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March 2020 Newsletter from The Allure Group

Thank you message to The Allure Group staff

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We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the brave and hard-working members of our staff who are toiling tirelessly to keep all our nursing homes running smoothly amid this global pandemic.

Not all heroes wear capes. Some show up every day to care for the most vulnerable in our society. We are grateful to each and every one of you for your dedication and are proud to have you as a part of The Allure Group family.

Click here to read the Thank You note by our President & COO, Melissa Powell.

A Message for the Friends and Family of Residents

We wanted to send along a message of solidarity and also provide some facility-specific information during this trying time. While the recently mandated visitor policy has been difficult for all, you have other means of staying connected with your loved ones, particularly through our bedside tablets known as Pads in Motion.

These tablets, which have been in use for over a year, are designed to keep residents in touch with family and others who cannot visit as much as they might like. Now, with the unique challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak, PadInMotion has become an essential lifeline to help keep residents connected to the outside world. While we are doing all we can to keep safe and busy in the facilities, we would encourage you all to reach out to your loved ones. Our staff would be thrilled to set up a quick chat, virtual card game or maybe even a happy hour.

Here is a link to a YouTube tutorial about PadInMotion. Instructions can also be found at our website, Allurecare.com.

Please stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter for latest updates.

How to Stay Safe During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Here are best practices for staying safe and stopping the spread of the coronavirus:

  • Shelter in place: In other words, stay home! This is particularly important for those suffering from lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer or a weakened immune system. By staying home, you avoid those who might already be infected with the disease.
  • Wash your hands: Sounds simple, but do it often, with soap and water.
  • Don’t touch your face: Hard to do; tends to be one of those things people do without thinking. But it’s a must.
  • Cover your nose when you cough or sneeze: Do so with a tissue. Or into your elbow. But not your hand.
  • Mind your health: Pay attention, particularly for signs of cold or flu. An elevated temperature or shortness of breath are specific signs that the coronavirus might be taking hold.

From Our Blog THIS MONTH

February 2020 Newsletter from The Allure Group

Heart Awareness Month Observed

February is Heart Awareness Month, as first designated by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. The goal is to raise awareness of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S., taking an average of 647,000 lives each year.  

The Allure Group prioritizes heart health by incorporating the latest monitoring tech for cardiac patients, TelemetRYK. Our hearts are healthier together.

Rivka Mintz, Icilma Fergus Honored

Rivka Mintz, RN, assistant vice president at the Maimonides Medical Center’s Heart and Vascular Institute, and Icilma Fergus, director of cardiovascular disparities at Jvalld Medical Center, were Allure’s Heart Awareness Month honorees. 

Rivka is part of Maimonides’ Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) team, a heart pump implanted in patients suffering from end-stage heart failure. In addition, Rivka is part of a team, led by Dr. Gary Stephens, that travels to the South American nation of Guyana six times a year to provide open-heart surgery for those in need.

In 2011, Icilma — then the chief of cardiology at Harlem Hospital — founded the Healthy Hearts series, which includes Harlem Healthy Hearts, a series of monthly workshops and demonstrations designed to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease. That affliction is, sadly, more prevalent in Harlem than any other part of New York City.

Please join us in congratulating Rivka and Icilma for their tireless dedication and incredible work ethic, characteristics we all look for in the cardiac community. You can read all about them at the links.

Celebrating Wear Red Day

The staff at all six of Allure’s facilities really embraced the spirit of Wear Red Day (Feb. 7), one of the signature days of Heart Awareness Month (a.k.a. American Heart Month), by sporting these gorgeous looks! Thanks to everyone who went the extra mile to raise awareness for a very special cause. This month of all months, we encourage you and your loved ones to take care of your heart health with regular check-ups. Spread the word!

In honor of Tu’Bshvat: The Blessings of Fruit

In honor of Tu’Bshvat, Allure hosted a session to discuss the Blessings of Fruit and how food can help with many of the health issues seniors face every day, on Feb. 10 at The Waterfront. 

According to the website Choosemyplate.gov, fruit is a source of such nutrients as potassium, dietary fiber, Vitamin C and folic acid, which are essential to maintaining healthy blood pressure and bowel function, as well as the growth and repair of body tissue and the formation of red blood cells.

Black History Month Observed

February is also Black History Month, which according to History.com was created as “Negro History Week” in 1926 by African-American historian and scholar Carter G. Woodson. Fifty years later it was expanded to a month-long observance in February, the month in which Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln were born.

