Mary Sarafin

Have you ever heard the expression “The cream rises to the top?” Well, that couldn’t be truer during this pandemic. Receptionists, nurses, CNAs, janitorial staff, cooks, admissions, housekeepers – all our care staff at Copley are dedicated to the work they do and the residents they help.

And, once again, they pull together when needed most. COVID-19 is becoming the pandemic of the century. Our loved ones need our care staff now more than ever. This unprecedented health emergency puts everyone under a lot of stress and can make work challenging – as I’m sure many of you have experienced firsthand. We have had to put special measures into place to ensure the safety of our residents and staff.  Unusual times call for unusual actions. I’m so touched to see our staff reacting with valor and compassion.

A care facility like Copley is not like other workplaces. We’re not only an “essential service” – we’re one of the most essential services during an outbreak like this. People living in long-term care homes are some of the most vulnerable. Our first responsibility here is to keep everyone here safe, of course. But on top of the practical care comes the emotional support our staff provides to each and every resident. They are, after all, the only in-person contact our residents have during a quarantine. Every day our staff keeps coming to work ready to do whatever it takes to help us all get through this. They understand how important their role is here and I can’t thank them enough.

Please, the next time you encounter any staff at Copley, whether it’s by phone, in person, or through FaceTime, let them know they are appreciated. I honestly don’t know what we’d do without them.

Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, and it is no different here.

Without their care and dedication, Copley at Stoughton wouldn’t be able to provide our residents with the level of attention and comfort we do. Registered nurses (RNs) and LPNS are responsible for their overall healthcare, including monitoring each resident and ensuring they are taking medications. RNs/LPNs are also responsible for preparing and implementing every clinical aspect of each resident’s individual plan of care.

Copley also offers short-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation for patients recovering from surgery or other procedures and conditions, requiring a whole different skill set. Rehabilitation nurses must, of course, watch out for common side effects of surgery, including infection and wounds that do not heal. They might also need to help patients adjust to changes in their abilities and lifestyle. Rehab nurses also work closely with other health professionals, including therapists and social workers. It’s this teamwork approach that makes such a difference in our rehab patients’ lives.

Speaking of which, the culture here is much more immersive than you’ll find at other long-term care and rehabilitation facilities. We are one of the few independently and locally owned and managed, skilled nursing homes in the state. It’s a community-focused approach, and our care plans and programming are all developed right here in Stoughton, not in a corporate headquarters. For nurses, that means they can come to us directly whenever they have a problem rather than navigate some large bureaucratic system.

Ultimately, our community approach benefits residents. Nurses of all types play an integral part in the level of healthcare we provide our residents and rehab patients. Our nurses are the embodiment of our “family” here at Copley. They are not just the backbone – they are the glue that keeps us all together.

Next time you’re in visiting a loved one, I encourage you to give the nurses you encounter a special thank you on behalf of your loved one. I’m sure they’ll appreciate it – and they certainly deserve it!

P.S. We’re Hiring!

Copley at Stoughton is expanding its nursing staff and has part-time openings for licensed RN and LPNs and full-time positions for CNAs. Interested? Give us a call (781) 341-2300 or send your resume to bbarrera@copley-nh.com.

The holidays are a wonderful time at Copley at Stoughton. The lobby and hallways are decked out in garlands and poinsettias, with the annual winter mural as the focal point. We do our best to ensure everybody enjoys the holiday festivities, this includes all faiths. Throughout December, we host holiday-themed parties, events and activities, musical guests, trips into town, and more.

But what are the holidays without family?

The holidays can be a lonely time if nobody comes to visit. I understand December can be a hectic time with children’s recitals, parties, Christmas shopping, and of course the unexpected blizzard; but I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to see your loved ones during this time whether here at Copley, or elsewhere.

New residents, in particular, seem to have a harder time, especially if they recently lost a loved one. Visits from family and friends become even more important to them. The more time you can spend with your loved ones, the better. Even if you have plans to see each other, an occasional pop-in when you have a few minutes to spare can really make someone’s day. Outings are another wonderful idea if your loved one is able. Going to do some shopping for the family or a quick lunch out can help them stay in the Christmas spirit.

The biggest celebration is usually on Christmas Day, of course. Even if you have to travel to visit extended families, it doesn’t mean you have to skip Christmas. We encourage families to celebrate early. Copley has wonderful facilities upstairs that family can use to gather, exchange presents, and spend time together. Any day can be Christmas Day! We have different areas you can reserve including our Plaza and our Pub. Just give us a call, and we’ll arrange the details with you.

I can tell you firsthand that the effort will be worth it. I remember when my father was here, and we got the family together last year at Christmas. We made great memories, and I and my family will talk about that day for years to come.

