Our Blog

The decision for nursing home placement is a difficult one, and for many people, it is their first encounter with the nursing home world. Fear of the unknown, feelings of loss and sadness, as well as the complexity of the many moving parts that need to be considered, can often make the process feel overwhelming for all involved.

At Maria Regina, our admissions staff appreciate just how challenging this decision can be for both elders and their families and do all that they can to create a smooth and easy process.

Nancy and Amanda understand the mission and values which are at the heart of Maria Regina and strive always to recognize the unique needs of each individual coming into our community.  Their knowledge and skill, as well as their empathy and compassion, help to make the transition to Maria Regina as stress free as possible for both elders and their families.

During the height of the COVID 19 pandemic, our admissions staff also focused their attention on meeting the immediate needs of our residents and families. They arrived to work each day to support their colleagues on the front line and to do whatever was needed. Their presence and willingness to help, speaks to the hope, healing and hospitality that are at the core of Maria Regina. We thank them for who they are and are grateful for all they do, especially over these past challenging months.

The Mission package ministry is monthly sending packages to those in need in parts of the USA, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.  Sisters of St. Joseph residing in Maria Regina have recently responded to the needs! 

On Wednesday afternoons, a group gather in Macrina’s Place and organize care packages with a small towel, soap and several other items (including hard candy!) in a bag to be sent to the dear neighbor in one of these locations.

Recently, the care packages were sent to our own S. Gloria Cruz for distribution in Puerto Rico.  Along with the care packages were prayers for the people of Puerto Rico!  S. Joan Bolte even shared a story from her personal experience on the island.

Sisters Mary Daly, Joan Bolte, Eugenia Daley, Mary Gildea, along with Associate Mary Lou Locke were among the workers on this project.

Agnes White offering a hand to S. Mary Gildea as S. Eugenia Daley and Mary Lou Locke partner up on some packaging. S. Joan Bolte has an organized system down pat and S. Paul Francis from Pastoral Care marvels at the work of the group.

Maria Regina was awarded a grant from the Funeral Services Foundation for staff support and bereavement during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.   From July 16-31,2020,   fourteen small, personalized Memorial Services were held on units, for all three shifts, where the names of the residents who died during the pandemic on that unit were read.  Non-nursing departments also gathered in several intimate groups for Memorial Services to honor those who died. Rev. Laura Tria, a local interfaith minister, led the services and facilitated the group sharing. Rev. Tria created a beautiful container for staff to share memories, their tears and their gratitude for their co-workers’ dedication, flexibility and deep sense of love and duty for our residents.