Valley Girl Scouts Spread Holiday Cheer to Nursing Home

 

 

SHELTON - The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all the residents to hear! Shelton’s Brownie Girl Scout Troop #60465 helped spread the holiday spirit this season by visiting residents at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center for a fun-filled day of caroling and gift giving. The Girl Scouts handed out handmade Christmas cards and jingle bell wands to the residents of Bishop Wicke to use during their caroling.

 

Debra Samorajczyk, Administrator at Bishop Wicke, says, “To see the smiles on the residents’ faces is such a wonderful sight. This fun event brings both the younger and older generations together which is something we really love to see here at Bishop Wicke.”

 

Residents and staff invited their families to come to the event and Santa even made an appearance at the five-star nursing home! This is the second year in a row these Girl Scouts have visited Bishop Wicke and when asked if they would like to come back next year, they all cheered, proclaiming they wanted to make their caroling an annual tradition. The staff and residents at Bishop Wicke look forward to carrying on this joyous holiday tradition!

 

Bishop Wicke offers short-term rehab and skilled nursing care, including specialized programs for surgical recovery, orthopedics, cardiac and respiratory rehab, heart failure and more. The facility is located on the Wesley Village Campus at 584 Long Hill Avenue in Shelton and is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes (UMH), a local, not-for-profit organization.

 

For more information about relationship-centered care at Bishop Wicke, please visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or call 203.929.5321.

 

(This is a press release from Bishop Wicke)

 

PHOTO: Elvis impersonator serenades Bishop Wicke resident

Despite the storm clouds, snow and wind, warm feelings of love were in the air when residents of Bishop Wicke were recently entertained with classic Elvis music. Believing that the power of music is essential to health and well-being, this performance is just one of many that our residents enjoy throughout the week. Shown in the photo is Connecticut’s No. 1 Elvis impersonator, Seymour resident David Devonshuk. He is serenading resident Jerri Thornton. Love is indeed in the air at Bishop Wicke.

Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation center is located on the Wesley Village Campus of United Methodist Homes, 580 Long Hill Ave. in Shelton.

This is a press release from Mary Ann Bradshaw, development coordinator for United Methodist Homes in Shelton.

Shelton facility honors couple on 60th anniversary

Bishop Wicke patient Lydia Ramos shares a kiss with her husband, Herminio Ramos, at a celebration of their 60^th anniversary held last week at the health and rehabilitation center. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - Staff, patients, and residents gathered Feb. 27 to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of Lydia and Herminio Ramos.
Lydia, a patient at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center, was joined by her husband, Herminio, and other family members for the special occasion. After learning about Lydia’s upcoming anniversary, staff from the facility baked a cake and planned the party to honor the couple and acknowledge their accomplishment of 60 years of marriage.
The couple shared a kiss after posing for photos and cutting into their cake.

Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center specializes in short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing at their facility located at 580 Long Hill Ave. on the Wesley Village campus.
The Wesley Village campus is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, faith-based, not-for-profit organization serving all members of the community.
To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or call 203-225-5000.


This is taken from a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

Nursing facility in Shelton recognized

Pictured from left, Rob Lesko, Vice President at the DiMatteo Group and Greater Valley Chamber Board of Directors member, Debra Samorajczyk from Bishop Wicke Health Center, David Lawlor, President and CEO, United Methodist Homes, and Phil White, President, Better Packages, and Chairman, Chamber Board of Directors. Photo courtesy of Fred Ortoli Photography.

SHELTON - The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce presented Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center with the Silver Hammer Award Dec. 13 in recognition of its outstanding renovation of their skilled nursing and rehab center at Wesley Village.

The award was given at the Chamber’s Annual Holiday Breakfast Club and Awards Celebration. It is presented to organizations in the Valley that have made a significant investment in the local community through the contribution of a beautification or construction project.

Bishop Wicke recently completed renovation of their 120-bed skilled nursing and rehab facility in October, an innovative project that transformed traditional nursing stations into “interdisciplinary work centers” that encourage greater interaction between staff, residents, families, and guests.

The project also included updated sitting and dining areas, therapy rooms, new furniture, lighting, flooring, technology, and artwork throughout the building.

The event was held at Molto Bene Italian American Kitchen in Ansonia.

Rob Lesko, Vice President at the DiMatteo Group, presented the award to David Lawlor, President and CEO of United Methodist Homes, and Debra Samorajczyk, Administrator of Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center on behalf of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Lesko, Greater Valley Chamber Board member, shared a heartwarming story about his (soon-to-be) 100 year-old aunt and the compassionate care she has received as a resident at Wesley Village.

