The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation in New Hyde Park is on a mission to unite members of its management with residents.
To fulfill this mission, the nursing home has established a new program, called “Parker Connections,” the goal of which is to cultivate communication between staff and residents through joint recreational activities.
“Parker Connections” was founded and initiated by Parker’s Vice President of Administration, Christopher Ferreri, who said this about the program:
“Managers volunteer their time and ideas to assist in resident programming, increasing the number of resident activities and fostering positive interactions between management, staff and our residents.”
Ferreri conceived the program after completing his 2011 fellowship at LeadingAge’s “Leadership Academy,” a national not-for-profit organization for senior care professionals.
“Parker Connections” has already generated considerable interest, bringing together about 20 executive managers with residents through shared activities including poker, walking and current events clubs, as well as pet and music appreciation groups. These new clubs are in addition to Parker’s existing lineup of therapeutic and recreational activities.
New club ideas are always welcomed, especially from residents, according to Ferreri. One idea in the works is to create a compilation of stories from the residents’ lives.
“Their generation has such rich history that we thought it would be a good idea to memorialize it and share it with others,” he said.
Parker’s President and CEO, Michael N. Rosenblut, praised the “Parker Connections” program.
“To meet the new and unprecedented challenges presented by the maturing baby boomer generation, aging services must be fully committed to growth through learning, thoroughly-engaged leadership, and cost-effective practices that foster varied, dynamic environments,” he said.
The “Parker Connections” program will complement the existing “ParkerCare Hotline,” which provides residents and their families with 24-hour telephone access to senior management.
Another benefit of “Parker Connections,” according to Ferreri, is enhanced communication between management and its lines staff, as both participate side by side in activities with residents.
“It helps foster and benefit the overall culture of the organization,” Ferreri said.
