May 2020
Welcome to the Weinberg Campus newsletter, dedicated to sharing news
and information with employees, residents, families and special friends.
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Message From The President
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This issue of Weinberg News is dedicated to all of you. The global pandemic has presented us with the opportunity to unite and support one another - as employees, as family members, as residents, and as a community.
I am thrilled to report that we received some positive reinforcement from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) for all the good things we are doing. This week NYSDOH conducted a thorough survey of our COVID-19 protocols for Meadows, Dosberg Manor, Garden House, and Rosa Coplon Living Center. We received ZERO deficiencies and the surveyors were very complimentary of our efforts to combat the virus. The positive results of these inspections are a huge accomplishment and, I want to thank our outstanding employees for this result.
The pandemic has challenged us to be stronger, better, smarter, and more creative. I applaud our staff for their heroism, courage and stamina. I also commend our family members for their understanding and support, and I continue to be in awe of our residents for their resiliency and wisdom.
Regardless of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we're getting through it together, and together we are focused on helping one another as best we can, and protecting the people who have chosen to live here and entrust us with their care.
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Weinberg Campus is committed to open, honest and transparent communications with our employees, residents, and family members. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at
[email protected]
or (716) 639-3311 ext. 2468, or any member of our
leadership team
.
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Randi Dressel, COO,To Retire
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After 27 years of dedicated leadership to Weinberg Campus, Randi Dressel, Chief Operating Officer, plans to retire on May 31.
During Randi’s tenure, she played an integral role in the transition from the old Rosa Coplon facility on Symphony Circle to the Weinberg Campus on North Forest Road. Randi was involved in all aspects of the planning and development of the new Campus, which received distinction in 1994 as the first nursing home to receive the Peter F. Drucker award for non-profit innovation for its Cluster Management Program.
One of her fondest memories is the day that residents moved from Symphony Circle to North Forest Road. “David Dunkelman, (former CEO), and I were standing on the patio and the building was ready. We worked seven days a week, 10 hours a day, to prepare, and we were waiting for the first ambulance of people to pull up to move in. The Campus was innovative for its time and it was a very big celebration—with music playing in all locations, and food set up in the deli for families,” Randi recalled.
Randi also spearheaded development of the successful Total Aging in Place Program in 2003, which was the first Managed Long Term Care Plan in Western New York. That same year, the Total Aging in Place complex earned the Building of the Year Award from the American Institute of Architects - Western New York Chapter.
Her career in long term care began in 1975 as an activities planner. “When I worked in activities at one of my first jobs, I took residents camping overnight at a State park. We had two cabins, one for men and one for women. We had to get approval from the health department to go, and it was the most fun activity I’ve ever done,” said Randi.
Throughout Randi’s career, her mantra has been, “How can we do this? Let’s figure it out.” Prior to becoming COO, she served in a variety of roles, including Alzheimer’s Care Administrator, Vice President of Non-nursing Services, Vice President of Operations, and Administrator of the Total Aging in Place Program. She earned her nursing home administrator license in 1991, her MBA in 2013 from Medaille College and she is a Central and WNY Community Health Foundation Leadership Fellow.
As COO, Randi has overseen the administrators across the Weinberg Campus continuum of care. “I have worked with Randi over the past 16 years. She is knowledgeable, respected in her field and passionate about ensuring the best care for residents and staff. She leads by example—and you could occasionally spot her dancing with residents and ‘Elvis’ at our summer concerts. I have learned so much from her,” said Dana Notaro, Administrator of Dosberg Manor and Garden House.
What has kept Randi in the long term care field all these years? “I see the difference we make in people’s lives and all the wonderful things that happen—the joy we can bring. I have always respected this generation. My mom and dad were a huge influence in that. Being a part of helping people live enjoyable lives, as healthy as possible, is rewarding.” Randi reflected.
Randi has been planning her retirement for the past two years and decided that this is the right time for her and for Weinberg Campus. “Our team has really stepped up and come together during this pandemic. It is clear that everyone is working collaboratively to lead the organization through these challenging times, and it’s time for me to pass the torch,” said Randi.
“Randi has been a key part of the day to day operations of Weinberg Campus and her thoughtful guidance will be sorely missed,” said Bob Mayer, President & CEO of Weinberg Campus.
In her retirement, Randi will continue teaching healthcare administration at Bryant & Stratton, where she has taught since 2014, and also plans to expand her teaching role at D’Youville, where she has taught long term care administration since 2016. “I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and granddaughters,” Randi said.
In light of Randi’s retirement, Matt McDougall has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer in addition to his role as Administrator of Rosa Coplon Living Center. Matt has significant long term care experience and has implemented positive changes at Rosa Coplon since he became Administrator in July 2017. “I am honored to fill this role and continue the legacy that Randi has built here at Weinberg Campus. I am lucky to have benefited from the great deal of knowledge that Randi has, and is always willing to share,” said Matt.
Lynae Jones has been hired as the Assistant Administrator of Rosa Coplon. Lynae has spent the past six months at Rosa Coplon completing the Administrator in Training program. The AIT program provided Lynae with exposure to all aspects of the day to day Rosa Coplon operations.
Randi’s parting advice: “Don’t ever think you know it all. Continue to ask questions, reach out to others. We’re all continually learning!”
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New UV Disinfecting Machine Added to Comprehensive Infection Control Practices
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Pictured above: A Weinberg Campus Environmental Services employee disinfects a rehabilitation room at Rosa Coplon Living Center using the Solaris UV Disinfection Machine. Employees received specialized training to use the technology, which kills germs even on hard to reach surfaces.
