POWERED BY THE BRANDYWINE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
NEWS & NOTES ALL AROUND BRANDYWINE
ISSUE 46 | FALL 2021
Keep Being Amazing! #brandywinestrong Love,
Brandywine Living at Alexandria
AND THE
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Another amazing week of events took place during National Assisted Living Week in September. Wondering who won 1st Place or a BEST award? Tune into Brandywine “LIVE.”
Moorestown Estates
BEST AWARDS - NOMINATIONS
Alexandria
Culinary Experience Voorhees - Chopped The Savoy - Toast to Our Residents! Huntington Terrace - No Time for A Siesta, We're Having A Fiesta! Potomac - Represent Your Country!
Middlebrook Crossing
Dresher Estates - Supper Club
Grandparents’ Day Brandall
Toms River - A Wild Grandparents’ Day Celebration Longwood - Boardwalk BBQ Wall - Grandparents’ Day College Orientation Seaside - Live Performance by the Brandywine Choir
Colts Neck
The Sycamore - Grandparents’ Day Celebration
Team Spirit The Gables (included Wall, Toms River, Reflections) - Arabian Olympics! Pennington - Fabulous Fifties: Pennington's Sock Hop Brandall Estates - Car Wash & Karaoke Fundraiser Middlebrook Crossing - Team Member Olympic Games Haddonfield - Reflections Field Day
Haverford Estates
ominees ARE... Mountain Ridge
Fenwick Island
Wow Factor
Princeton - The Wild West Meets Country
Colts Neck - “Carnival” Appreciation Day Senior Suites - Exhibit Premiere: Life Continues to be Beautiful! Fenwick Island - Camp Elderberry
Howell
Upper Providence
Governor’s Crossing - Elegant Family Dinner
Creative Individual Program Howell - The Pinewood Derby Livingston - Water Gun and Water Balloon Canvas Painting Mahwah - Broadway Review starring YOU
Dresher Estates
Litchfield
Upper Providence - Goat Yoga Haverford Estates - Royal Mystery Tea Party with Sherlock Holmes
Virtual Experience (Added Category!) Alexandria - Cranium: 2nd Annual Floor vs Floor Trivia
Livingston
The Savoy
Litchfield - Grandparents’ Day: “Swing & Sway” The USO Way Moorestown - Camp Motown Bonfire Mt. Ridge - Reflections “Tiny Bubbles” Performance Reflections (included The Gables) “Around the World” Art Project
Video Project Alexandria - Sea Cruise Princeton - All the Single Ladies Brandall - Thank You for Being a Friend Haddonfield - Be Nice Huntington Terrace - Calendar Girls
BRANDYWINE “LIVE” Virtual BCE Awards
Thursday, January 20, 2022 more details to follow
SPOTLIGHTING OUR Joanne Mcdowell Henderson Wellness Nurse-Brandywine Living at Upper Providence Hi, Joanne. Tell us about yourself and how you got into nursing?
I started out as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at St. Joseph’s Villa. They provided classes to receive your license as a CNA, so that’s where I started. I always wanted to go back to school to become a nurse. At the time I had two children, but I went to the school when I could and took the classes I needed for the nursing program. That’s quite an accomplishment. What was your first job as a nurse?
I’ve been a nurse for about 17 years now! I started at Abington Hospital as an LPN before going to work at a skilled nursing facility. After I moved to New Jersey, I started working in an assisted living facility. What led you to Brandywine?
When I came to Brandywine I noticed how different it was to other facilities, particularly skilled nursing, where you could spend more time with the residents. I fell in love with the feel of the building and the residents. It felt more personal. Here I am four years later! We are lucky to have you! What inspires you to do the work you do?