Bishop Wicke is located on the Wesley Village Campus in Shelton and is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, not-for-profit organization committed to providing the very best in relationship-centered care.

For more information about Bishop Wicke at Wesley Village, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Shelton facility holds rehab reunion

Former Bishop Wicke rehab patient William Wheeler is pictured with Rehab Services Director, Moira Ethier. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center opened its doors to welcome back past rehab patients and their families at their bi-annual Rehab Reunion earlier this month.

The event provided patients and their family members with an opportunity to reunite with staff and other former patients after returning home from a short-term rehab stay at the facility.
As a result of the many friendships formed between patients, family members and staff during the rehabilitation process, the reunion serves as a way to not only celebrate these relationships, but allow them to continue to grow. 
Staff members were thrilled to see the progress of their patients as they returned with greater strength and increased mobility, and many smiles, hugs, and stories were shared.

The reunion was held in the newly renovated resident dining room and the Bishop Wicke dining team provided refreshments.
Personal tours of the new building renovations, which were completed in October, were offered at the conclusion of the event.

For information about short-term rehab at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center at Wesley Village, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Students, residents of Shelton facility work to benefit veterans

A Housatonic Community College student works with a resident of Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shelton. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - Residents from Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center partnered with students from Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport to benefit Home for the Brave, a transitional home and shelter for female veterans in Bridgeport.

The students, part of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at the college, have been working with Bishop Wicke residents throughout the fall as part of their clinical field work requirement.
As a way to celebrate the upcoming end of the semester, residents hosted a bingo game and worked with the students to create a handmade fleece blanket that would be delivered to a female veteran at the shelter.
Residents also proudly signed a card with well wishes for the recipient of the blanket and sent their love to the veterans, along with both the card and blanket, which the students will be delivering to Home of the Brave.


Relationship-centered approach
Bishop Wicke is proud to model a relationship-centered approach to care and partners with area colleges and universities to provide educational experiences for students in the healthcare field.

In addition to Housatonic Community College, Bishop Wicke currently works with Certified Nursing Assistant students from Griffin Hospital in Derby and will be partnering with nursing students from Fairfield University in the future.


For more information about Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center at Wesley Village, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Community in Shelton hosts Halloween parade

A team of Bishop Wicke nursing staff dress in handmade costumes as Charlie Brown characters for the community’s Halloween parade. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center staff from multiple departments at the nursing and rehabilitation center donned costumes and provided residents with their choice of hats, feather boas, gloves, masks, wigs, and other outfits in preparation for a Halloween parade last week.

The parade, led by Activities Director Mary Barbin and resident Barbara Charles, wrapped around the newly renovated nursing pavilions and was followed by teams of staff and residents all dressed in silly, scary, and spooky costumes of all kinds, with monster music trailing them all along the way.
The highlight was the grand appearance of the “Peanuts Gang,” a group of nursing staff dressed as the classic Charlie Brown characters.
The group created giant handmade paper mache masks to impress the residents, gathering at the home of a co-worker after their regular shifts were over to work on the project.

Staff and residents gathered in the resident dining room for a costume contest following the parade and costumed characters “performed” before residents and judge, Lori Bauer, Assistant Director of Nursing.

The prize for best costume went to the team of Charlie Brown characters, who not only “wowed” the crowd with their creativity but also performed a short skit based on the Charlie Brown story of “The Great Pumpkin” to the great applause of residents and staff!

 To learn more about the outstanding team of caregivers at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center at Wesley Village, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.



This is taken from a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Health facility in Shelton marks completion of renovations

New entrance to Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center at Wesley Village in Shelton./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center at Wesley Village recently celebrated the completion of a  renovation project, bringing relationship-centered care even closer to residents.

The renovations included redesigned nursing stations which removed the physical barriers that prevent families and residents in wheelchairs to connect with staff.
Nursing stations have evolved into “interdisciplinary work centers” and encourage interaction between staff, residents, families, and guests.

Also part of the upgrades, which were reviewed and critiqued by staff, residents, and families during the renovation project, were updated sitting and dining areas, therapy rooms, furniture, artwork, flooring, ceiling, lighting, technology, and more.

'Out of the box' idea
Bishop Wicke received a waiver from the state for this innovative care initiative, which was considered an “out of the box” idea for their 120-bed facility which provides short-term rehabilitation and also long-term care.
Several events were organized to unveil the renovations during the month of October, including an open house for both healthcare professionals and the public and a dignitary event for local representatives, donors, and other guests.


