Heartfelt Testimonial for Regency Jewish Heritage in Somerset, NJ

Our President, David Gross received this beautiful testimonial letter recently from a grateful family member (identifying names have been abbreviated to protect their privacy):

Dear Mr. Gross:

First, I would like to express the deep gratitude that I feel for your consistent effort in keeping us all informed of the day to day status with respect to the pandemic and its effect on Regency-Somerset residents and staff. This has been an extremely trying time for us all.  The compassion that you and your staff have demonstrated is noticed and appreciated.

But, I would like to talk to you about one particular employee, Mirian L. Ms. L has been a godsend for my mother, Manuela, and for our family.  Mom suffered a debilitating stroke, almost ten years ago, which left her unable to walk, and with little ability to use her hands and arms. Thankfully, her speech came back, and her memory was unscathed. My Dad, Manuel, who was also a resident at Regency-Somerset, and shared a room with Mom, passed away a few years ago at the age of 101 years. We were saddened by his passing, and believed that our loss would be broadened, fearing that Mom would soon follow him to Heaven. However, almost three years later, Mom is still alive and strong. I attribute her continued good health to the care of the Regency-Somerset staff but most importantly to Ms. L.

As Mom’s Aide, Ms. L cares for Mom like a grateful and devoted daughter. In fact, Mom says that she has four daughters, Jennie, Millie, Me, and Mirian (Ms. L). She feeds her, changes her, converses with her in Spanish, and helps Mom cope with the loneliness and isolation the quarantine has made necessary.

Early in the pandemic, when Regency-Somerset decided to lock-down the facility, I spoke with Ms. L. She told me that some colleagues were not reporting to work, and that she could not and would not stop coming to work. She asked me in a voice riddled with pain and grief, what would happen to the residents she cared for if she stopped coming into work? She told me that even though she had two young children at home, and a husband that begged her to quit her job, she could not because of the moral imperative of caring for her residents, including, Mom. She asked, “Norma, what will happen if we all quit? What would happen to all the people I take care of? I can’t quit.” When the call ended, I too was choked with emotion, knowing the huge personal risk that her decision posed for herself and her loved ones; and the immense relief that I felt knowing that while Ms. L reported to work, Mom would be okay.

In addition to Ms. L, there are other staff members that have been wonderful to Mom. Nurse Sara has also been an outstanding asset; a person I can always rely on to communicate my concerns to Dr. Fred Glatter. In fact, Ms. L and Nurse Sara make a fine Team together; their individual skills-set complement each other’s work very well.

The compassion and love shown by Ms. L is invaluable. Although, if I could put a value on it I would say it is worth so much more than whatever compensation she receives, as she doesn’t view what she does as work but rather as a vocation.

I am happy that we seem to be turning the corner, although, the end of the road of this pandemic is still far away. I hope that you will place this letter in Ms. L’ personnel file, and that she receive some recognition for the superb job and dedication she has demonstrated to Mom and others during an unprecedented crisis for many of us.

Thank you.

Stay safe and healthy,

Norma

Daughter of Manuel and Manuela

Beloved Regency Resident Turns 104 Today

Happy Birthday, Emma Tyukody!

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She was born when Woodrow Wilson was president and the world was three weeks away from the assassination that sparked World War I. She was a toddler when America joined the war in Europe, and was already a teenager when the stock market crashed and the Great Depression began. Emma Tyukody saw virtually every big event and technological advancement of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.  Today we wish her a very happy birthday.

Emma joined the Regency family over 8 years ago, when she moved into Regency Jewish Heritage. We very quickly grew to love Emma’s sharp wit and joyful attitude. Now at 104 years old, you can still see the wisdom and love of life stamped on Emma’s face.

Since her 100th year, Emma has been honored at Regency’s centenarian celebrations. In 2014, she said the secret to her longevity is “living right” and “doing the right thing.” In another interview, she said she was born happy—and apparently, she’s been living happy ever since. During the same interview, Emma said she was a good speller, and she still has her first spelling book! In fact, Emma was the Spelling Bee Champion at Regency Jewish Heritage back in 2010.

A few years ago, Emma was chosen to represent New Jersey centenarians in photographer Danny Goldfield’s portrait series To Live 10,000 Years. Danny captured Emma’s truly beautiful radiance in his stunning photos.

Regency Nursing: A Haven for Centenarians

At Regency Nursing we’re proud and honored of our residents who’ve lived ten decades or more.  Centenarians (and younger seniors, of course!) choose Regency Nursing because of our incomparable medical care and patient-centered philosophy. We provide our residents with outstanding nursing care, quality of life, and recovery services.

Regular readers of our blog will remember that Regency set a world record for the then largest gathering of centenarians. The 2013 event made it into The 2015 Guinness Book of World Records, as a testament to Regency Nursing’s commitment to excellent care.

 

Heartfelt Moment Captured At Regency Heritage, Somerset, NJ

What a poignant moment we captured for posterity this past Sunday in our magnificent lobby at Regency Heritage!

Our beloved resident, Gloria R, received a visit from her Granddaughter, who was to be married and wished to take wedding photos with her Grandma!

It was a touching site indeed!

We wish the entire family health and happiness and our warmest regards and congratulations!

Regency Gardens Resident Spotlight: Meet Kurt the Musician!

Dear Regency Friends,

Meet a  most talented musician who is hanging out with us for a little while for some rehabilitative therapy.

Kurt has been  playing the Electric Base Guitar for almost fifty years. When he was a youngster, Kurt took accordion lessons, because in his own words, “my mother insisted on lessons and my father enforced it.” He taught himself to play the piano and then taught himself to play the Electric Base  Guitar. Kurt played with many bands in Little Falls at the local bars and in College Circuits. They specialized in Rock-n-Roll and Rhythm and Blues from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. He said, “As a stable profession, I was a refrigeration mechanic.” His sister brought and hooked up his guitar in his room at Regency Gardens, to give him that home-like feeling that Regency strives to achieve for our residents. Not only did he play for his sister, his brother-in-law and great niece, he entertains our staff and our residents, who look forward to his performances at the facility.

According to Regency Gardens Activity Director Liz Johnson; “Music is the best Medicine”

Truer words were never spoken!