September 2020

Welcome to the Weinberg Campus newsletter, dedicated to sharing news
and information with employees, residents, families and special friends.
Message From The President
“There are so many caring and wonderful staff at Dosberg Manor, who always go out of their way to make residents feel comfortable and cared for. While that’s been evident since my aunt moved in two and a half years ago, it’s been doubly so during this pandemic. Management and staff really stepped it up to an even higher level to ensure residents are kept safe and comfortable. There are many angels among the management staff at Dosberg Manor...many heroes work there!”

Wow! You can imagine how much I enjoyed receiving this feedback from a family member of one of our residents. It was so gratifying knowing that our hard work to keep residents healthy, safe, and engaged during the pandemic is noticed and appreciated.

There have been a lot of negative stories in the media about the impact of the COVID-19 virus in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It is unfortunate that a few isolated cases of significant outbreaks in facilities in New York State and elsewhere have caused people to question the industry as a whole. I am confident, however, that in most facilities residents and family members are having the kind of positive experience described in the note I received.

Here at Weinberg Campus we have had cases of the virus in some of our residential communities, and we have been fortunate that we successfully minimized the spread. But that has not just been the result of good luck. We have worked hard, from the very beginning of the pandemic back in March, to prevent and contain this very contagious virus and keep our residents and employees as safe and healthy as possible. And we haven’t let down our guard. We continue, every day, to maintain protocols and practices designed to control the virus.

We continue to screen our employees daily and test them weekly. Every staff member wears a mask and we follow proven practices such as frequent hand washing and social distancing. Sodexo is the national company that is our contracted housekeeping company; we follow their proven seven-step cleaning program that uses hospital-grade disinfectants approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And for the past few months we have been using a Solaris UV Disinfection machine to supplement our cleaning efforts. This employs a cutting-edge technology used in hospitals and other healthcare settings to prevent the spread of illnesses. It helps eliminate coronavirus and other germs from surfaces in seconds using pulsed ultraviolet light.

I mention all of these to demonstrate our extensive efforts to keep everyone at Weinberg safe and healthy.

We have also been working hard to keep our residents engaged and connected with their loved ones. Weinberg staff has hosted over 1,000 virtual visits between residents and family members, and recently we have been able to begin face-to-face visits in most of our facilities. We have also been able to provide many activities for residents despite the constraints imposed by the virus. I congratulate and thank our staff for their imagination and inventiveness in creating so many special and entertaining activities for residents. And I often hear from residents how much fun and enjoyment they find in these activities.

None of us can predict how the pandemic will play out. But there is one thing you can count on. The staff at Weinberg Campus will continue our efforts, day in and day out, to provide a safe, healthy, and engaging environment for everyone who lives, visits, and works here.

If you have questions or comments, I encourage you to reach out to any member of our leadership team, or contact me directly at (716) 639-3311 ext. 2468 or rmayer@weinbergcampus.org.

What's New
COVID-19 Update
As the weather begins to cool and we anticipate fall, we continue to work day and night to protect residents and staff from COVID-19 and the flu. Across New York State, the infection rate remains low, but we will not become complacent as progress is made - we will only work harder to ensure we are ready for anything that comes our way.

As referenced in our President's column, the safety and cleaning protocols we have in place will continue into the foreseeable future. We take these precautions very seriously and deem them essential for everyday operations as we continue to do our part to fight the virus.

Helpful Resources

Coping With Stress
We understand there are many factors that can lead to unwanted levels of stress as the pandemic continues. Whatever your situation, please visit the CDC's website to learn more about the resources available to help guide you through one of life's more hectic seasons: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/stress-coping/index.html

Flu Season
As flu season kicks off, it's more important than ever to consider getting flu shots for the whole family. Click this convenient link to locate a flu shot provider near you: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/freeresources/flu-finder-widget.html

For more information about COVID-19 or visitation, please contact one of our communities directly or visit https://www.weinbergcampus.org/Coronavirus.aspx.
Therapy Department's Team Approach Helps Patients Reach Fullest Potential
Whether throwing a surprise baby shower for a coworker or collaborating on patient treatment plans, the Therapy Department at Weinberg Campus does everything as a team. “We believe that collaboration makes all the difference. We see time and time again that the most successful rehabilitation results occur when all of us work together to set goals and share information,” says Leah Samsel, Director of Inpatient and Outpatient Therapy.
 
Weinberg’s therapy staff ranges from recent graduates to 40-year veterans. “Our team is what makes us successful. Our wide array of experience helps us to develop therapeutic solutions using the latest advancements combined with traditional techniques that help patients meet their goals,” says Leah.
The therapy team provides a full range of inpatient and outpatient services to restore individuals to the highest level of function possible.
 
  • Physical therapists help patients regain balance, coordination, mobility, and endurance. Often, physical therapists will supervise strengthening exercises and range-of-motion techniques to build or maintain muscle tone and improve physical function.
 
  • Speech therapists help individuals communicate, express themselves or control speech volume. Re-development of cognitive skills--such as organizing thoughts, finding words, and retaining information--is also an area of focus. Patients with swallowing difficulties receive specialized treatment during therapy sessions.
  
  • Occupational therapists guide patients in re-learning or practicing daily living skills such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, cooking, or cleaning. Often, this may require a new technique, the use of adaptive equipment, or working on fine motor skills. 
 
Inpatients stay in dedicated private rooms with a private bathroom in Rosa Coplon Living Center.

“We are lucky that our therapy programs allow us to spend individual time with patients so we can start a growing relationship with them,” says Leah. “When patients are rehabilitated and can be discharged, it is the best feeling! We enjoy celebrating with them and with each other.”  