I like to make the residents happy. I really like the residents and want to
3RD QUARTER Alexandria Melissa Dennison - Welcome Coordinator
Haverford Estates Beatrice Hill - Care Manager
Brandall Estates Beria Noel - Care Manager
Howell Melissa Branco - Wellness Nurse
Colts Neck Alondra Martin - Concierge
Huntington Terrace Tavon Holmes - Care Manager
Dresher Estates Eugennie Bruce-Brown - Care Manager
Litchfield Chris Zbuska - Wellness Nurse
Fenwick Island Teresa Swann - Chef
Livingston Keisha Waldron - Wellness Nurse
The Gables Judith Celeste - Escapades Expert
Longwood Helen Pennington - Waitstaff
Governor's Crossing Frances Colon - Wellness Nurse
Mahwah Diana Arias - Wellness Nurse
Haddonfield Betsaida Orocio-Cruz - Concierge
Middlebrook Crossing Jolene Coddington - Escapades Expert
R
Brandystars
make sure they are taken care of. It makes me feel good when I can help them even during their ups and downs. Can you share an example?
Every once in a while, a Reflections resident who likes to be called Aunt D, will come into the office and ask to call her family. Together, we ended up going down the list of people in her family and calling her sister. They started talking and getting emotional on the phone. Aunt D’s sister had said that she had been trying to get into contact with her on her cell phone that Aunt D lost. I gave her sister the nursing cell phone number, so she could talk to her sister anytime. It made me feel so good because I could see how happy Aunt D was. And, after she got off the phone she thanked me so much. Tell me something exciting happening in your life right now.
Actually! I just had a grandson born last month (October 28th). I love spending time with him. I have four children who are 30, 27, 21, and 18; and I have two grandchildren who bring me so much joy! How wonderful! Congratulations on your grandson and congratulations on being a Brandystar.
“Joanne has a wonderful sense of humor and is patient and kind with our most vulnerable residents. She is always willing to assist, often pitching in to help the residents with an event or picking up an open shift in nursing. She is the ‘go to person’ when we need an extra hand. We are lucky to have her at Upper Providence.” Alice Stroop-Wellness Director
BRANDYSTARS Moorestown Estates Samantha Emerson - Wellness Nurse
Senior Suites Shantel Hamilton - Wellness Nurse
Mountain Ridge Lorraine Walker - Care Manager
The Sycamore Shamir Aiken - Dining Assistant
Pennington Jill Langone - Escapades Expert
Toms River Teresa Fallucca - Escapades Expert
Potomac Tanesha Mcfadden - Butler
Upper Providence Joanne McDowell-Henderson - Wellness Nurse
Princeton Carolin Mendez - Laundry Staff
Voorhees Carmen Alvarez - Housekeeping Staff
Reflections James Langston - Chef
Wall Veronica Jones - Waitstaff
The Savoy Leon Reid - Chauffeur Seaside Pointe Lucesita Pacheco - Care Manager
Gratitudes & A
Dear Ms. Bacon:
Greetings from Delaware and I hope this letter finds you well. My mother Patsy Murray has been a resident of Brandywine Fenwick Island since September 2017. Today I want to take this opportunity to sing the praises of Ms. Eileen Bennett and her team in the provision of care to my Mom, and to me. I don’t write this letter lightly–I’m a pretty hard grader as they say. However, our collective extraordinary experiences during the last year owing to the pandemic necessitate a giant “at a girl/boy” for all involved. I can imagine a few more difficult circumstances for even the most seasoned leaders in healthcare facilities. Eileen and her team have done an extraordinary job under extremely difficult circumstances and I for one, want to sing their praises. Eileen’s excellent leadership skills during this period have not gone unnoticed. Always keeping a positive attitude, navigating the extraordinarily difficult staffing challenges, communicating with families, information is known to her all demonstrate her Pictured: Eileen Bennett (left), Kison commitment to the residents and their families alike. You know better than Drummond (back), Patsy Murray (middle), most that the journey of someone with dementia is not only extraordinarily Jamie Betts (right). difficult for the resident, but also for family members. As my mother’s POA and the person most invested in her care and quality of life, I have welcomed and appreciated the support provided to me as