As a caregiver, you want to ensure your loved one's senior assisted living provides the best possible care and a positive living experience. When you compare assisted living communities, you might ask yourself: What does a typical day look like there? Will my loved one be active? Will they make friends? Most importantly...will they be happy?

At CareOne, each day is full of opportunities for residents to connect, engage, and learn, all within a supportive community environment. From fine dining with gourmet, healthy cuisine, to frequent social events, CareOne enables residents to live their golden years to the fullest.

Here is a look at a sample day in the life at CareOne for Joyce:

Morning Routine – Welcoming the Day in a Senior Assisted Living

• 6:30 AM: Joyce* wakes up and starts her day with her daily hygiene routine. She needs a little extra assistance, so a member of the CareOne team arrives to ensure she’s properly dressed and receives her morning medication.

• 7:30 AM: Joyce makes her way to the dining room and checks in with one of the staff to grab an activity calendar. She immediately sees a few activities she’s excited about participating in. Joyce also makes note of the upcoming resident council meeting in two days. These meetings are an opportunity for the residents to provide input on the community.

• 7:40 AM: Joyce mingles with her friends in the dining room, settling into their regular table. As they review the menu, the attentive culinary staff, who have learned each resident’s preferences over time, serve Joyce’s usual breakfast. Her favorite? Scrambled eggs, prune juice, and fresh fruit.

• 9:00 AM: Joyce heads to the activities room to relax, digest, and read ahead of 10:00 AM trivia. While she waits, the activities director reminds Joyce of an upcoming outing to the mall via the CareOne bus.

Mid-Morning Activities for Joyce

• 10:00-11:45 AM: Trivia is a hit — it’s a popular way for residents to spend quality time with their friends and adds a little competition into the mix!

• 11:45 AM: Joyce heads to her physical therapy (PT) session. She’s scheduled for therapy twice a week with the onsite PT team.

Afternoon Activities – Community Engagement and Social Time

• 1:00 PM: Joyce makes her way back to the dining room for the 1 PM lunch seating. Today, the chef is making a Taco Tuesday menu, so Joyce chooses her favorite toppings and seasonings.

• 2:15 PM: Joyce goes to the courtyard for afternoon activities. Today, a local band is playing live music! There is also an option for residents to make their own floral arrangements. Joyce loves crafting with her friends and uses her creations to decorate her apartment.

• 3:45 PM: Joyce heads back to her apartment to freshen up before her family visits at 4:00 PM.

• 4:00 PM: Joyce meets her family and spends time connecting with them back in the courtyard, soaking up the sunshine on such a beautiful day.

Evening Engagements – Cocktails, Games, and More

• 5:15 PM: After her family leaves, Joyce goes to the beauty salon. Here, she makes appointments for a haircut and a manicure.

• 5:30 PM: Time for a beverage! Joyce enjoys a glass of wine at CareOne’s daily happy hour before dinner. She also plays a game of cards with her friends.

• 6:00 PM: Joyce opts for the 6:00 PM seating in the dining room. Today, she enjoys a filet mignon, mashed potatoes, and green beans. The culinary staff knows how much she enjoys mashed potatoes, so they give her a little extra.

• 7:30 PM: After dinner, it’s movie night in the theater. Tonight, Joyce enjoys a country western movie complete with cozy blankets and snacks to accompany the evening.

• 9:00 PM: As she heads back to her apartment, the CareOne team assists with bedtime preparations including medication management and dressing. Once in bed, Joyce reads a few pages of her favorite book before going to sleep.

• 10:00 PM: Joyce gets a good night’s rest, knowing there are trained staff available around the clock for assistance and care.

Senior Assisted Living at CareOne

A day in the life at a CareOne assisted living is filled with opportunities for personal choice and connection. While daily schedules vary based on each resident's health, needs and preferences, as well as holidays and cultural events, CareOne strives to make every day special.

Want to visit a CareOne assisted living community? Schedule a tour with your local CareOne or call us at 855-277-8550.

*Joyce is a fictionalized character.

The post A Day in the Life of a Senior Assisted Living Resident appeared first on CareOne.

Kerianne has provided CareOne written consent to share this story.

Managing post-hospital rehabilitation and memory care needs at the same time is no easy feat—but with a personalized approach and compassionate care team, patients can experience remarkable results. 

When buying her house, Kerianne did so with the intention to care for her aging parents at home. She renovated a suite in her house, preparing to welcome them whenever the time would come. Years later, when her mother fell ill, her parents moved in with Kerianne and her family. 

But when Kerianne’s parents moved in, she saw something she didn’t expect: Her father started showing signs of dementia. The signs she saw were not noticeable from her interactions with him when he lived outside of her home.  

Kerianne’s father was known for his intellect and ambition, having reinvented his career throughout his life. He was celebrated for his ability to finish the Wall Street Journal crossword in 30 minutes. But little by little, his abilities started slipping — and as Kerianne’s mother’s condition was getting worse, her father’s dementia was progressing. "Dementia progresses like tiny paper cuts all the time — it’s almost too late when you realize there’s a problem," she said.