Once patients return home, support from the Weinberg Campus team continues with outpatient therapy, and home health care services. Our outpatient treatment facility includes an indoor, heated therapy pool.  

“Whether patients come to us for inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient therapy or both, the therapy team does a great job taking an interdisciplinary approach to help guide patients every step of the way through their personal journey to recovery,” says Matt McDougall, Administrator, Rosa Coplon Living Center.

If you or someone you love has been affected by a stroke, illness, or injury—or if you are anticipating an extended recovery from surgery, such as joint replacement—we are here to help. Rehabilitation can be scheduled in advance of a planned surgery. Call (716) 639-3311 ext. 2477. Most insurance carriers are accepted.
Learn More
Click the photo to the right to learn more about Weinberg Campus' approach to treatment from our very own Leah Samsel.

Letters of Thanks
...from a Rosa Coplon family member
"Our friend Norma Jean had been in rehabilitation through the early part of her admission and was eventually transferred to Rosa Coplon. 

These are very difficult times! My wife, and myself, both being physicians, clearly understand how challenging this must be for everyone involved in caring for the elderly. 

I want to express to you, and through you to everyone who was in some way involved in the care of our friend, our deepest appreciation for the service provided by everyone, at every level, during her stay at Weinberg Campus. Thank you, very much!"
...from a Dosberg Manor family member
“At Dosberg Manor our mother [Mary] truly feels at home. The beautiful surroundings, both inside and out, convivial meals in the dining room with friends, and the many activities, (from drums to dog visits), play a big role in this. Most importantly, it is the staff that treat our mom as family that makes Dosberg a home. Always attentive to our mother’s needs, they have gone out of their way to appreciate her uniqueness as a person (penchant to do the chicken dance at any moment, etc.), spend time with her and connect with her on a daily basis – whether it be polishing her nails, coloring with her, or just sitting and talking with her. All the staff is excellent in this regard, and Debbie, one of her aides, truly stands out. It is the family feeling that makes a place a home and Dosberg Manor has truly treated our mom as family.”
September Activities
We're staying active with a variety of safe activities that incorporate social distancing and individual participation. Check out our activities calendars online. Click the links below or visit: www.weinbergcampus.org/News-Events/Activities-Calendar.aspx.

Be sure to celebrate Grandparents Day on Sunday, Sept. 13! Residents will be celebrating Assisted Living Week from Sept. 13-19 with a variety of socially distant activities and events:

  • Fun parade
  • Photo booth with friends
  • Cider and doughnut party
  • Scrap-booking fun
  • Residents thanking staff members
Rosh Hashanah
Sept. 18-20
Beginning at sundown, the Jewish New year is a time for inner renewal and divine atonement. Shana Tova to all!
Yom Kippur
Sept. 27-28
Known as "the day of atonement", Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year in Judaism, traditionally observed with a 25-hour period of fasting and intense prayer.
New Employees August 2020
Carol Marshall, A/R Clerk
Nasir Moore, Housekeeper
Jalen Cooper, Housekeeper
Tiana Foust, CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Keenan McClendon, Housekeeper
Shavon Peyton, HHA, Forest Creek/Meadows
Sherise Smith, CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Rebecca Williams, PCA, Dosberg Manor
Latasha Thompson, RN Supervisor, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Naomi Fisher Royal, Food Service Worker
Kayla Jackson, Food Service Worker
Zyera Waddell, LPN, Dosberg Manor
Chontavia Degree, CNA, Rosa Coplon Living Center
Michelle Daddario, CHN, Home Care
Fall Into Fun!
There have been many canceled plans this year, but it doesn't mean there aren't plenty of opportunities to have fun with family and friends. As we head into the fall season, here are some ideas for activities that will be fun for everyone on your list!

Apple Picking - find a local apple orchard and make a day of it! When you get home, enjoy the fruits of your labor by making this delicious recipe for apple crisp.

Pumpkin Picking - find a local pumpkin patch, pick out the best pumpkins, and make a night out of it by carving jack-o-lanterns! Feeling creative? Try one of these designs!

Have a Picnic - pick out a spot at a local park, pack a blanket and your favorite snacks, and enjoy dining in the great outdoors! Not sure what to bring? Here are some picnic recipe ideas.

Go Hiking - pick a nearby hiking trail and start walking! Want to make it fun for the whole family? Print out this nature bingo sheet and see who can get BINGO first!

Camp Out In Your Backyard - have a tent that hasn't been used in 10 years? Why not? Pitch it outside, make a bonfire, and roast some marshmallows with the family. Check out this cool stargazing app for added fun!
Photo Gallery
Cindy Clark, Garden House case manager, brings her dog in for a visit!
A great day to enjoy the summer flowers!
Thank you to the dietary team for serving our residents every day!
Residents enjoying the outdoors.
Millie's 97th birthday!
A special pizza and wings dinner made possible by our dietary team!
Residents receive room service from our hardworking staff!
Our staff loves and cares for our residents!
Loved ones visit from a safe, social distance.
Socializing from a safe distance in the sunshine.
Residents enjoying a midday snack!
Enjoying what's left of this summer weather!
Family Resources
When times seem stressful for you or your family, here are some counseling and local childcare resources that may be helpful, should you need them.

  • YMCA – before- and after-school and remote learning care
  • Univera – member support services
  • 211 WNY – local COVID-19 support services
  • United Way – support services
  • Frontline Helpline – mental health and coping support for frontline workers
Wanted:
Healthcare Heroes
We have a variety of career opportunities available now with flexible hours and shifts, competitive pay and great benefits. Join our family-like atmosphere in a beautiful setting. Join us! For current listings: