2023 • Issue 1
A Publication for Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Long Term Care Residents & Their Families Resident Reflections
Message from the Administrator
Department Spotlight Environmental Services
Environmental Services Department (EVS) takes pride in providing a safe space for our residents. EVS consists of three separate service lines: housekeeping, laundry, and transport. The Laundry Team ensures that clean and fresh linens are supplied daily to patients and residents. The Transport team transports our patients and residents to the clinic, diagnostics, and other locations in the facility. The Housekeeping Team is one of our most critical frontline defenses against the spread of infection. EVS team members are essential partners in our work to deliver safe, high-quality care to our residents and families. Orchid Bellefantie, Director of Environmental Services, and her team oversee a complex physical infrastructure employing more than 90 dedicated Environmental Services (EVS) members who are vital to our resident care teams. To improve resident safety, visitor experience and the work environment of our Medical Center, EVS leadership conducts rounds and observes processes to implement initiatives to enhance the resident experience. Over the past year, we have evaluated processes and procedures to identify the tools necessary to improve safety, quality, and productivity. Everything was thoroughly reviewed, from how new EVS team members are on-boarded to the mops used to clean the floors throughout our facilities. As a result, these improvements were implemented: • A new seven-step cleaning and disinfection process introduced additional steps to ensure the cleaning of high- and low-level surfaces. • Implementing “duty lists” allows EVS team members to have the correct allocation of spaces to clean in each resident unit. • Increased visual inspections to follow up on the cleanliness in resident rooms and common areas. • Interoducing microfiber mops dedicated to cleaning one specific area to avoid cross contamination. The EVS Team has embraced these changes as part of the department’s commitment to ongoing education, continuous improvement, and working together to maintain a safe environment for patients, residents, and employees. We are proud of the process improvement work the EVS Team has done, and how they have come together to support each other in managing the changing conditions and increased workload brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
I hope everyone enjoys the remainder of Winter with Spring just around the corner. We were excited to re-open our newly updated front entrance. We appreciate your patience as we continue to significantly enhance our Medical Center. I’m proud to share that, once again, LTC has been awarded the Gold Award for Antimicrobial (Antibiotic) Stewardship from the New Jersey Department of Health. We are incredibly proud as the award acknowledges our commitment to ensuring that we are not unnecessarily prescribing antibiotics that can cause drug-resistant infections and sometimes severe side effects. Our processes and practices benefit resident outcomes. Safe, top- quality care remains our priority! While COVID-19 cases within our facility and the community continue to decline, we remain vigilant in our preventative measures and adherence to regulatory guidelines. We continue to offer and encourage the bivalent COVID-19 booster to our residents, staff, and community. I’m happy to report the Family Council has been well attended the past two sessions, and I invite you to attend. The next meeting is on March 27 via Zoom. We mailed you the meeting details by email or US mail. If you have questions or did not receive the meeting details, please contact the Social Service Department for more information. I want to thank all LTC’s residents, staff, and resident representatives for being named one of Newsweek’s “Best Nursing Homes” for the second year. We thank all of you for choosing Bergen New Bridge as your home and trusting us with your care!
Katie Richardson Vice President & Administrator Long Term Care
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • SEMI-ANNUAL, ISSUE 1 • PAGE 1 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
News
Message from the President
Recreation Department Highlights
Happy new year to all and welcome to 2023!
I want to thank everyone for their support in re-electing me as president; I will continue to follow up with any issues and concerns you have as your leader. I am continuing to make it my goal this year to be very productive for the council with the help and support of Joan S. as your new Vice President. I encourage everyone to attend at least one Resident Council meeting, if not all meetings. The meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday
• 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.
Bob C. Resident Council President
of each month at 2:30 pm in the Auditorium. Make this one of your resolutions. Attending the Resident Council meeting gives you the latest info on what’s happening. Let’s help each other daily. Teamwork makes the dream work. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. The Recreation Department did not disappoint us in all the scheduled events to celebrate the holidays. Please continue to review your activity calendar for upcoming events for 2023! I want to commend the Bergen New Bridge staff for the outstanding quality of care and commitment to the residents of LTC during the holiday season and challenging times with COVID-19. Bob C. Resident Council President Message from the Vice President
• Please take part in one of the many clubs: Men’s Club, Women’s Club, Arts and Crafts Club, Spanish Club, and Young Adult Group. The dates and times for these clubs are located on the unit and in each room. • Please be a part of the community and attend the Resident Council meeting at the end of each month.
