I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E

3 The Power of Touch

6, 9 Matulaitis families GIVE

7 The Beauty of a WOMAN

8 MILESTONE Birthdays

9 Family Council News

WELCOME 2018

CENTER COURT AT CHRISTMAS Photos by Cheryl, daughter of resident Jeannette Baier (selfie at right). Cheryl

visits often from Arizona. It was 4 degrees here when Cheryl visited in January!

Matulaitis Spring Family Newsletter 10 Thurber Road, Putnam, CT 06260

www.matulaitisnh.org

March 20, 2018 Vol 4 Issue 1

The annual

TOMATO PLANT SALE will be held before Memorial Day

weekend in the dining room

All proceeds are used to purchase flowers for the raised flower beds on B-patio.

WATCH FOR SIGNS

Stop by soon and see them growing in the dining room!

Family and Friends will celebrate the

104th

Birthday

of the oldest Matulaitis resident

Danute Augius Watch for photos in the June

issue of “Legends”

Page 2 Matulaitis Family Newsletter –Spring 2018

CHECK OUT THE MATULAITIS WEBSITE The monthly Activity Calendar and “Legends”

Seasonal Family Newsletters are available online at

http://matulaitisnh.org/news-testimonials/

At left, Rena Vincent receives ashes from Fr. Sadauskas. Center, Rachel Fontaine and husband Roger

hold hands during Mass. At right, resident Emily Masiello receives one of the Valentine’s cards that are

made for all residents by the children from the Putnam Dance Center. Shown is instructor,

Annette Hebard who is also the daughter of resident Italia Mucci.

he family team of Katherine Fellows, Kristiana Sumera and Carlos Rivera entered their “Peter Rabbit gingerbread house” in the Old Sturbridge Village gingerbread contest in December. It won first place in the amateur family division and then the grand prize. On December 31 it was brought to show the residents at

Matulaitis. After wheeling it through the hallways and into the rooms, it was displayed in the lobby for several weeks. ((Kristiana is a CNA at Matulaitis and Katherine's parents are Norman and Janet Fellows who reside at Matulaitis. ((Contributed by Katherine Fellows.))

A s h e s t o A s h e s , H e a r t t o H e a r t February 14

was

Ash Wednesday &

Valentine’s Day

Matulaitis Family Newsletter –Spring 2018 Page 3

Christmas Valentine’s Day St. Patricks Day

Touch can convey a message

that words cannot

(left) Sr. Reema with resident

Barbara Langelier.

(right) CNA Janet Lemire (CNA Kristina

Sumera pushing chair) walk with resident

Barbara Frederick.

Touch is perhaps the most powerful of the senses. Emotional bonds are formed from birth and ideally throughout childhood and in loving adult relationships. As we age, however, the need for constant touch may fade, but the feelings that touch invoke do not. No matter how old we are, we all love to have our hand held, our backs rubbed or to feel of a warm embrace. According to the National Institutes of Health, oxytocin (called the love hormone”) is released with affection. Oxytocin lowers stress hormone levels and, by doing so, plays a part in lowering blood pressure, maintaining good moods and increasing pain tolerances. Hugs, holding hands and other physical gestures of affection have the potential to ease our minds, make us feel less isolated and reduce stress and anxiety. We must realize, however, that not everyone likes to be touched. Here are some pointers:

Ask permission. Say, "Can I give you a hug?" That gives residents a sense of control and doesn't violate their personal space. Assess a resident’s nature. Some are more receptive to touch than others. Look for signs. If they recoil when you reach for their hand, don't be insistent. Keep it simple. The act of touch need not involve a professional-caliber massage. It can be as basic as giving a hand massage with scented lotion. Be passive, not aggressive. Extend your hand and let them take it instead of grabbing theirs. Look them in the eye. Approach them from the front instead of from behind. (caring.com)

Page 4 Matulaitis Family Newsletter –Spring 2018

The 2017-18 flu season has been particularly callous throughout the country. It has seen the highest hospital rates in a decade and might go on until May. Matulaitis Dietician Peggy Higgins addressed flu prevention at the January 24 “Healthy Happenings” discussion held in the dining room. Residents were reminded of the 10 foods that help keep the flu at bay (see right) and were even treated to a mango smoothie blended with cardamom, a spice made from the seed pods of various plants in the ginger family. In ancient medical traditions, cardamom could cure a sore throat, teeth and gum infections, congestion, tuberculosis, stomach, kidney, and lung problems, and also be used as an antidote for spider and snake bites. It’s been long noted in lab studies to successfully treat urinary tract infections too.

