2023 • Issue 2
A Publication for Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Long Term Care Residents & Their Families Resident Reflections
Department Spotlight Rehabilitation Services
Message from the Administrator
As we enter October, it is important for all of us to be mindful that it begins the season of unwanted germs, colds and the flu will be upon us. We ask that everyone remember to use appropriate infection prevention methods and to remember that the #1 way of prevention is to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. We will start flu vaccine administration for all our residents on October 2 and continue throughout the month. In addition, we are expecting to have the new 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine very soon and will be reaching out to residents and resident representatives as the vaccine is being strongly encouraged for all age groups. We are very proud of all the recognitions that Bergen New Bridge Medical Center receives, however, I would like to share two very special recognitions in our LTC family. Edith Hernandez, Unit 11-7 CNA, was recently recognized for her Outstanding Work in Health Care by the County of Bergen during “Hispanic Heritage Week”. We are very proud of Edith and the high level of care she continues to provide to our residents. We also received notification that Erika Bridgers, Recreation Aide, was chosen to receive The Health Care Association of New Jersey’s (HCANJ) Caregiver of the Year Award. Unfortunately, Erika recently passed away after a courageous battle against cancer, however, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, along with her sister, will proudly accept the award in her honor. We are so very proud of both Edith and Erika, as well as, all our staff for the high level of care and quality of life provided to our residents!
Pictured (left to right) Cheng-Yang Lee, Karolina Podkalicki, Denniss Magpantay, Lindsay Ravallese, Louise Secillano, Jenny Han, Eleanor Mariano, Justine Rizzitello, Abigal Cabrez. Not pictured: Ann Zamler, Charlotte Anderson, and Desiree Ramos.
Long term care rehabilitation at Bergen New Bridge uses physical medicine and rehabilitation techniques to manage disorders altering a person’s function and performance. As the population ages, the demand for LTC rehabilitation services increases. LTC rehabilitation is crucial for individuals facing chronic illnesses, disabilities, or the natural aging process. Our LTC rehabilitation encompasses a comprehensive range of services for individuals requiring ongoing support in managing their health and functional limitations. Our main objective is to enhance residents’ overall quality of life and foster their independence. Our skilled and compassionate interdisciplinary team includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, who collaboratively create patients’ care plans. The team identifies and notes changes in the resident’s daily functioning and impairments due to trauma, fracture, strokes, and other medical conditions and treats them appropriately. The rehab department also provides short-term intensive physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy. Short-term therapy focuses on recovery from joint, tendon, or ligament repair or physical rehabilitation care requiring assistance after infection or trauma resulting in a decline of a patient’s health, reducing their ability to live independently. Residents who complete therapy but still require physical assistance to maintain functioning can transfer to the Restorative Nursing Program (RNP). A patient’s care is established by a therapist with help from RNP aides and CNAs trained and educated on walking, transfers, range of motion, bed mobility, swallowing and eating, toileting, splinting and bracing, and communication. Residents’ quality of life is the driving force behind everything the LTC rehabilitation department at Bergen New Bridge provides our residents.
Katie Richardson Vice President & Administrator Long Term Care
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2023, ISSUE 2 • PAGE 1 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
News
Message from the President & Vice President
Recreation Department Highlights
Greetings to all! I want to remind everyone to stay hydrated and enjoy the rest of the summer weather; before we know it, Autumn is right around the corner. We had so many great events this summer. Units have had a wonderful time with their annual BBQ. We have a couple that are planned after the summer. The food was delicious, and the weather was beautiful for the BBQ. A good time was had by all. I don’t want to forget to mention the Lip Sync event highlighting Skilled nurse care week. All I can say is, “WOW’! It was a showstopper! I would also like to encourage everyone to attend the Resident Council Meeting, so you can express your concerns and learn important information. Everyone should at least try to attend one meeting to have the experience of attending the Resident Council Meeting. We will come to the units if anyone has questions or wants to meet with us. You can also request to speak to us through your social worker or Recreation staff. We are also working with the Ombudsmen’s office with new ideas and suggestions for future trips for the residents.
• Please visit the Recreation Department on Unit 8-4. We offer the Game Room with the Wii, X-Box Pool Table, and many board games. For resident safety, social distancing and wearing a mask are required.