“Dementia progresses like tiny little paper cuts all the time — it’s almost too late when you realize there’s a problem.”

Sadly, Kerianne’s mother passed, which also marked a point in time when her father’s condition progressed beyond a manageable level. As with many people with dementia, Kerianne’s father was often confused and started to behave in ways that are typical for those with progressing dementia. During the day, Kerianne placed him in a daily care program. When he would come home in the evening, he would wander, requiring Kerianne to follow him closely to keep him safe. Eventually, Kerianne’s father fell and fractured his hip, requiring emergency surgery and a stay in hospital. 

While the hospital took care of his immediate treatment, Kerianne knew she needed to plan for his post-hospital rehabilitation — one that could support her father’s recovery from injury but also provide comprehensive dementia care. Having worked in a skilled nursing facility in the past, Kerianne was concerned that her father would need an extra layer of care to better support his healing due to his dementia. She was looking for a place that would provide around-the-clock rehabilitative support as well as specialized memory care. 

Finding the Right Level of Care 

While the hip fracture was the primary factor in Kerianne’s decision to transition him to a care facility, there were other life factors at play. As her father’s sole caregiver, Kerianne was finding it increasingly difficult to provide the level of support he needed as his dementia progressed. While Kerianne was navigating these changes, another family member of hers had fallen ill and she was also caring for her teenage children. As part of the sandwich generation, Kerianne found herself in a difficult position that is all too common: She was experiencing burnout from taking care of her aging parents, while also looking after and providing for children who have their own socio-emotional needs. 

This is when Kerianne decided to contact Alyson Mulryne, Senior Administrator at Harmony Village at CareOne Jackson. Harmony Village is a specialized memory care community that provides 24/7 care for individuals with dementia. Alyson worked with Kerianne to put special arrangements in place, such as occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and on-site nursing staff specializing in dementia, to ensure the right level of care for Kerianne’s father. 

Providing Individualized Care  

When Kerianne’s father first arrived at Harmony Village at CareOne Jackson, he was unable to walk and required significant support. Fortunately Harmony Village at CareOne Jackson has an in-house therapy team that includes both OT and PT. Alyson worked closely with Kerianne to ensure the right support was in place for his healing. When Kerianne wasn’t visiting her father, she would be on the phone with his care team to check on his progress. Starting with almost daily check-ins, which eventually progressed to weekly, Kerianne was involved in every decision for her father’s post-hospital rehabilitation and memory care. “Our frequent communication helped us build trust with Kerianne and her family and we believe it helped her know that we were all in," said Alyson.

"Today, a visit to her father is simply a visit where Kerianne and her father can enjoy themselves."

At Harmony Village, residents live in distinct neighborhoods based on their degree of memory loss, from mild to moderate and then severe. This layout improves social interaction and engagement in suitable activities, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and improving overall care outcomes.  In this case, Harmony Village at CareOne Jackson was able to use the neighborhood system in reverse order to aid his recovery.  

Due to his injury, Kerianne’s father started in the neighborhood with the highest care needs. As his physical condition improved, Kerianne’s father was eventually able to move out of the severe neighborhood to the moderate, and now, based on his progress, he is living with others who have mild cognitive impairment. Hip fractures, particularly in individuals with dementia, can often be debilitating, but in this case, his care team helped him get back on his feet. According to Harmony Village at CareOne's Jackson's Physical Therapist, Kyle Negron, "He came to us in a wheelchair, and we helped him rehabilitate to the point where he could walk up to 500 feet without assistance or a device."

"We now have to remind him to sit down and take rests!"

Kerianne’s father’s success story serves as a powerful reminder for those assessing their senior care options: Individualized, personalized care can help people reach their full recovery potential and significantly improve their overall quality of life. Harmony Village designs care plans tailored to the cognitive and physical needs of each resident. This approach extends beyond treating the individual, care teams at Harmony Village provide support for the entire family. Family plays a particularly crucial role in memory care as family members often have to be the advocate and voice for their loved one with dementia. Harmony Village at CareOne Jackson's Dementia Care Specialist, Casey Gordon stresses the importance of family support:

“You have to support the family along with the resident, because they are the ones placing their trust in us.”

Harmony Village at Jackson helped lift Kerianne's burden of caregiving. Now, Kerianne is often seen visiting the community, dancing and singing with her father. “I am so grateful to the care team at Harmony Village," she said. "They have helped improve not only my father’s quality of life, but also mine and my family’s. It is a relief to know that he is thriving when we’re not there, and it’s a treat seeing him so happy at all our visits. "

"We breathe easier knowing that he is well cared for every day.”

For more information about Harmony Village at CareOne Jackson, contact us or schedule a tour.  

The post From Healing to Hope: A Post-Hospital Rehabilitation Success Story appeared first on CareOne.

