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As I sit here at my desk, I find myself thinking about how different the holidays will be here at Copley and in the homes of our staff and families. Copley remains focused every day on preventing COVID from re-entering our facility, which means we still cannot have group activities of any kind. Unfortunately, our residents will not be able to host their families and friends at their annual holiday party.

For those of you that have not attended one of these holiday gatherings, it is the focal point of the holiday season. It starts with a full Thanksgiving dinner in our Main and Plaza dining rooms, which were always at capacity.

A few weeks later, we (staff and residents) host a gathering, including everyone’s families, and provide food, drink, and entertainment. The record is hosting approximately 300 guests.

I can’t help but think the upcoming holidays will be a letdown for all of us. I asked Cheryl Woodward (our activities director) to help me develop some ideas to make our residents happy. I first asked her about Thanksgiving, and if she would inquire what, if anything, our residents are thankful for this year. I prepared myself for some depressing answers, considering everything we have been through, but boy was I wrong!!! I thought I would share some of the responses with all of you. They lifted my spirits, and no matter what, I know we will have some positive, happy memories of the upcoming holidays.

 

Here are the responses and what our residents are thankful for;

 

MG: “my family, my health, and the pleasant staff that works here”

ES: “my family”

CMc: “when it comes down to brass tax, I’m grateful for everything”

DA: “my family”

JG: “the ability to walk”

PL: “my girls”

JD: “I’m able to wake up every morning”

CS: “being alive, my sister and my friend”

KZ: “life, family and my health”

GH: “my family and my husband”

AG: being alive, my family, television, and humor”

MG: “my family and love”

EG:” the gift of family and the gift of love”

SV: “at my age, everything! Family and being able to laugh”

SM: “my kids, my health and god”

AB: “food and family”

JM: “my husband and family”

PB: “my life, my sons and the Copley staff”

LT: “my family”

CL: “my husband, my children, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren, and Copley”

EF: “being alive and my health”

DB: “being alive and friendship”

GA: “a wonderful family”

JK: “my excellent family”

ES: “my family and Copley”

LL: “I’m about to be 93 years old, my wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and luck”

RB: “that I’m alive, I’m able to do my puzzles, my family and the world around me”

KN: “my family, the Red Sox, the Patriots, Lisa and my independence”

 

ST: “my family, my co-workers, our residents, and their families”

 

After reading their responses I have faith the holidays will be different, but very meaningful for all of us in our own special way.

 

If there is anything we can do to make your holiday more special please do not hesitate to ask.

 

HAPPY Holidays!!

-Steven Tyer

It’s a question I hear all the time – and it’s one I always appreciate: “What’s the best thing I can do to help Copley at Stoughton prevent the spread of COVID-19?”

First, there are obvious safety measures. Stay at home if you have COVID-like symptoms (even if symptoms are mild) and do all the things health professionals recommend including regular hand washing, physical distancing, and wearing a mask.

The next best thing you can do is get your flu shot. A flu shot will not protect you directly against COVID, but it helps your loved ones in other ways.

People are hospitalized every year with regular flu. As you know, the elderly are, particularly at risk. This year, our hospitals are already dealing with an overload due to COVID. That means reducing hospital admissions for regular flu is very important.

Another thing to remember is that you or your loved ones can get COVID and the flu at the same time. That’s why some are calling this flu season a “twindemic.” Not only would having both increase the likelihood of hospitalization, but there is also an even greater risk of serious side effects such as pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions.

Copley is proactively ensuring staff and residents get their flu shots for the protection of all. We pre-ordered doses, and we’ve already had one clinic with a great turnout. Our residents are lining up for flu shots, for their protection as well as the protection of everyone at Copley. And, as always, I’m proud of the commitment of all of our frontline workers at Copley to ensure the safety of our residents.

Arranging flu shots is one more COVID measure we’ve put into place over the last several months. It has since become a Massachusetts DPH requirement. Others include cleaning touched surfaces multiple times per day, monitoring physical distancing, and screening all residents, workers, and visitors for symptoms. As I’ve mentioned previously, our staff are also working tirelessly to ensure your loved ones feel engaged and supported during this difficult time.

COVID hasn’t been any fun for anyone. Now that we are entering the regular flu season, we need to be extra vigilant. From the start, our commitment has been to the health and safety of our residents and staff. I’m appreciative of all the support you’ve shown so far. Getting your flu shot is another way you can help keep all of us safe.

Our number one priority is everyone’s health and safety here at Copley, and it is our responsibility to follow all regulations regarding this pandemic. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health continues to work with state, federal, and local partners in this ever-evolving situation. As of last month, the visitation guidelines for long-term care facilities were updated with the following physical distancing and protection requirements.

• A resident who is suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 cannot be visited.
• All visits will take place at the designated outdoor visitation space.
• A resident who has recovered from COVID-19 may have visitors.
• A resident quarantined after a hospital stay and not suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 can be visited.
• A resident who is not quarantined and never tested positive for the virus can have visitors.
• Before transporting a resident to the designated outdoor visitation space, the long-term care facility must screen the visitor for fever or respiratory symptoms. Any individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 (fever equal to or greater than 100.0F, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, myalgia, chills, or new onset of loss of taste or smell) will not be permitted to visit with a resident.
• A long-term care facility staff member trained in patient safety and infection control measures must remain with the resident throughout the visit.
• Staff and residents must wear a surgical face mask, and visitors must wear a face covering or mask for the duration of the visit.
• Visits with a resident in a designated outdoor visitation space must be scheduled in advance and are dependent on permissible weather conditions, availability of outdoor space, and sufficient staffing at the facility to meet resident care needs and the health and well-being of the resident.