well. I would be remiss if I didn’t express my profound gratitude for both Jamie Betts and Kison Drummond who provide extraordinary care for my Mom (and me)! I could go on and list many, many other Brandywine FI staff in multiple departments which again speaks to the profound impact Eileen’s leadership skills have on the quality of my Mom’s care. As evidence of this fact, I recently witnessed Eileen dawning her chef gear as she was helping in the kitchen on a day when she had provided respite for many of her department heads in gratitude for their exceptional service during this extraordinary time. In my book, that’s what leadership is all about. Thanks for the opportunity to express my gratitude as my Mom begins her 5th year at Brandywine FI. Eileen and her team reflect favorably on your profession and your business in my opinion–much to be proud of. You have my very best wishes for a healthy and happy Fall. Kathy L. Russell
Dear Natalie,
any facility perhaps the happiest of e ar nts ide res e Th n! andy wine Moorestow I've performed. I love performing at Br ons in five states where ati loc 100 er ov to s thi e ar I can think of. I can comp high energ y, with detail, responding with in do I at wh low fol y elligent comments, rt and the igent questions, make int ell The residents are very ale int k as ey Th . on ati respect and must and appreci ated with a great deal of tre specif ic understanding, ly us vio ob e ar ey Th ul to be a part of medicated. makes me feel wonderf It re. and are clearly not overca nd ou ar all d an of treatment receive a high standard d experience it. an ss all that, and to witne If I were looking for a for what they're doing. e ais pr t ea gr ve ser de ff be at the top of my list. The management and sta wine Moorestown would dy an Br e, on ed lov a or self, retirement home for my yone. e my comments with an You may feel free to shar Very Truly Yours, Tony Juliano
Appreciation... , Dear Lisa and Judy
me pictures people! Joy showed g in az am t os m e th - what a You two are versary celebration ni an ’s ad D d an rilled! she took of Mom em! They were so th th r fo ed ng ra ar th ses –— bo beautiful event you e incredibly cute glas os th d an e, gn pa s, cham ging Decorations, balloon e was even some sin er th d ar he I ? ng hi t dinner to have I missed anyt ul, Joy, and I brough Pa ! ed lv vo in ?) ng us and (serenadi ill and some gorgeo Gr h fis ne Bo om fr k you Mom and Dad n’t know how to than do y pl sim I . rt sse , Mom and Dad delicious cake for de generous. You know d an nd ki so g in be wasn’t a enough for this anniversary, it e at br le ce to w ho much attention. don’t really know ’t want to draw too dn di ey aries th d an ” “5 “0” or a int, all the annivers po is th at at th em r to th but you both I guess it didn’t occu e them feel special, ak m to st be r ou d riptions - wow! are big ones. We di beyond your job desc go to d ha at th h uc le that our family did so m d most caring peop an , ng vi gi st, te ee ed with You are the sw ith! I am overwhelm w ed nt ai qu ac be y heart for going has been blessed to om the bottom of m fr u yo k an th d an gratitude “over and above”! d blessings,
Wishing you peace an Jill Drew
INVESTING IN BRANDYWINE UNIVERSITY IS BACK! The Brandywine University training center reopened and welcomed many of our leaders for a day of social & safe learning and sharing best practices!
Shamira Thomas (Assistant Wellness Director at Middlebrook Crossing) & Tarrah Preval (Assistant Wellness Director at Mountain Ridge)
WELLNESS STANDARDS & BEST PRACTICES NOVEMBER 3, 2021
Wellness leaders gathered together for the first time in a very long time! Best practices and workforce recruitment was at the top of the agenda! And, a special educational session called “Stress Management First Aid” was presented by Marilyn Morales (Clinical Operations Manager) and Kelly Bieber (VP of Clinical Operations). A day of renewed commitment to clinical services at Brandywine! An energetic and committed team of professionals!
OUR PROGRAMMING INNOVATION
Team
NOVEMBER 10, 2021 Escapades...for Life! Leaders brought energy back into the training center this month with a full agenda of innovation program planning for 2022. Robust discussion on lifestyle services, resident experience and what’s ahead! Amazing group of programming professionals who make a difference every day!
