Mary Sarafin

We always want the best for ourselves and our loved ones, especially when it comes to healthcare. We’re fortunate to be close to Boston, which is home to some of the best hospitals in the country. But when it comes to long-term care or short-term rehab for a loved one, the best care could very well be right around the corner.

Location plays a big part in selecting these services, but convenience shouldn’t be a priority over quality care and affordability. Luckily, Copley at Stoughton meets all these requirements. In fact, Copley was rated one of the Best Nursing Homes in the United States by U.S. News and World Report. 

Community connection is important in health care. Copley is part of the Stoughton culture. The fact that we are a Skilled Nursing Facility means that we are a temporary home for people of all ages here for rehabilitation and recovery or home to someone in need of long-term care. We touch the lives of so many of our residents, both directly and indirectly.

Copley’s close-knit feeling of family and community leads to world-class care. I know many people are comforted by the fact that they can get what they need without having to go far. Providing this comfort to our “neighbors” is something we are very proud of too.

Steve Tyer

In past blog posts, we have briefly touched upon the CHOICE you have when it comes to finding a post-acute care provider or skilled nursing facility (SNF) that is suitable for a loved one or you. Staying informed and knowing what you are looking for makes the process much easier. We, more than anyone, hope that you never have to use a SNF in your lifetime, but you should prepare for instances down the road where you may need one. With life’s unexpected accidents and people living longer, it is important to look at all your SNF options in advance. You NEVER want to settle for somewhere you do not feel comfortable, and in a moment of panic, it is easy to be swayed to make a decision based off of urgency and convenience.

Start your research early on by asking around about other people’s experiences with skilled nursing facilities in the area. More likely than not, someone you already know has had to utilize the professional services of a SNF for themselves or a loved one. These first hand experiences will be great resources as you start to look into your SNF options. Once you have a solid list of reputable facilities, the next step is to start setting up tours.

When you go on a tour of a potential skilled nursing facility, it is important to look beyond the physical appearance of the facility, although that will be a major factor in your decision. A few things to pay attention to while on your tour are:

1)    The Residents- Do they seem happy and content? The way the residents feel is a great indication of the care they are receiving.

2)    Are your questions being answered? A skilled nursing facility that has nothing to hide will be transparent and responsive about your questions and concerns.

3)    Who made time to speak with you? If the admissions director or facility administrator didn’t make time for you, who did? It is important you do not feel ignored or rushed out the door because they have more important things going on.

4)    The Overall Vibe- Once you pay attention to these aspects during your tour, you’re going to be left with an overall “vibe” of the facility. As you are leaving, ask yourself if you would feel comfortable admitting a loved one to recuperate there based off of everything you just saw.

Once you decide which SNF best meets your needs, remember that the process does not end there. Throughout your entire time at a SNF it is crucial to speak up and have all of your concerns dealt with. Speaking up about something that is wrong or makes you uncomfortable is an important way to prevent future problems and maintain your happiness. A reputable SNF will always encourage and solicit your feedback.

I know we all want to put COVID behind us but unfortunately, Copley does not have that luxury, particularly as variants of the virus continue to emerge. We are home to a vulnerable population, and it is our job and responsibility to keep them safe above all else. That means adhering to our infection control protocols for as long as COVID remains in our community. Despite our efforts, we’ve had an uptick in cases over the last several weeks.  The most likely way for one of our residents to catch COVID is from a visitor who is unknowingly positive and symptom-free. The protocols we’ve put in place may seem overly protective, but they are based on CDC guidelines and recommendations from health professionals. We want to do everything in our power to reduce the spread and ask that everyone take responsibility for keeping our residents healthy.

Here’s what Copley continues to do to reduce the risk of spread:

• We continue regular testing of all staff – at least weekly and more in some cases.
• If someone tests positive for COVID, that person leaves the building immediately and must wait five days, be symptom- free and have a negative test before returning to work.
• Staff who are not feeling well are encouraged to test and/or stay home.
• Hand sanitizers are now installed in every resident’s room, and staff sanitize when entering and leaving to further reduce the risk.
• Mask use is mandatory for all staff.
• If a resident tests positive, we put extra protocols in place to protect our staff for their own health and to reduce the risk of spread to other residents.

And here is what we ask of you:

• Please do not  visit if you are feeling unwell.
• Test before coming to visit. If that test comes back positive, please stay away for at least five days.  If you are symptom-free and test negative, you can visit.
• Wear a mask whenever visiting Copley including inside the room of your loved one. Mask use is mandatory for all staff and strongly encouraged for visitors(but optional for residents).
• Use hand sanitizer when entering and leaving the building, and again when you’re entering and leaving your loved one’s room. 

