POWERED BY THE BRANDYWINE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE ISSUE 39 | WINTER 2019
NEWS & NOTES ALL AROUND BRANDYWINE
Corporate celebrates the success of our first Brandywine Live event!
, K C O
R ! ! E U Y O Y W IN
D N BR A
...that’s just the plain and simple truth... WELCOME! Abby Conley Wellness Director at Voorhees
Cynthia Bassett Business Office Manager at Fenwick Island
Heidi McNeeley Assistant Wellness Director at Seaside Pointe
Jessica Ott INVEST Coordinator at Upper Providence
Rizza Ruaya Wellness Director at Livingston
Wayne Jackson Environmental Services Director at Haverford Estates
Angela Deans Business Office Manager at Haverford Estates
Denise Kasper Director of Community Relations at Alexandria
Ian Montieth Executive Director at Haverford Estates
Jessica Yuskaitis Business Office Manager at Mahwah
Sonja Creech Director of Community Relations at Alexandria
William Tonic Environmental Services Director at Huntington Terrace
Bonnie Coulter Wellness Director at Alexandria
Heather Whyte Assistant Wellness Director at Alexandria
Jamie Gormley Community Operations Manager at Seaside Pointe
Nicole Sanelli Property Accountant at Corporate
Tara O’Rourke Independent Living Program Coordinator at Huntington Terrace
CONGRATULATIONS! Erin Bennett promoted to Welcome Coordinator at Fenwick Island
June Sceusa promted to Executive Director at Colts Neck
Renee Foulks promoted to Director of Community Relations at Toms River
Rich Vilece promoted to Environmental Services Director at Mahwah
Sy Jacobs promoted to INVEST Coordinator at Fenwick Island
2018 Year In Review
FROM THE BRANDYWINE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
Our Residents
Our Company
YEARS IN BUSINESS
RESIDENTS
87 43
AVERAGE AGE
29
CENTENARIANS
6
COMMUNITIES
76% 24% FEMALE MALE
STATES
17
COMMUNITIES WITH ADVANCED STANDING (NJ ISSUED QUALITY AND SERVICE EXCELLENCE DISTINCTION)
Our Team
AGE OF OUR OLDEST RESIDENT
Our Following
TEAM MEMBERS
207 467 329
COMPANY ORIENTATION
GRADUATES
4.17
CERTIFIED
RCP
CERTIFIED
SEE THEMSELVES AT BRANDYWINE IN 3 YEARS
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION RATING
254 722,578 2,370
ONLINE REVIEWS
D.I.S.H
WEBSITE VISITS
LIKES
BRANDYCARE.COM INQUIRIES
1,376 3.9 ENGAGEMENT SURVEYS
TEAM MEMBER SATISFACTION RATING
149 4.2 GLASSDOOR REVIEWS
GLASSDOOR AVERAGE RATING
KRISSI KRESSLER
CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM EXCELLENCE LEADERSHIP SERIES
Krissi, tell us how you started working in senior living? Krissi: I credit my grandmothers for putting me on this path. When I was in elementary school, both of my grandmothers were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and lived in nursing homes. When I visited with my mom, I saw residents in wheelchairs either asleep or watching TV. I remember saying to my mom, “This is what they do all day?” So, I started bringing activities to do with the residents when I visited. We listened to music, played games and talked.
“I saw first hand the power of engagement.” I later attended Montclair State University and pursued a degree in Therapeutic Recreation and knew working with seniors would be my goal. Who knew that Brandywine would be my home. Over 25 years later, my career in programming and working with seniors has never changed course. I get to call something I love to do “work.” I seriously don’t believe it gets better than that.
What do you love about your job? Krissi: I enjoy playing a hand in creating meaningful and memorable days across the Kingdom. I always say…”It’s not just Bingo!”
“I believe we are truly changing lives.” We have pubs and theaters. We go to museums, shows, wineries. We put on our own plays. We make our own movies, not just watch them!
