Volunteer Opportunity: Memory Impairment Caregivers

Shared on behalf of SCENe, the Springville Concord Elder Care Network.

Looking for a volunteer opportunity? We need you! Memory Impairment Caregivers Need a Break one day per month (1st Wednesday of each month 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

Located at the Springville First United Methodist Church.

A hot lunch, snacks and beverages are provided.

Having fun is the job! The Springville Respite Care Program is looking for more volunteers. Not available every month? That’s fine! Come when you can. We offer a break to caregivers of people with memory issues such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. The caregivers are able to enjoy a few hours to take time for themselves while we give 1 on 1 care for our memory impaired guests by having fun. We enjoy a morning snack, play games, make crafts, eat lunch, have conversations, enjoy music, and just have a good time. We are in need of more people to be buddies to our guests and also people who would like to provide a lunch and morning snack. If you are interested in volunteering or are a caregiver and would like more information about the program, please give us a call! Contact Barb Blesy at 716-­435-­5400 for more information.

Administrator Announced for the Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home

Carole Francis

Carole Francis joins JBR as administrator

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and the Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home have announced that Carole Francis will join the leadership team as long term care administrator this month.

“I am looking forward to getting to know all of the care partners in the community, including residents, family members, employees and volunteers,” said Francis. “As the Jennie B.’s administrator, it is my responsibility to embrace a culture of person-centered care that ensures well-being and a life worth living.”

Francis earned a master of business administration from SUNY Buffalo with a concentration in accounting, and a bachelor of science in education from Buffalo State College. She is also a certified public accountant. Her background in nursing home administration, along with healthcare finance and human resources, has been developed in the long-term care environment. She has more than 30 years’ experience with managing budgets and establishing relationships with residents, families and employees.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Carole to our leadership team,” said Nils Gunnersen, CEO of Bertrand Chaffee Hospital. “She brings a wealth of nursing home experience in addition to strong skill sets in the financial and administrative aspects of healthcare.”

Francis begins her work in Springville on January 8, 2018.

high-resolution image of Carole Francis

Pioneer Radio Operators Society Licensing Class on Jan. 14

The Pioneer Radio Operators Society and Cattaraugus County, Amateur Radio Exam Team will host an extra licensing class on January 14, 2018.

This will be held at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital, 224 E. Main St., Springville, NY. Classes start at 10 a.m. in the conference room. This is an free class and will run about 7 weeks.

Instructor Ray Feness K2RMF said that we will be using the “Now Your Talking” book by Gordon West for the study guides.

If interested in reserving a spot and a study guide, contact Gary KB2YAA ASAP so books can be ordered for the first class at (716) 592-9554 or kb2yaa@arrl.net

Sons of AMVETS Supports BCH Foundation With End-of-Year Gift

Daniel Gallaway of the Sons of AMVETS Post 219 in Boston presented a donation to representatives from the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation on December 19. This gift will be put toward facility equipment needs in the new year.

We thank the squadron for its continued generosity. This gift is representative of the support that our hospital and nursing home receive from dedicated and thoughtful individuals who drive local civic organizations like Sons of AMVETS .

Sons of AMVETS is a nationwide service organization comprised of male descendants of American veterans. As part of the AMVETS family they are united in service and dedicated to improve quality of life, advocate legislation for increased benefits and care, provide and support charitable assistance to veterans, their families, and community.

From left: BCH Foundation Board Member Grover Riefler, Daniel Gallaway, BCH Foundation Board Secretary David Batterson, Sr., BCH Foundation Board Member Joel Maul.

Link to high resolution image.

Soricelli Retires from JBR after 15 years

The Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home marked the end of an era on Friday, December 15 with the retirement of long-time administrator Roger Soricelli after 15 years.

Soricelli, a Java Center resident, has more than three decades’ experience in healthcare administration. He began his time at the Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home in 2002 following roles in Batavia, Malone, Olean and Florida. He earned a bachelor of arts in economics at SUNY Fredonia, and a master of arts in administration and leadership at SUNY Plattsburgh.

As the landscape for skilled nursing and long-term care has evolved, Soricelli helped the Jennie B. move with it. An example of this was the development of a short-term rehabilitation program.

“My wife Margo and I have both had very satisfying careers,” Soricelli shared. “Now we are looking forward to spend a lot of time spoiling our grandchildren.”

An announcement regarding the new administrator for the Jennie B. will be made in early 2018.

High resolution image
From left: Tracy Rolfe, Activities, Kathy Paszkiewicz, Admissions, Roger Soricelli, Roberta Murray, RN, Director of Nursing, and Patricia Loveless, Administrative Assistant.

Start 2018 with Freedom from Smoking

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital is offering the Freedom From Smoking program starting on Monday, January 15 and running weekly through February 26.

This program is designed for adult smokers and features step-by-step plans to help smokers gain control over their behavior. Cigarette smoke contains cancer-causing chemicals and can lead to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Smoking is a behavior that negatively affects nearly every organ in the human body. It is also a cause of heart disease and stroke.

This program is taught by an American Lung Association-certified respiratory therapist. Each class runs from 6-7:30 p.m. and registration is required. The cost for the program is $80. Please call (716) 592-9643 for more information and to register.