Copley at Stoughton

Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

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There’s No Place like Home

by Steven Tyer

After a stay in the hospital, you’ll most likely feel eager to get home, but post-acute care is often necessary for a successful rehabilitation. While we are committed to getting you back on your feet and home as soon as possible, our goal is also to make sure your stay with us is comfortable and your rehabilitation successful.

Why would you want to spend your time recovering in a hospital setting, when Medicare gives the CHOICE to stay somewhere else? Our Rehabilitation Program contains separate physical, occupational, and speech therapy areas and is equipped to deal with a range of conditions resulting from elective orthopedic procedures, injury or debilitating acute/chronic illnesses. If you have a planned procedure and rehabilitation is needed for recovery, it makes sense to choose a facility in close proximity to family and friends with amenities that will help aid your recovery both mentally and physically.

The mission of our rehab program is to help our guests reach their maximum capabilities, independence, and enjoyment of life. We offer, for residents who would like to participate and are feeling up to it; cooked-to-order meals served in our dining room where guests’ families are welcome to join, a beauty salon/barber shop so guests can get back to some of their normal activities, daily practice going up and down the stairs, assistance with bathing and getting dressed, a furnished outdoor patio to get some fresh air and much more! By partaking in these activities our guests are preparing themselves for a successful and smooth transition home.

As a private, locally owned company, our senior management team is on-site, giving us the opportunity to assure a clean, safe and individually focused experience for each and every individual. Yes, we offer the same as what most other Skilled Nursing Facilities offer but what sets us apart as an individual facility is that our management team has as much experience as anyone in this industry, we do not outsource any of our services, we have wonderful relationships with the local hospitals, physicians, and our referrals, which often makes our guests double as our neighbors!

With the healthcare industry always changing, there is nothing worse than having to make a medical decision under stress, so prepare in advance by researching your different options. Our best customers are the ones that visit us for no reason! We encourage you to come in for a tour to learn more about Copley and get some of your questions answered before you or your loved ones need to make a decision for post-acute care.

Give us a call at 781-341-2300 to book your tour today!

Taking Away the Anxiety

by Steven Tyer

Whether you have been planning it for months or it is unexpected, admitting your loved one to a Skilled Nursing Center can be an emotionally challenging and anxiety-ridden process for the entire family. Our main goal is to reduce as much anxiety as possible for our residents, guests and their families by reminding them that the choice is always theirs when it comes to choosing a skilled nursing center that is the right fit.

As the Administrator, I witness families go through this tough transition all the time, but recently I had to play two roles here at Copley, one as the administrator and one as a family member of a guest. I spent a considerable amount of time a few months ago in our Adams unit, while my mother faced a terminal illness.

The professionalism and compassion of my staff members that I have been speaking about for years was something I got to witness from the patient/family standpoint. Being a direct recipient of my staff’s love and care made me appreciate them on a level I never have before. The outpouring of laughter, tears, handholding, and hugs that my family received was truly appreciated and what we strive to show every single guest and family member that enters our facility.

I have some pointers on things to pay attention to when you are faced with having to admit our loved one in a Skilled Nursing Center. I encourage everyone to look at many different options before making any decisions. It is important to look beyond the physical appearance of the building (although the appearance is important) and pay closer attention to the people in the facility.

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

Are your questions being answered? A Skilled Nursing Center that has nothing to hide will be transparent and responsive to all your questions and concerns.

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.

Overall Impression- Ask yourself if you would feel comfortable admitting a loved one to recuperate or spend their days remaining there based off of everything you witnessed.

My experience with Copley from the “other side” was something I will never forget and it made me appreciate my employees even more. Copley may not be the perfect fit for you because of specialized needs or location, but there are other places that can provide you with a wonderful experience and I encourage you not to settle for anything less!

We are more than happy to talk to you and answer any questions you may have to help ease your anxieties during this tough decision/transition. We take pride in being a local source for the surrounding communities. Give us a call at 781-341-2300.

The Dreaded Flu

by Steven Tyer

“Flu activity in Massachusetts has spiked yet again, reaching the second-highest level the state has seen in at least the past decade.” The Boston Globe reported on February 8th.

Your first thought reading this may be “well I got the flu shot so I am fine” … wrong. The vaccine was reported by TIME Magazine to only have 17 percent effectiveness against the viral strain this flu season, meaning we need to remain cautious while we wait out the rest of this flu season.