• Please join our new Painting Club starting in August.
Bob C. Resident Council President
• Don’t forget to participate in one of the many clubs: Men’s Club, Women’s Club, Arts and Craft Club, and Young Adult Group. The dates and times for these clubs can be located on the unit and room monthly Activity Calendar. • Please join the community and attend the Resident Council Meeting each month.
Joan S. Resident Council Vice President
Movie Night on Unit 11-5
intelligence and social understanding of others. When we can relate to characters on the screen, we can validate our feelings.
Everyone loves a good movie, especially on Unit 11-5. Once a week, the Recreation staff gives the residents a few movie options, and they vote on which movie they want to watch. Recreation staff ensures every resident has a perfect seat in the house and passes out beverages and snacks when available. There’s nothing better than watching a good movie with friends. In fact, it is beneficial. Engaging in meaningful activities is crucial for one’s overall health. Watching movies can promote positive feelings and relieve stress. Seeing a story played out and understanding different characters’ developments can increase the emotional
Next time you want to have some entertainment, have a few laughs with your peers, or connect with a character on the
screen, come to the 11-5 dayroom for movie night! See the 11-5 Activity Calendar on the hook next to your unit’s Big Calendar to see the scheduled times and days. In addition, check out the monthly movie on Saturday night in the Auditorium.
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2023, ISSUE 2 • PAGE 2 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Resident Events
March St. Patrick's Day Friday, March 17 Traveling Bagpiper March 14th and 15th All Units
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2023, ISSUE 2 • PAGE 3 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Resident Events
April April Birthday Celebration Wednesday, April 5
Earth Day Celebration Thursday, April 20
Easter Wednesday, April 19
Spring Formal Wednesday, April 19
April Birthday Celebration
Spring Formal
Easter
Earth Day Celebration
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2023, ISSUE 2 • PAGE 4 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Resident Events
May Mother's Day Sunday, May 14
National Skilled Nursing Care Week Friday, May 19
Pet Therapy Wednesday, May 17
Pet Therapy
National Skilled Nursing Care Week
Mother's Day
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2023, ISSUE 2 • PAGE 5 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Resident Events
June Father's Day Sunday, June 18
Happy 102 nd Birthday Elyahou
June Long Term Care BBQs Various Times
Elyahou was born June 28, 1921, in Iran. He was married for 50 years to the love of his life, and has three adoring daughters and a son, and 15 grandchildren! His son says he is a “wonderful father with the biggest heart” and “always puts his family first.” He worked hard for his family and came to the United States at 75. He came to Bergen New Bridge on July 15, 2005, and enjoys spending time with friends in the dayroom and brightens everyone’s day with his contagious smile. We wish an exceptional father, grandfather, and friend a warm and happy 102nd birthday!
Unit 11-7 Art Gallery
Elyahou 102nd Birthday Wednesday, June 28
Father's Day
June Long Term Care BBQs
Art Gallery
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2023, ISSUE 2 • PAGE 6 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Resident Events
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2023, ISSUE 2 • PAGE 7 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Poetry Horticultural Therapy Program
Healing with Horticultural Therapy
The Bergen New Bridge Medical Center’s Long-Term Horticultural Therapy Program’s porches, Greenhouse and outdoor raised beds are bursting with flowers, herbs and veggies this summer. Most of the credit goes to the tireless support, herculean efforts and hours of selfless dedication from our expanded team of Master Gardener Volunteers. We’ve had a decades-long relationship with the Bergen County Master Gardener Program. This group of passionate and knowledgeable horticultural enthusiasts is the helping hands that have built and shaped the program – a thriving horticultural therapeutic program that is available and adapted to benefit all our residents. Horticultural Therapy helps our residents relax and learn in a safe group environment that encourages sociability and curiosity in a healthful, ‘green’ environment – whether in the Greenhouse in Building 6 or the Porches 5-7. This year has been a magnificent one of progress in all things horticultural. Our porches are thriving. We’ve moved many of our regular and large Greenhouse plants to the porches for their “summer” vacation. This year, we installed a timed irrigation system that makes it much easier to water the hundreds of plants in the elevated beds, especially during these hot summer months. On Porch 7, we catch a bit more sun than Porch 5. We have a Mediterranean and Tropical vibe going on here: geraniums, tomatoes, mint, lavender, sage, nasturtiums, small orange and coffee trees — even pineapple plants that we nurtured over the winter in the Greenhouse. Numerous varieties of tropical plants, large and small, help create a lush tropical look. Porch 5 has a more temperate tropical garden feel. Ferns, flowers and lush foliage create a relaxing atmosphere. Outside, our raised bed behind the Gazebo is beginning to overflow with flowers, herbs and vegetables. We’ve followed an informal Cottage-Style Garden filled with herbs: lavender, parsley, sage, basil, borage, scented geraniums and cilantro. Vegetables: tomatoes, cucumbers, Swiss chard, kale and arugula. Flowers: marigolds, coreopsis, Shasta daisies, rudbeckia, gladiola, sunflowers, moonflowers, impatiens, coleus and dahlias, to name a few. There is even a little blueberry bush! Our irrigation system in these beds is a work in progress, but we are getting there. We recently completed an annual scrubbing, disinfecting, mopping and window-washing of the Greenhouse. A greenhouse has to be a clean, pest-free house where our plants can thrive.
