hyedounoctnovdec2009

8/2/2019 HyeDounOctNovDec2009

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A Publication of the Armenian Nursing And Rehabilitation Center, Inc., Emerson, NJOct/Nov/Dec 2009

Hye Doun

ANRC played host to the 2009

Emerson Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party!


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Giving Gifts

2 HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2009

Andrew Torigian

The Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center sits on three spacious acres

nestled in wooded, suburban Emerson, Bergen County, NJ.

Our Address is:

Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center70 Main Street, Emerson NJ 07630

Phone: 201.261.6662 Fax: 201.261.5509

You are invited to call and make an appointment to discuss the individual needs of your

loved one.

Directions:

By Bus: Port Authority: Bus #165 to Emerson

By Car: Exit #165 on Garden State Parkway. Right turn onto Oradell Ave. Left turn onto

Kinderkamack Rd. Turn right onto Main St. Follow contours of road. Home on left.

From GWB: Take Route 4 to Kinderkamack Rd. Right turn onto Main St. Follow contours of

road. Home on left.

Board OfTrustees

ANDREW TORIGIAN

President of the Home and

Chairman of the

Board of Trustees

VATCHE BAGHDIKIAN

Vice President

DAVID ROWAN

Treasurer

BERGE TALANIAN

Assistant Treasurer

KHOREN NALBADIAN

Recording Secretary

ANNETTE TAMALIAN-

ALMOND

Corresponding Secretary

H. CRAIG FROONJIAN, DMD

TED TAKVORIAN, Esq.

JOHN VANISKHIAN

Board Members

MATTHEW RUSSO, LNHA

Administrator

JAN MRANI, M.D.Medical Director

Hye DounEditorial Board

Andrew Torigian

Chief Editor

Louisa Janbazian

Editor

Matthew Russo

Advisor

Howard Torossian

Photographs and Ads

Layout & Design by

Caspian Seal

Caspianseal.com

Printed by

PRINTSOLUTIONS

Englewood, NJ

201.567.9622

The Presidents Message

In this joyous Christmas season we enjoy giving gifts toeach other. The nursing staff, the administrative staff,the members of our Board of Trustees, the maintenancecrew, the rehabilitation groups and all others involved

with the Armenian Rehabilitation and Nursing Center(ANRC) in effect give gifts to our residents throughout theyear. Gifts are given by presenting concerts, various holi-

day parties, shopping sprees, talking to them individually,playing games with them and so on. The point being thatat the ANRC we give gifts as our normal course of activ-ity. In this way we not only do our duty to take care of theresidents but also constantly make them feel at home.

In this regard we also include the members of Friends of the Armenian Home(FAH). The FAH ladies do all they can to contribute their talents and their nances in

decorating, brightening and making the ANRC feel like a persons home. They givethese gifts throughout the year, and once a year they ask for your support (see page 9)so they can continue their good work.

On behalf of all of us at the ANRC, Merry Christmas.

Krisdos dzenav yev haydnetzav: tzezee, mezee medz avedis.(Christ is born and is revealed: Good tidings to you and to us.)


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many thanks towards the people who care for ushere at the Armenian Home a very contented ZepureMardekian said. They are here for us all the time

and are able to help keep us comfortable and safe.As an Administrator, statements like these are musicto my ears. The funny thing is, I hear statements likethis year round. In a time, witnessing a very poor economy andincreasingly stingy government funding, we continueto prosper. None of this satisfaction is possiblewithout the backing of the homes Board and itsfaithful supporters. It is also not possible withoutthe number of tax-deductible contributions madeby the Armenian Community on behalf of loved

ones. These donations allow us to further enhancethe care rendered both medically and aesthetically.Enclosed in this edition of Hye Doun you will nd an

opportunity to contribute to our home which will allowus to continue to augment the level of care. If youare able to donate to the home well have even morereasons to be thankful in the years that lie beforeus!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!. q

