RogERson A Healthy New Focus RecoRd - July 2012 - Rogerson ...

RogersonRecord

Volume XI Issue IV July 2012

From The Desk Rogerson Staff Attend
Leadership Academy
Of President James F. Seagle, Jr.
Francesca Ricci, Program Manager
“LLookout!” “Lookout!”
“Whumph!!” These are Tohree staff members at Rogerson Communities were
sounds that you would selected this year to participate in a unique educational
rather not hear while driving a opportunity. The Leadership Academy, an educational
car. Unfortunately, in my nearly program of LeadingAge Massachusetts, is designed as a leadership
forty years living in Boston, development program where participants actively explore best
(and who’s counting) this has practices of leaders, then analyze their own leadership, learning and
happened to me on six different problem-solving styles. Participants are considered emerging leaders
occasions; three of which within their organizations, and have the ability to take ownership
resulted in the total elimination and be committed to professional leadership development.
of my car. Skipping the gory
details, just let me say that several Sue Pouliot, Director of Education and Events for LeadingAge
of these were life threatening and in one instance my children were Massachusetts says, “What you put in is what you will get out.” In
in the car with me. Also, I want to quickly qualify, none were my addition to her responsibilities with The Leadership Academy, Sue
fault. also manages and develops LeadingAge Massachusetts educational
What is it with Boston traffic? On Mondays, drivers start the programs, the annual conference and annual meeting. While
week aggressively; they cut each other off in traffic, run red lights pondering how to offer more substantive programming, Sue and
and stop signs with impunity, push into the oncoming lane when other LeadingAge staff noticed there was only so much education
turning left, and rarely pull to a stop for emergency vehicles. This that could be provided in the form of 3-hour workshops. “We
behavior escalates sharply during the week until Friday’s roadways decided to create a program to bridge the gap between the one-off
are replete with homicidal maniacs. 3-hour workshops so participants could dig deeper into their roles
This type of behavior in traffic not only leads to dents, dings and and organizations, and make connections between those learning
motors in the front seat, it also spawns a serious health threat - sessions.” Sue and her team understood the value of a program that
massively increased stress. Squealing tires, blasting horns, angry faces brought like-minded people together, working over time to develop
mouthing words (you really don’t want to know which ones), and their leadership skills. The Leadership Academy was born.
the ubiquitous single digit salute out of the window - all combining
to raise the blood pressure and the pulse rate of even the most Francesca Ricci
sanguine among us - and that is just when leaving the driveway. and Chitra Sharma,
Joking aside, I and many like me suffer an automatic stress reaction
when climbing behind the wheel. As adrenalin, our “fight or flight” students at the
hormone, is released, the chest tightens, the jaw clenches and pupils LeadingAge
contract.
At Rogerson Communities, we work every day to reduce stress Leadership Academy.
in the lives of the elderly and their families; we’re also doing a lot
to support staff in reducing stress and increasing wellness and
wellbeing.

