Message from Adam Berman, CEO of JGS Lifecare

February 14, 2022

Dear Residents and Families,

January’s blizzard challenged us to fight a two fronted battle: cold, ice and snow on one front, and COVID-19 on the other. Confronted with near-zero temperatures and over 20 inches of snow, our loyal and hard-working staff rose, yet again, to the occasion. Each department, from environmental services to maintenance to dietary to nursing to activities, banded together to ensure the well-being of our residents. Our employees truly went above and beyond during the severe weather emergency. For this, I am both proud and grateful.

In other news, we are seeing COVID cases drop as quickly as they rose during the Omicron wave. Most staff have received their booster shots, and all eligible will have by the end of February. We may never be free of this virus, but we’re learning how best to live with it. I am optimistic about the days, weeks and months ahead.

Thank you for your continued support.

Warmly,
Adam

Adam Berman
CEO
JGS Lifecare


Extreme Weather: Preparation is Key 

February 3, 2022

With the weather dipping into low digits and even below zero this winter, our Environmental and Maintenance departments are working round-the-clock to ensure the safety of our residents and staff.

To deal with severe cold, heat and weather, our Chief Clinical Officer Ron Anglo and Director of Facilities Marc Richard implement a “Code Black,” which means that we take extraordinary measures to keep our residents safe. “Our organization is prepared and ready for any pending storms and situations,” explains Marc Richard. “Each campus is setup with an approved Emergency Preparedness Plan for all possible emergencies that may occur.” The plan is then reviewed CMS, the state, and the local Fire Department. Marc pointed out that the staff is notified days ahead of possible extreme weather so they can review their Emergency Preparedness Plan and prepare for all aspects of impact that could affect the campus.

Advance planning has proved to be a very effective strategy. For example, there were no repercussions from the late January blizzard because the staff were so well-prepared. Every employee pitched in and did their part. In fact, many went above and beyond to help maintain proper staffing as well as ensure the comfort level of the residents. “I am so very proud of our staff and the pride they take in keeping everyone safe during these extreme times,” commented Richard.

Below is overview of the steps our organization takes when weather conditions get severe. It’s imperative that we take the necessary precautions to protect our residents and staff. Thank you to Ron, Marc and the entire team for your hard work, dedication and attention to detail. You are the real heroes/heroines this winter!

Code Black Procedures:

1. No outside facility-sponsored activities will be held. Scheduled trips should be postponed, if possible.
2. Outside appointments will be limited for medical reasons and dialysis only. Our residents need to be clothed properly if they do have medical appointments.
3. Short terms leave of absences are discouraged for the safety of our residents.
4. Staff to check all rooms to make sure all our residents have adequate heating. Maintenance directors will make the rounds to make sure that there are no open windows and all heating systems are working.
5. On-call maintenance staff will be ready to come in when needed during after office hours.
6. Staff educators and supervisors will educate our staff about proper procedures.
7. Staff will provide hourly checks on all residents and exit doors.
8. Executive Directors will issue frequent reports about the status of the building and its residents at the end of every shift. Constant communication among staff is crucial.
9. Space will be designated for staff members who might have to stay at the residence overnight as well as arrangements for staff transportation.
10. The organization needs to remain vigilant and make sure that all of our residents safe.

Behind the Scenes at JGS!

February 10, 2022

Throughout January and into February we have been exercising an abundance of caution to protect our residents from exposure to the omicron variant. Life Enrichment Activities have been taking place on the units of our nursing neighborhoods. A resident favorite, Bingo, continues to engage our residents. Who doesn’t like to be a winner? And ice-cream sundaes always bring smiles!!

JGS Morale Team Launches New KUDOS Recognition Program

February 9, 2022

A new inter-disciplinary staff committee, The JGS Morale Team, has been formed to discuss ways to support our staff through what will be looked upon as one of the most stressful periods in the delivery of healthcare. Their team motto says it all: “A Better Place To Work Makes A Better Life.” Led by Ed Mack, Director of Housekeeping, each month twenty staff members gather, representing all divisions of our JGS team, and brainstorm programs and initiatives to support our staff, including recognizing their extraordinary efforts to live the CARE values. CARE at JGS Lifecare, stands for Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. These values form the foundation of the JGS Lifecare Culture of Caring.

In January, the Morale Team sponsored an All-Employee Holiday Party as a way of expressing gratitude for the dedication and commitment that staff exhibit each and every day, caring for our residents and clients under the stresses of strict safety protocols and healthcare staffing shortages. What better way to demonstrate gratitude and bring comfort than through games, prizes and lots of food! Featuring a wide assortment of traditional foods that represent the many ethnicities of our diverse staff, attendees enjoyed the comfort of dishes representing Spanish, Italian and Soul Food cuisines. The event was a huge success and the staff can’t wait for an encore!

In February the Morale Team launched the new KUDOS Recognition Program with a letter to our families, encouraging them to help us recognize and honor employees who have gone “above and beyond” and done something special for their loved one. Families have been encouraged to send a brief note to our KUDOS email address at jgs_kudos@jgslifecare.org or to fill out a form available at the reception desk of each of our entities. All KUDOS will be posted in a central location for all to see, and the employees who are recognized will get a copy of your KUDO.

