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June 20, 2022
Dear Residents and Families,
On Memorial Day we paid tribute to those who fought so valiantly for our country. It is a day of remembrance and reflection. As we care for many residents who are veterans, I want to thank them all for their loyalty, dedication, and bravery. Our country is stronger because of them.
I also want to share some exciting news. Our organization has received the prestigious Great Place to Work® certification. This certification was bestowed upon us by the Great Place to Work Institute and its senior care partner Activated Insights, a global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. I am extremely proud of how our employees support our residents and families, as well as one another, each and every day.
I wish you and yours a great start to summer and a Happy Independence Day.
Warmly,
Adam
Adam Berman
CEO
Chelsea Jewish Lifecare
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June 14, 2022
We are excited to announce that Chelsea Jewish Lifecare has received the prestigious Great Place to Work® designation. The certification process involved surveying employees on more than 60 elements and was bestowed upon the organization by the Great Place to Work Institute and its senior care partner Activated Insights, a global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Employees were surveyed about such topics as community impact, belief that their work makes a difference, and the feeling their work environment is safe. Rankings are based on employees’ experiences, no matter who they are or what they do. Other organizations that have received this prestigious designation include American Express, Hilton, Target, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Whole Foods Market.
“I am so proud that our employees feel our organization is a great place to work,” said Adam Berman, CEO of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. “They are what make this organization so special and it’s gratifying to know they really enjoy the work environment. Our employees support our residents and families in so many important ways. Clearly this designation is a testament to the culture they have helped build.”
“Great Place to Work Certification™ isn’t something that comes easily – it takes ongoing dedication to the employee experience,” said Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of global recognition at Great Place to Work. “It’s the only official recognition determined by employees’ real-time reports of their company culture. Earning this designation means that Chelsea Jewish Lifecare is one of the best companies to work for in the country.”
The Chelsea Jewish Lifecare residences and agencies include the Harriett and Ralph Kaplan Estates, Shapiro-Rudolph Adult Day Health Center and Jeffrey and Susan Brudnick Center for Living in Peabody; the Katzman Family Center for Living, Cohen Florence Levine Estates, Florence & Chafetz Home for Specialized Care, Chelsea Jewish VNA and Hospice, and the Leonard Florence Center for Living, all in Chelsea.
Berman noted the original goal of the survey was to receive candid feedback from employees. “It was a pleasant surprise to be honored with this certification,” stated Berman. He emphasized that the employee responses are a valuable tool for the continued growth of the organization. “I have personally read each and every comment and will take to heart all suggestions and recommendations.” Added Berman, “We have created a supportive, caring, and productive culture, which translates to the high-quality care we provide to our residents. But there is work to do to further improve. Such improvement will always be our first priority.”
Chelsea Jewish Lifecare received this certification along with Legacy Lifecare, the network of not-for-profit organizations of which it is a founding affiliate and member. Other affiliates include JGS Lifecare of Longmeadow, Deutsches Altenheim of West Roxbury, and Elizabeth Seton Residence and Marillac Residence of Wellesley.
We applaud all our employees who make our organization so very special!
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June 14, 2022
Memorial Day was a special time for residents and staff. Both outdoor and indoor activities were held, along with arts and craft projects, dancing and a festive barbecue.
Residents and staff are very much looking forward to the 2022 Summer Concert Series! The first concert at CFLE featured lively music with Ray Caviccho and Sharon Zee. Residents were singing, dancing and clapping to the tunes. Residents at Florence & Chafetz very much enjoyed a live performance by live performance by Elaine Crattos Jacobs. It’s so nice to be outside listening to the musical concerts.
On the menu at our bakery are a delicious array of summertime goodies. Residents love playing bingo, working on arts and crafts projects and shouting out answers in trivia game. It’s a very competitive group! Many residents savor treats outside while sitting on the beautiful new outdoor furniture at CFLE.
June has been a great month for outings and our residents loved their meals at Longhorn Steak House, Antonias and Jimmy’s Steer House. Great food and wonderful company made the trips a huge success.
Both assisted living residences are busy with a wide range of activities. Among the most popular: bingo, arts and crafts, and trivia games. It’s a very competitive group!
