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Meet Adira’s Dynamic Dietary Head

1. Hello, Myles. Can you each tell us a bit about your background? Where were you before you joined the Adira team?

Myles:I grew up in Norfolk, Virginia with my grandmother and she always made sure that my grandfather had a hot meal on the table every night. So after school and homework (winter time), I’d stay in the kitchen and help her cook. Cutting up veggies & peeling potatoes and cleaning up afterward. I would always help when it was time to make cakes and pudding. On Dec. 21st, I met Top Chef Marcus Samuelsson then went on to work for him for 4 1/2 years and to this day, if I’m not working, I’ll go back and help out there.


2.Have you always loved cooking and the culinary world? Tell us why.

Myles:At age 11, I moved to New Jersey to stay with my mom where she would give me the responsibility of warming up the food and sometimes cooking. Every Saturday I’d make breakfast for my mom, brother and myself. I got to high school and took up home economics, it was the best class I every took. I went on to work in a hotel, the restaurant industry, a golf course, college and now, senior living.  



3. What is the biggest challenge when preparing 3 meals a day for 120 or so people?

Myles: Knowing the diets of our residents and their likes and dislikes. There’s only one thing that changes in senior living and that is the residents and patients we serve.


4. What do you enjoy most about this role at Adira?

Myles: Being able to allow people to enjoy my food! 

5.Which of your culinary delights is most requested by our patients and residents at Adira?

Myles:So far the lemon grilled salmon is popular but that will change soon! 


6. Tell us a fun fact or two about yourself.

Myles:I enjoy playing uno with my granddaughter. 


Yonkers Firefighters Light Up Adira with Holiday Cheer


Firefighters Fa-la-la-la-la….

This week our residents and patients were treated to an afternoon of Christmas caroling by the Yonkers Fire Department Holy Name Society.  Approximately forty of Yonker’s finest, wearing their handsome dress uniforms, sang their hearts out for everyone at Adira.

The holidays can be a difficult time for some, especially when loved ones are far away. The high spirited, joyful performance by these gentlemen provided a breath of fresh air and a vibrant burst of holiday cheer for the seniors at our facility.  

News 12 Westchester followed the carolers on their many stops throughout the day and if you look closely you may have caught a glimpse of our little family here at Adira at Riverside.

Here’s a recap of our own for those who may have missed it. 

Director of Client Services: Tiffany Jenkins

This month as part of our Getting-to-Know-You series, we introduce you to Tiffany Jenkins, our Director of Client Services. One of our primary goals at Adira is to provide personalized, top-shelf service for our patients and their families and we are so excited that Tiffany has taken on this exciting “concierge” based role.

  1.  Tell us a bit about your background and experience.  I am a multifaceted individual with an ambitious attitude who has over 15 years of diverse healthcare experience in leadership positions. Each position; from direct patient contact to medical billing and collections, to insurance verification and claims processing to coordinating and executing single payer agreements to obtaining authorizations for in office and ambulatory surgery procedures to marketing initiatives or maintaining client contracts and relations has providede with the knowledge and skill to expand my career. It’s essential to continuously reinvent both yourself and your organization to evolve and transform with the every changing healthcare landscape.
  2. You recently made the switch from marketing for Adira into Client Services, what are you enjoying most about your new role?     The variability of my job gets me up in the morning. The diversity of the work that I do ensures no day is like any other. My focus is always on bettering the community. I work in an environment where I have the ability to use my authentic characteristics of being intuitive, empathetic, compassionate, and supportive to positively impact our patients, residents and team.
  3. What do you like about best about working in the healthcare field?    I am passionate about helping others. Working in healthcare affords me the opportunity to do so. Even though I’m not directly treating patients, I’m still in a position to make decisions that will positively impact their experience. This industry is filled with challenges. By solving each individual problem in whatever way your job allows, you experience sense of accomplishment and gratification. Teamwork is also a big part of the job. You experience great job satisfaction knowing the team shares the same vision and dedication to the mission and is working towards a meaningful joint goal.
  4. Tell us one Fun Fact about you.  I am a Pisces. I love being in or surrounded by water, preferably tropical water.  Like water, I am fluid and adaptable.

So, if you’re in the building be sure to keep an eye out for Tiffany and her mega-watt smile!