From the Administrators Desk

HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2009 3

Matthew L. Russo, LNHAAdministrator

A SeasonofThanks

IIn the season of giving thankswe, as employees and friendsto the home, have much to be

thankful for. At this time of year, Iam be thankful rst and foremost

for our troops who protect ourfreedoms. The month of Decem-ber brings many holidays froma variety of religious and ethnic backgrounds and

our troops abroad are sacricing their lives and time

away from home to defend our liberties.At the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation

Center, our homes administration is extremelythankful for the tasks performed twenty-four hoursa day, three hundred and sixty ve days a year by

our dedicated staff. This home never closes. Whilemany of us are home during the holidays sharingpleasantries with our closest family members

around the holiday table, the homes staff continuesto operate during these times with the strictestadherence providing compassionate and dutifulcare. I am thankful to them, our Board is thankful tothem and our many volunteers who serve the homeare thankful to their devotion.

This past week I randomly asked some residentswhat theyre most thankful for. The majority ofthem mentioned their families. Most followed thosecomments by mentioning the staff too. We have

Enclosed in this edition of Hye Doun you will find an opportunity to contribute

to our home and allow us to continue to augment the level of care.

In the last edition of the Hye Doun the residentspictured above were included with the wrong names.Pictured seated l to r and are Marksina Chuzhina, RoseGhelibolian. Seated to back are Mary Baghdassarianand far back Mary Doughty.


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Health


While people are living

longer, many are spending

their Golden Years in

hospitals, skilled nursing homes, or

assisted living facilities. As a result,

many patients and residents are facing

multiple risk factors and comorbidities

that increase their susceptibility

for various infections and adverse complications from

infections.

The interdisciplinary team (IDC) which includes the

attending physician, the nurse practitioner, Occupationaland Physical Therapists, CNAs, the Social Worker, Dietary,

and the Activities Department all work together to avoid or

minimize these complications. In addition, some of the risk

factors contributing to various infections are: advanced

age, decrease in mobility, functional status, and decreased

nutritional status.

Studies show that the most common infections in

nursing homes continue to be pneumonia and urinary tract

infections (UTIs). The most common predisposing factor

for UTIs in elderly patients are incomplete emptying of the

bladder. Some of the causes for not emptying the bladder

are: benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), prostatitis, urethral

strictures, decreased mobility, use of indwelling urinarycatheters and lack of adequate uid intake. It has been

well documented that incontinence is a major contributing

factor to falls, urinary tract infections, depression and skin

breakdown.

Fortunately, in the Armenian Nursing & Rehabilitation

Center, our caregivers are properly educated and highly

competent in identifying and communicating signs and

symptoms of infection, so that appropriate and prompt

treatment can be administrated early enough to prevent

complications. In addition, we have a continence specialist

(nurse practitioner) who provides on-site treatment for our

residents right in the privacy of their rooms. Working with

the IDC team, she creates a plan of care specic for theresident. Her evaluation includes physical examination,

measurement of post void residual volume, urinalysis,

cystomitry, if required, medications and nursing interventions

as deemed necessary.

Our continence specialist has vast experience with

continence care and the geriatric population and we are very

fortunate to have her on our team to provide this quality of

care for our residents.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a

Merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays! q

ContinenceCare Program

Behavioral changes may takeplace so gradually that youbarely notice them from day to

day. Oftentimes they can start abrupt-ly after an illness or an injury. Beforelong you may begin to realize that aspouse, parent, or sibling are behav-ing in ways that are upsetting to youand your families. Changes such as delusions, suspicious-ness, hostility, hallucinations, emotional withdrawal or isola-tion are common.

You wouldnt blame someone for having diabetes or a car-diovascular disorder. It is the same with behavioral changes.It is no ones fault. Medical illnesses, imbalances of chemi-cals in the brain, physical injury to the brain and stress, are

thought to be factors in causing these changes in behavior.Changing behaviors may occur as a result of a medical

illness such as Parkinsons disease, Huntingtons disease,hypothyroidism, stroke, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.Changes in behavior may come from an injury to the brain,such as a blow to the head from a fall, or an auto accident.