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June 14, 2022
Residents and staff are very much looking forward to the 2022 Summer Concert Series! Starting in June, these musical concerts are held on alternative weeks at the Leonard Florence Center and Cohen Florence Levine Estates, so residents have a chance visit each other’s outdoor spaces and enjoy the musical performances. First up on June 7 was Ray Caviccho and Sharon Zee, who delighted residents with “A Night on Broadway.” Coming up: “Jimmy, Tommy and the poet” will perform All Good Things on June 21. Singing and dancing outdoors during these concerts are a wonderful way to take advantage of the summer weather, bring the residents together and have to opportunity for all to sing and dance!
The Strength & Flow exercise class with Kelly continues to be a popular activity. This monthly exercise class was designed specifically for our ALS/MS specialty units (Saling, Slifka and McDonald houses) and focuses on breathing techniques, wheelchair exercises and basic R.O.M. It’s a great group of people and the residents enjoy being together.
Family Feud and Wheel Of Fortune have quickly become one of the most widely anticipated games at the Center. Competition is fierce! We have some excellent players and it’s always exciting to see who emerges victorious.
Father’s Day will be a special time at the Leonard Florence Center. Jimy and Sandie will be visiting each of our male residents’ rooms to pass out colorful hats and decorative cupcakes. Happy Father’s Day to all of you!
We’d like to wish a special “Happy Birthday” to the following residents who are celebrating birthdays in June. Hope you have a wonderful day!
- Barbara R: June 4
- Norma S: June 8
- Joy C: June 15
- Bonnie B: June 17
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June 13, 2022
With the warm weather upon us and Covid cases on the decline, there are many reasons to celebrate over at KCL. In fact, anytime we get the opportunity to spend time outdoors, we make it happen! Whether it’s our weekly BBQ’s, musical concerts, and outside bingo, residents, staff and families enjoy basking in the sunshine.
Happy Birthday to Roslyn Buchholz, who recently celebrated her big day with colorful “designer” “balloons she received from her son Ronald. It was a fun and festive day for all.
Our Memory Care Unit received an amazing new interactive wall mount device. With just a touch, residents can explore a variety of stimulating experiences. We are always on the look-out for creative ways to enhance the environment for our memory care residents.
Resident Salima Belamar had a theory that paper flowers would put smiles on people faces –and she was right! Visitors and residents are now greeted by beautiful summer bouquets as they enter the lobby. They look so real you would never know they are made of paper. Thank you Salima! Also on the creative side, resident Lillian Katz, who had always wanted to learn how to knit, mastered the task in record time. Thanks to fellow resident Virginia Adrieni for giving her such excellent instructions and guidance.
Last, but not certainly not least, Jeff Cohen and his beautiful Golden Retriever Miles, stopped by again this month to visit with staff and residents alike. Resident Marsha Jackson had him eating out of her hand…quite literally. Miles loved the dog snacks Maria gave him!
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June 10, 2022
In 1996, the National Safety Council established June as National Safety Month in the United States. The goal is to focus on ways to keep the environment safe and free from danger. To that end, our organization has prepared emergency plans as well as trained staff in a number of scenarios. Frequent updates are essential as rules and regulations change continuously.
Marc Richard, Director of Facilities Engineering at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare and JGS Lifecare, explained the importance of safety in our residences. “It is imperative that all our centers maintain their safety standards,” commented Richard. “We have multiple regulatory inspections surveys during the year such as OSHA, CMS, DPH, LSC, Joint Commission and VA, as well as inspections from the local police department, fire department and Board of Health, among others that check for our compliance with all regulatory codes.
Our organization has partnered with the TELS P.M. program, which is a computerized task and preventative maintenance inspection program that tracks the centers compliance with safety measures. The TELS program generates weekly reports showing tasks that are upcoming, completed and/or need attention. It also features a work order system that generates work orders tickets immediately directly to the department and prioritizes them by need.
Additionally, each of our centers also have an Emergency Preparedness Plan, which is reviewed annually. The plans are center based, with policies and training procedures that cover all possible needs during a disaster or emergency. Every year each center performs two disaster drills, one that is community based and involves local emergency services, and one that is considered a tabletop drill, which is based on a situation of vulnerability in which the center may experience like a blizzard or a hurricane.
Precautions are also taken in terms of personal safety. “It’s a known fact that seniors are most at risk for falls,” stated Richard. “In fact, falls are the most common incident as people age. As a result, we make sure that areas are marked for wet floors, handrails are used properly and the corridors are always clean and clear. These precautions can prevent many falls.”
