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News & Events

Headlines for news stories and events outlined below:

Visit the Village news section of the website today to have a sneak peak of the plans for the new Villa Neighborhood at The Village - we're just finishing the details of the plans but you'll get a good idea of the possiblitities for your new home...and we are taking lot deposits now from the priority list. Call today to take a walk on the site 860-658-3786.

McLean Hospice Volunteer Reception Sept. 7th 2 PM to Unviel New Remembrance Quilt see detals below...

Hospice Volunteers Needed...see below

McLean Home Care Again the Best in Greater Hartford...see details below

McLean Hospice Again Reports Exceptional Patient and Family Satisfaction...see details below
COPD Program - watch our video
McLean Golf Tournament for Hospice Sept. 14th - click here for registration form
Click here to read the Hartford Courant story on SeaSea, our robotic seal
Science Field Trips Are Fun ... at any age
Dreams Do Come True...
An Amazing Recovery
McLean Recognizes Its Wonderful Volunteers
McLean Gardener Still Tends "His Crops"
CNA Graduates - Bright, Compassionate and Caring
McLean Gardener Still Tends "His Crops"
Wrenita Lumpkins Wins CANPFA Employee of the Year
McLean Rehab Graduates Celebrate
McLean Learning Circles Improve Residents' Lives
Auxiliary Annual Meeting, Awards and Strawberry Shortcakes
May was Arthritis & Osteoporosis Awareness Month - watch our video
Street Fair a fun day!
McLean residents celebrate Seder
McLean Hospice Memorial Service: a very touching day
Click for the McLean Health Center Monthly and Weekly Schedules - We welcome family and friends to join residents at events
McLean Audits

McLean Hospice Reception to Unveil New Remembrance Quilt

The McLean Hospice volunteers will host a public reception of the McLean Hospice Remembrance Quilts on

Tuesday, September 7th

at 2 PM in the lobby of the McLean Health Center

75 Great Pond Rd, Simsbury

The Quilts were created from unique fabric squares designed by Hospice families and volunteers. The new quilt primarily commemorates deceased loved ones who were supported by McLean Hospice in 2009. This is the fourth quilt created by and for McLean Hospice families.

The centerpiece is a cross-stitch of a poem read at the April 17, 2010, Annual Memorial Service. It was stitched by Elizabeth Scheidel, a Hospice Volunteer. It begins: As long as I can dream, as long as I can think, as long as I have a memory I will love you.....

The new quilt was designed and sewn by Lynn Veith, who skillfully stitched the names of the Hospice Team, home health aides and volunteers in the butterfly fabric backing memorializing the importance of the caring and skilled team. In the fabric border, she also lovingly stitched the words "Life is like a quilt, years bound together embellished with family and friends, backed by traditions, stitched with love, with cornerstones placed carefully to create a one of a kind journey through time..."

The new quilt will be displayed in the McLean Health Center lobby along with the Remembrance Quilts from earlier years from September 1 - September 17th. The displaying of the Remembrance Quilts symbolizes that in loss we are never alone. The display may be seen from 8 AM-8 PM.

McLean Hospice is dedicated to the comfort of the patients and families entrusted to their care during their end of life journey. The team cares for patients in their homes, in assisted living facilities and in nursing homes in the Farmington Valley through West Hartford. The McLean Hospice program provides bereavement support for 13 months following a loss. For information about McLean Hospice, visit www.McLeanHospice.org or call 860-658-3954.

McLean Hospice Quilt 2010 A sneak peak of the McLean Remembrance Quilt to encourage people to attend the reception. Pictured: Stanley Walczewski, Hospice Volunteer; Lori Scudder, Hospice Coordinator; and Elizabeth Scheidel, Hospice Volunteer and Home Care Billing Coordinator

McLean Invites Applicants for Fall 2010 Hospice Volunteer Training Series

McLean Hospice invites you to make a difference in the life of someone very special join by joining our Hospice Team and volunteering your time, talents, skills and interests.

Do you enjoy writing letters, cooking for others, reading, singing or playing an instrument? Are you a good companion and love to share friendly visits? Can you run errands? Can you help our office staff with typing, mailings and other light clerical duties? Are you qualified to do massage or Reiki therapy? Do you have a certified Pet Therapy animal?

Interested? Please call Lori Scudder, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, at 658-8260 or email Lori.Scudder@McLeanCare.org to request an application package, schedule an interview and register for the next intensive Hospice Volunteer Training Program. Applications are due by October 4^th.

The Hospice Volunteer Training Program consists of twenty hours of classroom training focused on the history, methods and philosophy of Hospice; the roles of the Hospice Team; and the activities and support volunteers can provide to terminally patients and their caregivers. The Hospice Volunteer Training Program will be held at the McLean Health Center, 75 Great Pond Rd in Simsbury.

Training will take place from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. on these dates:

Thursdays October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, and
Tuesdays October 19, 26, November 2.

The McLean Hospice Team prides itself on assuring that our patients and their caregivers have the highest possible quality of life and are supported by a caring community. McLean Hospice serves adults of all ages and works with families in the Farmington Valley, West Hartford and Windsor.

McLean thanks our philanthropic sponsor for the Fall 2010 training, The Hartford. Their generous grant allowed us to provide educational classroom materials for our attendees, patients and families.

*We ask individuals who have experienced a significant personal loss within the past year, or who are actively grieving a loss, to postpone their participation for one year.

