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July 12, 2024
Dear Residents and Families,
Summer has arrived! With the warm weather upon us, we hope residents and their guests will enjoy the lovely outdoor spaces on each of our campuses. We have been mindful to provide plenty of covered spaces as well as umbrellas. Please remember to hydrate and wear your sunscreen.
The Leonard Florence Center for Living was recently awarded the Bronze Award from the American Healthcare Association (AHCA). The AHCA awards program recognizes health care organizations that demonstrate high standards of care and practices. This is a very well-deserved recognition.
Mr. Berman, CEO of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, hosted Employee Appreciation events on all of the CJL campuses in June. The all-day celebrations included food for all three shifts, entertainment and thank you gifts for our wonderful staff members.
Congratulations to Congregation Sons of Israel on their 115th anniversary! The festive celebration, held at the Brudnick Center for Living on June 23, was a special evening. Dinner, musical entertainment and heartfelt tributes were enjoyed by everyone in attendance.
Have a wonderful summer!
All the best,
Megin
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July 10, 2024
With numerous assisted living communities on the North Shore, it’s interesting to note how perspective residents decide upon Kaplan Estates. “Most people find out about us via word-of-mouth,” explained Antonio Alvarez, Director of Community Relations at Kaplan Estates. “Individuals are often referred to us by friends and family members who have stayed on the continuing care campus, whether it be for assisted living at Kaplan Estates, Shapiro-Rudolph for Adult Day Health or at the Brudnick Center for Living for Short-Term Rehab or Long-Term Care. Our reputation is key. In fact, many decide not to even tour other communities. That’s incredibly rare in this industry.”
This past spring has been a busy time at Kaplan Estates. The building, which accommodates 144 residents in total, is filled to capacity. “It’s a pleasure to welcome new residents into the mix and to witness the spirit of camaraderie among staff and residents,” said Alvarez.
Polly Trudeau moved to Kaplan Estates in late March to recover from a fall on the ice earlier in the winter. She credits the staff with making the transition seamless. “I’ve never met a group of people so helpful in my entire life!” exclaimed Polly. Although Polly grew up in the Peabody/Salem area, she was not familiar with the Chelsea Jewish Lifecare campus. After her fall, Polly spent a month at Salem Hospital, which led to an additional month of Rehab at Brudnick Center for Living. From there, it was a logical step to move into an apartment at Kaplan Estates.
Since Polly still has limited mobility, she has not been able to participate in many activities as of yet but still finds ways to meet residents and acclimate herself to her new home. “I walk in the hallways every few hours, believe it or not. It’s actually a great way to meet people!” said Polly with a laugh. “Everyone has been friendly and welcoming.” Added Polly, “I really like that the staff comes in to check on me frequently and a marvelous CNA helps me get ready for bed. It’s comforting to know I am not alone.”
The staff pulls together to facilitate the move-in process. Each department takes the time before and after move-in to make sure that the resident’s care plan and social experience not only caters to the individual’s core needs, but also to their personality and who they are as an individual. “It’s essential that our residents and families know that they have support in getting oriented to their new environment,” stressed Alavarez. “The assisted living assigns an ambassador who dedicates time to ensure the resident is assisted in navigating their new surroundings. We encourage our residents to meet new people and try new activities that they have never done before.
Jill Hemeon, Area Director of Community Relations at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, pointed out that a key advantage of moving into a Chelsea Jewish Lifecare community is the accessibility to many different levels of care. “Whether you are looking for additional daily care needs, an all-inclusive setting, or just to socialize a bit, it is always smart to think about what the future may hold. Many individuals find comfort in knowing that our community is set up so residents may age in place through our continuum of care.”
For Marjorie Snow, the respite program at Kaplan Estates enabled her to make a full recovery after surgery. She stayed at Kaplan Estates for a month to recuperate after surgery and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. “The staff was always so pleasant. I never felt lonely, which I think is really important. “Marjorie made a point to stay active and participate in activities. She enjoyed lectures, bingo, trivia games and meals in the dining room. “The food is really good. I love the variety of homemade soups!”
Now living in her home, Marjorie hopes to rejoin her Kaplan Estates family at some point. “I had such a good time during my stay,” said Marjorie. “Mark my words, I’ll be back!”
“Moving to a senior living community can be extremely emotional and physically challenging,” said Hemeon. “We want people to know that our team is here to assist future residents and their loved ones in making a move as smooth as possible.” Jill advises new residents to give themselves time to settle in. “Our overall goal is to ensure a better quality of life for all of our residents.”
Carolyn and Ron Paskavitz decided to move to the Peabody campus after touring other residences with their children. Carolyn recalled knowing that Kaplan Estates was the right choice the minute she walked through the doors. “I really can’t explain it,” mused Carolyn. “Everyone was so warm and welcoming. We could sense immediately that the staff really cares about the residents.”
Both Carolyn and Ron enjoy the sing-a-longs, games, movies and a full roster of activities. Shabbat services, in particular, is a ritual they look forward to every week. “Although I am not Jewish,” remarked Carolyn. “I love attending Shabbat services on Fridays. It’s a beautiful tradition.”