We are always planning months ahead for the next event. Our residents progressively propagate cuttings and sprouting seeds for our next home-grown plant sale. The Master Gardeners will be designing and implementing a timed irrigation system so that our baby plants are well-hydrated and grow into beautiful mature plants that will please the eye and help filter the air of toxins. Welcome Master Gardeners Janet Stofkoper, Linda Bourne, Karen Clemmons, and Jeanne Etter. They join our veteran team members: Lynnette Stewart, Rose Santos Martinez and Janet Troy. The LTC residents are your biggest fans. Thank you for your commitment and all you do for the Bergen New Bridge LTC Horticultural Therapy Program.
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2023, ISSUE 2 • PAGE 8 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Food and Nutrition
Food Committee Meeting Schedule Please come and meet the Food and Nutrition Team at our committee meeting. It is an opportunity to share your menu preferences and will help the Long Term Care Division develop the seasonal menu. Refreshments and light snacks will be served.
We do not only get nutrients from food. Water is an often-forgotten essential nutrient for the body. We can survive weeks without food, but we can only survive days without water. Drinking water quenches our thirst and helps regulate our body temperature. With rising temperatures, our bodies lose water quickly, increasing the risk of dehydration. Dehydration can leave us tired, light-headed, dizzy, irritable, nauseous, and constipated. Staying hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of fluids daily is essential. Good hydration helps our cardiovascular system deliver nutrients and oxygen to our cells and muscles. Drinking water has other benefits, including lubricating joints and aiding digestion. Water is crucial for good health. After all, the human body is 60% water!
Every Second Wednesday of the Month
October 11 November 8 December 13
Join Us! 2pm-3pm Auditorium
Fruit Word Search
BANANA PEACH PEAR
WATERMELON GRAPES APPLE LEMON AVOCADO KIWI PLUM ORANGE
MANGO MELON STRAWBERRY CHERRY PINEAPPLE
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2023, ISSUE 2 • PAGE 9 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Resident Information
Advance Directives
Two Types New Jersey has two kinds of advance directives, a “proxy directive” and an “instruction directive.” It is your decision whether to have both kinds or to have one of them. Proxy Directive (Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare) A proxy directive is a document you use to appoint a person to make healthcare decisions if you cannot make them yourself. This document becomes effective whether your inability to make healthcare decisions is temporary because of an accident or permanent because of a disease. The person you appoint is your “healthcare representative,” and they are responsible for making the same decisions you would have made under the circumstances. If they cannot determine what you would want in a specific situation, they are to base their decision on what they think is in your best interest. Instruction Directive (Living Will) An instruction directive is a document you use to tell your physician and family about the situations you would want or not want to have life-sustaining treatment if you cannot make your own healthcare decisions. You can also include a description of your beliefs, values, and general care and treatment preferences. This will guide your physician and family when they have to make healthcare decisions for you in situations not explicitly covered by your advance directive. An advance directive is a legal document you can complete to help ensure your preferences forvarious medical treatments are followed if you cannot make your own healthcare decisions. Your advance directive only goes into effect if your physician has evaluated you and determined that you cannot understand your diagnosis, treatment options or the possible benefits and harms. What is an Advance Directive? Advance care planning involves discussing and preparing for future decisions about your medical care if you become seriously ill or unable to communicate your wishes. Having meaningful conversations with your loved ones is the most important part of advance care planning. Many people also choose to put their preferences in writing by completing legal documents called advance directives. If you or your loved ones have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to your social worker, who will be able to sit down and explain the Advance Directive.
