Hughes Health News

Hughes Health Nurses Participate in the Power to Care

Nurses from Hughes Health & Rehabilitation recently attended a conference called “The Power to Care: Focus on Infusion Therapy,” a full-day symposium recently held at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville, CT.

“We always want our nurses and support staff involved in the latest developments in long term care, both for the benefit of their professional development and the care of our residents,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president, Hughes Health & Rehabilitation.

“It’s imperative that we stay abreast of current trends, challenges and solutions regarding our long term care.”

The conference was hosted by Omnicare, a national long term care pharmacy, and provided very timely and informative sessions. For example, one discussion was titled Managing the Clinical Impact of the Complex Resident with Infusion Needs. As stated in the event’s brochure: “Under health care reform, LTC [Long Term Care] facilities are faced with the challenge of admitting and providing high quality care to residents with increased clinical complexity. Infusion therapy plays a key role in managing the resident.” This session discussed the importance of pre-admission assessments, appropriate VAD (vascular access device) placement, and care planning for the complex resident with infusion needs. The discussion highlighted strategies for quality management of residents receiving parenteral nutrition, inotropic therapy, PCA (patient controlled analgesia) and IV push.

“The entire seminar was very informative and valuable to us and to our residents at Hughes,” said Lina Dureza, director of nursing at Hughes Health & Rehabilitation. “We are continually looking to learn the latest about long term care and bringing those best practices back to our work environment.”

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation Receives Highest Rating For Third Consecutive Year From U.S. News & World Report

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation has been selected a Best Nursing Home in America for the third consecutive year by U.S News & World Report.

U.S. News & World Report’s Best Nursing Homes draws on data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a federal agency that assesses homes in three categories—health inspections, level of nurse staffing, and quality of care—and gives each an overall rating.

“Our commitment to quality has been a trademark of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation for more than 50 years,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president. ”We are very grateful for U.S News & World Report’s acknowledgement, especially for three years in a row.”

The Best Nursing Homes 2013 ratings highlight the top nursing homes in each city and state, out of nearly 16,000 facilities nationwide. U.S. News’s goal is to help users find a home with a strong track record of good care. The report is available at http://www.usnews.com/best-nursing-homes.

“Fewer than one out of every five nursing homes got an overall rating of five stars,” said Avery Comarow, U.S. News Health Rankings Editor. “All seniors deserve the best nursing care available, and these are homes that merit their consideration by demonstrating such high quality.”

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation, a family-owned and operated health care center for more than 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 Health. Hughes Health has been accredited for its long-term care by The Joint Commission, and named for the third consecutive year as one of the best nursing homes in the United States by U.S. News & World Report and for the fifth consecutive year by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. In 2012, Hughes Health was the recipient of the Silver Achievement in Quality award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living.

Hughes Health’s Mark Finkelstein Repeat Winner of Facility Leadership Award

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation’s Vice President and Administrator, Mark J. Finkelstein, has been selected as a recipient of the Facility Leadership Award by the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA). It is the second consecutive year Mark has been honored by the national organization.

ACHCA’s award recognizes a select group of skilled nursing facility administrators from across the country who exhibit leadership excellence in the areas of patient health and workplace safety in their respective facilities.

“I’m honored to be recognized again by the ACHCA. This award is a testament to the shared vision and dedication of those I work for and with at Hughes Health & Rehabilitation,” said Mark. “Leadership is a team effort, and so I share this award with my fellow associates who work tirelessly to bring comfort, professionalism and care to our residents every day here at Hughes Health.”

During Mark’s tenure since 2006 as Administrator of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation, the West Hartford, CT, facility has, among other things, been selected as one of America’s Top Nursing Homes by the Consumers’ Research Council of America for five consecutive years and by U.S. News & World Report for the past three years. In 2011, Hughes Health & Rehabilitation was a recipient of the Hartford Business Journal’s Health Care Heroes Award for its work to decrease preventable hospital readmissions for patients with heart failure.

Also under Mark’s direction, Hughes Health has received the Silver and Bronze Achievements in Quality from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), and has been accredited for its long-term care by The Joint Commission.