FOODS THAT KEEP

THE FLU AT BAY

chicken soup

garlic

orange juice

dark chocolate

chili pepper

bananas

leafy greens

salmon

yogurt

black tea

Matulaitis Dietician Adds Mid-East Flavor to Health Discussion

February 11 is World Day of the Sick, an observation introduced by Pope John Paul II as a way to offer prayers for those who are ill and their caregivers. The Matulaitis Pastoral staff joined in prayer to offer appreciation and support to all those who provide care and compassion each day to the sick, elderly and the vulnerable. CatholicHealthAssociation

At left, Matulaitis Chaplain

Fr. Sadauskas blesses residents

with holy water. Below, Director

of Spiritual Care Services,

Olivia Chalifoux leads songs of

worship with the staff choir,

The Matulaitis MerryTones.

AT THE BLENDER: Dietician Peggy Higgins

prepares mango smoothies for residents.

“I enjoy spending time with the residents.

“Trying new foods is fun!”

Matulaitis Family Newsletter –Spring 2018 Page 5

SING -a- LONGs make a fun afternoon too! Roger,

husband of

resident

Rachel Fontaine, does an occasional

impromptu sing-a-long when he visits.

Young voices

was a concert service that was presented by Marianapolis Prep students on January 20 in D-Lounge. Matulaitis volunteer and MPS Junior Rosa Nguyen and

friends created the group. The young voices and music were appreciated and enjoyed by residents.

What

ever the

reason

or the

Season

Alfred

Dumas

loves

them all!

BINGO and POKENO are popular activities Each week, chips used for bingo and pokeno are

washed then residents, Adrienne Theroux is

shown here, ‘bag them up’ for the next game.

LABAS STASE! “Hello Aunt Stase. It was fun to see

you!” ~Stase and Linda

“Aunt Stase, we congratulate you

on your birthday. We wish you good

health.” ~Danute and Nijole These were Lithuanian messages left by loved ones on a dry erase board in the room of resident Stase Marcinkevicius. Used with permission

Page 6 Matulaitis Family Newsletter –Spring 2018

We interrupt this fine newsletter to bring you this press conference, live from Putnam, CT. *

Popular Banjo Concert held in Auditorium

REPORTER: Matulaitis Skilled Care & Rehab in Putnam, CT announced today the receipt of an invaluable donation to the facility. Here is Activity Director Wendy Ross with the breaking news:

WENDY ROSS: “Residents, family members and Activity Staff: I am here today to announce that a new Bingo cage has been donated to Matulaitis by resident Barbara Frederick and her daughter, Lauren and family.”

REPORTER: Wendy, what will you do with the old Bingo cage that was duct-taped together and the bingo balls fell out all over the floor when you turned the wheel?”

WENDY ROSS: “We sure will miss the old one but now the 40+ residents who enjoy Bingo will no longer need to look on the floor for the bingo balls.”

In the photo at left, Barbara Frederick

inspects the new bingo cage.

* There was no press conference. While the above article is somewhat factual, it is meant to be humorous.

Bingo is held on Wednesdays at 6:30pm and Saturdays at 1:30pm

The Activity Department wishes to thank

the Frederick family for a very thoughtful gift!

The Activity Department wishes to thank the

Currier family for this very thoughtful gift!

Resident Danute Anonis enjoyed the banjo music with her niece Audrey and her feline-visitor,

16-pound, Maurice.

The banjo group “Just Two” was so popular in the D-Lounge on each 2nd Monday that the family of resident Blanche Currier decided to donate the funds that would be needed to hire them in the auditorium for more residents to enjoy. More than 60 residents and family members enjoyed and sang along to the banjo songs that included, “You are My Sunshine”,

“Take Me Out to the Ball Game” and “Yellow Rose of Texas”! At right, Blanche Currier enjoys the music. (far right) “Just Two” members are Gary St. Jean, Donna DiCarpo and Rene Marion.

Matulaitis Family Newsletter –Spring 2018 Page 7

James Mack went home with

daughter, Jane, after two “too close

together” visits at Matulaitis.

His PT at Matulaitis was “terrific”

and he appreciated the hugs from the

therapy staff.

We love you James, so don’t take this

personally…but, “don’t you come back

no more no more no more no more!”

Thank You to everyone who submitted “selfies”!

Page 8 Matulaitis Family Newsletter –Spring 2018

David Doherty Strikes a

Chord with Residents

David Doherty has volunteered his musical talents at Matulaitis for 4 years and has quite a following!

He tickles the ivories for residents and families each Thursday at 2pm in D-Lounge and even

comes in on some weekends.

WHY I LIE to my dog

Yeah, I’m one of those humans who feel the need to tell my dog where I’m going and how long I will be gone. Every time I put my sneakers on, Nellie thinks she’s going for a walk so for the two years that I went to visit my Memere at Matulaitis, I would say, “I’m going to see Mem.” She eventually got used to it and would put her head down in defeat and saunters to her bed. Well, my Memere has been gone for almost a year. I guess I never shared that news with Nellie because I still, “Go see Mem” almost every day!

B i r t h d a y s w e c e l e b r a t e d t h i s W I N T E R !