Some FAQs
Q. Can I change my advance directive? A. You can change your advance directive anytime by completing a new one. You need to sign and date your new advance directive
Q. Do I need a lawyer to complete an advance directive? A. No, you can complete an advance directive on your own. Q. Does my advance directive have to be notarized? A. No. Q. Do I need a witness when I sign my advance directive? A. You can get your advance directive notarized, in which case you don’t need additional witnesses. Or you can choose to sign and date your advance directive in front of two adult witnesses who must also sign and date the document. Q. What does it mean for someone to sign my advance directive as a witness? A. As a witness, the person states that you voluntarily signed your advance directive. Q. Is there anyone who cannot sign my advance directive as a witness? A. Yes, the person you appoint as your healthcare representative cannot be a witness.
and have two witnesses sign and date it. Q. Can I cancel my advance directive?
A. Yes, you can cancel your advance directive whenever you want. To cancel it, you need to tell your physician, family, healthcare representative, nurse, social worker or a reliable witness that you want to cancel your advance directive. You can tell them verbally or send them a letter. Q. Can my healthcare representative decide if I can still make my own decisions? A. Your healthcare representative can only make decisions if your physician has evaluated you and determined that you cannot understand your diagnosis, treatment options, or the possible benefits and harms. Q. Can having an advance directive affect my life insurance, health insurance or the benefits I receive from a governmental benefits program? A. No.
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2023, ISSUE 2 • PAGE 10 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Resident Information
Advance Directives (continued)
Q. What happens if I regain the ability to make my own decisions? A. In that case, your physician must obtain your consent for all treatment. Once you can make healthcare decisions, your healthcare representative will no longer have the authority to decide for you. Q. Who should have a copy of my advance directive? A. You should give a copy to your primary healthcare representative, alternate healthcare representative(s), family members and physicians. If you are treated at a hospital or enter a nursing home, you should also provide a copy when admitted.
Q. Can my life insurance company, health insurance company, physician, hospital, nursing home or any other healthcare facility require me to have an advance directive? A. No. Q. Does New Jersey recognize an advance directive that is valid in another state? A. Yes. Q. What is the definition of “life-sustaining treatment”? A. Life-sustaining treatment is any medical device or procedure that increases life expectancy by restoring or taking over vital bodily functions. The medical device or procedure can be a drug, ventilator (breathing machine), surgery, therapy or artificially provided fluids and nutrition. Q. What is the definition of “permanently unconscious”? A. Permanently unconscious means you have lost the ability to interact with your environment and are entirely unaware of your surroundings. Q. What is the definition of “terminal condition”? A. Terminal condition means the final stage of a fatal illness, disease or condition. To be in a terminal condition, you do not have to be diagnosed as having less than a certain amount of time to live (e.g., six months or less).
Friendship In Bloom
On Friday July 28th, five students from the Solis & Luna Arts Club at Bergen County Academies volunteered their time and the materials to create beautiful flower arrangements with twenty of our residents. The activity was extremely engaging as the students went around cutting the flowers down to size and then assisting our residents in creating these lovely bouquets. The students even put on some relaxing music to set the ambiance, while the aroma of flowers filled the auditorium during assembly.
We are always thankful for the well planned activities that the Solis & Luna Arts Club brings to our residents.
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2023, ISSUE 2 • PAGE 11 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Resident Spotlight
Meet Long Term Care Artist M.U.
