Hye Doun Summer 2007PS

A Publication of the Armenian Nursing And Rehabilitation Center, Inc., Emerson, NJSummer 2007 | July/Aug/Sept

Annual Meeting of ANRC (See details on Page 3)

The President’s Message

2 HYE DOUN | Summer 2007

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 Center

70 Main Street, Emerson NJ 07630Phone: 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 EmersonBy 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 TORIGIANPresident of the Home and Chairman of the Board of Trustees

VATCHE BAGHDIKIANVice President

DAVID ROWANTreasurer

BERGE TALANIANAssistant Treasurer

KHOREN NALBADIANRecording Secretary

ANNETTE TAMALIAN-ALMONDCorresponding Secretary

H. CRAIG FROONJIAN, DMDOmbudsmanLYNN BEYLERIANKNARIG KHATCHADURIAN-MEYER, Ph. D.Board Members

MATTHEW RUSSO, LNHAAdministrator

JAN MRANI, M.D.Medical Director

Hye DounEditorial Board

Andrew TorigianChief Editor

Louisa JanbazianEditor

Matthew RussoAdvisor

Howard TorossianPhotographs and Ads

Printed byPRINTSOLUTIONS

Englewood, NJ201.567.9622

Hye Doun

Congratulations to our re-elected board members of the Arme-nian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (ANRC), Annette Ta-

malian Almond and Dave Rowan. Dave has been a board member since 2000, which makes this his third term on the board. He is a Real Estate Executive with Margin Realty in Saddle Brook, New Jersey. He and his wife Stephanie live in nearby Fort Lee, NJ. Dave is the current Treasurer of the ANRC and also serves as its Maintenance and Grounds Chairperson. Dave is best known for his many years of managing and directing the

Father’s Day picnic for the ANRC. Annette is also beginning her third term as a board member to the ANRC. An-nette is currently the Chairperson of the ANRC’s Personnel Committee. A resident of Cliffside Park, Annette has been a President of the Union City Environmental Com-mission, has worked in law, and has also dedicated her time to Special Education in Ridgefield. She currently works for the Building Department in Cliffside Park, NJ. We welcome these very capable individuals returning to the ANRC Board. We appreciate their continuing contribution toward the success of the ANRC. Let me take this opportunity to thank the ANRC Board of Directors for re-electing me as President and Chairman of the Board of ANRC. I would also like to congratulate our re-elected and new officers of the ANRC. Together, we will continue our commitment to the goal of keeping the ANRC rated number one by the New Jersey Department of Health and Social Services for overall nursing care in Bergen County, NJ. In recognition of the great work being done by our ANRC Administrator, Matt Russo, the ANRC Board of Directors has provided him with a new three-year contract of employment. This is the first time the Board has deemed fit to provide an Adminis-trator of the ANRC a contract of this length. We congratulate Matt and look forward to continued excellence in his service to our residents. Finally, we would like to spread the word that the ANRC is now hiring RN’s, LPN’s and CNA’s. We are in the process of expanding our services and ensuring suf-ficient staffing for our new building, when it becomes a reality in the near future. q

From the Administrator’s Desk

HYE DOUN | Summer 2007 3

Matthew L. Russo, LNHA Administrator

“My commitment to the home, and the Armenian community, in making the ANRC the ‘Emerald’ of nursing homes in the years that lie ahead will not be taken for granted.”

Hello everyone and thank you for taking the time to read this

summer 2007 edition of the “Hye Doun.” At the time of this writing, I have many thoughts regarding the Armenian Nursing and Reha-bilitation Center (ANRC). Most notably is the future of the home. Our prospects for a new building

have never been brighter. The financial and clinical aspects of the home are the best they have been in the ANRC’s 70 year history! Many thanks are due to a supportive team of board members, F.A.H. members, employees, and physicians. Without the combined effort of the aforementioned, this is not possible. Recently, I had the chance to meet informally with the local leaders of Emerson to discuss our new building project. All signs are positive for our growth and expansion. Our town appears committed to making the necessary ad-justments to local codes in order for construction to begin. This is not a simple task. Planning boards, zoning boards, council members, and local residents all must agree that our new building will assimilate well into the area. In other words, they want to make sure that we are not building a skyscraper. Many al-terations need to be made so our new “Hye Doun” conforms to the local architecture. This does not hap-pen overnight but local opinion is encouraging. Talks have been ongoing for a number of years and the projection for action is developing at a rapid pace. A timetable for a 2008 groundbreaking ceremony is not out of the question! There are a few things that folks in the “building” community look for. First and foremost is financial stability. My father, who passed away a few years ago, taught me a lesson early in life. “You get things from income,” he said. “The higher your income is, the more you’re entitled to,” he concluded. This past April 1st, the home finished off its best fiscal year by tripling the previous one-year record and exceeding

