Encore - A Maristhill Rehabilitation Story

Maristhill loves its’ repeat customers, especially ones as vibrant as Catherine Walsh.

Catherine, who looks and acts much younger than her stated age, is on her second "go-round" at Maristhill.

Her first stay was in 2015 after a fall left her with a fractured Leg. She came to us directly from the hospital emergency room wearing an immobilizer and only able to bear minimal weight.

Our rehab department worked on her upper and lower body strength and she was able to go home safely in less than three weeks.

"I love the rehab department…," she said. "And the place is immaculate!"
After the success of her first stay, when she fell and needed rehab again Catherine was happy to return.

Her current stay is more complex, but she knows that our rehab department they will have her climbing the stairs in her beloved home as soon as possible.

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Spiritual Care at Maristhill Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

In the month of August we will observe an important solemnity in the Church calendar, that is, The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Assumption is Church dogma that states that Mary was taken up, body and soul, into heaven at the completion of her earthly life. 

We are told in Luke 2:19 after the visit of the shepherds to the baby Jesus that, “Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart.” 

May we too take the time to reflect on God’s working in our lives and trust in His plan for us.

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Annual Appeal Thank You!

All of us at Maristhill are sincerely thankful to those of you who generously participated in our Annual Appeal this year... especially at a time when the economy is so tight and there are so many competing needs in our community.

We know that 2015 will bring new challenges as the pace of health care reform continues to increase. We hope and pray that our elected leaders have the wisdom and compassion to protect those most vulnerable when they are making the difficult decisions they face.

Through it all, with your help, Maristhill will continue to be the premier provider of quality non-profit care in the greater Waltham area.


A Happy New Year to all!

Sincerely,
Carolyn Fenn, Administrator

Maristhill Receives Gift from Waltham's "Yoloanda's Glitz Gala!"

Maristhill was among several recipients and participating organizations at a recent charity event.

"Yolanda’s Glitz Gala" celebrated a fashion icon and Waltham legend’s milestone birthday in the stylish and philanthropic manner she requested – by raising about $100,000 for four local organizations.

When organizers approached Yolanda Cellucci with the idea for an event for her 80th birthday this year, she decided that proceeds would go to Maristhill Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, the Waltham Boys & Girls Club, the Reagle Music Theatre, and the Waltham Rotary Club. 

Since the organizations are splitting the profits evenly, each one will receive close to $25,000.

And one of the biggest highlights was a complete surprise – Maristhill administrator Carolyn Fenn announced from the stage that an addition to the center will be named after Cellucci’s mother, Mary DiDuca, who lived there for nine years after she developed Alzheimer’s.

“I almost started to cry,” Cellucci said...“That was probably the most touching moment of the evening.”

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An Engaged Community

It seems like there is always something happening at Maristhill!

Or at the very least, our engaged community of residents, patients, team members and community members are involved in a wide range of activities every week.  For example, some of the things happening in October at Maristhill include:

• Exercise classes
• Monthly luncheon
• Pet therapy
• Singer Kerry Maher
• Saturday yoga
• Pumpkin carving w/St. Jude's students
• Halloween Party!

Saturday Morning Yoga at Maristhill

As noted in an earlier post, exercise programs at Maristhill have been extremely well received by our Residents.

So, in addition to our regular programming, we've added a "Saturday Morning Yoga" session to our calendar - and it has quickly become one of our favorites!

As you may know, when carefully done and managed by a qualified instructor, yoga can help elders improve their balance, strength and overall sense of well-being. In addition, an Illinois study showed that yoga can often help elders improve a range of cognitive tasks, including information recall, mental flexibility and multi-tasking. 

Maristhill Receives Another Deficiency-free Survey from Department of Public Health

I am happy to report that Maristhill recently received a Deficiency-Free survey from the Department of Public Health during their annual visit.

The surveyors interviewed residents, families, and staff, reviewed numerous medical records, observed medication and treatment administration, and toured the facility. With our help they were able to access the information they needed and they were very complimentary about our quality of care.

This means a lot to us, as there are so many regulations and requirements that govern our work. I congratulate and thank our staff for this accomplishment – we couldn’t do it without teamwork!

Sincerely, Carolyn Fenn, Administrator

Promoting Healthy Habits

We are once again engaged in a little friendly fitness competition among staff members here at Maristhil... a figurative “Walk Across Massachusetts!”

 

Our objective is to promote and encourage healthy habits and lifestyles throughout the facility.  Several team members will be walking multiple times each day and some are closing in on the finish line! 

 

We hope the healthy routine continues long after the competition is over!

Music Therapy Very Popular Among Elders



Music is very popular at Maristhill

Music has a powerful impact on everyone, but can release a tripwire of powerful memories to the elderly, says Dana Larsen, a senior living writer.

“This is why music therapy is one of the most effective treatments for the elderly,” she explains.

We agree, and we consistently conduct musical events here at Maristhill, ranging from concerts, shows by professional entertainers, sing-alongs, and other performances.

Here are just a few improvements noted by elders and their families, and listed by MusicWorks, a Delaware music therapy organization:

• Better awareness and concentration
• Enhances interest levels and social interaction
• Improves memory and recall
• Happier outlook on life and higher self-esteem
• Increases mobility and coordination
• Diminishes pain and improves recovery time
• Reduces tension and promotes relaxation