Director of Human Resources: Deshaun Collins

This week as part of our Getting-to-Know-You series, we would like you to meet our Director of Human Resources, Deshaun Collins. As you may know, Adira at Riverside Rehabilitation  and Sprain Brook Manor Rehab are sister facilities and part of the same company. Deshuan is one of the lucky employees who gets to work with both teams. 
1.       Tell us a bit about your background and where you received your degree? I started working in the nursing home field when I was 22 years old. I got my first Payroll/HR assistant job at East Haven nursing home. I worked at East Haven for 5 years, during my time there I decided I wanted to focus my career in HR, so I enrolled in Monroe College BA program majoring in Business with a minor in HR. After my first semester, my professors convinced me to major in Accounting in which I graduated with my BA in Accounting. Shortly after receiving my BA degree, I accepted an HR assistant position at Providence Rest Nursing home and I stayed there for 3 years before accepting a position at Sprain Brook Manor.
2.       What made you want to work in the Human Resources field? I love helping people, I have a passion for it. I love helping people find positions that suit them and make choices that benefit them and their family
3.       How long have you worked for Sprain and Adira? This year will make 4 years since I’ve been a part of the Sprain/Adira family
4.       What do you like about best about working in the healthcare field? In healthcare, we are here to help people, heal them and rehab them. I fell like it’s a warm environment and family oriented.
5.       It must be interesting working for both facilities. Can you tell us what you enjoy best about your dual role? It’s never a dull moment working at both facilities! What I enjoy most is interacting with the employees at both facilities. I am always greeted with a warm embrace since I am shared between both locations, everyone isn’t able to see me daily so when they do, its always a pleasure
6.       Tell us one Fun Fact about you. I love theme parks, roller coasters, roller skating, bike riding and I’m quite silly…

Director or Respiratory Therapy: Jean Labidou, RRT/NPS

This week as part of our Getting-to-Know-You series, we would like to introduce you to Jean Labidou, RRT/NPS, Adira’s Director of Respiratory Therapy. Jean is the lead clinician on our critically acclaimed Vent Unit and he brings three decades of healthcare experience with him.
Prior to joining this facility three years ago, Jean worked as the Assistant Director of Respiratory Care at St. John’s Hospital and has experience with all across the spectrum, from infants to the elderly. He then moved on to become the Assistant Director of Respiratory Care at this facility when it was called Michel Molotz. However, once the new owners took over, and it became Adira at Riverside, Jean was promoted to Director of Respiratory Care.
Many changes have taken place since the new owners took over in 2016, not the least of which is the 5 Star status from CMS.GOV. When I asked Jean what improvements he’s noticed first hand, he said, “There’s been more volume, more residents with ventilators and those using non-invasive ventilation. We also are much better equipped. The supplies are very accessible now. We get everything we need for patient care.”
Jean went on to say, “The care that respiratory therapy provides here is second to none. I would also say that we have a lot of professionals working here. Clinically we are all astute and there’s a lot of experience here…a tremendous amount of experience.”
When asked what he enjoys best about working at Adira, he responded, “I enjoy relating to the residents and the family members and staff members of course.”
As for why he has chosen to work in senior care….” Well, we’re all going that way!”
When you come to Adira, be sure to come by and say hello to Jean.

 

Director of Rehabilitation: Phillip Rallis

In this week’s installment of our Getting to Know You Series, we would like you to meet our Director of Rehabilitation, Phillip Rallis.

 Phillip received his B.S. in Occupational Therapy in 2001 from CUNY York College. He went on to work in several different settings, including ten years with V.N.S. Phil came here four years ago, when it was still Michael Malotz, so he’s seen a lot of changes, including the leap to making Adira at Riverside a 5 Star rated facility.

 Getting new equipment and the right supplies is no longer a struggle, thanks to the new ownership and management. He sees firsthand that patient care is the top priority.  “They’ve gone above and beyond what I expected. Eric, our administrator, is much more involved and he has a pulse of the whole facility…They (Malotz) had 2.5 stars and now we (Adira) have 5 stars. They’re always striving to make it better.”

 As the Director of Rehab, Phil assures our facility is properly staffed and supplied so that our patients and residents receive the best care possible. He loves working with the seniors and hearing about their lives and where they come from. “If you take the time to talk to them, there’s so much there. You get a lot of good advice from them too because they’ve been through everything.”

 FUN FACT: After selling his two restaurant businesses in NYC, Phillip was uncertain what his next steps would be. His sister in law, who works as an occupational therapist, suggested he come to the hospital with her to check it out and from that day on, he was hooked.

Director of Maintenance: John Borelli

This week, as part of our Getting to Know You series, we would like you to meet our Director of Maintenance, John Borelli.

As a lifelong resident of Yonkers, John shares many common memories with our older residents. Whether it’s taking a moment to reminisce about a diner from days gone by or recalling the Yonkers of yesterday, John adds that extra personal touch to life at Adira.

Administrator Eric Fischbein and John Borelli during John’s birthday celebration at Adira.

