December 15, 2021
We’re excited to introduce the Restore Skills Therapy platform into our therapy & recreation programming here at Concord. These stimulating, interactive, and fun game-like exercises have been very well-received by our residents so far, and we look forward to continuing to explore the platform and the ways that it can help motivate our residents to reach their therapy goals!
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December 7, 2021
These past few months have been absolutely packed with activities! We celebrated National Teddy Bear Day by adopting teddy bears. The residents picked out which bear they wanted to adopt, gave them a name, and received an adoption certificate along with teddy graham snacks.
Our hardworking department heads recently had an incredible night out when they were wined and dined at Char Q in appreciation of their dedication and devotion each and every day.
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December 3, 2021
We would like to take this opportunity to recognize Debbie Cora, a Dietary Aide at Concord for over 30 years!
One of our most dedicated staff members, Debbie has been with us since the Center first opened in 1984, starting out as a part-time employee and then transitioning to full-time.
When Debbie was just out of high school she had no clue what a Dietary Aide was or what they did. After a friend encouraged her to go and interview for a position, she fell in love with the role and the rest is history! She first worked at a facility in Point Pleasant and then went to vocational school to earn her certificate in Food Service Management in the 90s, before working per diem in the Diet Office of a community hospital for a year. She even has a license to do nails! Through all of these events, Debbie lovingly cared for her grandmother and ensured her wellbeing.
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January 25, 2021
Although the holidays looked a little different this year, one thing remained the same – our community had lots of fun!
Santa stopped in for a visit and we celebrated with our ugliest Christmas sweaters. From crafts to games, we kept busy. Many residents braved the cold for an outdoor holiday concert, and food crafts like our Ice Cream Cone Christmas Trees were fun, therapeutic, and delicious to eat!
We happily said “goodbye” to 2020 as we rang in the New Year in style, celebrating with champagne and delicious food. With the holidays over, we look towards 2021 with renewed optimism and hope!
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January 25, 2021
On Lucy Bolognese’s recent special day, she received a total of 133 birthday cards from admirers and friends from far and near. Thanks to all who sent in cards to make her day special.
January 25, 2021
We would like to to take this opportunity to recognize Tish Donaldson, our Human Resources Director, as Concord Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center’s Employee of the Year! Tish has done an amazing job during the pandemic under exceptionally difficult circumstances.
Tish joined Concord Healthcare in 2011 and has worked diligently over the past decade to ensure our team is happy and morale is high. One of the reasons Tish loves Concord, is because “it’s very family-oriented and a beautiful place to work, “ she says. She would know, as her three daughters all work alongside her at Concord! One is the Receptionist, another a Certified Nurse’s Assistant, and the third as a Registered Nurse.
Starting her career at Concord as a Staff Coordinator, Tish was promoted to Human Resources Manager and eventually Human Resources Director where her duties include, but are not limited to, payroll, employee scheduling, conducting background checks, reporting annually to OSHA, and ensuring our facility is in compliance with staffing ratios 24/7.
Tish is a born and bred Lakewood gal and still lives in the area just minutes from our center. She has a business degree and has worked as a CMA (Certified Medication Assistant) in a number of long term care and assisted living facilities prior to coming to Concord. “I’ve always been drawn to these settings,” she says. “I have a passion for wanting to care for the staff, residents and patients here.”
Tish is the proud grandmother of four grandchildren. In her leisure time she enjoys shopping and reading.Thank you, Tish for going above and beyond in supporting our staff so they can give our patients and residents the best possible care.
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January 4, 2021
This year we marked Veterans Day with a socially distanced tribute to the 19 distinguished veterans who reside at Concord Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center. The event was graciously sponsored by our friends at Geri-Care Pharmaceuticals who supplied the decorations, paper goods, light refreshments, and medals of honor. In a touching ceremony, each veteran was presented with their medal and a certificate recognizing their heroic service.
A special thank you to the fifth and sixth grade students at Stafford School for the letters they send to our Veterans thanking them for their service to our country, and to their teacher Mary Ruiz, a ten-year army veteran, for arranging this! The veterans really appreciated it.
Concord Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center is the only VA contracted nursing home serving Ocean and Monmouth Counties.
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December 15, 2020
December 11, 2020
Dear Resident/Family Members,
By now you have probably learned that COVID-19 vaccines will soon be approved and ready for distribution to the healthcare workers and residents in long term care. We have long awaited this exciting news.
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August 13, 2020
August is National Wellness Month, a time to focus on self-care, healthy routines and stress management. At Concord Healthcare, our team encourages residents to take a holistic approach to wellness. While every day should be a wellness day, we could all use a reminder now and then
to keep our health at the forefront.
