New England Hospital News Nov/Dec 2017 ebook

H NEWSPAPER HOSPITAL

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NOV/DEC 2017

Miracles of Rehabilitation 2017 25-year-old paralyzed woman walks again at Gaylord Hospital

p14

Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital Celebrates 30th Anniversary Former patients share inspirational stories p15

Where Patients Dare to “Think Possible”

Waveny LifeCare Network Walks to End Alzheimer’s p3

Memory Care: SALMON’s Tapestry meets this growing need p3

Memory Care Directory p4,5

Professional Development & Recruitment Section Begins page 9

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Nov/Dec 2017

Hospital Newspaper - NE

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Hospital Newspaper - NE Nov/Dec 2017

Waveny LifeCare Network Walks to End Alzheimer’s

Waveny LifeCare Network’s 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer’s team, the “Waveny Walkers,” raised essential funds for the Alzheimer’s Association that will be used for care and support services for people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Waveny LifeCare Network employees, volunteers and family members helped fight Alzheimer’s disease by participating in this year’s annual “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk on Sunday, October 8.

Held annually at more than 600 sites nationwide, the Association’s Walk is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

Waveny’s team has participated in the three-mile walk since its inception 21 years ago.

Funds raised through donations and sponsorships support the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, and stay in the community to fund essential care and support services for people with Alzheimer’s.

“It was a rainy day, but the weather didn’t matter to anyone who came to support the cause,” said Rachel Brunetti, LMSW, Waveny’s Director of Social Services who served as the team’s

provided

captain for the first time this year. “I think I was most impressed by the camaraderie among everyone who participated. There was a genuine sense of unity in coming together to share in such an important effort. We were united in enthusiasm and joy, but also in quiet moments of silence and reflection. It was a deeply moving experience.”

The Waveny team joined scores of walkers from throughout Fairfield County at Calf Pasture Beach in support of medical research to improve treatments and find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Waveny’s team is especially passionate about this mission given the dedicated, therapeutic care Waveny provides to patients, residents and participants with Alzheimer’s disease at Waveny Care Center, The Village – Waveny’s innovative assisted living residence 100% dedicated to memory care, and in Waveny’s Adult Day Program.

For more information, call 1-855-WAVENY-1 or visit www.waveny.org.

Memory Care: SALMON’s Tapestry meets this growing need

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia require specialized services and are an ever-increasing challenge to the healthcare community. Nearly everyone knows someone whose life has been affected by this difficult diagnosis, and the number is expected to grow dramatically.

While research continues to uncover aspects of these disorders, the need for care exists right now.

One such approach, established more than 20 years ago by SALMON Health and Retirement at their Whitney Place Assisted Living Residences in Central Massachusetts, is thriving. Since its inception, SALMON’s pioneering Tapestry Program has been bringing individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia care and compassion that evolves as research brings best practices to light.

Tapestry at Whitney Place weaves a number of factors together to achieve better days and nights for patients and gives reassurance to their families. Four aspects define this wellrespected method of care: A unique approach of partnering with families, emphasizing each person’s remaining abilities and developing a detailed plan for them helps creates a daily life with fewer mood swings and less stress.

Innovation practices in our dynamic, therapeutic daily programming incorporate a sense of order and familiarity leading to greater comfort. Individual differences between people during periods of activity are respected and accommodated, so each person within a group receives attention to their needs.

An expert staff brings robust clinical oversight of dietary, physical and occupational therapy, dementia care and medical care.

Consistent staffing and ongoing training mean our Tapestry team members get to know residents well, establish closeness, and implement the latest recommendations for care.

A specialized setting takes into account both large concerns, such as attention to security, and small details, such as photos displayed at each resident’s door as identifiers, to make their living environment as convenient, helpful and comfortable as possible.

Residents take part in daily homemaking tasks when able, adding to their sense of purpose and promoting feelings of well-being.

SALMON’s Tapestry Program at Whitney Place Assisted Living locations changes how people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia face the world. And there’s a ripple effect: enriching their lives brings hope and peace of mind to their family members and friends, as well as inspiration to our care team.

Letters and calls from family members give us confidence we make a positive difference in lives: “Mom’s caregivers were so responsive, caring and detail-oriented, always looking for ways to improve her surroundings. I’m so grateful she got to spend this time in a place where she truly felt happy and cared for.”

SALMON Health and Retirement’s Tapestry Program at Whitney Place is truly inspiring. Our dedicated, genuinely caring staff and management team make ours a place people feel proud to work.

Interested in joining our Tapestry team in this worthwhile area of healthcare? Please email us at jobs@salmonhealth.com and we’ll respond promptly. We look forward to hearing from you! Visit www.SalmonHealth.com to learn about our continuum of care, including Tapestry.

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2017 CONNECTICUT MEMORY CARE DIRECTORY GREENWICH

THE GREENS AT GREENWICH 1155 King Street Greenwich, CT 06830 203-531-5500 www.thegreensatgreenwich.com

NEW CANAAN

WAVENY CARE CENTER 3 Farm Road, New Canaan 203-594-5200 www.waveny.org

Waveny Care Center, a not-for-profit skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, offers short and long-term care and a special unit for individuals with advanced memory loss.

THE VILLAGE AT WAVENY CARE CENTER Assisted Living Dedicated to Caring for People with Memory Loss 3 Farm Road, New Canaan 203-594-5200 www.waveny.org

Featuring our award-winning “Main Street” replica of a quaint New England town, The Village at Waveny Care Center is uniquely designed to provide the most advanced therapeutic benefits for people with memory loss.

ADULT DAY PROGRAM AT WAVENY CARE CENTER 3 Farm Road, New Canaan 203-594-5200 www.waveny.org

The Adult Day Program at Waveny Care Center is dedicated to improving the quality of life for older adults who are still living at home, but who may require personal assistance, more social interaction or medical monitoring throughout the day.

GERIATRIC CARE MANAGEMENT AT WAVENY CARE CENTER 3 Farm Road, New Canaan 203-594-5300 www.waveny.org

Waveny Care Network's professional Geriatric Care Management team helps family members and friends navigate the complex issues, questions and difficult decisions involved in caring for an older adult.

DRS. CHARLOTTE & DAVID BROWN GERIATRIC EVALUATION CLINIC 3 Farm Road, New Canaan 203-594-5200 www.waveny.org

The Drs. Charlotte & David Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic is a well-respected outpatient program that was established in 1998 to address common, but often complex, medical issues in older adults especially memory loss. Led by a board-certified geriatrician, the Clinic focuses on the evaluation and ongoing management of clinical problems that affect seniors and their families.

PLANTSVILLE

ALZHEIMER'S RESOURCE CTR OF CT 1231 South Main St. Plantsville CT 06479 860-628-9000

WEST HARTFORD

HEBREW SENIOR CARE, INC. 1 Abrahms Blvd.

West Hartford CT 06117 860-218-2300 www.hebrewhealthcare.org SAINT MARY HOME 2021 Albany Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117 860.570-8200 www.themercycommunity.org THE McAULEY 275 Steele Rd., West Hartford, CT 06117 860-920-6300 www.themercycommunity.org

WILTON

THE GREENS AT CANNONDALE 435 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 203.761.1191 www.thegreensatcannondale.com

Hospital Newspaper - NE Nov/Dec 2017

2017 MASSACHUSETTS MEMORY CARE DIRECTORY FITCHBURG

THE HIGHLANDS 335 Nichols Road Fitchburg, MA 01420 978.343.441 LCCA.com

LITTLETON

LIFE CARE CENTER OF NASHOBA VALLEY 191 Foster Street Littleton, MA 01460 978.486.3512 LCCA.com

NATICK

SALMON ADULT DAY HEALTH CENTER AT NATICK Three Vision Drive, Route 9W Natick, MA 01760 (508) 655-9767 www.SalmonHealth.com

WHITNEY PLACE ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCES Three Vision Drive, Route 9W Natick, MA 01760 (508) 655-5000 www.SalmonHealth.com

NORTH BILLERICA

LIFE CARE CENTER OF MERRIMACK VALLEY 80 Boston Road North Billerica, MA 01862 978.667.2166 LCCA.com

