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Hye Doun

A Publication of the Armenian Nursing And Rehabilitation Center, Inc., Emerson, NJ


Oct/Nov/Dec 2010

ANRC Residents Christmas Outing to the Paramus Park Mall

The Presidents Message

Board Of Trustees
ANDREW TORIGIAN President of the Home and Chairman of the Board of Trustees VATCHE BAGHDIKIAN Vice President DAVID ROWAN Treasurer JOHN VANISKHIAN Assistant Treasurer TED TAKVORIAN, Esq. Recording Secretary ANNETTE TAMALIANALMOND Corresponding Secretary PETER BONJUKLIAN H. CRAIG FROONJIAN, DMD KHOREN NALBANDIAN, RPH Board Members MATTHEW RUSSO, LNHA Administrator JAN MRANI, M.D. Medical Director

ANRC Is At The Top


Andrew Torigian

ur Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (ANRC) has been awarded a Five Star ranking by Health Grades, a leading health care ratings organization of New Jersey nursing homes. New Jersey Monthly is publishing this list in their February issue. We also have to thank our volunteers who are very much involved in the life of the ANRC. We thank the Friends of the Armenian Home (FAH). These are the gracious ladies that devote many hours to beautifying the ANRC. They also do constant surveillance on how to improve the various aspects of the home, including purchases of furniture to bed sheets. The FAH members are an integral part of our ANRC. Another group of volunteers is our hardworking and dedicated Board of Directors of the ANRC. They have been meeting several times a month with special groups in the interest of constructing our new Building for the ANRC. Great progress has been made. Our next step will be to go before the N.J. Department of Health and Senior Services for approval of our Construction Drawings. We warmly welcome our newest Board Member Peter Bonjuklian. Peter will be an asset to our Board and is serving as Chair of our Finance Committee. Congratulations Peter! In this joyous Christmas Season, all of us at the ANRC want to praise God for all the abundant blessings He has poured on the ANRC. We in turn wish all our members, friends, and supporters a Very Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy, Prosperous New Year.

Hye Doun Editorial Board


Andrew Torigian Chief Editor Louisa Janbazian Editor Matthew Russo Advisor Howard Torossian Photographs and Ads

Qristos 6nau ;u \a\tn;zau1 };xi4 m;xi M;6 Au;tis! Krisdos dzenav yev haydnetzav. Tzezee, Mezee Medz Avedis! (Christ is born and is revealed: Good tidings to you and to us).

Layout & Design by Caspian Seal Caspianseal.com Printed by PRINTSOLUTIONS Englewood, NJ 201.567.9622

The Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center sits on three spacious acres nestled in wooded, suburban Emerson, Bergen County, NJ. Our Address is: Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 70 Main Street, Emerson NJ 07630 Phone: 201.261.6662 Fax: 201.261.5509 You are invited to call and make an appointment to discuss the individual needs of your loved one. Directions: By Bus: Port Authority: Bus #165 to Emerson By Car: Exit #165 on Garden State Parkway. Right turn onto Oradell Ave. Left turn onto Kinderkamack Rd. Turn right onto Main St. Follow contours of road. Home on left. From GWB: Take Route 4 to Kinderkamack Rd. Right turn onto Main St. Follow contours of road. Home on left.

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From the Administrators Desk

A Home For
the

Holidays

Matthew L. Russo, LNHA, Administrator

hile most of us enjoy a home where our big family celebrates the time our holidays at home we are together and we give thanks for each and this time of year, every day. the Armenian Nursing and All of this wouldnt be possible without devoted Rehabilitation Center is hard at commitment by our homes employees who work while your Aunt Millie is make sure our residents are ready when their passing the cream pie. Holidays families arrive not just during the holidays but all at the ANRC are celebrated year round. We have all departments to thank! with just as much love as they are in your own Nursing for the loving care they provide, dietary home. One might think nursing homes are quiet for the meals they prepare, social services for during the holidays while the majority of families a listening ear and advocacy, rehabilitation for are visiting other relatives, but the reality is that we maintaining resident functioning at their highest continue to bustle and our residents excitement is physical level, our maintenance, housekeeping unmistakable. You know the department stores and laundry department for making everything are dark on the holidays, the local strip malls in clean, the business office for securing assets your town are closed too and youll have trouble and the activities staff for keeping our residents getting money from a teller at your local bank. We busy and entertained the whole day through. Our are one of the few employees act as businesses open a team and are the A holiday at the ANRC is a during our countrys reason why the ANRC revered days. has been in business celebration in the moment and for over 72 years! The warm glow a time to be thankful for the They are the reason is here because folks whove had an impact on for our success and our family is they are why we have here. A holiday our lives. become recognized at the ANRC is a and respected by our celebration in the moment and a time to be thankful for the folks area hospitals and health care organizations. Many of you reading arent able to see the day-towhove had an impact on our lives. At Thanksgiving the home was brimming with day spirit of our employees. I am humbled by their family and friends who came to see their loved humanity and dedication to this home. The ANRC bids farewell to 2010 with thanks ones. Walking throughout the home you couldnt help but notice the great deal of family involve- and gratitude to all who have had a hand in the ment. Few if any residents were entirely without care we provide. Thank you for giving me the visits from relatives. Although its not the home opportunity to work with you this year. It has every resident envisions as ideally the place to be, been an honor and a valuable experience for sharing stories, having warm laughs and experi- me. I wish all of you a festive holiday season encing an appreciation of their life is clearly evi- and a new year filled with peace, love and prosdent and shared by all during the holidays. This is perity. q

