Spring 2024 Resident Newsletter
A Publication for Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Long Term Care Residents & Their Families Resident Reflections
Message from the Administrator
Department Spotlight Quality and Infection Prevention
I hope everyone is enjoying the start of spring as we bid farewell to the winter months. Long Term Care will be busy over the next few months, so please check out the calendars for upcoming events and activities. Staying engaged and active is crucial for overall psychosocial health and well-being. We will celebrate all residents and staff in May during National Skilled Nursing Facility Week. The festivities will begin on Mother’s Day and continue throughout the week. This year’s theme, “Radiant Memories – A Tribute to the Golden Age of Radio,” is an opportunity to celebrate the enduring legacy of facilities and create radiant memories. Long Term Care is excited to bring back our Mother’s Day and Father’s Day brunches for residents and family members this year, and we will announce the event details soon. Additionally, we will release our LTC Resident BBQ schedule soon. As always, Bergen New Bridge is committed to the health, safety, and wellness of our residents. I want to take the opportunity to remind everyone we continue to offer and encourage COVID-19, pneumococcal, shingles, RSV, and seasonal flu vaccines to all our residents. Please reach out if you or your loved one need or have any questions about the vaccination program.
Pictured (left to right) Debbie Greenip, Dr. Ariff Admani, Dr. Gian Varbaro, Dr. Madouna Hanna, Annelie Bautista, Deborah Lewis, Shari Gold, Kathy Foley, Ha Nguyen, Yuna Maeda, Carlye Gilbert, Kimberly Lewis, Margaret McGee, Joseph Tanko
The Quality and Infection Prevention departments at Bergen New Bridge ensure our patients and residents receive high-quality, compassionate, and equitable care. We strive to achieve and sustain patient centered and resident centered care, transparency of care, quality of care over quantity of care, and access to care for all Bergen County residents. We work with interdisciplinary teams on the treatment, prevention, and education of many health indicators affecting our population, including pressure injuries, falls, pneumonia, and others. Focusing on health equity for our patients and residents is a priority as it promotes their best outcomes. We ensure patients and residents receive care tailored to their unique needs concerning socioeconomic characteristics, education, community, and social needs. Infection Prevention The Centers for Disease Control reports residents of long-term care facilities have a higher chance of contracting an infection than they would if they were home. The Infection Prevention team focuses on keeping our residents safe from preventable illnesses. Educating staff and residents on the basic ways to prevent infections — hand hygiene, vaccination, clean environment, and proper use of antibiotics — is how we help to keep everyone safe. You can find the infection prevention team on your units, helping maintain a safe environment for residents and visitors.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our many upcoming resident events!
Happy Spring!
Katie Richardson Vice President & Administrator Long Term Care
(Continued on page 2)
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2024, ISSUE 1 • PAGE 1 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
News
Welcome to the 2024 Spring Edition of the Newsletter! I want to thank everyone for their support in electing me president. As your leader, I will work hard to follow up with any issues and concerns you have. My goal this year is to be very productive for the council with the help and support of your re-elected Vice President, Ms. Joan Staab. I encourage everyone to attend at least one Resident Council meeting, if not all meetings. The meetings are held monthly on the fourth Wednesday at 2:30pm in the Auditorium. Make this one of your New Year resolutions by attending the Resident Council meeting. You get the latest info on what’s happening.
I want to share a little about myself. I am from Paterson, New Jersey. I have been a Bergen New Bridge Medical Center resident since May 2015. I have lived in different units and met a lot of residents throughout the years. I look forward to working with management in LTC to serve you all. You can reach me on Unit 8-9. If not, I will see everyone at future Recreation special events. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. The recreation department did not disappoint us in all the events scheduled during the winter months. We are looking for entertaining events in the coming months. Please continue to review your activity calendar for upcoming events for 2024.
Danny Little President of Resident Council
Message from the Vice President of Resident Council
I wanted to thank everyone who voted for me as the Vice President of the Resident Council. I am honored to serve all of you in this capacity for 2024. I can be reache d on Unit 11-5. My door is always open. I will do my job to the best of my abilities. Thank you for your time and support.
Joan Staab Resident Council Vice President
Department Spotlight: Quality and Infection Prevention (continued)
Quick Tips Fall Prevention – Ways to Prevent a Fall. • Be informed about your medications and their side effects. • Report any dizziness or lightheadedness to the nurse • Use assistive devices correctly (walkers, wheelchairs, canes) • Wear appropriate footwear and proper- fitting clothing • Make sure to call for help if it is needed
Make sure to ask questions regarding how you can reduce your risk of falls. • Education materials are available for all residents • Ask hospital staff for educational resources Pressure Injuries Prevention, management, and evaluation of pressure injuries are emphasized here at Bergen New Bridge. We use a multidisciplinary approach to dealing
with pressure injuries to ensure they are treated correctly.
