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Message from Rob Whitten, President of JGS Lifecare

January 12, 2023

Dear Residents and Families,

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year! We are excited at what 2023 will bring for all of us at JGS. As January is upon us, it seems fitting to outline a few areas we will focus on in the coming year.

Recruitment, staff education and development are key. Although the healthcare industry faces staffing challenges, JGS will continue building partnerships and programs that will assist us in our recruitment thought the campus. JGS is actively working with local schools and programs that will allow onsite training to create a pipeline of candidates. Some of these programs consist of working with local nursing and CNA programs as well as a partnership with Masshire.

Ruth’s House implementation of Limited Medication Administration (LMA) allows our assisted living facility to provide an advanced level of assistance with medication. According to regulations, a nurse or an individual designated by the resident can assist in the direct administration of medications such as creams, eye drops, and medicines.

Through the course of 2023, JGS will be searching for grant opportunities that will enhance the community we have served since 1912. Currently we are working on a grant geared towards the transportation issues for the adult day health center. Acquiring this grant would not only increase the potential for day trips, but more importantly, assist in stabilizing the transportation families depend on to get their loved ones to and from our program.

As the year progresses, I look forward to updating you on these enhancements in addition to other opportunities across our spectrum of services. 2023 promises to be a milestone year at JGS.

Sincerely,

Robert Whitten
Regional President
JGS Lifecare

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COO Betsy Mullen Wins Prestigious Pinnacle Award for Achievement

January 11, 2023

McKnight’s, the healthcare industry’s most prestigious and widely read trade publication, held the first Pinnacle Awards to honor one-of-kind industry veterans who are setting the standards, driving change, providing guidance, and inspiring us all. It was no surprise, therefore, that JGS Lifecare/Legacy Lifecare COO Betsy Mullen won the coveted Setting the Standard Pinnacle Award. In March, Betsy will accept this well-deserved award in Chicago.

Professionals with at least 20 years of experience in the field, but who continue to strive for success, were eligible for nomination. “With the Pinnacle Awards, McKnight’s is honoring the individuals who have not only reached the top of the profession but managed to remain there for years,” said Publisher Craig Roth. “They’ve inspired us in the past and they’ll continue to do so for as long as they remain in the field.”

Betsy Mullen, RN, MS, LNHA, is the Chief Operating Officer of JGS Lifecare/Legacy Lifecare and possesses over 45 years of experience working in settings across the health care continuum. She received her BSN from Boston College and her MSN from Boston University. Betsy holds positions on multiple senior care boards and advisory committees. Additionally, she is the recipient of numerous Mass Aging awards; including the prestigious Program Innovation of the Year Award for Barry & Betsy’s – A Different Store for People Who Make a Difference; the Program Innovation of the Year Award for European Day Spa; and the Program Innovation of the Year Award for Travel the World, to name just a few.

Adam Berman, President and CEO of both JGS Lifecare and Legacy Lifecare, after learning of this submission, remarked, “I cannot think of a more deserving individual than Betsy Mullen to receive the McKnight’s distinguished Pinnacle Award. Betsy’s deep commitment to skilled nursing, her extensive knowledge of the nonprofit world, and her strong relationships with our residents, families and staff make her an outstanding choice.”

Betsy has been steadfast in her efforts to enhance the lives of those living and working in long-term care. Quite simply, she envisions better, stronger, and more compassionate care delivery in long-term care. Betsy opened the first urban model Green House® in the United States, an innovative and radical departure for delivering long-term care, post-acute and specialty care to elders and the disabled population. As a member of the Peer Network Board for the Green House® Project, she remains active in the culture change movement across the United States.

One of the first things people notice about Betsy is her abundance of energy. It is not unusual to see her in one of the facilities at 5 AM, visiting the night staff and checking on the latest admission. Throughout the pandemic, Betsy worked in the residences every single day, addressing not only operational concerns but utilizing her clinical background to support the staff in every way possible. In fact, longevity in the facilities she oversees is unprecedented.

Jeff Landa, Managing Director, Legacy Lifecare Consultants, summed up Betsy Mullen’s qualifications perfectly. “She is a remarkable leader with vast experience in long-term care,” stated Landa.

Betsy’s unique leadership style is evident in her successes. She is continuously singled out in the monthly Resident and Family Surveys for her extraordinary dedication, compassion, warmth, and guidance. It’s no secret that the stress of living or recovering in long term care settings can be overwhelming, but Betsy puts everyone at ease. Unquestionably, Betsy is universally adored by families, residents, staff, and peers.

Karen Petruccelli, Vice President of Clinical Quality at JGS Lifecare, has worked with Betsy Mullen for the last six year. “Betsy Mullen is truly worthy of the McKnight’s Pinnacle Award,” remarked Petruccelli. “As a colleague and fellow nurse, I have witnessed Betsy’s incredible work firsthand. I am in awe of all she has accomplished in long term care. She is a wonderful role model for us all.” Added Karen, “she sets – and maintains– exceptionally high standards every day. In essence, Betsy Mullen makes our residences, staff, and quality of care the best it can be.”

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Behind the Scenes at JGS

January 13, 2023

The past month has been filled with special holiday services, parties, concerts, crafts, staff appreciation, and of course, the delicious baked goodies served up by our Life Enrichment staff! To get in the holiday spirit, winter crafts included the making of dining-room table centerpieces, helping create an atmosphere of warmth and celebration during the holiday season.

Residents enjoyed baking cookies for our Annual Hanukkah Tea Party at the home. At Genesis House, resident and volunteer Ester Cohen, along with Mary Greeley, coordinated a festive latke party, complete with candle-lighting, dreidels and donuts.

Our sincere thanks to Rabbi Jeremy Masters, Rabbi Devorah Jacobson, Rabbi Yakov Wolff, Dr. Stuart Anfang, our Chairman of the Board, and Susan Halpern, our VP of Development, for leading our Hanukkah candle-lighting services and singing holiday songs. You brought so much joy and light to our residents.

On December 14 at our Annual Employee Holiday Celebration, Jessica Brown, CNA and Michele Adkins of JNH Central Supplies (she wears many hats!) were honored with The Molly Neigher President’s Award. This special recognition, which includes a certificate and cash stipend, is awarded annually to one clinical and one non-clinical employee who go above and beyond in their work and demonstrate the JGS Lifecare values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence (CARE). Our congratulations to Jessica and Michele for this well-deserved recognition!

On Sunday, December 18th, the beautiful voices of Mak’hela, the Jewish Chorus of Western MA (whose name means “chorus”), entertained our residents by performing music from a variety of Jewish traditions, time periods and languages.

A special thank you to Deacon Higby for leading our Christmas Service and for bringing your grandchildren and their friends to perform for our residents. Our residents love seeing young adults and their presence here was a true blessing.

Lastly, our monthly birthday party featured the talented Irving Lewis singing “oldies” tunes that never fail to make our resident smile. Alongside the music, mulled cider was enjoyed by all!

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