Copley at Stoughton

Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

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Christmas Isn’t Just One Day at Copley

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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 a Time to Focus on the “…sweet”

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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

Ways to express your gratitude around the holidays

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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

Who Will Be Your Health Care Proxy If You Can’t Make Health Decisions Yourself?

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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.

Tips for Moving Your Loved One to Long-Term Care

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One of the questions I get most often from people considering Copley at Stoughton is, “How easy will it be for my parent/grandparent/loved one to adjust to long-term care?” Personally, I understand the struggle as I’ve had my own family make this same transition. To be honest, my own mother-in-law was probably one of the most difficult transitions I’ve ever experienced.  I will say, after a few months she acclimated and loved calling Copley “home” I actually had to make an appointment to visit her.

Of course, every person is different. Some people adjust very well. For others, moving away from the home they have lived in for years – or decades – can be difficult. We do everything we can to make the move easier, but a lot of the emotional support has to come from the family. Be assured, we have never had a resident not adjust, some just take longer than others.

Here are a few general tips for helping your loved one move into long-term care:

Plan ahead. Take care of business. Don’t wait to the last minute. Tour as many places as possible. If you’re not comfortable, will your family member be? Meet the staff and administrator. Once you find a place that is a good fit and feels right, do not procrastinate.  It is often difficult to find a bed in the home you want if you wait until the day you need it.

Be Prepared. Everything will be wrong at first. Complaints are normal, as the person moving in is well aware that only you can be the one to take them back. Be strong and don’t allow them to take advantage of your soft spot, give it time.

Involve the whole family. It’s easier if everyone takes part, including your loved one, if possible. Talking about the move helps everyone adjust. It’s also a good idea for everyone to do a site visit ahead of moving day. In fact, we strongly encourage this.

Try to make it as homey as possible. Celebrate the move with flowers, family photos, a plant, bedding, or other housewarming gifts. Pre-paid cell phones or an iPad are also popular and help your loved ones contact family members when they need to. Make their space familiar.

Share a meal. It’s more fun and meaningful if the whole family is there to share a meal together after the move. Your loved one’s new home should be a comfortable space for everyone else too. At Copley, we always encourage family visits! The pub on the second floor is the perfect spot for a family dinner together.

Lastly, family members themselves may also have to adjust. Besides helping with the physical move and getting used to visiting their loved one in a new place, you can experience a range of feelings. Guilt, anger, relief, embarrassment – I’ve seen it all, and it’s natural. Be sure to reflect on your own feelings and know that you’re not alone. Our admissions staff and I will be happy to address any questions you may have. We have an open-door policy.

The bottom line is that we all want what’s best for our loved ones. Copley will do everything possible to help them feel safe, secure, and right at home. The support you give will go a long way as well.

Summer at Copley

by Steven Tyer

Boating is a favorite summertime activity – particularly here in New England, where there is no shortage of beautiful waterways. You might be surprised to hear that boating is also a favorite activity for many Copley at Stoughton residents. Each summer, we reserve space on a charter boat for a Cape Cod Canal Cruise. It’s the perfect summer outing – all the fun and adventure of a sea cruise, but safely protected from the high winds and waves.

Is this a normal outing for a skilled nursing home? Perhaps not at other facilities, but it certainly is at Copley. One of the myths about skilled nursing facilities is that residents sit around inside all day playing Bingo. Don’t get us wrong, Bingo is popular at Copley, but in the summer months, we feel there is so much more to do.

Outdoor activities start with the facility itself. Our fully furnished outdoor patio is a great place to spend an afternoon with family or to sit and enjoy a book. Each summer season Copley hires a few additional staff for our activities department so our residents can enjoy our outdoor space as much as possible. Residents also enjoy gardening and walking the grounds. Cheryl Woodward, who plans all our activities, posts an upcoming schedule of events so that residents can plan accordingly. We’ve found that the excitement of an upcoming event is almost as important as the event itself! Besides the Cape Cod Canal cruises, there are shopping trips, restaurant outings, and other activities. Cheryl is always on the lookout for new adventures; feel free to call her if you have a suggestion.

These summer outings are important for our residents. Not only do they provide a great way to enjoy the nice weather, but these events also dramatically increase our residents’ quality of life – keeping them active and mentally engaged. As we always like to say, our residents don’t have time to sit around much! 

You can read more about the Copley lifestyle here: https://copleystoughton.com/lifestyle/ and of course, don’t hesitate to contact me personally if you have any questions or to book a tour.

Happy Summer!

Steve Tyer

World-Class Care Doesn’t Mean “Somewhere Else in the World”

by Steven Tyer

We always want the best for ourselves and our loved ones. Too often we’re conditioned that the “best” means something that can only be found in a big city. It’s true that we’re lucky to be in close proximity to Boston, which is home to some of the best hospitals in the country – perhaps the world. 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. It’s a designation we’re very proud of.

It’s that community connection that is so important in health care. As you know, I was born and raised in Stoughton. It’s not unusual for me to run into previous rehab guests while shopping at Stop and Shop or dining at the Town Spa, thanking me for the care they received and asking if I can help them again or help a loved one. “Of course,” I say. “I’d be happy to.”

Copley is part of the Stoughton culture. The fact that we are a Skilled Nursing Facility as well means that we are a temporary home for people of all ages here for rehabilitation and recovery. 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.