1. I hear that you’ve been with the facility since the transition?

I came in 2001 when it was Michael Molotz. I just completed 20 years at St. John’s Hospital in the maintenance department. I was an electrician there and here, I’m no-frills general maintenance mechanic.

2. What changes have you seen since Adira took ownership?

I’ve seen actual improvements in the building. The new administration is trying to give the building a more appealing look. I see a change in the way the residents are cared for…a good change. Our administrator is incredible. Eric has literally tucked his tie in and rolled his sleeves up and worked side by side with me. I’ve never seen that before.  And a lot of recognition which not something I’m accustomed to. The change has been wonderful.

3. What do you like best about working with the senior community?

I get to take my years of experience and try to comfort people, keep them content in their environment. This is their home. I have a love of working here. I take great pride in it and it’s important to me to do a good job.

4. Happy Birthday! It was this week and it looks like there was a celebration.

Yes! I turned 61. I started at St. John’s in 1981. I never thought I’d last in this profession…but two years came and went…I’m in it over 37 years now. In the beginning, I didn’t feel any allegiance but now it’s the complete opposite. I’m very dedicated to what I do. In some small way, maybe I’m making somebody feel more comfortable….we become their extended family.

5. If you could choose three words or phrases to describe Adira, what would you choose?

Local Community: Because everybody pretty comes from this area.

Excellent therapy.

Companionship.

 

Local Yonkers Students Brighten the Halls of Adira

Thanks to our Director of Activities, Helen O’Brien, we have a rich activities program at Adira. She keeps our residents and patients engaged with a diverse array of options. Perhaps one of the most popular sessions, is when we bring in some volunteers to join the fun.

This week, a group of over twenty high school student volunteers from Yonkers Montessori Academy, came to Adira and engaged with our seniors. 

All of our volunteers are wonderful, and we are lucky to have many,  but the energetic vitality that these bright young people bring into our facility simply cannot be understated. Their smiles, laughter and vibrant spirits, elevated the moods of everyone at Adira, especially our seniors!

The students spilt into two groups and so they could work their magic throughout the facility. While one group played games, that even included a few sports programs, the other bunch decorated a Spring themed bulletin board and they continued the artistic fun with some painting.

Life in a nursing home can be isolating but community based volunteer programs like this one, help our residents remain engaged and connected to the world around them. Big thanks to the students from Yonkers Montessori Academy, we look forward to having you back again!

If you, or your students, would be interested in volunteering at Adira, please contact Helen O’Brien at 914-963-3333.

 

Rina Thaper: Director of Admissions

This week, as part of our Getting-to-Know-You series, we would like you to meet our Director of Admissions, Rina Thaper.

After a 15-year career on the administrative side of the beauty industry, Rina decided to alter her course and transition into a career in healthcare.  While it may seem like a big leap, that’s not necessarily true because there is beauty in taking care of, and caring for, other human beings.

“I wanted to change my career …I have a passion for the elderly and wanted to make them feel wanted and appreciated.”

Rina feels that her role at Adira has given her even more compassion for senior citizens, as well as, a new appreciation for life. She no longer takes the simple things for granted and it’s no wonder, because working in a rehab facility, one is surrounded by individuals who require help with simple day to day tasks. For some, it’s a temporary situation. For others, the requirement of consistent care has become their new reality.  Rina is one of the many people at Adira who work to make that transition as smooth as possible for the patient and the family.

Rina enjoys many aspects of working at Adira but the stand outs are; the diverse population of cultures, the kindness of the staff, the warm atmosphere, and the generosity of the owners. “The owners are kind, loving and caring. They go out of their way to accommodate residents needs, even if it comes out of their own pocket.”

The next time you’re at our facility, be sure to swing by the Admissions office and say hello to Rina.

 

 

 

Adira at Riverside is Awarded a 5 STAR RATING from CMS.GOV!

All of us at Adira at Riverside are thrilled to announce that our facility has been awarded a 5 STAR RATING from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS.GOV).

After taking over the Michael Malotz Facility just over two years ago, which only had a 1.5 star rating, we knew the road ahead would be challenging.

Eric Fischbein, the Administrator of Adira, said, “This is a credit to the entire team! The nursing staff, the social workers, the case managers and all of the departments involved, that make Adira what it is today, a very proud holder of the 5 star rating, the very highest rating afforded in the nursing home industry.”

Thank you to all of our staff for their hard work and dedication and many thanks to the families who trust us with their loved ones. We will continue to work diligently and provide outstanding care for everyone who comes through our doors.

As it says in company mission statement, “…we are dedicated to the principles of compassion and excellence.”