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Health

Sharing News
Maggy Petrosian, RN, Patient Care Coordinator

of Dedication

Parkinsons Disease
Shakeh Bautista, RN, ANRC Director of Nursing arkinsons disease is the second common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimers. It is named after English physician James Parkinson. It is a chronic nervous system disease in which the brain cells that make dopamine die. Thus, the link from the brain to the body is disrupted and the person is unable to control his movements. Common symptoms are: tremors at rest, rigidity, muscle weakness, loss of balance, slow movement, excessive salivation, loss of smell, loss of facial expression, difficulty rising from a chair and many other motor sensory and cognitive symptoms. Experts do not know what causes Parkinsons disease. Most cases are believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors (toxin exposure). Family history may be a risk factor. People with first-degree relatives have 3-fold increased risk versus those without. The risk is strongest in families with history of early onset. The median age of onset is 62 years old but sometimes it can occur before age 40. Parkinsons disease is slightly more common in men than women and the greater risk factor is advanced age. The disease may be a challenging diagnosis. It is based on clinical observation and exclusion of other conditions. There are no lab tests to confirm. The patient might have non-specific symptoms of depression, anxiety, shoulder pain, muscle pain, falls and other neurological complaints. Although there is no cure, there are many treatment modalities. The physician with other disciplines will provide the best care team to guide through the long duration of the disease. Education and open communication between physician and the patient will produce the best course of action. Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season, and a happy and healthy new year!

have always been proud of our dedicated staff here at the Armenian Nursing & Rehabilitation. Our employees never hesitate to go above and beyond in order to assist our residents while tending to their needs. Please let me share only one of the many letters we receive from families who recognize our staffs compassion. That letter is as follows:q

July 8, 2010 Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Attn: Maggy Petrosian, RN Assistant Nursing Director/Case Manager 70 Main Street Emerson, NJ 07630 Dear Maggy & Staff: Today, while reflecting on my mothers state of health, my thoughts went to how well she has been and is being cared for. On behalf of the Karpinski Family, I would like to express our gratitude and thanks to each nurse, each aide, each social worker, and each cafeteria person for the wonderful care they have given to our mother. The staff at the Armenian Nursing Rehabilitation Center has always been, and continues to be thoughtful, patient, concerned, friendly, and dedicated to the care of elderly people. You all made this past year the best it could be for our mother. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Sincerely, The Family of Leona Karpinski

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Health

Making The Move To Long Term Care


How to Involve Your Loved One
Beth Aymar MSW, LSW

ndoubtedly, one of the hardest decisions an adult child ever has to make is whether or not to move a parent or loved one in to a nursing home or assisted living facility. Once the choice has been made, the question of how to tell the parent arises. For many older adults, the belief that they will be able to live on their own and care for themselves is held tightly, despite being an unrealistic goal. At this point, it is sometimes necessary for the children or family member to identify the need for increased care and initiate change. In most situations, an open line of communication works best. While working to deny reality, waiting until the last minute to have a conversation with your loved one about his/her increasing need for care can evoke anxiety and agitation for the elder. By approaching the subject early on, the elder can ease in to the idea of moving in to a facility. Begin to talk to your elder before the need arises. Find out what their wishes are and discuss realistic possibilities for a variety of probable situations. The hope is that, by the time the need arises, the shock of moving in to a facility will be softened or non-existent. Although the earlier is better theory is preferred when talking to your loved one about moving to a facility, reality is such that this may not always be possible. Even in situations of a sudden need for long term care, there are still ways to help the elder adjust to the idea that they will need to move to a facility. Understandably, we are more likely to adjust well to a change in our lives if that change is of our own choosing. When we feel that we are being forced in to something, we may not be as open to the change and may become agitated if we feel we are being told what to do. Keeping this in mind, involving your loved one in as much of the planning as possible will not only benefit the elder, but will also benefit the loved one with a smoother transition. If possible and appropriate, bring the elder for a tour of the facility prior to admission. This will allow him/her to visualize the new surroundings and meet the staff and

