HyeDounAprilMayJune2010PS

A Publication of the Armenian Nursing And Rehabilitation Center, Inc., Emerson, NJApril/May/June 2010

A Publication of the Armenian Nursing And Rehabilitation Center, Inc., Emerson, NJA Publication of the Armenian Nursing And Rehabilitation Center, Inc., Emerson, NJ

Hye Doun

ANRC Board Members Presenting Check to the New Building ArchitectStanding L to R John Vanishkian, Board Member; Dave Rowan,Treasurer; Annette Tamalian-Almond, Corresponding Secetary; Craig Froonjian, DMD, Ombudsman; Khoren Nalbandian, Secretary; Matt Russo, LNHA, ANRC Administrator; Sitting Vatche Baghdikian, Vice President; Bob Cozzarelli, AIA, Architect; Andy Torigian, President and Chairman of the Board. Missing are Berge Talanian, Assistant Treasurer; and Ted Takvorian. Esq. Board Member.

Full Speed Ahead For a New ANRC Building

2 HYE DOUN | April/May/June 2010

Andrew Torigian

The Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center sits on three spacious acres nestled in wooded, suburban Emerson, Bergen County, NJ.

Our Address is:Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

70 Main Street, Emerson NJ 07630Phone: 201.261.6662 Fax: 201.261.5509

You are invited to call and make an appointment to discuss the individual needs of your loved one.Directions:By Bus: Port Authority: Bus #165 to EmersonBy Car: Exit #165 on Garden State Parkway. Right turn onto Oradell Ave. Left turn onto Kinderkamack Rd. Turn right onto Main St. Follow contours of road. Home on left.From GWB: Take Route 4 to Kinderkamack Rd. Right turn onto Main St. Follow contours of road. Home on left.

Board OfTrustees

ANDREW TORIGIANPresident of the Home and Chairman of the Board of Trustees

VATCHE BAGHDIKIANVice President

DAVID ROWANTreasurer

BERGE TALANIANAssistant Treasurer

KHOREN NALBANDIANRecording Secretary

ANNETTE TAMALIAN-ALMONDCorresponding Secretary

H. CRAIG FROONJIAN, DMDTED TAKVORIAN, Esq.JOHN VANISKHIANBoard Members

MATTHEW RUSSO, LNHAAdministrator

JAN MRANI, M.D.Medical Director

Hye DounEditorial Board

Andrew TorigianChief Editor

Louisa JanbazianEditor

Matthew RussoAdvisor

Howard TorossianPhotographs

Layout & Design by Caspian Seal

Caspianseal.com

Printed byPRINTSOLUTIONS

Englewood, NJ201.567.9622

The President’s Message

We did it. At the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (ANRC) Board meeting in May, a check and a signed contract was given to Bertone Cozzarelli Healthcare Architects, LLC to

begin Phase 1; Parts 2.1 and 2.2.for the new building (See Front Cover). This phase includes the completion of Programming & Schematic Design based on the preliminary planning municipal approval given by the Town of Emerson Planning Board and the final agency approvals. To put this in layman’s language for the new ANRC building, the Architect will incorporate the specific design changes developed during the planning process and approved by the ANRC Board. The types of patient rooms and specific care programs will be finalized along with the types of

amenities and ancillary facilities and special needs area within the building. The new building will be using the latest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating in sustainable design, water conservation, energy and atmosphere conservation, as well as materials and resource conservation and indoor environmental quality. The building can also be called a “Green” Building. Upon completion of Phase 1 we will be able to get a budget cost estimate. While we work towards the new building our excellence in service to our residents continues. The ANRC still maintains its 4 star rating thanks to our great staff. A letter was recently received which probably summarizes our efforts. The following is an excerpt of the letter with the exact words: “To the Staff of the ANRC, . . . . Although putting my mother in a care facility has been one of the hardest things I ever had to do, it has eased my anxiety knowing she is at the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Indeed she is with people who care about her and give her personalized attention. Upon entering the ANRC, you are greeted by each level of staff in a warm and caring manner, as I have gotten information about my mother that makes me aware that every employee, regardless of status, is involved in her daily life. The patients are not only well groomed and clean but treated with respect, dignity and kindness. I have witnessed the patience and tolerance the staff has shown even in the most difficult situations. With the excellent care and love my mother has received from the entire staff of the Armenian Home, she has made great strides in understanding and adjusting to her new life. From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for working together and incorporating my mother and our family into your wonderful family. Sincerely, Joanne Ognibene(daughter of Rose Constanzo) “ A letter like this inspires all of us to do more, thank you Joanne. q

