John Ahern, CEO of Field Home-HolyComforter, and Natasha Louissaint, vicepresident of The Silvercrest Center forNursing and Rehabilitation, duringgroup discussion.

Dear NYAHSA Members,

Our CEO Summit was unlike anygathering I’ve ever seen. More than 100leaders in our field came together anddissected the unprecedented challengesand uncertainties New York providersface in the years ahead. It’s clear thatsenior living and services providersmust change to do more than survive,and it was clear at the Summit that ourmembers intend to THRIVE.

The Summit laid the foundation forthe generative blueprint work we’vebegun together, and the seminal ideasthat took root there have the potential totransform the way you do business andthe way New Yorkers are cared for asthey age.

To those who attended this intensiveevent, my deepest thanks and admira-tion. If you weren’t able to participate,it’s never to late to join this initiative.Our Spring Institute in May will offerample opportunities to react to andfurther develop the results of theSummit, and your participation atSpring Institute is absolutely essential.

The changes ahead are overwhelming,but I am confident that our collectiveability to lead the state in new models,designs, paradigms and ideas is withoutparallel. Time is running out to createthe future; I urge you to join us.

With gratitude,

Dennis

Kristen Myers, NYAHSA’s senior director of member services, reports her group’s determinations to the assembly.

Advisor www.nyahsa.org

www.nyahsa.org

March/April 2010Advisor

More than 100 CEOs and other leaders filledthe La Guardia Marriott’s ballroom April 19-20for NYAHSA’s Vision 2020 CEO Summit.

ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE

David Dunkelman, CEO/president of The Harry andJeanette Weinberg Campus, takes notes during oneof the Summit presentations.

Judith Fenster, senior vicepresident and administrator ofAmsterdam Nursing Home Cor-poration, continues a programdiscussion with Jim Davis,president/CEO of Amsterdam.

Advisor www.nyahsa.org

ADVISORNYAHSA Executive CommitteeThomas Holt, ChairLutheran Social Services Group, Inc.Michael Fassler, Chair-electBeth Abraham Health ServicesRobert Detor, SecretaryThe Long Island HomeBruce Mastalinski, TreasurerThe Jewish Guild for the BlindGary Breuilly, Immediate Past ChairStuart Kaplan, Member at LargeSelfhelp Community Services, Inc.Jane Shukitis, Member at LargeUnity Health SystemDennis R. Bozzi, President/CEOdbozzi@nyahsa.org • (518) 449-2707, ext. 120NYAHSA Advisor is published bi-monthlyby the New York Association ofHomes & Services for the Aging150 State Street, Albany, NY 12207Phone (518) 449-2707 • Fax (518) 455-8908

Kris Jensen Van-Heste, Editorkjvanheste@nyahsa.org • (518) 449-2707, ext. 124Kathie Kane, Graphic Designerkkane@nyahsa.org • (518) 449-2707, ext. 142The acceptance of a product, service orcompany as an advertiser or manuscriptfor publication does not imply endorse-ment or approval of the product, service,company, or opinion.

Founded in 1961, NYAHSA representsmore than 600 not-for-profit, public, and

mission-driven continuingcare providers, includingnursing homes, seniorhousing, adult care facilities, continuing care

retirement communities,assisted living, and community services providers.

Page 2

Partners in Quality AwardsMember organizations and

programs have given out 35Partners in Quality awards to theirstate and federal lawmakers, recog-

Here’s an update on NYAHSA’s advocacy efforts and initiatives:nizing their dedication to issuesaffecting the lives of New York’sfrail and elderly. If you want tohonor your lawmakers as Partnersin Quality, NYAHSA will providethe award and assist you with thedetails. Contact Alyssa Lovelace atalovelace@nyahsa.org or 518-449-2707, ext. 155.

The other face of the Partners inQuality initiative isthe Families andFriends program,which mobilizes thepassion of those whoknow and love thosein our members’care. There are 465people in theprogram who will, atNYAHSA’s request, click and sendprewritten letters to their statelawmakers on issues of importanceto NYAHSA’s members. All that’srequired are Internet access, a fewminutes a month and a willingnessto make a difference. If you haven’tpromoted the Families & Friendsprogram within your organization,please contact Alyssa Lovelace

INFLUENCE

(alovelace@nyahsa.org or 518-449-2707, ext. 155) for materials and in-formation. Imagine the power ofthousands of voices advocating foryour residents!

Last month, NYAHSA held aVirtual Lobby Day, during which weasked members as well as NYAHSAstaff to call and e-mail their statelegislators about Medicaid cuts.

Only 150people partic-ipated,includingNYAHSAstaff. Pleasebe on thelookout forotheradvocacy

efforts – we really do need your help! Advocacy Day on March 3 brought

154 members to Albany for face-to-face meetings with legislators andtheir staff. Our members were pas-sionate about the mission andopposing further cuts to Medicaid. Ifyou participated, congratulations ona job well done. If you didn’t, weexpect to see you next year!

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Advocacy Day brought154 members to Albanyfor face-to-face meetingswith legislators andtheir staff.

March/April 2010 www.nyahsa.org

Page 3

INNOVATIONIf Erica Salamida and Sue Bassen had known how tough the task wouldbe, they would never have agreed to judge this year’s NYAHSA Art Exhibit.

honorable mention winners. It took hours, but in the end, the

two whittled the entries down to 70,though each elimination wascarefully considered and reconsid-ered. Fifty-seven NYAHSA staffmembers each chose one piece of artfor their offices, and a panel ofstaffers chose 45 works to bedisplayed in the common areas ofNYAHSA’s headquarters, under thetitle “NYAHSA Gallery.” Best inShow was awarded to “Wintergar-

den Koi,” a painting byWilliam S. Country-man, 79, who lives atMasonic CareCommunity of NewYork.

The 70 pieces chosenby the judges debutedat an opening receptionin the Empire State

Plaza concourse onApril 13, attended bystate leaders andemployees,lawmakers, NYAHSAmembers and theirresidents and regis-trants. The show willmake the first of itsnine three-week stopsat the beginning ofMay. By year’s end,every piece of art will

be back in the hands of its creator,and the call will be out for submis-

The two walked into NYAHSA’sconference room on March 17 andsaw nothing but art – on the walls,the chairs, the floor, the table.Curator Earl Gifford had carefullydisplayed each of the 275 pieces ofartwork that came in for this year’sjuried show; Ms. Salamida, directorof recreational therapy at AlbanyCounty Nursing Home, and Ms.Bassen, director of therapeutic ac-tivities at The Hebrew Home for theAged at Riverdale, had the dauntingtask ofchoosing just70 for thetravelingexhibit, andfrom those, abest-in-showwinner andnine merit and

sions to the 2011 NYAHSA ArtExhibit.

Contributing artists are residentsof NYAHSA’s member facilities, regis-trants of ADHCC’s member programsand staff and volunteers of both.

NYAHSA President/CEO Dennis R.Bozzi said the artwork is a microcosmof the spectrum of contributions thatNYAHSA members’ residents, regis-trants, staff and volunteers makeevery day.

“NYAHSA’s members provide thehighest quality care to their residentsand registrants,” Mr. Bozzi said, “andwe believe this art exhibit exemplifiesthat integrity through the perspectiveof the artists. Sharing their talentswith you reaffirms their place insociety as productive, creative peopleno matter what physical, emotional orage-related barriers they may face.”

Sue Bassen, left,director of therapeu-tic activities at TheHebrew Home forthe Aged atRiverdale, and EricaSalamida, director ofrecreational therapyat the AlbanyCounty NursingHome, choose thewinners.

Artist Lloyd Prescott, 89, of EddyMemorial Geriatric Center, Troy,examines the painting hanging below hisown during the exhibit’s grand openingin the Empire State Plaza Concourse.

Wintergarden Koiby William S. Countryman

NYAHSA members hosting the showMay

Western Region

The Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Centers-Machias Campus,Machias

JuneRochester Region

Jewish Home of Rochester

June/JulySouthern Tier Region

New York State Veterans Home at Oxford

July

Central Region

Van Duyn Home & Hospital, Syracuse

August

Northern Region

St. Joseph's Home, Ogdensburg

August/September

Capital Region

St. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Albany

September Hudson Valley Region

Andrus on Hudson, Hastings-on-Hudson

October New York City Area

The Hebrew Home for the Aged at Riverdale/Palisade Nursing Home,Bronx

October/November Long Island Area

Orzac Center for Extended Care & Rehabilitation, Valley Stream

Best in Show

Advisor www.nyahsa.orgPage 4

accidents associated with nighttimewandering.

One night in 2007, a CNAobserved a patient get out of bed atabout 2 a.m., as was his custom,pick up his newspaper and headdown the hall. He was preparing to“go to the market,” which had beenhis pattern when he was working.The CNA saw him and thought, “Ifhe was going to work, he should eata little something.”

After having a slice of cake and abeverage, he went back to bed.

Thus began the “midnight snackprogram” on Parker’s “8 South.” By2008, Parker was providing snacksfor the nighttime wanderers: cake,sandwiches, cookies, pudding, Jell-

O, juices and coffee, as well assugar-free snacks. Since the snackprogram began, the difficultbehaviors characteristic of thewanderers have all but disappeared,and related falls and injuries havedecreased by 50 percent.

This significant finding waspresented by Parker’s vice presidentof Patient Care Services, SylviaWilliams, RN, BSN, MA, togetherwith RN Manager Aura Gordon andDeputy Director of Parker’s NerkenCenter for Research and Grants,Nicole Andreoli, Ph.D.

For more information on theprogram and its benefits, contactSylvia Williams at swilliams@park-erinstitute.org or 718-289-2220.

Sometimes, a solution can be assimple as a sandwich.

Like many other nursing homes,Parker Jewish Institute for HealthCare and Rehabilitation had someresidents with dementia who wereprone to wandering at night, oftenexhibiting difficult behaviors.Concerned about falls, the staff wasreticent about medication thatwould make the residents sleepy.

The solution began with theinsight of a CNA one night in 2007,then became the subject of carefulstudy and was formally presented atthe recent Aging In America Confer-ence in Chicago: Making late-nightsnacks available to elderly dementiapatients helps reduce the risks of

Managing difficult behaviors in dementia residents: A midnight snack program

See the full text of these and other ads by visiting the NYAHSA Job Mart and Career Center online atwww.nyahsa.org.

For customer service, call 1-888-491-8833, ext. 1593.

Director of Case Management, RN- Assisted Living, Eger HarborHouse Assisted Living Facility,Staten Island: Member of manage-ment team for a midsized Staten IslandAssisted Living Facility. Registerednurse with an associate or advanceddegree. Good business acumen, stronginterpersonal, multitasking and man-agement skills required. Previous ex-perience in a management role at ahealth care institution or AssistedLiving Facility needed. Medical/dentalbenefits, matching retirementprogram. Send resume and salary re-quirements to healthrehabilitation-center@gmail.com. Vice President of Long TermCare, Clifton Springs Hospital &Clinic: Must be able to motivateemployees by fostering a positive workenvironment and effectively leadingunit managers/ department heads.Focus areas include continued qualityreputation, DOH survey compliance,customer satisfaction, rounding,continued CMS 5-Star rating,resident/family interactions andcontact with third party payers andreferral sources. BS in managementor health care administration,

Job Martmaster’s preferred, and must be a NYSLicensed Nursing Home Administratorin good standing. 5-10 years of experi-ence leading a hospital-based nursinghome preferred. Visit www.nyahsa.organd click on Job Mart.Admissions/MDS manager, St.Margaret’s Center, Albany:Pediatric skilled nursing facility withhigh staff-to-resident ratio. Partnerand network with hospital dischargeplanners, case managers,residents/families to expediteplacement and admissions to thefacility. Responsible for managing allMDS scheduling, completing specificsections of the MDS, and ensuring allMDS tracking and reporting iscompleted in accordance with NYSDOH requirements. Bachelor’s degreein nursing or equivalent experience,active/clear NYS RN license, PASRRcertification preferred and a cleanvalid NY driver's license, at least fiveyears as practicing RN in pediatric orskilled nursing facility and one year asan MDS coordinator or in a long termcare management position. Sometravel. Apply online at www.cfdsny.orgor contact Ron Zinoman at 518-437-5919 for more information.

Chief financial officer, Fox Run,Orchard Park: Responsible for allfinancial functions including account-ing, budget preparation, insuranceand tax including financial forecast-ing; preparation, reporting andanalysis of financial statements.Strong communication and interper-sonal skills and the ability to effec-tively communicate financial issuesto all levels of management includingexecutive management and theBoard of Trustees as well as non-financial professionals. Criticalthinking and problem solving skillsand the ability to contribute to thesetting of the organization’s strategicobjectives. Bachelor’s degree in ac-counting; CPA certification preferred.Minimum of five years proven experi-ence in a leadership position. Strongpreference for non-for profit account-ing experience/knowledge in health-care associated with compliance andregulatory reporting. Knowledge ofreimbursement procedures forprivate insurances, Medicare andMedicaid is preferred. NorthAmerican residents only. Applyonline at www.nyahsa.org and clickon Job Mart.

August 18 SyracuseAugust 24 NYCAugust 25 WestchesterAugust 26 AlbanyQuality Indicator Survey SeminarsAll QIS seminars are 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.April 27 Hilton Rye Town

699 Westchester Ave., Rye Brook, N.Y.

April 28 La Guardia Marriott 102-05 Ditmars Blvd., E. Elmhurst, N.Y.

Exceptional Care Planning WorkshopsMay 4 Menorah Home & Center for

Rehabilitation and Nursing Care, 1516 Oriental Blvd., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11235

May 5 Isabella Geriatric Center515 Audubon Ave., New York, N.Y. 10040

May 17 Robinson Terrace28652 State Hwy. 23, Stamford, N.Y. 12167

May 18 Teresian House Center for the Elderly200 Washington Ave. Ext.Albany, N.Y. 12203

OASIS-C and Medication Management StrategiesAn Audio Seminar May 6 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

NYAHSA’s PAC Golf Tournament and SpringInstitute & ExhibitionMay 24-26 The Saratoga Hilton,

Saratoga Springs

NYAHSA Interdisciplinary ConferenceOctober 26-28 The Saratoga Hilton, Saratoga

For additional information on any of these educational opportunities, contact the FLTC at 518-449-7873 or fax 518-434-4385

March/April 2010 www.nyahsa.orgPage 5

Trainings and Events

In October, you’ll need to know MDS 3.0.Let NYAHSA Education introduce you.MDS 3.0 is on schedule for an Oct. 1st imple-mentation. NYAHSA Education has developeda suite of comprehensive training programsdesigned to smooth the transition and improvethe overall reliability and accuracy of your as-sessments.

Choose live training or online coursesincluding The Leadership Overview, designedto educate leaders on what they should knowabout MDS 3.0 and how it will affect theirbusiness operations; Training for Interdiscipli-nary Staff, which provides an in-depth reviewof all MDS 3.0 changes and is geared towardsMDS coordinators and other team members;and an AANAC MDS 3.0 Certification Course,a three-day comprehensive certificationprogram recommended for nurse assessmentcoordinators, RNs, LPNs, and all members ofthe interdisciplinary team.

AANAC MDS 3.0 TrainingsJune 8-10 New York City Region: Ozanam

Hall of QueensJune 22-24 Germantown - Carmelite SystemJune 28-30 Rochester Region: Fairport

Baptist HomesJuly 20-22 Capital Region: Carondelet

Hospitality Center, LathamNovember 16-18 NYC - The Hebrew Home

for the Aged at Riverdale/ Palisade NH

Contact education@nyahsa.org for more information.

NYAHSA MDS 3.0 Live TrainingsThe Leadership Overview (Half Day)May 14 Rochester May 18 AlbanyJune 11 NYCTraining for Interdisciplinary Staff (Full Day)August 17 Batavia

INFORMATION

Advisor www.nyahsa.orgPage 6

summer, with opening planned fornext spring.Future develop-ment of the sitewill allow for theaddition of 66EALR beds for agrand total of 126EALR beds. Thebuilding willhave three storiesand a residentiallook. A $3.47 million HEAL 7 grantaward, HUD financing and philan-thropic endeavors will fund this

phase. Phase 2

includes construc-tion of a 228 bedskilled nursingfacility, arrangedas multiple single-story cottage-likehomes for 10-12residents each.This phase willcost approximately$46 million.Residents willmove into thesecottages fromBaptist’s currentSNF when con-struction iscompleted. It willtake approxi-mately 20 months

to build the cottages.No firm start datehas been determinedfor this phase. Thisphase will alsoinclude a two- orthree-story“commons” buildingwith a 25-slot adultday care programand offices. Theadult day care is an-ticipated to createseven new jobs. Theconstruction of theadult day careprogram will cost

$1.4 million. Future developmentwill add 24 SNFbeds for a grandtotal of 252 SNFbeds.

Phase 3 will bethe constructionof 36 units ofsingle-storyhomes, arrangedas duplexes, forapproximately 54

independent living residents. Thisphase will cost approximately $6.56million and does not have a firmstart date. It is anticipated that oneor two new jobs will be created fromthis phase.

Phase 4 will be construction of an84-bed, three-story apartment-styleindependent living home. This phasewill cost approximately $27 millionand is anticipated to create 14 newjobs. Future development of the sitewill add 36 IL beds for a grand totalof 120 IL beds. No firm start datehas been determined for this phase.

The final proposed phase, Phase5, will be the construction of approx-imately 26,000 feet of senior-oriented commercial space. “Thecommercial space will be gearedtowards tenants that offer productsand services complimentary to asenior community such as a bank, asalon and/or a café,” Alotta said.

This phase will cost approxi-mately $6.5 million and is antici-

pated to create 110 new jobs. Nofirm start datehas been deter-mined for thisphase. It isexpected that thisphase willgenerate signifi-cant tax revenuefor the town ofGlenville, with development anticipatedthrough land/lease agreements.

Baptist Health System isexpanding and will soon offer theoption of assisted living to theirfamily of services. The BaptistHealth Enriched Housing Program,Inc., is the first of a five-phasemaster site plan on a parcel of landknown in Glenville as the HorstmanFarm. When completed, thecommunity will offer a full comple-ment of senior-oriented services.

Baptist Health won approval tohave the approximate 48-acre sitezoned as a Mixed Use Planned De-velopment District and is in theprocess ofapplying forHUDfinancing.

AntonioAlotta,BaptistHealth’sassociate ad-ministrator,said theplanningprocess hasincluded envi-ronmentalconcerns aswell asbenefits to thelocalcommunity.

“TheBaptistHealth continuum of care is beingdesigned with many elements ofgreen design,” he said, “and muchthought is being put into becominghow we can continue to be greatneighbors to our fellow Glenvilleresidents.”

Phase 1 of the plan includes con-struction of a 60-bed Assisted LivingResidence with Enhanced Certifica-tion (EALR) from the NYS Dept. ofHealth. Ten of the beds will beAssisted Living Program (ALP)beds. This phase will cost approxi-mately $12 million and will create30 to 40 new jobs. Site work on theproject is planned to begin this

Preparing for a wave of boomersBaptist Health System embarks on ambitious expansion master plan

“The Baptist Healthcontinuum of care isbeing designed withmany elements of greendesign, and muchthought is being putinto becoming how wecan continue to begreat neighbors to ourfellow Glenvilleresidents.”

Antonio Alotta,

Associate Administrator

Baptist Health System

“The commercialspace will be gearedtowards tenantsthat offer productsand services compli-mentary to a seniorcommunity such asa bank, a salonand/or a café.”

Antonio Alotta,

Associate Administrator

Baptist Health System

Future development of the site will allowfor the addition of 66EALR beds for a grand total of 126EALR beds.

March/April 2010 www.nyahsa.orgPage 7

improve the mentalfitness and overallquality of life for olderadults while engagingstudents in technologyservice-learningprojects.

“It is wonderful tosee our residentsexcited about learninghow to use technology,” said RitaMabli, President/CEO of UnitedHebrew “Intergenerational geron-technology has been a tremendoussuccess as our residents, across thewhole campus, are developing newfriendships while achieving a newskill.” The program

There’s almost nothing sweeterthan a win-win, and the partnershipbetween Pace University and UnitedHebrew filled a void for both

students andseniors. Pace’sstudents need threecredit hours ofservice learning tograduate; UnitedHebrew had seniors– and plenty of them– whose lives couldbe enriched bylearning to use acomputer.Linda Forman, vice

president ofcommunity relationsat United Hebrew, a

campus of residences and servicesfor older adults in New Rochelle,and Jean Coppola, associateprofessor of computer science atPace, recognized their complemen-tary needs, and a wildly successfulprogram was born. The class, Inter-generational Computing, bringscollege students into United Hebrewto work one-on-one with seniors, in-troducing them to the world ofcomputers and helping them build arich online experience, tailored totheir needs and interests.

Trepidatious at the outset, the

Imagine for a moment that you’rea nursing home resident or inassisted living. Or, perhaps, youhave a tidy little apartment insenior housing.

Venturing out to visit nearbyfriends might be tough, and long-distance phone calls to loved onescan surely add up. Maybe yourhands cramp if you write more thana few lines to say hello.

You used to love going to museumgift shops, to department stores andrecord shops, but no one has aphonograph anymore to play themusic you love.

Imagine, then, that someoneshows you something that wouldmake all of those things possibleagain, albeit in new and differentways. It fits on a small table withroom to spare and can open doorsyou didn’t even know existed.

You’re in, right? You’d think

that. The truthis, that magicdevice is real,but regrettablyfew seniors havehad the basic in-struction theyneed to makegood use of acomputer and allthe pathways forcommunication,entertainmentand information itwould provide for them.

Enter United Hebrew in NewRochelle and Pace University,throwing wide the doors for seniorswho are brave enough to step intothe digital age.

United Hebrew and Pace formedthe Gerontechnology Consortium ofWestchester with WestchesterCommunity College, WestchesterCounty Department of SeniorPrograms and Services andFordham University. The consor-tium of long term care, academiaand government is a research-basedprogram that uses technology to

Advancing the Internet ageInnovative program at United Hebrew pairs college students with elders eager to travel the World Wide Web

seniors took to thecomputers quickly –shockingly quickly –and embraced theircollege-age mentors,as well.

“Each semester,the students and theresidents bond – theylook for each other,

they e-mail each other,” says Dr.Coppola. “They just fall in love witheach other. They trust each other.”

The preconceived notions of agefall away from both groups, as well,evidenced by pre-and post-programassessments Pace gives to theseniors and their young instructors.

“Different assessments are givento the kids and the elders, and thestudents showed statistically signifi-cant improvement in their attitudetoward older adults,” she said. “I seeit in their written reflections, butwhat I’m hearing from them is evenmore positive.”

Seniors in the program showincreased computer confidence andimproved attitudes towardcomputers. The data collectedfortifies geriatric research and helpseducators learn how to influence andshape the attitudes of students whomight be interested in geriatrics as acareer.Relationships facilitategrowth

Part of the success depends ongood teacher-student match-ups,and so far, Dr. Coppola has letnature take its course.

“At the beginning of the semester,I just have the seniors say a fewwords about themselves, voice theirfears about the computer, what theirbackgrounds are, and the studentsare all busy taking notes. And then Ihave the students coming up to meand saying, ‘I just have to have thatperson,’” she said.

Residents of United Hebrew’snursing home, assisted living facilityand senior housing can take theclasses, which are held in computer

A resident at United Hebrew of New Rochelleexplores the computer with help from a PaceUniversity student.

(continued on page 8)

Advisor www.nyahsa.orgPage 8

that he was gaining so much morethan he was giving – and loving theexperience.

“This was really a way to connectwith them,” he said. “But you knowwhat? They teach us. Things likeenjoy life. Keep your chin up.”

In this particular course, studentsmust find something they want tochange – a problem to solve, a wayto make life better for their elderstudents. Dr. Coppola said her

studentsnoticed thatthe leaderof one of theorganiza-tion’s avidbook clubswas strug-gling,unable toenjoy thebooks her

group wasreading.

“So thestudents said, ‘Why don’t we get theaudio book in MP3 format, and thecomputer can read the book to you?’”

Dr. Coppola said the elder wasthrilled, never imagining such athing existed. “And it’s free,” shesaid. “The kids are great at helpingthem find the free stuff!”

Streamlining expensesBut what about the cost? There

are ways around that, Ms. Formanand Dr. Coppola say.

A program like United Hebrew’s,they say, will be essentially a laborof love with little or no funding.Here are some ideas to help youstart a program in your area:• Establish a space for the

computer lab that has enoughroom and the required wiring.

• Conceptualize. You can’t enticedonations if you don’t have a solidplan.

• Request donated computerequipment and buy a few bottlesof Windex. Contact largecompanies that refurbish theirown furniture and equipment

labs in each building on the UnitedHebrew campus. Ms. Forman neverhas to worry about filling sessions –word of mouth travels quickly whenthe enthusiasm is as palpable as itwas the day we visited.

“Staying connected is soimportant to older adults, especiallywhen health declines,” Ms. Formansaid. “Our gerontechnology programis a unique way of bringing new-found confidence and purpose to ourresidents’ lives. I seeresidents in thecomputer library at alltimes of the day, practic-ing their new lessons,keeping their mindsalert and active.”

One United Hebrewresident was quick toname her favoritecomputer accomplish-ment. “I’m a big fan andadmirer of ShirleyBassey,” she told avisitor. “I can get herconcerts on there. The concerts geton YouTube, and oh my gosh, I cansit for hours.”

A Soundview resident brought upthe Web page she and her studentinstructor built and pointed to arecipe. “This is what I’m cookingtonight,” she said. “We made a recipesection with all my favorites, and ourfamily’s special ones. It’s all neat andorderly – that’s my biggest thing.”

Pace business managementstudent Dwayne Jones was zoomingin on a modest house using GoogleMaps, much to the excitement of hissenior learner. “It’s amazing whatyou can pick up,” she said. “I’mlooking at my old house on DrakeStreet – there it is, that’s my house.”

Another senior was peering at thescreen and grinning.

“I just got an e-mail from mygranddaughter,” she said. “This ishow I get my son to write to me – e-mail! He e-mailed me pictures,showed me his backyard andflowers, his orchids, because he livesin Nevada.”

Political science major Asif Ali felt

Advancing the Internet age (continued from page 7)

every few years; local computeruser groups; civic associations.

• Reach out to local colleges andhigh schools, particularly thosewith service learning require-ments. Students today wanthands-on projects with real-lifeexperience. A computer hardwareclass may be able to refurbish, re-configure and install newsoftware on donated equipment.

• Establish relationships with theteachers. Instructors are alwayslooking for real-world projects;students today don’t want towaste time – they’re hungry forwork that’s real and applicable.

• Keep data if you can; you can applyfor small grants to fund data collec-tion and interpretation, perhaps bya stipended college student.

• Once your program is established,it may be easier to get funding.United Hebrew and Pace Univer-sity won a $35,000 grant fromIBM for software, services andsupport materials for Webadaptive technology, which willmake the Internet easier to readand use by magnifying letters onthe computer screen, increasingthe font size of text, reading textout loud, and assisting seniorusers in other ways.

Lessons LearnedUnited Hebrew has some valuable

advice for others interested instarting up a program like theirs.Ms. Forman offers these tips:• You’ll have better participation

and learning success when olderadults have their own computerand own space.

• One-on-one instruction is

Residents of United Hebrew’s campus in NewRochelle are guided through e-mail and theInternet by Pace University students.

United Hebrew campus residents get one-on-one in-struction from computer-savvy students.

(continued on page 10)

March/April 2010 www.nyahsa.orgPage 9

New York has never before seenthe challenges that confront seniorliving and services providers today:fiscal, physical, state and federal. Tohelp our members meet these chal-lenges most effectively, NYAHSA ispoised to reorganize its governancestructure from the ground up, givinggreater voice and influence to itswide range of members.

Upon anticipated approval fromthe Board of Directors, the founda-tion of NYAHSA’s new governancestructure will be bodies calledcabinets and districts, bothreporting to the board. Cabinets willbe themed by service line – homecare, assisted living, etc. – anddistricts, which will be phased in,will replace NYAHSA’s currentregions, providing geographic per-spective. The board will becomprised these bodies’ leaders aswell as at large members

“This change is meant to engagemembership across services linesand programs throughout the state,”said NYAHSA President/CEODennis R. Bozzi. “It will cultivatenew leadership and tackle theproblems we face head-on, with thefull power of NYAHSA’s member-ship. We’ll bring all our resources tobear on every issue – technology,finances, development – across ourmembers’ diverse service lines.”

A vital change, Mr. Bozzi said,will be an agenda shift to a problem-solving mindset.

“Through the cabinet representa-tion, we’ll be able to offer more helpto the people on the ground, runningthe programs, and make ourselvesknown and available to the peopledoing the work every day,” he said.

Here’s a closer look at the newstructure and its components.

Cabinets will draw their membersfrom each of the services provided byNYAHSA members:• Skilled nursing• Adult care/assisted living• Housing• Home care• Community-based services

Building for the future: NYAHSA creates new governance structure• Continuing care retirement

communities• Programs of All-Inclusive Care for

the Elderly and Managed LongTerm Care

• Others as designated by the boardUp to 21 indi-

viduals can serveon each cabinet,appointed by theboard after reviewof applicationsand recommenda-tions by the Nomi-natingCommittee.Members mayserve up to twoconsecutive three-year terms andare responsible for the planning ofthe programming and public policyagendas for the member type theyrepresent.

Cabinets will meet approximatelyfour times a year, and each cabinet’spresident will serve on the board ofdirectors. NYAHSA staff will look tocabinet members to help identifyissues, trends, needs and challengesspecific to their service line andrecommend enhancements toNYAHSA’s programming. Cabinetmembers will play an importantpart in grass-roots advocacy, helpingto engage their staff, residents andtheir families in the advocacy process.

Similar to NYAHSA’s currentregional structure, the newlydefined districts will more evenlydistribute population and provide asolid statewide membership repre-sentation on the Board of Directors.

Creating new districts will enhancethe connection between membersand NYAHSA on a more local levelwhile establishing a means of com-munication between members andNYAHSA’s board and staff. Districts

will also offermembers the op-portunity forregional network-ing and moreeffective grass-roots advocacy.

The redistrict-ing eliminates theNorthern Regionand combines St.Lawrence,

Franklin and Hamilton counties intothe Central Region and Clinton,Essex and Warren counties with theCapital Region, based on the con-venience of our North Countrymembers who are more able totravel to meetings via majorhighways than across the Adiron-dacks. The proposed districts areLong Island; NYC; Hudson Valley;Rochester; Southern Tier;Central/North; Capital/North; and Western.

Mr. Bozzi said member reactionto the restructuring has been enthusiastic and extremely positive.

“Our members see it as thepotential to get even more value fromtheir memberships, and not justnursing homes,” he said. “Skillednursing will maintain its vital rolein health care for generations tocome – but the future is about every-thing our members provide.”

imperative. • Buy-in and involvement from key

staff in nursing, physical therapy,IT and recreation are essential.

• Social bonds and trust lead tosuccess.

• Well-prepared student teacherswork best.

• Seniors want to learn if the envi-ronment is right. A graduation

ceremony is a tangible goal andcan become a major social event.“Everyone is so excited about thegraduation ceremony eachsemester,” Ms. Forman says. “Theresidents take such pride inreceiving their diplomas, and thePace students bake cookies anddecorate the room. It’s a majorhighlight on our calendar.”

Advancing the Internet age (continued from page 8)

“This change is meantto engage membershipacross services linesand programsthroughout the state.”

Dennis R. BozziNYAHSA President/CEO

Advisor www.nyahsa.orgPage 10

Alyssa Lovelace,governmentrelations analyst:

Born in WhitePlains, Alyssa grewup in Copake and willgraduate from SUNY-Albany in May with adegree in publicpolicy and a concen-

tration in public administration. She first came to NYAHSA when

one of her professors showed her an adseeking a legislative intern for the2008 session. After working here for ashort time, she changed her majorfrom journalism to public policy, andshe joined the staff full-time inDecember 2009.

Here at NYAHSA, Alyssa handlesthe Partners in Quality awardsprogram, the Families & Friendsnetwork and other advocacy initia-tives. She intends to build her career

in the public policy and advocacyarena and someday run for publicoffice.

As a full-time student with a full-time job, she doesn’t have time forhobbies, she says. When she does havea few free minutes, she has a weddingto plan: She’ll marry her longtimebeau on Dec. 18.

Reach her at alovelace@nyahsa.orgor 518-449-2707, ext. 155.

Carol Sniezyk,RNC, C-NE,ProCare consult-ant:

Carol has joinedNYAHSA’s ProCareteam of consultants,bringing with her awealth of experience

in the long term care field. She grew up in Broadalbin, then

went off to college at SUNY-Platts-

burgh, SUNY-Oswego and St. Mary’sSchool of Nursing in Amsterdam.Carol, a registered professional nurse,a permanently certified nursing in-structor and a C-NE (certified nurseexecutive), also obtained her SMQTsurveyor status while working withIPRO at the NYSDOH. Most recently,she was director of nursing at EllisResidential & Rehabilitation Center inSchenectady.

As a ProCare consultant, Carol willbe available for mock surveys and con-sulting. She also hopes to bring herteaching experience to her job, offering“train the trainer” sessions to helpnurses train their nursing assistants.

She and her husband live on theGreat Sacandaga Lake and own a golfcourse.To schedule consulting services,contact Kathy Taylor atktaylor@nyahsa.org or518-449-2707, ext. 126.

New staff at NYAHSAPlease join us in welcoming these recent hires:

Lovelace

Sniezyk

Proactive Professional Proficient

At NYAHSA ProCareSM, our excellent reputation for providing long term health care consulting services comes from real-lifeexperience. All our consultants have worked on the front lines – as nursing home administrators, nurses, adult day health care programdirectors or educators. They know what it’s like to stand in your shoes, and they know how to help you get the job done. We look forwardto assisting you. Call today at (518) 449-2707 ext. 126 or visit us on the Web at www.nyahsa.org.

UPCOMING TRAININGSAANAC MDS 3.0 TrainingsJune 8-10 New York City Region: Ozanam Hall of QueensJune 22-24 - Germantown - Carmelite SystemJune 28-30 Rochester Region: Fairport Baptist Homes July 20-22 Capital Region: Carondelet Hospitality CenterNovember 16-18 - NYC - The Hebrew Home for the Aged at Riverdale/Palisade NH

NYAHSA MDS 3.0 Live TrainingsThe Leadership Overview (Half Day)May 14 Rochester May 18 Albany June 11 NYC

Training for Interdisciplinary Staff (Full Day)August 17 Batavia August 18 Syracuse August 24 NYCAugust 25 Westchester August 26 Albany

For more information on these and other NYAHSA ProCareSM

training programs, please see page 5 “Trainings and Events”

March/April 2010 www.nyahsa.org

Noteworthy

in Bloom” Benefit Gala on March25, 2010 at the New YorkBotanical Garden in the Bronx.The honorees were PeabodyAward-winning broadcast journal-ist Gabe Pressman and BonSecours New York Health SystemBoard member ChristinaAlexander.

Recognized in the New Yorkbroadcast journalism communityas the “reporter’s reporter,” GabePressman has been with NBC4 for47 years. During more than 55years in the field, Pressman hascompiled a peerless record of in-vestigative reporting in politicsand social issues.

Honoree Christina Alexanderhas served on the Board of BonSecours New York Health Systemfor nine years. Ms. Alexanderreceived her B.S. in Pharmacyfrom Fordham University and herM.S. in Pharmacology from St.John’s University. She is a phar-macist at Alexander Associates

Health Consultants. Hervolunteer activities includeserving on the board of St.Gabriel’s Church, and she is anactive member of the FordhamUniversity Alumni Association.

Excellence recognized: TheGenesis Group /Medical Societiesis honoring LeslieGreen, LPN andassistant unitmanager at Pres-byterian Homes &Services for her excellence inhealthcare as a direct care profes-sional. She will be recognized atthe Fifth Annual Regional Health-care Recognition Luncheon in Mayat Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro.Leslie’s dedication, compassionand friendship to all who enterPresbyterian Homes & Services’doors are unsurpassed and deeplyappreciated.