Tips on Avoiding Pressure Injuries • Avoid pressure on any body part • Do not sit upright for extended periods • Do not slide down when seated • Make sure to change positions regularly • Nourish your skin with enough fluid and good nutrition
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Resident Events
September Grandparent's Day Day, September 9
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Resident Events
October Autumn Ball Day, October 18
Halloween Day, October 31
Autumn Ball
Pumpkin Decorating
Halloween
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Resident Events
December Holiday Caroling Day, December 18
Christmas Day, December 25
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Resident Events
January Voyage Around World Day, January 26
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Poetry National Activity Professionals Week Celebration
Unit 11-7 hosted the “On-Unit” National Activity Professionals Week Celebration By: M. T.
surprised, happy, and inspired to attend various activities in the unit.
To honor the National Activity Professionals Week, where Therapeutic Recreation Staff Innovate, Inspire, and Involve, Elizabeth C. and Rialyn M. (11-7 TR Staff) conducted an “On-Unit” Resident Activity Awarding and Voyage Around the World theme, featuring The Republic of the Philippines. be accommodated in the Auditorium for this big event, Unit 11-7 Recreational Staff made sure that all residents in our unit experienced what they performed in the Auditorium on January 26. The program included a presentation of the Republic of the Philippines - its culture, brief history, lifestyle, statistics, currency, music, arts, and beautiful places to enjoy when you visit. It was followed by the Resident Recognition, where everyone was Since everybody could not
Rialyn M. proudly sang a Filipino song, “Mamang Sorbetero” (The Ice Cream Man), while Elizabeth C. danced a Philippine folk dance style in sync. Most of the audience, staff, and residents considered the dancing inspiring. M. K., D. F., J. P., and R. P. said they had fun seeing the costumes worn and the authentic singing. They also saw the beautiful, handcrafted jewelry, bags, arts, real pearls, and coin purses created with real seashells. Most of the residents received awards in different activities, which we enjoyed and felt great and proud. Awards included are Best in Trivia, Best in Music, Most Artistic Award, Most Active Veterans, Best in Exercise, and many more.
We are so happy we learned about other countries’ historical and cultural backgrounds and diversity. We visited the Philippines live in Unit 11-7!
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Resident Information
Why We Do What We Do Karen Morgan, Assistant Director of Recreation
Happy 100th Birthday
Deaconess K.J.S. was born on November 11, 1923, during the Japanese colonial occupation in Chungcheong Province, South Korea. She lived through the turbulent times of the founding of the Republic of Korea and the difficult times of the Korean War. During the war, she married and had one daughter. She later immigrated to the United States in the late 1980s. She was passionate about children's education and always said, ‘A person must learn, even if they have to build things with their hands to make a living.’ She has resided at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Long Term Care for five years. She enjoys her day in the dayroom, participating in daily activity programs with her peers.
In my first three months at Bergen New Bridge, serving as the Assistant Director of Therapeutic Recreation staff, it has not taken me long to learn that the therapeutic recreation department is filled with creative, passionate, hardworking, and caring staff members. From planning resident-centered programming to meet the whole person’s needs to creating significant events that truly celebrate life, the recreation staff is in constant motion as they engage the residents and create memorable experiences. When asked why they do what they do, here is what the recreation staff had to say: “ I am very proud to work with our residents, where I love to share my ideas and creativity. ” “ I have always been passionate about helping others, and working as a therapeutic recreation aide has made me do this. Seeing the residents happy, even with simple tabletop games and trivia and reading to them, brings me joy and inspires them to do better to positively impact their lives. ” “ My inspiration is to play a part in making every day better for the residents. I love helping others. ” “ I like this job because I feel good for doing something good for them. ” “ My recreation aide job allows me to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life every day. ” “ I like the job I am doing because of my residents. I love them so much because they are amazing. I enjoy talking with them, helping them, giving them activities they enjoy and sharing my talents with them. ” “ Seeing how recreation changes the resident’s quality of life inspires me. I want to make a difference in their lives. ” “ Advocacy and inclusive services inspire and drive me to succeed in my profession. ” This would not be possible without the department director’s solid leadership skills and experience. Kris Mullins has served as the Director of Therapeutic Recreation for over 19 years. She brings heart and expertise to the role that makes the department run smoothly and adds to the exceptional programming experienced by the residents here at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.