Continued inside Continued inside

Program Profile Pond Home Celebrates 110 Years
of Caring for Elders
Egleston Adult Day Health
By Becky Annis, Pond Home Administrator
T he Rogerson Egleston Adult Day
Health Program operates Monday I t’s hardtobelievethewell-maintainedbuilding
thru Friday of each week. Managed located on East Street inWrenthamholdsa
by Chrasandra Reeves, the program has thriving non-profit organizationthat hasbeen caring
a multitude of professional staff who for elders since 1902. Known today as PondHomeand
genuinely enjoy their work. There is a offering residential care and supportive nursing care,the
consistent commitment to helping others Wrentham landmarkhas a richhistory in thecommunity.
that prevails throughout the day, though Since June 5, 1902 when the first five residents moved
everything else about each day seems to Ashley Barros is one of three program assistants at the into Pond Home, more than 500 elders have resided
Rogerson Egleston Adult Day Health Program. at Pond Home. On June 5th, Pond Home celebrated
its 110th anniversary of those first admissions with an
change. “One of the things I love most about Open House.
my job is that you never know what to expect on any given day – I find my job to be fun, Many people visiting Pond Home for the first time
challenging, and interesting,” said one of the program assistants. described its warmth and welcoming feeling as more
of a New England bed and breakfast than a long
The program assistants work directly with the participants every day – from the term care facility. Despite the colonial charm, Pond
moment they walk through the door to the time they leave. There are 3 program Home is a modern long-term care facility licensed by
assistants, among other key staff, who make the program run like clock work. the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as a
Ashley Barros, a program assistant at the Rogerson Egleston ADHP, spends her day
providing support, personal care assistance, running activities and crafts and walking Senator Richard Ross (R), Wrentham,
groups, and making sure the experience for every participant is the most it can be. Ashley presents Pond Home Administrator
is driven by a personal commitment to treating everyone the way she would want her Rebecca Annis with a Senate
grandparents or family members to be treated. She especially loves seeing people begin to Resolution at the recent
come out of themselves and begin to enjoy their lives again. Pond Home celebration of the
110th anniversary of their first
“I had a woman who I talked into joining the crafts group – and even though she resident admissions. In remarks
insisted she couldn’t sew, she made a beautiful pillow. She was so proud of herself at the event, Annis said they
she hasn’t stopped smiling,” Ashley gladly shares. She also notes that one of the most were, “Celebrating 110 years of
important parts of her job is watching out for people, making sure they are okay caring for elders.”
throughout the day, and that they are careful of any allergies and food restrictions and
taking care of their health. Ashleyhas beenwith the programfor almost 4 years. She studied Residential Care Facility with a Supportive Nursing
to beamedicalassistant,travels as oftenas she can, and loves mostto make people laugh. Care Section. Forty-three residents can call Pond
Home their home at any given time. Currently,
Silvana Andrews, Program Assistant Silvana Andrews joined the Egleston ADHP this year, two cats also call it home. The care provided to
and she is another dynamic member of the team. residents today includes 24-hour nursing care, all
In fact, she insists, “It’s all about being a team and meals and snacks, scheduled activity programs,
making sure that everything gets done and everyone inside and outside maintenance, housekeeping,
is taken care of.” As a former pre-school teacher she is transportation, and hairdressing services. Pond
happy to continue a professional commitment to taking Home employs approximately 65 nursing, dietary,
care of others. She gladly notes, “I always wanted to activities programming, maintenance services, and
make a positive difference in people’s lives. I feel like I administrative staff.
really do that every day here.”
Visitors to the June 5th Open House enjoyed
Silvana shares, “So many people are quick to say they can’t do something, and I love entertainment, refreshments and tours of the facility
helping them to see that they can. A simple activity like a word game can draw some that had the first glimmer of its beginnings in
people out of their shells and make them feel engaged and show them they can still use 1890 when the philanthropic organization, King’s
their minds in so many ways.” She assists with ongoing activities, in the kitchen, and in Daughters, first became concerned about the needs
any ways she’s needed. of elders in Massachusetts.

A day spent in the Rogerson Egleston Adult Day Health Program is a great way to
experience the fun and ease that is only possible when all hands are on deck, and when
everyone is the best professional they can be. The Egleston team is truly top notch!