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, the person closest to them often takes on greater responsibilities. They step into a new role as a caregiver. As the disease progresses, those with dementia lose the ability to perform activities of daily living. They also may engage in behaviors that put themselves or others at risk. As a result, their spouses, children and friends can feel overwhelmed by the physical and emotional needs of their loved one with dementia. At CareOne, our priority is to relieve caregivers of the more challenging aspects of their role. We want caregivers to bring their best selves in their relationship with their loved ones.

People affected by memory loss conditions can find hope and purpose even through the progression of the condition and new challenges in their relationship. One of our star caregivers, Donna, shared her experience working with our staff to deliver personalized care to her husband at CareOne Harmony Village.

Donna’s Story

Donna spent most of her life as an educator, pursuing several degrees while working to enrich the lives of others. She began searching for a life partner on eHarmony. One day, when she had called the platform to cancel her membership, she received a call from her future husband Karl (pseudonym), asking to meet. Donna was instantly captivated by his athleticism and love for music. Soon after, she and Karl had chosen their wedding song and were married at the ages of 61 and 70, respectively.

The CareOne/Caregiver Relationship

CareOne Dementia Care Specialist, Emily Baratta, has worked with Donna and Karl over the past year. She counsels Donna on how to be a supportive and patient partner as Karl loses cognitive functioning and ability to complete activities of daily living. Using Teepa Snow's positive care approach, Emily develops care plans based on Karl’s personal background and specific needs. While Karl has significant memory loss and is unable to hold conversations, he and Donna are equipped with the resources that allow him to live a meaningful and purposeful life.

Here’s how Emily works with Donna to understand Karl’s needs through the progression of his dementia:

Processing Personality Changes

Due to dramatic changes occurring in the brain of a person with dementia, many parts of their personality can change while other existing traits may intensify.

Sometimes, these changes are rapid. Karl always had a rigid, stubborn side, liking things done exactly the way he wanted. Donna noticed his cognitive decline as he became increasingly irritable. She also observed aggressive episodes that were out of character for him. This shift was exacerbated by the pressures of lockdown restrictions during the pandemic. At the time, Donna felt very confused with little answers as to what these changes would mean for Karl moving forward.

After consulting medical professionals, Donna was connected with CareOne to provide 24/7 management of Karl’s aggressive and challenging behaviors. As these behaviors can be the most concerning symptoms of dementia, it’s important that caregivers feel safe knowing that their loved one is being watched with a close eye. The team also works to help caregivers understand the triggers of these behaviors and provide strategies to mitigate them.

Navigating a New Relationship Dynamic

Another stark change for caregivers is the shift in the relationship dynamic. The caregiver and their loved one go from equals taking care of one another to resembling more of a parent-child relationship. As the disease progresses, people with dementia often lose the ability to complete tasks like eating, dressing, medication and hygiene management. Many may experience greater mobility issues and general confusion that prohibits them from taking care of themselves.

Even with significant memory loss, Karl recognizes that Donna is his partner. He desires her care and undivided attention. Karl has needs that he could once execute or communicate on his own but no longer can. This shift adds a level of complexity for caregivers like Donna as they can feel overwhelmed by the ongoing physical and emotional responsibilities of caring for someone with memory impairments.

Together, Donna and Emily consistently touch base to share information about Karl’s current and past behavioral patterns. Consistent dialogue between Harmony Village’s dementia care specialists and caregivers is important to better understand the more complex emotional needs of dementia residents and how CareOne staff can best meet them in their living environment. Emily teaches caregivers like Donna to practice patience and clear communication during their visits.

Teaching New (and Old) Ways of Communicating

Even as dementia progresses, many aspects of a person’s psyche and personality remain the same. Karl always loved music and used to sing in bands in his younger days. From the beginning of Donna and Karl’s relationship, music was central to how they connected with one another.

Despite Karl’s limited communication skills, singing still comes naturally for him. While he can't spin Donna and dance like he used to, he is able to communicate his needs through music. As a central part of Karl’s care, Emily and the Harmony Village team use music to guide him. This includes supporting his daily routine and facilitating musical activities during Donna’s visits.

It’s also not uncommon that multilingual people will revert to their native language as their disease progresses. Karl was born in Germany and lived there through most of his young adult life. To look for new ways to connect with Karl, Donna began taking German classes four years ago. This development has significantly enhanced their relationship and helps Donna prepare for the possibility of Karl forgetting English. Karl lights up when Donna speaks to him in German during their visits; it has brought them closer together.

Employing various best-in-practice behavioral approaches, CareOne identifies ways to help caregivers reconnect with their loved ones. Currently, Donna and Emily are organizing a vow renewal onsite for Donna and Karl with German incorporated into their ceremony.

Memory care specialists foster environments that are conducive to the evolving needs of those with memory care needs, while helping caregivers reconnect with their loved ones and bringing them closer together.

Find a CareOne Harmony Village facility near you for more information about our memory care services.