In your years working at Brandywine, what accomplishments are you most proud of? Krissi: I am proud of helping others succeed.
“Every single team member you train/mentor, is a reflection of you.” When I see someone who I’ve trained or assisted along the way get promoted, I feel very proud of them and happy that I may have had some small part in it.
ADVICE FOR A CAREER ADVANCEMENT “Get your hands dirty. You learn by getting involved in other jobs. Keep in mind just when you think nobody is watching...they are. So, get noticed. Try something new and don’t be afraid to follow your dreams and show and share your passion.”
-Krissi
THURSDAY, JA We are live in 3, 2,1.... ”Hi everybody and welcome to our first Brandywine Live!” Maria Nadelstumph and Dan Lawson toast with over-sized goblets!
Ken, Brenda and Maria share a laugh during rehearsals the day before.
These were the opening words shared by Brenda on January 17, 2019 during our live companywide telecast. What a production!
Holly Ballarotto and Makeda Mutema-Newton kick off the awards with the NALW video contest winner.
Pamela Hernandez and Jenn Deal pose for a quote photo.
Lights, camera, action!
After months of planning and preparation, we celebrated “togther” our 2018 National Assisted Living Week winners and our 144 BrandySTARs... streamed to 29 locations!
Darryl Rode (Technical Director at Keystone Pictures) mans the forte with multiple computer screens and a sound board.
NALW VIDEO WINNER!
FIRST PLACE-LIVINGSTON OCEAN’S EIGHT
SECOND PLACE-PRINCETON CHAMPIONS
THIRD PLACE - MAHWAH FRIENDS
ANUARY 17, 2019
THE SYCAMORE
DRESHER ESTATES
GOVERNOR’S CROSSING
UPPER PROVIDENCE
REFLECTIONS
BRANDALL ESTATES
TOMS RIVER
THE SAVOY
HAVERFORD ESTATES PRINCETON
WALL
MOUNTAIN RIDGE
HUNTINGTON TERRACE
ALEXANDRIA
LITCHFIELD
“If you want a definition of hard working, Julianne is it,” raves Chris Doran, Escapades Producer at Livingston. “She is probably the most active Executive Director I have met. She is always wearing flats running from department to department. I often tell her something and she will say, ‘I knew that already.’”
JULIANNE MACKEY
Julianne says, “Brandywine has helped me grow and develop as an Executive Director. I have been able to work alongside some of the best people in the business! When I found out that I was the Executive Director of the Year, I was in shock. This award is extremely meaningful to me and one of the highlights of my career.”
LIVINGSTON
Holly Minnis (Executive Director of Princeton, now The Sycamore) shared one of Stephanie’s super powers is establishing positive relationships with media representatives on the exciting programs happening at Brandywine. “Stephanie has a way of getting Princeton and our residents noticed!” Stephanie says, “The feeling after being named Manager of the Year is hard to describe. When I heard Brenda talk about the recent outings we did, and the Abbey Road photo, my heart started racing. It was very exciting, and I felt so honored. I continue to feel so fortunate to be part of this wonderful Brandywine family.”
