Administrator’s AccentsIt has been over two months since we notified everyone that

Heathwood was moving to “homebound” status. Residents have been sheltered in place since that time while receiving meals in their apartments. Due to incredible efforts and diligence by our staff, as well as cooperation from families and residents, we fought the battle against COVID-19 since mid-March. We will slowly begin adjusting our policies on the current isolation status, but these changes will not come without risk. Our priority is to work towards family visits as soon as they can be accomplished safely and are allowed by New York public health and executive orders. Please understand these policies may revert back to isolation should a community member receive positive tests. We will continue to communicate updates or changes to you. Our hearts are with you and your families as we all navigate this unprecedented time. “We Are In This Together.”

Personality Profile

Sal Cardinale was born and grew up on the west side of Buffalo with his parents and brother, Joseph, and was proud of his Italian community. Sal attended Canisius High and was a member of the West Side Rowing Club. At his junior prom, he met his future wife, Carol. Carol was actually Sal’s best friend’s date, but Sal found her more interesting than his own date. Sal graduated from Buffalo State and then taught elementary school. He returned to school to get his degree in speech pathology and then started working at Roswell Park Cancer Institute as their speech pathologist. He taught Laryngectomy patients how to speak without their vocal chords. After 30 years at Roswell, he retired, and shortly thereafter had a kidney transplant and today is a 25-year transplant survivor. His wife also had medical issues and unfortunately she passed away in 2012 after 56 years of marriage. During retirement, Sal started working in the field of stuttering and is very proud of the book that he wrote on the subject. In his earlier days, Sal was a pianist. He used to play in a band at supper clubs and occasionally on his own. Sal has a daughter, Sally, who is named after him. He has one grandson who he has always loved spending time with and 1 great-grandson who he can’t speak enough about. Sal’s favorite food is his daughter’s Sunday sauce, which is served every Sunday on Family Dinner Day. For the past 7 years, Sal has been sharing his life with his dear close friend Gertrude, who still calls him daily and visits regularly.

Heathwood EmphasisWhile this year will be different, we plan to continue

the tradition of honoring staff who have been employed at Heathwood five years or more. In May, we celebrated 10 years at Penfield and 42 years at Williamsville. Our Club membership includes all staff who have been employed 5 years or more, and we honor everyone at 5-year intervals. In 2020, we will be proud to induct 19 new members with a total of 60 staff in the Club.

Please continue to support our staff and thank them. Daily, they show us their unwavering commitment to their beloved residents and their dedicated work ethic. I am proud and honored to work with such a great team.

Michele updated us about Heathwood’s actions pertaining to the coronavirus. We are following guidelines set by the Health Department. Heathwood participates in weekly Town Meetings to remain current and in accordance with their recommendations. She asked those in attendance for their feeling about returning to two seatings in the dining room. Currently, all meals are being delivered to the rooms. A vote was taken and the entire assemblance felt we should wait.

June 2020

Resident Recognition

WelcomeJoan DeLong

Margaret Hess

Robert Stroman

Happy Birthday

7Rita Bartlett

15Serafina Meehan

20Shirley Cummings

24Jean Hilburger

25Florence Muscarella

25Dorothy Janicke

29William Gordon

Resident Council Review

Michele A. Ladouceur, Administrator

Salvatore Cardinale

Carla Suero, President

health corner staff spotlight

Living With Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic health problem that comprises many conditions. Two of the most common conditions are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. A combination of treatments is recommended. These include medications, weight management, use of heat or cold, and exercise. For arthritis, exercise helps lessen pain, increases range of motion, reduces fatigue and helps manage weight. Exercise may be painful, but slow, easy stretches on joints will lessen the stiffness and provide greater range of motion. It is important to stay with exercise and to not give up. Walking is popular to help with this condition. Keeping your muscles strong around your joints is a positive outcome to gain stability in your joints and help lessen falls. Take any prescribed medication. Remember, sometimes it takes weeks before the full benefit of medications becomes apparent. And the importance of exercise can help ease arthritis’ effects.

Wellness CornerIt has been a challenging few months and

we appreciate everyone’s cooperation. We have tried to put together a schedule of activities that meet the criteria of social distancing. Some have proven to be rather popular and we just might be repeating them. We can’t wait until we are able to invite our weekly live entertainers back. We remain in contact with most of the regulars, and they miss us as much as we miss them. Just a reminder that if you wish to vote in the upcoming elections and primaries, you need to register. Your absentee ballot will be sent to you at Heathwood. If you have any questions or need forms, see Wellness Manager Jim Coats.

John ~ Our Walker Slingshot Winner!

Your Wellness Staff

Healthy LivingStaff

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Birthdays2

Michelle Schultz5

Nancy Toney10

Zac ArquetteMorgan Scheible

16Stephanie Arquette

25Amira Quarles

26Sam Guzzino

Anniversaries34 years

Heather Hogg14 years

Tianna JonesKelly McDuffie

4 yearsStephanie Arquette

Josie KaczorPeanut Auction’s “Happy Meal” highest bidder, Marina!

Employee Profile

A recent addition to Heathwood’s Maintenance Staff is Alan Swift, who works as a maintenance assistant. Alan lives in Niagara Falls with his wife Dot and daughter Josie. He was born in Springville and raised in Ellicottville, where he graduated from high school. He was a volunteer firefighter and EMT for the Ellicottville Fire Department for 25 years. His fondest childhood memory involves camping and going on vacations with his family. When not at work, Alan likes to spend time with his wife and daughter. Woodworking projects are another thing that Alan likes doing in his free time. His fellow employees are what Alan enjoys most about working at Heathwood. He says,”They are friendly and easy to get along with, and the hours are great.”

Alan Swift