Spring/Summer 2014
Franciscan Companies is an affiliate of St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center
Message from the President Dear Valued Partner, St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center recently implemented a state-of-the-art Electronic Medical Record System (EMR) called SJLinked. The cost and the manhours required for the implementation were significant. As an affiliate of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Franciscan Companies will eventually be a part of this technology. I’m pleased to tell you the project was a huge success. The EMR is required by Medicare. Providers must comply to assure future reimbursement from Medicare. The system will allow the patient and all of their medical providers access to their medical record through an online portal. Communication between the providers and the patient will improve drastically
which will assist in improving quality of care and patient care outcomes. Accountability for patient care will now be easily accessible. Patients will have a better understanding of their care plans and the role they can play in assuring the plan’s success. The patient, like the provider, is accountable for the care plan outcomes. Patients must understand what they need to do and make sure they do it to assure quality care. Something as simple as taking the right dose of medication at the right time, as prescribed by the doctor, is critical to the success of the care plan. Medication non-compliance is one of the biggest reasons patients don’t achieve success with their care plan. As healthcare technology advances with the goal of improving quality
This communications team worked around-the-clock during the implementation of SJLinked, supporting hundreds of IT professionals and other staff members during the transition.
and reducing costs, it will be warmly embraced by patients and providers. This is the challenge of the future. Working together to improve the quality of life is the name of the game.
Frank L. Smith, Jr.
As always, may God Bless you, your family and friends.
Frank L. Smith Jr. President Franciscan Companies, Vice President SJHHC
Honor Flight Syracuse is planning its next mission to Washington DC. Supported by Franciscan Companies, this not-for-profit organization transports veterans, at no cost to them, to DC to visit memorials dedicated to honor their sacrifices. The next mission is Saturday, October 4, 2014. 65 WWII and Korean War Veterans, accompanied by a guardian, plus about 20 Honor Flight volunteers, will fly to DC early in the morning, tour the WWII Memorial and other service memorials, visit Arlington National Cemetery for a Changing of the Guard ceremony, then fly home to a community Welcome Home ceremony. Terminally ill Veterans of any conflict, WWII Veterans and Korean War Veterans, are invited to apply as soon as possible. Veterans and guardians can apply online at www.HonorFlightSyracuse.org.
Leader in Home Ventilation A ventilator helps patients breathe when they’re not able to do so on their own. Franciscan Companies is currently treating more than 40 home ventilator patients, more than any other home care agency or hospital in the region. From infants to adults, Franciscan sees to their every need to ensure they’re living the best lives possible. These patients need specialized attention because their lungs are not functioning properly. Many are in respiratory failure or ventilator failure which occurs when the patient has a low level of oxygen in the blood, even while getting oxygen therapy and/or when the level of carbon dioxide rises too much in the blood. Their respiratory failure is caused by specific disease states or possible external physical trauma. Most patients are connected to the ventilator through a tracheostomy tube that is placed in their windpipe. They require the attention of registered respiratory therapists to ensure the equipment is functioning at optimum levels. “We have it down to a science; we really do,” says Joseph Nicoletti, RRT, RN, Executive Director of Clinical Programs. “This type of service is very much needed in Syracuse and Central New York. There is no long-term ventilation rehabilitation center in our area, so we work our hardest to improve their lives. We keep them living at home where they want to be.”
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Home Safe with HomeSafe “I cried.” That’s how Vicki Dupre describes her reaction to her mother’s new HomeSafe Wireless Alert System. “I’m a nurse and I cried when the technician went into the bathroom and shut the door to test the unit,” she explains. “The person at the response center could hear him, even though I barely could. That blew me away.” Vicki’s mother, Margaret, slid out of the bed one night and that prompted the family to take additional safety measures. Margaret is attached to her cell phone, but that wasn’t enough to make her children feel secure. So, they installed Franciscan Lifeline’s HomeSafe Wireless unit. “It gives us such peace of mind,” Dupre says. “I’m so impressed to know that with the push of a button, she can get help. She doesn’t need to yell into it and it doesn’t get set off accidentally.” Ann Patrick Franciscan Lifeline added HomeSafe to its product line because of the increasing number of people without traditional home phone lines. “HomeSafe Wireless allows us to provide the value of Lifeline service to those customers who no longer have a landline,” says Beverly Lawton, Executive Director of Franciscan Lifeline. “We’re pleased to have a solution that allows us to extend our safety and security to all individuals, regardless of what they use for telephone service. With HomeSafe Wireless, we’re even able to offer our AutoAlert which provides proven fall detection and automatic response.” It’s common for adult children to purchase a medical alert system for their parents. Dupre says the sense of security is worth it. “If I’m not here, someone is at least aware of my mom,” she says. “My goal is to keep my mother in that apartment for the rest of her life. I don’t want to move her to a nursing home. HomeSafe will help allow me to do that.” Subscribers can choose from a variety of help buttons based on their needs. Call Franciscan Lifeline at (315) 492-8175 for information.
