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Gurwin Healthcare System

ELVIS IS IN THE BUILDING: Gurwin seniors celebrate Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday

by Press Release - January 15, 2025

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Seniors from the Gurwin Jewish-Fay J. Lindner Residences assisted living community in Commack celebrated what would have been the 90th birthday of Elvis Presley with a “Viva Las Vegas” themed celebration and concert on January 8, featuring acclaimed Long Island-based Elvis impersonator Lamar Peters in the headlining role.

“This is a great day that our residents will be talking about for weeks,” said Joel Gali, Vice President and Administrator for Gurwin’s assisted living community. “Seeing them up and dancing with smiles on their faces is priceless.”

To complete the “Viva Las Vegas” theme, Gurwin residents played casino-style games at green felt-topped gaming tables, staffed by Gurwin team members dressed as dealers. They also dined on Elvis-inspired snacks, including peanut butter and banana sandwiches and ice cream floats, and sipped on sparkly “pink Cadillacs,” the event’s signature drink. Gurwin also offered special photo station for pictures with Elvis plus his classes sunglasses and scarves to complete the experience.

Residents remembered the days of Elvis at the peak of his popularity.

“I liked his music a lot,” said Hedda Pessin, a Gurwin assisted living resident. “When my husband and I used to drive in the car we would hear him on the radio. Usually I didn’t like rock and roll, but I liked Elvis.”

“He was very young, very sexy, and very alive,” said Gurwin resident Judy Gottesman.

“I remember him on the Ed Sullivan Show,” gushed Millie Frankel, another Gurwin resident who attended the concert. “And it was the first time I saw someone on television who wiggled and did his thing.”

Island Nursing and Rehab Center celebrates ‘Dress Like an Elf Day’ and gift-giving event

by Press Release - December 26, 2024

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unnamed-2 — Photo courtesy of Island Nursing & Rehab Center

Staff Delivers Personalized Holiday Gifts to Residents they care for all year long

Staff at Island Nursing and Rehab Center in Holtsville, a member of the Gurwin Healthcare System, hosted a Christmas Eve “Dress Like an Elf” Party here today, bringing holiday cheer to residents of the 120-bed facility who may be away from their families for Christmas.

Staff members donned pointy ears and holiday themed hats and sweaters to hand out gifts they personally selected for residents based on their personality and needs as part of the center’s annual “Giving Tree” tradition. A member of the center’s engineering staff dressed as Santa pushed a cart decorated like Santa’s Sleigh while another employee played piano tunes to set the festive mood.

“The residents are second family and we’re here with them even more than we’re home with our own families,” said Alexis Browning, Director of Therapeutic Recreation, Island Rehabilitation. “We want to make them feel like they’re home for the holidays too.”

The residents that weren’t able to gather for the event had their presents delivered to them in their rooms.

“It makes me very happy,” said Bill McCarthy, 77, a resident at Island Rehabilitation. “I’m usually alone around the holidays. So this is my family. I feel good with them. They’re always there for me.”

Gurwin‘s Immersion Room honored at McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards competition

by Press Release - December 12, 2024

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Gurwin Immersion Room — Photo courtesy of Gurwin Healthcare System

Gurwin Healthcare System in Commack recently announced that its Immersion Room for Memory Care has won Gold in the Resident Engagement & Recreation category, and “Best in Show” in the 14th Annual McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards competition.

The annual industry competition recognizes healthcare organizations that demonstrate excellence in the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies that positively impact the aging services sector.

Located in the heart of Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center’s Memory Care Unit (MCU), the Immersion Room is the first of its kind in long-term care on Long Island, designed specifically for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, and was created in collaboration with Besser Rooms of Amityville. Gurwin’s Immersion Room incorporates state-of-the-art projector technology and custom-made immersive experiences with stimulating sights, sounds and scents to engage the senses, mitigate symptoms and stir memories from bygone days. The innovative technology helps connect residents with parts of themselves that – in some cases – have been lost for years.

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition for the Gurwin Immersion Room, which is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our residents living in our Memory Care Unit,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. “The rapid growth of an aging population, together with the rising number of people affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and other cognitive issues has brought an urgent need for effective support therapies to ease symptoms of these diseases. We continually seek out advanced technologies and innovations that will help our residents feel more comforted and connected as they navigate their care journey.”

