Hye Doun

A Publication of the Armenian Nursing And Rehabilitation Center, Inc., Emerson, NJ July/Aug/Sept 2010

Miriam Khatchturian, Zartar Cinar, Muriel Yarock, Marksina Chuzina, and Zepyur Mardekian along with many others enjoying lunch on our porch...

The Presidents Message

Board Of Trustees
ANDREW TORIGIAN President of the Home and Chairman of the Board of Trustees VATCHE BAGHDIKIAN Vice President DAVID ROWAN Treasurer JOHN VANISKHIAN Assistant Treasurer TED TAKVORIAN, Esq. Recording Secretary ANNETTE TAMALIANALMOND Corresponding Secretary H. CRAIG FROONJIAN, DMD KHOREN NALBANDIAN, RPH Board Members MATTHEW RUSSO, LNHA Administrator JAN MRANI, M.D. Medical Director

Congratulations
Andrew Torigian irst let us congratulate our newly elected and re-elected ANRC Board officers for the next year. Their names appear in the first column of this page. Let us also take this occasion to thank Berge Talanian who had to leave the ANRC Board due to an illness. Berge served for many years as our Assistant Treasurer and Audit Committee Chairman and we wish him a speedy recovery. Berge will be missed. We also want to thank and congratulate the past officers of the ANRC Board for a job well done and the foresight they had to proceed with the New ANRC Building. The plans for the new facility are on schedule. We have just about completed part 1 of the first Phase and are entering part 2 of the first Phase. When the first Phase is completed we will be able to get an estimate of the cost of construction. In the meanwhile we have been talking to several financial institutions who have seen the ANRC records and want to be part of our financing arm. They are major players such as Janney Montgomery Scott and the Zeigler Group who are very astute in tax exempt municipal financing. In addition, several banks have made appointments to speak to us. Shortly we will be spreading the good news of our construction and will also be reaching out to our supporters who have always been there for the ANRC. The fabulous service that the ANRC is noted for continues. We actually have had a waiting list for admitting patients to our sub-acute section. We wholeheartedly thank our ANRC Staff headed by our Administrator Matt Russo for serving our residents in such a caring manner. Time and time again we keep receiving letters extolling the wonderful services of our Registered Nurses,Certified Licensed Nurses,Certified Nursing Aids,our Office Personnel, our Kitchen Crew,our Maintenance Group and all those who work for the ANRC. We also want to thank our ANRC Board of Directrors who individually take on the various tasks assigned to them to bring about the fruition of our new facility. The Friends

Hye Doun Editorial Board

Andrew Torigian Chief Editor Louisa Janbazian Editor Matthew Russo Advisor Howard Torossian Photographs and Ads

of the Armenian Home (FAH) also deserve accolades for being a major part in our beautification and well being of the ANRC. q
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 07630 Phone: 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 Emerson By 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.

Layout & Design by Caspian Seal Caspianseal.com Printed by PRINTSOLUTIONS Englewood, NJ 201.567.9622

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From the Administrators Desk

We The People!
Matthew L. Russo, LNHA Administrator

t was poignantly appropriate this past weekend when I had the privilege of attending the FAH Wine and Tapas party during a week that shares Armenias Independence Day. As an administrator in the throws of so much, it is times like these that make me realize the similarities between Armenias Independence and our very own Hye Doun. Every American knows its own story, a group of folks who were tired with what they had at their own homeland came to a new world in search of a brighter future. They fought, they battled tirelessly for their convictions and in the end they earned their prosperity through hard work and commitment. I wish every employee of the home had the opportunity to see up close and personal what I have seen over my tenure. What they normally havent seen are supporters close to the home traveling very long distances to take part in our future. They dont see the governors of the home taking personal time out from their families on weeknights and weekdays leaving their jobs in the wind and dinner on the table to trek to the home to oversee the Hye Douns progress. And they dont often see a group of ladies who somehow mirror our female founders passion by vigorously pursuing the inevitable happiness we all so desperately want. It doesnt take long for one to realize our search and desire for a new Hye Doun is deeply rooted, strongly present and on the verge of a brighter future. Though some of the homes employees may not see the unselfish volunteerism to the home, they proudly support the mission and blindly give our leaders what they truly want: Excellence in Patient Care! Without it, we are nothing. You can take the prettiest nursing home with the finest marble countertops but without good nursing care, a dedicated staff and department heads that go beyond their limits, you will not acquire positive reviews from the various healthcare entities that know of our home.