The couple’s six children and eight grandchildren are frequent visitors. In May, they used the Garden Kitchen to host a Mother’s Day party. “It was wonderful having the whole family together,” remarked Carolyn. Today, the couple is excited about the future. “I originally thought it would be hard to adjust to assisted living,” said Carolyn, “but clearly, I was wrong. I truly feel like we are home.”
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July 8, 2024
Saul Gurman, a resident of the Jeffrey and Susan Brudnick Center for Living, turned 101 on June 27. Gurman is one of the last known survivors of the Rohna warship which was sunk in 1943 during WWII. To this day, the incident remains the greatest loss of life at sea in the history of the US. Over 1000 American soldiers lost their lives. Saul Gorman was sworn to secrecy for 50 years about this terrifying time, but now is able to discuss it. His memory and attention to detail is uncanny. Saul celebrated the day with family, friends, Brudnick Center staff and residents. Amidst cake, ice cream and festive decorations, Saul chatted with guests, remarking, “I can’t get over how well I feel!”
A lifelong resident of the North Shore, Saul lived in the same house in Beverly for 66 years. Saul arrived in the United States on January 1, 1946, after traveling up the Henry Hudson River in five degrees weather from Karachi. He grew up in Chelsea, where he returned after the war and married his high school sweetheart, Eva. The couple raised two sons and a daughter in Beverly and remained together until Eva’s passing in 2012 at age 88. Paul, who was awarded the Purple Heart during WWII, is still an active member of the HMT Rohna Memorial Association.
Saul’s son Bob Gurman noted that his family has a longstanding relationship with the Brudnick Center. “My mom and my sister Debra were both at the Brudnick Center. With my dad now a resident, I can see, firsthand, the importance of the interaction between staff and residents. Brudnick provides wonderful care for the people we love.”
At the Brudnick Center, Saul is active and engaged. Staff and residents enjoy hearing Saul’s WWII stories as well as listening to his take on current events. “Saul is a joy to be around,” said Tammy Starion, Executive Director of the Brudnick Center for Living. “He lights up a room with his smile and zest for living.”
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July 2, 2024
Cycling Without Age, a national fitness program, provides bike rides for seniors. More than just riding bikes, the program’s goal is to create lasting connections, fostering a sense of belonging, and promoting the well-being of senior citizens or anyone feeling isolated, especially due to mobility limitations. Cycling Without Age will now be an integral part of the activity calendar at the Brudnick Center for Living.
Carol White, whose mother was a resident of BCL until her passing three years ago, helped bring this amazing program to the Brudnick Center. Carol has worked tirelessly since March 2020 —the start of the pandemic— to establish Cycling Without Age Massachusetts. Her dream became a reality in March 2023 and the rest, as they say, is history.
This initiative empowers individuals to experience the exhilaration of outdoor cycling and become visible members of the community. Started in 2012 by Ole Kassow, the initiative helps the elders get back on their bicycles, even those individuals with limited mobility. Ole introduced the trishaw to seniors, which is a lightweight bike with three wheels and pedals that can be pushed with your feet.
In June dementia residents had the opportunity to try out the bikes for the first time. The smiles on their faces clearly reflected how much they enjoyed the ride. “Our residents loved it,” said Megin Hemmerling, Regional President of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. “It was such a fun day for many of our residents living in the dementia special are houses. These bike rides are pure joy!”
According to the Cycling Without Age website, the program strives to create new relationships between residents and staff, focusing upon building trust, happiness and increasing the quality of life. Individuals who have not ridden a bike for years are now able to recall the sensation of being back on a bike. For many, it triggers happy memories of past bike rides.
The next Cycling Without Age day on the Peabody campus is scheduled for Tuesday, July 23 from 9:30am to 11am. Residents and staff are already looking forward to getting outside on their bikes and feeling the wind in their hair.
Featured Image: Caroline, far right, with her husband and two BCL residents on a bike.
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June 19, 2024
There are three very special employees at Brudnick Center for Living. Valery Mauricio Gomez, Fernanda Lopez and Lismar Pimentel have all been working at BCL as part of the Lynn Technical School Co-Op Program. After graduation they are all entering college, each having received a full tuition scholarship to three highly acclaimed schools. Valery will be attending Merrimack College; Lismar has been accepted at Northeastern University and Fernanda will be going to the University of Pennsylvania. Not surprisingly, all will be embarking upon nursing programs.
“We are so very proud of these three individuals,” said Tammy Starion, Executive Director of Brudnick Center for Living. “They are exemplary employees who demonstrate, every day, a high degree of compassion, dedication and loyalty. I have no doubt they will make exceptional nurses!”
The co-op program at Lynn Technical School enables students to extend their learning experience into a real work environment as employees. In essence, these work cooperative programs place students with different employers throughout the community to give them real world experience and show the students what it’s like to work in a variety of companies and organizations.