Made possible through a grant from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Gurwin’s Immersion Room is at its core an augmented virtual reality reminiscence therapy program, sans cumbersome VR googles, offering an engaging multisensory experience. The patented wall system is integrated with custom software designed to create therapeutic user experiences in a safe and stimulating environment. The total experience includes a seamless projection of 4K video onto each wall, surround sound, an aromatherapy feature and custom-made props, enabling residents to become fully immersed in the experience selected. From calming scenes customized to match resident interests such as a snowy forest or quiet chair yoga, or a more lively experience with a hands-on virtual drive through Gurwin park, or a YouTube roller coaster experience, the Gurwin Immersion Room offers a high-tech, holistic means to ease dementia symptoms, preserve cognitive function and enhance quality of life.

Piloting the program at Gurwin is Kathleen Biggs, CTRS, a Certified Dementia Specialist and Gurwin’s Assistant Director of Therapeutic Recreation, who says that the Immersion Room has enhanced programming for residents on the 60-bed Memory Care Unit. “The Immersion Room delivers individualized, patient-centric experiences that resonate with our residents and offer opportunities that may never have been possible again. Since its inception, we’ve noted sustained engagement in the experience provided, positive reminiscing and reduction in negative behaviors for those participating in the experiences. The Immersion Room is a holistic, non-pharmacological intervention that is helping to create meaningful connections and experiences for Gurwin’s memory care residents and their families to share.”

Click here to see a video on the Immersion Room: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5nklDERdQ0

About Gurwin Healthcare System

Gurwin Healthcare System is a renowned healthcare provider offering a full continuum of healthcare and senior living services for more than 35 years. Set on a 36-acre campus in Commack, NY, the System includes Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, providing short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing care, memory care, respiratory and ventilator care, palliative and hospice care, social and medical adult day programs and on-site dialysis. Located within the Center is Gurwin Home Care agencies which provide in-home skilled care as well as home health aides. Sharing the campus is Gurwin’s Assisted Living community, Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences, and Fountaingate Gardens, a luxury apartment independent living community. Completing the Gurwin family of healthcare services is Island Nursing and Rehab Center, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility located in Holtsville, New York. For more information, visit www.gurwin.org. Follow Gurwin on Facebook (@GurwinNursingRehab) (@GurwinAssistedLiving) and on X (@GurwinJewish).

About the McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards

Recognizing healthcare organizations that have effectively utilized technology to enhance care and operations within their facilities, the McKnight’s Tech Awards honors organizations that are revolutionizing the industry within three divisions: Senior Living, Skilled Nursing, and Home Care. Each division for this competition was divided into four categories: Quality, Innovator of the Year, Keep It Super Simple, and Building Bridges. Submissions were judged by a distinguished, independent panel of 21 long-term care stakeholders.

United Hospital Fund honors Jaime Gonzalez of Island Nursing and Rehab Center with Quality Champion Award

by Press Release - October 2, 2024

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Annual Tribute Recognizes Efforts to Improve Quality, Safety and Equity of Patient Care

Gurwin Healthcare System recently announced that Jaime Gonzalez, RN, of Brentwood, has been honored as a Quality Improvement Champion by United Hospital Fund as part of its annual Tribute to Excellence in Healthcare. Mr. Gonzalez is a Nurse Manager at Island Nursing and Rehab Center, a 120-bed skilled nursing community located in Holtsville, part of the Gurwin Healthcare System family of services.

Mr. Gonzalez and his team care for clinically complex patients with multiple comorbidities, including those requiring specialized care offered by Island Nursing and Rehab Center, such as Total Parental Nutrition (TPN), Lasix IVPB and Solumedrol IVPB. This specialty niche facilitates timely hospital patient discharges to Island Nursing, one of the few skilled nursing facilities on Long Island uniquely qualified to provide such treatment services. Mr. Gonzalez was recognized for his leadership skills in cultivating a supportive and caring environment, for identifying opportunities for improvement, and for bringing forth and carrying out new concept initiatives as part of Island Nursing’s nursing administration team.

“We are very pleased that UHF has recognized Jaime’s contributions to advancing the quality of care and caring at Island Nursing and Rehab Center,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. “Jaime’s hands-on leadership style and the respect and compassion he has for his patients, their families and his fellow staff is the driving force behind increased resident satisfaction and the provision of high-quality care at Island. We congratulate Jamie on this prestigious award.”

Gurwin Assisted Living commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day

by Press Release - February 1, 2024

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Holocaust survivors and residents living at Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences assisted living community in Commack paid homage to the victims of the Holocaust with a candle lighting vigil on Friday, January 26 in advance of Saturday’s commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

“Today’s ceremony honors the 79th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau,” said Dina McDougald, Assistant Administrator at Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences. “Over the years we have been honored to care for many Holocaust survivors and are privileged to currently have 13 such residents in our care. As time passes, the numbers of those who can recount their experiences are dwindling. Each year we share their stories as a reminder of the effects of indifference to hatred, in the hope that these atrocities never happen again.”