McLean Home Care Is Best in Hartford Area Helping Patients Stay Home

McLean Home Care just released its latest quality data. Again this quarter, McLean Home Care is best in the Hartford area for helping patients to stay home and out of the hospital according to Medicare.gov’s publicly reported “Home Health Compare” clinical measures reported April 2010. McLean Home Care has the lowest hospitalization rate and the lowest urgent, unplanned care rate among other home health care agencies in the Hartford area.

Pat Pannone, Administrator of McLean Home Care and Hospice, stated that in addition to excellent clinical outcomes, McLean Home Care patients report high rates of satisfaction. 100% rated that the staff was respectful and courteous in their home. Over 98% rated that the services provided met your needs and expectations. 99% also indicated that they were satisfied with the overall quality of care and services. and 99% are likely recommend the services to a family/friend.

A few weeks after McLean Home Care completes skilled care by its nurses, therapists, social workers and/or home health aides, Karen Murphy calls the patient to see how they are doing. Here are some of the McLean Home Care patient comments Mrs. Murphy received over the past quarter during her calls:

“Outstanding professional, personable staff…highest regard for them… Services were great. , Have always been pleased with McLean HC which I have needed many times… Very positive experience will refer others to McLean home care. I’m back to normal thanks to your excellent services, and a friend I told is currently receiving McLean HC services…Always pleased with services from start to finish…Great experience... I plan to have a knee replacement next winter and will choose McLean Home Care.”

McLean Home Care is a Medicare-certified home health care agency accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program. McLean Home Care Program serves adult individuals and their families in the communities of Avon, Bloomfield, Canton, Granby, East Granby, Farmington, Simsbury, West Hartford and Windsor. Their nurses and therapists work with patients, family and the patients' physicians to develop individualized plans of care. McLean Home Care’s experienced staff provides exceptional skilled nursing, rehabilitative therapies and other services 365 days a year, assuring the delivery of quality care … all in the comfortable, familiar surroundings of a person's home. For more information on McLean's award winning Home Care agency, call 860-658-3954.

McLean Hospice Continues to Receive Exemplary Satisfaction Survey Results

McLean Hospice continues to excel in caregiver satisfaction based upon this quarter's patient and family surveys, reports Debra Oakes, RN, Director of McLean Hospice.

Ms. Oakes noted that most important and comforting is the fact that 100% reported that the patient’s pain was acceptable within 48 hours after starting Hospice. She was extremely pleased that 100% indicated that the McLean Hospice staff was respectful and courteous in their homes. In addition, 100% reported that the services provided met their needs and expectation. In conclusion, 100% were satisfied with the overall quality of care and services.

Ms. Oakes explained that the quality data for all patients is constantly reviewed. It is her continuing goal to provide exceptional Hospice care to patients in the Farmington Valley through West Hartford. Ms. Oakes explained "Hospice is not a place. McLean Hospice care takes place wherever the need exists -- usually this is in the patient's home but sometimes it is in a nursing home or assisted living facility. More than one-half of our hospice patients have diagnoses other than cancer. Hospice can provide care for people with the end-stages of many chronic diseases, like emphysema, Alzheimer's, cardiovascular, and neuromuscular diseases. We have a new Living with Heart Failure Program that can include Hospice care. Although the majority of hospice patients are older, our hospice serves adult patients from 18 to 106 or beyond. Almost 20% of hospice patients nationwide are under 65 years of age. As a family-centered concept of care, McLean Hospice focuses as much on the family as on the patient. Hospice understands that how a patient is feeling and coping affects their family and how the family is feeling and coping affects the patient. We have more than 70 volunteers who work with the professional team to support the families.

Ms. Oakes and the staff and volunteers shared some letters from McLean Hospice families from this quarter:

Thank you for all you did to help my mother and my family during the last few months. It was incredible how well you supported us by making all of us feel comfortable and at peace. Each of you was confident, thoughtful, kind and loving to our mom and our family. You were by our side each step of the way which provided strength and comfort to all, especially me. You have all been a huge blessing to me and my family in a big way. You all provided special support so far beyond your call of duty. We are eternally grateful to all of you. Our mother was so grateful to each and every one of you...All we can say is thanks. ...

There are so many of you to thank that I don't know quite where to start. Let me just say a huge thank you to all of the nurses, caregivers, social worker that helped my dad on his journey of peace. My only regret is that I was in total denial of his upcoming passing that I missed many opportunities with him to say good-bye. You see it all of the time so you all knew the signs were there. I turned a blind eye to it because I was so afraid of the fact that it might actually be true. You all helped him and were so kind to him. Our many thanks to you all. Thank you for the card and the beautiful rose. It lasted so long.

Where do I begin to put into words the feelings that come over me every time I glance at the beautiful basket & its contents that sits at the edge of the butcher block counter in my kitchen? It has taken me a very long time to disturb anything but the delicious loaf of sweet bread and anything else that appeared perishable since Dolores Wolff delivered it to my door on a crisp Saturday a week and a half ago. I just enjoy feeling the love that emanates from that basket. The beautiful prayer shawl & thought of the hands & prayers that went into its creation, the jelly, candle, cup & cocoa, pomander ball, the jaunty royal blue teddy that makes my smile--& the beautiful Lucite picture with its first line that says it all: May love surround you. ... Such outpouring of love & kindness is making that journey ever so much more doable. My family and I will hold each and every one of you in our hearts ... and in our bank of memories forever.