About Harmony Village

Harmony Village is CareOne’s assisted living community expertly designed for residents with memory impairments. The team provides specialized care to help individuals living with memory impairments maintain the highest possible quality of life. The caregiver plays a key role in Harmony Village’s work as dementia specialists and staff partner with them to gain knowledge of their loved one’s background and personality which informs their approach to care.

The post Inside Their Mind: Understanding the Evolving Needs of Your Loved One with Dementia appeared first on CareOne.

Caring for a loved one is one of the most profound and rewarding responsibilities — but it can also be physically and emotionally taxing. You have to manage your own work, family and social obligations, while also providing around-the-clock care for your loved one. This juggling act can lead to fatigue, burnout, and in some cases, illness.

Respite care for family caregivers is a temporary care arrangement that allows you to take some time for yourself. It can be provided at home, in a care facility, or even on vacation. Respite care can be arranged for a day or a few weeks. It is especially common and sought out in the summer when many families plan vacations and other special events.

Beyond the convenience factor, respite care offers numerous advantages for both you as a caregiver and your loved one. Here are some of the top benefits:

1. Enjoy a Worry-free Vacation

Respite care for family caregivers can provide peace of mind. Knowing that your loved one is being well-cared for while you are traveling or decompressing during the summer months allows you to fully relax and enjoy your break. Then come back to your caregiving duties refreshed and rejuvenated, so that you can provide your loved one with the best possible care.

2. Support Mental Health

To take care of others, you need to take care of yourself. According to the Archangel National Caregiver Survey, 57% of family caregivers report high levels of stress, anxiety and/or depression. Respite care can significantly reduce stress and burnout and improve overall mental health. When you have a break from caregiving, you actually have a chance to relax, recharge and focus on your own needs. This break can help prevent becoming overwhelmed and exhausted.

3. Improve Quality of Care

Beyond the benefits for you, respite care can enhance the quality of life for your loved one. When you are able to take a break, you are more likely to be patient, understanding and better able to provide quality care, thereby improving the quality of care you are providing.

4. Strengthen Relationships

Respite care can help strengthen your relationship with your loved one requiring care. Taking some time for yourself can help you de-stress and come back to caregiving feeling more patient and understanding, improving your bond with your loved one.

5. Take Care of Your Own Health

From catching up on lost sleep, to focusing on eating healthier and exercising regularly, respite care affords you more time to take care of your own health — and when you are taking care of their own health, you are better able to care for your loved one.

6. Find Opportunities for Socialization

Respite care can provide opportunities for socialization for both you and your loved one. While your loved one enjoys special activities and interactions with peers, you can spend time with friends and family, which can prevent loneliness and isolation.

7. Buy More Time to Assess Care Options

While your loved one is in respite care, you have the time and focus to explore other options for care. For example, if you are considering placing your loved one in a facility, respite care can give you a chance to try out the facility before moving to full-time assisted living. This test-run can help you make the best decision for your loved one’s care.

At CareOne, we offer respite care for family caregivers across the Northeast and pride ourselves on providing compassionate care in a safe and comfortable environment. This summer, we’re offering a special discount of $350 per day on our respite care services at our CareOne at Hanover location.

To take advantage of this offer, call us at (973) 599-7500 or fill out the form below.

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The post Respite Care for Family Caregivers: Everything You Need to Know this Summer appeared first on CareOne.

We are sharing a heartfelt letter penned by Lisa Rhoads, our VP of Operations here at CareOne. Through her words, we gain insight into the essence of her WHY – her innate desire to care for others and how that translated into creating a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents.

Inspired by Lisa’s unwavering commitment, CareOne is embarking on a campaign that aims to showcase members of our team’s passion and WHY they do what they do, every day, in caring for our residents and their families.

Join us as we share stories, reflections, and personal journeys, exploring the WHY behind the team at CareOne and our commitment to giving our residents the best quality of care, for the best quality of life.

A Letter from our VP of Operations, Lisa Rhoads:

Dear Friends & Colleagues,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. Today, I wanted to take a moment to share with you MY WHY.

The desire to take care of others has always been an innate part of who I am. In fact, when I was in preschool, my teacher, sister Muriel, once called my mom to express that I consistently showed a concern for the well-being of my classmates. I believe that the best path to happiness is doing something for those that cannot repay you. Over the past 25 years, half my life, I have had the honor of being a part of CareOne’s exceptional service in providing joy, engagement, and holistic health to our residents. Working with seniors was not something I had initially considered for my career. However, as a psychology student, I took a job as a recreation assistant at an assisted living facility in Vermont, and little did I know that this decision would shape my career path in the most profound way. This experience led me to CareOne at the Cupola.

From day one, I realized that the rewards of helping others were immeasurable. I am a people person, wholeheartedly embracing the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of older adults under my care. Dedicating myself to the well-being of others brings meaning to my life and immense daily satisfaction.

