Hughes Health News

Families Honor Loved Ones with Memorial Bench at Hughes Health

Family members and friends of those who spent time at Hughes Health & Rehabilitation have honored their loved ones and Hughes caretakers with a memorial bench and surrounding garden. Located on the grounds of Hughes at 29 Highland Street in West Hartford, the bench is inscribed with the words, "Dedicated to those we have cared for and held in our arms for a while but will hold in our hearts forever." According to Mark Finkelstein, vice president and administrator of Hughes, "We are so grateful and touched by our residents' family members and friends who have allowed us to create this memorial bench in honor of past, current and future residents of Hughes. This simple bench speaks volumes about the caring relationships that develop between Hughes' residents and their caretakers, and will forever remind us of the wonderful people who have one time or another have called Hughes home." The memorial bench is surrounded by shrubs and two flap poles on the front lawn of Hughes, a 170-bed rehabilitation center located in an historic home in West Hartford. Hughes Health & Rehabilitation, a family-owned and operated healthcare center for nearly 50 years, provides quality care for those with chronic illness, as well as those needing convalescence and rehabilitation. Excellent healthcare, coupled with a genuine caring attitude are the hallmarks of Hughes.

A Green Milestone for Hughes

Pictured cutting the symbolic green ribbon at the celebration are, from left, Hughes Health Treasurer Michael Wilbur, West Hartford Deputy Major Tim Brennan, Hughes Health resident and President of its Resident Council Josephine Ostrowski, and Aegis Energy Services President Spiro Vardakas.
Josephine is also pictured with other guests at the ceremony. From left are West Hartford Deputy Mayor Tim Brennan, Hughes Health MDS Coordinator Brian Flaxman, CT Association of Health Care Facilities Executive Vice President Matthew V. Barrett, Hughes Health Vice President and Administrator Mark Finkelstein, Hughes Health Director of Nursing Lina A. Dureza, Hughes Health Treasurer Mike Wilbur, and Aegis Energy Services President Spiro Vardakas.

It was a glorious early summer day at Hughes recently when friends, residents and staff gathered to celebrate an important milestone: the inauguration of Hughes’ new 75 kilowatt co-generation plant. “This is a historic day for Hughes Health & Rehabilitation as we incorporate modern green energy-saving technology into our 50-year old operation,” said Mark Finkelstein, Hughes Health vice president and administrator. “Our new co-generation plant furthers Hughes’ commitment to be a quality facility dedicated to providing an environment conducive to our residents’ convalescence and recovery.”

Hughes selected CHP (combined heat and power), also known as co-generation. CHP is the simultaneous production of usable heat and electricity from one fuel source – in this case natural gas. Hughes was assisted in the project by Aegis Energy Services, headquartered in Holyoke, Mass.

“This system is expected to save our facility in excess of $50,000 per year, with a great simple payback on our investment,” said Hughes’ Treasurer Michael Wilbur. In addition, the CHP project includes a 15-year discount on gas transmission through the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control.

Pictured cutting the symbolic green ribbon at the celebration are, from left, Hughes Health Treasurer Michael Wilbur, West Hartford Deputy Major Tim Brennan, Hughes Health resident and President of its Resident Council Josephine Ostrowski, and Aegis Energy Services President Spiro Vardakas.

Josephine is also pictured with other guests at the ceremony. From left are West Hartford Deputy Mayor Tim Brennan, Hughes Health MDS Coordinator Brian Flaxman, CT Association of Health Care Facilities Executive Vice President Matthew V. Barrett, Hughes Health Vice President and Administrator Mark Finkelstein, Hughes Health Director of Nursing Lina A. Dureza, Hughes Health Treasurer Mike Wilbur, and Aegis Energy Services President Spiro Vardakas.

Hughes Health Residents, Staff & Management Donate Money for Haiti Relief Efforts

The misery and devastation in Haiti touched the hearts at Hughes Health & Rehabilitation where residents, staff and management joined forces to collect $2,000 for the earthquake-ravaged country.

The Hughes funds will be donated to AmeriCares Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Aid Organization.

“The outpouring of support from everyone at Hughes was incredible,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation. “As soon as we announced our collection effort, piles of $10, $20, $50, even $100 bills immediately appeared. Everyone from Hughes hourly workers to residents to managers gave very generously and without hesitation. It was very heartwarming to see.”

Hughes’ participation in the worldwide response to Haiti relief efforts reflects its West Hartford operations, where Hughes staff speaks 28 different languages. “Hughes is a true melting pot of caregivers, and that speaks volumes about their support of humanitarian efforts in Haiti,” said Mark.