Among the survivors living at Gurwin is Polish-born Cilia Borenstein. At 97 years old, Cilia vividly recalls her encampment at Auschwitz and the brutality of the Nazis. The only member of her family to survive, Cilia holds their memories in her heart, telling their story so that the world will never forget.

Despite the horrors perpetrated against her, Cilia chooses to see the beauty in life and people and is thankful for the gifts she was given. Her faith buoyed her spirits throughout her days at Auschwitz, “God came to me in the worst times and helped me to survive,” she said.

The memorial ceremony was led by Gurwin Assisted Living’s staff and chaplain Rabbi Israel Rimler, who called upon residents to each light a candle in remembrance of the friends and family who died at the hands of the Nazis.

Gurwin Healthcare System in Commack welcomes first resident to new assisted living studio apartments

by Press Release - October 17, 2023

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Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences assisted living community in Commack welcomed its first resident of their newly built studio apartments with a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 22.

The 18 new studio apartment homes offer a stylish, modern feel, and range in size from 241 to 278 sq. ft. Each studio includes living/sleeping areas, a kitchenette with stainless steel appliances, spacious closets, and fully ADA-equipped bathrooms. Large windows welcome natural sunlight and several of the apartments feature courtyard views.

“The new studio apartments at Gurwin Assisted Living were a perfect option,” said Marianne DeSilva, formerly of Mount Sinai, Long Island. “A smaller apartment is fine for me, especially because I am still part of the larger community.”

The construction of the new studios marks a new choice option for the 210-luxury apartment community, located on the GurwinHealthcare System’s lush 36-acre Commack campus, and comes in response to market interest for more streamlined residences at a lower price point. Pricing begins at $4,950 per month and includes three chef-prepared meals daily, housekeeping, personal laundry and maintenance services, medical appointment transportation and emergency response connectivity. Residents enjoy a bustling calendar of enriching social activities, special events and local excursions.

“We are so excited to welcome Marianne as the first resident of our new studio apartments,” said Stuart B. Almer, Chief Executive Officer of r. “Our beautiful new studios meet the needs of Long Island seniors who desire a comfortable, smaller footprint residence within a caring, active and vibrant community.”

Gurwin’s Assisted Living community includes a formal dining room, a well-stocked library, tastefully appointed gathering areas, activity rooms, a synagogue, beauty/barber salon and rooms to host guests and family. Residents also have priority access to all levels of Gurwin’s care, including Gurwin’s rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility and on-site dialysis, home care programs and adult day care. In addition, residents enjoy the community’s manicured gardens, beautifully landscaped walking paths, and myriad outdoor activities including a shuffleboard court, putting green and LifeTrail exercise stations.

For information about Gurwin’s assisted living community, contact Beth at 631-715-8500.

FLOWER POWER: Gurwin Healthcare System hosts campus-wide Woodstock celebration

by Press Release - August 30, 2023

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Residents and staff of Gurwin Healthcare System in Commack commemorated the 54th anniversary of Woodstock with a campus-wide celebration filled with peace, love and music at the System’s nursing and rehabilitation center, adult day care program, and assisted living and independent living communities on August 17.

“Woodstock was more than just a musical festival, it was also a cultural movement,” said Kathleen Biggs, Assistant Director of Therapeutic Recreation at Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. “It was so wonderful to bring our residents back to that time and for them to share memories of the 60s and the significance of the festival.”

Created by Gurwin staff, the Woodstock celebrations transported residents back to the summer of 1969, dripping in bright 60s hues and tie-dye prints. Staff members throughout the System dressed their Woodstock best, donning tie-dye, fringe, headbands and peace signs.

At Gurwin Center, residents enjoyed Woodstock makeovers, complete with flower power crowns, peace sign medallions and teashade glasses. Throughout the celebration, Johanna Cutuolo, ATR-BC, CTRS , Gurwin’s multi-talented Recreation Therapist and music minstrel, strummed the guitar, singing folks songs and ballads performed at the iconic festival. Other Woodstock activities included a peace sign kaleidoscope craft, and a vintage Volkswagen “hippie van” photo booth for social media posting for friends and family. The celebration extended to Gurwin’s Adult Day Care Programs where an outdoor festival was held in the courtyard for day program participants, and included a live concert performance, henna tattoos, tie-dye activities and a hippie-style beaded jewelry craft.

In Gurwin’s senior living communities, staff at Gurwin’s Fay J. Lindner Residences helped residents get into the Woodstock spirit with a themed Glow Party, complete with a laser light show to groovy 60s music in the community’s movie theater. And at Fountaingate Gardens independent living community, members decked out in vintage denim and tie-dye enjoyed a Woodstock-themed happy hour filled with music, tasty treats and lively banter about the legendary festival.