Our staff proved their commitment this past week when the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services entered for their unannounced annual survey. After a very difficult week, we proved our worth and showed our mettle once again. All of our employees at the home deserve the highest commendation for their service and our grades were verification that we remain one of the finest nursing homes in New Jersey. I want to thank all of my Department Heads and Staff for their strong work ethic and tireless dedication to the home. Though weve again had success, its evident that an Armenian trademark is that when you do well, you dont just sit back and rest on your laurels. Our home will continue to forge forward beginning the final hurdle of securing financing for our new Hye Doun. Somewhere our foremothers are smiling down on our community as our pursuit of happiness becomes more and more apparent! q

L to R: Administrator Matthew L. Russo, LNHA; Board Member Khoren Nalbandian, RPH; Corresponding Secretary Ted Takvorian, Esq.; President and Chairman of the Board Andy Torigian; Asst. Treasurer John Vaniskhian; and Vice President Vatche Baghdikian surround the color rendering of the Skilled Nursing Replacement Facility at the FAH 2010 Wine and Tapas Mediterranean Party.
HYE DOUN | July/Aug/Sept 2010 3

Health

A Closer Look at Diabetes

Connie Gardner, RDA, ANRC Dietician here are an estimated 23.6 million Americans that have Diabetes (8% of the population) according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Perhaps the more worrying statistic is that the total prevalence of diabetes has increased 13.5% from 2005-2007. The majority of Americans are diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes. The results are high blood glucose in response to insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. If untreated, this disorder can seriously increase the patients risk of cardiovascular disease, neuropathy and blindness. So what is to blame for this increase in prevalence and what is the most cost effective method of treatment and prevention? Too much high caloric food and not enough physical activity are probably the biggest factors for this epidemic increase. There is a significant correlation between increasing levels of obesity and Type 2 diabetes across the population, according to a study done by the ADA. Unfortunately, most people usually after a quick fix must turn to prescription to prevent and/or treat Type 2 diabetes or hyperglycemia. But perhaps there is a simpler and more cost effective way of treating or preventing high blood glucose levels. A study done by the Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group in 2002 found that a large non-diabetic group of people significantly decreased their incidence of Type 2 diabetes by using a lifestyle intervention or medication (Metformin) over a three year period. The researchers found that the lifestyle intervention, which consisted of a calorie controlled diet and moderate exercise, reduced the incidence of Type 2 diabetes by 58%. The medication group only managed to decrease the incidence by 31% and these subjects had more complaints of gastrointestinal tract problems than the lifestyle and control groups. Therefore it can be argued that lifestyle intervention is more effective and costs less than taking prescription drugs to treat or prevent Type 2 diabetes. It is also the only way to slow down the epidemic rise of Type 2 diabetes! q
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Dispelling the Myths of Hospice Care

Beth Aymar MSW, LSW

hen many people hear the word hospice, thoughts of end-of-life, cancer, and dying enter their minds. While the hospice concept was created to care for those in their last stage of life, it is often misinterpreted and misunderstood by patients and their family members. It is important to understand that hospice is a service, not a place. Although some hospice companies have inpatient units in local hospitals or free standing facilities, these units are reserved for those that require continuous care. Most people receive hospice services in their home or in a facility at which they reside. The hospice team includes many different disciplines that work alongside existing caregivers to provide added care and support to both patient and family. The team is not intended to take the place of care already given, but to add to it in order to increase comfort for the patient. The goal and primary focus of hospice care is to maximize comfort for a patient at the end of their life, rather than search for a cure to prolong life. The services can be provided for any patient, regardless of diagnosis, as long as their physician deems it appropriate. There is also no specified length of time that someone can be on the services and being placed on hospice does not indicate that a patient only has a very short time left to live. A patient may also come off of services at any time if they choose to undergo aggressive or curative treatment for their illness and, if desired, can be placed back on services at a later time. Hospice is fully covered by Medicare and therefore, there are no out-of-pocket expenses for the services. Medicare will also cover inpatient hospice for a short period of time if a patient requires continual care for pain or symptom management. Keeping the goal of comfort in mind, hospice can prove to be a very supportive service for both patient and family and can maximize their quality of life. For more information, please see your social worker or physician. q