This month of all months, it is imperative that we remember the words of Martin Luther King Jr.:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Happy Valentine’s Day!

In observance of Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14, our residents spent the afternoon creating some heart-shaped artwork for their loved ones.

Taking part in art classes like these has been found to have various benefits for seniors, not the least of which are that it affords them the opportunity to make connections, which seems especially appropriate on a holiday such as this. It is also an opportunity for self-expression, gives them a renewed sense of purpose, improves motor skills and stimulates the mind.

There was, in fact, joy and love throughout the Allure network on the holiday:

  • Harlem Center: AKA Sorority joined us for a Pre-Valentine’s Day social! The girls played games, brought some lovely gift bags and enjoyed refreshments with the residents. And on the holiday itself, children from Global Community charter school visited to spread some love to our residents! So great to see the youth come and volunteer their time and hearts on a love-filled day!
  • Hamilton Park Center: The holiday was celebrated with fluffy delicious cupcakes and live entertainment. Everyone left with fullness and love in their hearts!
  • Linden Center: Residents enjoyed a delicious meal, live entertainment, and dancing. All hearts were filled to the fullest!
  • King David Center: All the love of the holiday was captured in a group photo! All the decorations and festivities really lifted up the spirits of residents and staff!

King David Center Holds Presidents Day Celebration

Presidents Day was a big hit at the King David Center! The decorations and accessories really brought out everyone’s high energy and excitement!

Bedford Got Talent? Yup!

The Bedford Center was the scene for a talent show — dubbed “Bedford Got Talent” — and it was a huge success! Dancing, singing and musical instruments filled the room with smiles from ear to ear!

Crown Heights Celebrates Kobe Bryant Day

Everyone at the Crown Heights Center wore Kobe Bryant jerseys or T-shirts, as well as Los Angeles Lakers-themed clothing, in honor of the retired Lakers star and his daughter Gigi — nicknamed the Mamba and the Mambacita, respectively — who lost their lives in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles on Jan. 26.

From Our Blog: Why Dietary Moderation is Particularly Important for Seniors

Twenty-five percent of seniors suffer from poor nutrition, meaning they are either overweight or underweight, which can lead to far greater health problems. For that reason, it is critical to eat a proper diet. Read the entire post here.

 

January 2020 Newsletter from The Allure Group

WATERFRONT ADULT DAY HEALTHCARE GRAND OPENING 

We are very excited to launch The Waterfront, an adult day healthcare program, tailored towards seniors who can benefit from participating in a variety of group activities, as well as those seeking individualized medical care.

The grand opening of The Waterfront at our King David Center was an unforgettable evening. From the food, to the entertainment, to the kind words said throughout the night, we couldn’t have asked for a better start to this exciting new chapter with The Waterfront. A special thank you to our guest performer, singer Shulem Lemmer.

To everyone who made this event happen and to everyone who joined us for the ribbon cutting ceremony and celebrations, we thank you. This evening was a huge success because of you!

The Allure Group Centers Receive Quality Initiative Recognition Awards from the AHCA/NCAL

We would like to congratulate our Bedford Center, Linden Center, Harlem Center, Crown Heights Center, Hamilton Park Center and King David Center for receiving Quality Initiative Recognition Awards from the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL)!

This program honors members that have achieved outstanding performance in customer satisfaction, hospitalization, antipsychotics and functional outcomes. Thanks to our team members for all of their hard work. We could not be more humbled and excited! 

Bedford Center Raising Money for “Victims of Philippines Taal Volcano Relief fund”

Some 6,000 families were displaced when the Taal volcano erupted on Jan. 12 in the Philippines, and subsequent ash ejections — as well as the threat of another large-scale eruption — have precluded the return of those people to the four villages that were affected.

Maria, our wonderful DNS at the Bedford Center, is intimately involved with a GoFundMe Fundraiser called  “Victims of Philippines Taal Volcano Relief fund,” which was established by a group of medical professionals to provide supplies for those who were displaced. We hope many more of us from the Allure family give to this cause, which can be accessed here. Every small contribution helps! 

Congratulations to Harlem Center Medical Director, Raji Ayinla, MD, CMD 

The Allure Group congratulates our very own Harlem Center Medical Director, Raji Ayinla, MD, CMD for getting certified as a Certified Medical Director (CMD) in Post-Acute and Long-Term Care through the American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (ABPLM)! 