Every year I remind visitors about coming into Copley if they are having any flu-like symptoms.  Once illnesses like the flu or Norovirus are introduced to an environment such as Copley, they can infect almost everyone in record time.  It is very serious when an elderly person contracts one of these viruses. As we age, our immune systems become weaker, making us more prone to these illnesses. Please, if you have symptoms we ask until your symptoms have subsided not to visit our facility.  It is critical for our infection control protocols to mitigate the spread of these illnesses to our residents.

Here are some ways you can be mindful during flu season:

  1. Even it is not 100% effective, getting your flu shot in early fall can still protect you against multiple strands of the virus.
  2. Avoid close contact with others.
  3. Keep your hands away from your face. ANY surface could be infected.
  4. Clean communal surfaces and items DAILY and wash your hands after touching any. I.e. light switches, doorknobs, telephones, keyboards, etc…
  5. Wear surgical gloves and a mask while caring for someone who is ill and AVOID direct contact.

And for those who have been hit already, here are a few ways you can lessen the pain of your symptoms while you wait it out via WebMD:

  1. Fluids, fluids, fluids. Water, tea, juice, sports drinks, and broth are all effective in keeping your respiratory system hydrated.
  2. Ibuprofen can save the day when it comes to those dreaded body aches.
  3. Calm that cough with over the counter cough meds.
  4. Breathe in steam. Fill your bathroom sink with hot water and a few drops of peppermint essential oils. This opens your airways up, easing congestion and making it easier to breathe!

Stay healthy this winter and remember to visit when you’re feeling better!

Helping Others Find a Career Path

by Steven Tyer

Setting out to find a career is an exciting, yet terrifying time in everyone’s life. It’s easy to wonder – am I choosing the right path? What if I end up not liking the job?  Am I wasting my time? All of these questions are completely legitimate, but having a mentor to turn to for advice and guidance can make the journey less terrifying.

When we look back on when we first embarked on our career paths, there is usually a special someone who helped shape our careers by sharing their knowledge and past experiences. While it is said that struggles prove to be one of life’s greatest teachers, a mentor can help guide you through those struggles.

We’ve always taken mentoring very seriously. In fact, we encourage our staffs’ children and close family friends to shadow our employees if they show an interest in nursing, physical or occupational therapy or administration.  As a locally-owned and managed facility, we can offer an exceptional learning environment with hands-on experience. We have employees that started as CNAs that are now RNs, nursing station secretaries that have gone on to nursing school and students from Blue Hills Technical School who have finished their technical hours at our facility.

Jill Owens is the MDS Coordinator here at Copley. As an MDS Coordinator, Jill’s daily tasks consist of assessing the quality of the emotional, mental and physical care that is given to long-term patients. She started as a CNA back in 1995 and has since worked her way through nursing school and up to a management position that is very important for the everyday function of our facility, staff, and patients.

We open our doors and not only welcome but encourage younger generations to use our facility and our well-trained staff as a source of knowledge for their future. Know someone looking for hands-on experience in nursing or any part of the skilled nursing field? We would love to hear from them and learn how we can work together to start them on their way to a rewarding career. Whether it is through volunteering, interning or finishing up technical hours, there are many opportunities to learn and grow in any field if you put yourself out there!

Community

by Steven Tyer

The holiday season is without a doubt my favorite time of year to reflect on how wonderful it is to be part of this community.  From holiday parties and shopping to religious services, and our annual Holiday Open House, I know that there will be many opportunities for me to see people I have known for years and remember those who have passed on.

Having the chance to work in the town where I grew up and raised my family gives me the chance to assist numerous people that I know personally- some since elementary school. Because we are locally owned and operated, the majority of our Copley employees also reside in the surrounding area.  Almost all of our residents and guests here know someone on our staff through a personal connection. Our ability to provide services with a personal touch is not something many Skilled Nursing Facilities can say they do.

Even if you don’t need our services at present, feel free to stop by for a tour or give us a call to connect. And, if you are interested in working in a supportive environment that values community, I’d love to hear from you.  Chances are you probably know one or more of our residents or a member of our staff. Give us a call at 781-341-2300 X119 or check us out on Indeed to learn more about our open positions.

It’s hard to believe that I have been here for seven years now. I’ve come to realize that it’s true what they say- if you enjoy what you do and most importantly who you work with the time flies. I am always looking to grow my ties within this community; I hope to hear from you soon!

The Season of Giving

by Steven Tyer

As we approach the holidays, we begin to reflect on how thankful we are and how much we appreciate those around us. Here at Copley, this time of year brings us many opportunities to show our staff how grateful we are for them. Not that their efforts ever go unnoticed, but the holiday season gives us the chance to slow down and let them know how valued they are.