NORTHBOROUGH

WHITNEY PLACE ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCES 238 West Main Street Northborough, MA 01532 (508) 393-5655 www.SalmonHealth.com

NORTHBRIDGE

BEAUMONT REHABILITATION & SKILLED NURSING CENTER 85 Beaumont Drive, P.O. Box 940 Northbridge, MA 01534 (508) 234-9771 www.SalmonHealth.com

SALMON ADULT DAY HEALTH CENTER AT NORTHBRIDGE 65 Beaumont Drive, P.O. Box 940 Northbridge, MA 01534 (508) 234-6481 www.SalmonHealth.com

WESTBOROUGH

WHITNEY PLACE ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCES Five Lyman Street Westborough, MA 01581 (508) 836-4354 www.SalmonHealth.com

WORCESTER

BEAUMONT REHABILITATION & SKILLED NURSING CENTER 378 Plantation Street Worcester, MA 01605 (508) 755-7300 www.SalmonHealth.com

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ADVERTISER INDEX

Heroes Mortgage

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The NY State Society of Anesthesiologists 7 Salmon Health and Retirement

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Shrewsbury Children's Center

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Southern Connecticut State University Waveny LifeCare Network

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Miracles of Rehabil itat

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Fairlawn Rehabilita tion Celebrate s 30th An Hospital niversary nts share insp

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As 2017 comes to a close, we celebrate all of the hospitals that earned the distinction of Hospital of the Month as well as those who have graced the pages of Hospital Newspaper with their news, awards, initiatives, and staff developments. We applaud and thank you all for being part of our publication and helping us grow and move forward this year.

In this issue we are highlighting and attending the 2017 PGA Assembly in Anesthesiology from December 8-12th at the Marriott Marquis in NYC. We are very excited about 2018; more original content, physician and allied medical profiles, green/sustainable hospital and professional designations, recruitment, medical and professional education, career opportunities and much more. It is our hope that you continue to join us on our journey as we bring you the most relevant information, thought leaders, trade show coverage, and all that is meaningful and valuable in the hospital field today.

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Hospital Newspaper - NE Nov/Dec 2017

PGA G 71 7

PostGraduate Assembly in Anesthesiology Fri. - Tues. Dec. 8-12 Marriott Marquis NYC/ USA

5,000+ 375 190 180 150+ 72 60+ 41 32 21 1

More than

2017

Attendees World Class Presenters Poster Presentations Medically Challenging Case Reports Exhibitors, Showcasing the Latest Anesthesia Products and Services Problem Based Learning Discussions Panels and Focus Session o s To opic Areas Mini Workshops Hands-On Workshops City That Never Sleeps

6,10 00

reasons to attend.

Neew Yoor New ork rk C Ciity ty To register, or for more information please visit www.pga.nyc The New York State Society of Anesthesiologists, Inc., is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Up to 54.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM

Sponsored by:

The New York State Society of Anesthesiologists, Inc.

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Nov/Dec 2017

Hospital Newspaper - NE

Community Education Calendar

Bridgeport Hospital screenings, support groups and classes Billing questions – Bridgeport Hospital provides free, confidential assistance to patients and families with questions about their hospital bills. Financial counselors are available during regular business hours to discuss billing issues and payment assistance options, including eligibility for free or discounted care. Bridgeport Hospital also pays a state employee to be on site to help patients apply for Medicaid and other state assistance programs. For an appointment with a financial counselor, call 203-384-3449.

Blood pressure screenings – Bridgeport Hospital will offer free blood pressure screenings at the following locations and times. For information, call 888-357-2396.

• Bigelow Center for Senior Activities, 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield, 9:30 - 11:30 am Mondays, Dec. 4 and 18.

• Baldwin Senior Center, 9:30 - 11 am 1000 West Broad St., Stratford, Monday, Dec. 11.

Breastfeeding basics – 10 am - 12:30 pm Saturday, Nov. 4, Park Avenue Medical Center, 5520 Park Ave., Trumbull. Taught by a certified lactation consultant, this class covers the benefits of breastfeeding, establishing and maintaining milk supply, latch-on and positioning techniques, how to know if baby is getting enough breast milk, trouble-shooting, debunking myths and fitting breastfeeding into a busy lifestyle.

To register, call 888-357-2396 or visit www.bridgeporthospital.org/events.

Car seat installation – Learn how to properly install a car seat in your vehicle and secure your child in the seat. Bridgeport Hospital provides free instruction from a certified technician. For an appointment, call 203-200-KIDS (5437).

Childbirth preparation – 9 am - 4 pm Saturday, Nov. 4, and 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, Saturday, Nov. 18, Park Avenue Medical Center, 5520 Park Ave., Trumbull. A class on the essentials of labor and birth. Topics include stages of labor, relaxation and breathing techniques, comfort measures, positioning, partner's role, pain management, medications, cesarean birth, and postpartum adjustment. Newborn care is discussed during the four-week class or during your hospital stay if you elect the one-day class. The class is taught by a certified childbirth educator and provides total preparation for childbirth. To register, call 888-3572396 or visit www.bridgeporthospital.org/events.

Expectant parent classes and tours – Bridgeport Hospital offers classes and tours for new and expectant parents, including: • Birthplace Tours – 6 - 7 pm Thursdays, Dec. 7, 14.

21 and 28 • Infant CPR Anytime – 7:15 - 8:15 pm Thursdays, Dec. 7, 14. 21 and 28 To register, call 888-357-2396 or visit www.bridgeporthospital.org/events.

First aid and safety classes – Bridgeport Hospital’s Emergency Care Institute will offer the following American Heart Association self-care classes at the hospital, 267 Grant St. Registration is required. Call 888-3572396 or visit www.bridgeporthospital.org/events.

• Administration of Medicine – 6:30 - 9:30 pm Thursday, Dec. 14. Cost is $60 for full program or $25 for injectable only 6:30 - 8 pm.

• Pediatric First Aid/Safety and Adult, Child and Infant CPR/Defibrillator Training - 8:30 am - 5 pm Saturday, Dec. 9. Cost is $110 for the full class or $80 for the first aid portion only, 8:30 am - 2:30 pm For information about workplace or community-based group classes, call 203-384-4497.

Genetic counseling – Bridgeport Hospital, in partnership with the Smilow Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program, provides weekly genetic counseling services by appointment at Norma Pfriem Breast Center, 111 Beach Road, Fairfield, and Park Avenue Medical Center, 5520 Park Ave, Trumbull. For information or to make an appointment, call 203-200-4362.

Healthy Traveler service – Bridgeport Hospital’s Healthy Traveler service provides pre-travel consultations, travel vaccines, medications and comprehensive travel information. Services include evaluation of travel-related hazards linked to food, drinking water, insects, animals, deep-vein thrombosis, sunburn, jet lag, swimming, scuba diving and more. For information or to make an appointment, call 203-384-3613.

Mothers support group – Bridgeport Hospital's Support Group for Mothers will meet 10 - 12:30 pm Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Park Avenue Medical Center, 5520 Park Ave., Trumbull. The group provides a safe and non-judgmental place for mothers to express their concerns, ask questions and resolve some of their anxieties related to motherhood. Facilitated by a certified lactation consultant, group participants will have an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns.

Physician information and referrals – Bridgeport Hospital provides free information about and referrals to more than 600 affiliated physicians 24 hours a day.

Call 888-357-2396 for information on physician specialties, office hours and locations as well as insurance plans accepted. Bridgeport Hospital physicians represent more than 70 medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties, including internal medicine/family practice, obstetrics/gynecology, orthopedics, pediatrics and psychiatry.

Senior driving course – AARP’s Smart Driver course will be offered 9 am - 1 pm Saturday, Dec. 9, in the first-floor Administration Conference Room at Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant St. The fee is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members, which covers handouts and instructional materials. Classes are taught by trained AARP instructors. Successful completion may entitle seniors to a discount on automobile insurance premiums. To register, call 888-3572396 or visit www.bridgeporthospital.org/events.