the income from the past six years combined in terms of “net income from operations.” This was cemented by our annual audit and announced at our Annual Meeting on June 3rd. A rise in the home’s investment portfolio helped our cause as well. We are poised to make our dreams become a reality. Another positive aspect leaning in our favor is sta-ble leadership. The Board recently announced there will be no new changes in regards to their structure. Furthermore, the board and I agreed to an automati-cally renewing three-year contract on July 1st that

will keep me here for quite some time. My commitment to the home, and the Arme-nian community, in making the ANRC the “Emerald” of nursing homes in the years that lie ahead will not be tak-en for granted. Lastly, this cannot be possible without

solid nursing leadership, staff nurses, and all support staff as well. Please refer to our “Call to Honors” sec-tion recognizing some of our nurses and other staff members for their time and devotion to the ANRC. Our “strength in numbers” both financially and years of experience is robust! In conclusion, we are now entering our “survey window” when the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services can enter at any time to conduct their annual survey. This is not a time to rest on our accomplishments, but to continue to strengthen what has been built. q

The Annual Meeting of the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (ANRC) took place on June 3, 2007. Members were brought up-to-date by President Andy Torigian on the tre-mendous progress made at the ANRC. Reports were given by the officers and the administrator of the Home, Matthew Russo. Re-elected to the board were David Rowan and Annette Tamalian Almond. The question and answer period by the members was very enlightening.

Strength in Numbers

Health Care

Common Physical Changes in the Geriatric PersonMaggy N. Petrosian, RN, CDP


As we grow older, many physical changes take place that make

functioning independently more and more difficult. The body’s central ner-vous system slows down. This can create problems in detecting heat, pain, and cold and attribute to slower

reflexes. Thought processes may be slow and memory may become poor. All the senses (hearing, sight, taste, touch, and smell) may not be as sharp as they once were. Muscle tone may be poor due to lack of exercise. A disturbed sense of balance might make a resident unsteady on his feet or cause a change in their walking pattern. The bones tend to become brittle and break easily. Quick changes in position can cause the blood pressure to drop and, as a result, the patient will feel dizzy or faint. Posture may become more stooped. Cir-culation becomes less efficient and bodily processes slow down. The skin loses elasticity and some fat. The list below contains many of the body’s major systems and how they affect other parts of our bodies:

Skeletal System• Softening of the bones (osteoporosis)• Decreased flexibility of joints (arthritis)• Changes in vertebrae and feet (difficult ambulation)

Muscular System• Decrease in muscle mass and muscle tone• Decreased in elasticity of tendons and ligaments

Cardiovascular System• Decreased cardiac output• Decreased elasticity of blood vessels (poor circu-lation; edema)

Respiratory system• Decrease lung capacity• Increased risk of upper respiratory disease

Endocrine System• Increased incidence of metabolic disease (diabetes)• Decreased hormonal functioning (menopause)• Decreased ability to heal Nervous System• Decreased touch sensation (hot, cold, pain)• Decreased equilibrium, or motor coordination

• Decreased reaction and response time• Decreased taste perception• Decreased sense of smell• Decreased visual perception (night vision, depth and color perceptions, drying of cornea)• Decreased elasticity of ear drum (alteration in hearing, delayed auditory impulse)

Integumentary System• Decreased fat cells• Decreased elasticity of skin

Urinary System• Decreased kidney function (urinary output)• Decreased bladder tone (incontinence)

Gastrointestinal System• Alteration in metabolic rate• Alteration in bowel habits

Mental Health• Increased incidence of depression (loneliness, decrease in socialization)• Changes in sleeping patterns

Social changes may be caused by physical problems, life crises, or the pressure of society. These may include:• Retirement• Change in income

To foster health and well-being of our residents, we provide opportunities for them to participate in a variety of activities that will be mentally stimulating and meaningful. Purposeful activity should be designed to involve the patient with other people. This will encourage geriatric patients to live their lives to the fullest. The feeling of being needed will stimulate feelings of self-accomplishment and satisfaction for the patient. By persuading the patient to participate and interact with the staff can possibly decrease loneliness in the geriatric patient. Such rehabilitative measures help to eliminate the physical dependency and mental depression commonly seen in the geriatric patient. Our staff continues to care for our residents with understanding and knowledge through our ongoing education and by attending various seminars. q


Upcoming EventsAugust

8/2 – Father Stepanos and St. Nersess Seminary students visit – 10:45 a.m.8/15 – Father Stepanos –

“Blessing of the Grapes” – 10:45 a.m.8/16 – Top your own potato! –

Dining Room – 12 noon8/29 – Line Dancers –

Activities Living Room – 2:15 p.m.