Help us honor our caregivers and staff throughout the organization by sending them a KUDOS! For any questions, or ideas, please reach out to Ed Mack at emack@jgslifecare.org or 413-567-6211.

Staff Hot Pick: Homemade Onion Soup on a Cold Winter Day!

February 4, 2022

There is nothing more comforting than a hot bowl of soup during the cold winter months. Jen Fazekas, Director of Marketing at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, serves a hearty onion soup that gets rave reviews each and every time she makes it. Colleagues, friends, and family members clamor for the recipe.

The original recipe came from Jen’s mother-in-law Jan, who started a beloved family tradition by making the soup every Christmas Eve. When Jen and her husband Nick got married, Jan taught Jen how to make it. Over the years Jen has perfected the recipe. It’s high on the request list from both Jen’s husband and son, especially around this time of year.

Jen believes the secret ingredient is the Sweet Walter Red Wine, which can be found at most wine stores and some supermarkets. “It adds a touch of sweetness and nuttiness that balances the earthiness of the soup,” explains Jen, adding, “I always double the recipe and use extra wine!” And although the soup freezes well, Jen notes that her family usually finishes the soup within a few days. “We rarely have leftovers, “admits Jen. After savoring this delicious soup, it’s easy to understand why!

Jen’s French Onion Soup
Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup butter
• 4 sliced onions
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 2 cans beef broth (10 ½ oz)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup Sweet Walter Red Wine
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Loaf sourdough, Italian or French bread, sliced
• 1 cup shredded aged Gruyere or provolone cheese (or mix of both)

Directions:

1. Melt butter in heavy saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sugar and cook until soft, stirring occasionally for 30-45 minutes or until onions caramelize.
2. Add flour and mix until blended.
3. Add beef broth, water, wine, salt, and pepper and bring to boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for an hour.
4. Heat the broiler and arrange individual ovenproof dishes on a baking sheet. Ladle soup into individual casseroles or heatproof bowls, and cover top with bread slices.
5. Sprinkle each portion generously with cheese. Broil for a minute or two, watching carefully, until cheese melts and browns. Serve immediately.

Janice Lawrence Continues to Make Us Smile

February 3, 2022

What happens when a volunteer can no longer help out in person due to the pandemic restrictions? Janice Flescher Lawrence, a beloved volunteer at JGS Lifecare, found a way to still give back by painting brightly colored stones along our walkway. Her beautiful handiwork welcomes everyone who passes by. A few years ago Janice discussed her motivation for displaying her art. “When people are going to rehab, they most likely have experienced some sort of trauma,” explained Janice. “I want them to see something that makes them smile and let them know that someone cares. I hope my painted stones do just that.”

Today Janice continues to give back, even though she is now facing health issues and is confined to her home at Genesis House. Janice is still brightening the entryways to our facility by repainting the rocks she placed with such care and thoughtfulness over a year ago. Her efforts have certainly not gone unnoticed. Shannon Wesson, Director of Nurses at Leavitt Family Jewish Home, enjoys looking at the brightly colored stones every day. “I love walking by the happy images that are sprinkled at the foundation of our building and on the window ledge,” remarked Shannon. “They reflect the spirit, compassion and caring that permeate our facilities. Each stone is as individual as each of our residents.”

Janice recently donated a pair of her mother’s beautiful brass candlesticks to JGS Lifecare. The candlesticks, which had been in her family for years, were passed down from generation to generation. Janice’s mother was born in Yaniva, Russia sometime around 1898. She came to the USA with her family at the age of 13. Janice noted that her mother vividly remembered running into the woods with her brother, each of them holding a candlestick, while they were looking for a place to hide during a program. (Programs in the Russian Empire were large-scale, targeted, and repeated anti-Jewish riots that began in the 19th century.) By donating the candles to JGS, Janice will provide these heirlooms with a safe home where their legacy will be appreciated for years to come.

Janice also recalled a story about her Uncle Abe, her father’s identical twin brother. On April 13, 1918, during a battle near Apremont, France, Abe, a member of the 104th Regiment Yankee Division, volunteered three times to take ammunitions to the Yankee Division men held down by shellfire. He shot one German and bayonetted another. Her uncle was hit and ultimately, he lost an arm and an eye. The French Government decorated the 104th Regiment with the Croix de Guerre – the first time such an honor had ever come to an American unit. Upon Abe’s return from Walter Reed Hospital, more than 500 people were at the train station to greet him. He later received the Purple Heart.

Susan Halpern, Vice President of Development and Communications at JGS Lifecare, is amazed by Janice’s determination, dedication, and kindness. “Janice is driven to help others and make the world a better place,“ remarked Susan. “For 17 years she volunteered at Ruth’s House providing manicures, and has helped run our Gift Shop at the Home. With her background in retail sales, Janice brought a sense of style and creative merchandising to the shop, as well as a true gift for sales.” Added Halpern, “Our Gift Shop is currently closed, but Janice has found a way to keep giving and make people smile. We salute her for helping make JGS Lifecare such a very special place.”