And, now, they have more mobility than ever. The latest equipment is smaller and more portable than the bulky ventilators of the past. This allows many of Franciscan’s vent patients the freedom to go places, attend school and enjoy life.
New Home Delivery System
For more information on home ventilation assistance, contact Franciscan Health Support at (315) 458-3200. Franciscan Health Support is now offering non-invasive ventilation. This can be considered a step between a CPAP machine and permanent tubal ventilation and is perfect for people suffering from advanced COPD. If you or someone you love may be a candidate for non-invasive ventilation, contact Franciscan Health Support at (315) 458-3200.
Mary Jane Luke, RRT, explains CPAP and BiPAP equipment in an instructional video.
Franciscan realizes that convenience for our patients is paramount. We have developed a state-of-the-art home delivery system where equipment is sent directly to the patient from the manufacturer. Franciscan continues to focus on what is best for the patient and we have produced instructional videos to ensure that all patients receive proper clinical guidance on the equipment.
Rewarding our Readers Be sure to read each issue carefully, as the names of three readers are now included in the text of each issue. If you find your name, call (315) 458-3600 ext.123 and you’ll win a $25 gift card!
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Help in the Home She provides companionship to a lonely elder in our community. He helps prepare meals and straightens up the home. She makes sure her patient’s basic needs are met. They are caring, compassionate and helpful. They are home health aides. It takes a special kind of person to be able to provide this level of care to patients. “We look for people who are sympathetic and Kristen Kelly is pictured here understanding,” says Stacey with a patient at Parkrose Gingrich, Director of Patient Estates Retirement Community. Services at Franciscan Health Support. “They also need to be reliable, responsible, have strong communication skills and a good work ethic.” Kristen Kelly has been serving as a home health aide with Franciscan for more than three years. Jean Davis “I really enjoy helping people,” she said. “Once their basic needs are met, I like spending time with my patients because I know many of them get lonely.” In fact, one of Kristen’s home care patients has made such an impact on her life that she goes to see him every single day.
“I want to take care of him,” she said. “He has dementia but it’s not very noticeable until you get to know him. He gives you the impression that he’s on top of everything but he may forget to take his medication or fall and forget about it.” Kristen’s concerned that if she’s not there, another home health aide may not pick up on the subtle signs that something’s wrong with his health. So, she visits him at least once, if not twice, every day. “Had I never been a part of this company, I would never have met him,” she said. “He’s always a part of my day. I don’t look at it like work; I can do puzzles with him when I have time. I’ll bring my lunch with me, then I make him lunch and we’ll eat together.” Kristen’s experience has led her to encourage friends to apply to be a home health aide at Franciscan. “I have to see certain qualities in people,” she said. “If they really like working with people, or they want to go into a field like nursing, being a home health aide may be the perfect fit.” Franciscan is one of the few local companies with paid training on-site. During the two and a half week program, employees learn through classroom work and hands-on field training to ensure they are fully prepared to be a home health aide. “The training program is strong,” Kristen said. “It makes us feel comfortable to handle what we find in the field.” Aides assist with personal care, light housekeeping, meal preparation and medication reminders. But, that social engagement role is also very important. “We play a huge role in our patients’ lives. We may be the only person they see that entire day,” Gingrich said. “I want our aides to really listen to what the patients needs are and make sure we’re meeting those needs.” Franciscan recently implemented incentives to attract the high quality candidates they need. These incentives include tuition reimbursement, quarterly productivity incentives, a competitive wage, and medical and dental benefits. For more information on becoming a home health aide, or if you need a home health aide, call (315) 458-5600.