September9/3 – Labor Day Party –

Activities Living Room – 2 p.m.9/4 – Labor Day B-B-Q – Dining Room – 12 noon

9/9 to 9/15 - National Healthcare Housekeeping Week

9/13 – Jewish New Year9/21 – Armenian Independence Day Celebration

– ALL DAY LONG!!!!0/11 – Neiman Marcus Fashion Show presented

by FAH9/23 – Autumn Begins – 9:51 a.m.9/27 – Resident Outing – 11 a.m.

9/27 – Top your own pasta – Dining Room – 12 noon

October10/1 to 10/7 - National Healthcare

Food Service WeekCatholicos Karekin II Visit – Date and time T.B.D.

10/8 – Columbus Day10/16 - National Boss’ Day

10/19 – Halloween Pumpkin Decorating – Activities Living Room – 2 p.m.

10/31 – Halloween Party - Activities Living Room – 2 p.m.

November11/4 – Armenian Presbyterian Church of Paramus

(140 Forest Ave. Paramus, NJ) presents a “Thanksgiving Concert” to benefit the programs

and services of the ANRC – 4:00 pmCall 201.265.8585 for complimentary tickets

Call to HonorsThe Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center proudly recognizes the following staff members for their years

of dedication to the home.

25+ years of serviceNorma Santos ~ C.N.A. ~ 27 years

Julia Hamza ~R.N. ~ 25 years

20+ years of serviceValerie Rittger ~ Dietary Aide ~ 24 years

Jennifer Lowe ~ C.N.A. ~ 23 years Carla Carter ~ C.N.A. ~ 22 years

Maureen Clark ~ C.N.A. ~ 22 years Joyce Chung ~ C.N.A. ~ 21 years

Armelle Heriveaux ~ C.N.A. ~ 21 years

15+ years of serviceLisa King ~ R.N. ~ 15 years

Shakeh Bautista ~ R.N. ~ D.O.N ~ 15 years Maggy Petrosian ~ R.N. ~ P.C.C. ~ 15 years

Mary Gregorio ~ L.P.N. ~ 15 years Barbara Bertolini ~ L.P.N. ~ 15 years

Marife Yu ~ R.N. ~ MDS Coordinator ~ 15 yearsSergey Babayan ~ Cook ~ 15 years

10+ years of serviceWai Lee ~ C.N.A. ~ 14 years

Gerrome LeSane ~ Cook ~ 13 yearsRose May Beauvais ~ C.N.A. ~ 13 years

George Fuentes ~ Dietary Aide ~ 13 yearsSuman Mary Thomas ~ R.N. ~ 11 years

Rose Najarian ~ R.N. ~ 10 years

5+ years of serviceNazik Oganesian ~ C.N.A. ~ 9 yearsMarlene Fonvil ~ C.N.A. ~ 9 years

Susamma Matthew ~ R.N. ~ 8 yearsVilma Manalese ~ C.N.A. ~ 8 years

Maria Colina ~ R.N. ~ 7 yearsPaulette Green ~ C.N.A. ~ 7 yearsSharlene Cobin ~ C.N.A. ~ 7 yearsMari Camcikyan ~ R.N. ~ 7 years

Hajnal Ratz ~ Cook ~ 7 yearsBarbara Tory ~ C.N.A. ~ 7 years

Edna Castillo ~ Dietary Aide ~ 5 years

(All staff are listed in chronological order in the date they began employment)


Social Work

Social Work With Older Adults : What Can We Do

Social workers can be called upon as the first available responder

in addresing the psychosocial needs of older adults and their caregivers. Social workers utilize their skills to attain goals that are established with the client and their family. Social workers perform the

following functions:

• Identification and outreach• Assessment of needs: functional, biopsychosocial, strengths comprehensive intake and resource / financial assessments• Planning for an intervention, treatment, care, rehabilitation, support and/or crisis intervention• Service implementation and coordination including monitoring service delivery and client support• Advocacy for one’s well being and functioning, liaison and mediation• Reassessment/Evaluation which is monitoring and analysis• Discharge planning, transfer and termination.

