will also be painting rocks and flowers in decorative designs and vibrant colors.
Lastly, wishing our residents June birthdays a very special day. Happy Birthday to:
- Francis : June 3
- Barbara Jean R: June 4
- Norma S: June 8
- Joy C: June 15
- Bonnie B: June 17
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June 14, 2023
As spring turns into summer, we’ve witnessed the trees and flowers blossoming in an array of vibrant colors. We are all looking forward to warmer weather and many festive summertime celebrations. In fact, we can’t wait for our annual trip to Warren’s Lobster House in Maine, a boat cruise along the Charles River and our popular Summer Concert Series. Staying home is also quite appealing. It gives us the opportunity to relax, socialize, and enjoy the sun on our shoulders in our beautifully landscaped courtyard. Our plan is to make Summer 2023 one to remember.
Our Specialized Memory Care Unit explored the five senses of sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. Peter the Pianist stopped by to spread the joy of music while residents baked delicious treats. The different shapes, tastes and textures stimulated all the senses. Also on the food front: Residents have been giving a big thumbs up to our newly implemented seasonal menu. Chef Chuck Magno, for one, couldn’t be happier!
There were many milestone moments here at KCL. Proud grandfather Ramon Velez watched his granddaughter’s High School graduation via Skype. It was a proud moment indeed. Our restaurant outing to Applebee’s brought great food and exceptional company. Everyone enjoyed being together. And last, but certainly not least, staff and residents gathered together to honor long time contributor, Bob Richman, for a special 87th birthday celebration. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Bob!
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May 31, 2023
Director of Marketing Chelsea Jewish Lifecare
The transition from car sales to assisted living sales may seem like a big jump, but to Jen Fazekas, Director of Marketing for Cohen Florence Levine Estates and Florence & Chafetz Specialized Care, changing best decisions ever. Her career is thriving and she loves the day-to-day interaction with the residents. “Seeing our residents smile and helping them live their best lives is so gratifying,” remarked Jen. “I feel lucky I can truly make a difference.”
Growing up in Endwell, a small upstate town in New York, Jen was always active, engaging, and athletic. As a toddler, she had the unique distinction of being featured on the cover of the Page Seed Company catalogue, which was one of the biggest seed manufacturers in the country. Take a look at the adorable cover! From the ages of 12-17, Jen had a professional golf coach, eventually playing at the Grand Cypress Golf Club while in high school. She also played varsity softball and basketball. Jen received a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the State University of New York at Oswego and, following graduation, worked for a few years in sales for Acura and Cadillac.
Although Jen was a highly successful car salesperson, she was drawn to senior care because of her grandfather. Her grandparents were living in Florida when her grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Jen witnessed; firsthand, how difficult it was for her grandmother to manage on her own. Ultimately her family moved her grandparents back to New York so her family could help. “Looking back, it was challenging for us to navigate the different levels of care,” admitted Jen. “However once they were finally placed in a CCRC, I knew I wanted to apply my newfound knowledge of the process to help other families in need.” She entered the assisted living arena and has never looked back.
Jen lives in Peabody with her husband Nick, six year-old son Aiden, who is finishing up kindergarten, and Tank, their eight month old puppy. In her spare time, Jen enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, cooking, and attending her son’s many sporting events.
Asked about the highlights of her role as Marketing Director, Jen immediately talked about the hugely enjoyable Snowball Fashion Show held at Florence & Chafetz this past spring. Jen put her heart and soul into producing the event. In addition, she emceed the event in a festive red dress, offering commentary that was fitting for the most exclusive Rec Carpet runway. “The residents absolutely had the time of their lives,” said Jen. “We had so much fun getting ready beforehand, and the actual show was even better than we ever imagined. Residents and staff were dancing, singing, and laughing. It was a day I’ll always remember.”
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