Message from Adam Berman, President of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare

December 14, 2021

Dear Residents and Families,

As we approach the December holidays, it’s clear that the festivities look different than in past years. The uncertainty around the variant is making us extra cautious this holiday season. However, there are many reasons to feel optimistic that we’re finally turning a corner.

While we may never be “free” of COVID, we’ve grown better at living with it. Our residents, families and staff have found ways to celebrate and enjoy life while also remaining diligent. This is a testament to your resilience, zest for living, and enthusiasm. I am proud of your actions and truly grateful for your support.

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season and looking forward to better days ahead. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and safe 2022!

Warm regards,
Adam

Adam Berman
President 
Chelsea Jewish Lifecare

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

December 8, 2021

December is certainly a busy month at the Chelsea assisted living. Aspiring artists came together for a very fun and productive “Paint Day.” The finished artwork line the walls for all to see.

One of the month’s highlights included a lively Hawaiian luau for residents and staff. Adorned with grass skirts and colorful leis, the staff entertained the residents with Polynesian dancing and traditional Hawaiian music.

Hanukkah was a festive occasion this year, with the lighting of menorah, dancing and delicious holiday treats such as home-made cookies and the requisite jelly donuts. Residents enjoyed live entertainment with talented musician Ray Ray Cavicchio, who played all the well- known favorites of the 50’s.

Restaurant outings are always popular and this month was no exception. Trips to Floramo’s in Chelsea and Jimmy’s Steer House in Saugus were a huge success.

Take a Look at the Katzman Center for Living!

December 7, 2021

Residents and staff enjoyed preparing for Hanukkah this year. Many projects were geared to creating unique craft décor and then displayed throughout our residence. Adding to the festivities, Jimmy Honahan and Bob Richman performed a magical Hanukkah musical celebration, along with our talented Chef Magno. Administrator Jill Tura and Activity Assistant Gladys Power joined in by offering residents the traditional and delicious Hanukkah treat of jelly donuts. It was very much a team effort.

A special thanks to Bernice Berman and Sharon Levine for lighting the candles on the first and second nights of Hanukkah. Last but certainly not least in the long list of Hanukkah activities was the Double Hanukkah Bingo game.

Our residents on our Specialized Dementia Unit tried their hand at bowling, with very impressive results! Another highlight of the season was when senior cook Rosa proudly displayed the turkeys she served on Thanksgiving. What a beautiful sight!

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to Flora, who celebrated her 100th birthday with family, staff and residents. Creative juices were flowing when beloved art instructor Mandee visited, working with the residents to help them out their inner art talents. There were some very artistic pieces, Additionally, residents thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon out for lunch at the famed Jimmy’s Steerhouse restaurant.

Coming up on the horizon: baking classes, a Salsa dance competition and our annual New Year’s Eve Party. Clearly, we are marking the end of the year with lively and fun activities.

Three New Sites Chosen for Innovative TNA Program

December 6, 2021

Our Chelsea, Longmeadow and West Roxbury campuses have been approved as Temporary Nurse Aid (TNA) training sites, which is very exciting news. We will be able to train new groups of TNA’s and prepare them to take the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. Essentially the TNA program allows individuals interested in becoming a CNA the opportunity to work alongside a certified nurse assistant. At the same time, they participate in online training so they will be qualified to take the state certification exam.

“We are thrilled to have received approval of these three TNA training sites,” said Terry Halliday, Chief Business Development Officer for Chelsea Jewish Lifecare and JGS Lifecare. “For some of our employees, this program provides an entree into the healthcare system.” Halliday added, “We recognize the fact that the course is costly to take on one’s own and are pleased to offer this benefit to those who embark upon this program.”

The TNA program is an excellent steppingstone for individuals desiring to work in a skilled nursing facility but have not yet been certified. Consisting of online class work, skills laboratory work and onsite clinical practical experience, the program offers hands-on, person centered care as part of a nursing team.

To date, our TNA program has met with huge success. We have already had 25 TNA graduates this year alone and more classes are in progress! With the recent approval of the TNA program on all three campuses, we will be able to train a greater number of people and offer employment opportunities to individuals who prove to be the right fit for our organization.

The Department of Health has acknowledged the benefits of a TNA program like ours in bringing in new CNA’s into the industry. Noted Halliday, “Our program serves as a model to skilled nursing facilities not only across Massachusetts, but throughout the country. In short, we are helping employees enter the nursing profession.”

What’s Happening at Leonard Florence Center for Living

December 6, 2021

Residents, family members, and staff have been busy with Thanksgiving and Hanukkah festivities. Delicious food was served for both holidays! Our Hanukkah activities, which were enjoyed by residents of all faiths, included Hanukkah stories, music and trivia, a dreidel game and Hannukah bingo (where the winners received a dreidel filled with chocolate Hanukkah gelt!) In addition, residents had access to three different Hanukkah celebration videos on their TV’s. The holiday culminated with a lively concert orchestrated by our beloved Jimmy Honohan on the last night of Hanukkah.

Other December events: the much anticipated Deli Day and bingo every Tuesday and Friday afternoons. Back by popular demand, the Center will host a holiday happy hour with trivia on Friday, December 17. There will be a trivia game with teams, holiday based drinks for the residents and prizes given out to the winners.

Not surprisingly, the recent restaurant outing to 110 Grill was a big success. The menu is huge and there was something for everyone. Residents are looking forward to the next restaurant outing at the celebrated Tony C’s on December 29. It truly is a wonderful time of year.

We’d like to wish the following residents a very Happy Birthday!

  • Anne Nowlan: December 2
  • James Nowlan: December 6
  • Theresa Baino: December 7
  • Michael Dembkowskiec: December 15
  • James Devlin: December 16
  • Darrin James: December 17
  • Tom Mitstifer: December 18
  • Charlotte Sweeney: December 26