Stroke support group – 6 - 7 pm Tuesday, Dec. 5, Ahlbin Rehabilitation Center, 4 Corporate Drive, Shelton. This monthly support group is open to stroke survivors and their caregivers. Includes discussion of stroke-related topics, guest speakers and questionand-answer session. To register, call 888-357-2396

Understanding weight-loss surgery – Free informational seminars are held regularly at 112 Quarry Rd., Trumbull, for people interested in learning more about weight-loss surgery. The seminars are presented by Andrew Duffy, MD, program director, and Saber Ghiassi, MD, Bridgeport Hospital site director, Yale Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program. Candidates for weight-loss (bariatric) surgery are generally 60 or more pounds overweight or have type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, gastric reflux, hypertension or cardiovascular disease. For dates and times and to register, call 203-789-6237.

St. Vincent's to provide free Medicare Counseling

St. Vincent's Medical Center is offering free counseling to help people select the best Medicare plan to meet their needs for 2018 and help them save money. The Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs through December 7, 2017.

Medicare and government benefits specialist Betty Brandt will help individuals learn about their options regarding Medicare Part D Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans. Every year these plans change so this service will help clarify choices. In addition, the Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help for prescriptions will be discussed.

This one-on-one unbiased, confidential counseling will be especially helpful to those new to Medicare or about to turn 65. Senior citizens, people with disabilities and family members are invited to talk by phone or meet with Betty Brandt by appointment in the privacy of the Banks Library, located on the third level of St. Vincent's Medical Center.

Brandt is available to discuss Medicare benefits, supplemental insurance, prescription plans, Medicare savings program, statements, bills, claims, appeals, and Medicaid.

Brandt, who is a volunteer with St. Vincent's Medical Center, holds a master's degree in counseling from the University of Bridgeport, and has been assisting people with Medicare issues for more than eleven years.

This program, sponsored by St. Vincent's Mission Services, is a community outreach effort to help seniors and people with disabilities obtain the medical benefits they need, and to make the best decisions about health insurance coverage.

To schedule an appointment, or for more information, please contact Betty Brandt at svmcmedicare@outlook.com or (475) 210-5111.

education & careers Hospital Newspaper - NE Nov/Dec 2017

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Chain of Giving leads to poignant new ritual for cancer patients at Day Kimball Hospital

One year ago, in October, 2016, the Thompson Middle School PTO presented the Rose Bove LaRose Cancer Center at Day Kimball Hospital with a $108 check, funds raised by students as part of a charitable giving program at the school. That donation snowballed into a chain of charitable gestures that together have resulted in a touching and meaningful way for patients being treated for cancer at the hospital to mark an important milestone – their last treatment – and celebrate their survival.

After the donation was made the Cancer Center’s staff thought about how best to use the funds, wanting to implement the students’ charitable gesture in a tangible way. They ultimately decided on a truly meaningful use.

“In other cancer centers, when a patient completes their chemotherapy regimen they get to ring a ship’s bell that is stationed within the chemo room. We’d like to use these funds to purchase a ship’s bell of our own and have it installed in our chemotherapy infusion suite, so that our patients can have a physical and meaningful way to mark the completion of their chemotherapy treatment,” Linda Daniels, administrative coordinator for the hospital’s Oncology/Hematology Department, explained at the time.

The idea garnered so much support, however, that a bell didn’t even have to be purchased. Instead, it was donated by DKH Appeals and Events Manager Patricia Hedenberg, who was moved to contribute to the cause after hearing the story of the Thompson PTO’s donation.

DKH Director of Oncology Carolina Starr-Manning says that the staff was thrilled with Hedenberg’s donation as well, and next planned to use the donated funds to purchase a plaque on which to mount the bell.

“But when I contacted Barbara Kenyon at New England Awards and Trophies about mounting the bell on a plaque, she and her husband insisted on donating the labor and additional materials,” StarrManning says. “And then one of our nurses, who would like to re-

main anonymous, wrote a poem to accompany the bell. And finally, the husband of one of our patients donated the sailor’s knot to attach to the bell.”

Starr-Manning says the entire staff at the Cancer Center has been moved by the outpouring of generosity that the initial donation sparked, as was the Thompson PTO President, Shannon Julian.

“I just recently spoke to the President of the Thompson PTO to tell her this story and she thought it was wonderful that their effort drew in so much support,” StarrManning said. “And the students’ original donation will now be put toward ongoing upgrades to the facilities and amenities in the Cancer Center’s infusion rooms.”

Jean Mrozinski of Pomfret was the first patient to ring the bell, back in July before it was even mounted on the wall. Starr-Manning held the plaque out in her hands so that Mrozinski could ring the bell.

“They gave me a party when I was done with chemo,” Mrozinski recalls of that last day of treatment.

“I can’t tell you how wonderful everyone was to me there. From surgery, to chemotherapy, to my visiting nurse and the wound care center – everyone at Day Kimball was fantastic. But of course it was a joy to be done with the chemo.”

Mrozinski says she was in tears as she rang the bell.

“It’s the only time I cried, and it was because I was happy. I have not shed a tear over cancer. The doctors kept asking me, what is my secret, and I said a thankful heart…

I just took every day one day at a time, and I have a lot of faith. Dr. Dhami [Mrozinski’s oncologist at the Cancer Center] told me that it was my attitude that saved me.”

Mrozinski does indeed have the attitude of a fighter and a survivor, and seems to personify the words inscribed on the bell’s plaque:

Lost at sea in a terrible storm, such a horrible storm no one could have forewarned.

But I found my calmer waters, and I can see the distant shore.

I have overcome, I have prevailed.

To ring this bell means I survived this war.

provided

Care providers at the Rose Bove LaRose Cancer Center at Day Kimball Hospital gather around the Center’s new ceremonial bell, which is rung by patients to mark their final treatment and celebrate their successful fight against cancer. From left to right: Dr. Mandeep Dhami; front row Kate Tartaglia, Michelle Donahue; back row - Antoinette Plourde, Denise Spirito, Morgan Clark, Marissa Marwell and Serena Cochran.

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Nov/Dec 2017

Hospital Newspaper - NE

Nurse’s Viewpoint

By Alison Lazzaro, RN, MSN

Lates

nursteinfo for stude s and nts Hospital Newspaper Correspondent

An Unforgettable Illness: Illuminating Alzheimer’s Disease The struggle to recognize a loved one and the loss of independence become a terrifying reality for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. This progressive disorder has no cure- and thus creates a global health challenge. The disease was first named by Dr. Alois Alzheimer, noting that his patient had memory loss and physiologic changes. A brain autopsy later revealed shrinkage of the brain and abnormal deposits surrounding nerve cells. In 1983, Congress designated November as the first National Alzheimer’s Disease month.

Current Evidence Clinical trials continue to investigate the pathophysiology underlying Alzheimer’s disease. Beta-amyloid plaques, which are microscopic protein fragments, and neurofibrillary tangles, composed of twisted strands of tau protein, are characteristic in patients’ brains with the disease. There is also atrophy of the cerebral cortex causing the death of brain cells. Changes in the brain may occur 20 years before diagnosis.

Treatment Options There are 2 FDA-approved drug classes used to slow symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Excelon), and galantamine (Razadyne) work by preventing enzymes from breaking down acetycholine too quickly. This allows for higher concentrations of acetylcholine, which helps nerve cells communicate. The second class of drug is N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists such as memantine (Namenda). This drug works on the neurotransmitter glutamate.

Memantine can be used in addition to the cholinesterase inhibitor class to slow disease development.

Caring for Those Affected Memory Center care is emerging to allow patients affected by Alzheimer’s disease to receive appropriate care. This specialized long term care facility is designed for patients suffering from dementia. Albeit high costs, memory centers include enclosed outdoor spaces to keep residents from wandering and adequate staff ratios to ensure safety. Sleep dysrhythmias also pose a challenge for patients’ families and these centers alleviate that difficulty through respite care.

Preserving Brain Health Over 80 percent of patients with Alzheimer’s disease also demonstrate cardiovascular disease. This statistic shows how high blood pressure and high cholesterol can increase the risk of dementia. Paying close attention to treatment of vascular health can translate into better brain health down the road.

