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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 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.

 

 

 

Play Ball!

It may be snowing outside today but over the weekend we celebrated the official opening of major league baseball season. Our residents and patients love to watch a good ball game. As you can see from the pictures and video below, Eric, our administrator, is partial to games that include the New York Mets!

 

Televised sports programs, like MLB, can be a wonderful way to build friendships and be a part of community, especially while rehabilitating away from home.

All of us at Adira, look forward to cheering on our favorite teams over the coming months and providing our patients and residents with a fun, engaging community.

PLAY BALL!

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.