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Resident Corner
My Dog Chico Written by C.E. on Unit 11-2
My heart swells whenever Junior, the pet therapy dog, comes into the dayroom. He goes around to everyone, demanding head pats and attention. What a friendly little guy. My love for dogs made me start wishing I had one. Or still had one. I remember one time when a friend came to visit. I asked him if he knew how I could get a dog. “Yes,” he said, “every night on my way to work, I see a dog with four pups on the street. Do you want me to bring you one?” I said yes. The next night, he came and I saw him holding his jacket in a closed position. “What do you have there?” I asked, and then he opened it up and I saw a beautiful brown puppy. I named her Chico. She cried all night for three nights, but after three nights, it was all right. She got accustomed. On the fourth day, a friend came to my home for breakfast. He came from another town to go to work. Chico followed him out when he was leaving, but I did not see her leave. Thirty minutes later, I saw him coming around. I wondered ‘why he came back’ until I saw Chico in his arms. She had followed him to work. It was a good thing that he had seen her. I had to be very careful with her.
buy bread but was very far away, so she touched Chico and told her to stop. She closed her eyes and turned her head with so much attitude. I was so surprised at Chico. This, indeed, was a rude cross-eye. I never thought a dog would be so rude. I also wanted to see if she would bite me, so I put my finger in her mouth one day. She watched me as if she was asking, “Are you crazy?” Then, taking her paw, she took my finger out of her mouth. I laughed and patted her on her head. After some time, she fell sick. My friend took her to the vet but said it was too late. She lived for a few days and eventually died. I cried and cried. My dear Chico, I miss you very much. You brought me so much joy. May you rest in doggy peace. properly. For example, when driving a car, you would use visual-special reasoning to switch lanes by measuring distance with your eyes. Puzzles, along with many other cognitive-based games, have reduced the development of dementia in elderly patients by up to 10%. Puzzles aid in short- term memory because the individual needs to memorize colors, shapes, and patterns. Puzzles are a considerable resource for cognitive health improvement, especially for older adults. If you want a pastime with plenty of positive benefits, take a page from C.S.’s book and work on a puzzle!
Chico shared joy with everyone, anytime and anywhere. She was lively, active, and always looked for a good time. Going to the river to bathe was fun as the children would send a stick for Chico to swim toward to push it up repeatedly. They enjoyed themselves, especially Chico. In another instance, my aunt started playing music while her daughter picked up Chico to dance. When the music stopped and she put Chico down, Chico would start barking until the music started and she was picked up to dance again. Not only was she easygoing, but Chico had some sass to her. I had a little shop. I was in my yard when the shop was closed one Sunday afternoon. Chico started barking, so I peeped out the window to see what was happening. A lady was coming to
C.S. Puzzles Written by C.S. on Unit 11-6
C.S., 11-6 Resident, spends hours solving puzzles. With a calming playlist in the background, C.S. uses his free time to solve puzzles, glue them to boards, and decorate the borders. There are many benefits to solving puzzles. They are an excellent outlet for relieving stress and improving hand-eye coordination, memory, mood, problem-solving, and concentration. Studies report doing a daily puzzle improves visual-spatial reasoning, which
allows people to tell where an object is located and use their judgment to space it
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2024, ISSUE 1 • PAGE 9 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Resident Corner
Childhood Memories of Lunar New Year Morning Written by Y. S. S, Unit 5-1
My mother is calling me. I wonder if the rites are about to begin.
Neolttwigi (jumping game). The boys are playing Jegichagi (shuttlecock kicking game). They want to go out kite flying in the afternoon. After paying respects and bowing, we will all gather to eat tteokguk for breakfast. My mother brings out my favorite kimchi from the crock. My mouth is watering. I can't wait to finish the rites and eat the delicious food.
I am Y. S. S, living in Unit 5-1 of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. I was born in 1933 and will soon be 91 years old. Last week was the Korean Lunar New Year. I want to share my childhood memories of the Lunar New Year with you. Even now, when I close my eyes, I can vividly see the tiled roof house where I lived as a child. Today is the long-awaited Lunar New Year. I am a little girl wearing a colorful hanbok with a topknot. It's Lunar New Year's Day, so everyone is dressed in hanbok. My mother is busy preparing the ancestral rites table with my aunts and grandmothers. The smell of delicious jeon (pan-fried battered food), tteokguk (rice cake soup), and various side dishes tickle my nose. Fruits, sweets, and Hangua (Korean cookies) are also laid out. In the yard, my siblings and cousins are playing happily. My older sister is on the swing, and the girls are playing
A table full of food is set up, and my grandfather and father bow, followed by the rest of the family. I hope we finish quickly and enjoy a delicious breakfast as a family. That's all for today's story. I wish you all good health and prosperity in the new year. Thank you."