We understand this can be frustrating for everybody. We continue to do our best to accommodate everyone while maintaining our residents’ and staff’s health and safety. We must continue to enforce all safety measures put in place. The visitation restrictions protect our residents and staff and will be lifted once the DPH feels safe, statewide, to do so. We are so thankful for our residents’ families and friends’ continued support through these challenging times.

If you have any questions regarding these regulations, please feel free to call me anytime 781-341-2300. We are here for you and with you. We’ll get through this together.

-Steven Tyer

Global Pandemic. Now that the initial shock has worn off and things are slowly winding down, what does that mean for us? How do you survive in arguably the hardest-hit industry? You adapt. The pandemic is not over, but Copley is making strides in our continuous effort to keep everyone safe.

What does Copley’s new normal look like for operations?

The first question is “Is everybody feeling ok?” including residents and staff. We’ve adapted our programs for residents to enjoy at a safe distance from each other. We provide packets of trivia, word searches, crossword and logic problems to maintain mental stimulation. Doorway Bingo and Pokeno have become a highlight of entertainment. Window visits, Skype, and outdoor activities help us feel together while staying apart. We continue to find ways to adapt programs with the ultimate goal of keeping our residents and staff safe and content.

Pursuant to MA DPH requirements, in the last two weeks Copley has tested all residents once and staff weekly for COVID 19, and we currently have zero active cases. Our number one goal is to not have someone who is asymptomatic bring COVID into the facility. We as the management team and employees discuss this matter daily.

Looking back on what has gone on here the past few months and the adaptations we have made as a business to ensure others’ safety while continuing to run as smoothly as possible, I’ve never been more appreciative of this facility.

We’re still here, along with the need for our services. We understand the apprehension in choosing a skilled nursing facility during this time, but we are here to disarm and inform before the choice is made for you. Copley would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our safety protocol and daily quality of life. We have survived, continue to thrive, and our numbers are steady because of our ability to adapt. Our residents are resilient, our employees are exceptional, and I could not be more grateful. This is the new normal. Let’s talk about it.

 

– Steven Tyer

We are so happy to see that restrictions are starting to loosen and slowly but surely, Massachusetts is re-opening. There is hope, and that’s always a good thing.

That said, it is still not time for Copley at Stoughton to open our doors to family and visitors. Our residents and staff remain at risk, as do most long-term facilities across the country.

I know – it’s frustrating. Not being able to visit loved ones is hard for our residents and their families. But our number one priority is the health and safety of everyone here at Copley, and it is our responsibility to follow all regulations regarding this pandemic.

As a long-term care and rehabilitation facility, we are already well trained in infection control. The more we learn about this particular infection, the better we will be at understanding the risks, how the virus works, and adapting our protocols to meet those risks head-on. Until that time, we have to take a blanket approach, ensuring that there aren’t any cracks in our defense. With talk of a possible second wave, we have to stay vigilant. Please know we would love nothing more than to open our door once again and welcome you back.

I want to thank all the families who have taken the time to call, email, or write a letter in support of our safety initiatives. It means a lot to know that you understand how difficult this is for everyone. We couldn’t do it without our incredible staff. I’ve praised them before, and I’ll do it here again. They have all done an amazing job and are helping us weather this storm. I am so proud of the patience and dedication they’ve shown through it all.

I wish I had a date to give you to welcome you back; unfortunately, viruses don’t come and go on a schedule. We’re looking forward to contacting families directly when that day finally arrives. In the meantime, feel free to Skype, window visit, or visit us on the patio – from a safe distance.

 

Stay safe.

 

Steven Tyer

We’ve heard in the news about long-term care staff and the stress they’re under all across the country. I mentioned last month that our nurses, receptionists, housekeepers, CNAs, janitorial staff, cooks, and admissions staff are Copley’s heroes. They have stepped up during one of the most trying times of our lives, continuing to work on the frontlines of this pandemic.

 

But what doesn’t get talked about enough is the emotional connection our staff has with our residents. Working at Copley at Stoughton isn’t your average job where you punch in and punch out. We develop relationships with all of our residents. Often, these relationships last years and years. We know their birthdays, their favorite foods, their favorite colors. We know their spouses and their siblings. We know their children and their grandchildren and their great-grandchildren. We take care of them through the day, and, when needed, we sit up with them at night. We play games with them, chat with them, and spend time with them. They are not just a number. They are our friends and our family. And when we lose someone in our “family,” we grieve.

 

We are mindful that the stress and emotional toll of this virus is not just experienced by our employees, but also our residents. We do everything possible to ease their loneliness and worry, and that includes spending extra time with them because their family cannot. We assist with FaceTime and shortly we will be adding skype for our residents to communicate with their loved ones. We plan distanced activities to keep them occupied and stimulated. We are committed to making the best of a very difficult situation.

 

We look forward to returning to some level of normalcy, but until then, we will continue to take the very best emotional and physical care of everyone under our roof. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me anytime.

 

Thank you and stay safe!

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