McLean Home Care & Hospice is a Medicare-certified home health care agency accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program. For more information on McLean's award winning Home Care & Hospice agency, call 860-658-37954.

Think the Science Center is Just for Kids?

“Absolutely worth it,” remarked Doris. “Very educational and entertaining…I’d go again,” said Janina. These and ten other residents of the McLean Health Center in Simsbury recently had a ball at the Connecticut Science Center. It was a memorable experience that they won’t soon forget. The multi-storied museum, located on the Connecticut River in Hartford, offered the residents numerous hands-on interactive exhibits and breathtaking views. The interactive exhibits utilized videos, audios, visuals, and tactile components. The Ice Age Trivia game, which could be played along with up to 6 people, was a big favorite of residents Marilyn Peters and Tom Kelly. Many residents also enjoyed the displays of the various rocks, marble, semi-precious stones and minerals found in Connecticut. Especially interested, was Doris Freudenberger, a former schoolteacher, who taught geology in the 1940s to the children of the American forces oversees.

The hands-down favorite among the residents and McLean staff, wasn’t really an exhibit, in the traditional sense, but the view from an alcove area located on the top floor of the museum. The area, which had glass windows on three sides, faced the river, allowing for astounding views. As resident Shirley Thiffault said, “It was beautiful. You could see for miles and miles.” For many this was the first time in years they had left the Farmington Valley and seen the "new" Hartford with the recently built convention and science centers. Some still remember the “old” Hartford. Janina Taylor, who worked part-time at G. Fox & Company in the 60s, was amazed at all the new buildings in the area and remembers when there was nothing there. The changes, she felt, were good, and it was nice to see both old and young enjoying the educational experiences offered by the new science center. “You’re never to old to learn” she said.

The more you put into life, the more you get out of it

Stanley Walczewski explains that life is like handling money. You invest it, and it gives you returns. In the same way, the more you put into life, the more you get out of it. This is how he lives his life, and explains why he is so involved with McLean Hospice. Stan says he feels an obligation to McLean because of the exceptional care his late wife Lois received. In 1999, Lois learned she had non-Hoskins Lymphoma. It was a long road of treatment, hospitalizations and finally moving to McLean for palliative care then Hospice. And for Stanley, McLean was his partner in his hard journey. Stan recalls how helpful Marilyn Averill, a McLean Home Care nurse, was when his wife was at home in Granby with him. He could call her anytime, and he did, for her wisdom to make Lois comfortable. When Lois was living at McLean, the staff worked with Stanley to organize a special Christmas celebration in their own separate room. "It was just a week before her death. I remember rolling her into the craft room, and there were three of our children and five grandchildren. The dining staff had prepared a nice holiday dinner. It was a very special day and is a wonderful memory for all of us."

Stan recounts he will never forget seeing Margi Crane, a McLean Hospice Social worker, outside his wife's door when the family left her upon her death. "It was 7:30 at night, but there was Margi to console us. How can I not keep thanking the staff for that kind of caring?" he asks. Margi helped lead his bereavement group. "But we went beyond the group she helped lead. They continued to socialize together for years. I enjoyed helping the ladies with chores around their homes and being there when they needed a man to talk with."

After his wife's death, Stanley began to give back and his involvement with McLean grows and grows today. First, Stan and his adult children all became regular donors to McLean Hospice. Eventually, Stan decided to make a provision in his will so his annual support would be perpetuated. But Stan wanted to put more than dollars into his efforts to help.

Stanley then asked how his talents, and they are many, could be of best use. He joined the McLean Foundation Golf Committee and works with other volunteers soliciting businesses for donations to the auction that supports McLean Hospice. But after the golf tournament season, Stanley needed to keep giving back. He enrolled in the extensive eighteen hour McLean Hospice Volunteer Training Program. Stan visits patients and family members in their homes. "My style of comforting patients and family is that I give support through listening." The McLean Hospice Volunteer Coordinator Lori Scudder tells him this is a special talent of his, and he loves this work. "I feel action is more important than words. So I am just there for them. Recently I found amazing comfort in ordering the rose, which is donated by Horan's, and delivering it to my client's family when the patient passed." When they bring the rose McLean Hospice volunteers are often the first visitor after a death. It shows the family that the McLean Hospice team is still there for them.

McLean would like to publicly thank Stanley Walczewski and the hundreds of other volunteers that help McLean each year.

McLean would like to publicly thank Stanley Walczewski and the hundreds of other volunteers that help McLean each year. Stanley Walczewski is thanked at the McLean Annual Volunteer Recognition Celebration by David Bordonaro, President of McLean.

McLean Celebrates Its Hundreds of Volunteers

Imagine being a volunteer with an organization for more than forty years. And imagine you still are as enthusiastic and giving your all as you did back in 1971. This is the tale of Barbara Griffin and Andee Schaedel. From organizing the groundbreaking, to running auctions, to working in the Auxiliary Gift Shop to being a friendly visitor, nothing daunted these fine ladies. But in reality Barbara and Andee stand out for their long term commitment to McLean, but many volunteer have similar stories of the many, many hours and many talents they donate.

Each year McLean honors its volunteers with a special party. In the past year 416 volunteers gave more than 7,289 hours. This year the party theme was chocolate in every form from flowing fountains to delectable treats.

