MULBERRY GARDENS RECEIVES CONNECTICUT ASSISTED LIVING ASSOCIATION’S 2009 BEST PRACTICE AWARD FOR STAFF RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION



Pictured (left to right):  Marie Terzak, Mulberry Gardens; Christopher Carter, Connecticut Assisted Living Association; Perry Phillips, Mulberry Gardens Executive Director; Becky Cagley, Mulberry Gardens and Julie Bugaj, Mulberry Gardens Exercise Physiologist.
 
Engaging and promoting staff health through wellness coaching
December 2, 2009 (Southington, CT) -- In keeping with Central Connecticut Senior Health Service’s mission to provide optimal health and wellness within its community, Mulberry Gardens has created a Health and Wellness team that encourages and coaches staff towards a healthier lifestyle and promotes a positive working environment.  The teams inception was initiated directly from a staff committee and consists of employees form all departments.  The team creates monthly themes that promote physical activity and provides educational programs including a Wii bowling challenge, walking at work (pedometers are provided to participants and distance is tracked) and a stair climbing challenge.  Mulberry Gardens’ main stairwells have been redesigned by adding upbeat music and décor to encourage stair use instead of elevators.  Yoga, kick boxing, and Zumba classes are led by staff.
 
Mulberry Gardens’ Health and Wellness team also arranges for outside health professionals from other health organizations to come in to present educational classes to its employees.   Class topics include nutrition, exercise, team building and how to deal with stress.  A nutritionist conducted a twelve week healthy eating/weight loss program.  Ten percent of the employees participated in the weight loss challenge.  Mulberry has also sponsored a six week smoking cessation course to assist employees to quit smoking which allowed the community to become a tobacco free property.  Another program at Mulberry Gardens focused on laughter in the workplace.  A comedian demonstrated how laughter can provide an outlet for stress reduction.
 
Mulberry Gardens has completed its third annual health and wellness fair for employees at no cost. The Hospital of Central Connecticut conducted blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar screenings, as well as complimentary chair massages.  Healthy snacks were also provided to staff during the fair to all were participated.  Mulberry Gardens has partnered with the Southington Community YMCA.  Both organizations started a free “Eight Weeks to a Better You” fitness program at the YMCA.  This allows staff members and their families access to all programs, classes and the pool.  Mulberry Gardens also subsidizes part of the membership fee for employees and/or their family members if they are interested in joining the YMCA after the eight weeks.
 
Mulberry Gardens continues to research and bring innovative wellness programs to its staff to promote optimal health individually and to continue to provide the highest level of care to the residents it serves.
 
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Mulberry Gardens residents have new way to stimulate mind
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