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Hospital Newspaper - NE Nov/Dec 2017

If you’d like to reach the health and hospital communities of New England each month, there is no more cost-effective way than the Hospital Newspaper.

Call Maureen Linell to place your advertisement: 508-869-6201

Our staff loves working at BEAUMONT! Here are a few reasons why…

Volunteers wanted for innovative Hospital Elder Life Program at Griffin Hospital

The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, is looking for volunteers to provide extra support for elderly patients.

HELP is designed to offer special services to older adults while hospitalized at Griffin Hospital.

Between 30 and 50 percent of all seniors may experience a decline in their physical and mental abilities during a hospital stay. HELP is a comprehensive, evidencebased, patient-care program that provides optimal care for older persons in the hospital.

The program also prevents functional decline, falls, and allows older adults to return home at the maximal level of independence by keeping hospital-

ized older people oriented to their surroundings, meeting their needs for nutrition, fluids, and sleep, and keeping them mobile within the limitations of their physical condition.

HELP team members work in partnership with the doctors and nursing staff to highlight issues specific to geriatric care and to provide education to patients and their families. No medical experience is needed to volunteer. Training and supervision is provided. There are flexible shifts from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Scholarship incentives are available for eligible college students.

For more information, or to volunteer for HELP, call 203732-7466.

• HIGHLY COMPETITIVE WAGE AND SALARY PROGRAM • Low Patient-to-Caregiver ratio • We do NOT answer to stockholders…we have been family-owned and operated for over 60 years.

• Experienced and stable Administration and Nursing Management • We have a fully staffed and highly experienced Inservice Department.

• Advanced Training Offered • We support professional growth through tuition reimbursement, CEUs, professional certifications (ANA Certificates and Rehabilitation Nursing Certificates), and more!

• Excellent Health and Dental plans • Life Insurance • Long- & Short-Term Disability Insurance • Generous Paid Time Off • Indefinite accrual of earned time • Full-time benefits for 30 hours or more • Part-time benefits from 24 hours • 401(k) with employer contributions (with immediate vesting) • Subsidized child care at SALMON Early Education Centers located in Natick and Northbridge

“ The CNA career ladder has taken me to new heights.”

Provide friendly visits to Hospice patients and their families

VITAS Healthcare(r) is looking for volunteers who are able to share their time with hospice patients living at home, in the hospital or in long term care facilities.

Hospice volunteers give their time to terminally ill patients and their caregivers during a critical time. In orientation classes they are trained in listening skills, family dynamics and the right words to say to patients and their loved ones at the end of life.

Visits made by our volunteers not only help each patient, but the families are truly touched as well. The shortest conversation can have the largest impact.

VITAS volunteers provide relief care for caregivers, offer companionship for the patient, run

errands and help in other meaningful ways.

This is a great opportunity for you to give back to the community. By taking a small amount of time out of your busy week you can make the biggest difference in another’s life.

VITAS takes pride in its volunteers, and we welcome you to become part of our team. There are many locations throughout the area you can choose from.

Your commitment is completely up to you, whether you spend one day a week or one day a month. Your time is always appreciated.

For more information about VITAS visit www.vitas.com/ careers/volunteer.

If you are interested in working with a progressive, family-owned company, please contact Human Resources at jobs@SalmonHealth.com.

N ATICK

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N ORTHBOROUGH

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N ORTHBRIDGE

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W ESTBOROUGH • W ORCESTER

w w w. S a l m o n H e a l t h . c o m

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Nov/Dec 2017

Hospital Newspaper - NE

Bridgeport Hospital Vice President Gina Calder among first graduates of Carol Emmott Fellowship for Women Healthcare Leaders

Gina L. Calder of New Haven, vice president of Ambulatory Services at Bridgeport Hospital, is one of the inaugural graduates of the Carol Emmott Fellowship for Women Healthcare Leaders. Calder joined other members of the fellowship class at a San Francisco graduation ceremony in October.

“The Fellowship was established to honor the late Carol Emmott who, as an executive recruiter, advocated for talented women executives throughout her career,” said Marna P. Borgstrom, CEO Yale New Haven Health (YNHHS) and Yale New Haven Hospital.

“Gina was the perfect inaugural nominee for YNHHS because she is such a talented and personable executive with a great future in healthcare leadership.”

Calder’s fellowship project focused on developing a strategy to use community health workers to expand and enhance YNHHS’ care coordination and navigation resources. The aim of the strategy is to partner with vulnerable patients to improve their health and empower them to live the lives they want to live. To date, Calder has launched a pilot navigation program, developed a philanthropy strategy and engaged a volunteer community health worker organization. The next steps are to launch additional pilots, identify community partners

provided

and donors, and build the support and infrastructure needed for a system-wide launch.

“We are proud of Gina for all she has done in her nearly 10 years with Bridgeport Hospital,” said William M. Jennings, hospital president and CEO, and executive vice president of YNHHS. “She has taken on roles of increased scope and responsibility and succeeded at every level.”

In 2008, Calder joined Bridgeport Hospital as an administrative fellow. She served as sustainability manager for the Streamlining for Success process improvement initiative in 2009. That same year, Calder became manager, and in 2011 director of Geriatric Services and Business Development. She served as director and executive director of Geriatric Services and Patient Relations 2012-2014, until her promotion to executive director of Clinical Services in 2014.

Named vice president of Ambulatory Services in 2016, Calder leads the development and ongoing refinement of ambulatory business strategy, which includes 312,000 patient encounters and $202 million in revenue annually. She has direct operational, strategic and business development responsibility for 13 inpatient and ambulatory areas in partnership with employed, faculty practice and community physicians. She successfully oversaw the planning and occupancy for Park Avenue Medical Center and now has executive oversight of the facility, which opened in spring 2016 as the largest, most comprehensive outpatient campus in YNHHS. Calder was recognized in 2015 as one of the Connecticut NAACP’s 100 Most Influential Blacks in the state and in 2016 re-

ceived Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Fairfield County Alumnae Chapter’s Dorothy I. Height Community Service Award and the Connecticut Association of Healthcare Executives Leadership Award.

She earned her MPH and undergraduate psychology degrees from Yale University and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 78 percent of the entire healthcare workforce is comprised of women; yet women are significantly underrepresented as CEOs across health industries. The Labor Department also reports that while 80 percent of everyday healthcare decisions are made by women, they are severely underrepresented in positions of leadership in the field.

Bridgeport Hospital, part of Yale New Haven Health, is a 383-bed acute care hospital (plus 42 beds licensed to Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital) serving parts of Fairfield and New Haven counties. The hospital admits more than 20,000 patients and receives nearly 300,000 outpatient treatments annually. The Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital is the only burn center in the state and one of only 66 verified burn centers in the United States.

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PAGE 13

Hospital Newspaper - NE Nov/Dec 2017

Manchester Manor resident honored by Manchester Community College

Let Our Family Care for Yours!

THE SHREWSBURY CHILDREN’S CENTER

Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten

Over 34 Years of High Quality Care

Conveniently located in SHREWSBURY 138 North Quinsigamond Ave. • 508 • 755 • 3922

www.shrewsburychildren.com

connell school of nur sing CONTINUING CO C N N NTINU NU UING U ING NG EDUCA E DUCATION PROGRAM ED

Certificate Programs: Photo credit: Tom Andrea

Chief Strong Horse, a 96-year-old resident of Manchester Manor, was honored at Manchester Community College's (MCC) Native American Heritage Month Opening Ceremony on November 1st in GPA Community Commons on the MCC campus. Chief Strong Horse, also known as Kenneth Smith, was presented with the MCC Native American Heritage Leadership Award for his work in preserving the rich culture of his Narragansett Indian tribe. Lorén Spears, executive director of the Tomaquag Museum which holds a collection of the Chief's tribal history papers and ceremonial items, led the ceremony. The event launched a month of activities at MCC in recognition of Native American Heritage Month. Pictured at the event were, from left, Spears, Chief Strong Horse and T.J. Barber, MCC's director of student activities.