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August 9, 2020
We’d like to take a moment to honor Lucy Bolognese, our amazing COVID-19 SURVIVOR! Lucy is 102 years young and has been a long-term resident at Concord Healthcare, where for the past five years she’s been an inspiration to everyone she meets.
Strong-willed, Lucy is never one to give up a fight. She’s been working diligently in physical therapy to build her strength and has been doing so with a positive outlook on life. We asked Lucy’s grandson, Peter Bolognese to share a few words about this wonderful woman:
“To know her is to love her and I am thankful that she is alive. Lucy is my Grandmother. She has three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
It is hard to put into words what our Grandma Lucy means to us. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY this spitfire of a lady has made her 100+ years count in this life and then some!
As our girl has gotten older and life has gotten harder, we are thrilled to have found a place like Concord to care for her everyday needs when life with our young family does not allow for it.
We have loved watching her flourish at Concord. She has made friends, enjoyed the activities and most of all, been well cared for. Then, welcome 2020 and COVID-19. Much like many families in America, we were so worried for Grandma catching this virus. One day in April, we got the call. She was positive. No one could have predicted how our spunky girl would react and we braced ourselves for the unthinkable.
Through God’s grace and the amazing staff at Concord, she was able to come through (relatively unscathed) to the other side. We realize she is one of the lucky ones and cherish every day we have with her. As many families suffered great loss, we were able to climb the mountain.
We would like to praise and thank the staff at Concord for their continued, round the clock care of our precious Lucy.
We look forward to another amazing century with our Grandma. If you see Lucy in the halls, give her a shout!”
– Peter BologneseShow More
At Concord we strive to provide a variety of mental and physical activities that engage our residents, and we’ve found that our pet therapy program provides joy and a positive impact on our resident’s overall health.
Both our staff and residents look forward to the regular monthly visits from Kitchi the cat and the Golden Doodles, Kasha and Bow Ties. It’s also a treat when Lea from our Recreation department stops by with her dogs, Zayda and Saucalita. Many of our residents are big animal lovers and we realize this is an important part of their care. Our pet visits contribute to the overall health and happiness of our residents.
The benefits of pet therapy have also been recognized by the scientific community. UCLA Health shares that not only do animals help to reduce anxiety and loneliness, they also increase mental stimulation, benefitting those with memory issues or who have been impacted by diseases like Alzheimer’s. Pet therapy can also help to lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, and in some cases reduce overall pain.
Concord residents and staff can certainly agree with the fact that petting an animal makes them happy! That’s because it releases hormones like serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin which are known to improve mood and help people relax. The smiles on their faces when Kitchi, Kasha, Bow Ties, Zayda and Saucalita come to visit say it all!
December 11, 2019
At Concord, we are devoted to the continuous development of our residents’ strength, mobility and independence, especially after a serious medical condition such as a stroke. We know that the journey to recovery can be challenging. We’re here to assist residents on their journey – easing the way in our supportive environment with the most advanced technology and equipment.
To help our residents attain the best possible outcomes, we have recently introduced the following new devices:
Our Robotic Gait Trainer is a new, incredible technology that allows patients to safely practice walking at their own pace while providing body weight support as needed. The Gait Trainer reduces the perceived difficulty of walking and gives patients a renewed sense of freedom.
Our 3D Arm-Weight Apparatus is skillfully designed to mimic everyday movement patterns. This sensor-based device encourages patients to fully retrain their arm and hand functions. It allows patients to self-direct game-like exercises and gradually develop a better range of motion.</p>
With cutting edge equipment and constant support from our therapy team, we are pleased to see our patients benefit and get stronger every day. We look forward to assisting more acute rehab patients, as well as those recovering from neurological or other orthopedic conditions who need assistance regaining their strength and mobility.
We love being a part of your success stories!
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May 28, 2019
Easing the way towards better health for individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease was the impetus to launch Concord’s specialized Renal Program under the direction of Dr. John Depalma and our Nurse Practitioner.
Through treatment and education, our expert clinical team focuses on preserving kidney function and preventing further decline – improving our residents’ quality of life. We offer a continuum of onsite services including peritoneal dialysis, nephrology consults, nutritional counseling full-time, diabetic management & education.
To heighten awareness of kidney health throughout the community, we recently conducted a Lunch and Learn at a local Senior Center in conjunction with Fresenius Medical Care, and have plans to start a monthly CKD Support group at our center.
Dr. John Depalma, DO, is a prominent New Jersey nephrologist with Shore Renal Care. His team includes Dr. Eric Loman, DO; Dr. Shehryar Anjum, MD; and Nicole Ortiz, APN.