We are proud of his achievement on being among more than 5,500 physicians nationwide who have received the CMD designation since the program’s inception in 1991. This program recognizes the dual nature of skills needed to contribute to a nursing home’s quality of care and empowers medical directors with a unique blend of medical and management competence. We and our residents are grateful to count you as a member of the Allure family.

Lunar new year celebrations at our crown heights and bedford centers

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Our residents and staff had a wonderful time celebrating Lunar New Year at our King David, Bedford and Crown Heights Centers. Here’s wishing everyone a joyous and prosperous Year of the Rat! All residents and families left with big smiles from great dining and watching fun-filled entertainment. The dragon dancing got our residents on their feet and made everyone really enjoy the music! Thanks so much to everyone who helped to put on these fun events.

Bedford Center Holds Painting Class

Miriam from Pick-A-Color hosted a painting class with our residents at Bedford Center. Everyone had their own unique take on Frosty the snowman!  Activities like this have been found to have multiple benefits for seniors, like aiding in relaxation and socialization and improving cognition and self-esteem.

Linden Center Stages New Year’s Eve Fashion Show

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Strike a pose! Linden Center residents enjoyed a fun fashion show on New Year’s Eve, before ringing in 2020. We love to see our residents participating in fun events like these that give them the chance to enjoy themselves and show off their unique personalities. 

Hamilton Park Hosts Salvation Army

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Thank you to The Salvation Army for visiting our residents at the Hamilton Park Center! We enjoyed a day filled with musical and dance performances. It was a wonderful day! 

The band that entertained the residents is one of 2,500 sponsored around the globe by The Salvation Army, an organization founded in London in 1865. According to Caringmagazine.org, the first band was founded in 1882, when a man named Charles Frye and his sons offered to serve as bodyguards for Salvation Army street preachers. To pass the time the Fryes played brass instruments, and before long became the first leaders of the Army’s musical arm.

Linden Center NYPD Hosts Zero Tolerance Program

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Thanks to the team of NYPD officers who visited Linden Center to educate our residents about the Zero Tolerance Program, which dates back to the 1990s. This program was enacted in an attempt to reduce youth violence, drug dealing, domestic violence and auto-related crime.

It was our honor to host a group that does so much for the community. We learned so much and had a great time doing it!

From Our Blog: How to Help Seniors Get the Most Out of Day Trips

Taking seniors on a day trip is not just a walk in the park — though goodness knows, that’s far from a bad thing. There is much more to it than that. Much more in the way of challenges, and much more in the way of benefits.

Click here to read our full blog post.

The Allure Group 2019 December Newsletter

Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year!

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season with your friends and families! We are excited for the New Year ahead and look forward to exciting new things happening at The Allure Group in 2020.

Crown Heights Center Held A holiday Unit Decorating Contest and an Ugly Sweater Contest

Jingle Bells all around! Crown Heights hosted their Ugly Sweater Day Contest to get into the holiday spirit for our staff and residents. Congrats to our fashionable best of the worst winners Nesta, Rose and our stylish resident Mr. Cerron! Many thanks to everyone who got their ugly on for this fun event. Crown Heights also celebrated with a fun unit decorating contest. Congrats to the winning unit – 4E! 

Linden Center Hosted A holiday Party and Puppet Show for Residents

Linden Center got into the holiday spirit with a festive puppet show for residents as a fun way to celebrate. A delicious meal and fun performance was enjoyed by all.

The Allure Group’s American Cancer Society Fundraiser

Department heads from across Allure gathered at Hamilton Park to present Ms. Latrice Jackson of the American Cancer Society with this year’s fundraiser proceeds. As an organization, Allure raised over $6,600.00 in support of the fight against Breast Cancer. The top fundraiser, Linden Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, received a plaque commemorating their accomplishment. Thanks to everyone for all of their hard work! 

Angels of Transformation Dance Group Event at Crown Heights Center

A big shout out to the Angels of Transformation Dance Group for a delightful performance for our residents. It was a fun celebration of dance that our residents truly enjoyed.

Re-election of Resident Council President Winner

Congratulations to Mr. Ronald Blackett for being elected as the new Resident Council President of Linden Center. We are excited for your new role and look forward to working together in this new year!