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation’s Lina Dureza honored with the 2017 Public Service Award from the Connecticut Nurses Association

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Hughes Health & Rehabilitation’s Lina Dureza Honored With the 2017 Public Service Award From the Connecticut Nurses Association: Lina Dureza, pictured at right, director of nursing services at Hughes Health & Rehabilitation, received the 2017 Public Service Award from Stephanie Knutson, president of the Connecticut Nurses Association at CNA’s recent Diamond Jubilee and Awards Reception. The award, according to CNA, “is given to an individual who has made notable contributions to the advancement of nursing, public health or health care in Connecticut through public service, public education/advocacy, public policy or organizational leadership.” In his remarks introducing Lina, Hughes’s Vice President Mark Finkelstein said, “Lina Dureza’s work ethic, her commitment to excellence, and her outstanding leadership abilities have distinguished her as an exemplary nurse manager and education leader.”

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www w.b .bc.edu/ce bc.edu/ce / 617-552-42556 - sonce@bc.edu Expand your knowledge . . . advaance your career

PAGE 14

Nov/Dec 2017

Hospital Newspaper - NE

Miracles of Rehab

Where Patients Dare to “Think Possible” 25-year-old paralyzed woman walks again at Gaylord Hospital

Delicately encircling 25-year-old Jillian Harpin’s throat is a necklace inscribed with the words “Think Possible.”

Gifted by her friends at Gaylord Specialty Healthcare in Wallingford, Connecticut, the necklace’s inscription represents more than the hospital’s tagline. Rather, it’s a pledge that the young paraplegic and her therapists take to heart in their quest to transcend the limits of her disability.

“Never Walk Again” While vacationing in Mexico in April of 2016, Jillian propped herself onto the railing of her hotel room’s balcony to take a phone call. The young woman slipped backwards and plunged three stories to the ground, paralyzing her from the chest down. She was told she would never stand or walk again.

“There was a lot of uncertainty,” Jillian recalled. “I was scared that I’d never drive a car, have a relationship, or feel the crunch of leaves under my feet.”

Jillian was flown home to Connecticut and admitted to Gaylord Hospital. It was a carefully researched decision, her family said, based entirely on giving her the best chance of recovering to the fullest extent possible.

More Than Medical Experts; Medical Leaders The Harpin family was pleased to learn that Gaylord doctors and therapists aren’t just experts in their fields, but are nationally and internationally recognized healthcare leaders. Gaylord’s expertise is not only reflected by the numerous “Top Doc” and other respected healthcare awards bestowed on many of its staff, but is externally validated by its accreditations by the Joint Commission and CARF (The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities).

The Hospital’s latest CARF survey recently earned Gaylord the distinction of being the only facility in Connecticut to be accredited for both its in- and out-patient services and for its stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury programs.

Gaylord’s reputation for high-quality care and exceptional patient satisfaction, coupled with innovative programs including its recently opened complex stroke unit and adolescent spinal cord injury suites, and its role as the only Connecticut hospital to be part of a spinal cord injury model system, makes Gaylord the prime destination for specialty care after serious illness or injury.

But among everything that Gaylord offered, one program particularly piqued young Jillian’s interest.

One Step at a Time In her first weeks at Gaylord, Jillian’s therapist told her about the Ekso Bionics wearable exoskeleton - the only device of its kind in Connecticut - that would let her stand and walk again.

“That was news to me,” she exclaimed, “I didn’t think that was possible!”

The battery-powered suit helps patients with lower-extremity paralysis or weakness from a spinal injury or neurologic condition, including stroke or multiple sclerosis, ambulate by providing the power to alternately put one foot in front the other.

Each week in outpatient therapy, Jillian logs thousands of steps through Gaylord’s corridors. The physical benefits to its users are many including improved circulation and bladder function and increased bone density. But for Jillian, the greatest benefit of all is the feeling of freedom.

“Having face-to-face conversations with my friends is liberating,” she said. “When I am in Ekso, I can’t stop smiling!”

Think Possible Since her injury, Jillian has been on a mission to “try out as many different ‘impossible’ tasks that people wouldn’t expect to see from someone in a wheelchair” and credits Gaylord Hospital for helping her regain the physical strength and confidence needed to crush her goals.

provided

“I’m driving, working, dating, I’ve been to concerts.

I’ve gone skiing, waterskiing, tried wheelchair archery and basketball and even finished a half-marathon!” she said.

“It’s crazy to think that in a year and a half I’ve gone from my normal life … to the lowest point … to basically back to where I was before, if not better!”

To watch Jillian’s journey from accident to Ekso, visit Gaylord Specialty Healthcare’s YouTube page.

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Hospital Newspaper - NE Nov/Dec 2017

Miracles of Rehab

Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital celebrates 30th Anniversary Former patients share inspirational stories

Seven former Fairlawn patients took center stage at the hospital’s recent 30th anniversary celebration. Each shared their personal stories of how rehabilitation made a difference in their lives.

Among them was Lynnette McIntire, a dance instructor who returned to her teaching position after having her right leg amputated last year. Thanking her inpatient physical therapist who helped her to “feel like Wonder Woman” after her first successful attempt at hopping and rolling with her walker to the gym, she apologized to her inpatient occupational therapist for “pulling some Mario Andretti moves” in her wheelchair. She then recounted trading salsa lessons with her outpatient physical therapist for teaching her how to walk with her new prosthesis.

Lastly, she thanked everyone at Fairlawn who helped her “to move through life again” and for teaching her that “my life wasn’t over — I just needed to find a new way to live it.”

Ann McDougle, an artist who came to Fairlawn following a ruptured brain aneurysm, gave a humor-laced account of the partnership with hospital clinicians that led her back to enjoying her life’s passions, including gardening and travel. Proudly wearing the original “Independent Button” it took her three weeks to earn at Fairlawn, she recalled details of the early days of her inpatient stay when she labored over recalling names of family members and “tried to fit square pegs into round holes.”

Since her discharge, Ann has taken up photography and often exhibits her work at area art shows. She also became an active member of Fairlawn’s Patient-Staff Art Gallery Committee. In closing her presentation, she said that whenever she returns to the hospital, she is reminded of “how far I have come and how grateful I am to all the people who made that possible.”

Cathy Woods-Goodwin, a patient in Fairlawn’s Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program back in 1996, closed the evening by reminding staff of how important their work is. “To all staff, a heartfelt thanks for using your talents to bring your patients back to actively living, and remembering,” she said. “Right now, they may not appreciate the priceless gifts you are giving them; they may not be able to communicate their thanks. But, please know your work has incalculable value to them, and accept thanks from us, former patients, in their stead.”

Other speakers were Wigberto Perez, who shared the story of his long journey back from a potentially lethal infection, Amanda (Flick) Mimande, who incurred extensive injuries in a car accident but walked down the aisle at her wedding last October, and Bob Beliveau, who returned to teaching elementary school following a life-changing struggle with myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder.

“Thank you

to everyone at Fairlawn for teaching me

that my life wasn’t over — that I just needed to find a new way to live it.”

~ Lynnette McIntire

Left: Former patient, Cathy Woods-Goodwin, speaks at Fairlawn’s anniversary celebration. As a current member of the hospital’s Patient-Family Advisory Council, she visits with patients, sharing the peer experience of illness, recovery, and life after Fairlawn.

photos provided

Outpatient treatment supports positive life changes: Gives individuals and families tools needed for Recovery

In the midst of the current opioid epidemic that knows no boundaries, AdCare’s breadth of treatment services remains vital to the communities we serve. “Just as there is no one path that leads to a substance use disorder, there is no one method of treatment for all individuals,” says David Hillis, Jr., MS, LMHC, CADAC-II, LADC-I, Vice President of Outpatient Services at AdCare.

The flexible and wide-ranging treatment options at AdCare Outpatient Services have helped many learn how to live their lives without turning to substances. Whether as a step down from inpatient care or an entry point to treatment, same-day access to outpatient programs enable participants to enter treatment right away and vary the type, intensity, and frequency of treatment, while working and living at home or in a sober living environment.

AdCare counselors partner with patients and families to develop individualized treatment plans that consider how factors such as lifestyle, environment, health, and co-occurring mental health disorders may play a part in substance use. Individualized treatment plans focus on helping the patient gain the tools needed to handle relationships, stress, anger, anxiety, and other triggers that may challenge their recovery.