The co-op program was invaluable to Valery, Lismar and Fernando. “It is important for nursing students to have bed-side CNA clinical experience before getting into nursing school,” said Lismar Pimentel, who resides in Lynn. For Lismar, developing relationships with the residents is the best part of the job. “Providing the residents with a shoulder to lean makes me grateful for the skills to help and care for them. The experience I and the other students gain from being a CNA enables us to acquire the empathy we need as well as overcome the challenges that come with nursing early on. Being a hands-on CNA is the perfect training ground for nursing school.”
Fernanda Lopez points out that the structure of the houses at BCL fosters a sense of community. “My house, Berkeley, is made up of amazing residents and co-workers, which makes my job very enjoyable. Both staff and residents here have been so welcoming from the very beginning.” Fernando also noted that working at BCL taught her how to treat a resident with compassion and understanding. “It’s much different working with real people as opposed to the mannequins used in CNA courses. “I learned how to quickly react in situations that are unexpected, how to properly understand their emotions through nonverbal gestures, and how to care for a patient without the intimidation of hurting them.” Added Lopez, “The encouragement and recognition I received at BCL fuels my passion for nursing.”
Congratulations Lismar, Valery and Fernanda. We look forward to seeing you on vacations and holidays.
Pictured Above L-R: Valery Mauricio Gomez, Fernanda Lopez, Lismar Pimentel
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May 22, 2024
Participants in the Harvard Medical School Global Healthcare Leaders Program capped off their final week with a visit to the Leonard Florence Center for Living. The diverse group of 45 individuals hailed from all over the world, including India, China, S. Korea, Brazil and Poland. Participants had the opportunity to tour the Center and meet with the ALS residents and staff members. Residents demonstrated the Center’s revolutionary technology. Barry Berman, CEO of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, the nonprofit that operates the Leonard Florence Center, addressed the group and led a Q & A session.
The Global Health Care Leaders Program is a multi-modular program that aims to bring together the most important topics defining the future of health care industry for the leaders who will lead the charge. The nine month program culminates with three weeks at Harvard, during which time attendees take part in presentations, case studies, breakout discussions and site visits.
As the country’s first urban model Green House® skilled nursing facility, the Leonard Florence Center for Living in Chelsea provides a level of independence not typically found in skilled nursing facilities. Home to individuals living with ALS, MS and on ventilators as well as residents who require long-term skilled nursing and short-term rehab care, the Center has been featured in numerous national and local print and broadcast stories.
Main Photo Caption: L-R Megin Hemmerling, CJL; Barry Berman, CJL; John Glaser, PhD Program Director Harvard Medical School; Betsy Mullen, CJL; Ina Hoffman, CJL and Shelley Scarpa CJL.
Gallery Photo Caption: Group Photo of Harvard Medical School Global Healthcare and Leonard Florence Staff
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May 3, 2024
Eleanor Langstaff literally sings on the job! A talented musician, Eleanor has entertained Shapiro-Rudolph Adult Day Health Center (SRADHC) participants and staff by singing at campus concerts, along with a singer friend she recruited as a volunteer. Not surprisingly, the two have garnered rave reviews.
But Eleanor does much more than sing in her position as Director of Shapiro-Rudolph Adult Day Health Center. Having started at the ADHC in July 2023 as Assistant Director/Social Worker, she thrived and was promoted to Executive Director last March. In this role, Eleanor oversees all aspects of the ADHC program, including working with staff, volunteers and community members to ensure that quality care, services and support are provided to participants and their caregivers. “Adult day health is a terrific option for many families since it allows adults to get the care they need while continuing to live in their own home,” explained Eleanor.
Growing up on the North Shore, Eleanor really enjoyed the area with its beaches, close-knit community and proximity to Boston. She has stayed true to her roots; she grew up in Beverly and now lives in Salem. “I am definitely a North Shore-ite,” said Eleanor with a laugh. “I really love living here.”
Eleanor received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Mount Holyoke College and a Master of Social Work from Salem State University. She has worked in a variety of jobs and settings: Group leader at an inpatient psychiatric unit, counselor at a residential program at McLean Hospital, and as a social worker at a primary care physician’s office.
Personal experience was the impetus for Eleanor entering the adult day health field. “I actually decided to go into the adult day health field because of my grandparents,” explained Eleanor. “I saw, firsthand, the positive benefits for my grandfather when he attended an adult day health program. It was a great place for him to socialize and stay as active as possible while giving my grandmother some much-needed respite and time for herself.” Added Langstaff, “That experience had a lasting impact upon me.”
Working in Peabody, Eleanor quickly realized the camaraderie among staff and residents was special. “it feels like one big family,” commented Eleanor. “Our staff works extremely hard to provide exceptional care to our clients and to support their caregivers. I appreciate the warm and welcoming environment.”
In her spare time, Eleanor enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling to new places, going on hikes and attending concerts. She is always on the go! After an extended trip to Germany, she became fluent in German. Eleanor is hoping to travel to other countries and learn new languages in the process.
When asked what she liked best about her Director role, Eleanor didn’t even hesitate. ”My job is so gratifying,” responded Eleanor. “I see our clients enjoying their time here, being active and participating in activities. At the same time, we provide relief to families and caregivers. Keeping loved ones at home for as long as possible often makes a big difference in the quality of life for the senior and the family.”
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