I want to thank everyone who voted for me for this position. I am honored to serve as vice president of the Resident Council for the upcoming year. I can be reached on 11-5, and my door is always open. I will do my best in this role. Thank you for your time.
Joan S. Resident Council Vice President
Joan S. Resident Council Vice President
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • SEMI-ANNUAL, ISSUE 1 • PAGE 2 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Resident Events
September Grandparents Day September 16
Korean Thanksgiving September 23
Korean Thanksgiving
Grandparents Day
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • SEMI-ANNUAL, ISSUE 1 • PAGE 3 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Resident Events
October Fall Formal Dinner October 18
Halloween Party October 31
Fall Formal Dinner
Halloween Party
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • SEMI-ANNUAL, ISSUE 1 • PAGE 4 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Resident Events
November Veteran's Day Tribute November 11
Happy 101 st Birthday Lydia
Happy 101st Birthday November 20
Veteran's Day Tribute
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • SEMI-ANNUAL, ISSUE 1 • PAGE 5 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Resident Events
December Luna Performance December 9
Holiday Party December 19
Staff Holiday Caroling December 20 Various Units
Holiday Party
Gift Giving with Santa
Luna Performance
Staff Holiday Caroling
Gift Giving with Santa
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Resident Events
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • SEMI-ANNUAL, ISSUE 1 • PAGE 7 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
SociPaloSeetryvices A Social Worker’s Role and Rewards
Social workers support residents and their families through psychosocial assessments, care coordination, counseling and therapeutic work, crisis management and interventions, resource navigation, benefits application guidance, and discharge planning. Psychosocial assessments determine the resident’s mental, emotional, and social needs and help to understand the connection between these needs and their physical health. Social workers help the team and residents’ families develop an individualized, comprehensive, compassionate care plan. Interacting closely with the residents allows for relaying any concerning changes to the treatment team. Social workers facilitate meetings between providers to discuss residents’ treatments and health outcomes. They also advocate for the resident, wishes, connecting them and their families with resources to provide additional support. With counseling and therapeutic work, social workers help residents cope with the psychological, emotional, social, and financial challenges of aging. Residents can struggle with issues including depression, dementia, family conflicts over treatment decisions, traumatic experiences requiring immediate support, and mental and emotional disorders requiring appropriate treatment. Social workers must intervene to ensure safety and well-being by providing support and counseling to residents and families, managing difficult conversations, contacting relevant organizations or authorities, and developing short and long-term support plans. Social workers help residents, and their loved ones understand and apply for benefits and other financial assistance at the federal, state, and local levels. Social workers guide residents and families who may struggle to navigate health insurance benefits and social security. Social workers are critical in developing and coordinating a safe discharge plan for the resident from the day of admission, if appropriate. They assist with helping the resident and family adjust to the forthcoming change. Social workers ensure a continuum of care is maintained post-discharge and provide proper follow-up as indicated. Social workers in a skilled nursing facility help residents and their families during an emotionally, psychologically, and financially challenging time. Working in a facility helps provide the opportunity to connect deeply with those who are in need. Residents have life experiences and varied perspectives which they can share. Advocating for them when they need a voice can be gratifying and empowering. Social workers often form unique and rewarding connections. Developing long- term relationships allows social workers to learn and grow and make a difference in residents’ lives.
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • SEMI-ANNUAL, ISSUE 1 • PAGE 8 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Residents Corner
Stay Hydrated! Functions of Fluids Erica Langford MS, RDN
Water seems so ordinary that we may forget how essential for overall health. Functions of proper hydration include:
• Helps with digestion and is necessary to maintain normal bowel function • Regulates body temperature • Promotes skin health and acts as a cushion for cells which can reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers • Protects your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues in your body • Transports nutrients throughout the body by acting as a solvent delivering oxygen to all cells in the body • Carries waste products out of the body which is vital to prevent kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and more
A Trip To Bergen Town Center Unit 11-7 took a lunch and shopping trip on November 17, 2022. It was an excellent opportunity for us, including residents Marlyne T., Marilyn L., and Rosalie S., to meet new people. We went shopping and had lunch at Sarku Japan and Wetzel Pretzels. The trip was guided by the ever-supportive recreation staff Elizabeth C. and Shaneice P. - the LTC therapeutic recreation assistant director, who safely drove us to the mall.