After bowing, the adults give us delicious food or pocket money. I'm already excited.
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2024, ISSUE 1 • PAGE 10 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Events
March March Birthday Celebration March 3 at 2:30pm, Auditorium
August August Birthday Celebration Friday, August 2 at 2:30pm, Auditorium
Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday, May 12, from 10am to noon, Auditorium National Skilled Nursing Care Week. “Radiant Memories—A Tribute to the Golden Age of Radio” May 12 – May 17 Special Event honoring Nursing Home Week May 14 at 2:30pm, Auditorium June Juneteenth tribute Thursday, June 20, at 2:30pm, Auditorium.
Bagpiper performance on LTC units the week of March 13 – 16
Big Bingo Friday, August 9 at 2:30pm
St. Patrick’s Day Party Friday, March 17 at 2:30pm, Auditorium April April Birthday Party Friday, April 3 at 2:30pm, Auditorium
Summer Carnival Friday, August 16, at 2:30pm, Auditorium.
2024 Food Committee Meeting Schedule All the meetings are held at 2pm in the Auditorium. Mar 14 July 3 Oct 2 April 3 Aug 7 Nov 6 May 1 Sept 4 Dec 4 June 5 Please meet the Food and Nutrition team at the Food Planning Meeting. Have an opportunity to share your suggestions and concerns about your menu profile and preferences. In addi- tion, your input and suggestions are welcome to help develop the seasonal menu for LTC.
Earth Day Ceremony Monday, April 27 at 2:30pm; rain date on Thursday, April 25.
Porches on Units 8-5, 8-6, and 8-7 will reopen soon. Enjoy refreshing air and beautiful plants. Spring Formal Wednesday, April 17, at 5pm, Auditorium May
The Monthly Birthday Party Monday, June 1, at 2:30pm, Auditorium.
Father’s Day Brunch June 16, at 10am – noon, Auditorium
Annual LTC BBQ season throughout the month. July 4th of July Party, Wed, July 3, at 2:30pm, Auditorium
The Cinco de Mayo party May 3 at 2:30pm, Auditorium
Plant Festival, Thursday, May 9, 10am-4pm, Auditorium.
Summer Party, Friday, July 12 at 2:30pm, Auditorium
Refreshments are provided. Come and be part of the Food Committee!
Impact of the Social Worker on Well-Being and Outcomes
outreach, which allows for many aspects of stabilizing and improving the mental health of the residents. Social workers are educated and trained with a skill set to screen, assess and intervene in many complicated and complex areas. The goal is to provide best-practice care and meet regulatory standards while maintaining ethical standards, quality of care, and improving the quality of life for those in the nursing home.
and neglect, trauma-informed care, communication, behavioral health, advance care planning, and grief and loss. Social workers may be involved in many quality and performance improvement plans to ensure residents receive the highest quality of care, meet their medical needs and support their psychosocial well- being. They can also help form bonds with the community and provide equitable care to meet the needs of the ever-changing population. They offer services that might include support groups, councils, and
A trained and licensed social worker helps vulnerable individuals, families, and communities address various social, emotional, and psychological challenges. Social workers in nursing homes are crucial team members providing care to one of the most critical, vulnerable, and valuable populations. Social workers advocate for individuals who cannot always speak on their own behalf. Social workers affect resident well-being by supporting staff with training on resident rights, abuse
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2024, ISSUE 1 • PAGE 11 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 Catholic Mass Wednesday’s 4pm Chapel Islamic Services Friday’s 1:30pm Chapel (Excluding First Friday’s) Christian Services 1st and 3rd Sunday 2:30pm in the Chapel Jewish Services Worship on major Jewish holidays. Times vary in the Chapel.
Imam El Filali 201.421.0108
Father Castro 201.241.2009
Bishop Singletary 201.249.7071
Rabbi Schneider 201.421.1820
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.
Quality of Care and Quality of Life
Long Term Care Department Directory
Katie Richardson
Vice President/Administrator
Ext. 54004
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.
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
Rose McLaughlin
Director of Safety, Security, and
Ext. 54642
Emergency Management
Orchid Bellefantie
Director Environmental Services
Ext. 54086
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • 2024, ISSUE 1 • PAGE 12 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
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