Merrifield Honored with Wayne N. Ladouceur Award

OGDENSBURG – One of the highest compliments any nurse or caregiver can receive is, “you’re the kind of person I would want caring for my parents.”

That’s a compliment received by this year’s Wayne N. Ladouceur Award winner, Robert “Bob” Merrifield, a long-time LPN at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Ogdensburg.

At the close of this year’s presentation, which was held in front of a small audience made up of Mr. Merrifield’s family and co-workers, United Helpers Vice President of Development Christa Carroll shared the sentiment which was passed to her by a member of the nominations review committee.

Mr. Merrifield received two nominations for the award, one from Director of Nursing Brittany Thornton, and another from his nurse supervisor Marie Woods. 

CEO Stephen Knight, Robert Merrifield, & Cheryl Ladouceur

Criteria for the award includes giving generously of one’s self, the ability to see beyond one’s own needs, a strong personal drive to provide the utmost in care, the ability to feel and express empathy, and exuding a love for life.

These are all areas where those who know Mr. Merrifield say he excels.

“One of Bob’s greatest qualities is his generosity,” wrote Mrs. Thornton in her nomination. “I have worked with Bob since 2013 and have witnessed this on many occasions.”

When a co-worker was studying for her GED exam, Mr. Merrifield tutored her, on his own time, to help ensure she would pass the test. When another co-worker’s home was lost in a fire, he was the first person to suggest, and establish a fundraiser to assist her and her family.

Another time, several employees shaved their heads in support of a co-worker with cancer. Mr. Merrifeld was one of the first to participate.

More recently, employees of the facility were fit-tested for N-95 respirators to allow them to work with resident whom had COVID-19. Mr. Merrfield typically sports a “chinstrap,” however, his facial hair was interfering with the mask’s ability to provide a proper seal on his face.

“Bob was unable to secure the seal the first few times, so I told him we would try again later. A short time later, he returned to my office after going into the bathroom and shaving his facial hair. He said, ‘I’m ready now,’” Mrs. Thornton recalled. “While many people were scared about the possibility of being exposed to the virus, Bob was determined to be there for his residents.”

Mr. Merrifield has been a nurse in the United Helpers family for 30-plus years. He resides in Heuvelton with his wife. He has two grown daughters.

Mr. Ladouceur’s wife, Cheryl, chose the criteria for the award picking traits exhibited by her husband and things he was known for, not just in the United Helpers family, but also across the entire city of Ogdensburg.

Each nomination must also include an additional letter of support from someone other than the nominator. 

In her letter, Bobbi Jo Holmes noted that Mr. Merrifield works in the building’s dementia unit, something that requires patience, caring, and a special set of skills.

“He is one of the most caring and generous people I have ever known. He is always there for his co-workers, and his residents. He is very deserving of this honor,” she wrote.

The Wayne N. Ladouceur Award was created in memory of and in honor of Mr. Ladouceur, a longtime United Helpers volunteer, board member and former board president. The award is funded through an endowment created by Mrs. Ladouceur and more than 80 other friends and family members.

Video of the presentation may be viewed at, https://youtu.be/9aSRqDTdin4.

United Helpers Welcomes Stacey Ryan to Behavioral Health Team

OGDENSBURG – Stacey Ryan, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner recently joined the United Helpers Behavioral Health Team. Specializing in comprehensive medical evaluation, diagnosis and treatment, Ryan sees patients of all ages. 

Stacey Ryan, PMHNP-BC

Ryan completed undergraduate studies in psychology at SUNY Plattsburgh in 2011. She then attended Yale University in New Haven, CT, earning her registered nursing degree and then her Master’s of Science in Nursing, graduating magna cum laude. She completed internships at Yale Behavioral Health Services, Yale Internal Medicine Group, and Cassena Care in Connecticut. Ryan joins United Helpers following employment with Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center.

“My passion is making quality mental health care accessible to North Country residents,” said Ryan. "The opportunity to help improve mental health within our community is a true privilege." A native of northern New York, she graduated from Massena Central.

Ryan is Board Certified in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practice. She treats anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, insomnia, stress-related conditions and has a special interest in the areas of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR).

In the spring, Ryan will be completing her yoga instructor certification and is looking forward to integrating more holistic approaches into her daily practice.

“Stacey Ryan is a very welcome addition to the team,” said David Nelson, Director of Behavioral Health Services for United Helpers. “She’s a North Country native who returned to serve her community. This is how dedicated and committed she is to the North Country.”

Ryan will see patients at the United Helpers Behavioral Health Centers located in Canton and Ogdensburg. To schedule an appointment, call 315-541-3042 in Ogdensburg and 315-386-0264 in Canton.

Adaptive Switches Helping Residents At Rensselaer Falls IRA Enjoy New Activities

RENSSELAER FALLS – Rolling dice while playing a game with our friends or family, mixing ingredients while baking, watering flowers, and creating an arts and crafts project are all things that many of us could do if we wanted to without having to put much thought or effort into it.