Health

How to Protect Yourself From

West Nile Virus

osquitoes can be annoying and deadly at the same time. Therefore, I would like to share this short but informative article with you. West Nile Virus (WNV) infection is an illness transmitted to humans primarily by mosquitoes. Flooded areas, particularly in warm climates, provide ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed in stagnant water. Bites from infected mosquitoes may result in illness, which range from mild flu-like conditions (West Nile Fever) to severe and sometimes life-threatening diseases requiring hospitalization (West Nile encephalitis or meningitis). If you have symptoms of severe illness, seek immediate medical assistance. Signs & Symptoms of West Nile Fever (mild illness) Headache, fever, body aches. Swollen lymph nodes, and/or a skin rash on the body. Signs & Symptoms of West Nile Encephalitis or Meningitis (severe illness) Headache, high fever, stiff neck. Disorientation (in very severe cases, coma) Tremors, convulsions and muscle weakness (in very severe cases, paralysis). Preventing Mosquito Exposure Reduce or eliminate mosquito breeding grounds (i.e., sources of stagnant or standing water). Cover as much skin as possible by wearing longsleeved shirts, long pants and socks when possible. Avoid use of perfumes and colognes when working outdoors. Use an insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin on skin that is not covered by clothing.. Choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of time that you will be exposed. The more DEET or Picaridin a repellent contains, the

Shakeh Bautista, RN, ANRC Director of Nursing longer time it can protect you. Spray insect repellent on the outside of your clothing (mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing). Do NOT spray insect repellent on skin that is under clothing. Do NOT spray aerosol or pump product on your face. Do not allow insect repellent to contact your eyes or mouth. Do not use repellents on cuts, wounds or irritated skin. After working, use soap and water to wash skin and clothing that has been treated with insect repellent. Be extra vigilant from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Hope you are having an enjoyable summer.

UPCOMINGEVENTS
OctOber
13th - Pizza party in honor of National Pizza Month 22nd - History discussion - The origin of Halloween 31st - Annual Halloween Party.

November
10th - Fondue party. 11th - Celebrating Veterans Day. 19th - Arts and Crafts - Thankful Tree 25th - Thanksgiving

December
All month - Arts and Crafts - Christmas decorations 7th - Exotic Bird Show. 8th - Sassy Ladies performance 17th - Residents Christmas Party 31st New Years Eve Party *Please call ahead of time if you would like to attend as dates and time may change at time of printing.

HYE DOUN | July/Aug/Sept 2010 5

In the Kitchen With Chef Alan

Alan Fass, ANRC Dietary Director uality food and food service are integral to quality of life for older adults in nursing homes. There is little known about residents perspectives on this issue. It is known that when the relationship between appetizing food, quality food service, and quality of life in nursing homes is investigated, residents indicate that they often dislike the food served to them and find it unappetizing because of appearance, lack of variety, or failure to address their personal preferences. The present study examined residents perspective about quality dining in nursing homes and described the implications for practice.