MassHealth an Incredible Program for Many of Our Residents

by Steven Tyer

MassHealth is a safety net for many of our residents. The state agency oversees Medicaid, the federal program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals. That includes nursing homes, assisting individuals with the monthly cost of their care that they would not have otherwise been able to afford.

However, there has been an alarming trend in MassHealth funding lately. Perhaps you’ve heard that the rates paid to nursing homes are based on 2007 costs. That means despite rising costs, all nursing homes caring for MassHealth residents still receive payments calculated on costs that they’ve incurred over 12 years ago. Copley has the same cost increases in labor, utilities, and food that you have in your own home – just on a much larger scale.

Tara Gregorio, the president of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association, and Naomi Prendergast, president and CEO of D’Youville Life and Wellness Community in Lowell have “sounded the alarm” about rates being too low. “This is a severely underfunded system,” Gregorio told CommonWealth Magazine’s The Codcast. They are calling for a restructuring of the program and funding based on more current costs. You can listen to the whole podcast and read an article based on their conversation here.

Copley at Stoughton fully supports this initiative. We see the tremendous impact MassHealth has for our residents and their families. But many nursing homes in Massachusetts are on the verge of bankruptcy, which will have an impact on many more residents and the industry as a whole.

Thankfully, that’s not the case for Copley at Stoughton. I credit our staff 100% for the great job they do ensuring our residents receive the care they need. In a previous blog post, I talked about how our staff routinely goes above and beyond budgets to provide outstanding care. This is part of the reason why we are consistently ranked one of the “Best Nursing Homes in the United States.” 

We believe in a strong skilled nursing home industry. We are optimistic that MassHealth will adjust their payment structure soon, thanks to the hard work of people like Tara Gregorio and Naomi Prendergast. But no matter what the outcome, Copley will remain a strong community partner providing care that goes above and beyond.

You can find out more about applying for MassHealth for your skilled nursing care home needs HERE. 

The Meaning of “Loved One” at Copley

by Steven Tyer

End-of-life care is so difficult, especially when your loved ones are no longer able to make their own choices. My father, who recently passed, was a resident at Copley at Stoughton. Having him here at Copley helped me look at the facility from both sides: as an administrator and as a family member of a resident. These insights guide me and help make Copley the skilled nursing facility that it is today.

I was lucky that it was a short walk up the hall to stop by for a meal or just to talk. The staff members here were great with him too, and not just because he was my father. They take good care of every resident, providing them with all that they need whether it’s a helping hand or offering a hand to hold. Residents are never alone at Copley. I’m extremely pleased with the level of attention our staff gives residents from day-to-day activities or end-of-life care. That’s where a community-based facility really excels.

I trust that other family members feel that community spirit at Copley, too. I was struck with the realization about how many physicians choose Copley for their loved ones. Doctors have their ear to the ground, and they know which nursing homes are which. The fact they choose Copley tells me we’re on the right track – being part of a community is truly important to people.

Saying goodbye though is never easy. Obviously, that was especially true with my father – it was one of the toughest things I’ve had to do. But it made me realize how connected the staff and I are with all residents here. They are our friends, our neighbors, and our loved ones, too. They are never simply names on a file folder that get shuffled from one box to another.

Did I make all the right choices for my father? I’d like to believe I did. I do know that I was proud he could call Copley home. He was constantly surrounded by people who cared about him. Could we ask for anything better?

Caring for Older Adults Means Keeping Everyone Active and Engaged

by Steven Tyer

I asked our activities director, Cheryl Woodward, to assist me in writing the blog this month. Getting older doesn’t have to mean getting less active! In fact it’s quite the opposite. Older adults who are less physically and socially active are at higher risk of losing the ability to do everyday routines. That includes everything from walking and dressing to dialing a telephone.

Exercise affects the mental well-being of older adults, too. There is a lot of evidence to suggest that lack of physical activity can lead to a greater risk of dementia-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s. A good fitness program, on the other hand, can help delay or even avoid symptoms of these diseases. Yet at least one study found that older adults in long-term facilities spend up to 65% of their time alone in their rooms.

I can tell you, that is not the case at Copley at Stoughton!

We do everything possible to help our residents stay fit and active for their physical, mental, and social well-being. Our Activities team, led Ms. Woodward, developed the “Fitness Fun” program with activities designed to keep our residents active and engaged. These include group calisthenics, guided walks in and around Copley, gardening, dancing, and other activities. Even simple things like encouraging residents to walk to the cafeteria at mealtimes rather than take a wheelchair can go a long way to increasing quality of life.

Regular outings are big social events here which usually have some sort of physical element such as walking. Other activities at Copley include cooking, arts and crafts, and cognitive games and puzzles. These are great ways of keeping the mind active as well.

The most important thing is that we do these activities together. Copley is a little community, and we encourage everyone to participate and interact socially. I like to think of our community as that neighborly house we all envision retiring in, but with all the comfort and convenience Copley offers.

Activities are important for our short-stay residents, too. Getting rehab after surgery or an injury can be difficult physically, mentally, and emotionally. This is especially true when you are away from home. Our professional Activities staff at Copley helps the time pass a lot faster.

If you have any questions about our Fitness Fun program or any of our lifestyle programming, please feel free to contact me anytime. We can even arrange for a tour so you can see for yourself how Copley keeps residents active and engaged.