Marc noted that the safety procedures at CJL Lifecare and JGS Lifecare are constantly being monitored and reviewed. “Through frequent surveys, inspections, equipment checks and safety committee meetings to monitor quality improvements, we feel confident our environment and residences meet the most stringent safety requirements,” stated Richard. He added, “Our number one priority is to keep the environment of our residents and staff safe.”
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June 8, 2022
The VNA and Hospice team at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare provide valuable community care services. Without a doubt, our talented employees are what make this department so special. Karen Madrid, clinical director of Chelsea Jewish VNA/Hospice & Palliative Care, explained it best. “I want to recognize Michele Baker, Lauren Casey, and Kelly Caggiano for all their hard work. They excel in their flexibility in picking up new tasks as well as always going above and beyond for their patients.”
This month we applaud the efforts of this amazing team. Please read below to see who they are and how they define their roles in the organization.
Meet the Chelsea Jewish Lifecare Home, VNA/Hospice & Palliative Care Team
Lauren Casey
Occupational Therapist
For Lauren Casey, the best part of working as an Occupational Therapist at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, is that every day is different. “I love that I get to meet different patients at their homes, and in a sense, become part of their families,” remarked Lauren. “It’s so gratifying to be told that you have helped change people’s lives.
Growing up in New Jersey, Lauren moved to Massachusetts immediately after she graduated from Quinnipiac University with master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Currently she resides in Melrose with her husband Mike and two beautiful children: Raegan (8) and Brayden (6). In between attending her children’s many sporting games, she finds time to indulge in her passion for running. It is a busy household indeed.
Originally Lauren thought about working in pediatrics, but during her fieldwork she was placed in a SNF and from then on, she was hooked. She realized right away that she enjoyed working with the elderly. Once she joined the Chelsea Jewish Home Care team, she knew she made the right decision. “I haven’t looked back since!” exclaimed Lauren.
When asked what the most aspect in dealing with patients and their families, Lauren didn’t hesitate for a minute. “Good communication is vital,” emphasized Lauren. “ We are there to serve our patients, but we need to instill motivation and confidence. Every patient is different and I have to constantly adapt to who they are –and their specific needs.”
Lauren is impressed how well the VNA team works together. “We have an especially caring group of therapists and nurses,” remarked Lauren. “Everyone seems to have the same goal of getting the job done and doing what’s best for our patients. It’s a winning combination.”
Kelly Caggiano
Hospice Nurse
As the mother of three children, Gianna (10), Michael (7) and John (6), Kelly Caggiano manages to combine the demands of a busy job with the needs of an active family. Growing up in Malden, Kelly decided to go into hospice care after her grandfather was in hospice. “It was great to be with him at the end of his life,” said Kelly. “Even though it was a difficult time, it was meaningful to be with him. I realized what an important role hospice plays for both the individual and the family.”
For Kelly, the best part of her job is to the opportunity to meet patients and make sure they are comfortable at the end of their life. “One of the key challenges of hospice care is educating families about medications that can keep their loved one comfortable,” stated Kelly. “It’s important that we educate people about the fact that medication manages symptoms and helps keep patients comfortable.”
Kelly acknowledges that good communication is vital to her job. As she explained, “Our hospice team works so well together because we communicate with each other and work as a team. Everyone here is definitely a team player.” Added Kelly with a smile, “And I truly enjoy working with the hospice team!”
Michele Baker
Physical Therapist Assistant
For over 15 years, Michele Baker has worked as a physical therapist assistant in the homecare division pf Chelsea Jewish VNA. It is a job she loves and one she excels in when dealing with patients and families.
“My favorite part of my job is the patients,” admitted Michele.” Every day is different and I love being out in the community. In truth, I have a good rapport with patients and families as I try to bring laughter and consistency to my sessions. Building a strong relationship is key.” Added Michele, “The most difficult part of working in homecare are the snowstorms and parking. It’s a good day if my car doesn’t get towed,” she said with a laugh.
Born and raised in Somerville, Michele and her husband Chris have been married for 19 years They have two beautiful daughters: Maddie (14) and Ally (4). The family currently resides in Dracut. In terms of extended family, there are many family members and frequent get-togethers. In fact, Michele comes from a very large family. Her mom is 1 of 11 children while Michelle is 1 of 7. Unbelievably, Michelle is the 68th grandchild!
