Hye Doun

A Publication of the Armenian Nursing And Rehabilitation Center, Inc., Emerson, NJ

Oct./Nov./Dec. 2008

ANRC Wishes you the Gift of Love, the Blessings of Hope and the Peace of His Love at Christmas and Always!

The Presidents Message

Board Of Trustees
ANDREW TORIGIAN President of the Home and Chairman of the Board of Trustees VATCHE BAGHDIKIAN Vice President DAVID ROWAN Treasurer BERGE TALANIAN Assistant Treasurer KHOREN NALBADIAN Recording Secretary ANNETTE TAMALIANALMOND Corresponding Secretary H. CRAIG FROONJIAN, DMD TED TAKVORIAN, Esq. JOHN VANISKHIAN Board Members MATTHEW RUSSO, LNHA Administrator JAN MRANI, M.D. Medical Director

Planning For The Future

Andrew Torigian

e, the members of the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (ANRC), are always concerned on how we can improve on the state of our residents at the ANRC. For the last 2 years, we have been planning the possibility of having a new facility for them. As a result, we have hired an architect, an engineering firm, and an attorney to work with us to bring our vision to a reality. We have consulted together and now have a plan that can be presented to you, our supporters.

After many meetings with the Emerson mayor, the zoning officer and the Planning Board of Emerson, we received preliminary approval to build a 154 bed nursing and rehabilitation center next to our current building. This will be a state-of-the-art nursing home, including using solar energy for the Home. The old building will be demolished. We are starting a fundraising drive that will give us an incentive to go forward. The projected cost of the new center is 12 million dollars. Our goal is to raise at least half the necessary amount and borrow the remainder. We have a positive cash flow at the ANRC and will be able to carry a mortgage comfortably. We need assistance from all of you. Perhaps some of you have experience in building, architecture, engineering or fundraising. If so, we would ask you to come forward and help us brainstorm on the best way to proceed with this wonderful project for our residents. This home is for all our Armenians in the community and it is essential we all do our best to make it a success. A wonderful way to give thanks to our elders is to support them with this beautiful new efficient, state-of-the-art nursing and rehabilitation center.q

Hye Doun Editorial Board

Andrew Torigian Chief Editor Louisa Janbazian Editor Matthew Russo Advisor Howard Torossian Photographs and Ads Layout & Design by Caspian Seal Caspianseal.com Printed by PRINTSOLUTIONS Englewood, NJ 201.567.9622

The Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center sits on three spacious acres nestled in wooded, suburban Emerson, Bergen County, NJ. Our Address is: Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 70 Main Street, Emerson NJ 07630 Phone: 201.261.6662 Fax: 201.261.5509 You are invited to call and make an appointment to discuss the individual needs of your loved one. Directions: By Bus: Port Authority: Bus #165 to Emerson By Car: Exit #165 on Garden State Parkway. Right turn onto Oradell Ave. Left turn onto Kinderkamack Rd. Turn right onto Main St. Follow contours of road. Home on left. From GWB: Take Route 4 to Kinderkamack Rd. Right turn onto Main St. Follow contours of road. Home on left.

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From the Administrators Desk

Politics, Politics, Politics!

Matthew L. Russo, LNHA Administrator

am writing this column on Election Day and the thought of electing a new president for our country has turned into a feeling of that of the Super Bowl! Everyone has a side, and everyone is rooting for a good fair game. With thoughts of our new President elect hours away, I thought it would be a good idea to provide you the readers, of where the candidates stand on long-term care issues. Prior to this election 78% of voters believed the candidates should have put long-term care near the top of their healthcare platforms, and 83% of those voters said that candidates positions on long-term care will affect their vote. But there has been little from both party this past year to make headlines. Neither party has a detailed plan and neither platform offers much. Broad declarations have been made but specifics have been hard to come by. At this point, the long-term care community has been clamoring for any sort of dialogue. The clock is ticking on Medicaid, long-term cares largest payment source. Health care reform and discussing a new payment system are also the top issues for long-term care providers. On the whole Republicans look at market-oriented solutions and Democrats look at government programs. This has been the hallmark of the Democratic and GOP solutions of the past. But we are in a new world and the old solutions arent holding up any longer. Whoever does become president, they will certainly have to assess private and government programs. Obamas Plans The Democratic party platform has spoken about closing the doughnut hole of the Medicare Part D prescription drug program. The hole represents