From the Desk (Continued) Leadership Academy (Continued)
Chronic disease and chronic exposure to stress go hand in hand.
Jodi Dentjen, Dean of the Academy, brings a wealth of
Some of these chronic conditions can manifest in more acute reactions academic and experiential learning and teaching to the students
such as heart attack and stroke. The effect of Boston traffic on the overall she serves. The morning sessions of the Academy feature a guest
health of the community, although absurd, is not a joke. It makes people speaker who presents on different leadership topics such as goal
sick, and it kills. I say “absurd” because it does not need to be. setting, managing conflict and team building. Jodi then expands
the topic in the afternoon session. With 18 people bringing 18
If everyone simply followed the traffic rules and employed basic different sets of experiences, ideas, and values to the Academy
human courtesy, this nightmare on the roadways would be over table, Jodi’s expertise and insight are invaluable as the morning
tomorrow. Out-of-towners would not be exposed to the danger material gets experiential application.
caused by the nuts who speed through solidly red lights - a behavior
which nearly killed a close friend of mine. Intersections would not be Rogerson Communities has provided this opportunity to three
blocked causing ridiculous “gridlock” all around the city at rush hour of its employees who are members of The Leadership Academy.
and emergency vehicles would be spurred on their way. How do we Chitra Sharma, Controller of Rogerson Communities states,
achieve peace on the road? I guess walking might be an option. “I’m grateful to have had the chance to attend The Leadership
Academy with diverse professionals from different disciplines.
But seriously, recognizing that this barbaric behavior should stop I’ve learned a lot of leadership skills that have reinforced my work
and can be stopped is the first step. Each of us can lead by our own style and commitment to my colleagues and our shared mission
traffic behavior and by cautioning others with whom we ride. But, of excellence.” Chitra and Francesca Ricci are members of the
along with the bike paths, our city officials need to both encourage monthly classes that meet at different elder service locations around
good behavior and punish the bad in a big, consistent, campaign. Massachusetts. We are part of the team of 18 students who come
We have accepted this mayhem as part of the Boston ethos – well it’s together to work on our leadership skills within a team context,
not. It is merely a build-up of bad habits that feed on one another. Our building each month on the lessons learned in previous sessions.
“road-rage” should be directed at those in charge who allow the menace
to continue. As the only Executive Director who applied and was admitted
to the Academy, Betsy Ross has a monthly consultation with
Boston is my adopted home and I love it. People from all over the the Dean of the Academy, Jodi Dentjen. Betsy says about her
country see it as a desired destination for a myriad of reasons, such as experience, “It’s great! I can work on the issues I believe will best
the history, the sports, the culture, the ocean, the people. But no one benefit Rogerson House and the whole team, which in turn
holds the traffic up as a factor of allure; frankly, it stinks. It’s time to benefits the residents and families. Jodi Detjen is able to home
get a clue and move on this important health issue before, “Lookout!” right in on what works best for me as an ED and helps the
“Lookout!” “Whumph!!!” management team perform optimally.” For me, as the Program
Manager of the Rogerson Roslindale Adult and Dementia Day
The The Book: The Green Mile Programs, Jodi Dentjen and the members of The Leadership
Rogerson The Reviewer: Anne Morton Smith, Academy support and validate the management methods I
Review use that work well. More importantly, they challenge me to be
Vice President, Development conscious of my shortcomings and address them proactively
and Community Relations to make the necessary changes for my professional, and also
personal, growth and development.
The Verdict: There are avid Stephen King
fans, and there are those who are vehemently If you are interested in learning more about The Leadership
Academy and the application process visit the web site at
NOT Stephen King fans. His stories are known as www.leadingagema.org.

nightmare-inducing. The famous author, however,

recently surprised this reader with a story that was both deeply human and also very respectful

of late age. The Green Mile has been critically acclaimed in its film version and features

extraordinary actors Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan.

Particularly poignant about the story is its compelling portrait of an elderly man who recounts Joane Andre – Rogerson House – CNA New Hires
his experience working at a state penitentiary in the 1930s. In Stephen King style, of course, Kimberly Brock – Rogerson House – Receptionist
those experiences are touched with more than a hint of the paranormal. But he also beautifully
describes human interactions and caring relationships. As the narrator recounts his past, he Marliene Etienne – Rogerson House – CNA
also describes his present – which is set in a continuing care community. In his late age he has
developed a romantic relationship and continues to pursue the passions he had in his youth. Olinda Gaston – Rogerson House – Receptionist
Although the depiction of elder people who are active and engaged was surely not the intended
focus of King’s rather wild tale, it was refreshing and enjoyable. Late age, early age – we’re the Mekdes Gellaw – Roslindale and Egleston ADHPs – Program Assistant
same person at both ends of the timeline. Stephen King certainly recognizes that, and though
I intend to avoid the nightmares, I will try another one of his works. For my colleagues at Keiani Gomes – Rogerson House – CNA
Rogerson, The Green Mile is absolutely a great summer read.
Jennifer Ihelefeld – Rogerson House – CNA

Marie Janvier – Rogerson House – CNA

Oghenvwairhe Madu – Roslindale and Egleston ADHPs – Program Assistant

Alexandra Miller – Rogerson House – CNA

Pamela Morris – Admin – Director of Senior Living

Rose Pierre-Louis – Rogerson House – Recreation Assistant

Human Resources Focus Healthy Rogerson: A Healthy Focus

Leyre Gillis, Director of Human Resources Natasha FarringtonA, HHumeanaRelsteohurycesNewAssociate Focus