Dr. Depalma has received specialized training and conducted research in the areas of peritoneal dialysis, home hemodialysis, kidney transplantation, and ICU nephrology specifically dealing with continuous renal replacement therapy. He is affiliated with multiple area hospitals, including Ocean Medical Center, Community Medical Center and Hackensack Meridian Health Bayshore Community Hospital.
Education
Assistance &
Support for
Everyone with CKD
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February 19, 2019
In honor of American Heart Month, we bring you the facts and some crucial tips to help prevent heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. In the United States alone, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds! Forty nine percent of Americans have at least one of the key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol and smoking.
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January 3, 2019
Throughout her life, Elsie Morris has dedicated herself to caring for others. With a strong medical background of her own, having worked as a nursing assistant in Jersey Shore Medical Center for 22 plus years, Elsie is knowingly more impressed with the quality of care she receives at Concord Healthcare. A woman of strong faith, she exudes a joyous outlook on life, and it was this fortitude of spirit that helped her through her recovery from a debilitating stroke that unfortunately left her very weak and receiving her nutrition through a feeding tube.
With the supportive guidance of our physical, occupational and speech therapy team, Elsie made steady progress over a period of a few months – successfully reaching her target rehab goals. The day her feeding tube was removed was one of celebration for her and her therapists, and she was extremely grateful to be able to return to a full oral diet. Elsie made tremendous strides in her mobility, and her ability to conduct the basic tasks that are essential to daily living vastly improved. Elsie especially enjoyed doing exercises on the omnicycle – an active-assisted rehabilitation system used to strengthen her upper and lower body.
Elsie’s favorite pastimes include crocheting, knitting and visiting others in the hospital to uplift their spirits.
“I came to Concord because I visited a fellow congregant here often and was so pleased with what I saw. The therapists really helped me come a long way!” - Elsie Morris, Resident at Concord HealthcareShow More
January 3, 2019
At Concord Healthcare we take pride in caring for many individuals who served in the US Armed Forces. We tend to the needs of our distinguished Veterans on many levels – whether its physical, spiritual or social-emotional. We look for ways to enhance their comfort and to show our respect and appreciation for their sacrifice for our safety.
To meaningfully mark Veterans Day, a special program took place at Concord on November 13 in conjunction with Grace Healthcare & Hospice. With family members in attendance, our Veterans were introduced and presented with a certificate and a pin honoring their service. Other facets of the program included a special Honor Table, a Moment of Silence, and a forum discussing ‘What is a Veteran’ and the history of the day.
December 28, 2018
Our veterans were proud to participate in this year’s Lakewood Township Memorial Day Parade riding down Clifton Avenue in Concord’s banner bedecked bus. Following the parade, each of our vets had his picture taken with Mayor Ray Coles.
July 31, 2018
Concord residents are very familiar with Judy’s smiling face and comforting presence. In her role as Concierge, she gets to know everyone by name as she works the floors daily, room by room, looking to help in any way she can while making sure everyone’s happy. Need some items from CVS or a special snack from Shop Rite? How about some new clothing or even a glass of water? Just ask Judy. The residents and their family members know her as the go-to person for anything and everything.
Judy originally joined Concord as a part-time evening receptionist, and quickly moved on to become the center’s Concierge. An effervescent and outgoing people’s person, Judy loves working with the residents and always keeps an eye out for those residents in need of a bit of extra attention and a listening ear.
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June 28, 2018
Catherine Heuschkel is an integral member of the Concord team. As our Assistant Director of Nursing, Catherine works hard to provide the ultimate in quality care to our residents. With her 13 years of geriatric experience, Catherine knows what each patient needs to help them recuperate and feel their best. She is also a part of our wound management team, conducting weekly wound rounds together with our wound specialist.
Beyond her duties at Concord, Catherine has been part of the nursing team taking care of the Miss America Pageant contestants. Participants representing every state converge in Atlantic City for this annual event.
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May 12, 2018
We are now fully certified and equipped to deliver peritoneal dialysis (PD) to patients with renal disease, eliminating the inconvenience of transporting residents with complex medical needs outside the facility for treatment. Our Dialysis Program, developed by Nephrologist Dr. Sushil Mehandru, is directed by our Nurse Practitioner, Elmer S. Sadiang-Abay, who coordinates individual treatment plans.
April 8, 2018
On a late Spring day, Bob and Paula Suskind sit next to each other, exuding the effortless affinity of a lifetime together – and enjoying the mid-morning light that fills our dining room. A delightful couple married for over 60 years and now residents at Concord, theirs is the quintessential “all American story”.
