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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 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.

 

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.”

March Employee of the Month: Dan Maloney

Each month at Adira, we select one of our hard working individuals to be recognized as Employee of the Month. We are lucky in that all of our staff is wonderful but we like to take the time to recognize those who go above and beyond.

This month we’ve selected Recreation Leader, Dan Maloney.

Dan has been working with our recreation department for eight months but has been working with seniors for over thirty years. His favorite activity is active games and he always carries activities in his trunk–we love a man who is prepared!

Helen O’Brien, the Director of Volunteer & Recreation services, said it best, ” Dan was chosen because, although he works part time, his presence is felt throughout the facility. He has a warm smile and a positive attitude that puts everyone at ease. Dan is a genuinely nice person, an exemplary employee and we are lucky to have him.”

Thank you, Dan for being a part of the Adira family!

 

Our Director of Activities, Helen O’Brien

If you’ve been following the Adira Facebook page recently, you’ve seen photos and videos from any number of activities and events that we provide for our residents and patients. Whether it’s a monthly birthday celebration, morning coffee talk, Zumba or a holiday party, we are never lacking for fun at Adira.

All that fun, however, doesn’t simply appear. Not by a long shot. The vibrant activity calendar, which enriches the lives of our residents and patients, is lovingly crafted by our Director of Activities, Helen O’Brien.

For Helen, working with seniors has been a lifelong passion.

While growing up in the Bronx, she would spend countless summer evenings sitting outside and listening to the seniors tell stories about when the Grand Concourse was all farmland or their experiences performing in Vaudeville. Her first recreation job was at 17 years old at the Hebrew Home in Riverdale.

Helen was inspired to pursue this career path by the seniors themselves and it was their willingness to share their history which sparked her passion. “There is always something new to discover in those experiences. They are genuine…they don’t pretend to be something they are not. Most of all, they appreciate the little things.”

When I asked Helen if she had a favorite event or activity she found it difficult to pick only one. “I always enjoy reminiscing but I think staying focused on the present is really what counts. I enjoy seeing the residents enjoying themselves at parties, dancing, singing and having cake or showing me artwork they have created.”

Since Helen’s arrival at Adira, we’ve seen an increase in the different types of activities that are offered. She works diligently to provide a diverse array of community based programs that engage the residents and patients.

Welcome to the Adira family, Helen. We can’t wait to see what unique events you come up with next.