Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Celebrating Our Nurses

May 16, 2024

“Caring is the Essence of Nursing” – Jean Watson

Cabrini of Westchester was proud to recognize the hard work and dedication of the nursing staff during Nurses’ Week which took place from May 6th through May 12th. The week was full of activities to honor the amazing nurses who take care of our residents each day! Special meals were provided, small tokens of gratitude were distributed, raffles were held and a “Blessing of Hands” ceremony took place.

During the blessing, a prayer of thanksgiving was shared by Fr. Ron Galt, Vice President of Mission and Pastoral Care followed by words of thanks from Bonnie Burke, Vice President of Operations and Administrator, who said, “A thank you seems so very little when it comes to what you do for the residents. Please know that you are appreciated beyond words. Doctors cure us with medicine, whereas nurses cure us with hope, care, and compassion. You are the glue that keeps us together. Happy Nurses Week to you – you all deserve this recognition.”

Afterward, each of the nurses that were present in the chapel received a special

blessing of their hands from Fr. Ron as well as resident priest, Fr. Bill Arlia. ~ submitted by Susan Herceg, Director of PR and Development, Cabrini of Westchester

A thank you to all nurses for their compassionate care!

A “Healthcare Hero” at Cabrini of Westchester

May 16, 2024

to Simone Faulkner-Smith, Vice President of Human Resources and Volunteers at Cabrini of Westchester, as she was included as an honoree in the Schneps Media annual “Healthcare Heroes” recognition list! On May 1st, Simone was one of 50 health care professionals from New York who were recognized for serving their patients and advancing their fields at Terrace on the Park in Queens, New York. The award, presented by The Carmelite System, celebrates the contributions and commitment of the healthcare community.

Simone was recognized for her remarkable efforts in working with 1199 SEIU and Westchester Community College to create a Nursing Assistant Apprentice Program at Cabrini of Westchester. This program was designed to positively impact staffing as the nation experiences shortages in nursing staff. Due to the success of the program, four separate groups received training and took the nursing assistant exam. Out of the 48 individuals who went through the program, over half have become Cabrini employees which significantly helps to ensure that we have the staff necessary to care for our resident population. ~

Exciting Dining Enhancements at Cabrini of Westchester

March 21, 2024

After almost a full year of construction, final approval of the renovations to all 7 unit kitchen pantries and dining rooms at Cabrini of Westchester was granted by a Dobbs Ferry engineer, resulting in a blessing ceremony and reception on February 12th. “It’s a much more personal experience,” said Sr. Damien Ciminera, MSC, when speaking about the renovated kitchens. “Everything is clean and the food is served much more efficiently and warmer.”

In 2010, Cabrini of Westchester completed a major modernization project that expanded and renovated the Home to add space and details required to provide enhanced privacy, dignity and respect for each patient and resident. Keeping this person-centered care philosophy in mind, country kitchens were included on every unit to serve home cooked meals in a restaurant style manner. Over the years, the kitchens were maintained, but it became clear that updates and replacements were needed.

In order to make these updates, all kitchens and dining rooms were closed to keep the residents safe and the Food Service Department worked tirelessly providing meals with traditional tray delivery service. “The new look of the kitchens is pleasing to the eye and the new equipment, including a steam table, refrigerator, and dish washer is so much more efficient. The staff is able to serve the residents in the dining room faster and provide them with delicious hot food,” said Enrique Vargas, Director of Food Services. “We are excited to start offering new items on the menu such as orange chicken, chicken parmesan sandwiches, garlic butter salmon filets and, during breakfast, Belgian waffles with turkey sausages. There are many more exciting menu updates that will be on-going.”

New dining tables, chairs, wall coverings, lighting and artwork are included in the dining room refurbishing.

During the blessing ceremony, Fr. Ron Galt, Vice President of Pastoral Care and Mission led scripture readings and prayers as he sprinkled the kitchens with Holy Water.

When addressing the residents, Bonnie Burke, Vice President of Operations and Administrator said, “Thank you for all of your patience and support during the construction. We hope these updates make your dining experience much more enjoyable and we look forward to serving you in these enhanced surroundings.”

