As a practicing ophthalmologist in Westchester County, Bruce Gordon, MD has delivered eye care at an array of long-term care facilities. When he needed to find such a facility to care for his wife, Madelon (known as Maddy) Gordon, United Hebrew of New Rochelle was top of mind.
Still, he did his due diligence and toured ten facilities to find the organization best suited to his wife’s healthcare needs. His conclusion? “United Hebrew was the best.” A doctor knows!
Four years later, Dr. Gordon says he couldn’t have made a better decision.
“The care here is incredible,” he says. “The staff members are so attentive, from the Certified Nursing Assistants to the doctors who do daily rounds, like Dr. Elaine Healy [VP Medical Affairs, Medical Director at United Hebrew]. She has been so responsive to my wife’s needs from day one. It’s not a job to her, it is a career. Staff come to work here, and they stay. There’s a real sense of family.”
Dr. Gordon notes that longevity counts. Pat McCormack, RN has worked at United Hebrew for over 50 years. Rita Mabli, United Hebrew’s president/CEO has been at the organization for over 40 years.
“I never understood how important the administration can be,” Dr. Gordon explains. “The tone is set from the top down. Everyone is so friendly here. From the minute I walk through the front door, I’m greeted by name by the receptionist, by nursing staff, by maintenance staff. They are incredibly responsive and do all they can to ensure that my wife, and indeed, all the residents have a good experience. The culture is so positive. People smile, they say ‘Have a good evening.’ It’s a very warm atmosphere.”
The attention to detail performed by the staff is amazing, another plus, according to Dr. Gordon. “Patients who are unable to walk typically have a 7 – 8% chance of developing bedsores. Here, that happens only 1% of the time or less! They do a great job of moving their residents who have limited or no mobility.”
And United Hebrew is spotless. “I’m here every day visiting Maddy, often in the quiet evening hours. I see the maintenance crews, sweeping, mopping, cleaning and polishing, even when no one is watching. It’s amazing.”
Quality of life
United Hebrew’s lively activities and packed calendar of events are exceptional, too, says Dr. Gordon. “There are concerts, faith-based services, bingo, musical entertainment, manicures and hairstyling, art classes and pet visits. These are so important, and they contribute to an overall high quality of life for the residents.”
What’s more, restaurant-style dining helps to create a home-like environment, notes Dr. Gordon. Food is plated for residents in the dining room, and it’s always fresh and appealing.
Appreciation and support
Dr. Gordon met his wife at Cornell University. He went on to do his residency at Mount Sinai while she pursued her master’s in social work at Columbia University. They married a year after she earned her degree, and went on to have a daughter, Bonnie, and a son, James, who are now grown with children of their own. They visit their mother often, says Dr. Gordon.
As Dr. Gordon spent more time at United Hebrew, he became so appreciative of his wife’s caregivers that he looked for ways to give back to the nonprofit organization. Because he appreciated the care and kindness exhibited by the staff, he sponsored a Staff Appreciation Party.
People like to be thanked, but patients aren’t always able to do so. “This was one way for me to say thanks.”
Two years ago, Dr. Gordon joined United Hebrew’s Board of Directors. Already a donor, he looked forward to lending his expertise. “I enjoy it. The board members are involved, kind, generous, professional, and interesting.”
“I can’t imagine a better staff or a better institution,” explains Dr. Gordon. “People live well here.”