ent jobs. In relying on his personal beliefs, he made his success by believing that what he was doing he was “up there.” After working as a barber by day and financial ser-vices representative at night he worked his way up in the business world. Annually for many years, his corporation would send him to its Top Producers convention for attain-ing that status among his peers throughout the country. He always brought the motivational speaking home with him. I never took seriously what he said those days, but I still hear him today. I learned a lot from him, more than he ever knew and was able to give him credit for. Many did not know it inside and out, but five short years ago the ANRC was too suffering from the “down there” syndrome. Working in Bergen County for many years as an outsider at that time, I knew when taking this position that the home was also viewed as a “down there” nursing home even when the nursing care provided inside proved otherwise. The principal reasons being viewed as “down there” was poor and/or careless leadership at my position as well as other positions within the company. In order to rid the home of the negative feelings efforts were focused in areas of weakness that went unaddressed in the past. New alliances had to be formed while lasting relationships were fortified. If you’ve read my column throughout the years, you’ll have read about the years of change that took place to get here. Having a positive reputation and respect in all com-munities is critical. If you’re in a dormant state and not willing to make the necessary hard choices while creat-ing and maintaining forward change you’ll remain stuck in neutral, if not decline even further. Today our home continues to provide professional ser-vices that are not just expected but part of our “up there” belief system. Our standing within all communities today is brighter than it was in 2005 and I am proud to be part of better times. Though we are doing well, it is not the time to be complacent. We must always continue to demonstrate this attained status. To all of you who have supported the home in the past and present, I thank you for your dedica-tion. We will continue to maintain this positive curve for-ward in our bright and strongly present future. Be well.q

From the Administrator’s Desk

HYE DOUN | April/May/June 2010 3

Matthew L. Russo, LNHA Administrator

You Better Believe It!O ur hard work and dedica-

tion to the ANRC contin-ues to pay off as we an-

ticipate our groundbreaking for the future home in what appears to be less than one year. Never before has our organization been this close and involved in making the new “Hye Doun” come true! When I arrived five years ago in 2005, the talk of our new home was evi-dent but the foundation on which it stood was tremulous. Employee morale was ornery and a good number of folks involved with the home appeared deflated when the more-than-decade long topic of the skilled nursing replacement facility took place. Income to the home was scarce and monthly financial returns just barely made the grade; the home’s long term future on paper was uncertain. That was then and this is now. While the ANRC had been saving for its future home, the reason for its coffers was not to provide a backbone for its financial instability, it was needed to add to its legacy. “If you mentally believe you’re down here, you’ll act like you’re down here. But if you believe you’re up here, and really truly believe it, you automatically go there! It doesn’t happen over time. Money cannot do it for you. It’s gotta be in your brain! It’s instantaneous so long as you believe it!” These simple words were spoken from my father as he would smack the back of his hand to the underside of the other. The animated talks were on routine display for many years before as he comically put it, “left the planet.” As an Italian he would use his hands often when trying to get a point across. He certainly got his point across my bottom when I grew up as a child! But as I became older during those age 20-30 years where young people usu-ally spend short blocks of time from one employer to the next, he was quite the motivational leader. The son of a machine die-cast operator without any college education he became a very successful businessman. A barber in his early days for “Pasadena Pete’s” on Main Street in Paterson, he supported the family by working three differ-

In the last edition of Hye Doun on Page 8, we incorrectly listed Very Rev. Fr. Vazken Karayan

as being from Holy Martyrs Church. Rev. Karayan is pastor of Holy Cross Armenian Church in Union City, NJ. We sincerely apologize for our error.

Moving On Up?

Health


EEach year outbreaks of respiratory illness includ-ing pneumonia occur in in-

stitutional settings such as nurs-ing homes (LTCFs). Because of their underlying health status, residents in LTCFs are at high risk for developing serious com-plications. Historically, specific emphasis has been placed on influenza. Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that can cause substantial illness. In the United States, annual epi-demics of influenza occur typically during late fall through early spring. Influenza is associated with approximately 36,000 deaths and 226,000 hospitalizations each year. Influenza vaccination of health care personnel and LTCF residents combined with basic infection control practices, can help prevent transmission of influenza. Every effort should be made to ensure compliance with influenza vaccination recommendations each season. However, influenza out-breaks can still occur even when vaccine coverage among LTCF residents is high. If influenza is confirmed, appropriate use of anti-virals should be initiated. In addition to the burden of influenza, other respiratory viruses that cause the “common cold” and bacterial patho-gens causing respiratory illness affect residents and staff of LTCFs each year. LTCFs are encouraged to take the flu vac-cine, unless clinically contra indicated. Special in-service to control the spread of germs is given to the staff as an extra precaution. Controlling influenza is a combined effort of concern on the part of everyone. Good and effective hand washing is recommended at all times. q