On a quick stop from his deployment in Korea, and set up by a cousin, Paula and Bob met on January 8, 1955.
“Bob showed up at the door – and he was so handsome! He had this pitch black beautiful hair and looked exactly like Montgomery Clift, the famous Hollywood actor”, recounts Paula, evoking the thrill of their first meeting and providing us with a clear description of Bob’s good looks.
Newly married, Bob was deployed again – this time to Japan.
“Oh, we’ve had fun, a full life … and we’re still having fun here at Concord” says Paula.
“Yes, we’ve had a good life” interjects Bob, whose dignified demeanor matches the cap he’s sporting this morning etched with the words “Korean Veteran”.
As for the looks of his youth, Bob’s quick and witty response to our gentle tease about ‘what happened to the looks?’ is “I retired from Hollywood!”
A reply marked with that sparkle in the eye that, we imagine, must have conquered Paula’s heart on that fateful day when he showed up at her door. And that very same sparkle still fills her heart.
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February 16, 2018
Concord Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, the only VA contracted nursing home serving Ocean and Monmouth Counties, is proud to have many veterans call our facility home. Respectful of our vets’ distinctive needs and in recognition of their dedicated service, we offer special Veterans Programming year round – with many opportunities for socializing in the company of peers. Our veterans recently enjoyed an outing to the Legion in Toms River for an early Thanksgiving Dinner celebrated with veterans from throughout the area.
At Concord, Veterans Day observance is especially meaningful. Our annual Tribute Program led by Chaplain Diana Speidel on Thursday, Nov. 9 opened the holiday weekend. Following a candle lighting memorial ceremony, each veteran and war widow was honored with a pin and certificate. On Saturday, residents enjoyed lively festivities with patriotic music and dancing.
January 20, 2018
Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1917, and hailing from a large family of eleven children, this vibrant centenarian and Concord resident shared some of her favorite memories with the sagacity that only comes with a life well-lived:
Lucy: Growing up in Brooklyn in the early part of the century, we lived in a primarily Italian and Spanish neighborhood.
In those days, everyone got along. Neighbors sat together on their stoops and people greeted one another on the streets. I loved sitting on the stoop with all the younger kids gathered together as I read them stories and helped them with their lessons. The little kids would come to my door looking for me to come out – and they would be upset if I wasn’t home to tell them stories.
At the age of 17 or 18, I worked for the school at the Principal’s office. I was paid $10 a week – quite a lot of money at the time!
When asked about her husband who passed away many years ago, Lucy lights up recalling how they were introduced:
Lucy: He worked with my brother who thought he would be a good match for one of my sisters. And this sister thought he was a good match for her … but he picked me!
We got engaged but then the War broke out. He wanted to get married right away but I decided to wait because of the war. It was hard to be apart, and since we weren’t married all notifications from abroad were sent to his mother so I had to get all my correspondence through my future mother-in-law… Luckily, he served mainly in safe areas and spent much of his time stateside.
When the War was over we got married at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church in Brooklyn, which is still around. I wore a white dress that my mother-in-law had made for me. I was in my late twenties when we got married – older than many of the girls in those days.
Lucy is the proud mother of a son, Peter, one granddaughter, two grandsons, and five great grandchildren. It is very moving to see Lucy’s wedding picture lovingly placed in her room to this day. As to what keeps her young:
Lucy: I really never thought I’d live this long, I was scrawny and never a good eater. But I have always kept busy reading, listening to music, dancing and socializing. I did a lot of walking living in the city and loved jumping rope.
Known among Concord residents and staff as a music lover, Lucy’s eyes twinkle at the mention of music:
Lucy: My all-time favorite singer is Connie Francis, I especially love the song “All of Me”.
When asked what her favorite hobby is, Lucy is quick with the answer:
Lucy: Talking! I always liked having friends and had many no matter where I lived. I enjoyed going into Manhattan with my girlfriends for fun outings. I also liked having people over, entertaining and cooking even just for relatives or in-laws. My specialties were chicken cacciatore and steak a pizzaiola. I still love spending time with people!
As for her secret to longevity, this is Lucy at her best:
Lucy: Don’t ever think you are better than anyone else. Never in 100 years have I ever said I hated someone, I never looked at someone and said ‘I don’t like you’. Listen, I’m not perfect, it’s not like I never did anything wrong, but you just don’t hurt other people with hateful words. If you know someone doesn’t care for you, is mad at you, or maybe you don’t get along with them just keep your mouth shut and stay away. No matter what our differences might be, all nationalities, all colors – we are all human.
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