David Bordonaro, President, spoke to the volunteers thanking them and explaining "without you, McLean could never be the organization it is. You are the folks that add so many special touches. You make the residents and patients in the community feel special. You comfort and consol Hospice families. You bring music, pets and special talents in our doors daily. You make the staff feel appreciated. You delivered 25,760 meals-on-wheels in five area towns. You taught residents how to use webcams and brain fitness technology. You file, compile mailings and greet visitors. You raise funds to permit McLean to have the best and newest equipment. You raise funds so our programs such as McLean Hospice can be extra special. Today we thank you with a few words, a lot of chocolate, and hope that you will continue to find your volunteer hours with McLean, and they are many, worthwhile for you."

David and Barbara David Bordonaro, President of McLean, thanks volunteer Barbara Griffin.

A few of the more than 60 McLean Hospice volunteers who gathered together to be honored and eat chocolate.

Village volunteers Three members of The Village at McLean, Dorothy Ianzitto, Janet Barnes, and Carol Carlisle, who step up nearly every time someone on campus needs help with a project, enjoy the McLean Volunteer Party.

auxiliairy volunteers Kathy Cookson, McLean's volunteer coordinator and Director of Therapeutic Recreation, is surrounded by some of the forty five volunteers who run the gift shop seven days a week.

An Amazing Story of Recovery

Henry White Post Acute Story What started out as a simple surgery to correct a neck problem with an expected three days in the hospital and three days in the Rehab Center turned out to be a six-month saga. Henry White told me "I should have died, and now I'm dreaming of walking in the McLean Game Refuge again with my grandkids. Complications after surgery kept me in the hospital for a month and when I finally got to the McLean Post Acute Center I was in such a weak state I could not even lift up an arm. All my muscles had atrophied. All of the McLean staff were so supportive. They encouraged and pushed me to do as much for myself as possible as I slowly regained my strength. I was an active seventy-nine year old except for the neck issue, and I became such a weak person I could not walk or do much of anything." Mr. White had a long recovery with many medical issues and set backs including heart failure explained Diane Bristol RN, Unit Manager of the McLean Post Acute Center. He required close medical monitoring by the McLean Post Acute Team in collaboration with his cardiologist Dr Peter White. In addition to stabilizing his cardiac status, we were able to get him off his tube feeding and eating a regular diet. It was his remarkable attitude, the support and cooperation of his wonderful family lead by the guidance of his daughter-in-law Louise, who is a nurse, and the McLean team that all came together for the impressive recovery he is experiencing today.

Mr. White and his daughter-in-law had chosen McLean's Post Acute Center for its reputation. Never did they think he would need to stay for 4.5 months for extensive rehabilitation for so many issues. “I can not say enough about the staff and how they helped me have the strength, mentally and physically, to come back," explained Henry. Seeing Mr. White today walking in his temporary apartment while he finishes his recuperation, it is impossible to imagine the weak man he was seven months ago. "And while I was at McLean, I read the book by Ellsworth Grant on Senator McLean. What a man, and to think that seventy-eight years after his death, I benefited from his dream to serve the community with the McLean Home,” noted Mr. White.

McLean Gardener Still Tends "His Crops"

Victor Chiarizio in his garden at McLean Victor Chiarizio, a 92 year young avid gardener, never expected to be able to continue with his passion for flowers and vegetable gardening when he moved to McLean. Victor planted his crops earlier this spring in McLean’s Rooftop Garden, and is now beginning to enjoy the fruits of his labor. Victor, who had been an avid gardener for over 20 years, prior to coming to live at the McLean Health Center – asked staff if there was a little area where he could plant some flowers and vegetables, and thus, “Victor’s Garden” was born. He says that he still enjoys nature and getting outside, and is grateful that McLean has offered him the opportunity to continue doing what he loves. Included in his garden are flowers, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, peppers and eggplant. What Victor can’t use himself, he shares with the staff at McLean.

CNA Graduates - Bright, Compassionate and Caring

These wonderful words best describe the seventeen graduates of McLean's latest class of Certified Nursing Assistants, explained Catherine Martinez, BSRN, their instructor during a simple graduation ceremony in the McLean Health Center in Simsbury on June28th. She added that it was an honor to teach such a cohesive and dedicated group. She always asks herself how she would feel if one of her students were assigned to care for her elderly parent. She said she would be just delighted and confident in the level of care they would receive if any of the class members walked into her mother or father's room. This was a true testament to their skills and even more, she noted, to their caring hearts. Each is well suited to be a caregiver. Many are enrolled in collegiate nursing programs and hope to work for McLean during vacations and summer or during the school year to help pay for their education. Others will immediately make care giving their occupation.

Lisa Clark, VP & Administrator of the McLean Health Center, gave special recognition and a token of appreciation to the CNAs who helped mentor the students: Michelle Bors, Wrenita Lumpkins, Paulette Turman, and Joy Brown. She explained "McLean chooses to offer our own CNA classes to ensure the best candidates receive thorough training plus learn of McLean's special person centered approach to care giving. We know how important it is to learn and grow while always striving to provide the best care for our community. We get our feedback from the exceptional patient and family satisfaction results putting McLean in the top ten percent of the country."

Catherine Martinez, BSRN, stands proudly with her McLean CNA graduates: Tina Tollock, Riverton; Doreen Duffy, Torrington; Traci Tefft, West Granby; Ashley LeClair, Windsor Locks; Jaclyn Hall, Canton; Michelle Nye, East Glastonbury; Sarah Daniel, Canton, Dianna Madler, Barkhamsted; Lisa Sevetz, Canton; Laura Waltz, Barkhamsted; Dadrian Morgan, East Hartford; Samantha Christensen, Granby; and Devin Hahn, Farmington.