STEPHANIE GABER
PRINCETON
THE GABLES
VOORHEES
HADDONFIELD
MAHWAH COLTS NECK
LONGWOOD
SEASIDE POINTE
MIDDLEBROOK CROSSING
LIVINGSTON
HOWELL
PENNINGTON
MOORESTOWN ESTATES
FENWICK ISLAND
SENIOR SUITES
BEST TEAM SPIRT
PENNINGTON THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
NOMINEES: REFLECTIONS– REFLECTIONS GOES TO HOLLYWOOD
BEST “WOW” FACTOR
FENWICK ISLAND ARABIAN NIGHTS
NOMINEES: LITCHFIELD – GATSBY GALA
MIDDLEBROOK – CRUISING THE COUNTRIES
HUNTINGTON TERRACE – BE OUR GUEST: AN INTERNATIONAL BALL
BEST CULINARY EXPERIENCE
BEST COMMUNITY EVENT
HUNTINGTON TERRACE BE OUR GUEST: AN INTERNATIONAL BALL
PRINCETON TRICKY TRAY FOR ST. PETER’S UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
MOUNTAIN RIDGE – EUROPEAN VACATION THE SAVOY – CONEY ISLAND BEACH PARTY
NOMINEES: LITCHFIELD – GATSBY GALA COLTS NECK – COOK-OFF CHALLENGE LIVINGSTON – FRENCH BISTRO & CAFÉ VOORHEES – SUNDAY FAMILY DINNER
THE SAVOY – CONEY ISLAND BEACH PARTY REFLECTIONS – REFLECTIONS GOES TO HOLLYWOOD
NOMINEES: DRESHER – KISSES FOR KYLE TOMS RIVER – CLASSIC CAR SHOW AND ROCK & ROLL SHOW TO BENEFIT MA DEUCE DEUCE MIDDLEBROOK – COFFEE & CANVAS MOORESTOWN – FIRST RESPONDERS BREAKFAST
BEST CREATIVE INDIVIDUAL EVENT
DRESHER CAPTURING ADVENTURE
BEST RESIDENT INVOLVEMENT
MOUNTAIN RIDGE HONEY BEES SHOWS
NOMINEES: THE GABLES – BEST TV COMMERCIALS OF THE DECADES
NOMINEES: ALEXANDRIA – ALL-STAR OBSTACLE COURSE
SEASIDE – MOMENTS IN TIME THROUGH THE DECADES HADDONFIELD - PLAYHOUSE “THE REVOLT”
HADDONFIELD – PLAYHOUSE “THE REVOLT” BRANDALL – ATLANTIC CITY BOARDWALK
GOVERNOR’S CROSSING – REFLECTIONS POETRY PROJECT
BEST GRANDPARENTS DAY
LONGWOOD ITALIAN FAMILY FESTIVAL
NOMINEES: COLTS NECK – AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK HUNTINGTON TERRACE – THE MAGICAL WORLD OF DISNEY MAHWAH – CAPTURE THE LOVE LIVINGSTON – RESIDENT, FAMILY & TEAM ART SHOW
UPPER PROVIDENCE – CAPTURE THE PIVOTAL MOMENTS
BEST REFLECTIONS INVOLVEMENT
GOVERNOR’S CROSSING REFLECTIONS POETRY PROJECT
NOMINEES: SENIOR SUITES – CAPTAIN’S TABLE GALA MOORESTOWN ESTATES – CLUB NOSTALGIA SYCAMORE – VOGUE FASHION SHOW HOWELL – “THIS IS ME” MOMA MUSEUM
FIRST PLACE
HADDONFIELD
“THIS OLD HOUSE”
Haddonfield celebrated their town and its rich history by including friends, family, residents, team members and town neighbors in their NALW celebration. Haddonfield residents truly “captured the moment” by writing a play and performing at the Haddonfield Plays and Players, a local theater. Staff and residents performed, sang, cracked up the audience.
The team not only captured the moment…they created lasting memories for residents, families and team members... and the Haddonfield community A week that was notably full of love and happiness. A true family. Haddonfield….number #1 for NALW!
NATIONAL ASSISTED LIVING WEEK 2018
SECOND PLACE
LITCHFIELD “CAPTURING THE MOMENTS THAT MAKE MEMORIES”
Family and friends celebrated the week paying homage to all things USA including homemade apple honey challah bread to usher in the new year during Rosh Hashanah, honoring the first responders by delivering homemade planter boxes and cookie trays, a patriotic Curtain Call performance and a stopover at the old ice cream shop for a cone! A highlight was the Gatsby Gala. A sensational soiree! They ended with their annual Car Show Benefit: Cruisin’ Constitution with all proceeds going to the local American Legion for local active or veteran military families. Fabulous week! Fabulous Team!