Our Employee Appreciation Awards took place on November 9th; we had the opportunity to take a break from our hectic routines to enjoy each other’s company over lunch while we recognized our employees. We kicked off the awards acknowledging those with perfect attendance. We are always amazed by the number of staff members we have here with perfect attendance, it really speaks to their dedication!

Next, we honor those who have been here for two, five, ten and twenty years. Each year we see more and more repeat faces filling our annual awards, and it gives us a great deal of pride to know that we are doing something correctly to keep our team around. It brings us joy to hear comments throughout the community about our dedicated team of professionals because if it weren’t for them, it would be impossible for us to operate as we do.

Another annual event we look forward to is the Thanksgiving pie delivery that fills our conference room with fresh apple pies from Whitey’s bakery. Each staff member is able to take one home to enjoy with their loved ones on Thanksgiving.

As we head into December we begin to organize our Giving Tree. Each staff member gets to pick an envelope off of the tree and receive a mystery gift card. This is such a great way to end the year and show our appreciation.

On December 14th we will be hosting our annual Holiday Reception from 5:30PM – 8:00PM for our residents, guests, staff and families. Wishing a warm holiday season filled with rest and relaxation to you and your loved ones!

Director of Rehab Services Spotlight

by Steven Tyer

Rehabilitation is a vital part of the recovery process after any post-acute stay. It improves functional mobility, average daily living skills (ADLs), as well as speech and swallowing disorders. Sometimes an inpatient stay at a skilled nursing facility, such as Copley, is required to facilitate your rehab goals.

Denis Andreotti, our Director of Rehab Services, is a native of Norwood, MA with strong ties in the Canton community, as his family owned and operated Andreotti Pharmacy for many years. Denis holds a Masters in Physical Therapy from the MGH Institute of Health Professions and has been with Copley for over seven years now. He enjoys the fact that all of his staff works for Copley (many skilled nursing facilities sub-contract therapy to a third party) and the freedom he has to manage his department in an effective way.

He coordinates and operates the services of the department to ensure that Copley guests reach their maximum potential to live as independent a life as possible, while returning home as quickly as possible. Copley at Stoughton’s Rehabilitation Department is a total in-house operation and offers separate physical and occupational areas that are equipped to deal with a range of conditions resulting from elective orthopedic procedures, injury or debilitating acute/chronic illnesses. All of our therapists are staff members who get to know each and every guest under their care.

Doctors often recommend post-acute care facilities to patients but it is important to remember that if you have Medicare benefits then where you go for therapy is up to you! It is YOUR CHOICE to pick a place you feel is the best fit and more importantly convenient for you and your family. If you are having an elective surgery and are pre-booking your post-acute stay, make sure that you do your research and pick the best place that fits your needs.

Denis welcomes guests to stop by and chat with him before their procedures to make sure Copley is a good match for your needs, and explain what to expect during a rehabilitation stay.

Employee Spotlight: Cheryl Woodward

by Steven Tyer

Activity Directors at Skilled Nursing Facilities play a vital role in developing and implementing different activities that will engage residents, give them something to look forward to and encourage socialization.

Cheryl Woodward has been our Activities Director for ten years now, planning and implementing the daily and annual activities for our residents. Cheryl lives locally in Taunton, MA and in her free time enjoys painting, decorating, arts and crafts and anything that gets her creative juices flowing.

Cheryl works hard to reconnect our residents with the hobbies they love to make their lives feel fulfilled and meaningful. Each month a thoughtfully planned calendar outlining activities gives residents something to look forward to, which helps tremendously with their mental well-being. There are also many events that occur on a regular basis including coffee hour & word games to keep residents minds sharp, fitness fun to encourage an active lifestyle, painting classes for artistic residents, spa days, restaurant outings, casino trips and more! Cheryl’s favorite activities to plan are the ones that involve bringing the resident’s families together. Some of the annual family events are the Winter Holiday Celebration in December and National Nursing Home Week in May.

Each season, our residents work collectively on a mural that graces the front lobby of Copley. Each resident participating is given one to two squares of a larger picture to complete. The individual paintings are then put together and revealed to the residents in a grand unveiling ceremony. This is one of the most looked forward to events each season as it takes hours of hard work and dedication. Cheryl started incorporating these murals into our activities three years ago, and past and present residents have now completed twelve collaborative murals, and we recently started donating the older ones to town buildings. Our spring 2015 mural entitled “April Showers Bring May Flowers” is on display at the Stoughton Public Library. Be sure to check it out if you are in the area.

Cheryl enjoys working here for many reasons but said that what she appreciates most about her job is how it feels like home. It is not only a comfortable environment, but she loves the people she works alongside and the special bond she has with our residents.

