09 Mar Moments that Mattered – Winter 2021
Please enjoy this collection of some of the many meaningful moments happening throughout the RiverSpring Living community!
Residents Resume Communal Dining and Expanded Activities
A friendly face across the table, delicious smells wafting from the kitchen, a beautiful view of the sun setting over the Hudson River—all much-anticipated delights that RiverWalk residents had a chance to experience again for the first time since the pandemic started a year ago. The RiverWalk dining room reopened for restaurant-style meals on March 1, along with expanded activities and expanded rehabilitation services, as part of phase one of RiverWalk’s reopening plan.
Tenants Experience a Special “Night in Paris” Staycation
In addition to regular monthly programming and activities at 1880 Boston Road, staff unleashed their creativity to host a very special “Night in Paris” for tenants. The goal was to create a unique dining experience by transforming the common area into a Parisian café, serving traditional French cuisine and adding elements of French culture. It was a memorable night that allowed tenants to “travel,” experience small luxuries and be immersed in a new culture without having to leave the safety and comforts of their home. As one tenant remarked, “It was so nice to experience something different! The best meal I have had in a long time!”
Home Health Aide Shows Dedication to Keeping Member Safe
The care and dedication of Marie Deolall, a RiverSpring Health Plans Aide of the Year, was captured in a heartwarming segment on Spectrum News NY1. Marie and 101-year-old member Suzette are both from Haiti and have developed a close connection, bonding over memories of home. Marie has been committed to doing everything she can to keep Suzette safe, healthy, and happy throughout this challenging year. Read her full story.
Physical Therapy Assistant Delivers Five-Star Care
It means a lot to hear positive feedback from a patient. Crème Yalgin, physical therapy assistant for RiverSpring Home Care, pictured here with Director of Rehabilitation, Boaz Chung, received high praise and a five-star Google review for her outstanding work from a patient named Paulina. Paulina said, “Thank you very much to Crème Yalgin for her great service and very professional job. It was a great experience to be treated by her.” Keep up the great work, Crème!
Weinberg Center for Elder Justice
Serving the Community Through Elder Abuse Intervention Training
Homebound older adults in the community are at higher risk for elder abuse due to the isolating effects of the pandemic. The Weinberg Center for Elder Justice’s educational outreach efforts have been a valuable resource for Meals on Wheels volunteers who are often the only people to regularly check in on homebound seniors. Virtual training sessions co-facilitated by the Weinberg Center and Manhattan District Attorney’s Office teach Meals on Wheels volunteers about the prevalence and types of elder abuse, how to identify signs of abuse, and problem-solving techniques for intervention. It is a wonderful collaborative effort to help reduce the prevalence of elder abuse in our community.
Virtual Support Group Helps Meet Care Needs of Family Members
The emotional toll of distancing from loved ones has weighed heavily on the spouses, children and grandchildren of Hebrew Home residents. To help family members through this difficult time, Anne Weisbrod and Evangeline Anastasiou from the social services department started a virtual support group. The group meets twice a month via video chat to share experiences and feelings, discuss different coping mechanisms and be a support to one another. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive so far and we encourage all family members tojoin the group.
Tenants Grateful for Easy COVID Vaccination Process
Lillian, a Hudson House tenant, said, “I was so happy to hear that arrangements were made to have the COVID vaccine given at Hudson House. Walgreens came right to our community room! We were so lucky not to have to travel or wait on line in the freezing cold.” Congratulations to everyone who is now vaccinated!