THRID PLACE
THE SAVOY
“BIG APPLE MOMENTS”
This community took their residents on a subway ride through New York City! Residents enjoyed Grandparents Day in Central Park, celebrated the New Year in Times Square, learned new dance moves in Harlem, had a beach party in Coney Island and made fashionable scarves in the Fashion District to donate to
the neighboring care center! The week ended with Opera Night at Lincoln Center featuring a live opera show! Savoy knows how to party!
LETTERS FROM FAMILY Brandywine Staff,
I would like to commend the Brandywine staff, management and facility. My parents, Vince and Jean Sammaritano, have recently moved from their house of over sixty years into Brandywine on your Serenade floor. Transitioning can be overwhelming and difficult, however, they have adapted extremely well. I contribute this to the outstanding level of care, friendliness, and kindness the entire Brandywine staff displays at your facility. I especially commend your management team who establishes the correct culture, attitude, teamwork and attention to detail. Thank you for providing this
exceptional care and most importantly the dignity seniors deserve.
Today, they are being officially welcomed to the Brandywine family, which I sincerely appreciate and thank you for doing!
Vince & Jean Sammiritano & Micheal Oelschlager
UPPER PROVIDENCE
Kindest regards, Rick Sammaritano
P.S. Everyone on your team has been wonderful, but I have to call out Michael who “goes above and beyond!”
Hi Nanette,
My Mom moved to Brandywine almost one year ago. She had lived on her own for about four years during a period when my Dad needed care for dementia and his passing. Mom had always seemed very happy at home, just doing her housework and having visits from my brother and I and just a few close friends. During our first visit to check out Brandywine, Mom was immediately attracted to how well maintained the facility was and how everyone was so welcoming. It did not take much convincing that this was the best move for her. She was feeling unsafe alone at home. We were reluctant to have home care for her. It did not seem like a very good fit, not knowing who was going to be there with her. Since living at Brandywine she has come out of her shell a little. In the beginning she was a little apprehensive about participating in activities but over time has done very well and has shown interest. Although she lives very close and I can visit her often, I know if I go a few days without seeing her she won’t be lonely. She talks as if the staff at Brandywine is her extended family. That is very comforting to know. Your staff has done a great job and I am grateful for it. We are lucky to have you all who are so dedicated to your work.
Kindest Regards, Mark Showalter
Janet & Nanette LITCHFIELD
YOU CAN TEACH SKILL, BUT YOU CAN’T TEACH
HEART!
Dear all,
Betty’s small birthday lunch yesterday was a huge success. We all had a delightful time and every single aspect was elegant and perfect. Marian - We would never have even contemplated having Mom’s friends come here from Princeton unless you had spent time with Anne and helped me/us see that it could be done. WE thank you for brainstorming her 95th and for your good counsel. It was amazing - she immediately knew and connected again with these two old friends! All three were so delighted to be reunited and share several hours of celebration. It was so so special and heartwarming for us, also. John - Thanks for the smiles, the support and for your very special friendship with Mom - you connect with her and you always make her smile. Diana and Tamika and so many others on the 2nd floor - your daily interactions with Betty are so very important and we know how much (and how often) you are behind the scenes. Big kudos to you both for all you patient loving care, especially yesterdays. Your attention and kindness is always evident and so very appreciated. Lego - You always allow her to retain her dignity and comfort while quietly supporting her needs. Jackie, Kim and Marian - Brandywine was so beautiful yesterday - a shining star in the world of elder care and assisted living. It is a splendid building, yes - but it is the staff - the hardworking people and their time and energy which creates personalization, care and love for each resident... that’s what really makes it truly superb.
The Haddonfield Team with Betty
With Holiday Hugs, Warmly, Anne, Beth and Joan
Our Mission
Brandywine Living will provide our residents with the highest quality care in the most appropriate setting based on an individual’s needs while respecting their individuality, independence and dignity.
Our Core Values •
We believe that every resident has the right to betreated with dignity and respect and has the right of self-determination.