Distinguished Honors at Cabrini of Westchester

January 25, 2024

Priteshkumar (Prit) Patel, Physical Therapist at Cabrini of Westchester, was presented with the 2023 Employee of Distinction Award from LeadingAge New York, part of a national association of 5,500 not-for-profit organizations. Mr. Patel graciously accepted the award from Karen Lipson, Executive Vice President of LeadingAge, on January 11, 2024 at a celebration held in his honor. This prestigious award is given to an employee who excels in their profession and who has served with distinction and made significant contributions to the betterment of services for the aged and infirmed.

While presenting the award, Ms. Lipson stated “I’m very pleased to present this award to Prit. I read the nominations for all the candidates and I was so moved by the letters of support recognizing Prit that I wanted to meet him in person and offer my sincere congratulations to him. I’m very inspired by your work, Prit, and I’m happy to be here.”

In his nomination letter, David Leyden, Director of Rehabilitation wrote the following: “Prit is one of the most talented physical therapists and human beings I have ever had the privilege of working with. His technical skills and competency as a therapist are outstanding and can only be matched by his unique vision and ability to see past any barriers or challenges a patient may present. He offers them hope and a chance at a better life than they are living. Prit meets his patients at their level and offers the just-right challenge every step of the way.”

At the reception, Bonita Burke, Vice President of Operations and Administrator stated, “Prit, you are loved by all and not a day goes by that I don’t receive positive feedback about you! You are a true inspiration!”

CABRINI of WESTCHESTER – Among the Very Best!

January 18, 2024

CABRINI of WESTCHESTER – Among the Very Best!

Cabrini of Westchester is proud to be recognized by Newsweek as part of its America’s Best Nursing Homes 2024 list. The award is presented by Newsweek in partnership with Statista Inc., a statistics portal and industry-ranking provider.

The list comprises the nation’s leading skilled nursing facilities in those 25 states that have the highest number of facilities according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The ratings aim to provide families with a clearer view of the quality of care provided by nursing homes. A total of 750 top facilities in 25 states were ranked, including 58 of the over 610 nursing homes in New York State.

This comprehensive evaluation is based on five data sources: performance data, a national online survey that included thousands of peer recommendations, management of COVID-19, resident satisfaction, and accreditations.

“For fifty years, Cabrini of Westchester has provided high-quality, compassionate eldercare to countless individuals,” said Patricia Krasnausky, President and CEO. “Our inclusion on the 2024 Best Nursing Home’s list is a testament to the hard work and dedication that Cabrini’s team provides to the residents each and every day and we are honored to be recognized.

Welcoming the Advent Season with Blessings

December 13, 2023

On Wednesday, December 6th, the residents and staff of Cabrini of Westchester braved the cold weather at a brief prayer service for the blessing of the outdoor nativity scene. While the prayer service took place in the lobby, several individuals donned their hats and coats to witness Fr. Ron Galt, Vice President of Pastoral Care and Mission, sprinkle the beautiful crèche with holy water officially beginning the Advent Season.

Before processing with the Baby Jesus outside to the manger, Fr. Ron asked all present to extend their hands in prayer as he prayed the blessing. He then shared, “The display of the nativity scene is a very public sign that we are a Cabrini family rooted in faith. Anyone that drives by our grounds will see this as a sign of who we are. We gather in a spirit of blessing, hope and anticipation of the season of Christmas with light and promise of good faith.”

Ho! Ho! Ho! – Here Comes Santa!

December 13, 2023

St. Cabrini Nursing Home in Dobbs Ferry, NY, certainly has the ‘Spirit of the Season.’ Every floor and every unit are decorated for Christmas. There is a lot of excitement amongst the residents and the staff.

Kristen McCauley, the Director of Therapeutic Recreation, knew that there was one more thing that would bring great joy to the residents this season. Kristen invited the toddlers from Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS) and their parents to go to the nursing home to meet Santa Claus.

On December 11th, the Rose Room was filled with residents eagerly awaiting the children’s arrival. The children were anxiously awaiting Santa’s arrival! Needless to say, the room was filled with great excitement.

