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“Unless someone like you cares an awful lot,

nothing is ever going to get better. It’s not”.

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Maria Regina Residence is blessed with three amazing social workers who “care an awful lot”, always working to make thing better for all members of the Maria Regina community.

They are the listeners, the hand holders, the advocates and the interpreters for our residents whose voices are sometimes quiet and difficult to discern.In this pandemic, they were challenged to find new ways of being with and “touching” residents, bringing hope and healing in a time of fear and uncertainty.

They have been a lifeline for family members, reassuring them that loved ones were safe and being well cared for. They arranged for phone and Zoom calls so residents could maintain connections with family and friends. And when physical healing was no longer possible, partnering with other staff members,they sat with the dying, offering a supportive presence and words of consolation.

To other staff members they provided a listening ear, an extra hand and a willingness to handle difficult situations. They did whatever was needed to be done, always available to contribute to the needs of the larger community.

These three remarkable women faced their own fears of COVID with grace and courage as they not only cared for the Maria Regina community, but went home each night to care for their own families. We are so grateful for all they do and most of all, for who they are.

While there are many things that make Maria Regina a special place, at its heart is our pastoral care team. Their presence, kindnesses and attentiveness create for our residents a sense of “being known” and cared for as unique individuals. As they tend to the spiritual needs of our residents, they are also ever ready to do those extra things that mean so much. In times of sadness and pain, they stand with us and in times of joy, they are there to celebrate. During this pandemic, although the pastoral care sisters cannot physically be at Maria Regina, they continue their ministry by praying with and for us, making calls to residents and families and assuring that the thread that binds us together remains strong.

The lay members of our pastoral care team have thought of creative ways to use our closed circuit TV to bring comfort to our residents and staff. Brief prayer services, inspiring reflections on gospel readings and the rosary provide the “spiritual uplift” so important in these challenging times. Michele and Theresa continue to be physically present throughout the building, offering kind words and a listening ear to all who struggle with the pain and sadness we are all experiencing.

We are so grateful for their presence in our lives, for their deep faith and for helping us to remember that we are a strong community of faith and hope, who, together, will survive and thrive during these difficult times. Thank you.

COVID 19 highlighted the incredible contributions of our housekeeping department. These women and men faced the challenging job of stopping the spread of the virus by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting every surface throughout our home. Maintaining the cleanliness of any large building is no easy feat under normal circumstances. As always, the housekeeping staff went above and beyond to protect the health and safety of the Maria Regina community. But what also makes these colleagues so special is the relationships they have with our residents. As they clean resident rooms, they do so much more. For our residents, they are the daily visitors who provide those important “little things” that matter so much – the smiles, small conversations, turning on the TV and finding a favorite sweater.

And, as the workday ends, these women and men go home to clean their own homes and care for their own families, trying to also keep them safe from COVID. We honor these brave and dedicated members of the Maria Regina community. Thank you for your great work.

A Note From Maria Regina’s Administrator, Brenda Burton:

I want to say thank you to all of our wonderful supportive family members during the COVID-19 pandemic. We truly value you as our partners in care. I am happy to let all of you know that we had a focused infection control survey by the Department of Health on Wednesday, 5/27 which we passed with flying colors.

Three surveyors spent the day reviewing our procedures during the outbreak as well as interviewing staff and residents. One surveyor stated she was very impressed with Maria Regina and would not hesitate to refer a loved one here for care. All of our residents have tested negative for the COVID virus and we are currently conducting weekly testing of all our staff. So far, all staff have tested negative for the virus.

Dear Maria Regina Family,

We have been given a gift by the Montfort Fathers. They have offered to say the Mass intentions for the Maria Regina Chapel from March 17th – May 29th. Each Father will say a private Mass for your intention and hold your loved ones in his prayers. I was assured by Fr. Tom Poth, SMM, that canonically as long as a Mass is said for your intention, we are fulling our commitment to you.

I hope you understand the situation we are in and trust that your intentions are held with the utmost reverence as the Montfort’s offer their private Masses.

“I was born to be a nursing assistant – to hold, to help, to teach, to inspire. It’s who I am, my calling, my passion, my life, my world.”

Giving and receiving care is a deep and personal experience. It requires trust, understanding and compassion, especially in uncertain times. Bathing, dressing and feeding are all intimate activities which require skill and the knowledge of each elder’s personality and preferences. All care giving happens in the context of the relationship between the caregiver and the receiver of care, and for our nursing assistants, this relationship is at the heart of all they do.

The residents who live at Maria Regina received a red-white and blue Memorial Day Balloon Sculpture  to celebrate the holiday.  Terry Moore, brother-in-law of  Board President  Sister Janet Kinney, CSJ,   crafted one for each resident.   Terry’s cheery gift brought big smiles of surprise, delight and gratitude to all.  Resident’s  liked the heart -shaped balloon and some said it reminded them that they are loved, especially during this challenging time.   Thanks Terry!



Photos:

CSJ Sisters Dorothy Frederick  and Maureen de Lourdes Stock

Wives and mothers; daughters and sisters; aunts and friends.

Our nurses are many things to many people – to our Maria Regina elders they are healers, comforters and companions. During these past several months, their dedication and commitment to our residents has been outstanding. They have come to work every day, often working double shifts when colleagues took ill.

Dear Residents and Family Members of Maria Regina Residence,

I am writing to you as President of the Sisters of St. Joseph who sponsor our Maria Regina Residence. Since it first opened in 1967 as a retirement home for our sisters, we have always wanted to ensure that it would provide excellent care and comfort as these sisters faced challenges from aging and illness. Now, as a licensed skilled care facility, we are grateful to extend that same care and concern to our lay men and women residents and their families.

During this time of unprecedented challenges from the global pandemic, we are thankful to the administration and staff for their tireless dedication and professional service. Keeping families informed and continually seeking new ways to help families connect with their loved ones are on-going priorities for us. Our congregation’s mission of unity through love of God and neighbor without distinction is very tangible as all of our sisters and associates are praying for the residents, families and staff of MRR during this most difficult time. We are very aware of the pain and grief of so many who have lost a loved one during this time and pray that God’s peace will enfold all.

We will continue to encourage, support and pray for each and every one of you. Because of our faith and ongoing commitment to you, we will get through this together. We are ever mindful that you have entrusted loved ones to our care and we hold that trust sacred.

Encouraging all to hold on to hope,

Sister Helen Kearney, CSJ

President

Sisters of St. Joseph