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Embracing Age Now a Non-Profit Embracing Age, an organization that provides people with the services they need to remain living at home, has been granted 501(c)(3) status, making it a not-for-profit organization. This designation allows Embracing Age to better serve Central New York senior citizens and their families. “Embracing Age supports and empowers those we serve to live independent and enriched lives,” says Susan Clancy-Magley, Executive Director of Embracing Age. “We hear very often from family members when they are overwhelmed and need help. Embracing Age has so many resources, we quickly solve their problems.” It’s the everyday tasks that can become burdensome to an older person: housekeeping, meal preparation, errands, laundry and home maintenance. Loved ones are often tasked with “checking on” mom or dad, to make sure all these things are done. It’s easy for the people in this sandwich generation, as it’s called, to become overwhelmed. They are piling a number of
Franciscan continues to expand geographically. Lisa Parlato, RRT, and Dan Walker, Sales Executive, presented information at the Lewis County General Hospital Community Health Fair on Saturday, May 17th.
Nearly 100 respiratory therapists from the region attended Franciscan's Spring Pulmonary Forum on May 22nd.
Pictured here is Joseph Nicoletti, RN, RRT, who discussed: Preventing Hospital Re-Admissions of COPD Patients.
responsibilities onto their own impressive to-do lists. That’s where Embracing Age steps in. Staff members provide all those daily necessities – meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry and the like, while coordinating and managing any and all personal and home management needs. A pre-screened list of local professionals can be trusted to perform home maintenance and repair projects. Plus, with Embracing Age’s affiliation to Franciscan Companies and St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center, home health aides, Lifeline Medical Alert and a medication dispensing service are available. “Embracing Age’s services evolve over time to meet whatever support is needed through the aging process,” said ClancyMagley. “We eliminate the stress of not knowing where to turn for services, assistance and companionship.” Embracing Age is located in DeWitt and can be reached at (315) 877-3779 or at www.EmbracingAge.org.
Franciscan Sales Executive Margaret Reith attended a Health Fair at Nottingham Senior Living Community on May 28th, in honor of National Senior Health and Fitness Day.
Embracing Age held a free workshop on May 29th called "Live Longer, Live Stronger". Topics included: Avoiding Scams with Onondaga County Sheriff's Deputy Katie Kruger; Fall Prevention with Marty Pond, St. Joseph's Hospital Geriatric Specialist; and Managing Medications with Beverly Lawton, Executive Director of Franciscan Lifeline. Lawton is pictured here speaking to the attendees.
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Healthier You
A ‘healthier you’ is just a short drive away. A nurse practitioner who specializes in pulmonary issues is available to patients without an appointment. It’s called the Healthy You Wellness Center, a partnership between Pulmonary Health Physicians, PC, Kinney Drugs, and Franciscan Companies, an affiliate of St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center. Located inside the Kinney Drug Store at 104 Lafayette Road in Syracuse (off the Brighton Avenue exit), the Center is the first of its kind in New York State. Patients with a sudden onset of a pulmonary problem or who need follow-up after being discharged from the hospital no longer need to wait for a doctor’s appointment or go to the emergency room.
Healthy You is positioned to allow patients timely, convenient access to pulmonary health professionals who will assist and support them, offer education, and manage their respiratory condition to improve or maintain their quality of life and help to decrease or eliminate the burdens of their disease,” said Dr. Thomas Aiello, Pulmonologist with Pulmonary Health Physicians, PC. Staffed by specialists from Pulmonary Health Physicians, PC, the Healthy You Wellness Center focuses on patient care for respiratory disease management. Services include assessment, treatment and management for chronic conditions such as COPD, emphysema, bronchitis and asthma, as well as additional preventive health services such as the common cough and cold, flu, allergies and sinus infections. “Access to convenient and affordable health care is a growing concern for the communities that we serve. We expect this problem to only worsen as millions of more patients gain medical coverage under the Affordable Care Act without a corresponding increase of medical providers available to treat them,” said Mike Duteau, Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Relations for Kinney Drugs. “The Healthy You Wellness Center at Kinney Drugs addresses the need for greater access to affordable health services in the Syracuse market, bridging the gaps in care
Pictured left to right are: Kathryn Ruscitto, President & CEO of St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center; Bridget-ann Hart, President of Kinney Health Care Services; Frank L. Smith, Jr., President & CEO of Franciscan Companies; Dr. Thomas Aiello of Pulmonary Health Physicians, PC; Mike Duteau R.Ph., VP of Business Development and Strategic Relations at Kinney Drugs; and Marie Pagano, RN, CGRN, MPS at Pulmonary Health Physicians, PC.