Our artistic, talented, kindhearted, generous, and religious resident, MU, was born on August 30, 1936, and resides in Unit 11-7. Even as a young girl, MU had her creative juices flowing. She wrote skits for her family and she and her mother would play piano and compose music. MU loved ice skating and playing tennis — she excelled at both sports. MU’ is most proud of her ability to create landscapes, seascapes, animals, flowers, and portraits of Catholic icons. Her first oil painting was “Mother of Perpetual Help,” and was displayed in the Irvington Art Show. MU entered her artwork at the “Resident Art Expo” in 2008 and 2012. During COVID, she drew winter, spring, and summer scenes featured in the Bergen New Bridge Resident Calendar. We all cherish the “His Little Maureen” signature on the back of all her drawings. MU also makes cards with notes delivered to unit residents and staff as well as sending cards and drawings to her friends, family, young school children, and paralyzed veterans. She has received awards and recognition from a variety of organizations including St. Joseph’s Indian School, NJ Paralyzed Veterans, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, St. Jude’s Church, and the Newark Boys Town. MU has maintained enduring friendships since elementary school and has created a remarkable life for a girl born and raised in New Jersey, including a fantastic rapport with all who interacted with her.
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2023, ISSUE 2 • PAGE 12 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Recreation Department Highlights
Therapeutic Recreation: What is Sensory Stimulation By Megan Tower, Recreation Therapist
Benefit: Pet therapy provides comfort and support, decreases cortisol levels, and alleviates psychological symptoms that come with being on a ventilator, such as pain, sadness, and feelings of grief.
Auditory Stimulation: Being read to, white noise machines, soft music, poetry, TV programs.
As a Recreational Therapist working on a tracheostomy and ventilator long term care unit, the number one question is, what activities do you provide to your residents? We provide multiple sensory-related activities. The activities provided to the residents have many benefits that stimulate their social, cognitive, spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being. Several sensory programs take place in our tracheostomy and ventilator unit. Each program on the unit is designed and implemented with each resident’s unique interests and needs in mind. Some of the benefits of these activities that are provided are as follows:
Benefits: Increases alertness, attention, memory, cognitive abilities, behavioral regulations, emotional processing, and stress management.
Tactile Stimulation: Textured cloth, plants, water, tactile board, fidget toys.
Benefits: Uses touch to promote positive interactions with tangible items. Increases awareness of objects and textures. Increases positive mood and positively stimulates the brain.
Aroma Therapy: Plants, oils, perfumes, scratch and sniff cards.
Benefit: Increases positive emotions such as relaxation and happiness. Decreases feelings of stress and depression. Increases quality of sleep.
Music Therapy: Radio, CDs, live music performances, singing, learning about musicians.
Benefit: Aids in memory recall, boosts dopamine, increases motivation and blood flow to parts of the brain that regulate emotions.
Visual Sensory: Change of scenery, videos, picture books, magazines.
Benefit: This form of sensory stimulation aids in concentration and focus, calms individuals who are experiencing emotions such as anger and aggression, and aids in eye coordination
Pet Therapy: Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, donkeys, horses, reptiles, and many more.
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2023, ISSUE 2 • PAGE 13 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Resident Corner
Art Gallery By Marlyne T.
In Celebration of the “National Skilled Nursing Care Week,” Unit 11-7 hosted an Art Gallery from approximately 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm in the dayroom on May 17, 2023. The artwork done by the Unit 11-7 Residents was displayed with the supervision of TR Staff E. Calupad and R. Mariano.
The exhibit was received with enthusiasm. These were Amateur Artists; however, their displays reflected what professionals would be happy to have!.
Those who came to view the exhibit were fellow residents, staff, administration, family, and friends. Those who participated were surprised and delighted at the response from the overjoyed viewers at the display.
The artwork was selected during the unit’s Arts and Crafts and Art Night session. It varied from spoon painting, water coloring, paper crafting, canvas painting, recycled frame art, beaded bracelets and necklaces, crocheted doilies, flamenco dancer art, coloring pages, and scenes decorated with recycled materials.
We are happy and proud every time we do these meaningful activities. We have the chance to express our creative talents. It helps us stay busy, boost our self-confidence and overall well-being, is mentally challenging, and help keep our mind sharp.