Owned and operated by United Methodist Homes (UMH), a local, faith-based, not-for-profit organization based in Shelton, CT, Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center is proud to continue the mission of UMH by providing a continuum of services that supports health, independence, and dignity.

For more information about Bishop Wicke at Wesley Village, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.


This is taken from a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Couple ties knot at Bishop Wicke rehab facility in Shelton

Mother of bride, community share in ceremony

Bishop Wicke resident Barbara Charles poses with her daughter, “Barbie” after the ceremony.

SHELTON -  On Aug. 10, with the sun shining brightly over the beautiful pond and gardens of Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center, wedding bells were ringing.

Bishop Wicke resident Barbara Charles was beaming with joy as she witnessed the marriage of her daughter and her new husband in the company of family and friends. 

The entire community of Bishop Wicke played a part in the special day with the Rev. Jim Stinson, Director of Spiritual Life, performing the ceremony.
Volunteer and friend of the family, Nick Grasso, provided accompaniment on the accordion. 

A wedding cake was created by Bishop Wicke chefs and served to all the guests, along with a sparkling cider toast for the occasion.
The couple shared in a cake-cutting ceremony before heading off to their reception, which Charles also attended, transported by Bishop Wicke drivers, Ron Linebarger and Jordan Cohen, in the community’s wheelchair-accessible van.

After spending many memorable weekends visiting her mom at Bishop Wicke and getting to know the staff and residents who care for her, Charles’ daughter, “Barbie,” and her husband, Ralph Meliso, chose to celebrate and share their special day at the community their mom has called home for the last two years. 

The community of Bishop Wicke was thrilled and honored to be part of Charles' and her family’s  special day.
To find out more about how caring relationships make a difference at Bishop Wicke,  contact Debra Samorajczyk, 203-225-2748 or visit www.umh.org.

Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center is part of the Wesley Village campus, owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a faith-based, not-for-profit organization in Shelton.

This post is taken from a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Employees at Shelton health facility work on wellness

Lifestyle changes inspire others
SHELTON - The staff at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center, Crosby Commons Assisted Living, and Wesley Heights Independent and Assisted Living communities have maintained their new year’s resolution all the way into June.


As part of the facility's wellness initiative, a core group of 19 staff have shed a total of 281.2 pounds in the last 12 weeks.

Weight Watchers groups were held on the Wesley Village campus over the last 12 weeks and this group of staff took part in weekly classes on the campus, at neighboring sites and online. 
Having access to the beautiful walking paths on the Wesley Village campus helped motivate staff to walk before and after work, and during break times. 
Many staff members now take the few extra minutes to walk the distances between buildings for meetings (instead of hopping in their cars), or grab one of the retro pink or turquoise bikes to commute between the communities.

Next up is round two of Weight Watchers. After 12 weeks, the changes in eating habits and lifestyle have begun to take hold.  Many participants of the first group plan to take part and many new employees are inspired to join.  

Congratulations to all who participated! Your dedication to a "healthier you” serves as an inspiration to us all.



This post is taken from a press release from Wesley Heights. I'd like to add my congrats to all those who are taking part in this healthy lifestyle initiative. Good job!

Reiki offered to caregivers at Shelton facility

Susan Saxton, Transition Coordinator, left, uses Reiki on Teresa Smith, Therapy Department staff member at Bishop Wicke Health Center in Shelton. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - Bishop Wicke Health Center launched its “Reiki for Caregivers” program with an educational session on Reiki, a Japanese healing art that offers beneficial calming, balancing and stress reducing effects.
Family members of residents, and employees of Bishop Wicke Health Center, a short-term rehabilitation and long-term care center, located on the Wesley Village campus, participated in this first of several training sessions.

Students with Advanced Reiki Training from the Anam Cara Center of Holistic Healing will provide 15 to 20-minute sessions on a weekly basis to help caregivers gain a better understanding of the benefits and process of this ancient healing art. 
Reiki session may help ease tension and stress and support the caregiver to facilitate an environment for healing on all levels; physical, emotional and spiritual. 
Although Reiki is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or psychological condition, a Reiki session is pleasant and relaxing and utilized for one’s own personal wellness. 

To learn about the program, contact Susan Saxton, Transition Coordinator for Bishop Wicke Health Center at 203-944-8237 or ssaxton@umh.org.

For information visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.

This information is taken from a press release.