REFLECTIONS CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (RCP) TRAINER PROGRAM DECEMBER 1, 2021
Team leaders gathered to learn how to train team members on how to be successful in providing care to those with memory care needs in Reflections. Check out the graduating class of RCP Trainers!
Escapades...for Life! Leaders hamming it up for the camera! Danielle Aarstad, Lifestyle Coordinator at Haverford Estates (right) and Shantelle McCullough, Escapades Producer at Upper Producer (left)
WHAT’S GOING ON AR
CORPORATE Shawna McGinnis (Graphic Designer) & her husband Joe, welcomed their first baby! Theodore (Teddy) was born on September 10th, weighing in at 6lbs 2 oz.
CORPORATE Deb Ussery Stine (Chief Nursing Officer) welcomed another grandchild. Elizabeth Rose Ussery (Ellie) was born November 18th (7 pounds 6 oz). Congrats Deb!
GOVERNOR’S CROSSING Brittany and Jimmy Franco welcomed their second child, Julianna Marie, April 8, 2021!
MIDDLEBROOK CROSSING Care Manager, Elizabeth Rullo, welcomed her grandson Stefan Brian, July 21, 2021!
LONGWOOD Business Office Manager, Mary (Walker) Stefanko eloped to Las Vegas with her fiance on September 23, 2021! Congratulations!
LITCHFIELD Congratulations to DCR Lindsay Miller’s son, Logan, who began college and played soccer for Eastern Connecticut State University and her son, Peyton, who is now attending IVLA and playing soccer for the New England Revolution MLS Academy.
ROUND
THE KINGDOM?
MOORESTOWN ESTATES Brandywine Moorestown’s Staffing Coordinator, Michelle Garside, celebrated her 30th work anniversary at Brandywine.
MIDDLEBROOK CROSSING Nicole May (pictured left) was an LPN and went through our nursing tuition program with Brandywine, received her RN and became the Assistant Wellness Director at Middlebrook and promoted to Wellness Director at Mountain Ridge. Shamira Thomas (pictured right) started with Brandywine as a care manager and went on to get her nursing degree. Shamira is now the Assistant Wellness Director at Middlebrook. Ironically for Shamira this happened on her 15 years anniversary with Brandywine!
LONGWOOD Mariya Soto is now an RN. She started her nursing career at Brandywine as an LPN. Congrats!
FENWICK ISLAND Erin Bennett began her career at Brandywine as a concierge. She was then promoted to Welcome Coordinator, and now DCR!
MOORESTOWN ESTATES Special Congratulations to Jesse Moreland who received the Gold Medal for the first round of golf in order to qualify for the National Special Olympics.
BRANDYWINE
Gives Back
Brandywine Living at Dresher Estates and Longwood participated in PINK Day! honoring Breast Cancer awareness month and both communities raised money for the cause! Longwood Dresher Estates
Brandywine Living at Colts Neck joined the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 3rd at Bradley Beach, NJ.
Brandywine Living at Haddonfield partnered with the Cathedral Kitchen to make sandwiches and dropping them off to those in need!
Our Mission
Brandywine Living will provide our residents with the highest quality care in the most appropriate setting based on an individual’s needs while respecting their individuality, independence and dignity.
Our Core Values •
We believe that every resident has the right to be treated with dignity and respect and has the right of self-determination.
•
We believe that honesty, integrity, caring and thoughtfulness are as important as the health care we provide.
• • •
We believe in delivering the best quality service possible to those who have put their trust in us.
We believe that our residents are active, joyful and fascinating individuals who will continue to learn and grow each day and will contribute to our learning and growing as well. We believe that great care is a team effort where ideas, collaboration, and mutual respect for each team member’s efforts and contributions are essential to the result.
HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS LATEST EDITION OF THE TRIBUTE! If you have a special story or accomplishment to share, please send to thetribute@brandycare.com.