other residents before moving in. Also, find out what items are allowed in the residents rooms and allow your loved one to choose which items from home he/ she would like to bring. Familiar things will help make the new surroundings more comfortable and help ease any adjustment concerns that may arise. Even in the best case scenario, the placement of a loved one in a nursing facility will most often cause feelings of guilt for the child or caregiver. These feelings will be exacerbated if the loved one has a more difficult adjustment. It is important to remember that agitation is typical within the first few weeks of the admission. During these weeks, find out what time of day your loved one is most agitated and avoid these times when planning a visit. Placing a loved one in a nursing home is one of the hardest and most heart-breaking decisions one will ever have to make. With proper planning and involvement of the elder appropriate to his/her abilities, the anxiety can soften, allowing for a smoother transition. Expecting happiness and excitement in response to the move is unrealistic; however, the end result is often a heightened quality of life for both the caregiver and the loved one. q

UPCOMINGEVENTS
January
1st New YearS Day Social 6th Armenian Christmas 8th Children from Nareg School to Visit

February
9th Chocolate Fondue Party 14th Valentines Day Party 21 Presidents Day Celebration

March
All month - Arts and Crafts - Christmas decorations 4th World Day of Prayer 9th Ash Wednesday 17th Saint Patricks Day Party *Please call ahead of time if you would like to attend as dates and time may change at time of printing.

HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2010 5

The History
of Christmas
Sandy Cortelyou, ADC, Director of Activities

Gift Giving
he tradition of gift giving has become such a big business one must wonder how it all began! It is said that in ancient Rome gifts were exchanged during the New Years celebrations. At first the gifts were so simple such as a few twigs from a sacred grove. As Christianity spread through the world the early leaders attempted to rid the world of this custom, however, the people cherished this custom and so it remained. The gift exchange was moved from New Years to Christmas as the justification was in the Magis bearing gifts to the baby Jesus. We at the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center have been blessed with many gifts. We have had and will continue to have many groups coming to visit in the future. Some come bearing food, some come to sing or dance and others come to converse with us. We are always so thankful for all that we have and we hope for all a joyous Holiday Season. q

In the Kitchen With Chef Alan


Alan Fass, ANRC Dietary Director

Hello everyone:

The ANRC wishes you the gift of faith, the blessing of hope and peace of His love at Christmas and always!
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It seems like it was just yesterday that I was writing about the holidays and here we are again. This is always the busiest time in the restaurant business and the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is no different. On Thanksgiving we had a large traditional Thanksgiving meal to serve our residents. Turkey, stuffn, yams, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, apple pie and lots more. Its that time when we pause to give thanks for everything we have. In December we celebrate two of the happiest holidays of the two major religions of the world. The birth of Christ and in Judaism, the Miracle of the Candles. Two happy holidays that are associated with good times and of course great food. In January we celebrate the traditional Armenian Christmas with a visit from the Archbishop where our home, residents and staff are given a special blessing followed by a traditional lunch. The dietary staff is hard at work preparing for all these events but to see all the smiling faces on our residents during these functions makes it all worthwhile. As we enter a new year, I try to find words to live by in the coming months and years. These have great meaning to me: great meaning to me:

Always give your best; never get discouraged, never be petty. Always remember others may hate you. But those who hate you dont win, unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself.
On behalf of the entire dietary staff, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.q

ANRC Administration, Board of


Trustees and FAH Christmas Party
n Friday December 10th, the Administration of the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center along with members of the Board of Trustees and Friends of the Armenian Home gathered together at Babylon Restaurant in River Edge, NJ for the ANRCs Annual Christmas party! Another successful year was celebrated with good tidings and fellowship by all in attendance!