Art Therapy Continues at Linden Center

Linden Center continues their on-going Art Therapy program with a snow themed art session. Nothing like some baubles and snowmen to get us into the holiday spirit! Read more in a recent blog post of ours on the importance of having programs like these available for residents here, Five-ways-art-classes-benefit-seniors/

Melissa Powell published in Thrive Global

Our COO, Melissa Powell, was published  this month in Thrive Global with an article titled ‘Respecting Your Elders: What We Can Learn From Seniors’

From Our Blog

Five Ways Art Classes Benefit Seniors

November 2019 Newsletter from The Allure Group

We Hope You Had A Happy Thanksgiving!

The Harlem Center donated 30 turkeys to its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, during a senior event in mid-November. Those turkeys were then given out to neighborhood families as part of Thanksgiving care packages, enabling those folks to enjoy a wonderful holiday dinner.

Allure participated in the annual Thanksgiving Day feast held at Boys And Girls High School. The event hosts 500 seniors for Thanksgiving Day, complete with a full Thanksgiving meal, raffles, and a DJ.

Allure was also proud to attend 81 precinct council’s Annual Thanksgiving seniors luncheon with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.

Allure Implements New Cardiac Monitoring System

The Allure Group, forever on the cutting edge of technology, is proud to announce a dynamic new partnership with TelemetRYK to bring its proprietary cardiac monitoring system to Allure’s Hamilton Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Bedford Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation facilities.

Implementation of TelemetRYK, which uses biosensors to provide round-the-clock monitoring of the vital signs of residents showing signs of COPD and CHF, is expected to follow at Allure’s other four skilled nursing facilities in the near future.

This new technology, which is compatible with existing telemedicine platforms, is also expected to reduce hospital readmissions and associated costs.

Allure, which monitors the vital signs and movements of all 1,400 of its residents using a remote monitoring system known as EarlySense, also employs robotics to help patients rehabilitate from various conditions, as well as an AR/VR platform called Jintronix to aid those recovering from stroke. In addition, Allure uses a telemedicine platform called Telehealth Solutions, and provides a Pad in Motion tablet at each bedside, equipped with soothing apps and sounds that help residents sleep better.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

November was designated Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, who would, sadly, be diagnosed with the disease himself, 11 years later; he died in 2004.

Here are some facts about this dread disease, as compiled by the Alzheimer’s Association:

  • Some two million Americans were afflicted with Alzheimer’s when Reagan made his proclamation. That number has since risen to 5.8 million, and is expected to reach 14 million by 2050.
  • One in three seniors dies while suffering from Alzheimer’s or some related form of dementia, making it the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S.
  • Alzheimer’s is expected to cost the nation some $290 billion in 2019, a number that is expected to balloon to $1 trillion in 2050.
  • Early detection has been shown to be helpful, but only 16 percent of seniors report receiving cognitive assessments.

A Veterans Day Salute, to All Who Served

A heartfelt thank you to all veterans, who were honored on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The holiday, by the way, originated as Armistice Day in 1919, the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I. It became an annual observance in 1926, and a national holiday in 1938.

What Is the Future of AR and VR in Healthcare?

As mentioned above, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are very much a part of the picture at The Allure Group, and in healthcare at large. It is estimated that  some 30 million people will make use of these technologies within the next three years, and 70 million within six.

You can read the entire blog post here.

October 2019 Newsletter from The Allure Group

The Allure Group Celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and The Allure Group is staging raffles at all its centers to raise money to fight the disease, the most common one among women other than skin cancers.

Stay tuned for a special Breast Cancer Awareness Newsletter where our raffle winners will be announced!

Harlem Center Recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Nursing Homes 

We’re proud to announce that our Harlem Center was mentioned in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Nursing Homes. Harlem Center is mentioned as one of the top 13 nursing homes in NYC that received a rating of “high performing.”

Hamilton Park Center Recognized in Newsweek for Best Nursing Homes of 2019-2020

Our Hamilton Park Center was also recognized this month by Newsweek for Best Nursing Homes of 2019-2020.

A huge congrats to all of our hard working staff and team members who made this possible!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween, a holiday first observed by the Celts some 2,000 years ago, was celebrated at all The Allure Group’s centers.

FYI: The Celts inhabited an area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and France,  a very large trick-or-treat territory indeed.