•
We believe in delivering the best quality service possible to those who have put their trust in us.
•
We believe that honesty, integrity, caring and thoughtfulness are as important as the health care we provide.
•
We believe that our residents are active, joyful and fascinating individuals who will continue to learn and grow each day and will contribute to our learning and growing as well.
•
We believe that great care is a team effort where ideas, collaboration, and mutual respect for each team member’s efforts and contributions are essential to the result.
WHAT’S GOING ON AR The Brandywine Babes
Nicole Greco (Director of Community Relations at Livingston) welcomed her first child, Savannah Rose, on December 21st, 2018. Savannah weighed 7lbs 4oz.
Desi Jacobs (Dining Server at Fenwick Island) gave birth to Davian Elijuah Albury-Smith on January 15th, 2019. He weighed 7lbs 9oz. Congrats, Desi!
Care Managers from left to right, Mimose Charles, Bonita Sheard, and Patricia Stephens were awarded with Certificates of Caring Recognition from the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, for their extraordinary quality of care, compassion and dedication that they provide the residents at Senior Suites!
Heidi McNeeley (Wellness Director at Seaside Pointe) welcomed her granddaughter, Madeline Grace on November 9th, 2018.
Congrats to Dericka Sutton (Concierge at The Savoy) who gave birth to her daughter, Brooke, on February 6th, 2019. She weighed 8lbs 3oz.
Congrats to Meg Jankosky (Wellness Nurse at Longwood) who gave birth to her son James Robert on December 16th, 2018. He weighed 7lbs 8oz.
Julie Bowman (Butler at Middlebrook Crossing) became a Grandma to Jordan Justin Blue who was born February 26th, 2019. He weighed 7lbs 14oz. Congrats, Julie!
Congrats to our amazing caregivers!
ROUND THE KINGDOM HATS off to the GRADS
Shanta Kaye (Care Manager/ Escapades Expert at Dresher Estates) graduated with her BSN from Holy Family University. Congrats Shanta!
Nancy Veeder’s (Wellness Nurse at Reflections) daughter, Maya Navarro, was awarded with the Exemplary Service Award at Particle Technology Labs! Congratulations Maya and Nancy!
The Haddonfield Team gives back to the community during a day of service at the Cathedral Kitchen!
Pennington staff Opal Harris, Veronica Holmes, and Prudence Markulec receiving their certificates for passing ServeSafe. It was the first time Brandywine Living held the course.
Congratulations to Chris Doran (Escapades Producer at Livingston) on his recent graduation from nursing school!
Marilyn Morales (Nursing Educator at Moorestown Estates) was treated to drinks on her 50th birthday by her team members. Happy birthday, Marilyn!
Congrats to Nira Basoah (Wellness Nurse at Alexandria) who tied the knot with her beau, Gideon on October 6th, 2018.
Congrats Joseph & Shawna McGinnis (Graphic Designer at Corporate) Shawna married her handsome husband, Joe, on December 15th.
Middlebrook Crossing pose for a group photo during their annual team and family member holiday party!
Celebrating Milestones at Brandywine… DECEMBER, JANUARY AND FEBRUARY! AN OFFICIAL “THANK YOU” FOR YOUR YEARS OF SERVICE!