I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by a team that is as enthusiastic as I am about caring for others. CareOne’s commitment to recruiting the absolute best talent in this field has been evident throughout my career. I am so thankful to work side by side with all of you. Together, we have created an environment of compassion, excellence, and dedication that truly sets CareOne apart. Thank you for being on this journey with me.

With gratitude and respect,

Lisa

The post Embracing Our WHY: Unveiling the Heart and Purpose of CareOne appeared first on CareOne.

“Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s nourishment of the soul and body; it’s truly love.” – Giada De Laurentii

Don’t underestimate the power of a good meal. From the enjoyment that comes from eating with others to food as medicine, what’s for dinner—and lunch, breakfast and snack time—matters more than you might think. As people age, they lose their taste buds and their appetites often decrease. Yet proper nutrition for older people keeps their energy levels up and helps their bodies protect against and recover from all different types of illness. As you explore senior care options, the quality of the skilled nursing or assisted living food menu should be a key decision criterion.

This is why, at CareOne, we view creating delicious and nutritious meals as part and parcel of our commitment to high-quality care. Through our Signature Dining Program, our chefs give residents a taste of home or their favorite restaurant while catering to their specific dietary requirements. Each skilled nursing and assisted living food menu is designed to satisfy residents’ cravings and provides strong attention to detail with food presentation and fresh ingredients.

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Here’s how we make mealtime special and enjoyable for all residents:

Personalizing Meals to Meet Residents’ Needs

Our culinary team works with CareOne dietitians to create menus that support residents’ nutritional goals and leans into their preferences. They collaborate with our activity directors on the meals they’re planning for events, holidays and other special occasions. Examples of holiday staples include delicious whole grain stuffing with pecans and currants at Thanksgiving. For the holidays, our chefs will bake jam dot holiday cookies, or crispy matzah for Passover.

What’s even more unique is that CareOne recreates meals that residents would eat at home, whether they are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher and/or they have specific cultural customs. CareOne at Teaneck is a perfect example. The center is Glatt Kosher, Cholov Yisroel and Pas Yisroel under the kosher supervision of Star-K. Other options can range from specially prepared plant-based meat entrees to vegan potato-leek soup to twice-baked stuffed sweet potatoes. CareOne keeps residents’ favorite dishes in mind year-round and especially on birthdays.

For those with seafood aversions, we focus on preparing other sources of animal and plant-based proteins. We offer “meatless Mondays” but also offer vegetarian and vegan dishes all week long such as gnocchi with spring vegetables and avocado toast with chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. We’ve got our carnivores covered, too. CareOne prepares high-protein meals featuring prime rib and other USDA-certified meat options. We also cook fresh soups and sauces from scratch.

At CareOne, meals are individualized to each facility’s needs. However, there is cohesiveness across buildings so that if residents transfer to another building, they will experience and have access to similar foods that include the same standard of presentation.

Our skilled nursing and assisted living food menu is also dynamic and continuously changing to provide variety and as many nutrients as possible while introducing new dishes that residents will enjoy.

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 Ensuring Patient Safety While Eating

CareOne ensures residents can finish their food in a comfortable and safe manner. Our culinary team works with our speech therapists—who help manage swallowing difficulties—to create meals residents can safely eat. The CareOne Perfectly Pureed Program is an accommodating program where pureed foods are prepared to look like traditional solid foods. A pureed diet uses the same meals on the CareOne menu but blends them until smooth so residents (such as those who have difficulty chewing or swallowing) can enjoy their food while getting the nutrition they need. Meals such as lasagna and pork chops are pureed to meet residents’ nutritional goals and are also appealing to taste buds.

 Combining Ingredients to Reach Nutrition Goals

At CareOne, the culinary team uses fresh ingredients to create meals from scratch. A fresh meal generally contains more nutrients, hydration, healthy fats and enzymes in comparison to a frozen meal. Through our partnership with Jersey Fresh, all New Jersey CareOne facilities receive fresh produce. This includes locally grown, organic and seasonal fruits and vegetables to incorporate into meals. When not seasonally available, our team integrates nutritious fruits and vegetables from other sources.

At every facility, infused water is housed in the lobby. The water contains fruits and herbs to keep staff, visitors and residents well-hydrated.

 Making Mealtime Memorable

Good food brings people together and evokes fond memories. Through our signature dining program, residents experience mealtimes in a cozy, restaurant-like atmosphere. Staff encourage residents to eat their meals in a shared space, so they can break bread, exchange stories and enjoy laughter with others.

Our restaurant-style dining supports our mealtime philosophy to nourish residents physically, mentally, and emotionally.

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Getting the Community Involved

Research shows that communal eating plays a critical role in facilitating social connection. The culinary team enhances this feeling of togetherness outside of traditional mealtimes by involving residents in the menu development process. We ask residents for input on upcoming menus. Additionally, they have opportunities to watch cooking competitions and live demonstrations, which many enjoy.