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Costume Fun at Hamilton Park Center

Halloween Party and Celebrations at Harlem Center

Allure Celebrates National Case Management Week

Allure celebrated National Case Management Week the week of Oct. 10, a date first reserved 20 years ago by the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) to honor care managers, which that organization defines as “advocates who help patients understand their current health status, what they can do about it and why those treatments are important.”

The goal of National Case Management Week is not only to celebrate those who assume such roles but also to encourage those in the field to raise awareness of the industry.

King David Center hosts a Chol Hamoed Learning Program

King David Center was excited to celebrate the holiday of Sukkot by hosting a community event for children of all ages with story teller R’ Fischel Shechter, illusionist Marc Garfinkel, and lots of exciting prizes!

Linden Center Hosts Columbus Day Parade 

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Columbus Day, which according to the Library of Congress dates back to 1792 (i.e., the 300th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ voyage), was observed at the Linden Center with a parade.

Crown Heights Celebrates End of Hispanic Heritage Month With A Dance Performance

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A dance performance was held in the Crown Heights Center to mark the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, the origins of which can be traced to 1968, when President Lyndon Johnson signed a proclamation designating the week that included Sept. 15 and 16 as National Hispanic Heritage Week. The first of those dates marks the anniversaries of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, while the second marks Mexico’s independence. 

In 1988, Congress passed legislation designating mid September to mid October as National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Linden Center Continues Art Therapy Sessions

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Art therapy sessions like those being held at the Linden Center are defined by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) as sessions that meld “knowledge and understanding of human development and psychological theories and techniques with visual arts and the creative process to provide a unique approach for helping clients improve psychological health, cognitive abilities, and sensory-motor functions.” 

There is, in addition, a social element to such gatherings. They can serve as stress-relievers, improve self-esteem, improve the dexterity of those struggling with one condition or another, and even sharpen the minds of those afflicted with dementia.

Melissa Powell in CFO.com

Allure COO Melissa Powell, writing for the website CFO.com, opines that a business concept known as radical transparency — i.e., complete openness within a company — certainly has its place, but is not necessarily right for every organization. The problem, she points out, is that not everyone wants to hear blunt assessments about themselves, that indeed they even have a hard time even believing they have shortcomings.

For proof, Melissa offered this example: Respondents to a 1997 survey gave themselves an 87 percent chance of getting into heaven, while putting Mother Teresa’s odds at 79 percent.

Ponder that a moment. They gave themselves a better chance of making it to the Pearly Gates than a woman who spent her life giving of herself.

From Our Blog:

Five Ways Game Days Are Great for Senior Health

August Newsletter 2019

Melissa Powell Published in CEO World and quoted in a skilled nursing news piece

Allure COO Melissa Powell writes about the importance of a business leader establishing a culture in which employees are fully engaged in her piece “New Rules For Effective Leadership,” which was posted on CEO World’s website.

Creating such a culture is no small challenge, Melissa writes, but greatly impacts performance, retention and patient outcomes. And the general consensus seems to be that leaders can bring out the best in their employees by concentrating on such soft skills as communication, transparency and empathy.

Melissa Powell also discussed the importance of a skilled nursing operator meeting insurance providers halfway in a piece on Skilled Nursing News’ website entitled “I-SNP Exec: Skilled Nursing Operators Must Approach Insurers to Succeed — But Few Do.”  She was quoted as saying that SNF operators too often take to heart what they have “been taught to believe about” themselves, notably that they are in a position where they must simply follow the lead of others.

That is changing, she told Skilled Nursing News:

“Some of the things that we’re able to now bring to an Advantage plan, and talk about what we can do for them, didn’t exist (as recently as three or four years ago).”

Longevity Garden Team Attends 2019 Good Health Day

The Longevity Garden Team attended Good Health Day, which was sponsored by the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center and held in early August. The event, which has been held for over 30 years, features free screenings for such things as cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension, and health activity booths health activity booths that address concerns like oral health, diabetes, cardiovascular health, pediatrics and women’s health issues. There were also demonstrations of things like CPR, Zumba and martial arts.

Harlem Center Staff Holds BBQ

The Harlem Center staff held a barbecue recently, and invited not only members of the community but also staffers from Harlem Hospital. It was a great time to celebrate the warm summer weather with the Harlem Center community, thanks to everyone who came! 