5
YEAR MILESTONE
ALEXANDRIA SOSS, JENNIFER ESCAPADES PRODUCER
MOORESTOWN JERNIGAN, CHEYNA CARE MANAGER
COLTS NECK LUND-YUNKER, ELIZABETH WELLNESS NURSE
MOORESTOWN ROBINSON, SHANE DINING ASSISTANT
DRESHER SCHMIDT, HOWARD W CHAUFFER
MOUNTAIN RIDGE KOLLMAR, TARA WELLNESS NURSE
DRESHER WILLIAMS, LAVENE WAITRESS/WAITER
MOUNTAIN RIDGE SICKEL, ANDREW J ENVIRONMENTAL DIRECTOR
HAVERFORD ADDERLY, LANIA CARE MANAGER
MOUNTAIN RIDGE WALKER, LORRAINE A CARE MANAGER NON NJ
HOWELL SCATORCHIA, DANIELLE B WELLNESS NURSE
PENNINGTON MAIRS, PAUL A HOUSEKEEPING ASSISTANT
HUNTINGTON TERRACE HERNANDEZ, NESTOR A DINING SERVICE DIRECTOR
PRINCETON ANABARONYE, NGOZI I CARE MANAGER NON NJ
HUNTINGTON TERRACE PINK, ORAL HOUSEKEEPING ASSISTANT
SENIOR SUITES SIMON, KIMBERLY CARE MANAGER
LITCHFIELD CLARK, DEBRA J HOUSEKEEPING ASSISTANT
SYCAMORE ETIENNE, ALBERTE LAUNDRY ASSISTANT
LITCHFIELD SCHMID, RYAN CARE MANAGER
UPPER PROVIDENCE JOHNSON, MICHAEL CARE MANAGER
LITCHFIELD SUTTON, JAMES T CARE MANAGER
VOORHEES MANGER, JANNA WELLNESS NURSE
LONGWOOD PASSANTE, SANDRA CARE MANAGER
VOORHEES SEIGFRIED, DEVYN ESCAPDES EXPERT
MIDDLEBROOK CROSSING MOORESTOWN SETZER, ALICIA BIELLO, JACQUELINE ASSISTANT WELLNESS DIRECTOR ASSISTANT WELLNESS DIRECTOR MOORESTOWN CRYSTALL, VICKI WELLNESS NURSE
REFLECTIONS TINAGERO, DONNA WELLNESS NURSE
MOORESTOWN GARRISON, BONNIE WELLNESS NURSE
* BRANDYWINE HONORS SENIORITY
Celebrating Her 20th Year Milestone! DENISE DECAMP BRANDALL | WELLNESS NURSE Denise has worked at Brandall Estates for 20 years as a Wellness Nurse and thinks of Brandywine as her second home. Residents will say she makes them feel comfortable. Families will say she always has an answer to their questions. And, her team will say she simply gets things done. The right way. We are honored to have Denise as a member of the Brandywine family.
10 YEAR MILESTONE BRANDALL RIVERA, NYDIA CARE MANAGER
MIDDLEBROOK CROSSING CIFUENTES, VILMA O CARE MANAGER
TOM’S RIVER MARTINEZ, MARGARITO CHEF
FENWICK ISLAND OVERHOLTZER, KAREN WELLNESS NURSE
MIDDLEBROOK CROSSING DONELAN, JAMIE L REFLECTIONS COORDINATOR
WALL BOOKER, STACY WELLNESS NURSE
THE GABLES MATKOWSKI, TERESA ESCAPADES PRODUCER
REFLECTIONS FOSTER, MAUREEN CARE MANAGER
WALL KERN, ELAINE WAITRESS/WAITER
HOWELL SURAPHINIT, PLERNJIT CARE MANAGER
REFLECTIONS NARDIELLO, JANINE WELLNESS NURSE
MOUNTAIN RIDGE EUGENE, SHERLEY CARE MANAGER
THE SYCAMORE CRESPO, CARLOS CHAUFFER
15 YEAR MILESTONE COLTS NECK KEATING, LINDA DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS
HUNTINGTON TERRACE LAINEZ, FIDEL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSISTANT
HUNTINGTON TERRACE GUERRERO, CANDIDA WAITRESS/WAITER
MOUNTAIN RIDGE PFEIFER, LOUIS CHAUFFER
Next Tribute we Celebrate March, April and May!
HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS LATEST EDITION OF THE TRIBUTE! If you have a special story or accomplishment to share, please send to thetribute@brandycare.com.
Corporate Office: 525 Fellowship Road, Suite 360 | Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 | 856.813.2000 | 1.877.4BRANDY | www.brandycare.com