Hughes Health Ranked One of America’s Best Nursing Facilities by U.S. News & World Report

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation was selected as one of America’s best nursing facilities by U.S. News & World Report, and received the top ranking in the categories of health inspection and nurse staffing.

“Every day the employees of Hughes give their best to their residents, co-workers and community. I am very grateful their efforts have received such recognition,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation.

The magazine’s rankings are based on data collected by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Results are reported in three categories: performance in health inspections, number of nurses, and quality of care. U.S. News & World Report simplifies the results and makes rankings of nursing homes nationwide easily searchable.

Hughes Health Joins National Quality Campaign

Hughes Health and Rehabilitation has joined thousands of nursing homes across the country in a voluntary national initiative, the Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes campaign. The campaign seeks to accelerate the rate of quality improvement in nursing homes by promoting excellence in caregiving for nursing home residents, monitoring key indicators of quality in nursing homes, and acknowledging the critical role of staff in providing high quality care. The Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes campaign targets eight measurable clinical quality and organizational improvement goals.

“We strive every day to provide the highest quality of care to our residents and patients, and we are always working on new ways to promote quality” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president of Hughes. “This campaign allows us to be a part of a broad national effort and signal, through data and measurable accomplishments, that our efforts are paying off for our nursing home residents.”

The campaign is different from existing national quality initiatives in several respects. It encourages consumer involvement as an important aspect to achieving success. The campaign also acknowledges organizational culture elements, such as the critical role of consistent staffing assignments and resident and family satisfaction, in improving care. More information is available on www.nhqualitycampaign.org.

“We will also be encouraging our residents and families to take an active interest in the goals of the Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes campaign,” added Mark. “Consumers can sign up to participate in the campaign via its Web site, and we can find ways to work together to meet our goals of improved care.”

Residents and their families, as well as Hughes staff, are invited to call Mark directly for more information about this national quality campaign at 860-236-5623.

Maria Arce Selected as Hughes Health Employee of the Year

Known for her strong work ethic, respected for her willingness to take on any task, and admired for her unfailing courtesy to residents, Maria Arce is Hughes Health & Rehabilitation’s 2009 Employee of the Year. Maria, a 15-year veteran at Hughes, was selected by co-workers, managers and supervisors for her total commitment to Hughes’ mission – Caring for loved ones; family style. “Maria will cheerfully take on any task asked of her, switching from one to another without missing a beat. Every work day, Maria performs many of the important day-to-day responsibilities for many different people, and all along maintains a wonderful ‘no problem’ attitude,” said Michael Wilbur, treasurer of Hughes. “We’re proud to acknowledge Maria as Hughes’ Employee of the Year.”

Maria was honored recently at Hughes’ annual Holiday Party and is pictured second from left with Santa and his helpers, who found their way to Hughes all the way from the North Pole by the kind people from American Medical Response.

Hughes Health Celebrates True Meaning of Thanksgiving

The meaning of Thanksgiving was very apparent when the residents of Hughes Health were joined by 88 family members and friends for a special holiday feast. The residents, guests and Hughes staff together

dined on everything from turkey to apple pie – with lots of other food, love and laughter in between. The holiday dinner received tons of praise from our guests, who appreciated Hughes’ effort in bringing families together in the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Take a look at the gathering of family and friends, captured in these photos. It all happened at Hughes, where our mission is Caring for loved ones — family style.

Hughes Health Honors Our Veterans and Veterans' Spouses

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation Treasurer Michael J. Wilbur welcomes guests to a special Veterans Day ceremony at Hughes.

Veterans Day marked a day of gratitude and thankfulness here at Hughes Health & Rehabilitation when 63 of our residents were honored for their service in defending our country.

“Today we honor you for your bravery, your courage and for the great sacrifices you have all made for our country,” said Brenda Abrams, director of therapeutic recreation at Hughes. “It is because of you that we are able to experience freedom each and every day in United States of America.”

Commander John Schmitt, left, and John Eselunas, both representatives of West Hartford VFW Post 9929, presented flag pins to Hughes veterans and veterans’ spouses during a special Veterans Day celebration at Hughes.

Twenty-nine United States veterans, four international veterans and 30 spouses of veterans were honored at Hughes. Each person was presented flag pins by guests Commander John Schmitt and John Eselunas, both representatives of West Hartford VFW Post 9929.

“We would like to take this time to say thank you for all the hardships you have endured, for carrying the great burden and responsibility of defending our country. America owes a debt to you that can never be repaid,” said Brenda.

Hughes Health Remembers and Honors Co-Worker

The bell tolled 15 times as the afternoon sunshine lit the terrace and faces of our employees at Hughes Health & Rehabilitation. We gathered outdoors on a beautiful autumnal afternoon to remember the warmth and love of our co-worker, mentor, and dear friend, Irina Sheyner, who passed away tragically on October 15, 2007.