Page 11

Healy joins Beth Abrahamteam: Seasonedmanaged careexecutive Joseph M.Healy, Jr. is thenew chief operatingofficer of managedcare for Comprehen-

sive Care Management (CCM), amember of the Beth AbrahamFamily of Health Services(BAFHS), announced MichaelFassler, President and CEO ofBAFHS.As head of CCM, the nation’slargest provider of the Program ofAll-Inclusive Care for the Elderly(PACE), Mr. Healy will lead theorganization’s initiatives toproduce growth and expandprograms and services, includingCCM’s Medicaid managed long-term care program and Medicarespecial needs advantage program.in addition, he will be responsiblefor identifying and evaluating newopportunities for service andbusiness expansion.

Mr. Healy joins the BethAbraham family from the LaheyClinic, where he was the seniorvice president for clinical opera-tions and chief strategy officer. A25-year veteran of the health carefield, Mr. Healy has extensive ex-perience in quality, safety andrisk management as well asmanaged care operations.

Wearin’ o’ the green: FrankKealy, Utica’s St. Patrick’s DayParade grand marshal, joined inthe day’s celebration at Presbyte-rian Homes & Services. Mr.Kealy’s visit was accompanied byJohnston School of Irish Danceand Irish music provided byvolunteer Mollie Crumrine onpiano.

Celebrating 72 years: BonSecours New York HealthSystem commemorated the 72nd

anniversary of Schervier NursingCare Center with its “Bon Secours

(continued on back cover)

Healy

Changing history: Kings Park Heritage Museum volunteers GailHessel, Jane Kelly and Barbara Puleo change one of the informa-tive rotating exhibits at St. Johnland Nursing Center. Thethemed displays contain objects of local historical interest and areenjoyed by residents, families and staff at St. Johnland.

Green

March/April 2010 www.nyahsa.org

Influence

information

innovation

organizationalexcellence

Inside The Advisor

NYAHSA’s Advocacy Efforts..p. 2

Job Mart ..................................p. 4 Trainings .................................p. 5

NYAHSA’s Art Exhibit............p. 3Advancing Internet Age ...pgs. 7-9

CEO SUMMIT..............front coverManaging Behaviors................p. 4Preparing for Boomers ............p. 6New Governance ......................p. 9New Staff................................p. 10Noteworthy ......pgs. 11-back coverNew Members...............back cover

Saluting a WASP: JewishHome Lifecare/SarahNeuman Center celebratedvolunteer Ruth Kornblum’s Con-gressional Gold Medal for service inthe Women Airforce Service Pilots(WASPs) during World War II.Among those on hand for the festiveand historic occasion were 75 guests,including members of her family,friends, residents,trustees andstaff. Representa-tives from stateand local govern-ments were alsoon hand topresent procla-mations in herhonor and todeclare March15th RuthKornblum Day.

AdministratorRita Morganwelcomed theguests and paidtribute to Ms.Kornblum’s 17 ½years of volun-teerism, calling

Noteworthy (continued from page 11)

Associate Plus MembersAri J. Markenson, JD, MPH; amarkenson@beneschlaw.comCounsel at Benesch, Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff, LLPWhite Plainswww.beneschlaw.comServices: LegalAssociate MembersMr. James Reeks; james.reeks@lechase.comDirector of Business DevelopmentLeChase Construction Services, LLCSchenectadywww.lechase.comServices: Full-service construction management andgeneral construction firm. Planning, preconstruction con-sulting, design-build services and facilities managementservices.Ms. Cindy Vizzi; cvizzi@lawleyinsurance.comNew Business Development ManagerLawley Service Incorporated

Welcome! The NYAHSA Membership Committee has approved thefollowing facilities/ individuals for NYAHSA membership.

Buffalowww.lawleyinsurance.comServices: Insurance, employee benefits and risk manage-mentCatherine Martin; cmartin@hamlynmarketing.comPresidentHamlyn Senior Marketing, LLCCherry Hill, NJ 08034www.hamlynmarketing.comServices: Hamlyn offers a full line of marketing servicesto organizations that serve the senior market.

ChangesUnited Helpers Canton Nursing Home has changed itsname to Maplewood Campus. New address: 205 State Street Road, Canton, N.Y. 13617-3302Programs Offered: 96 NF beds, 48 Assisted LivingProgram beds.Administrator: Todd AmoAssistant Administrator: Kathy Race (assisted living)

her dedication to Sarah Neuman re-markably dependable and deeply appre-ciated, as was her service in the WASPs.

Between 1942 and 1944, at the heightof World War II, more than a thousandwomen, including Ms. Kornblum, lefthomes and jobs for the opportunity of alifetime – to become the first in historyto fly for the U.S. military. They volun-

From left, holding proclamations, are Phyllis Wittner, office of MamaroneckTown Supervisor Valerie Moore O’Keeffe; Ruth Kornblum; Debra Lagapa, officeof state Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer; Administrator Rita Morgan; MamaroneckVillage Mayor Norman Rosenblum; and Village Trustee Toni Ryan.

teered as civilian pilots in an experi-mental Army Air Corp program tosee if women could serve as pilotsand relieve men for overseas duty.