Taking multiple medications may cause physical oremotional changes too. Its important to review with aphysician all the medications a person is taking. Impropernutrition may also cause physical or emotional changes. Its

difcult to avoid other illnesses and cope with stress if onedoes not have a balanced diet.

Another possible factor causing a persons behavioralchange is stress. As we age losing things that providesecurity to us can be very stressful. The loss of a lovedone or material items is incredibly painful. Caring for thosecoupled with behavioral problems changing can be upsetting,challenging, and exhausting for the whole family. You mustremember that when behavioral challenges persist, a personis not acting out on purpose! Some steps that can help you are to learn all you can -Adapt and Accept - Keep it simple! Regular daily routinesmay help someone who gets confused. Dont change the

routine and try not to change anything unless theres aproblem. Always take a break when you can and ask friendsfor help. If youre tired and irritable, youre less patient andless able to handle problems. Burning out of the caregiveris common and you must take care of yourself mentally andphysically as much as you can.

For the person who cannot live alone any longer,hiring full time help at home or moving into someoneelses home may be the answer. If you require assistanceand have no one to turn to, do not hesitate to call us at thehome for help and well help guide you through the myriad

of alternatives. q

BehavioralChangesMaggy Petrosian, RN, Patient Care Coordinator Shakeh Bautista, RN, Director of Nursing


5/12HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2009 5

UPCOMINGEVENTS

January

1 - New Years Eve Party4 - Night of Caroling

6 - Armenian Christmas Celebration with NoubarBoyadjian, Ara Dinkjian and Varouj Vartanian9 - Children from the Virgin Mary Church to come and

play bingo with the residents22 - Shopping Day

February

5 - Poon Paregentan

8 - Boy Scout Troop to come and play bingowith the residents

12 - Making Valentine Day Cards14 - Valentines Day Party

22 - Having an apple celebration in honor of

Georges Washingtons Birthday

March

12 - Hot Chocolate and Cookies for the employeesin honor of Employee Spirit Month

17 - St. Patricks Day Party

25 - Wafe Ice Cream Sandwiches in honor of wafe day

M

any people associate grief with the death of a loved one. While losing someoneclose to us most often triggers a grief response, it is not only at this time that such

a reaction is experienced. By looking at the lives of nursing home residents inparticular, losses beyond that of a person can be recognized. For instance, when a resident

is admitted to a nursing facility from their home, they often experience a loss of independence, self-sufciency, and

familiar surroundings. Additionally, they may be experiencing loss of functions and abilities such as the ability towalk, feed oneself, speak, hear, etc. During this time, family members may be experiencing loss of their loved oneas they once knew him/her. In relation, there is often a shift of roles, creating a loss of the residents parental role

as their children are now acting as caretakers or guardians. As these changes become inltrated in the lives of the

residents, grief responses are common and can cause stress to the resident and families alike.

Elisabeth Kbler-Ross listed the ve stages of grief that one experiences as DABDA; Denial, Anger, Bargaining,

Depression, and Acceptance. Although these stages were developed with the terminally ill patient in mind, they canbe applied to the losses outlined above. For example, a resident who is losing his ability to walk may attempt totake a few steps without assistance because he is experiencing denial over his declining abilities. This is our wayof coping and protecting ourselves from the often intense emotions that may accompany the reality of the situation.

The stage of anger appears after the reality of the situation can no longer be denied. Questioning spirituality andreligion are common during this stage as people begin to ask Why me and not him. The bargaining stage involves apersons deal making thought process. At this stage, people seek to delay or reverse the reality of the situation. Forexample, a resident who is losing his sight begins to promise anything in exchange for the ability to see. This stageinvolves facing reality as the denial has now passed. Depression is common when experiencing grief. It involvesrealizing the inevitability of the situation and is often exhibited through crying, sleeping, weight gain/weight loss, etc.