It was a pleasant experience to be outside and in the community, away from the familiar sights. We truly enjoyed looking at the festive decorations for the holiday and the cute babies passing by in their strollers.
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • SEMI-ANNUAL, ISSUE 1 • PAGE 9 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Resident Corner Fun With Winter Scene Craft Arts and Crafts Club
It hasn’t been easy this winter to tell if snow is coming. So, the club members decided to make a winter scene using construction paper, popsicle sticks, glue, glitter, beads, felt, paper, and foam. Not because they miss the cold weather but because they miss viewing the white scenery brought about by the reflection of the snow. They had fun reminiscing about how they played with snow when they were young, had tea parties with family, and how they built snowmen or how they bundled up before going outside.
The artists who brought out their expressive designs were M.M, E. S, A.F, P.S, G.Y, and C. E. Everyone enjoyed contributing to this unique and simple art.
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • SEMI-ANNUAL, ISSUE 1 • PAGE 10 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Resident Corner
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.
Events
March March Birthday Celebration Friday, March 3 Auditorium at 2:30pm
Every Second Wednesday of the Month March 8 August 9 April 12 September 13 May 10 October 11 June 14 November 8 July 12 December 13
Bagpiper Performance Week of March 13-March 16
Join Us! 2pm-3pm Auditorium
St. Patrick's Day Party Friday, March 17 Auditorium at 2:30pm April April Birthday Celebration Wednesday, April 5 Auditorium at 2:30pm
Winter Thoughts D.J. Unit 11-2
As I open my front door And met by the night darkening Around me, the wild winds coldly blow. Then watching giant trees are bending, baring no leaves And I say I cannot, cannot go! Feeling small snowflakes on the tip of my nose. But the clouds are fastly descending and clouds beyond clouds above me, while watching the snow pile up below me. Again, I say I cannot, cannot go! Yes, once again, this snowstorm has met my front door!
Spring Formal Wednesday, April 19 Auditorium at 5pm
Earth Day Ceremony Thursday, April 20
Near Gazebo at 2:30pm Rain Date: Friday, April 21 May Flower Power 60s Theme Party Monday, May 8 Auditorium at 2:30pm Mother's Day Brunch Sunday, May 14 Auditorium from 10am-12pm Nursing Home Week (May 10-16) Special Event Sunday, May 14 Auditorium at 2:30pm June June Birthday Celebration Friday, June 2 Auditorium at 2:30pm Father's Day Brunch Sunday, June 18 Auditorium from 10am-12pm
Happy Lunar New Year 2023
YEAR OF THE RABBIT
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • SEMI-ANNUAL, ISSUE 1 • PAGE 11 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
Resident Corner
Pastoral Care Services
Therapeutic Recreation Department
Join us as we celebrate all activity professionals worldwide, especially at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. Therapists and aides facilitate programs, empower residents to continue exploring hobbies, assist in learning new skills, and provide leisure opportunities to promote a healthy quality of life for our LTC residents. We strive to rehabilitate, restore, and maintain our residents’ functioning and independence while providing a safe, supportive, and family-like atmosphere.
Bishop Charles Singletary 201.249.7071
Rabbi Barry Schneider 201.421.1820
Father Felix Castro 201.241.2009
Imam Mohamed El Filali 201.421.0108
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. We look forward to scheduling services in the Chapel and will share the schedule when it becomes available.
Share what is on your heart and speak with our Bergen New Bridge Chaplains. Tuesdays from 12:15 pm - 12:30 pm 15 Minute Sessions Chapel • Building 8, First Floor
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
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
RESIDENT REFLECTIONS • SEMI-ANNUAL, ISSUE 1 • PAGE 12 Bergen New Bridge Medical Center • 230 East Ridgewood Avenue • Paramus, NJ 07652 • NewBridgeHealth.org
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