Going Green
During the
Summertime!
Sandy Cortelyou, ADC, Director of Activities

Most Recent Health Care Articles A phenomenological approach was used to discover meaning in a series of tell me a story resident interviews. Taperecorded interviews were completed with 20 nursing home residents who told stories about their food and food service and described a perfect mealtime. The pattern, Fostering a Quality Dining Experience contained five themes derived from residents perspectives; Choosing Food, Getting Good People, Getting Good Service, Choosing Surroundings, and Getting Enough to Eat. The quality of nursing home food and food service was examined using a multidimensional theoretical model integrating consumer and provider perspectives. The importance of staff emerged strongly in this study in all five themes. Even the theme, Choosing Surroundings, required the assistance of staff for serving residents trays in their own rooms or gathering them together in the dining room. Dietary staff and nursing assistants were the catalysts for a pleasurable atmosphere as they served and chatted with residents, ensuring that food preferences were honored. Intertwined with the dimension of staff is the dimension of care. Residents also wanted a pleasant milieu with music and companionship at meals. They also wanted food to be served at the right temperature and on time. Communication was also an important dimension in all five themes, including issues of choice, interaction, problem correction, eating location, and availability of adequate food all rested on resident-family-staff communication. Staff must be quick to offer residents help with preparation of the food already on residents trays, opening milk and yogurt cartons, buttering bread, or removing a baked potato from foil so that residents can eat while food is hot. Consistent care is vital, and residents likes and dislikes should be elicited, prominently displayed for staff, and honored meal after meal.q 6 HYE DOUN | July/Aug/Sept 2010

he health benefits of the outdoors are being utilized less and less with each generation. Currently, the average person spends greater than 90% of their time indoors. Think about it, most of us wake up, drive to work, work all day, and drive home to finish out our day relaxing around the house. Most of our residents however, do not have the luxuries we do so we try to get them outdoors as much as possible when the weather permits. Over the past quarter our residents had many lunches outside on the porch, visited the zoo, went out for lunch, and went shopping. We in the ANRC try to maximize their exposure to the outdoors as it holds so many benefits. Some of the benefits include the benefit of natural ions, sunlight, and reconnecting to the outdoors. Watching the high school baseball team across the street, bird watching, hearing a child laugh from a distance and enjoying each other for moral support reconnects everyone at the home. Research shows the benefits of just a little bit of greenery goes way beyond a momentary mood boost - they can have a profound effect on your health. Evidence suggests that forest and other nature areas help in peoples recovery from stress and fatigue. The more often one visits a green area, the less often one reports sickness from stress. We hope you enjoy the pictures of our residents taken outside and visit us soon to share in these moments. q

Activities

n September 14th residents of the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center took part in the annual Bergen County Senior Picnic. Our residents were able to spend a good part of the day outside at Van Saun Park in Paramus, NJ where temperatures for the picnic were still warm and accomodating. The picnic gives an opportunity for older adults to learn about county services to help them to stay healthy and active and receive information on healthy living. A luncheon was had by all and it was a memorable experience. Pictured clockwise from top left: Rose Costanzo, Menya Korinets, Jerry Belmonte, Carmella DiDino and Rose Costnazo, Carmella DiDino, Jerry Belmonte.
HYE DOUN | July/Aug/Sept 2010 7

Activities

any of our residents enjoy working with their hands. Arts and crafts provide a forum where the residents can use them. By not only just building something, it gives them a feeling of accomplishment and an appreciation of still being able to complete a certain task. Arts and crafts classes operate on a weekly basis for the home, and if you are interested in donating supplies to the home please be sure to check with Sandy since many crafts may be hazardous (toxic). Remember, all donations are tax deductible with a receipt! Pictured top left Jerry Belmonte, top right Fasiha Hayaly, bottom left Rose Ghelibolian, bottom right Seran Kazazian, Sona Doudoukjian and Zepyur Mardekian.

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St. Nersess Seminary Youth Group

Visits the Home

t. Nersess Seminary Youth Group led by Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian visited the home on three different occasions this summer ending with the Blessing of the Grapes on August 18th. We thank Fr. Stepanos for bringing the group to our home for many years. We have learned that Fr. Stepanos is leaving St. Nersess for upstate New York and he will be missed by many of us. Fr. Stepanos and the Youth Group brought the gift of love and the power of service to our home and we are very grateful! Thank you for being a part of our lives...