Specialty Early Recovery: Mindfulness and Whole Person Wellness In addition to the established modality of Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) available in the day and evening at outpatient locations throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island, AdCare Outpatient Services provide Individual and Family Counseling; Early Recovery Groups for Men, Women, Young People, Individuals with Co-occurring Disorders,

Parents in Recovery, Spanish-speaking People, as well as Holistic Early Recovery Groups such as the Mindfulness and Whole Person Wellness Early Recovery Groups.

“The Mindfulness Early Recovery Group at AdCare Outpatient Services in Worcester is a great way for patients to stay in the moment and de-stress,” says Clinical Supervisor Stephanie Pratico, LMHC, MT-BC.

New Early Recovery Groups at AdCare Outpatient Worcester AdCare Outpatient in Worcester now offers a Spanish Early Recovery Group (ERG) on Thursdays at 10:30 AM, as well as a Rise and Shine ERG on Wednesdays at 6:30 AM, and an Early Recovery Group on Saturdays at 10:30 AM. “We can also create groups to meet demand for specialized treatment, and coordinate Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) appointments for patients participat-

ing in treatment at AdCare Outpatient,” says Jane Jolly, Director of Outpatient Operations.

“Working with patients, families, and referral sources, including other treatment providers and wrap-around services is what we do,” says Ms. Jolly. “We are here ready to meet anyone in need of treatment where they are by helping them build on their strengths, motivation, and desire to make positive changes in their lives.”

AdCare operates New England’s only alcohol and drug specialty hospital that is centrally located in Worcester, Massachusetts; an inpatient detoxification and residential program on a 30-acre campus in North Kingstown, Rhode Island; and outpatient services offices conveniently located throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. For more information about AdCare programs and services call 1-800ALCOHOL or visit adcare.com. AdCare …

Your Recovery Begins Here.

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H HOSPITAL Highlights of 2017

Nov/Dec 2017

Hospital Newspaper - NE

Middlesex opens second Cancer Center Location

photos provided

On October 16, Middlesex Hospital proudly opened its second Cancer Center location.

Located at the Middlesex Hospital Shoreline Medical Center, 250 Flat Rock Place in Westbrook, the new facility provides Connecticut shoreline residents with quality care closer to home.

“For many years, we’ve had a goal of expanding cancer services to the shoreline and to our cancer patients who reside there,” says CEO Vincent G. Capece, Jr. “With the opening of the Shoreline Medical Center and the need to replace a key piece of technology in the treatment of cancer—the linear accelerator, we had the opportunity to realize this longstanding desire.

So, I’m very pleased that we are finally addressing this important community health need.”

The facility in Westbrook is state of the art and offers the same services found at Middlesex’s Cancer Center in Middletown, including medical oncology, radiation therapy, infusion, genetic counseling, survivorship services and integrative therapy. Patients will have access to the latest technology and will benefit from the Hospital's collaborative relationship with Mayo Clinic.

Middlesex Hospital always puts its patients first, and the opening of the Cancer Center in Westbrook is an example of this.

Unfortunately, cancer treatments often result in patients feeling tired and sick, making it hard for them to travel. Many of Middlesex’s patients live along Connecticut’s shoreline, and they’ve had to drive to Middletown to receive cancer care. Now, they have another, closer option. The new location in Westbrook is more convenient for shoreline residents, and it will make their lives a little easier.

Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center’s first location opened in 2002. Since that time, the Hospital has recognized that there is an increasing need for cancer care in Middlesex County. The number of patients requiring cancer treatment in the Hospital’s service area has increased and is expected to continue to grow.

Like the Middletown location, the Westbrook center is accredited by several leading organizations and will use the latest technology to diagnose and treat patients with various types of cancer, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, gynecological cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck cancer and skin cancer. Technology includes a new linear accelerator and a new CT stimulator, which will work together to deliver radiation to cancer patients, targeting tumors in a very precise way.

"This new cancer center will enable cancer patients to receive excellent care closer to home, and patients will be able to avoid what can be very arduous travel to Middletown to get daily cancer treatments,” Capece says. “As a result, Middlesex will be able to better serve its cancer patients living on the shore and improve the patient experience. We are very proud of this accomplishment, and we thank the many community members that assisted in making this new cancer center a reality."

For more information about the Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center, Westbrook, please visit middlesexhospital.org/shorelinecancercenter.

H HOSPITAL Highlights of 2017

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Hospital Newspaper - NE Nov/Dec 2017

Day Kimball Hospital receives an “A” for Patient Safety in Fall 2017 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade Rating Places DKH in Top Third of Hospitals in State and Nation

The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit health care ratings organization, today released new Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades. The Safety Grade assigns letter grades of A, B, C, D and F to hospitals nationwide based on their performance in preventing medical errors, infections and other harms. Day Kimball Hospital was awarded an “A” for its commitment to keeping patients safe and meeting the highest safety standards in the U.S. Day Kimball was one of 832 hospitals across the country and seven in Connecticut to earn the A rating, placing it in the top third of hospitals in the state and nation for patient safety.

“We’ve proudly maintained an excellent record for many important measures of patient safety and quality of care for quite some time at Day Kimball Hospital, and we’re thrilled to have received this ‘A’ rating from Leapfrog as the latest recognition and validation of those high standards,” said Anne Diamond, Day Kimball Healthcare President and CEO. “This achievement speaks to the hard work, dedication and collaboration of our staff in working together to provide the best possible care to our patients each and every day.”

“It takes consistent, unwavering dedication to patients to achieve the highest standards of patient safety. An ‘A’ Safety Grade recognizes hospitals for this accomplishment,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We congratulate the clinicians, Board, management and staff of Day Kimball Hospital for showing the country what it means to put patient safety first.”

Developed under the guidance of a Blue Ribbon National Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 27 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign A, B, C, D and F grades to more than 2,600 U.S. hospitals twice per year. It is calculated by top patient safety experts, peer reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.

photo credit: Gary Hallquist

To see Day Kimball Hospital’s full grade, and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit www.hospitalsafetygrade.org. To learn more about all of Day Kimball Hospital’s various safety and quality measures, visit www.daykimball.org/quality.

About Day Kimball Healthcare Day Kimball Healthcare is a non-profit, integrated medical services provider comprised of Day Kimball Hospital, healthcare centers in Danielson, Dayville, Plainfield and Putnam, Day Kimball HomeCare, Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Conn., Day Kimball HomeMakers, and Day Kimball Medical Group. Its service area includes Northeast Connecticut as well as nearby Massachusetts and Rhode Island communities. Day Kimball Healthcare’s comprehensive network offers more than 1,100 employees including nearly 300 associated, highly-skilled physicians, surgeons and specialists. Its website is www.daykimball.org.

About The Leapfrog Group Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American health care. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey collects and transparently reports hospital performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections.

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Nov/Dec 2017

PAGE 4

November, 2017

Hospital Newspaper - NE

Healthcare News - Fairfield County

Hospice Care through a new lens l

There is no detail

o

I had the privilege of getting a tour of the facility that I am still marveling at. There is no detail leftc When it was suggested to me thatNow I visit Regional unattended to; 12 stunning private suites with balthat I have been Hospice and Palliative Care during National conies overlooking the woods, a spa, library, living t Hospice and Palliative Care Month I had no idea room after living room, gourmet dining, children’s what to expect. Now that I have been there I can’t play and therapy room, teen lounge, a state of the The facility lacks t stop thinking about this amazing place and all thaton aart country kitchen and family dining area,The a be-l r g The location could not be more they do. reavement center and extensive gardens, patioa Nestled awayand in thePalliative woods as the leavesspace and a playground. The facility lacks that I visited pRegional Hospice Care, a located at 30 Milestone Road in Danbury on a gor- stark, medicinal hospital-like feeling. The rooms At once it could geous fall day. The location could not be more per-be awere designed with that goal in mind. Even the g There is no misfect. Nestled away in the woods as the leaves are paintings on the wall slide to conceal oxygen and The non-profit organization emt turning red, orange and yellow, it is an oasis as soon other medical hookups. p as the doors open. At once it could be a gracious The 36,000 sq foot facility was completed years Hospice 2 and home or a luxury hotel. There is no mistaking the ago pand is the first of its kind in the state of Connectisignature Ethan Allen décor throughout which is no cut. The non-profit organization employsPalliative nearly 150 accident; President and CEO Cynthia Roy specifi- people and will serve approximately 1,000 patients aH c cally wanted the center to “look like someone’s last year. Hospice and palliative specialized comBothcare are is focused on relief f home”, as it likely will be. Every person I encoun- passionate medical care for people with serious illtered from the moment I was greeted at the front ness. Palliative care may begin at diagnosis while desk was lovely, kind and welcoming; in stark con- hospice begins after treatment ceases. Both are fotrast to the world outside their doors. cused on relief from symptoms, pain and the stress

By Nancy Sorbella

Patients may go in and out

of illness. Both may be administered in-home or in The center is uniquely equipped to a center like Regional Hospice. Patients may go in and out of the center for treatment; most stays last 2 weeks to a few days. The center is uniquely equipped to care for all ages; from babies to adults.