Everyone at Hughes Health congratulates Mark for this outstanding recognition.

Hughes Health Receives "Deficiency Free" Survey from Federal Agency

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation was found to be deficiency free by the state Department of Public Health following its annual survey regarding compliance with regulations for Medicare and Medicaid. The findings will be included in Nursing Home Compare, an annual study of nursing home performance found on the official U.S. government site for Medicare, www.medicare.gov.

Nursing Home Compare allows consumers to compare information about nursing homes. It contains quality of care information on every Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country, including over 17,000 nationwide.

"To be deficiency free on the health inspection is an uncommon event," said Mark Finkelstein, vice president of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation. "I thank all our employees who continually make Hughes Health a highly regarded and trusted facility for our residents and their families."

Nursing Home Compare’s website (www.medicare.gov/nhcompare) provides the following information about its inspection standards and process:

Health Inspections

Certified nursing homes must meet over 180 regulatory standards designed to protect residents. Examples of these standards include:

• Proper management of medications
• Protecting residents from physical and mental abuse
• Storage and preparation of food

The health inspection team consists of trained inspectors, including at least one registered nurse. These inspections take place about once a year, but may be done more often if the nursing home is performing poorly.

Using the regulatory standards, the inspection team looks at many aspects of life in the nursing home including:

• The care of residents and the processes used to give that care
• How the staff and residents interact
• The nursing home environment

Inspectors also review the residents' clinical records, interview some residents and family members, and interview caregivers and administrative staff.

Hughes Health Receives National Award for Quality

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation’s Director of Nursing Lina A. Dureza, center, receives the 2012 Silver Achievement in Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) at a recent ceremony in Tampa, Florida. The award highlights Hughes Health and other facilities across the nation that serve as models of excellence in providing high-quality long term care. Hughes Health was one of only 52 facilities nationwide to receive the Silver-level award this year. Pictured with Ms. Dureza are, at left, Len Russ, vice chair of the AHCA Board of Governors and, at right, Neill Pruitt, chair of the AHCA Board of Governors.

Photo credit: American Health Care Association

For Fifth Consecutive Year Hughes Health Selected as One of America’s Top Nursing Homes

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation is proud to announce that is has been selected a Top Nursing Home by the Consumers’ Research Council of America (CRC).

This marks the fifth consecutive year that Hughes has received CRC’s distinction.

“Hughes is honored, once again, to be recognized as a Top Nursing Home by the Consumers’ Research Council of America,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president and administrator of Hughes. “Being recognized by the CRC for five consecutive years is an achievement everyone at Hughes is very proud of, and one that reflects our mission of providing health care services in an environment where caring makes the difference.”

CRC’s selection, called the Honor of Distinction and Excellence, was given to Hughes for the facility’s high ratings in three categories: performance in health inspections, staffing and quality measures.

The Consumers’ Research Council of America’s Guide to America’s Top Nursing Homes is information provided to the public by the official U.S. Government site regarding Medicare, www.medicare.gov.

Hughes Health Receives National Award for Achievements in Quality Care

Residents, their families and employees of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation will be happy to learn that Hughes is a 2012 recipient of the Silver – Achievement in Quality for its outstanding performance in the health care profession by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL).

The competitive award highlights select facilities across the nation that serve as models of excellence in providing high-quality long term care.

“This award is a benchmark of distinction in the journey to providing high quality care,” said Governor Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “The long term and post-acute care community applauds Hughes Health & Rehabilitation on this great achievement.”

“This wonderful recognition from the AHCA/NCAL honors Hughes’ overall excellence in delivering quality care to all our residents. It’s an award that means a great deal to us, and one that reflects our long-standing mission at Hughes: Caring for loved ones, family style,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation.

Only 12 nursing homes in the State of Connecticut have achieved this distinction.

As a recipient of the Silver – Achievement in Quality award, Hughes has demonstrated systematic advancements in quality, plans for continual improvement, and sustainable organizational goals. This recognition builds upon Hughes’ quality acknowledgement by the AHCA, who awarded Hughes its Bronze Achievement in Quality in 2009.

