St. John’s Named to Long-Term Care Equality Index St. John’s was recently awarded national distinction as a LGBTQ-friendly senior community. The Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI)— the first-ever nationwide assessment of LGBTQ inclusivity and inclusion at American long-term care communities)— named St. John’s as a “Pioneering Participant” on their initial report. The LEI is a national benchmarking tool created by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and SAGE, the world’s largest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ older adults. “We are thrilled to have been named to the LEI Index,” St. John’s Vice President of Skilled Services Nate Sweeney told the Rochester Business Journal‘s Velvet Spicer. “One of the most important decisions older adults
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A Newsletter for St. John’s Skilled Services August 2021
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ONEIDA ANGUJAR: A ST. JOHN’S SUCCESS STORY
make is where to live and for the LGBTQ population, an added stress is finding a place that’s friendly and accepting. From Pride Week to featuring real LGBTQ residents in our marketing efforts to the welcoming culture we’ve created, we are proud of the thoughtful and deliberate efforts we have made to ensure our LGBTQ residents are treated inclusively and that we have culturally competent policies and practices in place.”
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NEW SPACES ENGAGE RESIDENTS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA Page 2
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Katie Nau is one St. John’s Home resident that staff and volunteers continuously look forward to seeing around the halls due to her kind nature and friendly spirit. Before moving to St. John’s, Katie had been an avid reader, enjoyed canning foods, and when she had time— would break out her crafty side by knitting or sewing. Unfortunately, some of these hobbies became less possible with age. St. John’s, however, has offered Katie a full calendar of events and activities to keep her and her fellow residents busy.
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Katie and Patty’s Story
Editor/Marketing Coordinator Devin Andrieu dandrieu@stjohnsliving.org
Vice President of Marketing Jennifer Lesinski jlesinski@stjohnsliving.org
Marketing Communications Manager Tom Harner tharner@stjohnsliving.org
President and CEO Charlie Runyon
Vice President of Skilled Services Nate Sweeney
Katie is a frequent attendee at our weekly summer Courtyard Concert series, at picnics, and often enjoys bonding with any fuzzy new visitor with whom she comes into contact; she even recently bonded with a Police Patrol horse.
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thank you letter stating, “it was the time of my life to see something like that. I never expected anything like that.” Patty is a frequent volunteer at St. John’s who was matched with Katie for their mutual love of reading. At her first visit with Katie, it was clear to Patty that she was not at all shy and had two main loves: first, her family, with chocolate a close second. Patty enjoys bringing Katie down to the St. John’s Home Gift Shop to get chocolate and sitting to talk with her at events or in retreat spaces throughout the Home.
Katie is also not one who shies away from sharing her sentiments. She recently expressed heartfelt appreciation for everything staff members have done during this tough year, mentioning that she has been “served wonderfully by staff and volunteers.”
Patty began volunteering in May 2021 and quickly became a weekly volunteer with frequent visits to her favorite residents such as Katie. “I love volunteering here and seeing the residents eyes light up when you see them,” says Patty. The connections Patty has been able to make with residents, staff members, and other volunteers are what keep her coming back. Since starting her volunteer journey, she has encouraged others to do the same by telling those around her “to the point of boring them” about how fantastic it has been.
At 99 years young, Katie even had the opportunity to make her television debut when she was featured in our new commercial alongside her companion volunteer Patty Patterson. Katie boasted about her experience in a
Katie will soon be turning 100 and everyone at St. John’s cannot wait to celebrate her at our next Centenarian Celebration. For more stories like this one go to: https://bit.ly/2ORB9ld