Mary Sarafin

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

Physical rehab after injury, elective surgery, or disease is crucial to recovery – and quality of care has a huge impact. Copley at Stoughton provides some of the best rehab care available right here in the Stoughton area, seven days per week.

 Copley offers what is called subacute rehabilitation. It is for guests who no longer need the acute care a hospital provides, but who are not quite ready to go home on their own. There are many different therapy disciplines. Physical, occupational and speech therapy have some overlap, but they focus on different areas of recovery:

• PT focuses on the skeletal system, helping you regain strength and overall function through exercises, stretches, and other physical activities. Physical therapists are usually the ones overseeing your initial assessments.
• OT, on the other hand, works on motor skills to help you regain specific daily tasks. Occupational therapists will recommend exercises and strategies to help you better adapt to your environment in the short and/or long term.
• Patients may also work with Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) to help with any speech or swallowing issues.

All rehab programs are customized to each individual and depend on the injury, surgery, or disease, how much it affected you, and how much recovery you need. The overall goal is to increase strength, regain gross motor coordination (such as walking), and fine motor coordination (such as using a spoon or pen). Rehab programs for elective surgeries like a hip or knee, typically take anywhere from seven days to two weeks, as it is a planned and controlled program. On the other hand, surgeries like these that result from an accident may take longer, depending on the extent of the injury and the person’s motivation level.

Monitoring your progress is a critical piece of any rehab program, so you can do what will help most and avoid activities that could set you back again. Once your rehab services are completed at an in-house facility, your therapists will provide you with an at-home program to continue making progress. Pain management may be another aspect of rehabilitation, balancing the need to get your body moving again with the need for your body to rest and recover.

There are many unexpected medical situations that require rehabilitation, but if you are preparing for elective surgery, it is important to schedule your rehab services ahead of time whenever possible. For example, if you are requiring a hip, knee, or another type of non-emergency surgery, plan for your rehab too. You have a choice of where to go for rehabilitation services, so take time to do some research to ensure you’re getting the best care possible and one that is a convenient location for your family and you.

Your best bet is to talk to your primary care physician or your specialist to find out what to expect in your specific case. Copley at Stoughton is available to answer any questions and  happy to set up a time to speak to you about our programs so you can make an informed decision.

Steve Tyer, Administrator

There is within the borders of Stoughton a parchment-wrapped record book that states on its first page: “This Book belongs to the Stoughton Musical Society and contains the Rules and Regulations whereby the said Society are governed.” It is dated November 7, 1786, making ours the oldest choral musical society in the United States today.

Why is this important? History is certainly part of it. Stoughton is also one of the oldest towns in America, founded by pilgrims and pioneers who wanted to escape the intolerances of Europe at that time. The tradition continues today. Stoughton famously was the first in Massachusetts to declare itself a “No Place for Hate” town. We have this incredible capacity to be accepting of other people – which is just another way of saying, I think, that we like to be neighborly.

I see that neighborly spirit every day. Copley at Stoughton is not like many of the other nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities. We are much more rooted in community than most. Certainly the fact that we are independent helps. But also the Stoughton spirit permeates the town and everyone in it including Copley. And we are all better for that.

The reason I’m musing on all of this is because we are still going through difficult times. The recent wave seems even harder this time because, well, it’s just been going on so long. We thought we saw light, but it was just a glimpse.

You might wonder why I’m confident we’ll get through it though. I try to imagine the hardships those first pilgrims endured, leaving England for the long ocean voyage to Boston and then heading south through forest and the wilds to stop here in what would become Stoughton. I get so much inspiration from their story, traveling out into the unknown with an open heart. Did it feel like home when they got here? What difficulties did they face? How did they band together to come through the other side okay?

Because they did come out okay, or we wouldn’t be here today. And, we came out of it with the harmonies of the Old Stoughton Musical Society. There is a lesson in that. We come from stronger stuff than we think.

Thank you to all for your words of support over the last several months. And, I hope, we have been a source of support for you too. The health and safety of your loved ones here at Copely are our number one concern, and it’s a responsibility we take seriously. Let’s keep leaning on each other just a little bit longer until the light stays with us for good.

– Steve Tyer

Thanksgiving is a holiday we truly value here at Copley at Stoughton. That may not be surprising – for many families, it is a time to gather and appreciate all we give each other. I find that families at Copley tend to hug their loved ones just a little tighter for a little longer. Maybe it’s seeing the changes from living at home to moving to a long-term care facility that underlines how precious family can be.

Last year, we talked to residents to see what they were most thankful for, and I don’t think it was a coincidence to hear the word “family” from the vast majority. In a time when a pandemic so disrupted family connections, to finally be able to get back together is a joy beyond words. We were lucky to have technology to help keep those connections strong. Although words and even images are great – certainly better than nothing – there is no such thing as a digital hug.

Yes, this Thanksgiving will be extra-special. We may not be entirely through the pandemic yet, but we feel a whole lot closer to the end than we did a year ago. Although we can’t host our big celebration as in the past, our residents are once again enjoying the holiday activities and welcoming their family and friends for visits. Things may not be quite what they used to be, but we are getting there. And for that, I am grateful.

Working in healthcare, it astounds me how many people have turned vaccination into a political argument. Really, it’s a health issue. But to some, the vaccine has become a symbol of individual rights, including the right to choose.

Vaccines are nothing new. Vaccines are the reason you don’t hear about children having polio or measles very much anymore, not to mention mumps, diphtheria, and tetanus. Another great example: most of us remember when everyone got chickenpox at some point in their childhood. Almost overnight, that went from every child in every household to nearly none. Almost no chickenpox, thanks to a vaccine. 

Vaccines should be seen for what they are: a medical treatment that saves lives.

For the record, I believe everyone does have a right to choose. But people who choose not to get the vaccine need to understand that their choice can negatively affect the health and well-being of others.  Vaccines are crucial in our fight against COVID. Those who do not believe in the vaccine point to the fact that some of the new cases are in the vaccinated, even though the vast majority are in the unvaccinated.  The vaccine works – and the small number of people who do get COVID after vaccination are either asymptomatic or have a very mild case – similar to a cold. The COVID cases that are overwhelming our hospitals are almost entirely unvaccinated patients. The science is clear: vaccination is helping protect everyone and especially those who are older and/or have underlying health problems.

As of October 10th, every Copley employee will need to be vaccinated unless they have an approved medical or religious exemption. Copley’s responsibility is to keep our residents, rehab patients, and staff as safe as possible. It’s a life-or-death responsibility I take seriously. The vaccine is one of our best tools yet to protect our facility, so it makes good healthcare sense to encourage full vaccination of our employees and all visitors.

I hope we can all come to see this vaccine as a symbol of community, not division. It’s simple. The more people who get the vaccine, the more protected we’ll all be.

So, for the sake of your loved ones and your whole community, please get vaccinated! Don’t let some misinformation on the internet sway you from what almost every medical professional will tell you: getting the vaccine is a choice that will literally help save lives. 

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