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COPD Program

If you have COPD, McLean wants to help you to be your best, where and how you want to live. The McLean COPD Breathe Easy program includes multidisciplinary expertise of McLean’s own RNs, Occupational and Physical Therapists. Our experts will assess your needs to help you

Understand what COPD is
Strengthen your endurance, posture and balance
Conserve energy and pace yourself
Learn techniques to clear your airways
Identify nourishing foods for optimal health
Prevent serious illness by knowing what symptoms to report and when
Communicate effectively with your doctors
Establish a long term “ Breathe Easy” plan that fits your lifestyle
Use your oxygen equipment effectively and safely
Cope with COPD- related social and emotional stresses

Who can enroll? Adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

When to enroll:

As soon as you learn you have a chronic lung condition
When your breathing worsens at home, or after a hospital stay for lung complications.

The McLean Breathe Easy program is provided in a variety of McLean settings:

In McLean’s Post Acute Center, after a hospital stay if you need intensive nursing and physical and occupational therapy to stabilize your breathing and manage better
In your own home by McLean’s Home Care team of nurses, occupational and physical therapists to get you stable and to learn to manage your COPD
At McLean’s Outpatient Rehab Center to work with occupational and physical therapy to get you stable and to learn to manage your COPD

Who pays for the program? Payment may vary from insurance to private pay arrangements, depending upon each person’s individual circumstance.

Call McLean Home Care at 860-658-3954 for more information on the Breathe Easy Program.

Artificial Intelligence Seal Transforming the Lives of McLean Residents

McLean Robotic Seal They placed the robotic seal in Alice's arms. The President of Para Robots USA, Akiteru Tsuji, watched with pride while McLean staff, who had just been introduced to the robot, showed amazement with Alice's transformation. It was obvious to all that the seal was calming and comforting just like a live pet. Alice just lit up when she was holding CeeCee. At one point, Alice said to her care givers, "It doesn't get any better than this." Now the staff wanted to learn more.

On July 8, the staff was honored to host Akiteru Tsuji for the introductory in-service with CeeCee. Mr. Tsuji is currently traveling and meeting with various people about the different settings in which the robotic baby harp seal can be beneficial. Prior to coming to McLean, he met with staff at a facility that deals with Autistic children. After leaving McLean, he drove to meet with a doctor at Johns Hopkins to discuss ways that the seal could be used to help in the healing process. McLean staff spent the time with Mr. Tsuji exploring the many ways use of the artificial intelligence robot can assist nurses, aides and recreation staff to make the lives of the nursing home patients as fulfilling as possible.

McLean, in Simsbury, will be one of the few nursing homes in the United States utilizing this new technology in their patient care plans for patients who have dementia and other conditions that particularly make patients require additional affection, personalized attention, and special care. The para robot was featured at the dream house display for futuristic services for the aging at the AAHSA, the American Association of Housing and Services for the Aging, national conference. McLean staff came home from the conference and explored ways that the ideas from the dream house including the para robot may fit into the many services at McLean.

Funds from the Sorenson Technology Center made it possible for the Therapeutic Recreation and Nursing Departments at the McLean Health to purchase the first of hopefully several seals for the nursing neighborhoods. The Sorenson Center's goal is to break isolation using technology, and this is yet another example of innovative ways McLean staff are using the funds.

Dreams Do Come True for McLean Residents

Sam at Dartmouth Sam Crocker is an amazing man whose smile never leaves his face. A mechanical engineer and deep thinker, Sam's professional career was with the Stanley Works where he specialized with the Magic Door Division even testifying in courts on door safety and liability cases. Sam explained "I never thought in those years that someday my own designs for mechanical doors would change the way I could live his life." Today Sam lives at McLean in Simsbury and the front door is actually one of his designs. He first attended the McLean day program for several years continuing to live in Avon with his family. As his MS continued to progressed, he chose to move into the McLean Health Center. Sam's life at McLean is very full, he reports. He remains very independent getting about campus and to events in his electric wheelchair as he wishes. But never would he have let himself wish for an adventure back to Dartmouth. Thanks to his sister Ellen who came from Boston to accompany him, classmates, the staff at McLean, and some very generous gifts, such a reunion trip came true.

A while back, five years ago, three former college classmates of Sam from Dartmouth hunted him up at McLean and came to visit him and share with him stories from the 35^th class reunion. Sam was delighted to have reconnected with these old friends. Then, this spring one them, Auck (alias Jim Auckerman) contacted Sam again and suggested that he might be able to travel to Hannover, NH to attend the 40^th reunion of his graduating class of 1970. They talked about several possibilities, but didn’t make any commitments. The next thing Sam knew another very good friend and member of Sam’s fraternity, Bob Joy, known as “Joyboy”, called Sam with a plan. He would organize a chair car for a day trip to Hannover and figure out all the details and let the fraternity brothers know he was coming." Bob's plans were realized by Monique Dixon, Sam's social worker at McLean," explained Ellen. "She was the one who contacted Aetna and who knew about the special Patient Care Fund created to make dreams come true. Monique was the linchpin that pulled it all together.