The culinary team also supports the surrounding community through meal donations to local organizations such as nearby colleges, senior centers, food pantries, firehouses and police stations.

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In a Nutshell

When it comes to senior care, good nutrition that tastes great is non-negotiable. CareOne is committed to delivering excellence at every meal, through wholesome ingredients, impeccable presentation and rich flavor.

The post Bon Appetit: What’s On the Skilled Nursing & Assisted Living Food Menu appeared first on CareOne.

The nursing profession can be demanding and fast-paced, but for most clinicians, the work is extremely rewarding. There are many reasons why people are driven to become nurses, but most agree that their raison-d’être is “the opportunity to make a real difference in someone’s life.” At CareOne, we understand that purpose is what brings our clinicians to work every day, and we strive to create a healthy workplace environment for our nurses where those relationships can flourish.

The CareOne Difference

The difference we make is not just our standard to deliver excellence in medical care (though that is integral to what we do) — it is our commitment to providing care with the utmost respect, warmth, and compassion. This commitment extends beyond how we care for our residents; it is also evident in the long-lasting relationships our clinicians and employees cultivate with our residents and patients. More importantly, our people – the committed clinicians, administrators, and staff across more than 50 locations – drive our mission forward and personify what we call the CareOne Difference.

Caregivers with Heart

Our workforce is diverse and multicultural, and despite being from all walks of life, they have a shared goal of providing our residents and patients with the highest quality of care. This is what sets us apart – the commitment our clinicians and staff have to our patients is our guiding principle. “This work I do – it’s a calling,” says Gitana Garbich, Assistant Director of Recreation at CareOne at Wayne. “I have been at CareOne for four years, working mainly in the memory care unit. These residents have so much love to give and so many stories to tell. It’s so easy to be a good person with them.”

The relationships formed at our facilities – particularly between our nurses and residents – play a profound role in how rewarding this work can be. It’s the primary reason why CareOne’s turnover rate is among the lowest in the country. Our employees stick around – some for over 50 years – because of the bonds they form with patients and the sense of purpose their work brings them. “My team has been together a long time and we are very collaborative. It’s really incredible to work for an organization that will give me and my team the support we need to provide the best care,” says Terri Ruffo, RN, BSN, and current building administrator for CareOne at Holmdel.

In turn, CareOne is committed to creating an environment for clinicians where they feel supported in every facet of their work. In addition to on-the-job training and various opportunities for career advancement, CareOne supports nurses who want to experience working in different specialties and with different patient groups in other CareOne facilities.

The Impact of a Caring Culture

For our nurses, the feeling is mutual. Mary Beth Rose, RN and dementia care specialist at two of CareOne’s assisted living facilities in Livingston and Parsippany, said, “When you work with dementia patients, it takes a village. Working with the families is an integral part of that – we cannot be successful without family support.” In long-term care, nurses, residents and their families form long-lasting bonds: “The residents become part of my family and I become part of theirs.”

By prioritizing a compassionate culture, CareOne’s nurses have the physical and emotional capacity to provide the highest level of care to their patients and create a ripple effect of positive change. In our skilled nursing and rehab facilities, we have the pleasure of seeing patients regain their mobility, reunite with their spouses and children and ultimately go home healthy and able to continue celebrating life’s most precious milestones and memories. This is all in thanks to our devoted nurses, who, parallel to our patients’ recovery and progress, are our greatest accomplishments.

The Straus family founded CareOne with the mission to reinvent how we care for our aging population, which is fundamental to the health of our society. We help people age with dignity in a variety of settings – from independent and assisted living to sub-acute and long-term acute care – with the help of state-of-the-art technology and high-quality medical treatment.

Director of Nursing at Harmony Village at CareOne at Paramus, Blanca Valle said, “I love seeing how the residents’ faces light up when we do activities or to see the women get excited when I wear heels for the day. It’s the little things that make residents happy that make me happy as well.”

To learn more about our nurses and open positions, go to CareOne’s Careers page.

The post The CareOne Way: Creating a Healthy Workplace Environment for Nurses appeared first on CareOne.

CareOne is celebrating National Nurses Week from May 6-12, 2022. This week is an important observance for us; because our nurses perform many roles in our wide spectrum of services, all of which are critical to our patients’ quality of life. Today we want to applaud our nurses by recognizing everything they do within all of our care modalities.

Nurses in Assisted Living

CareOne’s assisted living facilities are able to provide whole-person care and offer a high level of quality of life thanks to the efforts of our nursing staff. One of the biggest reasons CareOne assisted living meets such a high standard is because we have nursing staff on call 24/7. They are the first in line to fulfill our clients’ needs, from pressing medical concerns to general care and comfort. Nurses also help lead our on-site health centers, and make sure residents don’t need to leave home in order to have medical issues attended to.