the gap in coverage between $2,250 and $5,100 in costs in which seniors must pay for their drugs solely on their own. Those seniors who live at home and are on newer more expensive medications can run up a $2,000 bill by mid-year. These folks are often out of luck by summertime and have to foot the bill the rest of the year until the $5,100 threshold is met. An overhaul to this program defect will help alleviate senior prescription drug costs. The Democrats also mention a need for longterm care finance reform and it marked the first time a Democratic platform has mentioned longterm care, according to the American Association of Homes and Service for the Aging (AAHSA). McCains message McCain has moved upon the need to move away from institutional care. He has expressed support for a program to allow seniors to receive a monthly stipend to spend as they see fit, whether it be hiring workers or purchasing care-related services and goods. His campaign primarily spoke of finding new ways to allow seniors to stay in their homes, yet his specifics were very vague. Among the agreements Both candidates have a desire to expand access to the uninsured. The question is how to pay for it. If finding funding means cutting Medicare, long-term care could pay the price for expanding healthcare coverage to the uninsured. For our business right now, the payer mix allows us to stay open. Whoever does become our next President he will be in office when the first baby boomer turns 65 in 2011. It is worth keeping in mind that the next presidents ideas are only one part of the equation. How Congress votes and how they get along next year and the years that lie ahead, will be equally if not more important. q
HYE DOUN | Oct./Nov./Dec. 2008 3

Christmas Memories

Emerson Girl Scouts at ANRC

Resident John Johnson

Received with Thanks the following donations for the ANRC

Ken Darian Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Boyajian in Memory of Rose Rowan Rose Najarian In Memory of Elizabeth Najarian Total
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$1 25.00

Health Care

Aging & Alcohol Abuse

Carol Somerville, LCSW ast year, the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration estimated that substance abuse by older adults will increase from approximately 1.7 million in 2001 to 4.4 million by 2020. This projection is the result of many contributing factors. One of those contributing factors is that one-third of older adults begin drinking after the age of 60 in an attempt to deal with problems that accompany aging. Another factor is the aging Baby Boomer population. A diagnosis of substance abuse is particularly complex In older adults due to numerous factors that contribute to limited treatment. Denial of substance abuse, compounded by a lack of awareness and new age-related discrimination, often leads to a function of getting older rather than looking for another underlying cause. Aging involves learning to cope with losses. For older adults with substance abuse issues, recovery

needs learning to grieve without substances to ease the pain. If you, or someone you care about, is having difficulty coping with the day-to-day stresses of aging and have turned to substances to assist you, there is help for you. Professionals are available to assist in navigating the path needed to return to a healthier coping process. At the Armenian Nursing & Rehabilitation Center please stop in to talk with me regarding your problem or that of a loved one. I am available to assist you at any time and all conversations will be confidential. q Correction in the Hye Doun July/Aug./Sept. 2008 Issue Page 10, in the obituary of Ed Bolsetzian, he is shown, not with his wife, but with his sister, Ann Zarookian. Page 11 in the group photo, Eds mother is 7th from the left, and his wife, Elizabeths mother is 2nd from the right.

Armenian Christmas
Sandy Cortelyou, ADC, Director of Activities

t is frequently asked why Armenians do not celebrate Christmas on December 25th with the rest of the Christian World. The division of celebrating this day came in the fourth century. Prior to the fourth century all Christians celebrated Christmas on January 6th. It was when the Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity that he wanted to rid the Roman Empire of pagan feasts. According to Catholic sources the date was changed to December 25th to override a pagan feast. In order to subdue this pagan practice the official date of Christmas became December 25th and January 6th became known at the Epiphany. The Armenian Church not being a satellite of the Roman Church was not affected by the change. On January 5th at sunset all Armenians attend church service. This is followed at home by a seafood dinner. Each family member puts their shoes outside the door hoping for gifts. These gifts are left by the Wise Men in remembrance of the Nativity. Of course this day means more food. Lamb is typically the food of choice in Armenia and the Middle East while in America more often Turkey. q
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Health Care

Osteoporosis
Babita Tiwari, Occupational Therapist steoporosis is a disease in which the bones become thin and porous. As a result of this fractures can occur. Osteoporosis means porous bone. It is a disease of progressive bone loss associated with an increased risk of fractures. Fractures are more common in women than in men. There are three major sites for fracture: the hip, the spine, and the wrist. One of the most common fractures is a hip fracture. A hip fracture is usually a fracture of the thigh bone or femur. It requires immediate medical attention and patients are usually in the hospital for one to three weeks. The bones of the spine (vertebrae) are often the first to show signs of osteoporosis. The vertebrae may become thin and weak and ultimately fracture. The pain associated with spinal fracture has two phases. The acute phase is extreme and lasts about six weeks. The osteoporosis victim with vertebral compression fractures has to contend with deformity, disability, and stress from the disease. If you find you are somewhat at risk to develop the disease, consider visiting your doctor. Certain weight bearing exercises helps to increase bone mass. For example, the more you stand, walk and keep active, the better it is for your bones. The bones form in relationship to the stress put upon them. For example, when you lie down, your bones are not weight bearing (or stressed) so they will not be getting stronger. Standing is better than lying down and walking is better than standing. Low intensity exercises such as slow walking, slow stretching, or gentle arm and leg swings are recommended also.