 

Imagine though if that wasn’t the case. For many of the individuals residing in United Helpers’ 11 Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs) across the county this used to be the case, but now thanks to the help of Adaptive Switches, anyone can do almost anything that an able-bodied person is able to do. 

Crystal Teneyck, Billy O'Hara, and Richelle Mann

 

United Helpers Occupational Therapist Assistant Crystal Teneyck recently spent a morning with residents at the Rensselear Falls IRA, helping both the residents and staff learn how to use several types of Switches recently purchased by the home.

 

“Some of the Switches they have here in this house will activate scissors, roll dice or spin game spinners, pour measuring cups, or even sprinkle water from a Switch-activated watering can,” Ms. Teneyck said. “These switches allow the people we serve to become more engaged and independent. They also allow our staff to interact with them on a whole different level.”

 

To date, Ms. Teneyck said two of the IRAs have purchased Switches, but she’s hoping that once people from the other houses see what they can do, more IRAs will follow suit.

 

Depending on an individual’s personal needs, Ms. Teneyck said they may use a Switch that it activated by pushing a button, tapping it with their head or nose, or even blowing or sucking through a straw attached to the device. Some more advanced Switches are even activated and operated by tracking a person’s eyes or voice, she said. Once a switch is activated, it may complete a task, such as rolling dice, turning something on or off, or even dumping a measuring cup into a mixing bowl.

 

“Two years ago when we would do activities like this, if we’re being honest, staff was really doing almost everything,” Ms. Teneyck said as a group of people worked on art projects using Switch-activated paint spinners. “Now they get to play a large part in what’s going on. Their reactions are priceless, and it’s rewarding, both for us and them.”

Matthie Celebrates Success of DSP Apprenticeship Program, Recruiting New Apprentices Now

CANTON – Like a proud father, Jason Matthie took to the stage at a recent graduation ceremony held for United Helpers’ first class of Direct Support Professional (DSP) Apprenticeship program graduates.

He wasn’t a graduate, rather Mr. Matthie, who serves as United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills QA-CQI Coordinator, and has worked with the developmentally disabled for more than 20 years, was celebrating the success of a program he helped create.

He said the apprenticeship program, which was created in collaboration with the administrative team at United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills, St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES, and the New York State Department of Labor, was designed to create a career path for people working as DSPs. 

Jason Matthie

 “I’ve always wanted people who work as DSPs to be able to do this as a career and have a clear career ladder,” Mr. Matthie said. “I feel this helps us accomplish this and I’m immensely proud of this program.”

“Jason had a vision for this program and was able to bring that to fruition,” said United Helpers CEO Stephen E. Knight. “He says he’s proud of this program and he should be. The development of these apprentices has been remarkable, and would not have been possible if it weren’t for the efforts of Jason and everyone involved with this program.”

One of the program’s students has already been promoted and is now working as a Habilitation Coordinator.

Mr. Matthie is now recruiting for the next class of DSP apprentices.

“You do not have to be a DSP now to enroll in the program, but by doing so, you would become a DSP,” he explained, adding that DSPs work with individuals who have developmental disabilities.

A typical day for a Direct Support Professional or DSP may include providing personal care: feeding, showering bathing, grooming, nail care, changing clothes, assisting with ambulation, etc. DSPs may also attend medical appointments and participate in outings or field trips.

If you enjoy working with and helping people and working as part of a residential care team, this may be a good entry-level career path for you, he said.

For those who are already DSPs, United Helpers cover the entire cost of tuition. If you’re not already a DSP, Mr. Matthie said you would take a short introductory course at your own expense. Following the completion of that course, you would go through the United Helpers hiring process. If hired, you would become a DSP, and United Helpers would pay for the remainder of the program.

Aside from the benefits of furthering your education, Mr. Matthie said the program also offers several other benefits, including being paid for the time you’re in class, mileage for the commute back and forth to class, periodic incentive bonuses, and a $2 per hour raise that comes at the completion of the program.

“This program isn’t just a United Helpers thing either,” he said, noting the apprentices will each receive a journeyman’s card that is recognized anywhere in the U.S.

“Once students complete the program, they’re not only in a position to empower themselves, but they can mentor other DSPs, and better advocate for the people we serve,” he said. “We are now supporting people with a much greater variety of needs, many of whom are able to self-advocate. The skills learned in this program are things that they can apply to their job right away.”

Edwin “Ed” Fisher recently completed the program and agreed.

“This program raised our level of awareness to not only help our residents, but also fellow staff members,” he said.  “By taking up this challenge, we pushed ourselves to step out of our comfort zones which built up our confidence in our abilities to do the job and step up and meet the challenge of being a journeyman DSP.”

Challenge is a good word to describe the program, because Mr. Matthie warned it will not be easy, but that’s by design, he said.

“This class is designed to be taught at a junior college level,” Mr. Matthie said, adding though that as long as students remain dedicated to the program, there are supports in place to help them get through it.