ANRC Board of Directors L to R: John Vaniskhian, Peter Bonjuklian,


Dave Rowan, Dr. H. Craig Froonjian, Annette Tamalian-Almond, Andrew Torigian, Matthew Russo, Khoren Nalbandian, and Vatche Baghdikian.

Friends of Armenian Home


Seta Boudoughian, Marylin Bedigian, Alice Phillibosian, Armine Norian, Bertha Vaniskhian, Mary Anne Bonjuklian, Elbiz Baghdikian, Linda Amerkanian, Armine Pechdimaldji, Zivart Balikjian, and Grace Bedrosian.

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Activities
uring the Thanksgiving holiday week the Armenian Relief Societys Shak Chapter, visited the home to share some homemade food along with cheoreg and cheese with our residents. Among the visitors from ARS were Silva Kouyoumdjian, Maggie Kouyoumdjian, Rakel Asadurian, Pauline Dostumian, Nora Diratsaoglu, Seta Keshishian, Liza Asadurian, Haigouhi Kasparian, Knar Apkarian, Alice Aghjaian, Maral Doghramajian, Maro Takvorian, and Zevart Meybalian. We thank the ARS for their visit and look forward to another visit in the future.

he Exotic Bird Show visited the home on December 7th. Bill Stewarts traveling show brought our residents another unique experience and all of our residents had a wonderful time petting the birds and watching them perform.

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Activities
n December 6th, the Salvation Army delivered teddy bears to all the residents of our home for the holidays. We thank the Salvation Army for being motivated by the love of God and for meeting human needs in His name without discrimination.

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Received with Thanks


In Honor of the Wedding of Annita Nerses to Dennis Kurpius
Mr. & Mrs. Garo Basmadjian Mr. & Mrs. Krikor Bedrossian Ms. Janet Burns Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Chmelev Mr. & Mrs. Dieter Haase Mr. & Mrs. Vahe Halajian Ms. Nova Hammersley Mr. Renard Harris Ms. Linda Kasarjian Mrs. Nevart Koulian Mr. & Mrs. Erich Kunhardt Mr. Joseph Lowman Mr. & Mrs. John Macel Ms. Karine Mouradian Ms. Vivian Oehler Mr. & Mrs. Astghig Turbendian Total $2,500.00

In Memory of Vincenzo Imbemba


Mr. Buddy Collins, Ms. Linda Corti, Ms. Susan Cranston, Ms. Eileen Di Savino, Mary & Gabriel Imbemba, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Kitz, Mr. Andrew Lucchesi, Ms. Paula Maurer, Ms. Kristine Perla, Ms. Marion Sarapuchiello, Total $645.00

On December 15th, the ANRC staff celebrated their annual Christmas Party with good cheer and fellowship shared by all! Vendors to the home contributed over $1000.00 in gift cards and baskets that were raffled off to our homes employees. Every employee received something and we would like to thank each and every vendor who contributed in making our party a huge success!
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Friends of the Armenian Home

Linda Amerkanian e, The Friends of the Armenian Home, are wishing each and everyone a blessed and happy holiday season. The Christmas season is a special time of the year to be shared with the love of family and friends...With renewed faith and hope... With happiness that lasts throughout the year. May these be your gifts at Christmas time and always. We are planning, with the support of our friends, a successful year in assisting the Board of Directors of the ANRC in fulfilling fundraising efforts for the building of our new Armenian Home. Our goal is looking to the future with great anticipation in making our Hye Doun the best it can be for our Medz Mayrigs and Hayrigs.

Shenorhavor Nor Daree yev Sourp Dznoont.

FAH Christmas luncheon picture taken at the Napa Valley Grille on December 2, 2010. Seated from L to R: Marilyn Bedigian, Armine Pechdimaldji, Seta Boudoughian, Armine
Norian, Ann Takvorian and MaryAnne Bonjuklian Standing from L to R: Shant and Anita Temiz, Nancy Burdman, Bertha Vaniskhian, Ica Kouyoumdjian, Alice Philibosian, Ida Gueyikian and Linda Amerkanian (not in picture Elbiz Baghdikian).

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Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Inc.


70 Main Street Emerson, NJ 07630

U.S. Postage PAID Paramus, NJ Permit # 246

ANRC Administration at the Christmas Party: L to R, Shakeh Bautista, Alice Azar, Mari Camcikyan, Julia Hamza, Lisa King, Maggie Petrosian, Matthew Russo, Rosann Pellegrino, Sandy Cortelyou, Luvern Senior, Jill Kerrs, Beth Aymar, Alan Fass, and Donna Stellatos

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