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2023, ISSUE 2 • PAGE 14 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Resident Corner
Events
Heat Safety Tips
Stay Hydrated: It’s crucial to stay hydrated during hot weather. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid excessive consumption of caffeine, as that can lead to dehydration. Keep Cool: Spend time in air-conditioned areas of the facility, such as the common areas or designated cooling zones. If you have a fan in your room, ensure it functions properly. Avoid direct sunlight and opt for shaded areas when outdoors. Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to help your body regulate its temperature. Don’t forget to wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when going outside. Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoiding outdoor activities is best during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 10 am and 4 pm. If you need to go outside, try to do so during the cooler hours of the day, like early morning or late evening. Check on Each Other: We encourage all residents to look out for one another. If you notice someone struggling with the heat, inform a staff member immediately so that appropriate assistance can be provided.
September Korean Thanksgiving Celebration September 29 @ 2:30pm
Resident Council Meeting September 27 @ 2:30 pm
October Annual Autumn Formal Dinner October 18 @ 5pm • Auditorium
Resident Council Meeting October 25 @ 2:30pm
Annual Halloween Party and Pumpkin Contest October 31. @ 230pm • Auditorium
November Tribute to Veteran’s Day Celebration Friday, November 10, 2:30pm Auditorium
November Birthday Party Friday, November 3, 2:30p.m Auditorium.
Resident Council Meeting November 15 @ 2pm
December Holiday Party Friday, December 15 @ 2:30pm Auditorium
Resident Holiday Party December 18-21 • On The Units
New Year's Eve Party Friday, December 29 @ 2:30pm Auditorium
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2023, ISSUE 2 • PAGE 15 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Resident Corner Our Pastoral Care Team Is Here For You
Mass / Service Schedule
The Pastoral Care Department is a vital part of the healthcare team and provides a diverse range of spiritual services to all those the Medical Center serves. Offering spiritual assistance that is prayerful, professional, and committed to serving the patients, their families, and staff members.
Catholic Mass Wednesday’s 4pm Chapel
Islamic Services Friday’s 1:30pm Chapel (Excluding First Friday’s)
Bishop Singletary 201.249.7071
Rabbi Schneider 201.421.1820
Christian Services 1st and 3rd Sunday 2:30pm in the Chapel
Share what is on your heart and speak with our Bergen New Bridge Chaplains.
Jewish Services Not available at this time
Tuesdays from 12:15 pm - 12:30 pm 15 Minute Sessions Chapel • Building 8, First Floor
Father Castro 201.241.2009
Imam El Filali 201.421.0108
Quality of Care and Quality of Life
Long Term Care Department Directory
For more than 80 years, families have trusted Bergen New Bridge Medical Center to provide comprehensive, high-quality long term care services for their loved ones. As a full service, accredited medical center, Bergen New Bridge provides nursing care, as well as access to specialized onsite physicians 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our facility has an onsite acute care hospital, if our residents experience medical emergencies, day or night, the comprehensive medical care they need is always just an elevator ride away. For more information about a tour or the admission process, contact the Long Term Care Admissions Office at 201.967.4073 or visit our website at www.newbridgehealth.org.
Katie Richardson
Vice President/Administrator
Ext. 54004
Serge Dumay
LTC Medical Director
Ext. 54154
Grace Vickerie
Director of Nursing
Ext. 54196
Virginia Tan
Associate Director of Nursing
Ext. 54113
Lavern Mitchell
Associate Director of Nursing
Ext. 54645
Maribel Santana
Director of Admissions
Ext. 54073
Krishna Shah
Director of Social Services
Ext. 54170
Pat Imbaratto
LTC Patient Accounts Manager
Ext. 54665
Kristin Mullins
Director of Therapeutic Recreation
Ext. 26450
Michele Zerener
Assistant Director LTC Pharmacy
Ext. 57104
Sabyn Matli
Interim Director of Food Services
Ext. 54644
Cheng-Yang Lee
Director of Rehab. Services
Ext. 25558
Tom Tufaro
Director of Facilities
Ext. 57170
Joseph Knarich
Director of Safety, Security, and
Ext. 54269
Emergency Management
Orchid Bellefantie
Director Environmental Services
Ext. 54086
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2023, ISSUE 2 • PAGE 16 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
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