S ometimes we choose a career R eady or not, here comes the sun! Summer is here,
that has a logical ‘ladder.’ You which means beaches, pools and spending much more
start somewhere near the bottom, time outside. If you haven’t been applying sunscreen all year,
you always know what the next rung you should definitely be doing it now.
looks like, so you know how to climb. But
sometimes our careers, whether chosen or Sun exposure can cause sunburn, sun poisoning, heatstroke and
stumbled-upon, don’t have a clearly defined path that we are ‘supposed’ to skin cancer; which is why it’s imperative to make sure everyone is
follow. When that’s the case, how do we know what to do next? properly protected from the harmful effects of the sun and heat in the
summertime. Here are some tips to keep yourself and your family
Regardless of whether your next professional step is clearly defined or protected:
whether it’s a bit vague, there are always ways to push yourself so that you
can experience personal growth and better yourself in a way that may also Hydrate: Heatstroke occurs when you are not replacing
lead to opportunities down the road. the fluid your body is losing while you are out playing in the sun.
Make sure to drink plenty of water while you are out and about this
Some of the traditional ways you can grow professionally include taking summer. Remember that many soft drinks and alcoholic beverages do
courses towards a degree or certificate. Networking events are also a great not properly hydrate your body.
way to meet other professionals who do the same type of work that you
do, have similar work experiences, and can often make recommendations Slather up and reapply: Make sure you’re using enough sunscreen
for how to do something better or more efficiently. before you go out – conventional wisdom tells us that you should
use a teaspoon’s worth of sunscreen for your face and one ounce
Many local library branches offer free adult literacy classes and/or tutors. (enough to fill a shot glass) for your body. Reapply immediately after
Not all of us work in jobs that require us to be reading and writing all day, swimming or every two hours if you’re staying dry in the sun.
and not all of us learned to speak English as our first language. (I didn’t
learn to speak English until I was four years old!) It’s never too late to learn Don’t lie on that tanning bed: The only even somewhat safe way
how to improve your reading and writing skills – helping you in both your to tan is by using the spray or lotion kind. Tanning beds are just as
professional and personal life. dangerous as unprotected exposure to the sun, if not more.

Finally, what do you aim for when your chosen profession doesn’t have Replace your sunscreen often: Sunscreen becomes less effective
a logical path to follow? How about working to become the best at what over time and when exposed to heat. Don’t keep your sunscreen in the
you do? Not just the best at Rogerson Communities – the best period. car and be sure to buy fresh sunscreen at least once every year.
Seems like a lofty goal, doesn’t it? One that most of us won’t really achieve
in our lives? But that’s exactly the kind of goal that will give you direction Be Safe and Have Fun this Summer!
and help light up the path you should follow, and it’s the kind of goal that
will always make you a better version of yourself. RogersonRecord

A Rogerson Communities Publication for
Rogerson Communities Employees

Email story ideas, news, or comments to [email protected]

Jeff Walker, Managing Editor

TECH A secure password can protect our computers and personal account
TIPS data from unauthorized access by hackers.
Mary Moynihan When making a secure password include the following:

Director of Information Technology 8 characters or more /1 number /1 special character /
Upper and lowercase letters
InJune2011IdidaTechTip onsecure passwords. As we allneed to change One tip I find helpful is to think of a phrase I can easily remember.
ournumerouspasswordsfrequentlyI thoughtI would re-runitfor all those I then take the first letter of each word in that phrase and add a
needingtochange apasswordsoon! symbol and a digit to the end to create my password.
How to Make Secure Passwords Example: Amazon is where I buy my books ! 1 Becomes: AiwIbmb!1
This method is also helpful when I am required to change my
Thesedaysmanyofuscanhave dozens of passwords.We are required to password on a regular basis. I can just add 1 to the digit at the end
haveapasswordtoaccessthe manyonline accounts we use each day in our and have a brand new secure password.
workand personallives,such as our bank accounts, emailaccountsand work
computers.