In addition, Hughes has been recognized as one of the Best Nursing Facilities in the U.S. for two years in a row by U.S. News & World Report, and for four consecutive years by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. Equally important, Hughes has received accreditation for its long-term care by The Joint Commission.

This newest Silver Quality Award will be presented to Hughes during AHCA/NCAL’s 63rd Annual Convention and Exposition, October 7-10, 2012 in Tampa, FL. Receiving the award on Hughes’ behalf will be Lina A. Dureza, director of nursing at Hughes Health & Rehabilitation.

Hughes Health Assists Alzheimer’s Association

What were 15 purple flamingos doing recently on the front lawn of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation on Highland Street in West Hartford? That’s what Anna Katselnik, pictured, administrative assistant at Hughes, and her co-workers wanted to know. The flamingos were actually part of a thank-you message from the Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter, for Hughes’ donation to the organization’s Spring Walk To End Alzheimer’s. “We know all too well the difficult challenges that people and families face when dealing with Alzheimer’s, so were only too happy to help support the wonderful work of the Alzheimer’s Association,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation. The association’s Connecticut Chapter is the primary source of support and information to the thousands of state residents dealing with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation Participates in Study with Yale University School of Medicine

Study Focuses on Pneumonia Reduction in Dependent Elders

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation announced today it is participating in a study with the Yale University School of Medicine to determine if a multicomponent intervention protocol can prevent pneumonia in nursing home residents.

The study, called Pneumonia Reduction in Dependent Elders – or PRIDE – is sponsored by the National Institute of Aging (NIA), part of the National Institute of Health (NIH). NIA’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of older Americans through research.

Leading the PRIDE study is Vincent J. Quagliarello, M.D., professor of medicine at the Yale School of Medicine and a board certified infectious disease specialist.

“Hughes Health & Rehabilitation is always focused on improving the health of our residents. This study with the Yale University School of Medicine will provide valuable information on possible ways to reduce the risk of pneumonia, an all-too common infection in the elderly,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president and administrator of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation.

Hughes Health residents who meet study eligibility criteria and become enrolled in the study will be observed by the Yale team of investigators through December 2013.

Hughes Health’s Mark Finkelstein Receives National Nursing Home Administrator Award

The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) recently announced Mark Finkelstein, vice president and administrator of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation, as the 2012 recipient of the ACHCA Distinguished Nursing Home Administrator Award.

The award, the highest and most prestigious award given by the ACHCA, was presented during the awards banquet at ACHCA’s Annual Convocation and Exposition in Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday, May 6, 2012.

The ACHCA Distinguished Nursing Home Administrator Award recognizes a Fellow of ACHCA who has demonstrated the highest professional standards as an administrator in long-term care. Mark’s excellent professional accomplishments and his active participation at the local and national levels of ACHCA earned him this coveted honor.

Mark is a Past President and member of the Board of Directors of the ACHCA and has received numerous state and national awards, including awards from the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut for contributions to professionalizing administration and improving quality of patient care; for providing reliable and unbiased assessments of health care issues; for meritorious service; and for many years of distinguished service.

Currently, Mark is a Director of the Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities and a Lifetime Honorary Member of the National Association of Directors of Nursing. He also serves as a selectman in his native town of Portland, Connecticut.

Let’s all congratulate Mark for his well-deserved and very distinguished award!

A message from Mark Finkelstein, vice president of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation:

In 2011, Hughes Health & Rehabilitation earned accreditation for the quality of our long-term care from The Joint Commission.  The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies more than 19,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States.   The Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.

Recently, an article was published by McKnight’s Long Term Care News stating that accreditation by The joint Commission improves the nursing home culture of safety.  We at Hughes could not agree more.  We commit ourselves daily to the safe care of all our residents and employees.  We have in place a 5-point management plan that guides Hughes’ safety-oriented culture: 

• Safety and Security Management
• Fire and Safety Management
• Hazardous Materials
• Equipment Management
• Utilities Management

We at Hughes believe our daily focus on these issues insures that everyone lives and works in safe environment.