As frustrating as it is, we must all continue to do our part to keep everyone at Copley safe for the sake of our loved ones. That means very simple things such as wearing a mask and washing our hands. Those two actions alone will greatly reduce the risk of COVID.

Thank you for your continued help and vigilance. 

-Steve Tyer

I’ve praised the Copley at Stoughton staff in this space many times – their dedication, their caring, and their commitment to providing our residents with the absolute best health care possible through good times and difficult times. I’ll commend them every chance I get to anyone who will listen!

Today I’d like to highlight the management team who have been equally committed. In an industry with high turnover rates, Copley at Stoughton has been blessed to have a solid core of leadership:

• Chris Simonson, Admissions Director
• Laurie Jameson, Director of Social Services
• Denis Andreotti, Director of Rehabilitation
• Maria Unda, Managing Partner
• Bill Anderson, Director of Environmental Services
• Marcia Bennet, Director of Food Services
• Judy Johnson, Director of Nursing
• Kelly Dankievitch, Nursing Unit Manager
• Colleen Gangitano, Nursing Unit Manager
• Evelyn Recinos, Nursing Unit Manager
• Cheryl Woodward, Activities Director
• Anita Wood, Director of Human Resources
• Mary Jane Mchenry, Staff Development Manager
• Terry Gaskell, Manager of Medical Records
• Barbara Lunsford, Social Worker, Short-term Rehabilitation
• Magdala Duplessy, MDS Coordinator

I can’t imagine Copley without this talented and dedicated team. Day in and day out, they are tremendously loyal, something that springs directly from their caring nature. They showed their true colors through the worst of COVID. Their experience and leadership helped Copley weather the pandemic storm as well as we did. Most have been here 10 years or more, and many of them for 20+ years. They’ve worn many hats and know the facility inside out.

I don’t take Copley’s stability for granted. Organizations that must continually spend time, energy, and resources finding new managers sometimes find themselves in a spiral loop of burnout and chaos that constant change can bring. But Copley has been lucky enough to avoid that. We can focus our efforts on moving forward, pivoting during tough times (such as COVID), and enhancing our services for the good of our residents. If you have ever worked in an environment that relies heavily on its managers for day-to-day operations, you know what a benefit it is to trust that your managers work together seamlessly and effectively!

I think most importantly, Copley’s family atmosphere comes from the top down. We don’t “feel” like family – when you work together for 10, 20 years, you are family. Copley isn’t just a workplace for us. It is a home, and every person under this roof – resident and staff – deserves all the care and attention they receive. This is what I thank the management team for most of all: caring for our residents and staff. Together, we have built a care facility we can all be proud of.

So again, as we enter the season of reflection and giving thanks, I am forever grateful for Copley’s management team and staff.

Happy Thanksgiving –

Steve Tyer

Judy Johnson, Copley at Stoughton’s Director of Nursing, is another long-time manager – 15 years next February, as a matter of fact. 

Judy is an invaluable member of the Copley family, and is also one of those rare people who found Copley as much as Copley found her. As you’ll read below, Judy didn’t even know Copley existed before she applied – she found “a little gem” as she puts it. Sounds like one of those magical moments that happen in a career (if you’re lucky) when you find that perfect position in the perfect environment that you never even knew existed. 

Without further ado then, let’s let Judy tell her Copley story in her own words…

What is your typical day like?

There really is no “typical day” in this role! But generally speaking, I start my day by getting any important updates I need about our residents and any other nursing issues that sometimes come up. I often arrive early so that I’ll see staff from all three shifts throughout the day. I like being able to touch base with all of them – and they know I’m always available to them at some part of the day if they need me. 

I also do rounds of all the residents, usually a couple of times per day. Those are actually my favorite parts of the day, spending some time with them and especially seeing them at breakfast in the morning in the main dining room.

The rest of the day is spent with administrative tasks including staffing and managing regulatory guidelines to ensure we are always up to date and compliant.

What inspired you to work in health care/long-term care?

My sincere interest in people inspired me to work in healthcare and specifically in long-term care. I want to be part of trying to make people’s days more comforting and secure. That’s reinforced every day as I do my rounds.

Why did you choose to apply to Copley in particular?

To be honest, I didn’t even know Copley existed before I applied. Someone who worked in management at Copley at the time asked me to come and discuss a manager position. But I have to say, as soon as I visited and did the interview, I was all in. Copley can be a well-hidden little gem. Through the years, I have learned much at Copley which has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Have you worked at other facilities, and if so, what makes Copley different? 

Copley is unique as it really does feel like family here. It is on the smaller size which makes it possible to care for the residents in a more personal and home-like atmosphere. We also develop close relationships with families. I personally moved my mother to Copley recently because I trust in the kind care we provide.

COVID was a difficult time for all long-term care staff. How did Copley support you? Do you remember a particular time or situation when you felt especially supported?