To commemorate a 17-year career that spanned the positions of Housekeeper, Certified Nursing Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse and Night Supervisor, Hughes honored Irina with a ceremony filled with memories, laughter and tears.

The observance ended with the unveiling of a small stone monument with the words, “In Loving Memory of Irina Sheyner. A Life of Uncompromising Love and Devotion. October 15, 2007.”

“Here we are, two years after her passing and I still hear Irina’s name mentioned practically every week,” said Mark J. Finkelstein, administrator of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation. “I have never known any one person who had as much influence in a nursing home as Irina did.”

Prayers, poems and remembrances of Irina’s strong work ethic, love of her co-workers and vigor for life were shared by many Hughes employees, including Lina Dureza, Marina Astistov, Joanne Leger, Brenda Abrams, Anna Katselnik, and Anca Turdean.

After the bell tolled, Mark said, “Irina’s memory will ring in our hearts and minds forever.”

The stone monument in honor of Irina, a resident of West Hartford, was unveiled by Hughes employees Anna Katselnik and Anca Turdean. It will remain permanently displayed on the outdoor terrace of Hughes, located 29 Highland Street in West Hartford.

Hughes Health Wins National Quality Award

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation announced it received notification it has won a Step 1 National Quality Award from the American Health Care Association.  Hughes was honored for applying and demonstrating the principles of continuous quality improvement for long-term care organizations seeking the highest levels of performance and competitiveness.

“We are honored the American Health Care Association has recognized Hughes with this prestigious national award.  The Quality Award reflects the daily and indefatigable work of Hughes’s entire staff of healthcare providers.  I’m grateful for their continuous dedication to fulfilling Hughes’s mission of caring for loved ones family style,” said Mark Finkelstein, administrator of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation.

West Hartford Firefighters and Hughes Health Eat Up!

Residents and staff at Hughes Health & Rehabilitation found their thrill on Blueberry Hill when they had the West Hartford Fire Department visit for a blueberry pie-eating contest.  The event was in celebration of National Nursing Home Week as well as in honor of the firefighters’ dedication and hard work in serving the community each day.

The firefighters’ visit was especially meaningful to Hughes Health resident Adam Crudelle, seated in photo, a retired West Hartford firefighter.  He and the active members of the West Hartford Fire Department were able to reminisce and discuss old friends held dear, as well as some history relating to the Department.

Hughes Health would like to thank all the West Hartford Fire Department participants who brought smiles to our residents.

Hughes Nursing Assistant Inducted into Hall of Fame

Angela Kovesdi, a certified nursing assistant at Hughes Health & Rehabilitation, was inducted into the 2009 Certified Nursing Assistants’ Hall of Fame by the Connecticut Chapter of the American College of Health Care Administrators.

Angela immigrated to the United States from Romania in July of 1984 with nothing more than a suitcase full of clothes and a couple of treasured possessions.  She spoke no English.  In November of that year she came to Hughes Health with her uncle, who acted as her translator.  Through him she explained that she needed a job and that she was a good person and a hard worker.  The administrator was so impressed by her initiative, work ethic, and persona that a position was created for Angela in the housekeeping department. 

Within four months, Angela so impressed the management of Hughes that she was trained and given a position as a nurses’ aide.  In the years that followed, she has grown to be recognized as one of the most beloved and respected CNAs at Hughes, where she has been recognized as an “Employee of the Year.” 

“Angela is loved and respected by residents, families, and co-workers.  One has only to meet Angela to realize her genuine affection for those entrusted to her care.  The quality of the care that she delivers is exceptional,” said Mark Finkelstein, administrator of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation. 

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation’s Sylvie Heath Inducted Into Certified Nursing Assistant Hall of Fame

Sylvie Heath, a certified nursing assistant at Hughes Health & Rehabilitation was inducted into 2008 Certified Nursing Assistants’ Hall of Fame by the Connecticut Chapter of the American College of Health Care Administrators.

Sylvie (pictured on left), a 29-year veteran at Hughes Health, was also recognized by her company for her outstanding service.  “Sylvie represents the essence of care giving at Hughes and epitomizes the great and vital work all our nursing assistants bring to our residents every single day,” said Mark Finkelstein, administrator of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation, Inc.

“I accept this award on behalf of all my fellow nurses aids who are so deserving for the dedication they display to those in need,” said Sylvie.  “I am very grateful to the Connecticut Chapter of ACHCA for acknowledging and honoring the work we do.”

A resident of East Hartford, Sylvie was inducted into the 2008 Certified Nursing Assistant Hall of Fame by Connecticut Department of Public Health.