I invite you to read the following article form McKnight’s Long Term Care News:

Thank you,

Mark Finkelstein

Voluntary accreditation improves nursing home culture of safety, study finds

Nursing homes that are voluntarily accredited by The Joint Commission say they have a more robust culture of resident safety than non-accredited facilities, new study results disseminated by the group suggests.

Senior-level managers at over 4,000 nursing homes across the United States told researchers that accreditation by The Joint Commission has a beneficial impact on resident safety issues such as staffing, teamwork, training, nonpunitive responses to mistakes, and communication openness, according to the study. The Joint Commission is a nonprofit healthcare facility accrediting organization.

“It has been suggested that the process of sustaining the level of standards compliance required for accreditation can create a safety-oriented culture within a facility, and our results appear to support this contention,” Laura M. Wagner, Ph.D., R.N., an assistant professor at the New York University College of Nursing at the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, says. “Although there are costs associated with accreditation, these findings suggest that the benefits of voluntary accreditation may ultimately outweigh the extra costs.”

The research was partly funded by a grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

The study was published in the May issue of The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety. Click here to read the full study

For the Second Consecutive Year Hughes Health & Rehabilitation Recognized as a Best Nursing Home by U.S News & World Report

Washington D.C. – February 7, 2012 – For the second consecutive year, West Hartford-based Hughes Health & Rehabilitation has received a high ranking of five stars overall in U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Nursing Homes, released today. U.S. News’s Best Nursing Homes recognizes top-rated homes in all 50 states and offers important guidance to families and healthcare providers caring for people in need of a nursing home.

“More than 3 million Americans will spend part of 2012 in a nursing home, and trying to decide under pressure which one is best isn’t easy,” says Avery Comarow, Health Rankings Editor. “Top-rated nursing homes are worth considering and deserve special recognition.”

U.S. News’s evaluation of nursing homes is based on data from Nursing Home Compare, a consumer website run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The government agency sets and enforces standards for nursing homes (defined as facilities or portions of facilities enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid that provide 24-hour nursing care and other medical services). Homes earn an overall rating of one to five stars, as well as up to five stars in each of three underlying categories: health inspections, nurse staffing, and quality of care. U.S. News updates each nursing home’s ratings data quarterly.

Of more than 15,500 homes rated and profiled on the U.S. News website, Hughes Health & Rehabilitation was among the fewer than 1 in 8 that received a five-star overall rating in all four quarters of 2011.

“It is a great honor to be acknowledged for the second consecutive year as one of the best nursing homes in America by U.S. News & World Report,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation. “This honor, which comes as we complete our 50th year in business, is a testament to the Hughes’ workforce – a dedicated group of skilled health care professionals who provide great care to the residents of Hughes.”

Using the search tools available at http://health.usnews.com/senior-housing, consumers can identify homes in their state, city or ZIP code, tailor their search to see only non-profit homes or those that accept Medicaid insurance, or in other ways find the best fit.

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation, a family-owned and operated health care center for 50 years, provides quality care for those with chronic illness and for those needing convalescence and rehabilitation. Excellent healthcare, coupled with a genuine caring attitude are the hallmarks of Hughes Health, accredited for its long-term care by The Joint Commission and named one of the best nursing homes in the United States for two consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report and, for the fourth consecutive year, by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. For more information about Hughes Health & Rehabilitation, visit www.HughesHealth.com.

Hughes Health Employees Gather to Celebrate 50th Anniversary in West Hartford Home

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation recently celebrated its 50th anniversary at its landmark West Hartford nursing facility on Highland Street with an employee recognition luncheon. The event included a history about the building (originally constructed in 1900 as the family home of Henry C. Judd, a prominent Hartford businessman), a recap of Hughes’s recent accolades, and gifts to its more than 200 employees who help run the 170-bed facility. Hughes Health, recently honored as one of the best nursing homes in America by U.S. News & World Report, is a skilled nursing facility providing quality care for those with chronic illness and for those needing convalescence and rehabilitation. “The Judd Mansion started as a family homestead, was subsequently owned by a family, and now remains about family,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation. “Caring for loved ones family style is what we’re still all about.”

