February 2019

Welcome to the Weinberg Campus newsletter, dedicated to sharing news
and information with employees, residents, families and special friends.
Message From The President
With a mission to provide the best support for seniors in the greater Buffalo area, we wholeheartedly acknowledge and appreciate that our success is built upon our employees and their commitment to outstanding service.

I want to take this opportunity on Valentine’s Day to express my appreciation for the devotion, loyalty and compassion of our team. Yesterday we presented awards to employees’ celebrating service milestones ranging from five to 40 years. Congratulations to all of our honorees!

Throughout our 104-year-old history of name changes, moves and expansions, our people have been, and will always be, our greatest asset. Attracting and retaining outstanding employees will continue to be a key area of focus for us in 2019, and our leaders have recently had the opportunity to share their input about how we can enhance our efforts.

We recognize that our organization’s achievements are made possible because of each employees’ individual efforts—whether offering a kind word to a resident, providing reassurance to a family member, giving a helping hand to a coworker, ensuring the cleanliness and safety of our facilities, preparing nutritious meals, or greeting one another with a smile—the work we do and how we do it matters.

Thank you for your service, achievements and ongoing support.

Questions or comments? Feel free to contact me at [email protected] or (716) 639-3311 ext. 2468.
What's New
Employee Service Awards
Employees' year of service milestones were celebrated Feb. 13 at an awards breakfast and reception. Congratulations to the following honorees for their combined 750 years of service!
40 Years
Denise Wallace, Housekeeper 

"If this is the field that you want to be a part of, then be prepared to work hard," says Denise, who has spent her entire career at Weinberg Campus. She joined Weinberg when she was 18 years old because of the flexible schedule that allowed her to work after school and on weekends. And she has been here ever since! For the past 20 years, she has served in the laundry department, where she says she enjoys independence and freedom to do her work. Denise says her loyalty to the Campus, as well as her fondness for the residents and staff are key factors that keep her here. Thank you for your longstanding service and dedication, Denise!
30 Years
Willie Anderson, CNA, Rosa
Dawn Sanger, LPN, Rosa

Willie is all about teamwork and gives 100% everyday. "Success is a choice and I choose to succeed," he says. After serving in the military Willie became an EMT, which ignited his interest in healthcare. He says he joined Weinberg because he enjoys being a part of one of the best nursing facilities in Western New York. Thanks for your outstanding service that makes Weinberg the best it can be, Willie!
For three decades, residents have had the good fortune to rely on Dawn to provide first-rate care. Weinberg leaders say that Dawn is always here when she is needed. She is someone you can count on, and exudes a warm vibe that makes people feel at ease. Though she is modest, Dawn is a dependable team player who gets the job done. When Dawn is not caring for residents, she enjoys her twin grandchildren. We appreciate your service, Dawn!
25 Years
Angela Bates , CNA, Rosa
*Todd Baughman , Maintenance
*Marsha Gati , Housekeeper
Gina Grieco , Head Cook
Sandra Kowalewski , CNA, Rosa
Lynn Olsen , CNA, Rosa
Nicole Rhinehart , CNA, Rosa

*pictured right
20 Years
Jennifer Brzezinski, Head Cook
Christie Earnst, Head Cook
*Melissa Humenski, Site Supervisor, Greenwood
*Gerlynette McKnight, CNA, Rosa
*Pamela Perry, Accounts Receivable Clerk
*Annmarie Przybysz, HHA, Meadows
Andrzej Rekas, CNA, Rosa
*Venelda (Nell) Robinson, LPN, Rosa
*Debra Rush, LPN, Rosa
*Bobbie Woods, CNA, Rosa

*pictured right
15 Years
Carol Brown, CNA, Rosa
*Tiffony Loman, CNA, Rosa
Michelle Olear, Medical Records, Rosa

*pictured right
10 Years
Diane Baranowski, Resident Counselor, Greenwood
Kimberely Bland, CNA, Rosa
Rebecca Gardiner, Resident Counselor, Greenwood
*Robert Lasky, Head Cook
Brenda Longwe, CNA, Rosa
*Diana Lorenz, CNA, Rosa
Shanta Myles, HHA, Garden House
*Parris Skipper, LPN, Rosa
Aaron Smith, Maintenance
Lisa Smith, Housekeeper
Valerie Summers, Housekeeper