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Earlier this month Weinberg Campus acquired a Solaris UV Disinfection Machine to help protect residents and employees from the spread of illnesses from surfaces, such as COVID-19.
"This is cutting edge technology that is used in many acute care hospitals and healthcare settings. Very few long-term care communities outside of Weinberg Campus have this technology," said Jordan Little, District Manager - Senior Living for Sodexo.
This technology helps to eliminate coronavirus and other germs in seconds with proven pulsed UV light.
Weinberg currently subscribes to Sodexo's seven-step cleaning program using hospital-grade disinfectants approved by the CDC. Studies show that adding UV disinfection can help control the spread of infection from surfaces.
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"It was important to me that we do everything we can to combat COVID-19, and this extra protection onsite will help us proactively keep our community safer," said Bob Mayer, President and CEO.
In addition to reducing the risks of COVID-19 Pulsed UV Technology also reduces bacteria and pathogens including MRSA and C.Diff.
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As we've previously shared, four of the nine communities within the Weinberg Campus continuum of care have seen cases of COVID-19 over the past few months, including Dosberg Manor adult home/assisted living, Rosa Coplon Living Center skilled nursing home, and an isolated case in each of two HUD apartment complexes.
A majority of residents who tested positive have recovered, including 18 recoveries at Dosberg Manor and 7 onsite recoveries at Rosa Coplon. This is very encouraging. We remain hopeful that the downward trend will continue, thanks to the efforts of our outstanding direct care staff, compliance with infection control guidelines, and thorough disinfection practices.
We remain in close contact with federal, state and local regulators and will continue to provide regular updates and new developments.
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Pandemic Sparks New Ways To Connect
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How are families and residents staying in touch?
Skpe, Zoom, FaceTime and Google Duo family meetings and virtual interactions really bring a smile to residents' faces, as do regular phone calls. Virtual greetings are also popular and can be accessed on our website at
weinbergcampus.org/Contact-Us/VirtualGreeting.aspx
.
Rosa Coplon Living Center staff has already delivered approximately 60 messages.
How are birthdays celebrated?
The management team sings happy birthday outside the room of each resident celebrating a birthday and takes their picture. Some families decorate the trees outside their loved one's apartment/room. We have done a couple virtual birthday celebrations with residents and family.
What creative thing are families doing?
Some families have put up bird feeders outside of their loved ones rooms.
Families are also sending in all sorts of goodies.
What do resident's look forward to?
Roving door-to-door snack and drink carts are very popular.
In addition, staff spends time providing additional support and visits to residents throughout this pandemic.
How are skilled nursing care plans communicated?
Phone conferences and FaceTime care plan meetings are held with residents, family and our care plan team.
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...from a family member at Rosa Coplon Living Center
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To the nursing staff, PT, OT, social workers, dietary and housekeeping,
Thank you for the wonderful care you gave to [our family member]. She said you "listened!" God bless you all!
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...from a family member at Dosberg Manor
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Thank you for being on the front lines during this coronavirus pandemic. What you do day in and day out is nothing short of heroic. I know you are making an incredible sacrifice to keep our loved ones healthy and safe. Your selfless service is truly appreciated during these difficult times. God bless you all! My mother is thankful for all you do, too!
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...from a resident at Amherst Glen
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National Armed Forces Day
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Saturday, May 16
Thank you to all the Weinberg Campus men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces.
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In Honor of Skilled Nursing Care Week
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We're sending a "shout out" to all of our employees. Why? Whether providing healthcare, keeping facilities germ-free, preparing nutritious meals, planning stimulating activities, or working in numerous other roles, you are an important part of our circle of care.
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Click the link below to download free, relaxing coloring pages from the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
While you're coloring, tune in to live broadcasts of BPO recordings. More information and a schedule is available at this link:
http://bpo.org/broadcast/
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Italia Anderson
, Food Service Worker
Brittany Cavanaugh
, Food Service Worker
Daniel Jeffrey
, Food Service Worker
Jenna Larkin
, Resident Counselor, Greenwood
Jameela Lucas
, CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Ily McGee Jr.
, Maintenance
Jenae Moody
, PCA, Dosberg Manor
Devon Rice
, Second Cook
Judith Urbanek
, Resident Counselor, Greenwood
Lynae Jones
, Assistant Administrator, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Destini Burruss
, CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Dyamond Gray
, CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Breyuanna Reed
, CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
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Cinco de Mayo & Margaritas
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What happens when Taco Tuesday and Cinco de Mayo are on the same day? Dosberg Manor residents pictured above celebrated with a special delivery of Margarita mocktails and taco salads.
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Salon Day at Dosberg Manor
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Hair and nails? Yes, please. Residents are looking good - and don't we all wish we had salon services right now?
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Above:
Special flowers for special ladies! All the remarkable women at Weinberg Campus received Mother's Day gifts from staff (photos 1-7 at Garden House). Thank you families and friends for brightening Mother's Day with cards, packages and deliveries, in lieu of visiting. (Dosberg Manor mom pictured with bouquet and card from family, bottom right.)
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Above:
Rosa Coplon Living Center ladies received cards, a rose and a gourmet cupcake to celebrate Mother's Day.
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Pictured above are just a few of the birthday milestones in May. Residents were celebrated with door decorations, party hats, singing, and treats.
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Wanted: Healthcare Heroes
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Know someone whose job was impacted by COVID-19? We have career opportunities available now with flexible hours and shifts, competitive pay and great benefits. For current listings, view
WeinbergCampusCareers.com
. Join us!
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