Respiratory Outbreaks In LTCF (Long Term Case Facilities)

As many adults can attest, it is often difficult to see a loved one in a nursing

home and even more difficult to witness a deterioration of their health. As we mature, we are offered an ability to understand such events as our loved one’s admission to a nursing home or the need for their increased care. Children, on the other hand, are unable to process information in the same way as adults, making a simple visit with a grandparent in the nursing home confusing or scary if left unexplained. In order to ensure a positive experience, adults must be sensitive to the needs of children but how is this done? An important thing to keep in mind when speaking with children is honesty. Being honest and open while maintaining age appropriate discussion and explanation will help to eliminate confusion. For example, when a child asks why their grandmother was placed in a nursing home, one can explain that, as we get older, we require more care. It is important to recognize that the younger the child, the more abstract his thinking is. Therefore, stating that grandma now needs help taking a shower or brushing her teeth will make the situation more understandable for a child. In addition, allowing the child to ask questions as they arise will help them feel in control of the information they receive and determine what they do and do not want to know. When a question is asked, a concise, age appropriate answer is best. In other words, only give the information that is asked for, nothing more. Preparation is another important factor in determining how a child will react during a visit to the nursing home. Telling the child what they can expect to see, smell, feel, etc. during their visit can drastically reduce a negative reaction. This should also include the loved one’s current mental state or cognition. For example, telling a child that they can expect that their loved one with dementia may not remember their name is important along with a short explanation on why this might happen; “sometimes Grandma’s brain forgets certain things that she used to remember all the time”. Reassuring the child will help to eliminate any concern that they are too afraid to mention. This child may be thinking that his grandmother isn’t remembering his name because she doesn’t love him. Telling him that grandma still loves him despite her brain not remembering can help to reassure him.

A Child’s Mind: Preparing Children for a Visit to the Nursing HomeBeth Aymar MSW, LSW

Maggy Petrosian, RN, Patient Care Coordinator

Finally, allowing the child to actively participate in the visit can provide a sense of ease or even excitement. This may include making a card to bring to grandma, picking out flowers for her, sitting next to her during a meal, etc. A visit with a loved one in a nursing home can be difficult at any age; however, with good preparation, honesty, and reassurance, a child can have a positive experience. q


In the Kitchen with Chef Alan

Pet Therapy means the use of cats, dogs or other animals to provide a health benefit to its

human companion. Studies have proven that pet therapy is effective in helping people both physically and emotionally. Studies have shown that petting animals can bring down a person’s blood pressure. It can also trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain which can elevate one’s mood.

Common Characteristics of a Pet Therapy Animal:Calm• Loving• Obedient and well behaved• People friendly and good with strangers• Good with other animals• Able to be in a crowd and not react to loud noises• Clean• Gentle but strong• Not a jumper•

We are fortunate to have pet visits twice a month. On the third Monday of each month we are visited by a pet from the Van Saun Zoo. And one Saturday a month we are lucky enough to have a woman volunteer her time to bring her dog, Indy, to visit with our residents. q

Pet VisitsSandy Cortelyou, ADC, Director of Activities

Well summer is almost here, and B-B-Q’s and picnics will be starting up soon both at the ANRC and at home. Here is one of the most asked questions I

get: How do I keep potato salad “safe” in the summer? Mayonnaise has gotten a bad reputation, being blamed for spoiled potato salads and upset stomachs after many summer picnics and barbecues. You may think that switching from a mayonnaise-based dressing to a vinaigrette will protect your potato salad (and your family) from food poisoning. Think again. The main ingredients in mayonnaise are raw eggs, vegetable oil, and an acid (usually vinegar or lemon juice). The eggs used in commercially made mayonnaise have been pasteurized to kill salmonella and other bacteria. Its high acidity is another safeguard; because bacteria do not fare well in acidic environments, the lemon juice or vinegar inhibits bacterial growth. Mayonnaise, even when homemade, is rarely the problem unless it contains very little acid. It’s the potatoes that are more likely to go bad. The bacteria usually responsible for spoiled potato salad are Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus (commonly

known as staph). Both are found in soil and dust, and they thrive on starchy, low-acid foods like rice, pasta, and potatoes. If they find their way into your potato salad via an unwashed cutting board or contaminated hands, they can wreak havoc on your digestive system. Most foodborne bacteria grow well at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This is known as the temperature danger zone, and if contaminated food remains in this zone for too long, the bacteria can produce enough toxins to make you sick. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends refrigerating food within two hours of its preparation, or one hour if the room temperature is above 90 degrees. Heat from the sun is often what causes the trouble at summer picnics. Although the high acid content of the vinaigrette for our French potato salad might slow bacteria growth, it’s best to play it safe and follow the FDA’s guideline. Don’t leave the potato salad out for more than two hours; promptly refrigerate any leftovers. q

