St. Joseph Nursing Home Institutes Alzheimer’s Memory Screenings

(Utica, NY)   St. Joseph Nursing Home, in concert with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, is offering Alzheimer’s Memory Screenings at their home to those concerned about memory loss. The screenings, part of the “Community Memory Screening Initiative,” are available everyday from 10 am – 2 pm by appointment only. This free, painless, non-invasive screening takes 10-15 minutes to administer. It is confidential and available to the general public.

Alzheimer’s disease is a slow, progressive brain disorder that results in loss of memory and other cognitive function. It is estimated that more than 5 million American’s have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. Also, it is projected that one to four family members care for each person with the disease. Early detection is critical to maximize available medical treatments and support.

Kathy Warren, RN, Staff Development Coordinator of St. Joseph Nursing Home is administering the testing. Warren says, “This screening is a chance for people to test their memory, to see how well it functions, and depending on the results, it may guide individuals into early intervention for memory processing defects.” Warren continued, “People need to understand that this is a screening. It does not represent a diagnosis. Results are reviewed with the individual. If further followup is necessary, those screened are referred to their own healthcare professionals.”

To make an appointment for the screening, call Kathy Warren at 315-797-1230.   St. Joseph Nursing Home is located at 2535 Genesee St., Utica, NY.   Check out www.stjosephnh.org and www.nationalmemoryscreening.org  for more information. 

St. Joseph Nursing Home to Exhibit the Paintings of Theresa DiSpirito

(Utica, NY)   St. Joseph Nursing Home will host an exhibit opening of the paintings of local artist, Theresa DiSpirito, on Sunday, March 22 from 1 – 3 PM in the main lobby of the home. The show, entitled Nature’s Moods, has paintings showing scenes of nature from the local area, the Adirondacks and the Florida Keys. 

Theresa is a sculptor following in the fine tradition of her father, reknown local sculptor, Henry DiSpirito. In the past few years, she has taken up the paint brush to portray the colors and the moods of the nature around us. As DiSpirito said, “This is a relatively new medium for me to work in.   I wanted to capture the moods and intensity of life found in nature….the colors of autumn leaves, the brilliant greens and yellows of spring, and the mellow sunset over the Siesta Keys.” 

This art show is open to the public. There is no fee, and refreshments will be served at this exhibit opening.   St. Joseph Nursing Home is the only Catholic nursing home in the Mohawk Valley and is dedicated to providing quality care to the aged and infirm in a Catholic, home-like setting. For further information, visit our website at www.stjosephnh.org.   

Attendees were entertained by the music of Sinatra, Fizgerald, Spike Jones and even Groucho Marx. The memories that Hank Brown shared were engaging. Over $775.00 was raised to benefit improvements to the St. Joseph Café and to the pantry areas.

St. Joseph Nursing Home is the only Catholic Nursing Home in the Mohawk Valley and it is committed its mission of providing optimum care to the aged and infirm in a Catholic, home-like setting in an atmosphere of shared commitment.

St. Joseph Nursing Home receives It’s Never 2 Late Grant

(Utica, NY) The New York State Department of Health awards a $16,680 grant to St. Joseph Nursing Home for the “It’s Never 2 Late – Empowering Residents” program. In the very competitive grant process, St. Joseph Nursing Home was one of thirty – seven recipients to receive this funding.

“It’s Never 2 Late” provides computer access to older adults who physically and cognitively would otherwise struggle with traditional computer systems. This access is provided through a desktop computer, multimedia programs, games, audio email, and the internet. The monitor and keyboard are fully adjustable and allow anyone to use it and participate in this program.

Residents will be able, through this  hands – on, interactive system, to create a personal web page, share their life experiences, and email their families. Another component of this grant encourages local high school students to serve as trainers for this program allowing for an intergenerational teaching experience.

The benefits of this grant are many to the residents. “It’s Never 2 Late” will increase quality of life with computer activities geared to resident’s interests. Providing more stimulation and diversion, it will help to increase socialization and maintain and strengthen connections with families and friends. 

Celebration of Excellence to Recognize three Uticans

(Utica, NY) John F. Kennedy said, “Happiness is the full use of your powers along the lines of excellence.”   St. Joseph Nursing Home intends to acknowledge the truth of those words through its 1^st Annual Celebration of Excellence Brunch.  

At Harts Hill Inn on Sunday, November 9 at 12 PM, St. Joseph Nursing Home will honor three local individuals who exemplify the attributes of excellence, commitment and passion for their work, and service to the community. The Honorees are Msgr. Francis Willenburg, pastor of St. Agnes Church; Betty Frank, Founder and Coordinator of Perpetual Adoration at St. Joseph ~ St. Patrick Church; and Henry DiSpirito, local Sculptor and former Artist in Residence at Utica College. Henry’s award is a posthumous award.

Kathy Poupart, Development Director for St. Joseph Nursing Home, says, “We are so fortunate to recognize these three powerful figures for doing right things right.   If you believe that every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it, these honorees certainly autograph their life’s work with excellence.”

(Utica, NY  6/9/08)   Frank Trimboli, Administrator of St. Joseph Nursing Home, announces the establishment of the St. Joseph Foundation. The mission of this Foundation is to mobilize the community and those concerned with long term care in order to generate funding. This funding will sustain and expand Catholic-centered, long-term care to the infirm and the aged in our community.

Showing commitment to its mission, this Foundation Board announces its first development effort, a Memorial Brick Campaign. This campaign will help family and friends remember loved ones or honor the living, and it begins this month. Interested individuals can purchase a memorial brick inscribed with their words of honor and/or remembrance for $100 or $200 depending on the brick size. The proceeds from this effort will be used to create the Henrietta Heenan Courtyard under our shade trees. 

If you desire to purchase a brick or wish further information, please call Kathy Poupart, Development Director, at 797-1230.   Located in Utica, NY St. Joseph Nursing Home is a 120 bed, 24 hour, long-term care facility with a Catholic focus for the aged and infirm.