your endurance. 4. If an increase in activity starts to hurt, return to an easier level and stay there two or three weeks; then try the more difficult level again. 5. If pain begins with your program and persists for an hour after you have stopped the activity, contact your doctor or therapist. 6. Pre-plan your standing or walking activities. For example, do not walk further than you can safely return. Most important! Enjoy being more active and feeling stronger in your muscles and bones!q

UPCOMINGEVENTS
December 4th Happy Birthday Bingo! Special prizes December 12th Residents Christmas Party Perhaps a special visitor from the North Pole? December 25th Christmas Day December 31st New Years Eve Party Live Entertainment and fabulous food! January 1st New Years Day New Years Day celebration @ 2:30 p.m. January 6th Armenian Christmas Celebration Prayer, food, and joy! January 14th National Pizza Week Pizza Party for residents

Be Cautious About Your Activities 1. Dont stand or walk for such long periods that you begin to hurt or feel pain in your joints. 2. Its better to stand, walk or sit for short frequent periods. 3. Start your standing or walking program or gentle stretching exercises for short periods and build up
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Activities

In late summer, residents from the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center went to Van Saun Park in Paramus, New Jersey, for Bergen Countys Senior Picnic sponsored by the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Many events, food and fun were witnessed and attended by residents John Johnson, Lenore Nafash, Sona Doudoukjian, Rose Ghelibolian, Alice Aginian, Miriam Khatchadourian, Rose Elizarian, and Mary Doughty. A special thank you from the home is given to Alice and Steve Hortian for their volunteer work during this event!

The home was visited by students in September from the St. Nerses Seminary to visit with the residents. We are extremely fortunate for the gracious works by Father Stepanos Doudoukjian and his students. Thank you for the happiness you bring to our home!

HYE DOUN | Oct./Nov./Dec. 2008 9

Friends Of The Armenian Home - FAH

FAH Neiman Marcus Fashion Show & Luncheon

Armine Norian & Linda Amerkanian he 10th Fashion Show and Luncheon to benefit the Armenian Home and Rehabilitation Center, (ANRC), Emerson, NJ was held at Neiman Marcus, Paramus, NJ on September 17, 2008. This event has become much anticipated and well supported by the Armenian community. The proceeds from the event will, once again, benefit our Hye Doun. The generosity of individuals that attended as well as those that made generous contributions is greatly appreciated. The support of the surrounding community has made a substantial impact on what the FAH (Friends of the Armenian Home) Organization has been able to provide to the Home and its residents. The Fashion Show was again an eclectic mixture of designers that provided a spectrum of colors for

the fall season. The drawings were held for both the Fashion Show raffle which this year was an assortment of gift certificates to various stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, as well as the Super Raffle which had four significant prizes. The following individuals won in those categories. The first prize was a Carzou Litho won by Mr. Andrew Torigian, the second prize a Tufenkian Armenian Hand Knotted Caucasian Rug, won by Mrs. Lucie Dabagian, third prize, a Blue Topaz and Diamond ring, won by Mrs. Helen Mesropian and the fourth prize, a Sharp HDTV, won by Mrs. Elbiz Baghdikian. The support and dedication from the FAH Organization and the extended community will soon see the realization of a new Armenian Home. q

L to R: Anita Temiz, Elbiz Baghdikian, MaryAnne Bonjuklian, Talene Tchorbajian, Aline Kassabian, Lucie Bandazian, Alice Philibosian, Marilyn Bedigian, Ann Takvorian, Eliz Tossounian and Zivart Balikjian. (Seated) L to R: Bertha Vaniskhian, Armine Pechdimaldji, Karen Nargizian and Linda Amerkanian. (Missing from Picture) Lily Anne Babigian, Grace Bedrosian, Seta Boudoughian, Nancy Burdman, Diane Droste, Ida Gueyikian, Sandra Hekemian, Ica Kouyoumdjian, Verkine Marashian and Armine Norian.
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he Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is in the formative stages of fundraising to receive monetary donations that will be used for our new building project. While weve accomplished a great deal, there is much left to be done! If you would like to contribute to the ANRCs expansion project please mail your donation through the envelope provided in this newsletter.
Please make your donation payable to: The Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
*Note New Building Project in memo section of your check.

The ANRC is at a financial crossroads this year and we critically need your generous giving to sustain the important work weve begun. All contributions are tax deductible!

All contributions received in excess of $5,000 will be prominently displayed in an area designated for benefactors in the new building. To have your name etched into the history of our home we are offering the following areas of the new building for dedication:

Front Lobby: $500,000 Dining Hall: $250,000 Rehabilitation Gym: $250,000

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The Future Home of the ANRC

Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Inc.

70 Main Street Emerson, NJ 07630

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Emerson, NJ Permit # 4