“BOCES has been very supportive of our students, some of whom struggled in school, or maybe even had a learning disability,” he said. “If people remain committed to the program and they work through it, they will succeed. The program is designed to be challenging, but it’s not meant to be exclusive.”

Patrick Flagg also graduated from the program, and he said the support received from St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Adult Education Coordinator Alex Pacific, who led the classroom portion of the program, Mr. Matthie, and his other classmates helped him make it to graduation.

“Everyone helps everyone,” Mr. Flagg said. “We really became kind of a family as we worked our way towards graduation.”

Mr. Fisher and Mr. Flagg were joined in the class by six others including, Patricia “Trish” Amo from the Centennial IRA in Ogdensburg, Jason Cameron and Jamie Fields from the Kendrew IRA in Rensselaer Falls, John Gammon and Victoria Dewey, from the Flackville IRA in Heuvelton, and Deborah “Deb” Smith from the Lisbon IRA.

Applications for the program are available now by contacting your program leader, Mr. Matthie, or any member of the staff development office. Applications are due in January with a new class slated to begin in February.

Mr. Matthie may be reached via email at jrmatthie@unitedhelpers.org. Mr. Matthie or another member of the staff development office may also be reached via telephone at (315) 394-6702.

Free Defensive Driving Course Again Offered for United Helpers Employees

OGDENSBURG – United Helpers will be hosting a New York DMV approved National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020 in the Staff Development Training Room at the Behavioral Health/Life Skills (formerly Mosaic) Complex, 100 Ford St. in Ogdensburg.

The class serves as a refresher course for drivers of all ages and includes safe driving tips and an overview of today’s vehicle and traffic laws. 

Due to COVID-19 guidelines, class size is limited to 20 people. Participants will be seated at their own table. When not seated the wearing of masks will be required. Participants may remove their mask when seated during instruction.

Successful completion of the class makes attendees eligible for a mandatory insurance premium reduction of up to 10% for three years on the base rate for their automobile or motorcycle insurance premiums, provided you are listed as the principal operator. Participants may also be eligible to have up to a four points removed reduction with the NYS DMV. The class may be taken once every 18 months for point reduction.

The cost of the class is $35, payable in cash, check or money order made out to United Helpers Care, Inc.  United Helpers employees may attend the class free of charge.

Please bring your driver’s license with you to class.  It is a requirement that you have it with you for documentation purposes.

Next month’s class will be held on Thursday, Dec. 17 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Advanced registration is required. To register please contact Mark Darou at (315) 394-6702 ext. 303 or madarou@unitedhelpers.org.

ISL Member Celebrates 99th Birthday With Help From Madrid Volunteer Fire Dept.

 CANTON - United Helpers Independent Senior Living member Burt Beswick turned 99 on Thursday, and the day was made extra special with a little help from the Madrid Volunteer Fire Department.

Joe Finnegan, a 50-year member of the department, as well as United Helpers Society Board member helped organize a drive-through parade for Mr. Beswick, who was also a longtime member of the department. 

"Burt is our oldest living past chief," Mr. Finnegan said, after stepping out of a 1955 Ford fire engine that was donated to the department by Mr. Beswick many years ago.

According to Mr. Finnegan, Mr. Beswick helped to rebuild the truck after it was damaged in an accident while owned by another department.

In addition to the antique fire engine, one of the department's active trucks, as well as several members of the community attended the parade, waving and shouting birthday wishes at Mr. Beswick, who watched with his wife, Betty and daughter, Marilyn McDermott, who filmed the event, by his side.

Prior to hopping back in the truck and returning to Madrid, Mr. Finnegan offered birthday wishes to Mr. Beswick, as well as the promise of another parade next year for Mr. Bewsiwck's 100th birthday.

"See you next year," Mr. Finnegan said.

"You bet," Mr. Beswick replied.

Free Defensive Driving Course Offered for United Helpers Employees

OGDENSBURG – United Helpers will be hosting a New York DMV approved National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020 in the Staff Development Training Room at the Behavioral Health/Life Skills (formerly Mosaic) Complex, 100 Ford St. in Ogdensburg. 

The class serves as a refresher course for drivers of all ages and includes safe driving tips and an overview of today’s vehicle and traffic laws.

Due to COVID-19 guidelines, class size is limited to 20 people. Participants will be seated at their own table. When not seated the wearing of masks will be required. Partipants may remove their mask when seated during instruction.

Successful completion of the class makes attendees eligible for a mandatory insurance premium reduction of up to 10% for three years on the base rate for their automobile or motorcycle insurance premiums, provided you are listed as the principal operator. Participants may also be eligible to have up to a four points removed reduction with the NYS DMV. The class may be taken once every 18 months for point reduction.

The cost of the class is $35, payable in cash, check or money order made out to United Helpers Care, Inc.  United Helpers employees may attend the class free of charge.

Please bring your driver’s license with you to class.  It is a requirement that you have it with you for documentation purposes.

Next month’s class will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21, also from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Advanced registration is required. To register please contact Mark Darou at (315) 394-6702 ext. 303 or madarou@unitedhelpers.org.