*pictured right
5 Years
Shaneenla Agostini, CNA, Rosa
Angela Battaglia, Food Service Worker
*Tamra Bondi, CHN, RCLT
*JoAnne Brossoit, RN, Supervisor, Rosa
Cindy Clark, Social Worker, Garden House
*Joseph Folmar, Maintenance
Correll Foster, Head Cook
Kristin Goleski, Head Cook
Litisha Guyton, RN, Unit Nurse Supervisor, Rosa
Keoni Haggins, Food Service Worker
*Timothy Hicks, Maintenance
*Deborah Jones, Administrative Assistant, Garden House
*Lauren Kennuth, Activities Coordinator, Dosberg
Robert Koch, Maintenance
*Belinda McCullough, Payroll Specialist
Mariah Robinson, Resident Counselor, Greenwood
Devon Session, HHA, Garden House
*Jennifer Thompson, PCA, Dosberg
Jasmine Watson, Housekeeper
Cecelia Wie, CNA, Rosa
*Teresa Willms, LPN, Unit Nurse Supervisor, Dosberg
Tanneca Wolf, Director, Patient Services, Garden House
Jouhna Wyatt, Housekeeper

*pictured right
Transition Update
We are excited to report the process for the change of ownership to Elderwood is making progress! Below is a summary of the latest information.

  • All six Certificate of Need (CON) applications have been filed. CONS for the nursing home, certified home health agency and licensed home care service agency are expected to be approved by the State Department of Health’s full Public Health & Health Planning Council (PHHPC) on February 14. The three CONS received preliminary approval from the Establishment and Project Review Committee of the PHHPC on Jan. 24. The remaining three CONs for Dosberg Manor, Garden House and Meadows go through a separate administrative review process at the Department of Health.
 
  • Once Department of Health approval is obtained for all six CONs, other approvals are still required, including the New York State Attorney General’s office and the Town of Amherst. This will likely take approximately six months or more.

  • There will be no change in beds or services provided. It was important to us when we identified a buyer that our full range of quality care and services for seniors would continue. 
 
  • The sale price of $47 million for a portion of Weinberg Campus will first be used to pay off debt and other liabilities. The remaining proceeds, based on rules for non-profits, will be used to continue the mission of Weinberg Campus to support elderly individuals in the Buffalo area. 
 
If you have questions, please contact Bob Mayer, President & CEO,  [email protected]  or (716) 639-3311 ext. 2468.
Safety Corner
As part of Weinberg's ongoing commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards available for residents and employees, Campus-wide Safe Patient Handling (SPH) review sessions were held in early February in partnership with the Western New York Council on Occupational Safety.

The sessions focused on best practices and proper techniques in direct patient and resident care, including the use of mechanical lifts.

In 2018 Weinberg's SPH committee increased the frequency of training classes, which has significantly reduced back-related employee injuries.

Many thanks to Anne Converso, RN, of the Western New York Council on Occupational Safety and Health, for guiding the training and sharing her 40+ years of expertise in the field.
More Comfort. More Support. More Visits.
Does your loved one seem to be sleeping more and eating less? Most people do as they approach end-of-life.

Hospice Buffalo has a strong collaboration with Weinberg Campus. In fact, residents with serious illness often receive care from both the Weinberg staff and the Hospice Buffalo team (nurse, social worker, spiritual counselor, aides and even volunteers). Our experts work together to provide compassionate care. It will bring you comfort knowing your loved one will receive more care, more comfort and more visits with two teams working together to provide clinical, emotional and spiritual care when it's needed most.
 
The most frequent comment we hear from families is, "I wish I would have called Hospice sooner." 

If you have questions about Hospice, please ask a Weinberg nurse or social worker, or you can call Hospice Buffalo directly at 716-686-8000. It's never too early to call. We encourage you to "Know Us Before You Need Us."  Hospice Buffalo is here to support you, your loved one and the Weinberg team.
"Love" Letter
Below is a letter received from the spouse of a Rosa Coplon Living Center resident.
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My husband spent the last year of his life at Weinberg Campus. I cannot thank God enough for bringing us here. From the beautiful campus where we were able to take long indoor walks and relax by the fireplace in the winter, to our wonderful outdoor time by the gardens under the gazebo in the summer, to our quiet times in the comfort of his private room, we are thankful! No matter where you went you were greeted with a friendly smile and a hello.

…The care coordinator/nurses were always there to answer questions, respond to a need and just greet [us] with a happy smile and conversation along with his meds.
The aides were so caring, patient and compassionate, despite the difficulties of working with dementia patients.
The wonderful cleaning lady not only worked hard to keep the unit looking and smelling fresh, she went above and beyond to accommodate "her residents" finding lost remotes, blankets and clothes and encouraging residents to eat, eat, eat! The social worker was always available to help in any way possible and was always encouraging.

The food service was cheerful and always accommodating to my husband and me.
The activity department worked hard to plan wonderful activities, from uplifting music performances, to creative art classes, to competitive bingo and horse racing games, to fun "happy hours," to inspiring worship services, and much, much more, all of which brightened our days, lifted our spirits, and made our world at Weinberg a happier place.
Therapy worked hard to keep [my husband] going as long as possible and laundry service did a wonderful job caring for his clothes.

