Janet Mitchell (CNA) was recognized by multiple staff members for being very patient, caring and respectful with a particular resident.

Jennifer Demers (CNA) shows insight and sensitivity to a resident who often has "bad" days. She goes out of her way to check in first thing in the morning and says "today will be a good day!"

Others that were recognized for their exceptional resident care were:

Missie Oakes

Jessica Lefrancios

Desiree Orcutt

Mariah Lablanc

This year, National Nursing Home Week will be celebrated May 13­-19. Its goal is to spotlight nursing home residents and staff, and encourage all to celebrate those that make a positive difference in their lives every day. Poet's Seat Health Care Center's supportive and caring environment provides enrichment for residents and families to continue growing, learning and teaching through various ways. This year's theme is "Celebrating the Journey," and it is our opportunity to honor those who make our skilled nursing facility special-residents, family members, employees, therapists and volunteers. Some planned activities include:

• Country Line Dancers
• Manicures by Franklin County Tech School students
• Ice Cream Sundae Social
• Grab Bag Bingo
• Various musical entertainers

Long-time volunteer Allan Adie holds his "Lifetime Achievement Award" that was presented to him by Poet's Seat Health Care Center, nearly 4 years ago.

On April 19, Poet's Seat Health Care Center lost a dear friend. Long-time volunteer Allan Adie passed away peacefully at his Gill home at the age of 96. Allan had been donating his time to us every Monday, faithfully for the past 12 years.

He served as
a Eucharistic Minister, providing communion to the residents on a weekly basis. Following communion, he would stay to visit with all the residents and staff members. He would often participate in various daily activities, contributing input and entertaining the residents.

"He would always be sure to stop in to visit with those residents that didn't have any family to visit them," recalls Megan Wheeler, Director of Nurses. "He really cared about everyone."

"Allan never missed a day," says Zenaida Diaz, Activities Director. "Even when he was sick, he would still manage to come in. He would just wear a mask so that he wouldn't get anyone else sick. He used to tell me, 'Don't worry Z, I will be here.'"

Heidi Shattuck, Admissions Coordinator, remembers Allan's dedication. "Even when he couldn't drive anymore, he would have a family member drop him off and pick him up."

Payroll & Human Resources Director, Carolyn Organ, remembers Allan as a man who was always very involved with his church and community. "He was always volunteering his time and serving on different boards and committees," says Carolyn. She also recalls his exceptionally caring nature. "He often came to my office to visit me and ask how my family was doing. He even visited my mother at home when she was sick. He used to tell me all the time, 'I never worry about anything. I just put myself in God's hands and he will take care of it.'"

When Allan first came to Poet's Seat to volunteer, he was required to complete a volunteer application. One of the questions on the application asks "Why would you like to be a volunteer?" His answer was simple: "To bring a few minutes of happiness to the residents."

There is no question that the happiness Allan brought with him won't be forgotten. Mondays at Poet's Seat Health Care Center will never feel quite the same. He will truly be missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Poet's Seat Health Care Center owner Michele Carney (standing) visits with the guests at this year's annual Volunteer Reception, held on April 17.

On Tuesday, April 17, we held our annual Volunteer Reception, to thank all of our dedicated volunteers who donate their time and talents to bring enjoyment and assistance to Poet's Seat Health Care Center. A special meal was prepared by our Food Service Director Tony Thurston and his staff for the luncheon. All volunteers were given a gift as a small token of our appreciation for all that they do. They are a vital part of our team and we recognize all of their outstanding efforts. We thank all of those that helped make this year's reception a great success.

Poet's Seat Health Care Center is happy to announce that we will, once again, be participating in the Walk for Meals on Wheels sponsored by Franklin County Home Care Corp. This year's walk will take place on Saturday, May 5.  

Meals on Wheels are provided on a short-term or long-term basis to homebound elders age 60 and older who are unable to prepare a nutritionally balanced noon meal for themselves. Therapeutic meals are also available for certain medical, as well as frozen weekend meals. These meals are delivered regularly to elders who might otherwise be isolated. We feel this is an excellent opportunity to lend a helping hand to an outstanding organization providing an important service to local elders in need. Meals on Wheels is currently delivering 120,000 meals/year throughout Franklin County and the North Quabbin area.

If you would like to join our team and participate in this year's walk, you can call (413) 774-6318, or e-mail inquiries@pshcc.com.

In our continuing effort to provide educational programs to seniors in our community, Poet's Seat Health Care Center is happy to offer these new presentations:

Relaxation Presentation

Stress is your body's way of responding to any kind of demand. We generally use the word stress to describe the feeling that everything seems to have become too much and we are overloaded and wonder whether we really can cope with the pressures placed upon us. This can have a profoundly negative impact on both our physical and emotional health. This new presentation is designed to educate seniors on various relaxation techniques and offer full participation to instruct proper execution to help reduce stress, ease anxiety and help you enjoy a better quality of life. The presentation is conducted by our registered therapists.

Rehabilitation Presentation (four-part series)

This new four-part series of presentations focuses on improving health and well-being through rehabilitation therapy. It is designed to teach seniors simple steps they can take to prevent injuries, improve strength and increase mobility, all within the comfort of their own home. Each of the presentation are approximately 45 minutes, and can be conducted once a week for four weeks, or once a month for four months.  

Home Safety

The Home Safety presentation is designed to teach seniors the simple changes they can make around their home to not only ensure their safety & well-being, but also make daily household tasks more physically manageable.

Fall Prevention

The focus of Fall Prevention is to individually assess one's fall risk and provide education regarding good balance and fall prevention. Participants are offered free balance testing, predictions about personal fall risk and recommendations for improving their safety at home.  

Joint Protection

Many older adults and senior citizens suffer from arthritis or other body aches and pains. The Joint Protection presentation will discuss what steps someone can take to minimize joint pain and/or problems, as well as demonstrate simple preventative exercises.

Therapeutic Exercises

This presentation teaches all participants a series of easy-yet effective-therapeutic exercises, designed specifically to maintain range of motion, strengthen weakened muscles, increase joint flexibility and improve cardiovascular & respiratory function.  

All presentations are free of charge. For more information or to schedule, contact Chris at Poet's Seat Health Care Center at 774-6318, or e-mail inquiries@pshcc.com.