Photo: Spencer Sloan

Hughes Health Selected as a Health Care Hero for Participating in Heart Health Program

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation was a recipient recently of the Hartford Business Journal’s 2011 Health Care Heroes Award for its work to decrease preventable hospital readmissions for patients with heart failure.

The award was given to Hughes Health for advancing health care prevention through its participation in the Communities of Care initiative launched by Qualidigm, a Rocky Hill-based health care consulting and research organization.  

 “We are very honored to receive this award from the Hartford Business Journal because of our work with Qualidigm and our other partners in the Communities of Care initiative,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president, Hughes Health & Rehabilitation. “Anytime we can educate, communicate and coordinate better heart health to prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions of patients with heart failure is time well spent. We have been active in Qualidigm’s Communities of Care effort throughout 2011, and look forward to our participation in 2012.”

Hughes was honored for its interdisciplinary approach in educating residents, their families and caregivers about heart health throughout the recovery process and beyond. Prior to discharge, Hughes assesses patients’ knowledge about their heart health to determine if there are areas in which patients need additional assistance to assure success following re-entry into the community.  When they are discharged, patients are given a heart failure reference sheet that they can use as a resource for prevention and early intervention should heart failure symptoms reappear.  

“We thank Hughes Health & Rehabilitation for its tireless efforts in collaboration with many other health care organizations to ensure that patients with heart failure being discharged from their respective communities’ hospitals are not readmitted due to failures in communication or care gap coordination between various settings,” said Marcia K. Petrillo, Qualidigm’s chief executive officer and a recognized visionary in the design and implementation of quality improvement initiatives. “As a cohesive community, we help to ensure that hospitalized patients with heart failure experience a smooth, safe transition as they travel the health care continuum. We know that improved processes can only lead to better health care outcomes.”

Hughes Receives Excellent Results in Recent Satisfaction Survey

As Hughes Health & Rehabilitation celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2011, it is a time we celebrate our history as a caring, committed healthcare center 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 Health. We have been named one of the best nursing homes in the United States by U.S. News & World Report and the Consumers’ Research Council of America. In addition, Hughes Health has earned accreditation for the quality of our long-term care from The Joint Commission and is a recipient of a national quality award from the American Health Care Association.

At the same time of our celebratory year, we look ahead to the next 50 years. Hughes Health is committed to continuously improve our operations for our residents, their families and our staff.

Recently, Hughes asked top research company My InnerView to conduct an independent satisfaction survey of our residents and families. And the results were excellent. In the area of overall satisfaction, 61 percent ranked Hughes as excellent and 38 percent ranked us as good.

One respondent commented, “You are to be commended for the cleanliness and upkeep of you facility. The nurses are excellent. I feel as if my mother has been well cared for and have always felt secure with her in your hands.”

I want to thank the residents and families who participated in this survey. Their feedback is vital to improving Hughes’ care giving and caregivers. And speaking about caregivers, I want to also thank the Hughes’ staff for their untiring efforts in providing the best care, 24/7, to those residents who call Hughes home.

All of us at Hughes are proud of our 50-year history serving the families in our area. We promise to continue our rich history by learning, adapting and implementing improvements to our care giving. It’s a proud tradition of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation since 1961.

Thank you,

Mark Finkelstein
Vice President
Hughes Health & Rehabilitation

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation Guests Enjoy Memorable Night at Rock Cats Nurse Appreciation Night

Forty Hughes Health & Rehabilitation residents, staff and family members enjoyed a beautiful summer night of baseball, kindness and generosity at the recent New Britain Rock Cats Nurse Appreciation Night at Rock Cats stadium in New Britain, CT.

The Hughes Health group was the guests of the Rock Cats and Stone Academy.

“We are so grateful for a wonderful night of Rock Cats baseball, made possible by the generosity of Stone Academy and the Rock Cats, who provided admission for our Hughes residents, staff and family members. It was a night they will never forget,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation.