Happy Holidays, everyone, and a very Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving is about family, most of all. But if you’ve ever lost a loved one, you know how the holidays can be bittersweet.

As many of you know, I lost my father earlier this year. Although It can be difficult, especially around the holidays, I’m overwhelmed with the love and support the Copley at Stoughton community has shown me since his passing. He touched the lives of so many people – more than I even knew. I would like to thank all those who took the time to send me their well wishes. It’s been a great comfort to me and the rest of our family.

Losing my father doesn’t mean I have less to be thankful for. I’ve heard from others who have lost family before the holidays that it makes them cherish the people in their lives more. Appreciating the present more and realizing what you have are more examples of those bittersweet feelings.

Here’s what I’m thankful for this year:

• The fact that I got to spend time with my father in his last days, which he spent at Copley at Stoughton.
• The opportunity to speak with others about the holidays with greater understanding.
• A new appreciation for the holidays.
• The love and support of family, including my Copley family.

So, from the bottom of my heart, Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Make it a time to celebrate the family you have in your lives and the people closest to you.

If you’re Thanksgiving is bittersweet as mine is, I’ve found it helps to focus on the “sweet” whenever you can. Honor the memories of your loved ones who have passed by enjoying the people they loved before and who are still around you today.

 

– Steven Tyer

As the holidays approach, people who are looking to show their appreciation often ask me – what’s a good gift?

All the services we provide at Copley are a result of a team effort. That includes the people they may not see every day. Without housekeeping, residents wouldn’t have clean sheets and a safe environment. Without kitchen workers, residents wouldn’t have hot, healthy meals. Without nurses, administrators, maintenance, a range of health care providers… you get the picture. Copley is like a village, and it takes the whole village to make sure your loved ones are taken care of and we exceed your expectations.

If you are thinking about giving a gift, please consider making it a gift that everyone can enjoy from all areas of Copley, not just specific individuals. Here are a few ideas:

• Gift baskets
• Special coffee and teas for the break room
• Cookies – either homemade or store-bought
• Chocolates and/or candies
• Specialty popcorns
• Fruit trays
• Flowers
• Anything that can be shared (note: you don’t have to worry about getting enough for everyone – with other gifts from kind people like yourself, there’s always enough to go around!)

I can’t stress this enough though: gifts are certainly not necessary! They are always appreciated but never expected. If you are the type that can’t help yourself, I hope you choose to give a gift that all the hardworking staff at Copley can enjoy.

I hope to see many of you at Copley’s Holiday Party; it’s our way of saying thanks to all of our residents and their families!

-Steven Tyer

One of the questions I get all the time is about health care proxies. At Copley at Stoughton, we encourage our residents to talk about serious medical issues and/or end-of-life issues with their family members. This can be difficult, but it’s necessary to ensure that your wishes are followed. Designating a legal health care proxy is an important part of that conversation.

But who should be your health care proxy and the alternate health care proxy? Side note: You should consider having your health care proxy and your power of attorney be the same person.

First, an explanation about what a health care proxy does: You can designate anyone you wish to be your health care proxy to make health care decisions for you in case you are not able to make decisions yourself. You will also need to designate an alternate if your health care proxy is unwilling or unable to make decisions for you. You’ll discuss with your health care proxy things like:

• Do you want to be resuscitated (CPR for example) if you have a heart attack or stop breathing?
• Do you want advanced life support systems if necessary to keep you alive?
• Will you want certain decisions made based on your religious beliefs?

As you can imagine, there are many practical, yet emotionally charged issues to consider.

I’ve learned it’s not always clear who in the family should be a health care proxy. A spouse may be the obvious choice, but not always. Some realize that their spouse may be too overwhelmed themselves to think clearly enough and make decisions. There are cases too when their spouse has passed on or is otherwise unavailable.

The next obvious choice is someone in the family. However, it can be difficult to identify one particular family member. Will the person you choose be willing – and able – to follow your wishes? And perhaps equally important, will a person you don’t choose be offended? It’s essential that everyone in the family gets on the same page to choose the right health care proxy.

You can also consider people outside the family if you wish. A long-term partner, a friend, or another loved one – you can name anyone you like to be your health care proxy. This document overrides all other relationships when it comes to making health care decisions for you.

In Massachusetts, it’s easy – and free – to register your health care proxy. You can find out information and fill in the state form here: http://www.massmed.org/Patient-Care/Health-Topics/Health-Care-Proxies-and-End-of-Life-Care/Health-Care-Proxy-Information-and-Forms/#.XYk6_lVKiHt

But the most important thing is to make it a family conversation – and let everyone know your wishes. It can be a difficult discussion, but it will make things easier for everyone in the long run. Feel free to call me if you have any other questions.