Speaking with behind At the 38%driving they areforce not even the this facilThere are pulmonary ity, Ms, Roy, I was surprised to learn that cancer patients are not the only ones receiving hospice and palliative care. At 38% they are not even the largest population at times. There are pulmonary and coronary patients; basically anyone with a 6 month or less terminal prognosis, a disease that has run its course or a life-limiting illness.

At Regional Hospice the staff makes every effort to make the experience memorable for patients and their families. They patients Regional achieve new goals, Ashelp a non-profit, improve quality of life and encourage dreams.

Hospice care is paid for by Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance. As a non-profit, Regional Hospice is supported by generous personal and professional donations, and offers a wide range of volunteer positions that enhance the patient experience.

Hospital Newspaper - NE Nov/Dec 2017

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Nov/Dec 2017

Hospital Newspaper - NE

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation named a Best Nursing Home in America for the Seventh Consecutive Year by U.S. News & World Report

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation recently announced that for the seventh consecutive year it has been named a Best Nursing Home in America by U.S. News & World Report.

The 2017-18 U.S. News & World Report Best Nursing Homes survey rated nearly 15,000 nursing homes across the United States in measuring nursing home safety, health inspections, staffing and more.

According to U.S. News & World Report, “On any given morning this year, roughly 1.4 million individuals, including 1 in 10 individuals age 85 and above, will wake up in a U.S. nursing home. We want to help families find a good and caring facility.”

“To be recognized by U.S. News & World Report for the seventh consecutive year is a testament to the day in, day out quality of care our skilled nurses and others provide to our residents,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation. “We don’t rest on our laurels; rather, we seek to continuously improve our level of health care and comfort. We are very grateful that U.S. News & World Report recognizes, again, our ongoing efforts.”

Hughes was at the top of the Connecticut nursing homes list with a rating of five stars for their overall performance in health inspections, nurse staffing and quality of medical care from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

U.S. News recognized as Best Nursing Homes those facilities with overall ratings of 4.5 stars or greater. There are 216 nursing homes in Connecticut. Of these, 65, or 30 percent, received an overall rating of 4.5 stars or above.

U.S. News and World Report nursing home ratings have relied on data from Nursing Home Compare (https://www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare), a program run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that sets and enforces standards for nursing homes. CMS assigns an overall rating of one to five stars to

PHOTO CREDIT: Hughes Health & Rehabilitation

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation at 29 Highland Street in West Hartford.

nursing homes according to their performance in three areas, or domains – state-conducted health inspections, nurse staffing and medical quality measures. Homes also receive CMS star ratings in each domain.

For more information about U.S. News & World Report’s Best Nursing Homes, visit http://health.usnews.com/best-nursing-homes.

Connecticut Children’s Medical Center voted Best Children’s Hospital and Best Children’s Hospital for Emergency Care by moms across the country

Connecticut Children’s Medical Center has been named a Best Children’s Hospital and Best Children’s Hospital for Emergency Care by the Women’s Choice Award®, America’s trusted referral source for the best in healthcare.

The Women’s Choice Award provides women an opportunity to advocate on behalf of brands, services and hospitals they trust– and that includes Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Moms across the country are recommending the medical center for its pediatric expertise, dedicated and skilled staff and high level customer service both hospital wide and within the emergency department.

“Our Best Children’s Hospitals award helps raise awareness of the top quality care offered for children—not only the critically ill—with specialists, services and technologies for their unique needs,” said Delia Passi, founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award, and former publisher of Working Woman and Working Mother magazines.

“We found in our studies that 75% percent of women associate children’s hospitals with care for seriously ill children and nearly 50% of women are unfamiliar with the offerings of a children’s hospital,” said Passi. “Our goal at the Women’s Choice Award is to help moms—and parents—make educated, confident decisions about where to take their children for a wide range of healthcare services.”

The list of 67 award winners, including Connecticut Children’s, represents hospitals that have met the highest standards for childcare.

“As Connecticut’s only independent children’s hospital, we remain focused on treating children and keeping them well, both across the state and throughout the region.

This award speaks to our dedication and expertise not only in providing state of the art pediatric care but enhancing the overall experience for our patients and families at a time when they need it most” said Jim Shmerling, President and CEO of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

The designation of Best Children’s Hospitals is based on a point system and self-reported data from almost 100 children’s hospitals in the nation. Hospitals are judged according to the availability of specific services and capabilities, including: • • • • • • • •

Family Centered Care Family sleeping/living accommodations Dedicated pediatric emergency department Pediatric ICU Neonatal ICU Child Life specialists Use of telehealth technologies Participation in pediatric health research • Accreditation by the Joint Commission • Pediatric Trauma Center accreditation

For each of the available services, hospitals received five points towards their score with the exception of NICU, which earns five points for a Level IV and two points for a Level III. A maximum of 50 points could be earned for these services.

Points were also assigned to a hospital based on the number of beds per Board Certified pediatric professional in the following specialties: Anesthesiology, Radiology, Orthopedics, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Pulmonology, Nephrology, Gastroenterology, Urology, Oncology and Neonatology.

Points of 5, 3, 1, or 0 were assigned based on the relative number of beds per physician, with those having the least average beds scoring the most points. Each hospital’s results were also weighted based on the average beds per physician for all the reporting hospitals.

Lastly, up to six additional points were provided for high levels of professional, nursing and support staff.

For more information on the 2018 Best Children’s Hospitals visit http://www.womenschoiceaward.com/best-childrens-hospitals/

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Raimondo, Care New England announce new Center of Excellence to combat opioid overdose epidemic

Governor Raimondo and Care New England (CNE) along with CNE members Butler Hospital, The Providence Center, and Continuum Behavioral Health, recently announced a new Center of Excellence for opioid addiction that will offer a longer treatment period and access to substance use disorder services. As part of a comprehensive, nationally-recognized action plan, Rhode Island established a Center of Excellence model to provide outpatient treatment for Rhode Islanders suffering from substance use disorder. Centers of Excellence are certified by the State and offer medically assisted treatment (MAT) and additional supportive services.

With the Center of Excellence designation, CNE received $242,224 grant monies in June. Through this funding, the launch of the program was accelerated and clinicians began seeing patients in October at its Providence and North Kingstown locations. The funding is administered by the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH) and will primarily be used for salaries to staff the new program.

“The opioid overdose epidemic is the most urgent public health crisis of our time,” said Governor Gina M. Raimondo.

“We created the Center of Excellence model so that Rhode Islanders can get the help they need to recover from the disease of addiction. I am thankful to Care New England for their continued partnership and support of our mission of recovery. As we continue our work to save lives, I ask our leaders in Washington to put politics aside and devote resources, not rhetoric, to combating this epidemic.”

Fighting Rhode Island's opioid overdose crisis is one of Governor Raimondo’s top priorities. In August of 2015, she signed an Executive Order creating the Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force. This July, she signed a followup Executive Order to implement Rhode Island's opioid crisis Action Plan and announced that CVS Health would be opening an Opioid Center of Excellence in Woonsocket. Since taking office, the Governor has worked with legislative leaders in the General Assembly to pass ambitious legislation aimed at preventing opioid overdoses, including a bill that increases the penalties for trafficking fentanyl.