Linden Center Green Thumbs Club

The Linden Center recently held a meeting of its “Green Thumbs Club,” where the many virtues of gardening were discussed. Not only does it enable seniors to improve their mobility, flexibility, motor skills, endurance and strength, it also reduces stress, stimulates an interest in nature and provides nutritious food. While there are caveats, like seniors’ susceptibility to sunburn and dehydration, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

Hamilton Park holds Bowling Competition

A bowling competition like the one held by Hamilton Park Center residents offers a reminder that bowling is a lifetime sport, and one in which virtually anyone can take part. Some alleys, for instance, reserve lanes for those who are visually impaired or confined to wheelchairs

No matter the participant, bowling can improve eye-hand coordination, balance and strength, while also providing a social outlet.

Hamilton Park Casino Event

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Hamilton Park recently staged a Casino Night, during which residents enjoyed card games, a roulette wheel and various other games of chance. 

Bedford Center Tie-Dye Fun

Tie-dyeing, a practice that dates back to Sixth Century Asia, is most often associated in the U.S. with the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Residents of the Bedford Center brought it into the 21st century with their recent event, which was nothing short of groovy.

Bedford Center Visit To Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Bedford Center residents visited the Brooklyn Botanic Garden on Aug. 14, where they were able to see some of the Garden’s recent upgrades — part of a decade-long project geared toward modernizing the place’s infrastructure and introducing greener practices — as well as staples like the Rose, Herb and Rock Gardens.

Linden Center Yomenco Rhythm and Dance and Yoga Class

The Linden Center recently hosted a Yomenco Rhythm and Dance and Yoga Class. Yoga certainly needs no introduction, and its benefits — strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health — have long been extolled. Yomenco, on the other hand, is a relatively new creation of New York City-based yoga instructor Bruce Van Horn. It combines breathing and stretching, not to mention flamenco music, and has been found to be especially beneficial to seniors.

From Our Blog: Five Ways Seniors Benefit From Pet Therapy

Over the last two decades scientists and researchers have taken a much closer look at the benefits seniors derive from animal therapy, which involves introducing a pet companion into the life of an elderly person in order to enrich their lives. Click here to read the full blog post! 

July 2019 Newsletter from The Allure Group

Joel Landau Pens Piece for Thriveglobal.com

In a piece for Thriveglobal.com entitled “Above and Beyond the Call of Duty: What Sets A CEO Apart,” Allure Group CEO Joel Landau notes that business leaders’ top traits  are much the same as they were when Andrew Carnegie, the late steel magnate and philanthropist, outlined 31 of them over a century ago.

They include discipline and persistence, creativity and diplomacy, tact and likability. Joel, in fact, boiled Carnegie’s list to three essential qualities — relatability, adaptability and, for lack of a better word, stick-to-itiveness.

Joel noted in particular that a leader’s EQ (i.e., his emotional intelligence) was far more critical than his IQ, and added that such leaders encourage creativity, risk-taking and collaboration. He wrote that establishing a short- and long-term plan were of the utmost importance, and that a CEO should always be able to roll with the punches.

Melissa Powell Writes About Leadership During Uncertain Times

Change is constant in business, Allure COO Melissa Powell writes in a piece for Business.com entitled “How to Lead a Company in Transition,” and because of that a leader must be agile and quick-minded.

Melissa referenced a Harvard Business Review piece that calls the current business environment a VUCA World — i.e., one characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity — and also took note of the work of Jim Collins, head of a management lab in Boulder, Colo. Collins said change can come from within or without, and can be developmental, transitional or transformational.

Dealing with it, Melissa writes, requires discipline, transparency and creativity.

Fourth of July Celebrations Held at King David Center and Linden Center

The Fourth of July, observed as a holiday since 1870, celebrates the United States declaring its independence from Great Britain in 1776. Fun fact about the Fourth, however: Only John Hancock signed the document on that date; 55 others later followed suit.

Undeterred, the Linden Center celebrated this Independence Day with a barbecue, while the King David Center held an indoor party with festive decorations and entertainment.

Bedford Center Team-Building in Dumbo Park

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The Bedford Center’s team gathered at Dumbo Park on July 27 to engage in some team-building activities, which experts have judged to be particularly important in an era marked by technological disruption and lean practices. Such activities enable workers to establish trust, understand each other and define roles. We’re so glad the Bedford team took the time to do this together!

Harlem Center Residents Exercise Outside in Nice Weather

The Harlem Center stages an exercise program every morning, Monday through Friday, but with the weather being nice it was moved to the patio this month! Not only did the residents enjoy the change of scenery but it also encouraged some neighbors from the community to join in.