COVID was a very difficult time for everyone especially in the beginning. I felt supported by all departments. It was that family feel again – we all worked together to take care of our residents and each other.

What reasons would you give to someone considering working at Copley?

I always tell potential candidates that Copley feels like community and family all in one.

Is there a day or situation that stood out when you thought, “Yes, this is why I work at Copley!”

That’s pretty much every day! When I watch everyone working together to make our residents happy – that is why I work at Copley.

Many of the Copley at Stoughton employees have worked at the facility for years – even decades! Case in point: Chris Simonson, Copley’s Director of Admissions, has been with Copley for 26 years. When a facility retains staff for that long, you know there must be something good going on.

Below we share a bit more about Chris’ role at Copley. As you’ll read, community is a big part of why Chris enjoys her job. The residents are family, the staff are family, and even the residents’ families are part of the Copley family. As Chris points out, “That’s something you just don’t get in the larger corporate-run facilities.”

In short, Copley feels like home for residents and staff alike. And as Chris tells us, that never felt more true than by the way administration supported staff over the past couple of challenging years.

1. What is your typical day like at Copley?

On a typical day, I receive referrals from the hospital for patients who need short-term rehabilitation or long-term care. I review their clinical information to make sure we can meet their needs and work with the hospital case manager to facilitate their transfer to us.

I also consider myself to be a resource for families in the community who have questions about long-term care and how to initiate the process.

2. Why did you choose to work at Copley?

I liked the fact that it was and still is a privately owned and operated business.

3. COVID was a difficult time for all long-term care staff. How did Copley support its staff?

During COVID, we were closed to admissions. Even so, I was always busy. I still had to reply to any referrals that came in, and I helped the nursing department when they needed me. Steve (Steve Tyer, Copley’sAdministrator) kept everyone employed and never laid anyone off. That was huge for the staff! It goes to show what makes Copley different and just a great place to work.

6. What reasons would you give to someone considering working at Copley?

Aside from the community feel and caring administration mentioned above, Copley is well maintained. It’s a beautiful building, and the grounds are well manicured. It’s nice to drive up to work every morning.

7. How important is it for you to work at a community-based facility with that “family feel” instead of a large, corporate-run facility with headquarters somewhere else in the country?

I have worked at other facilities. Copley has a more personal atmosphere. We are part of the community. I think because of this it makes us more approachable and less intimidating. Staff are like an extended family.

8. Is there a day or situation that stands out when you thought, “Yes, this is why I love Copley.”

If an issue arises that I cannot resolve, I know Steve is right down the hallway and will come to my rescue right away. I don’t have to go through layers of management to get an answer or advice. He will back up his managers if needed.

* * *

Unlike most nursing and skill nursing facilities, Copley is an independent organization. That means, among other things, that all decisions are made right here in Stoughton, not a head office in some other part of the country. But that also means Copley does not have that “corporate feel” – and if you’ve worked at large national nursing home before, you know what we mean.

We’re currently hiring committed, dedicated care providers who want to work in this type of community-based care facility. Find out more about career opportunities at Copley at Stoughton on our Careers page.

You may have heard that one of the best parts of working at Copley at Stoughton is the “family-like” atmosphere. But what exactly does that mean?

Because we are locally owned and operated, we are naturally more connected to the community. When it comes to caring for our residents, that makes all the difference.

In this Copley Spotlight series, we’ll hear firsthand accounts from the people who work here – and why they chose Copley in particular. First up is Copley’s Administrator, Steve Tyer.

1. What is your typical day like at Copley?

I always make a list of what has to be done the evening before and hope that I can at least get 50% of it done. As Administrator, my job is to make sure the facility is operating efficiently, which also means taking care of behind-the-scene details most people don’t see; making and returning calls, submitting requests, dealing with billing issues, and ensuring that all staff have what they need to do their jobs well. I also make a point to visit as many residents as possible to see how their day is going. That’s almost always the most enjoyable part of my day.

2. What inspired you to work in health care/long-term care?

I did phlebotomy to earn money during college. I would visit Skilled Nursing Facilities around the greater Boston area, and was naturally very interested in how they operated. At some facilities, I felt that I could run them better than they were being managed.

I also always enjoyed the company of older people, no matter my age. I find their history and accomplishments fascinating. It’s a trait that I have instilled in my children.

3. Why did you choose to Copley?

When I was doing consultant work about 11 years ago, Copley management asked me to help them through a difficult time. I agreed to manage the facility for three months. Eleven years later I’m still here and as they say, is history.

4. What makes Copley different? 

Copley is one of only two nursing homes in Massachusetts that I am aware of with true community-based owner and management. Copley’s majority owner is from the old Goddard Hospital, so there is already a strong community connection with healthcare, too.