There is no timeline for this stage and some may experience depression longer than others. The nal stage of grief

is acceptance. At this stage, the person accepts the situation for what it is and can acknowledge something positivethat may have come from it. For example, the same resident who lost his sight may now accept what has happenedand adapted it in to his life. He may now be able to recognize an appreciation for his hearing and sense of smell thathe thought little of before.

It is important to remember that these stages of grief have no distinct time frame and some may never work

through all ve stages. They are often experienced, but not recognized, in response to the losses outlined earlier

such as loss of independence. Through education and acknowledgment, we can help our loved ones, and ourselves,through this often difcult process of grief.q

Grief Responses In Long Term Care

Beth Aymar MSW, LSW


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7/12


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Sandy Cortelyou, ADC, Director of Activities

W

ith the new year coming we

thought that this would be

the perfect time to begin a

new program. We have been in touch

with the local Emerson Girl Scout

Troops inviting the girls to come and

visit with our residents. The girls will

visit one to one with those residents

who do not have regular visitors. Since there are approxi-

mately twenty Girl Scout troops in our area the girls will

rotate their visitations. Each week a different group of girls

will come and visit the same group of residents. The girl

scouts will spend time chatting, doing arts and crafts and

enjoying snacks together. We think that this will truly benet

all involved and we look forward to beginning this fabulousprogram and relationship.q

Sharing TimeWith Others

T

he following are some pointers

regarding Medicaid eligibil-

ity. It is important to make an

appointment with the Bergen CountyBoard of Social Services to apply for

Medicaid about 3 months before you

believe you will be eligible. They will

look back 36 months to determine your

eligibility, and in some cases will look

back 60 months. Please note Medicaid will only accept cop-

ies of documents, not originals.

Some of the items you will need to produce are your proof

of age; citizenship, residence and verication of all sources of

monthly income, such as Social Security, pension, retirement

benets, veteran benets, rental income, 401K/IRA, etc. You

will have to show your Social Security Card, Medicare card,

bank statements for the past 36 months including canceled

checks and explanation of all transactions over $2,000.00.

You must also provide verication of ownership and current

values of any stocks or bonds the recipient owned for the past

36 months along with proof of any closed accounts including

amount when closed and where the funds went when closed.

Once you apply, you will have to continue to supply

these items received between the time of rst submission and

the date of your Medicaid interview. You must also supply

Income Tax Returns for the last 3 years; Life Insurance

Policies along with cash value; prepaid funeral contract if

you have one, health insurance ID cards/premiums as well as

supplemental insurance cards, a copy of the settlement sheet

for any property sold in the last 36 months and the deed to

the house and/or transfer deed if property was transferred.

If you have a Power of Attorney you will have to supply

a copy along with any proof of marital status. If married

the spouse will also have to show proof of income along

with the spouses shelter expenses in order to determine if

the spouse is eligible for an allowance. If your child is your

primary caregiver and resides with you, you must supply the

childs birth certicate and proof of residency along with the

childs tax return.Once approved, all monthly income is due to the facility

less $35.00 for the residents personal needs and less any

health insurance premiums. Its important to be sure to pay

that amount to the nursing home each month while you are

waiting for approval. No other bills should be paid after

the expected date of Medicaid approval if you are pending

Medicaid and waiting for a decision, inform all billers of that

fact. As you have read, the Medicaid application process is

very detailed. If you have any questions, I will be more than

glad to assist you during the process. q

Received with Thanks the followingdonations for the ANRC

In Memory of Sossie Kemkemian-Arouss Darpinian

In Memory of Marquerite DovletianMr. & Mrs. Samir Saba

In Memory of Berge KarakayaMr. Krikor Prigian

In Memory of Geurge KaralagulleMr. Krikor Prigian

Total $550.00

Applying forMedicaidJill Kerrs, Business Office Manager

The Armenian Nursing andRehabilitation Center wishes you

the gift of faith, the blessing of hope,and the peace of His loveat Christmas and always.