Nurses in Post-Acute Care and Rehabilitation

Nursing care is also essential to getting people capable of going home after they’re discharged from the hospital or undergo surgery. Our post-acute care relies on registered nurses and advanced practice nurses not only to support the medical specializations that get patients back on their feet, like physical therapy and nutrition, but also to advocate for and advise people during their rehabilitation journey. That journey continues even after patients are no longer under our care, so our nurses work to instruct them so their rehabilitation skills last a lifetime.

Nurses in Memory Care

Memory care nursing is a highly necessary support for people who have dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other cognitive issues. With the help of our nurses, residents at CareOne’s Harmony Village memory care facilities are able to lead rich and fulfilling lives while mitigating their symptoms as best as possible. We make sure our nurses are able to continue their education while working for us, including by receiving certifications in dementia care.

Nurses in Long-Term Care

In CareOne’s long-term care facilities, residents have access to help from registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, and certified nursing assistants. The nursing staff at these locations get to know their patients deeply, and care for them with the utmost empathy. Nurses are typically the medical staff our long-term care residents see the most often, and are important to their day-to-day support throughout their stay.

Why We Want to Thank All of Our Nurses

No matter which department they work in, CareOne’s nurses are absolutely essential. Their highly skilled and highly compassionate care is something that all of our clients take notice of and deeply appreciate. Nurses, in short, keep CareOne caring for all those we are responsible for, and we are eternally grateful to them for it.

We continue to search for the best talent in every field, and we are currently hiring for nursing positions at many of our locations. On this National Nurses Week, we are proud to say we offer all nurses a chance to advance their careers with us, a slate of amazing benefits and opportunities, and so much more – but even that is small thanks in comparison to what our nurses do for us.

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The last two years have shown just how important the caring professions are, and just how important it is for people in the caring professions to take care of themselves, attending to their own well-being while pursuing career growth.

Long before the COVID-19 pandemic made those facts evident to all, they served as guiding principles for CareOne, the largest privately owned assisted living and health care provider in New Jersey. Since its establishment almost 50 years ago, CareOne has grown by providing career opportunities, a high-quality work environment, and work-life balance to its 11,000+ team members who provide high-quality care and life-enriching services to the residents of CareOne’s 34 communities across the Garden State and at communities in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Two of those team members recently shared their stories to encourage others to explore current employment opportunities and join them on the CareOne team.

How CareOne Speaks This Speech Pathologist’s Language

Speech pathologist Liana Romano, MS, joined CareOne in 2014, working with residents of the organization’s communities in Paramus and Ridgewood. Opportunities for advancement came quickly. “I developed into a lead therapist and helped mentor graduate students and clinical fellows in speech pathology,” Romano said of her career progression. “CareOne was developing leadership roles for people working with residents affected by dementia, so I started that educational process in 2018, and eventually transitioned into my current role as a dementia care specialist at CareOne Paramus.”

When asked what she likes about working at CareOne, Romano listed several attractive features, including:

• flexibility to explore different roles
• training and support needed to excel in a new role
• team approach to care
• commitment to residents and their families
• recognition that team members have personal lives as well as professional lives
• opportunity to advance within a large and growing organization

“While my current role as a dementia care specialist wasn’t on my radar when CareOne approached me about it, they gave me a mentor who I was able to observe working in a memory care community in East Brunswick and who later came to my community to help me get organized and set goals,” Romano said. “CareOne supports the Positive Care Approach, and the administrators are excellent — they are very approachable and give clear direction.”

Romano added, “Everyone works together here, and they have your back. We’re hard workers and always have our residents in mind, no matter what we do,” she said. “It’s a dynamic and inclusive environment where everyone’s opinion matters. It’s also a very family-oriented environment, and the residents and families are wonderful and very appreciative. While it can be challenging to ‘discover’ our residents beneath their memory impairments, we’re very interested in getting to know them as people so that we can honor and cater to their individuality. It’s so rewarding when their whole personality comes out and you get to see that spark.”

When asked to cite the key traits needed for career advancement within CareOne, Romano said, “You have to be ambitious, kind and willing to be a leader in any role. But if you’re driven and committed to the work you’re doing, the sky’s the limit at CareOne.”

From Hospital-based Acute Care Nursing to Dementia Care

Mary Beth Rose, RN, had devoted her entire career to providing acute care to hospital patients before being appointed assistant director of nursing at the CareOne community in Paramus in 2017.

“I’ve been practicing nursing for 40 years, and it was quite a transition to go from acute care nursing to assisted living, but the memory care community at CareOne in Paramus fell under my jurisdiction, and I love working with dementia residents. Even though our residents may be living with dementia and can’t tell you details about themselves, I truly enjoy working with this population because I feel vs. know that everybody deserves to be loved and treated with dignity. Everyone’s life should have a purpose,” said Rose, who currently is a dementia care specialist at the CareOne communities in Livingston and Parsippany.

“When CareOne recognizes someone’s interest in and talent for a position, they’ll give you the support you need — whether it’s training, a mentor, or just the opportunity to advance into something different and change your entire career, even after 40 years,” Rose said of the new direction CareOne helped her take as a dementia care specialist.