Older adults tend to have multifaceted needs that put them at greater risk and social workers can understand and deal with a client’s ambivalence, fears, and resistance. One-on-one interaction can help older adults through feelings of anxiety, loneliness and depression. This can include direct counseling or dealing with special health care needs. Social workers can also be available to help the older adult with decisions on assisted living arrangements or work with families to plan a loved one’s long -term care. Working with the older adult can mean involvement with the active healthy resident as well as the frail, sick, and confused resident.

The number of aging persons in the United States is increasing. Older folks are living longer while maintaining good health. As a result of this they face increased diversified challenges and needs as they age. Geriatric social workers are at the forefront developing and providing service to aging persons. At the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, we are on site for you so you never feel alone, uneducated, or unprepared. If you ever need any assistance, please do not hesitate to call our offices. q

by Carol Somerville, L.C.S.W.

On July 18th, the residents celebrated the birthdays of the month. Van Martin Entertainment provided a festive atmosphere and the residents enjoyed the day’s activities.

Van Martin sings songs of yesteryear to residents.

L to R: Birthday girls Rose Ghelibolian and Munira Shahine had their cake and ate it too! Not pictured: Armen Ajamian.


Activities

Sandy Cortelyou, Director of Activities, ANRC

It is truly hard to believe that it has been one year since I began at the

Armenian Home. I must say that it has been a fabulous year. The residents, family members, and friends were quick to make me feel right at home. I have made so many new friends and have begun to learn a new language this past year; it’s Armenian! I don’t want to brag but, my teachers, the residents are tell-

ing me that I am learning the language quite well! This is my first opportunity to work in a multi-cultural environment. I enjoy hearing so many different languages being spoken. When I don’t understand the language of some of our non-English speaking residents, a smile or an embracing gesture lets me know they are happy. Partici-

Greetings from the desk of the Activities Department!

On the afternoon of Sunday, June 24, the residents were treated to music and dance tinged with American histo-

ry, or perhaps one could say they saw American history tinged with music and dance. No matter, ei-ther viewpoint is valid when one sees the Tricorne Dance Com-pany, based in Glen Rock. The six dancers arrived dressed in 18th century clothing, tight-fitting jackets and long petticoats for the women and knickers, vests, and triangular-shaped (tricorne) hats for the men. Before any actual dance performance, Dance Mis-tress Denise Piccino explained the importance of this dancing (now referred to as “English coun-try dancing”) in the American col-onies. Every man, woman, and child had to be schooled in social dancing in order to be accepted socially and meet a potential mar-riage partner. Dance instructors traveled from town to town; poor people paid for group lessons and wealthy people paid a higher price for private lessons. In addition to Denise Piccino, the current core members of the Tricorne Dance Company are Rodger Yaden and An-

pating in the cultural, religious and culinary experiences is always a rewarding experience. Learning to understand Armenian ancestry and heritage has been an experience I have come to love. Everyone offers to do what he or she can to assist the Activities Department and I am most ap-preciative. Since last July, I have become a Certified Activities Director. I was able to complete a year course in three months under the supervision of and the support of Matthew Russo. The residents also assisted me with completing much of the required course work. I will continue to take courses and attend in services as I strive always to improve the quality of life for the residents at the Armenian Home. I’d like to thank everyone for making my first year at the Armenian Home so fabulous with many more wonderful years to come. q

drea Ommendsen, also of Hawthorne; Rosann Pellegrino of Rochelle Park, who is also the current payroll/benefits co-

ordinator at ANRC; Ariel Woll and Tim Larsen of Glen Rock; Heather and Laura Fiske of Bogota; Stacey Cleenput of Hackensack, and Jesse Broome from Long Island. The men and women demonstrat-ed the custom of quickly performing “honors” before each dance. The men remove their hats and bow, moving their most well-developed calf forward, whereas women stand straight and bend their legs outward in a slight “pliet” ballet move. Danc-es are performed either in a line of men and women facing each other, or in a circle with women to the gen-tlemen’s right. Mainstay special performances take place every year at the Conference House in Staten Island, the Colo-nial Day celebration in Old Tappan, and the Washington Tea held by the Bergen County Historical Society at New Bridge Landing in River Edge, NJ. New Members are always sought with or without training. The

group will be returning in November with another program for the ANRC residents. q

Unique Dance Company Performs At ANRCRosann Pellegrino, ANRC Payroll/Benefits Coordinator