coordination among healthcare providers and ultimately resulting in improved patient health outcomes.” Marjorie O'Brien As part of this initiative, respiratory and pulmonary-related medical equipment and supplies have been stocked inside the store, including nebulizers, CPAP equipment and other popular items. In addition, Franciscan Respiratory Therapists and nurses are conducting educational seminars every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. onsite, with a focus on disease prevention and education. The goal is to advance patients knowledge on topics such as flu prevention, smoking cessation and proper use of prescription inhalers. “We are excited to offer this multi-disciplinary approach to healthcare with nurse practitioners, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, and physician pulmonologists,” said Frank L. Smith, Jr., President and CEO of Franciscan Companies. “Together, we are advancing patient care in the community with convenient access to an advanced level of care. We want patients to live home and live well, and Healthy You accomplishes that.” Healthy You is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 4:30 - 8:00 p.m. Call (315) 492-0248 for more information.
Care for the Wounded St. Joseph’s Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine provides quality patient care for people whose wounds won’t heal normally. Located at the Northeast Medical Center in Fayetteville, the Center features ground-breaking technology to help patients affected by diabetes, traumatic injuries, circulatory problems, pressure, radiation, surgical wounds and other circumstances. Wounds range in severity and stand out from rashes and dermatological issues in a number of ways. A wound: • I s open and doesn’t heal quickly (over the course of a month or so) • Causes pain and disrupts a person’s life • Drains and/or has an odor “We’ve found that many people aren’t aware that these types of wounds exist until a loved one has one,” says Jeanine
Fadeley, Program Director at St. Joseph’s Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine. In addition to increasing heal times, the Center provides counseling to families and patients. “We teach them the benefit that high protein diets can play in the healing process,” says Fadeley. “Protein helps repair damaged tissue from the wound. Many of our patients need to eat two to three servings of protein per day to enhance healing.” Anyone in need of wound care can request a prescription from their physician or simply call for an appointment. It’s that easy. “The sooner the Wound Care Center can treat a patient, the sooner they can get their life back,” says Fadeley. You may contact the Center directly by calling (315) 329-7770.
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special programs Franciscan Companies 333 Butternut Dr., Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 13214 315.458.3600
Franciscan Licensed Home Care Agency 7246 Janus Park Drive Liverpool, NY 13088 315.458.5600
Medication Dispensing Service 300 Gateway Park Drive North Syracuse, NY 13213 315.492.8175
Auburn Health Support Services 333 Butternut Dr., Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 13214 315.294.5464
Franciscan Health Support Services, LLC 300 Gateway Park Drive North Syracuse, NY 13213 315.458.3200
Mountain Lakes Health Support 1001 West Street Carthage, NY 13619 315.519.6712
Carthage Area Hospital Sleep Center 1001 West Street Carthage, NY 13619 315.493.2512
Franciscan Lifeline 300 Gateway Park Drive North Syracuse, NY 13213 315.492.8175
Oneida Health Support 601 Seneca Street Oneida, NY 13421 315.280.6699
CNY Infusion Services 333 Butternut Dr., Suite 102 DeWitt, NY 13214 315.424.7027
Franciscan Management Services, Inc. 333 Butternut Dr., Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 13214 315.458.3600
Embracing Age 333 Butternut Dr., Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 13214 315.877.3779
Kinney Drugs at Franciscan 101 Union Avenue Syracuse, NY 13203 315.474.8851
St. Elizabeth Health Support Services, Inc. 3899 Oneida Street New Hartford, NY 13413 315.734.4407
Franciscan Licensed Home Care Agency-Cortland 165 Main Street Cortland, NY 13045 315.458.5600
Lourdes Health Support, LLC 1155 Upper Front Street Binghamton, NY 13905 607.724.0115
St. Joseph’s Sleep Lab 945 Genesee Street Syracuse, NY 13210 315.475.3379 and
7246 Janus Park Drive Liverpool, NY 13088 315.218.9804 and
4400 Medical Center Drive Fayetteville, NY 13066 315.329.7378 The Sleep Center at Oneida Healthcare 601 Seneca Street Oneida, NY 13421 315.363.4419
Beyond the Walls is published by Franciscan Companies
Comments, suggestions or inquiries should be directed to Kelly Quinn, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, at 315.458.3600 ext.123 or kelly.quinn@sjhsyr.org. Franciscan Companies 333 Butternut Drive, Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 13214 www.FranciscanCompanies.com
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