There always seems to be some confusion regarding what is covered under a Medicare stay at a skilled nursing

facility. Medicare covers 100 days for a covered illness if there was a 3 day hospital stay and the patient has been off skilled care for 60 days. The hospital stay starts on the day the patient is admitted to a room and the date of discharge from the hospital does not count towards the 3 days. Medicare will pay 100% of the first 20 days. For days 21-100, Medicare deducts a copayment amount which is to be paid by the patient or his/her secondary insurance. Medicare sets this amount each year. For 2010 the co-pay amount is $137.50 per day. If the patient has a secondary insurance policy, they must confirm that their policy covers Part A coinsurance in a skilled nursing facility. If it does, we will bill the insurance company for the co-pay each month. If it does not, the patient is responsible to pay this amount. If there is a break in skilled care that is less than 30 days, the current benefit period would continue without a new 3 day hospital stay. If there is a break of 30-60 days, Medicare will not cover additional days unless there is a new 3 day hospital stay. They would then continue the current benefit period. A new benefit period would only start if there was a 60 day break in skilled care. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to call my office and I will be happy to answer them! q

MedicareJill Kerrs, Business Office Manager

She’s such a special person, She’s an angel in disguise. With tenderness in every touch And caring in her eyes. She’s the one who’ll sit beside you To talk away your fears She’ll soothe your spirit, warm your heart And wipe away your tears. She’ll comfort you, look out for you With true concern and care, And when you need a helping hand You know you’ll find her there. She cares for all her patients With true expertise and pride, Her warmth and dedication Come from way down deep inside. A nurse is a professional Who goes the extra mileThis is the nurse! A little bit of heaven with a smile.

~ Linda Ellrod

Janis Vahanian LPN and Tankamma Daniel CNA

Mari Camcikyan RN and Armelle Heriveaux CNA

Julia Hamza RN

Marlene Fonvil CNA and Helen Obu CNA

Gerry Gallyot LPN and Nooshin Moghaddam CNA

Vienne Thermitus CNA, Josepha DeSouza (resident) and Rose May Beauvais

Mylene Olofernes LPN

Elizabeth Vargese CNA

Norma Santos CNA, and Paulette Green CNA

Barbara Bertollini LPN, Shakeh Bautista, RN DON, Denean Gainey RN, and Maggy Petrosian, RN PCC

What Is A Nurse?

We graciously thank all of our Nursing staff over National Nurses Week and

appreciate their dedication to our home! A job that requires a true love for the well being of human kind is another one of God’s gifts to humanity.

Marie Rosarion CNA, LuVern Senior LPN, Norma Santos CNA, Chandra Wade LPN, Marie Voltaire CNA, Jackie Brown CNA

Sharlene Cobin CNA, Paulette Morris CNA, Sylvia Mulhearn CNA, Marie Lucie Suffrard CNA, and Rose Najarian RN

Johanny Echavarria CNA, and Blanca Daaling CNA

Faye Yu RN, Lisa King RN, and Vilma Manalese CNA


On March 31,2010 during the Lenten Season, the ANRC had the privilege and pleasure of hosting the visitation of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan,

Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America along with Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian Pastor of Saints Vartanantz Church; Rev. Fr. Narig Terterian Pastor of St. Sarkis Church; Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian Pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral; and Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian ,Vicar of the Eastern Prelacy. They conducted a Badarak for our ANRC residents, who in turn, were thrilled and gratified by the wonderful message given by Archbishop Choloyan, who later visited each of the residents individually and interfaced with them. It was indeed, very satisfying for our residents during the week before Easter. Andy Torigian, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the ANRC, expressed his deep appreciation to the Archbishop and thanked him and his entourage for their uplifting visit. q

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy Visits the ANRC

From Left: Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, Pastor of Sts.Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, NJ; Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, NY City; Matt Russo, Administrator of the ANRC; Andy Torigian, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the ANRC; Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy; Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian,Vicar of the Eastern Prelacy; Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, NY; Zivart Balakjian, member of the Friends of the Armenian Home.

Archbishop Choloyan and Bishop Tanielian with Andy Torigian President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the ANRC.

Received with ThanksDonations for the ANRCMr. Karnic Kouyoumdjian Ms. Margaret Papazian Mr. & Mrs. Hacik Sariminasian Mr. Toros Shamlian, Jr.