Edna Norman Shirley Larry Harold Gerard

Wasilewski Fellows Leclair Bellerose Dumas Messier

101 Years 90 Years 85 Years 80 Years 80 Years 75 Years

Aldona Prapuolenis, our weekly piano player and Lithuanian Staff, celebrated her 95th Birthday on March 13 with the Tuesday Sing-a-Long in D-Lounge. Aldona, a Lithuanian native, has been part of the religious community here at Matulaitis for 20 years. Happy birthday, Aldona!

Matulaitis Family Newsletter –Spring 2018 Page 9

an

In their free time, just one day per week since Nov- ember, the twin sister team of housekeeping employee Jessica Gaugh and Brittany Diaz created the mural that you see below. The mural now graces the Activity Room at the beginning of C wing. The project was funded by the family of resident Edna Wasilewski. See photo

At right, Resident Edna

Wasilewski with Rochelle, one of

her daughters, pose with the

artists Jessica Gaugh and

Brittany Diaz.

The Activity Department

wishes to thank Jessica

and Brittany

and the

Wasilewski family for

this very thoughtful gift!

By Patricia Simoni, Family Council President As I write this I am sure you join me in looking forward to Spring after our three consecutive nor’easters. Even though we have had many snow storms and cold weather the Family Council has been busy planning our calendar of events for the year. Our next event is our Annual Spring Tea on Sunday, April 29 in the auditorium. Please bring your loved one and join us for live music and refreshments. Notices will be posted soon.

Other upcoming events are Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and the annual Fall Picnic. This is all possible because of your generous support of our December raffle. We netted over $800. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! These funds will be used to provide programs for you and your loved ones. We continue to count on your support for ideas and suggestions. If you know of any additional programs that you believe would be beneficial for residents, please let us know. We are currently revising our Mission Statement which will be posted soon. We also encourage your attendance at meetings to lend your voice for suggestions on improvements in resident care. Working together we can all contribute to the Caring Spirit of Matulaitis!

Meetings are held every 2nd Wednesday at 6pm in D-Lounge. Refreshments are served and

ALL ARE WELCOME!

March 2018 25-31 Holy Week April 2018 1 Easter Sunday 16 Plainfield Senior Chorus to perform 18 Music History with Ed Morin 15-21 National Volunteer Week May 2018 13-19 National Nursing Home Week Annual tomato plant sale June 2018 13-15 Matulaitis 50th Anniversary Celebration

…and more…

Keep an eye on the monthly Activity

Calendar and please join us!

Page 10 Matulaitis Family Newsletter –Spring 2018

To those we lost this winter

Thomas Davis Gertrude Feldman Thomas Killoran Simone Ouellette Arthur Lemieux

Margaretha Guertin Robert Gauthier

Theresa O’Connell Joseph Mancini

Doris Blais Dolores Deslauriers

See the Memorial Book

in the 1st floor meeting room.

HOW TO RECLAIM YOUR LIFE

Matulaitis Rehab & Skilled Care 10 Thurber Road Putnam, CT 06260 Phone: 860.928.7976 www.matulaitisnh.org Fax: 860.928.0431

Newsletter Editor: Denise Harkins (860) 377.7682 Koc29@hotmail.com Next LEGENDS Issue: 6/21/18 CONTRIBUTORS Wendy Ross Patricia Simoni Dainora Kupcinskas Olivia Chalifoux Kathleen Fellows All “SELFIE SENDERS”

Easter

says you

can put

truth in a

grave, but

it won’t

stay

there.

Clarence W. Hall

St. Patricks Day in D-Lounge: (1st row) Therapeutic Recreational

Director Assistant Nicole Zannini with Joanne St. Cyr, Barbara

Frederick, Dina Lamiotte and Monica Savolis.

(2nd

row) Helen Boyll, Rita Nelson and Pianist David Doherty.

(3rd

row) Kay Small and Mary Vertefeuille. Cecelia Avila, Rita Bernier,

and Nicole Zannini with a pitcher of green milk!

after caregiving ends

Residents

Celebrate

St. Patricks

Day!

Reclaiming life after years of caregiving is a gradual, up-and-down process. When caregiving ends, you have to fill two voids: the void left by the death of your loved one, and the void left by the end of caregiving. These are two significant losses. Sadly, we cannot reprint the entire article here, but we encourage you to go to the website or obtain a copy that is available in B-Lounge. The first bit of advice in the article is to Embrace Grief: Even before a loved one dies, it's common for caregivers to experience grief. After the person dies, the grief may grow more intense. One should “feel the sadness even though it hurts, and remember that the love will always be there.” We encourage you to see the entire article at http://journals.lww.com/neurologynow/Fulltext/2017/13060/Begin_Again__Reclaiming_life_

after_years_of.13.aspx or get your free copy in B-Lounge.