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for a job well done! 
Featured Events
Monthly Activities For Residents
Welcome New Employees
January 2019
Samidria Barlow , PCA, Dosberg Manor
Segenet Berhanu , CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Christine Daisley , LPN, Unit Nurse Supervisor, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Marla Dougherty , LPN, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Janaisia Eatmon , CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Shavonne Feagin , CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Tina Frain , CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Norma Kelley , CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Sara Krysiak , PCA, Dosberg Manor
Danielle Morgan , HHA, Garden House
Mark Steinmuller , LPN, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Tamara Sullivan , CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Diedre Valentine , CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Jessica Wiatrowski , Manager, Outpatient Therapy
Deja Williams , Food Service Worker
Joshua Williams , Housekeeper
Mary Wojtowicz , Senior Counselor, Greenwood
Meet Jessica Wiatrowski
Manager of Outpatient Physical Therapy
Jessica W
Weinberg Campus is pleased to welcome Jessica Wiatrowski, licensed physical therapist and Manager, Outpatient Physical Therapy.

Jessica received her Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from Daemen College, Buffalo. She is certified in vestibular rehabilitation, concussion therapy and infant massage.

“I am thrilled to be at Weinberg Campus to offer outpatient therapy for all ages from pediatrics to geriatrics,” says Jessica.

Prior to joining Weinberg Campus, Jessica served on the clinical faculty at Daemen College, most recently as Assistant Director of Clinical Education, while also working as a per diem physical therapist at Liberty Post and SportRehab Physical Therapy, and providing community lectures on various topics related to physical therapy.

“I’ve been a therapist for almost 30 years and have practiced in every setting imaginable,” says Jessica, who has held therapy positions ranging from home care to hospitals to outpatient clinics. She has worked at a variety of organizations, most notably Summit Educational Resources, Millersport Physical Therapy, Kaleida Health - Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and Physical Therapy Services of Niagara. Jessica continues to serve as a laboratory instructor at Villa Maria College in Cheektowaga.

“We are privileged to have Jessica as part of our team,” says Randi Dressel, COO. She brings a wealth of therapy experience, as well some unique specialties in neurological rehabilitation.”

So what attracted Jessica to Weinberg? “Weinberg is one of the few centers in the area that offers a large, indoor therapeutic pool. It can be a great option for gentle, warm-water recovery. I am also excited about the ability to offer 1:1 treatment to patients. There is nothing more rewarding than helping people get back to where they want to be.”

Patients or referring providers may call 716-639-3311 ext. 2409 for more information about Outpatient Physical Therapy at Weinberg Campus or to schedule an appointment. Most insurances are accepted.
 
“We know that patients can choose where they want to go for therapy,” Jessica says. “I will do everything I can to make the process as smooth and as pleasurable as possible.”
Weinberg Employee Group To Support Campus-wide Communications
Weinberg is pleased to kick of its second annual Communication Ambassadors Program.

What is it?
A dynamic group of employees committed to communicating openly, honestly and with integrity to one another, colleagues, leaders and all those we serve. The group meets every other month to share feedback with administrators, hear Camus updates and hone leadership skills.

How can they help me?
Do you have an idea or feedback you'd like to share with someone who can elevate it to leadership? Do you have a question that you feel more comfortable asking a colleague or someone you know? The Communication Ambassadors are here to listen, help find out answers and serve as your resource.

Please welcome our 2019 representatives!
Left to Right, Row 1 : Annmarie Przybysz , HHA, Meadows; Brittany Lepkowski , Activities Coordinator, Garden House*; Molly Barclay , LPN, Rosa*; Jackie Keyes , Head Cook, Food Service, Rosa*; Row 2 : Ashlie Weiler , LPN, Office Coordinator, Dosberg*; Lyn Featherstone , Admin Office Manager, Administration; Diana Lorenz , CNA, Rosa; Renata Dedde , LPN, Rosa*; Steve Boyd , Maintenance, EVS*; Cory Hackbush , Recruitment Coordinator, Human Resources; Not pictured: Toni Banks , Housekeeper, EVS; Robert Brandon , LMSW, Social Work, Rosa

*Indicates second term.
Photo Gallery
Three Mount St. Mary Academy students developed a cognitive coloring book to help those living with Alzheimer’s to remember parts of their lives. The coloring book was introduced to Garden House residents. Read more .
Human Resources personnel Ashley Pace, Melissa Feider and Alsha Paulk pose with President & CEO Bob Mayer at the Employee Service Awards ceremony.
Director of Residential Services Amy Hashemi and Sales Manager Anna Jacobi mix umbrella mocktails at the Meadows Open House & Tropical Party held Jan. 23. Contact us for more information about Meadows Enriched Living .