The Elizabeth Seton Residence of Wellesley Hills is pleased to announce they will be holding their Annual Meet the Need Dinner on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at the Wellesley Country Club. This year they are honoring the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club – a long-time supporter of the Elizabeth Seton Residence.

Lori Ferrante, Administrator at the Elizabeth Seton Residence, tells us, “We chose to honor the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club not only for their tireless commitment to volunteerism here but also for their continued generous grant support. Their time and effort make a significant difference in the lives of all our residents and we are extremely grateful for all they do.” In addition, the Elizabeth Seton Residence welcomes the opportunity to honor the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club for their outstanding service to the community and for making a difference to so many not for profit organizations. Adds Ferrante, “We are fortunate that so many volunteers from our local community share their joyful spirit of kindness, compassion and respect – helping to make life better for seniors who appreciate a gentle touch or a smile to make their day”.

Local real estate professional and former television personality Teri Adler will emcee the event with entertainment provided by the popular Bo Winiker Jazz Trio. The program for the evening will include a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner, raffle prizes and more. The event is open to the public and tickets can be purchased on the Elizabeth Seton Residence website – www.elizabethseton.org – or by contacting Judith Coogan at jcoogan@schalifax.org or 781-997-1351.

Students from the Tokyo University of Social Welfare returned to the Elizabeth Seton Residence this month for their annual educational visit. The Elizabeth Seton Residence has hosted an educational visit for Japanese students from this University for over fifteen years. The program, run in conjunction with Harvard University, brings students to New York and Boston to see for themselves how facilities in the United States provide senior care for our frail elders. Most of the students are studying to be Social Workers. They visited accompanied by chaperones and interpreters, to ensure a successful experience.

The Elizabeth Seton Residence has been specifically selected to host these students over the years because it is a state-of-the-art skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility that provides outstanding and unique programs for their Residents. The group of around 15 – 20 students attend lectures at both Harvard and Brandeis University in the mornings and visit carefully selected senior care venues covering multiple aspects of American health and social welfare programs in the afternoons. Lori Ferrante, Administrator at the Elizabeth Seton Residence tells us, “We enjoy welcoming the students each year, as we learn about both the similarities and differences in Japanese and American health care support systems for seniors. Students from this international educational program have been visiting the Elizabeth Seton Residence for a number of years to see how our Catholic, mission-driven, skilled nursing care facility benefits our elder residents. They enjoy learning how our unique programming contributes to the overall health and well-being of all our residents.”

After touring Elizabeth Seton Residence to see resident rooms and learn about the type of care seniors receive at a skilled nursing facility, the students had an opportunity to ask questions of our Social Worker, Nurses, and Activities Director.

One of the programs they heard about is how the residents at the Elizabeth Seton Residence enjoy and benefit from ballroom dancing. Ballroom dancing is not just a social event. Studies have shown that dancing can improve strength, balance and fall-reduction, while enhancing socialization and promoting a culture of inclusion that improves their quality of life. The students also enjoyed learning about our “Meaningful Moments” program initiative, developed and implemented in collaboration with our Fusion Rehabilitation team specifically for residents with dementia. This program identifies and provides activities that match a resident’s cognitive capability, optimizing opportunities for residents with dementia to experience meaningful engagement, fun and success.

The afternoon concluded with a fun multi-generational international gathering when a group of our residents joined the students for a lesson in Origami. The smiles and laughter broke the communication barrier as students worked side by side with residents to fold intricate paper designs. Residents enjoyed the enthusiasm, good humor, and gentle caring that these future social workers shared.

In spending time with our residents, and learning about programs such as those offered by facilities like the Elizabeth Seton Residence, the students from the Tokyo University of Social Welfare return to Japan with a fuller understanding of the variety of programs and services utilized to support frail elders in the United States.

Residents, families, staff and friends were thrilled to have the opportunity to not only view, but have their photograph taken with, the Boston Red Sox 2018 World Championship Trophy.

The Elizabeth Seton Residence skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Wellesley Hills was honored to be part of the trophy’s tour, displaying not only the historical trophy, but also a 2018 World Series Championship ring.

Elizabeth Seton Residence staff and residents gathered in a packed living room awaiting the arrival of the trophy. When the protective Tiffany cover was removed, unveiling the trophy, there was a resounding cheer followed by a spirited rendition of “Sweet Caroline”!

Red Sox employee, analyst Greg Rybarczyk, whose wife Tanya works at Elizabeth Seton Residence, brought his championship ring to the celebration and spoke with the guests about his Red Sox experience.

According to Lori Ferrante, Administrator of the Elizabeth Seton Residence, “We were delighted to be chosen as a visit site for the Trophy. We are grateful to president and CEO Sam Kennedy and the Red Sox Organization for making this possible. We have many long-time Sox fans residing at our skilled nursing facility and the impact of this visit was huge!”

After an extensive round of viewing and photos at Elizabeth Seton Residence, the trophy was moved across the campus to the neighboring Marillac Residence, the Sisters of Charity – Halifax residential care home for over 70 sisters. A second celebration ensued with Sisters, friends, families and community members enjoying an “up close” look at the Trophy, ring, and photo opportunities.

Highlights included a good-natured Sister from New York donning a Red Sox t-shirt along with her NY Yankees hat for a memorable photo, and 103-year-old Ellie P. posing with the trophy as the only person in the room who was alive for the 1918 World Series win.

“We enjoy all our Boston teams, but there is something about baseball that resonates with all of us, no matter the age or frailty,” said Ferrante. “We love our Red Sox!”

For more information about the Elizabeth Seton Residence, please visit our website at elizabethseton.org or call Lori Ferrante, Administrator at 781-997-1130.