The dedicated and hard working members of Friends of the Armenian Home (FAH) under

the chairmanship of Bertha Vaniskhian, over the past years worked tirelessly to provide new elec-tric beds and furniture to all the rooms at the Arme-nian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (ANRC). With Sandy Hekemian’s sizeable donation, the FAH ladies were able to raise the much needed funds from the community for this purpose. The new beds and the modern furniture made the rooms brighter and brought a lot of happiness to our residents. Last year, my wife Elbiz (FAH Treasurer) and I were in New York at a reception at the Diocese, or-ganized by Fund for Armenia Relief (FAR). It was a reunion of the young professionals who were part of the FAR 2005 summer trip to Armenia and Karabagh, one of whom was our son, Karni. Arto Vorperian, Projects Director of FAR had just returned from a trip to Armenia. After the re-ception, in conversation Mr. Vorperian mentioned that FAR was working on a project in Armenia, modernizing and giving comfort to the residents of an old age home that was in disrepair. I asked if they could use some mechanical beds that were in good condition. Mr. Vorperian was delighted at this offer. After passing the idea to ANRC Board of Trust-ees, the donation of the beds to an Old Age Home in Armenia was unanimously approved. Matthew Russo, the dynamic Administrator of the home coordinated all the efforts of disman-tling the beds and the furniture, and with the help of Howard Torossian and his employees, every single piece of furniture was loaded into four con-tainers and were shipped to Armenia. Today, our Dadigs and Mamigs in Emerson, NJ and in Vanatzor, Armenia are enjoying the fruits of the dedication of this double gift from FAH, ANRC Board and the hard working staff of FAR. In the 2006 FAR Annual report, ANRC was listed in the top donor category as “Benefactor”. It all proves that if your heart is in it, many help-less human beings can be comforted. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40). q

Picture taken in one of the newly decorated rooms of ANRC. The furniture was provided by a donation made by the FAH Ladies group. Due to this kind gesture, the home’s occupancy has improved greatly and many residents are deciding to stay at the home for longer time frames. Seated: Avedis Koushakjian. L to R: FAH Ladies Bertha Vanishkian, Linda Amerkanian, and Elbiz Baghdikian. Standing at the rear: Administrator Matthew L. Russo.

One of the rooms of the Nursing Home in Vanatzor, Armenia furnished with the furniture donated by ANRC.

An Act of Charity Begets AnotherBy Vatche Baghdikian, Vice President ANRC

FRIENDS OF THE ARMENIAN HOME (FAH)


“ On July 6, 2007, the “Sassy Ladies Group” from St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church in Westwood, NJ came to sing patriotic american music during the July 4th Holidays. The residents thoroughly enjoyed the holiday fanfare!”

On July 10th, Father Stepanos and his youth group from St. Nerses Seminary in upstate NY came to offer a prayer service, sing hymns, and dine for lunch with our residents. Father Stepanos and the group will be here again on August 2 for prayer service and lunch with the residents and on August 15 for the blessing of the grapes.

“On May 15th, singer Alan Bowles came to visit our residents and treated them to songs of yesteryear.”

FAH Activities

FAH ladies met at the home of Ica Kouyoumdjian for their meeting to plan for the Neiman Marcus Fall Fashion Show & Luncheon on Wednesday, September 19, 2007. Diane Droste will Chair this event along with her Co-Chair Ann Takvorian. For reservations call Alice Philibosian (day) @ 201/569-2323 or (eve) 201/242-0777 or Marilyn Bedigian @ 201/664-2320. Proceeds and donations will go to assist the residents of our Hye Doun.

FAH Ladies Plan for the Neiman Marcus Fall Fashion Show and Luncheon

Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Inc. 70 Main StreetEmerson, NJ 07630

Nonprofit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDEmerson, NJPermit # 4

O n Tuesday, May 20th, award winning Director Hafiz Farid, Executive Producer

Shelley Grodner Seidenstein, and Co-Producer Richard Woods met with Armenian Genocide survivors Hagop Bahtiarian and Annie Boghosian to document their struggles during the Armenian Genocide. They have completed a powerful documentary titled “Darfur, Too Dark Too Far” which was viewed at the New York Film Festival, in Manhattan on Thursday, July 26, 2007. The film was also viewed at the Luna Stage at Montclair State University on July 31st. The film reveals the present horrific atrocities occurring in Darfur, which have finally been labeled as a genocide. The film also touched on genocides of times past and includes our Armenian survivors. Look for upcoming details to the film in the next edition of “Hye Doun.”

L to R: ANRC Administrator Matthew L. Russo, Shelley Grodner Seidenstein, Executive Producer, President and Chairman of ANRC Board Andrew Torigian, Hafiz Farid, Director, and Richard Woods, Co-Producer.

Documents

Hye Doun Summer 2007PS