Worth noting: Swimming has been judged to be the best exercise for seniors, followed by yoga, Pilates, body-weight training and resistance-band workouts.

Bedford Center Residents Visit Prospect Park Zoo

Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Zoo, a facility featuring 630 animals representing 100 species, was the destination when the Bedford Center’s residents ventured out on a recent day trip. Reports are that a good time was had by all!

Art Therapy Held at Linden Center

There are multiple benefits of art therapy like that which was held recently at the Linden Center. For one thing, it is intellectually stimulating and improves cognitive and motor skills. For another, it alleviates stress and anxiety. And finally, it features a social component.

Ice Cream and Pizza Party at Hamilton Park Center 

The Hamilton Park Center had a pizza/Ice cream party with its summer youth workers. We’re happy to be able to celebrate with our dedicated summer youth team.

Weekly BBQ at Crown Heights Center

The Crown Heights Center stages a barbecue every Wednesday throughout the summer. It’s a great time for residents to enjoy the nice weather and some delicious food!

June Newsletter from The Allure Group

“Inside The Allure Group’s Audition Strategy for Skilled Nursing Telehealth” in Skilled Nursing News

The Allure Group implemented Telehealth Solution as its telemedicine platform, though not without careful consideration. Allure tested out different systems at two of its six facilities over an 18-month period, with COO Melissa Powell monitoring the situation before making a choice. Telehealth is now used in all six buildings.

“I really just looked at stats and feedback from the line staff, and that was really my metric — how the staff felt interacting with them, and how many hospitalizations I was having and for what reasons,” Powell told SNN.

Telemedicine is viewed as a way to target higher-acuity patients, while also reducing patient readmissions. While the handoff from on-site doctors to third-party physicians was a particular concern at Allure, nurses were quick to embrace the new technology.

“Operations management explained: 3 rules of thumb for every COO” by Melissa Powell published in Real Business

Our COO Melissa Powell wrote an article Operations management explained: 3 rules of thumb for every COO” that was published on Real Business in the Business Advice section. The article outlines best practices for chief operations officers, specifically how to build a positive culture and not let small problems become big ones. When dealing with issues, no matter the size, it is best to zero in on them and quickly identify viable solutions, she writes.

20+ Years Recognition Event at Hamilton Park Center

We held a Recognition Ceremony at Hamilton Park Center this month to honor the members of our outstanding staff who have been with us for over 20 years! Thank you so much for all that you do, we are so lucky to have such kind, caring, and dedicated staff members.

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Harlem Center BackPack Giveaway

The end of the school year doesn’t mean the learning stops.  Harlem Center’s very own Caron Williams visited one of our local schools to drop off some backpacks to our local kids for their summer programs.

Father’s Day Celebrations

Father’s Day was celebrated this month across our centers with a few different festivities to honor the incredible father’s that we are lucky to have across The Allure Group network.

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Hamilton Park celebrated with a party and some musical entertainment.

allure-group-singer allure-group-dance

King David Center celebrated Father’s Day with a live performance as well.

Bedford Center celebrated Father’s Day with a party and some dancing.

Shevuos and Flower Arranging at Bedford Center

To celebrate Shevous this month, we decorated our shul at Bedford Center and hosted a flower arranging activity in honor of the holiday.

Summer Is Here! Bedford Celebrates with a BBQ and a Fun Chocolate Fruit Event

Our Bedford Center celebrated the arrival of summer with a delicious BBQ spread thanks to our friends at Pinnacle Dietary. Even though the rain attempted to rain on our parade, the fun wasn’t stopped for our Bedford Center residents. Our Pinnacle staff was able to cook everything outside and bring it inside for the residents to enjoy. Bedford residents also recently enjoyed a fun fruit event where they were able to dip different kinds fruits into a chocolate fountain for a delicious summer treat.

Flag Day Celebration at Hamilton Park

People across the United States celebrate Flag Day on June 14th each year to honor the United States flag and to commemorate the flag’s adoption. On the same day, the United States Army celebrates its birthday. In honor of Flag Day, we hosted a celebration for residents at our Hamilton Park Center.

Happy 93rd Birthday Vinny!

Hamilton Park Center celebrated the birthday of one of our oldest employees, Vinny! Thank you for everything you do for our center Vinny, we love having you on our staff!