At 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday June 16^th the chair car from Aetna Ambulance, from Hartford, CT arrived at the door of McLean to pick up Sam, his sister Ellen, and Sam’s friend Bob. The driver, Jeff Jenkins, had volunteered to do the transport, as he is one of the most experienced in the company and was keen to take the 2½ hour drive to Hannover. Jeff turned out to be in our estimation is an exemplary driver. He was polite, humorous, entertaining thoughtful, and thought ahead at each moment how best to guide Sam in his power chair. When it came time to enter the house, the team figured out how to set up a series of large board to create a ramp over the threshold and tested it several times before guiding Sam up the ramp and into the house.

Kappa, Kappa, Kappa is the oldest independent fraternity in the country. The fraternity house is a big brick 3-story house. Sam used to live on the second floor. Three of the current undergraduates were at the door to greet Sam. One was a junior from California of Chinese heritage, the second a junior from Arizona who is a Hopi Indian, the third one the current governing members of the house. Sam noted that the student make-up is very different, and they all were as enthusiastic and committed as he and his classmates had been. The house is referred to by the Tri-Kap members as the “Lodge” and to them it was home for four years. Big plans for total renovation and a large expansion of the house were displayed proudly on the table in the living room for all to see. With the new expansion, the house will be able to double its membership and will include wheelchair accessible entrances and an elevator. Sam says, “I would think that many alumni may be quite interested in hearing about the careful planning for the house is making.” Sam is proud of the plans and looking forward to returning in five years for the 45^th reunion to see what evolves and not having to have plywood ramps to welcome him and being able to see his old room on the second floor.

Jim Auckerman (“Auck”) and his wife Karin were the first to greet Sam when he entered the tent at the edge of the Connecticut River where the luncheon was being served. Sam says, “Jim has gotten himself a fairly important position in politics. And even now the jokes he would make are still very much “Jim” and his job has hardly changed him.” Sam recounted that one story goes: Auck used to borrow his brother’s police uniform, hat and all, dress up and go out on one of the main streets of Hanover and start directing traffic in all directions, calm as could be, as if he belonged there, except he was gradually creating grid lock in the center of town. At which point he would calmly walk away and back to the fraternity house Tri-Kap. In Sam’s words: “He did the whole thing with such cool!”

Sam was quickly encircled by several classmates, all wanting to talk with him. People kept commenting on how Sam looked the same as ever, while the others had changed quite a bit. Even from the other side of the tent friends gave Sam a big wave as they could recognize him immediately. Sam said, “I kept hearing from the others even those who just had known of his existence, how marvelous and how happy they were, that I had made the huge effort to get up to the College reunion and to see how things were going. How happy I was to be there amongst them and to be so warmly greeted. As it turned out, it was no effort for me thanks to my friend Bob and the generous support of the McLean special funds.” These funds are donated by generous family members of current and past residents specifically to help residents have very special dreams come true. And Sam's 40th dream became a wonderful reality. Now he hopes to continue to be in contact with classmates through the webcam in the McLean Sorenson Technology Center and plan for his 45th.

photo: Sam Crocker, a McLean resident, at his 40th reunion surrounded by two old friends from high school and college.

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CNA Graduates

Bright, Compassionate and Caring

Changing Lives of Residents, McLean CNA, Wrenita Lumpkins,

wins CANPFA Employee of the Year Award

This year, McLean staff was challenged to be creative and to develop activities to do with its residents. Bloomfield resident, Wrenita Lumpkins, CNA, was self motivated by this challenge and has changed the lives of McLean’s residents. In recognition of this, she has received the Connecticut Association of Not-for-profit Providers For the Aging (CANPFA) award. She has been seen in McLean’s computer room, teaching the residents to use the equipment. At meal time she has residents assisting with setting the table, and later in the afternoon Wrenita can be found giving manicures and reminiscing with residents. A McLean employee for eleven years, Wrenita exemplifies the true spirit of McLean with a caring attitude and professionalism.

Kim Marfyak, Director of Nursing, McLean; David Bordonaro,President, McLean; Wrenita Lumpkins, CNA, McLean; Molly Savard, Chair, Nominating Committee, CANPFA; Steve McPherson, Chair, CANPFA

McLean Rehab Graduates Celebrate

A record crowd of 140 clients and staff were welcomed by Lisa Clark, VP, Administrator of McLean Health Center, to the 10^th Annual McLean Rehab Reunion on June 10^th at The Village at McLean. Clients had a good time sharing their post recovery success stories with their nurses, aides and therapists and visiting with each other.

Sam Goodman of West Hartford recounted “I was here for 9 weeks after falling on the ice. I received PT and OT, and after I went home, I received McLean Home Care. My care was excellent!

Nancy Hudon of Canton, explained, “I came here following knee replacement surgery, and I loved my rehab experience. These people are so special.”

Two friends from Torrington, Leno Trivella and Willard Reynolds, enjoyed catching up with each other and sharing their experiences. Each man had come to McLean twice -each of them having undergone two knee surgeries. Leno, who came first, said that McLean was the best place he could have gone to, and recommended McLean to his friend. Willard, who expressed gratitude for the recommendation, called Leno a “life saver” and said that the food, therapy and care were outstanding, and that he, in turn, would recommend McLean to anyone in need of post-op care.

Everyone also enjoyed the live music & vocals of Marti Sawyer; a remarkable buffet provided by the chefs at The Village at McLean; and visiting McLean’s booths for its Assisted Living program, Independent Living at The Village at McLean, Rehabilitation and Wellness programs, Home Care & Hospice, and Silver Sneakers programs. McLean is very grateful to its Rehab Reunion corporate sponsors: Better Healthcare Products of Farmington, Companions & Homemakers, and Hudson Home Health Care. Many raffle winners were delighted with the prizes from the vendors and McLean.