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Friends of the Armenian Home

FRIENDS OF THE ARMENIANHOMEEXECUTIVE BOARD

ChairpersonBERTHA VANISKHIAN

Vice ChairpersonICA KOUYOUMDJIAN

TreasurerELBIZ BAGHDIKIAN

Assistant TreasurerMARYANNE BONJUKLIAN

Recording SecretaryLINDA AMERKANIAN

Corresponding SecretarySETA BOUDOUGHIAN

MEMBERS

ZIVART BALIKJIANLILY ANNE BABIGIANLUCIE BANDAZIANMARILYN BEDIGIANGRACE BEDROSIANNANCY BURDMANDIANE DROSTE

IDA GUEYIKIANSANDY HEKEMIANALINE KASSABIANVERKINE MARASHIANKAREN NARGIZIANARMINE NORIANARMINE PECHDIMALDALICE PHILIBOSIANANN TAKVORIANTALENE TCHORBAJANITA TEMIZELIZ TOSSOUNIAN

Harvest of HopeFAH


HarvestofHope

2 0 1 0FAH


HARVEST OF HOPEFAH


Enclosed please find my donation

____$100.- ____$75.- ____$50.- ____$25.- ____OTHER

Name ___________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

(FAH is a 501(C) 3 tax exempt non profit organization Federal ID #221-65-501)

Friends of the Armenian HomeC/O Mrs. Ica Kouyoumdjian

14 Lori Lane, Holmdel, NJ 07733

The Harvest of Hope letter and calendar was sent toa select mailing list to encourage those individualswho have supported the Hye Doun and FAH in the past,

to participate in this year-end fund raiser to provide the

means to continue our work to help support the Hye

Doun and its various needs throughout the year.Through the seless efforts and support we have

been blessed with in the past year, we are providingnew table-cloths and decorations for each table in the

dining room in seasonal colors.

Dear Friends,

During this season of Thanksgiving, we reflect on our frien

and family and give thanks to all beautiful bounties that surrou

us. We feel especially thankful to include in our blessings t

Armenian Home of Emerson, NJ. Caring for our elde

through seasonal activities and building enhancement projec

bridges our community of all ages.

We thank you for your past support to the Armenian Nursi

and Rehabilitation Center (ANRC) and appeal to you dur

this harvest of hope to continue this support in our mission

making life more comfortable for our Medz Mayrigs and Me

Hayrigs.

May your days be filled with contentment, laughter and love.

Happy holidays to you and yours.

Sincerely,

Ica Kouyoumdjian, Vice ChaBertha Vaniskhian, Chair


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On September 22nd, RichardStillman visited the home onceagain for musical entertainment!

O

n September 21st New York City Opera Baritone Vagharshak Ohanian and his daugh-ter Ellen Ohanian came to the home to provide classical opera music for our residents.

On September 27th the Maranatha Christian Band came to the home to sing gospelmusic for our residents. Glory and Praise was once again found at the home that dayand our residents were most appreciative!

Activities


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On September 21st of this year a number of ANRC residents went to the BergenCounty Senior Picnic and while there they had the pleasure of meeting withGovernor-Elect Christopher Christie. Pictured meeting with Governor-Elect Christie

personally are residents Rose Ghelibolian and Sona Doudoukjian. Also while at the picnicGrigory Chuzhin took a moment to dance with a clown. Also pictured are residents JohnJohnson, Rose Ghelibolian, Sona Doudoukjian and Zepure Mardekian.

On September 27th, Shala and herFriends visited the home to providemore musical enrichment in the lives of ourseniors. Children and teenagers of all agesplayed for our Mamigs and Dadigs as musicprovides a universal chord all can enjoy!


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Armenian Nursing and

Rehabilitation Center, Inc.70 Main Street

Emerson, NJ 07630

Nonproft Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Emerson, NJ

Permit # 4

The ANRC proudly congratulates Denean Gainey, RN (2nd from left) andDiana Pasquale, RN (far right) for attaining their registered nurse licensesDenean and Diana worked at the home as certified nursing assistantswhile furthering their nursing education. Now that they are officiallyregistered, Denean and Diana have become RNs at the ANRC. We areproud of your accomplishment!

hyedounoctnovdec2009

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