The new treatment service is called the Recovery Stabilization Program and will be led by Butler Hospital’s Chief Dr. Kevin Baill, unit chief of intensive inpatient adult treatment services; Continuum’s Director of Operations Heather Lykas, LMHC; Medical Director Catherine DeGood, DO; and Clinical Director Gretchen Anderson, LICSW. Baill is also a member of Governor Raimondo’s Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force.

“Centers of Excellence (COE) are the cornerstone of Governor Raimondo's Action Plan created by the Governor's Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force,” stated BHDDH Director Rebecca Boss. “COEs are integral to our success in fighting the opioid epidemic and we are pleased that Care New England has become a partner in this effort.”

For 2016, the Rhode Island Department of Health reports there were 56 accidental deaths from prescription drugs, 216 from illicit drugs, and 66 involving both pharmaceutical and illegal drugs in the state. This is 46 more deaths from opioid overdose than reported for 2015. There are almost an equal number of deaths for those 25 to 34 years of age as there are for those 45 to 54 years of age, respectively, at 96 and 97 accidental overdoses for each age group. Also alarming is a nine-fold increase since 2009 in the number of deaths related to Fentanyl, a highly potent opioid. Since 2009, 1,534 Rhode Islanders have lost their lives to opioids.

James Fanale, MD, executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief clinical officer, Care New England Health System, said, “We are proud to offer this new program as part of Rhode Island’s fight to stem and reverse the growing number of people suffering with addiction to opioids, and, through these efforts, to play a role in lowering the number of deaths from overdose.”

At Butler Hospital, in the 12 months from October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017, there were 1,549 discharges from inpatient addiction services of which 30.1 percent were for opioid use; 712 discharges from alcohol and drug addiction partial hospital (day) program with 25.8 percent related to opioid use treatment; and more than half (55.8 percent) of the 254 discharges from Butler’s ambulatory detoxification clinic were being treated for opiate use. Likewise, Continuum saw between 350 and 400 individuals over 500 treatment episodes, with a significant percentage returning multiple times for care.

“Expanding access to treatment is a central component of our nationally-recognized strategy to address the addiction and overdose crisis,” said Eric Beane, Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. “Butler Hospital is stepping up to meet the highest standard as a levelone Center of Excellence. Their commitment to providing outpatient treatment to any patient within 24 hours ensures that Rhode Islanders will have access to the help they need as they embark on the path to recovery.”

The outpatient Recovery Stabilization Program provides easy access to care and is offered at Butler and Continuum

locations in Providence and North Kingstown. The specialized service is designed to provide six months or more of treatment. The recovery team may include an addiction specialty physician, registered nurse, licensed therapist, and case manager. The team manages the outpatient treatment and determines when someone requires more intensive services, such as inpatient, partial hospital, or ambulatory detoxification, because of early stages of recovery, relapse, or increased risk of relapse.

“Our team recognizes that recovery is not a straight path.

Relapse is not uncommon, and we don’t judge people when they stumble in recovery,” added Dr. Baill. “Instead, we get them the right care they need at the right time, knowing that this is how treatment works and that recovery is possible.”

Once patients are stabilized, long term treatment is transferred to a primary care provider (PCP) and a therapist to manage medications and continue counselling, respectively. The recovery stabilization team remains available for consults should there be a need to intervene or consider adjusting medications.

People are admitted to the program through a referral from their physician or therapist, an emergency department doctor, or when self-presenting to Butler Hospital’s Patient Assessment Services in its Emergency Department. To start the process, individuals contact CNE’s Call Center for Behavioral Health Services at 1 (844) 401-0111, which is available 24/7.

“The program will even cover the cab fare to transport someone from the Kent Hospital Emergency Department to Butler Hospital,” said Dr. Baill. Once at Butler, the patient will be further assessed to determine if inpatient or outpatient medically-assisted detoxification is necessary before entering the program for a combination of medication management, skill-based therapy, and group support to treat the opioid addiction. This allows people to begin treatment seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Dr. Baill commented, “We are very appreciative to the State and the Governor for recognizing the importance of creating these types of specialized medication assisted treatment services. The Center of Excellence designation also means those insured by the State can get the treatment they need without any barriers. Our goal is to offer comprehensive, wrap-around care that fully supports individuals in their recovery from opioid addiction, regardless of what behaviors or medical history has caused their addiction. This is a judgement-free environment.”

For additional program information visit: http://carenewengland.org/services/recovery-stabilization/

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Hospital Newspaper - NE

Donors recognized for generous support of Waveny LifeCare Network

Waveny LifeCare Network thanked its many contributors and recognized the support of special honorees George and Carol Bauer of The Bauer Foundation, Legacy Society member Jim Bach, and community leaders Linda and Jay Twombly.

Waveny LifeCare Network thanked its many supporters at its annual donor recognition reception on Tuesday, October 24th.

Longtime donors Carol and George Bauer of The Bauer Foundation, Legacy Society member Jim Bach, and community leaders Linda and Jay Twombly were honored for their generous support and commitment to Waveny. William Piper, Chief Executive Officer, opened the evening by acknowledging everyone for their generosity which helps to ensure the quality of care Waveny is best known for and that Waveny will be here in the future.

“This year’s honorees are inspirational in their generosity and serve as great examples of community leadership,” said Todd Lampert, Board Chair. The honorees all witnessed the excellent care Waveny provided to their family members and the meaningful programs offered to residents, which made a significant lasting impression. These donors all made charitable contributions to ensure that other families could benefit from that same high quality care.

“In recognition of their countless contributions to the community and valued support of Waveny, it is our honor to recognize our dear friends Linda and Jay Twombly,” said Cynthia Gorey, Vice President of Development.

Jay is a longtime Board member and served in many leadership capacities, and was Chairman of the Board in 2012 and 2013, during which time he led a strategic review of the organization. Linda has been a Meals on Wheels volunteer for over 20 years so visits Waveny frequently. The Twomblys have been long-time sponsors of “Swinging for Seniors,” Waveny’s annual golf and tennis fundraiser. As key Waveny advocates for decades, Jay and Linda put their heart into the development efforts and are role models for good community citizens who are true doers.

Carol and George Bauer of The Bauer Foundation were also honored. The Bauer Foundation was founded in 1989 as a vehicle to make charitable donations and just as importantly to get their three children involved in family philanthropy. The Bauer’s believe in investing time as well as making charitable

donations to the causes they care about, and Waveny has benefitted from their gifts of time, talent and treasure. George has served as a board member and Carol is a longtime volunteer and currently plays the piano for our weekly spiritual service program. The Bauer Foundation has been a generous supporter for this special initiative that helps make Waveny unique. In a letter to their children when they established the family foundation, Carol and George wrote ‘We have a great opportunity to impact some of the world’s problems over time.’ “And they certainly have and continue to do so and our world is indeed a better place for their efforts,” stated Gorey.

Jim Bach, a true legend in New Canaan, was recognized as a Legacy Society member who has included Waveny in his planned giving through his will. Jim’s mother was one of the first patients at Waveny shortly after it opened in 1975 and subsequently, both Jim’s father and his wife, Vona, were patients as well. Vona was also a dedicated volunteer for years. The Bachs have been long-time sup-

porters of the organization’s fundraising efforts, helping to ensure that other families could benefit from Waveny’s care. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to thank Jim for his generosity, for his contributions to Waveny, the town of New Canaan and beyond,” stated Ms. Gorey.

Waveny LifeCare Network provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to meet the needs of older adults. Waveny is a nonprofit organization that offers independent living at The Inn, assisted living and respite care for people with memory impairment at The Village, and skilled nursing, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services at Waveny Care Center. The continuum also includes the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, an Adult Day Program that provides free door-to-door transportation throughout most of lower Fairfield County, and an array of community-based services through Waveny Home Healthcare, Waveny at Home and Geriatric Care Management. For more information, call 1-855-WAVENY-1 or visit their website: www.waveny.org.

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Hospital Newspaper - NE