HYE DOUN | July/Aug/Sept 2010 9

Received with Thanks

in Memory of Elza Savadjian
Krikor & Margeret Alahverdian Hatchik & Verzhin Alahverdian Annouche Bagrevandian Armen Bohossian Mr. Barouyr Bohossian Antranik & Sheny Bolelian Mrs. Judy Calcaterra Mr. & Mrs. Harout Chahinian Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Chin Ms. Sang Cho Levon Djizmedjian Edward c/o Flowers by Lynn Emirizan Stepan c/o Flowers by Lynn Emirizan Mr. Robert Fortsch Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Friscia Berc & Narcisse Gokberk Raffi & Juliet Gokberk Gabriel & Natalie Hamamgian Rafi & Arshaluis Kalaptchian Misak & Lucy Krikorian Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Lausin Santo & Seta Muradian Krishna - Narula Insurance Agency Narula Sun & Sung Park Mr. Robert Petropoulos Arman & Madeleleine Sarkissian Gayle Scirocco Gary & Berth Sekdorian Mr. & Mrs. John Shahdanian Ms. Pegi Varjabedian Ms. Linyu Xu Coco & Mari Yenicag Mrs. Varto Zakarian Zeron & Ossie Zeronian Total Donations: $400.00

in Memory of Irene Giallombardo

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Benigno Ms. Barbara Erben Ms. Susan Higgins Ms. Marie Vuocolo Ms. Rosemarie Vuocolo Mr. & Mrs. Alan Werner Total Donations: $325.00

In Memory of Alfred Pontillo

Mr. Alfred Baffa Ms. Lorraine Ghia Mr. & Mrs. James Wei Westwood Police Department Total Donations: $220.00

Armenian Home Donations

Deloian Mr. & Mrs. Harry Montclair Beach Club Inc. Total Donations: $ 300.00

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Friends of the Armenian Home

Mediterranean Tapas and Wine Party

FAH Holds

nce again, the FAH ladies outdid themselves in preparing and hosting an End of Summer Mediterranean Tapas and Wine Party on Sunday, September, 19, 2010, at the lovely home of Ted and Ann Takvorian of Tuxedo, New York. The backdrop of the Ramapo Mountains on this sunny afternoon was breathtaking. There had been much excitement by FAH members in planning an event that would kick off future events that showcase the Armenian Home as a jewel in the Armenian community. Mediterranean tapas are appetizers or mezze from the southern regions of Spain, France, Italy and Greece. The lavish spread, prepared by members of FAH was beautifully presented and enjoyed by all. Several selections of wine, donated by FAH supporters, Lynn Mahlebjian, Dr. Aljian and Dr. Khorenian nicely complimented the food selection. In addition, the committee collected a beautiful array of gifts, mostly donated by FAH members, to be offered as prizes in the Tricky Tray raffle. All in all, the afternoon provided a time of fun with good food and friends in a beautiful setting upon the Ramapo Mountains. q

Standing left to top: Ann Takvorian, Mary Ann Bonjuklian, Elbiz Baghdikian, Bertha Vaniskhian, Marylin Bedigian, Zivart Balikjian, Ica Kouyoumjian, Lily Babigian, Karen Nargizian, Aline Kassabian, Talene Tchorbajian, Lucy Bandazian.

Seated L to R: Linda Chirinian, Seta Nalbandian, Sylva Zadourian, a friend and Elbiz Baghdikian.

Standing L to R Anita Temiz, Marilyn Bedigian, Ica Kouyoumjian, Ida Gueyikian, Armine Pechdimaldji, Elbiz Baghdikian, Linda Amerkanian, Zivart Balikjian. Seated L to R Mary Ann Bonjuklian, Bertha Vaniskhian, Ann Takvorian and Armine Norian. The FAH met at the home to make final arrangements in advance of the Wine and Tapas fundraiser.

L to R: Vatche Baghdikian, Sally Najarian, Lily Nedurian, Ann Bonjuklian, Mary Parnajian, and Charles Parnajian.
HYE DOUN | July/Aug/Sept 2010 11

Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Inc.

70 Main Street Emerson, NJ 07630

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Emerson, NJ Permit # 4

Members of the Board of Trustees and the Friends of the Armenian Home along
with their spouses gather at the home of Ann and Ted Takvorian for the 2010 Mediterranean Tapas and Wine Fundraiser. Details, page 11.