For Michele, one of the best aspects of her job is the relationships she has built with staff members. “Many have become my close friends,” said Michele. that I built through work with the staff are amazing. Michele works closely with CNA’s, HHA’s, NSG’s, and housekeepers. “I encourage them to come to me if they are encounter problems with patients or need suggestions as how to make them feel safer, alike feel comfortable speaking to me about a problem their patients may have and we try to work together as a team to make the patient safer. “ Michele emphasized that the staff always puts the patients and their families first. “We work together really well,” said Michele. “It is truly team effort.”
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June 1, 2022
One of the most effective ways to find out how our residents feel about our services and residences is to simply ask them! We did just that, and the feedback from our both Resident Satisfaction Survey and Family Care Plan Meetings are helpful, relevant, and honest. Take a look at what our residents are saying this month:
Short-Term Rehabilitation
“I was hungry when I got here, since I had missed lunch. The chef came and asked what I’d like to eat. He brought me beautiful bowl of cut fruit! He was so kind!
“Food has been excellent so far — warm and tasty”.
“Everyone has been very attentive.”
“The staff are so nice and very professional.”
“People are quick to respond and take such good care of me.”
“The therapists have been fantastic so far. They explained the exercises and listened to my concerns. They observed and respected my limitations. In fact, they helped me do tasks I didn’t think I was ready to do yet.”
“Rehab is very good for me. The staff makes me work hard. I like that!”
Long-Term Rehabilitation
“Team members were thorough, thoughtful and receptive to my questions.”
“Great job by all involved. We really appreciate your efforts!”
“I appreciate the work everyone does to give my mom the care she needs and allows her to have a quality of life. Having activities and socialization is important to her and her family.”
“Thank you so much for giving me peace of mind when it comes to my mom’s care. All of you are so helpful and kind!”
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May 27, 2022
Gaye Bennes comes from a family of gifted musicians and actors. Her mom was a musician, her father and brother were both actors. Born in 1936 in NYC, Gaye moved to LA when she was two years old. “That’s Hollywood,” she quipped. Growing up, Gaye was often on set at MGM Studios, singing and playing the piano while attending school with other child actors. Gaye maintains her parents were enthralled with the entertainment industry, but that didn’t necessarily translate into economic security. Still, the family persevered and Gaye thrived as a child prodigy. From an early age, music played a pivotal role in her life.
Gaye began playing the piano at the age of three, exhibiting a rare talent. After graduating from the prestigious Julliard School, Gaye decided to experience living in different parts of the country. She taught music in Minnesota, Kentucky, and Mississippi. As a Pianist in Residence, Gaye relished the small-town atmosphere. But she liked to mix things up and moved to Cambridge, MA in 1960.
Playing with the prestigious Boston Symphony Orchestra, Gaye reveled in classical medleys and chamber music. Over the years, she taught music as well as performed with the symphony. Gaye firmly believes this balance greatly enriched her life.
In 2019, Gaye moved into Cohen Florence Levine Estates. She is the first to admit she has “a captive audience” at the assisted living. “They have to listen to me!” she admitted. “I have talent and there’s nobody here who can compete on the piano,” she said with a laugh.
When asked the secret to her longevity, Gaye, who looks much younger than her 85 years, attributes her good health to a bit of luck and a zest for living. She’s adamant that she doesn’t diet. She even admitted that, “I eat lots of candy!” For Gaye, aging gives her a unique perspective. “In a sense , getting older is like a puzzle,” Gaye explains. “When you reach a certain age, the pieces suddenly all fit together.” A natural born shopper, Gaye confesses she loves to shop, especially for colorful clothing and bold jewelry. With her vibrant personality and sharp wit, Gaye’s wardrobe compliments her well.
Gaye enjoys life at the assisted living. “I’m feel so lucky to live here,” exclaimed Gaye. “After a time, you need assistance with a few things in your life, but I truly treasure my independence. Living here enables me to have both.” Gaye participates in the daily activities offered at the residence and looks forward to the social mealtimes.
Kristen Donnelly, Executive Director of Cohen Florence Levine Estates, confirmed that the staff and residents clamor for Gaye to entertain them with her music. “Gaye is such a special member of our assisted living family,” said Donnelly. “In addition to being incredibly talented, she is personable, funny, warm, and friendly. Gaye Bennes is a true asset to our community.”
Today, Gaye plays the piano every day, either in her cozy Chelsea apartment or in the assisted living’s activities room. It’s not unusual for residents and staff gather round the piano and sing while Gaye performs an impromptu medley of songs. As Gaye reflects upon her colorful life, she seems quite content. “The life I’ve led is exactly what I had hoped for,” she said with a smile. “How many people can say that?”
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