Paul (Bud) Petersen, a member of The Village at McLean, and guest speaker at the event, used humor and candor to tell the story of his stay at the Health Center and his continued therapy at the McLean Outpatient Center.

Robyn Ligotti, Director of Rehab and Wellness, told the crowd that for the 10^th year, everyone was buoyed by the amazing courage of the clients to complete their therapy, and enter into healthy living practices to have better lives with the help of an exceptional team of McLean nurses, aides, therapists and social workers.

Rehab Reunion More than 550 people a year are cared for at the McLean Post Acute Center after hospitalization for surgeries, especially bone and joint replacement, accidents and illnesses, including exacerbations of COPD and problems with CHF.

For more information about McLean’s Rehabilitation Program and other services, call 860-658-3700 or go to www.McLeanCare.org.

Nancy Hudon enjoys reconnecting with Dot Villano, Wellness Supervisor

McLean’s Learning Circles Improve Residents’ Lives

As a forerunner in patient centered care, McLean is constantly looking for ways to enhance and improve the lives of its residents and create a more home like environment. One of the most successful approaches has been the neighborhood learning circles. The circles include people who live, work or have a loved one who is on the neighborhood, and meet several times each month to share ideas on how to improve life each day.

Recent accomplishments are numerous. One learning circle explored how to enhance the dining experience for those who live on Sunnyside. The results:

More residents are enjoying their meals in McLean’s main dining room.
Families and residents have expressed how much they enjoy getting off the neighborhood and socializing with others from the McLean community.

One learning circle discussed programs that meet the memory care needs of residents who live in the Skyview Terrace and Birch View neighborhoods. The results:

Activities and supplies were updated, such as painting supplies that could be used any time of the day.
A Bose Radio and CD player were installed in the Country Kitchen, thanks to a generous donation.
Focus was placed on creating a relaxing environment in the Country Kitchen.
Team feedback was positive regarding activities that can be shared with residents, affording them quality time together.

Due to the success of the learning circles findings, staff has set a goal to expand their findings to all five of McLean’s neighborhoods every day. Additionally, they have found more ways for residents to enjoy nature, though getting outside more often, gardening and exploring the grounds. Two of McLean’s gentlemen gardeners have planted flower and vegetable gardens on the rooftop terrace garden, off of Skyview Terrace, and can be found outside daily, tending “their crops.”

Wrenita Lumpkins and resident

McLean is fortunate to have such creative staff, residents and families –working together and learning from each other. Recently, McLean employee, Wrenita Lumpkins, a CNA at McLean for the past 11 years, received the Connecticut Association of Not-for-profit Providers For the Aging (CANPFA) Employee of the Year Award for her part in changing the lives of McLean residents. She can be found in the computer room, teaching the residents to use the equipment, or at meal time, enlisting the help of residents to set the table. Later in the afternoon, Wrenita can be found giving manicures and reminiscing with residents. A resident of Bloomfield, Wrenita exemplifies the true spirit of McLean with a caring attitude and professionalism.

McLean CNA, Wrenita Lumpkins, enjoys a quiet moment with a resident.

McLean Auxiliary Awards Scholarship and Grants

Thousands of hours of volunteer time donated by dozens of McLean Auxiliary members have benefited McLean in many ways during this past year, explained David Bordonaro, President of McLean, at the Auxiliary Annual Meeting and Strawberry Festival held June 7th. "People often tell us that it just feels different at McLean. A major factor in this is you, the members of the Auxiliary. This includes the many wonderful things the Auxiliary does from flowers to each resident on May Day, to the Employee Appreciation luncheon, to the Auxiliary Gift Shop, to Casino Night, but most of all it is the warmth you bring creating a very special caring atmosphere for our residents."

Marge Brown, McLean Auxiliary President, outlined the many projects undertaken by the Board and then gave out grants totaling nearly $26,000 to various programs and departments who had submitted proposals. Health Center Social Workers will continue to have Auxiliary funds to be sure all residents can have hairdressing and salon services to perk up their self esteem regardless of their ability to pay. McLean Hospice volunteers will have many supplies such as journals, cards, food treats, and bereavement program literature for their work with patients and their families. Hospice nurses received funds for a Pulseoximeter and Coagucheck Strips for the expanded care of COPD and heart patients. The Hospice team is especially excited about the grant toward the new Recreational, Activities and Exercise (RAE) Fall Prevention Program for Hospice patients with dementia. McLean Home Care nurses will have additional Digital Blood Pressure Cuffs to be used in the new COPD and Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) initiatives. The Rehabilitation Department was very pleased to continue to receive scholarships for the Driver Assessment Program. In addition, they were awarded skeletons for patient education and a NuStep Rehab Bike for the new Rehab Outpatient Center in The Village. The Nursing Department will be able to purchase a Chair Scale essential for the new COPD and CHF Programs in the Post Acute Center and two Otoscopes to facilitate the very best in ear care in all of the neighborhoods in The Health Center.

Susan Safino, below, Supervisor of The Robinosn represented the Assisted Living Day clients and residents who were delighted to learn they will have their wish of a new NuStep Rehab Bike for safe and independent exercise. The Dining Services Department was awarded funds to create a station in the Pfirman Dining Room so residents may choose from an expanded menu of beverages and desserts with many ice cream flavors. Expect lots of wonderful new special events with grants to the Therapeutic Recreation, Assisted Living and Housekeeping Departments.