Skilled Nursing Facility Myths vs. Realities

by Steven Tyer

There are many unflattering stigmas associated with skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). So for this month’s blog, we want to take the opportunity to dispel some of these “un-truths” and shine some light on the realities of being a guest or resident at Copley at Stoughton.

Myth 1:

The food is awful and residents are malnourished

The Reality:

Proper nutrition is one of the main concerns of staff members at a skilled nursing facility, especially here at Copley. It is crucial to provide residents with proper nutrition to keep them healthy and feeling their best. Our registered dietitian Deb and head chef Bobbi Jo work hard to make sure each specialized diet plan is providing residents with the proper nutrients to make sure their dietary needs are being met. We must go above and beyond to make sure all guests and residents enjoy our menus.

A few of our favorite dishes here at Copley are the pan seared scallops over baby greens, the complete Thanksgiving turkey dinner and the daily breakfasts served in the dining room. We also strive to make every attempt to fulfill individual requests at each meal.

Myth 2:

Skilled Nursing Facilities smell

The Reality:

This myth is commonly associated with the fact that some older adults are incontinent due to medical issues. Properly cleaned facilities like Copley not only use highly effective products to avoid odors from building up, but also have trained staff members who thoroughly cleanse residents before odors become an issue. Of course, there will be odors in areas where we care for residents at certain times, but those odors should never affect the lobby or common areas.

Myth 3:

All residents do is play Bingo

The Reality:

There is no denying that we LOVE Bingo here at Copley and fit it into our schedules numerous times each week, but we do more than just Bingo. All skilled nursing facilities have activity directors on site to plan various activities on a daily basis that are mentally, physically and socially stimulating. We get our residents involved in seasonal murals, weekly art classes, a yearly harbor cruise, live musical performances, group story writing, restaurant and casino outings and much more!

Myth 4:

Residents are lonely

The Reality:

Transitioning into a new living situation can be difficult for anyone, regardless of their age. Adjusting is something that takes time, sometimes up to 6 months to even a year. By transitioning, we mean residents being fully engaged in activities, the dining room, and facility outings. Residents often meet many people during their stay with common interests, allowing them to bond and form friendships with one another.  We are very aware of this transition process with new residents and make sure that we do everything in our power to make the process easier for them. We also like to encourage families to visit whenever they can to bring a sense of familiarity to their loved ones as long as they’re not interfering with the care of other residents. We also encourage all resident to bring some personal items to make it feel more like their home.

It is important that we do not fall victim to believing everything we read or hear. Do your research, visit and don’t let one bad experience with a skilled nursing facility speak for them all.  We encourage you to visit our facility at any time for a tour! Check out our website here: https://copleystoughton.com/

 

 

 

 

Sources:

http://www.therubins.com/homes/stathome.htm

http://www.nmhca.org/myths

Protect your Skin this Summer

by Steven Tyer

Summer is finally here, and as much as we welcome the sun, it is important to remember that the older you get, the more sensitive your skin becomes to harmful UV rays.  Each time our residents are outside, regardless of the amount of time they will be spending in the sun, we make sure that our nurses protect their skin with sunscreen. Protection with a SPF 15 or higher on a daily basis can dramatically decrease skin aging.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the older you get, the higher your risk becomes for skin cancer, and if you’ve had more than five sunburns in your lifetime, your risk of melanoma doubles.

Here are some tips on how to enjoy the sun without sacrificing your health;

  1. Apply SPF 15 or higher on a daily basis, especially to your face, whether you are going to the beach or just to work! Learn more about what your sunscreen label is actually saying HERE.
  2. Consider investing in clothing with SPF! It is a great way to further protect your skin from those harmful UV rays. Check out some SPF clothing HERE.
  3. Seek shade! UV rays are the most harmful between 10AM and 4PM.
  4. Wear sunglasses. Good sunglasses with UV-blocking properties are a necessity when it comes to protecting the sensitive skin around your eyes as well as your eyes in general!
  5. Avoid tanning beds at ALL COSTS. They have been linked with increased risks of melanoma.

Stay aware of what is happening with your skin and keep an eye on any concerning freckles or moles. When giving yourself a skin check, keep in mind the ABCDE rule that the American Cancer Society recommends:

  • A is for Asymmetry: One half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.
  • B is for Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
  • C is for Color: The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, or sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
  • D is for Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about ¼ inch – the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.
  • E is for Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

There is plenty of information on the hazards of UV rays and the risks of skin cancer/sun damage, but it is not all doom and gloom, if you are proactive with protection. And remember, you are susceptible to harmful UV rays 12 months of the year, not just in the summer months.