“Growing up in California, I remember my friends and I desperately wanting to attend Woodstock,” said Fountaingate Gardens member Carol Sanderson. “Although I wasn’t able to make it to New York, I do have fond memories of our West Coast version of Woodstock at Stanford University in 1967. I remember seeing Janis Joplin and Jefferson Airplane. Woodstock was an opportunity for everyone to escape into music and to spread the message of unity and peace.”

All photos courtesy of Gurwin

Gurwin Healthcare System in Commack announces grand opening of assisted living studio apartments

by Press Release - May 31, 2023

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Gurwin Healthcare System has announced the availability of 18 newly built studio apartments in its Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences assisted living community. The construction of the new studios marks a new choice option for the 210-luxury apartment community, located on Gurwin’s lush 36-acre Commack campus, and comes in response to market interest for more streamlined residences at a lower price point.

Ranging in size from 241 to 278 sq. ft., the upscale studios feature dual living/sleeping areas, a kitchenette with stainless steel appliances, spacious closets and fully ADA-equipped bathrooms. Large windows welcome natural sunlight and several studios feature courtyard views. Pricing begins at $4950 per month and includes all utilities, as well as housekeeping and maintenance services. Other available services include personal laundry, including linens and towels, and appointment transportation. Included in the monthly fee is full access to the community’s amenities, including chef-prepared meals, scheduled social activities and local outings.

“The addition of studio apartments is an evolution of the Gurwin vision. We are pleased to have an expanded choice of senior living options to offer prospective residents,” said Stuart B. Almer, CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. “With many already spoken for, our beautiful new studios meet the needs of Long Island seniors who desire a comfortable, smaller footprint residence within a caring, active and vibrant community.”

Gurwin’s Assisted Living community includes a formal dining room, a well-stocked library, tastefully appointed gathering areas, recreation and activity rooms, a synagogue, beauty/barber salon and rooms to host guests and family. Residents also have priority access to all levels of Gurwin’s care, including Gurwin’s rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility and on-site dialysis, home care programs and adult day care. In addition, residents enjoy the community’s manicured gardens, beautifully landscaped walking paths, and myriad outdoor activities including a shuffleboard court, putting green and LifeTrail exercise stations

About Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences

Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences assisted living community, located in Commack, Long Island, is part of the Gurwin Healthcare System, a renowned provider of a full continuum of healthcare and senior living services. In addition to its assisted living community, the System provides skilled nursing care, rehabilitation therapy, advanced care, ventilator and respiratory care, on-site dialysis, memory care, and palliative and hospice care, as well as adult day care programs and home care services. Skilled nursing and rehabilitation services are also available through Gurwin’s affiliate, Island Nursing and Rehab Center, located in Holtsville, Long Island. The campus is also home to Fountaingate Gardens, a newly opened 129-apartment independent living Life Plan Community for seniors age 62 and older. For more information, visit www.gurwin.org or call 631-715-8500. Follow Gurwin on Facebook (bit.ly/GurwinAssistedLiving) and on Twitter (@GurwinJewish).

Gurwin’s Matthew Hetterich honored by Moxxie Foundation

by Press Release - August 15, 2021

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Matthew Hetterich and Nancy Geiger — Matthew Hetterich with Nancy Geiger, Director of Gurwin Home Care Agency, after receiving his award. Photo from Gurwin Jewish

Matthew Hetterich, administrator of Gurwin Healthcare System’s Certified Home Health Agency in Commack, has been honored with a 2021 Moxy Man Award. The award is presented by the Moxxie Mentoring Foundation and honors men and organizations that have contributed to the advancement of women in the workplace.

The Sound Beach resident was nominated by four women who have worked closely with him throughout his career. They highlighted his intelligence, kindness, fierce independence and his ability to constantly unify those he worked with.

“Matt has always reminded us to continue to fight the good fight and that sitting back was never an option. He always inspired,” said Taryn Birkmire, executive director of Recco Home Care. Eileen Gerard, an agency consultant at Addus Homecare, said, “Matthew was surrounded by powerful, convicted women, and he never feared us. He embraced us as we all learned from each other, and together we soared.”

Hetterich was celebrated at a luncheon in June. Upon receiving the award, he shared high praise for his female colleagues.

“Healthcare, especially home care, is primarily dominated by women in both clinical and administrative roles. I’m fortunate to have spent my career surrounded by strong, intelligent women who have shared invaluable professional and life experience that has helped me to not only become a better leader, but a better person as well.”