In addition, American Medical Response assisted in providing transportation for the 40 guests from Hughes’ West Hartford facility to the Rock Cats stadium.

“I can’t think of a better example of a community coming together to provide a wonderful experience for us from Hughes. The game was exciting; the food and drink were excellent; the entire evening was summer fun at its finest. Thank you, Rock Cats, Stone Academy and American Medical Response,” said Mark.

Here are some photographs from the trip to the Rock Cats Stadium in New Britain.

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation Receives Joint Commission Accreditation

Hughes Health and Rehabilitation, Inc. has earned accreditation for the quality of its long-term care from The Joint Commission. The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies more than 19,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States.

Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.

The Joint Commission accreditation decision was based on Hughes performing continuous safe, high-quality care, treatment and services.

“The Joint Commission’s accreditation is a major accomplishment for Hughes. It reflects our mission to provide exemplary care to all our residents,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation. “We are very grateful for The Joint Commission’s acknowledgment of the work we do for those entrusted into our care.

“Hughes’s voluntary participation in The Joint Commission’s accreditation process reflects our goal to continuously improve all aspects of our operation,” said Mark. “I want to thank all my co-workers at Hughes for their unyielding commitment and dedication to our residents. Our work is – and continues to be – a true team effort.”

Hughes Health Selected as “Hartford’s Finest” by Hartford Advocate

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation was recently honored as the finest “Skilled Cared Rehabilitation Center” by the Hartford Advocate newspaper. The publication cited the Hughes’s staff as “a devoted group of trained nursing, rehabilitation and medical professionals who have spent 10, 20, even 30 years providing an environment conducive to the residents' recovery.”

“We are very honored by the Hartford Advocate’s recognition. Personally, I want to thank the wonderful Hughes staff for all they do to provide quality, personalized care to our residents seven days a week. Their dedication is outstanding,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation.

Hughes has also received national recognition for its quality care from the American Health Care Association and U.S. News & World Report. Also, for three consecutive years, Hughes has been rated a top nursing home by the Consumers’ Research Council of America.

To read more about Hughes’ honor from the Hartford Advocate, please go to the following link: http://www.proactiveresources.com/Media/BestofHartford_052511.htm

Hughes Health’s Elizabeth Jeney, second from left, was recently inducted into the Connecticut Certified Nursing Assistant Hall of Fame by the Connecticut Chapter of the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA). Pictured from left to right are: Wendy Furniss, chief of the Health Care Systems Branch of the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health; Ms. Jeney; Mark Finkelstein, vice president, Hughes Health & Rehabilitation; Michele Carney, president of the Connecticut Chapter of the ACHCA; and Stephen Shelton, chairman of the awards committee of the Connecticut Chapter of the ACHCA.

Hughes Health’s Elizabeth Jeney Inducted into Nursing Hall of Fame

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation’s Elizabeth Jeney has been inducted into the Connecticut Certified Nursing Assistant Hall of Fame.

Liz, a resident of Wethersfield, CT, and 26-year employee at Hughes Health, was selected for the Hall of Fame by the Connecticut Chapter of the American College of Health Care Administrators.

The purpose of the Connecticut Certified Nursing Assistant Hall of Fame is to recognize nursing assistants who have consistently rendered the highest quality of care and promote exceptional quality of life to residents in long term care facilities in Connecticut.

“Liz is loved and respected by residents, families and co-workers,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation. “One has only to meet Liz to realize her genuine affection for those entrusted to her care.”

Liz is the third Hughes Health employee in four years to be inducted into the Connecticut Certified Nursing Assistant Hall of Fame. She joins Angela Kovesdi, who was inducted in 2009, and Sylvie Heath, inducted in 2008.

“Liz continues the Hughes tradition of providing outstanding and compassionate care to every resident every single day. Her induction into the Connecticut Certified Nursing Assistant Hall of Fame means a great deal to everyone here at Hughes,” said Mark.

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 flag 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 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.

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 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.

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.