The children entertained the residents with different Christmas songs. Right in the middle of Feliz Navidad, a special visitor appeared at the door! The children were so shocked to see Santa Claus!

Santa, a/k/a Al Lovell, nurse manager for 3 South, was magnificent. He read the story, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas to the children. He had special gifts for all the children who assured him that they were good all year.

While having hot chocolate and cupcakes, the children visited with the residents and had some photo-ops with Santa. The residents left having smiles as big as the children. They all agreed that there is nothing like children to make the season bright.

International Children’s Day

November 29, 2023

International Children’s Day!

November 20th was International Children’s Day. St. Cabrini Nursing Home wanted to celebrate the day, so they invited the toddlers from Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS) in Dobbs Ferry, NY, to join them in some entertainment. We enjoyed great music by Lou Patrick, a singer and entertainer. It didn’t take long for the toddlers to get into the music. There was so much dancing and clapping of hands. The Moms also enjoyed the dancing.

As part of the Toddler Literacy Program at CIS, the children made turkey handprints which were placed on a paper along with a Thanksgiving poem. The toddlers went to every resident at the party and gave them a copy of their handprint and poem as they wished them a Happy Thanksgiving. The residents left with tremendous smiles on their faces and the children left exhausted but thrilled to have such a fun afternoon.

Fifty Years of Loving Service to Elders

November 16, 2023

In 1973, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus opened St. Cabrini Nursing Home to serve the elder population with quality services. Fifty years later, this ministry still thrives and has served thousands of elders in the skilled nursing facility and through other services to the community. To celebrate this milestone, the residents and staff came together for two special services: A prayer service on November 8th and the celebration of Mother Cabrini’s Feast Day on November 13th.

On November 8th, representatives from all 16 departments as well as the residents and volunteers were present in Cabrini’s chapel for a service of thanksgiving. Each department was asked to select a virtue that reflects what its purpose and mission are and to prepare a brief explanation to share. To begin the service, Fr. Ron Galt, Vice President of Pastoral Care and Mission gave a blessing which was followed by a scripture reading, song and presentation of each department’s virtue. The virtues were framed and a display was created that can now be seen in Cabrini’s lobby.

In closing the service, Patricia Krasnausky, President and CEO, talked about the virtue of perseverance and how Mother Cabrini persevered when she came to the United States when being told she was not needed. “Mother Cabrini may have felt defeated, but due to her perseverance, we are all here this afternoon in this chapel celebrating fifty years of caring for people. Thank you to all of you and to all who went before us for persevering in an excellent combination of qualities, so that the outcome is that Cabrini of Westchester remains standing here after fifty years as a shining golden tribute to Mother Cabrini.”

On November 13th, Cabrini of Westchester celebrated the Feast Day of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini as well as the conclusion of the yearlong celebration of the 50th Anniversary which included both staff and residents. A Mass, with live music, took place in the Chapel and other planned activities took place throughout the day. The Missionary Sisters who are residents of the home gathered for a special meal. This meal was served to the all of the residents as well.

Later in the day, the Therapeutic Recreation Staff distributed ice cream to the residents as a treat in honor of the Feast. The staff was included in the celebration with the distribution of $10.00 gift certificates to Honda’s Cafe for each employee as well as raffle prizes.

Many thanks to all who participated in planning both of these celebrations and to all who have enabled Cabrini of Westchester to offer the very best services to elders for fifty wonderful years.

Intergenerational Fall Fun!

November 15, 2023

Intergenerational Fall Fun!

We hear so much about intergenerational programs and the wonderful effect it has on both the young and the elderly.

Several of our high school students from Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS) in Dobbs Ferry, NY, visited some of the residents at St. Cabrini Nursing Home. The students loved speaking with the residents and helping them create colorful wreaths. They especially enjoyed singing Happy Birthday to one of the residents who turned 102 years old that day! The residents had smiles on their faces from ear to ear. They kept remarking how wonderful, respectful, and helpful the high schoolers were.

They had such a wonderful time that the students will be visiting again in December when they will build gingerbread houses together.