The Auxiliary Scholarship of $1,500 is annually awarded to an employee or child of an employee pursuing higher education in health care. Jane Schlichter, chair of the Auxiliary Scholarship Committee, told the members, "Tristan Mitchell is an impressive young man, a full time honors nursing student, and works twenty-one to twenty-eight hours a week in The Village at McLean Restaurant. He has volunteered at the CT Children's Hospital with children undergoing cancer treatments, at the library, and at FoodShare." Tristan's mother stood proudly by his side and coincidentally was a home health aide with McLean Home Care before going into social work.

The Auxiliary Annual Meeting was held with the election of officers followed by a presentation by Christopher Hampton, a teacher at Miss Porters School, on Ethics in the Media while everyone enjoyed home made biscuits and real whipped cream strawberry shortcakes. It was a lovely afternoon celebrating a very successful year and the many ways the Auxiliary Board and members improve the lives of the McLean residents, patients, clients and their families.

2011 Board

The 2011 Officers for the McLean Auxiliary Board Recording Secretary Dot Horton; Treasurer Connie Norstrom; 1st VP Alison Bigman; President Marge Brown; 2nd VP Pat Gallagher was absent.

May was Arthritis & Osteoporosis Awareness Month

Watch the video on Healthy Living with Arthritis and Osteoporosis by McLean Rehab produced in partnership with Simsbury Commuity TV.

Click here to watch the video.

A Street Fair & Chef Competition Delights McLean Residents & Staff

Imagine a street fair with vendors from several countries. Now imagine that the chefs hosting the vendor carts are being rated by a panel of experts on display, taste, and the way they present themselves and their food. Add in a busy community center filled with residents of the McLean Health Center and The Village at McLean in Simsbury, employees and lots of family. What an event!

It was a aromatic, tasty, fun hour for all. Vendor carts represented the culture and foods of Italy, Jamaica, Russia, southeastern United States. The fair evolved from an in-service by Sodexo Healthcare Division for executive chefs. They decided to make part of it a demonstration cooking and display event for the residents of McLean, an active retirement community with assisted living and a nursing home. The fair was held at McLean on May 12^th.

Sam loved the Italian Panacotta, a type of Flane. Deplores thought the risotto cake was exceptional topped with the home made chutney. Maria loved the sweet potato salad accompanying the crab roll. Dianne had a hard time choosing between the crab or mushroom blini, a Russian crepe. Residents of The Village at McLean, the active retirement community on the campus, came to cheer on their own chef, Eric, as he presented Jamaican pork and chicken on skewers with a Caribbean pepper sauce. All the recipes are being shared so the chefs in Sodexo affiliated healthcare organizations like McLean will have even more choices from which residents may choose. Jesse Myers, McLean General Manager of Dining Services, coordinated the event and encouraged Sodexo to host this at the McLean Health Center. This is one of several events he organizes such as a Farmer’s Market on the patio in the summer, that bring the world into the campus to enrich the lives of the residents.

The McLean Health Center living room was a beehive of activity as residents and staff sampled the street fair foods.

Street Fair 2 Lisa Clark, Health Center Administrator, sampled the crab roll and Sweet and Sour Napa slaw.

McLean Therapists have a special lunch break enjoying the fair. Street Fair 3

Passover Seder Observed at McLean

On March 30^th, residents and family members gathered for a traditional Passover Seder at McLean. The word “Seder” means “order” in Hebrew, and residents observed Passover by reading the customary Passover Exodus story and eating traditional foods in the usual order. The story was read first, supplemented by foods symbolizing Jewish freedom from ancient slavery. McLean’s therapeutic recreation and dining services departments collaborated to make this a special event - complete with a beautifully set table, and excellent home cooked meal.

Following the meal, traditional Jewish and folk songs were sung. Those attending expressed gratitude for a very meaningful evening.

Photo caption: McLean Residents and staff share a traditional Passover meal.

McLean Hospice Interfaith Memorial Service a Comfort to Many

On Saturday April 17^th at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, McLean Hospice held its annual Interfaith Memorial Service. At the event this year the McLean Hospice team honored 163 deceased clients who were entrusted to their care during 2009. McLean Hospice holds this annual event as a part of the bereavement support provided to families of their patients, for 13 months after a loss. This year the event was attended by over 125 people who lost loved ones in 2009. Attendees took comfort from poetry readings; music, reflections, and a candle lighting ceremony. Families enjoyed time reconnecting with the Hospice team who were privileged to care for, and provide comfort to them and their loved ones during their Hospice journey.

Family members designed unique quilt squares in honor of their loved ones and these were given to hospice, during the service, to be sewn into a future new Hospice Memorial Quilt. The quilt symbolizes our interconnectedness as humans. Each quilt square the families created was as unique as the individuals they represented, and yet all of the squares, when knit together with stitches of love, will create a whole community of even greater beauty. Hospice Memorial Quilts from prior years were displayed in the sanctuary symbolizing that in loss we are never alone. At the conclusion of the ceremony families were presented with a single long stem red rose as a symbol of their love, and a seeded bookmark as a symbol of hope.

Letters of gratitude have already been received from several family members who were in attendance thanking Hospice for the compassion and caring that went into the design of the very moving program.

Lori Scudder, Volunteer Coordinator, reconnects with family members following the service.