I have lived in Stoughton my entire life. It makes a huge difference to me being here every day and knowing many of the residents, their families, and the staff. 

5. COVID was a difficult time for all long-term care staff. How did Copley support its staff? 

Maria O’Connell Unda (managing partner) and I agreed when COVID hit not to lay off any staff that we hired for a set schedule. We also did what we could to assist them financially by passing along every dollar we received from the state and CMS to them in the form of bonuses. Copley allowed those who needed cash to convert PTO time to assist their families. Most recently we instituted new wage scales for all CNAs and licensed staff to ensure we could recruit and retain competent staff. 

6. What reasons would you give to someone considering working at Copley?

The best thing for me in terms of being the administrator is that I don’t have to contact some out-of-town office for any decision. If a staff member has a great idea, we can implement it tomorrow without seeking approval from someone who doesn’t know Copley or understand what we’re asking.

Sometimes nursing homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities are very “cookie cutter” since they are owned or managed by national companies. Copley has a family-centered, homey feel to it because we are independently – and locally – operated.

7. How important is it for you to work at this type of facility with that “family feel” instead of a large, corporate-run facility headquartered somewhere else?

Very important. My management style is to always do what is right for the resident and never by the bottom line. I am a firm believer that operating that way will make Copley a success for the future and not just for the next month. Most SNFs are bottom-line-driven at all times. I don’t think that’s the best way to run a facility – especially one dedicated to serving the community.

8. Is there a day or situation that stands out when you thought, “Yes, this is why I love Copley.”

I am proud of the care we give every day. It’s something I take to heart myself. Day in and day out I enjoy the interactions with the residents and making their day more enjoyable. I hope our residents and their families understand this is not the norm with other facilities. It’s part of what makes Copley at Stoughton so special.

In 2016, two nursing homes in Scotland undertook a remarkable project. They created a group program for its residents to see what effects it would have. Administrators there took a scientific approach, studying residents’ reactions to various gardening activities – and they were excited by the results.

Residents were more engaged, both socially and in terms of focusing on daily tasks like caring for their plants. One woman spent more time outside, while another was prompted to start talking more about her grief and her love of nature. Another woman didn’t actively garden herself, but she talked with more of the people who were as she walked the garden pathways.

These benefits are just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve learned from this project and other studies that group activities in general can:

• Reduce loneliness in older people 
• Encourage people to interact more with each other, further reducing loneliness and increasing their social engagements
• Reduce the risk of dementia including Alzheimer’s
• Increase physical activity levels
• Get more residents outside and out of their rooms more often
• Reduce pain
• Improve attention spans
• Lower stress
• Reduce agitation
• Improve a sense of community and inclusion

…and so many other inter-related benefits. In fact, “inter-related” is a key idea here. Group activities create a snowball effect of increasing benefits of more exercise, more socialization, and less isolation and loneliness. 

Incidentally, studies also show that these benefits to residents have a positive effect on staff. It’s not hard to see that reducing stress and agitation in residents while increasing teamwork and community will help staff in their role as caregivers and supporters.

Copley at Stoughton doesn’t have a formalized gardening program, but we do have many group activities. We’ve seen firsthand how beneficial it is to get everyone out of their rooms, moving around, and socializing.

Still, it is reassuring when I see the benefits of group activities written in black and white. This year more than ever, we want to encourage everyone to take part. People thrive on social interactions, and making closer connections keeps us engaged and vibrant.

-Steve Tyer

1. P.S. – you can read about the Scottish gardens here.

On March 8, we celebrated International Women’s Day. It’s a day I take to heart, especially in my industry. Women play a tremendous role in health care. In fact,  statistics show Massachusetts leads the country with the highest percentage of active women physicians. This will continue to grow, as according to a report from the American Medical Association (AMA), more than 53.5% of MD applicants in 2019-2020 came from woman.

Obstetrics in particular, has seen a significant rise in the number of women. My father was an obstetrician, as many of you know, and I remember a time when there were almost no women in that specialty. Today, almost 80% of ob/gyns in the US are women.

These are just a couple, albeit powerful, examples. Here at Copley,  a large percentage of the staff are women. COVID has not been easy on any of us. But it is women who took on the brunt of it. They are the caregivers here at Copley, but they are most often the caregivers at home, too. They carry the emotional workload for everyone. For many, that burden got to be overwhelming at times. These have not been easy times, but they would have been much harder without their commitment to making the best of everything.

If there’s a clear takeaway, it is we should do more to support the women in our lives. That’s something that we can do every day, at work and at home, and not just once a year.

Author Margaret Cousins said it best:

“Appreciation can change a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into all into words is all that is necessary.”

So thank you to all women, especially those who are so dedicated and committed to caring for our Copley residents. We literally could not do what we do without you!

Steve Tyer