In Memory of Elizabeth & Mesrob Najarian Mrs. Rose Najarian

Total Donations $315.00


At the Home Chapel Andy Torigian introducing the Clergy and Congressman Scott Garrett to the Residents who also took part in the Requiem Services. Left to right Rev. Fr, Diran Bohajian; Very Rev. Fr. Vazken Karayan; Congressman Scott Garrett; Deacon Hacik Sariminasian; Deacon Vahe Bagdat; and Andy Torigian.

95th Anniversary Commemoration Requiem Services at the ANRC

L to R: Mrs. Victoria Sariminasian, Deacon Hacik Sariminasian, Rev. Fr. Diran Bohajian of St. Leon Armenian Church in Fair Lawn, Very Rev. Fr. Vazken Karayan of Holy Cross Armenian Church in Union City.

Once again Varouj Vartanian, Ara Dinkjian, and Noubar Boyadjian came to our home and whipped up an afternoon of musical favorites on May 12th! Varouj said, “I cannot tell you how much and how good it makes us feel to sing and play for these people. I cut from my

work schedule to see these people. It makes life so much better! I feel wonderful!” We are always grateful for their appearances! Thank you again and come back soon!


We were very thankful to the students from Our Lady of Sorrow Catholic Church

in Garfield who visited the home to share time and assist with the evening activities with our residents. Our residents love to have visitors from all over to share experiences, friendship and love!

On May 13th “Call us Clowns” visited the home and brought our residents an afternoon filled with laughter and joy. Many thanks to the “Call us Clowns”

crew for providing our residents with an action packed program and lots of laughs.


Friends of the Armenian Home

It was with great anticipation and excitement that we received the news from Andy Torigian that the Board of Trustees of the ANRC unanimously approved the

construction of the New Armenian Home. The ground breaking is set to take place a year from now. FAH will have a very important role in assisting with the fund-raising for our “New” Armenian Home. We are starting this effort with an End of Summer Mediterranean Tapas & Wine Party on Sunday, September 19, 2010, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Details of this event will follow. Please try to keep in mind the importance of the proposed New Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. It will be the future Home of our Medz Mayrigs and Hayrigs, and will surround them with the necessary essentials needed for them to enjoy the best quality of life during this important period of their lives. We look forward to receiving the continuing support of our com-munity and friends during this momentous mission.q

The FAH Ladies gathering at the Home on May 12, 2010: Standing L to R: Elbiz Baghdikian, MaryAnne Bonjuklian, Ica

Kouyoumdjian, Marilyn Bedigian, Zivart Balikjian, Seta Boudoughian, Ann Takvorian, Seated L to R: Armine Pechdimaldji, Bertha Vaniskhian and Linda Amerkanian.

UPCOMINGEVENTSAs AlwAys the students from st. nersess youth Group from new

rochelle, ny will be cominG in July And AuGust. pleAse cAll for more detAils And dAtes.

JulyJuly is wheelchAir beAutificAtion month And durinG Arts And crAfts we

will be mAkinG items to enhAnce the beAuty of our wheelchAirs.

July 4th-independence dAy pArty

July 20th-lollipop dAy

July 23rd-celebrAtinG the birthdAy of the ice creAm cone

AuGustAuGust 3rd-wAtermelon dAy

AuGust 11th-shoppinG dAy

AuGust 16th-blessinG of the GrApes

septemberseptember 6th-lAbor dAy pArty

september 11th-pAtriots dAy

september 21-ArmeniAn independence dAy

bbQ dAtesJune 1st And 18th, July 2nd, 16th, And 30th, AuGust 13th And 27th, And

september 3rd

A very deep and heartfelt thank you is in order for Anita and Levon Temiz for their recent donation of a 60 inch

HDTV that is powered up in our Nursing 2 dayroom! These HDTVs are in dire need at the home, since they provide a larger picture along with greater clarity enhancing our seniors viewing experience. We cannot thank you enough for your kindheartedness!

Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Inc. 70 Main StreetEmerson, NJ 07630

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDEmerson, NJ

Permit # 4

Pictured standing L to R: ANRC Treasurer Dave Rowan, Deacon Hacik Sariminasian, Rev. Fr. Diran Bohajian - St. Leon Armenian Church, Fair Lawn, Very Rev. Fr. Vazken Karayan - Holy Cross

Armenian Church, Union City, Republican U.S. Congressman Scott Garrett, 5th District, New Jersey, ANRC President and Chairman of the Board Andrew Torigian, Matthew L. Russo, Administrator, ANRC.

HyeDounAprilMayJune2010PS

Documents

Transcript of HyeDounAprilMayJune2010PS