The veteran nurse explained, “I truly feel like I’m a new graduate who has found her passion because CareOne recognized my interests and abilities and invested in having me participate in their Dementia Care Specialist program. CareOne continues to send me for the training and education I need to support our residents, families and staff.

“As a dementia care specialist, my role is to assess the level of cognition of someone living with dementia and develop a plan of care that’s unique to them and focused on keeping them as independent as possible,” she noted. “I love working closely with our residents’ families, helping to create a warm, inviting and loving home for each resident, and ensuring that their life is meaningful at any stage of dementia.”

Rose added that CareOne recognizes and supports its employees’ work-life balance. “They know that their employees need to take care of themselves and their families in order to take care of others, and they give you the tools you need to do your job. They’re truly focused on my safety and well-being.”

She concluded, “I love the community and team of colleagues and residents I work with. It’s a privilege to care for our residents and to work for CareOne, and I never want to leave.”

Exploring Current Opportunities

CareOne has several employment opportunities for people interested in a variety of positions. Open positions encompass both those for people with specific training, degrees, or credentials and for people who have a desire to work in the caring professions but do not yet have direct experience or specific training in the field.

To learn more about starting on a career path at CareOne, call 877-992-2731 or visit care-one.com/careers.

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By Toya Cornelious

Days after winter turned into spring this March, we received a call that changed our lives.

The urgent request came from the New Jersey Department of Health asking CareOne, my employer, to provide urgent support and resources for a deteriorating situation at St. Joseph’s Seniors Home-Nursing Center and Assisted Living in Woodbridge.

The facility had been overrun with COVID-19 and was barely hanging on. The coronavirus had spread like wildfire infecting the staff, primarily comprised of nuns, along with many residents. More than 80 residents were depending on just a few dedicated nuns for their care.

They were some of our most vulnerable members of our society, and we could not in good conscience turn our backs on them.

They desperately needed help. Our help.

When we arrived the situation at St. Joseph’s was dire. The nuns, almost all of whom were ill with COVID-19, were working around the clock. Many of the residents had the virus but we didn’t know who because, despite the nun’s best efforts, direct care had taken priority over updating the paper records at St. Joseph’s. As the state advised us, they (and we along with them) had no choice but to assume that all the residents were positive.

What followed was nothing short of extraordinary courage by our staff. Despite the shock and collapse of anything remotely resembling primary care, we quickly supported the sisters to provide relief and triaged the situation.

The Department of Health issued an Emergency Order closing St. Joseph’s and directed the evacuation of the residents to one of our CareOne facilities. This required a herculean effort to coordinate the logistics including first relocating residents from CareOne at Hanover in Whippany to other CareOne facilities. In less than 72 hours after the Department of Health call, 79 residents from St. Joseph’s were transferred by the Office of Emergency Management, state police, and our staff to our Hanover facility.

Along with my team, we followed CDC and Health Department guidelines to maintain a safe environment and protect our patients and staff. Equally important, we ensured that the residents were treated with dignity and kept comfortable.

I was personally on-site to greet each resident as they arrived at the Hanover facility. One family stood in the distance and upon speaking with them, they indicated that their loved one was being transferred from St. Joseph’s and they hadn’t been able to visit with her due to the pandemic. Albeit a brief interaction, the family was able to see their loved one and tell her how much they loved her.

Many of the residents were in declining health and were hospice appropriate upon arriving into CareOne’s care. Our staff assessed each resident and developed a plan of care based on their medical status and the families’ goals of care. These residents became our family. It was difficult and demanding, physically and emotionally, but our dedication and resolve never faltered. If anything, it grew stronger.

Recently, CareOne transferred back scores of the former COVID-19-positive residents to St. Joseph’s, fully recovered. Our staff and nurses made these recoveries possible. I know them to be among the best-trained and prepared in the country and I believe without their actions and sacrifice many more lives would have been lost.

It has also been quite emotionally and psychologically draining to witness the decline of those that I’ve come to know and love. People I’ve bonded with, called friends and cared for as family over time have been lost fighting this virus…and I grieve, we all do.

I am not alone. Fighting this pandemic has taken its toll across the healthcare industry in so many ways. Nearly 600 of them; nurses, caregivers, doctors, paramedics and other essential staff have died from this insidious disease.

I recently tested positive for the virus. Having lost a dear friend to COVID-19, I was intimately aware of how devastating it could be, but I wasn’t overly concerned for my own welfare. The scariest moment was knowing that my husband and young daughters had been exposed and were symptomatic. Thankfully, we have all recovered physically. The rest will take time.

I am hopeful that we finally have the upper hand in this fight and the worst has passed. Now, with change ahead of us again with spring approaching summer, I hope we can turn toward a more optimistic season.

Toya Cornelious is chief clinical officer at CareOne Management for all of those who helped at CareOne at Hanover Township. She’s also a C.A.R.E.S. award winner.

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