Arnold House Nursing Home

Best Nursing Home in Massachusetts

Exceptional Care…in a place that feels like home.
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Arnold House Nursing Home

The 5 most important things to look for in a Nursing Home.

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By Jil Sullivan, BSN, RN, Director of Nursing, Arnold House Nursing Home

Choosing the right Nursing Home is a very important decision that can affect the quality of life and happiness for your loved one.

In my opinion, these are the 5 most important things to look for when you’re making that decision.

CLICK HERE to download a printable checklist to bring with you when you visit a nursing home.

  1. Check the Staff to Resident ratio. This is the single most important factor in making sure your loved one gets great care. The Nursing Staff to Resident ratio determines how much personal time and attention each resident will get. (At Arnold House, our daytime Nursing Staff to Resident ratio is 1 to 4, one of the best in New England.)
  1. Observe the Staff. Look to see if the staff interacts well with the residents. Do they seem to enjoy being with the residents? Do they work well with other staff members? Can the staff answer questions about the residents? Ask if the staff has been working there a long time.
  1. How does the place feel? Trust your instincts on this one. Does the place have a loving, homey feel to it or does it feel like an institution? Does it appear clean and well maintained? Is there an unpleasant smell about the home? Is the temperature comfortable for resident? Is there good lighting? Do the residents seem happy? Do the employees seem happy?
  1. What’s the food like? Healthy, nutritious food is critical to maintaining good health. Ask some questions about the food. Is the menu nutritious? Do residents have a choice of food items at each meal? Does the nursing home provide for special dietary needs? Does the staff help residents eat and drink at meals if help is needed?
  1. Are there daily activities? Activities are very important to good mental health. Do the residents take part in activities on a daily basis? Is there a personalized activities plan for each resident? Do they have parties, outings and celebrations? Are residents’ minds being stimulated every day?

If you have any questions, call Jil or AnnMarie at 781-438-1116 or email us at [email protected].

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Positions Available – Apply Now

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Best staff-to-resident ratio in New England

Arnold House Nursing home is a 22 bed private nursing home. We’re dedicated to setting the standards of excellence to our residents and employees. Apply now to join our team of CNAs.

Current Openings:

7AM-3PM day shift: 24-32 hours per week includes every other weekend
3PM-11PM evening shift: 24-32 hours per week includes every other weekend
11PM-7AM night shift: 24 hours per week includes every other weekend

“Arnold House is a good place to learn. Very family oriented atmosphere. I love all of the patients here. We all work together as a team. We are able to give all the residents plenty of attention which is very important.”
Kanchana C., CNA
2 years with Arnold House

Benefits:

We offer competitive pay depending on long term care experience and education, weekly paycheck, paid meal break, vacation time, sick time, matching retirement plan, health insurance, long/short term disability, dental care, and many more incentives and most important, a pleasant work environment.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) applicants must possess current CNA certificate in the state of Massachusetts. If in school for training to be a CNA, can hire but must have certification within 120 days of start date.

CNA Job Requirements:

If you are interested in going into the nursing field and becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant CNA, you can start work and get your certification within 120 days of your start date per DPH. Certified Nursing Assistant CNA in Massachusetts in good standing, Positive Attitude towards the elderly (CNA), Ability to understand regulations, policies and procedures, Good verbal and written communication, Up-To-Date Physical, BLS/AED certification. This position includes every other weekend, Saturday and Sunday.

The nursing home is conveniently located off route 95/128 and route 93 in Northshore area. 12 miles from downtown Boston.

Pay: $16.00 – $21.00 per hour

If you are interested in being considered to join our team, please submit the application with your resume below.





    Registered Nurse (RN) – Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – Job Openings

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    Now Hiring – Jobs in Stoneham, MA

    CHARGE NURSE POSITIONS AVAILABLE

    NIGHTS: 11PM to 7AM – 32 hours per week includes every other weekend.
    EVENINGS: 3pm-11pm – 32 hours per week includes every other weekend.

    Arnold House Nursing home is a 22 bed private nursing home. We’re dedicated to setting the standards of excellence to our residents and employees. We are currently looking for experienced nurses (RN/LPN). This position includes every other weekend and shared holidays.

    “I love the small cozy environment. I get to spend time with the patients and their families. I can give each resident the care and attention they deserve. Our staff all work great together. We get great support from management, anything we need we get.”
    Debbie L., Assistant Director of Nursing
    23 years at Arnold House

    72 years in the Nursing Home Business! Work in an environment that respects you as a nurse, Work in an environment that takes pride in all employees and treats each and every staff member as “Family”.

    Arnold House is located in Stoneham, MA, just off Route 128/95/93. Fifteen Minutes from downtown Boston.

    Job Benefits

    Excellent salary plus shift differential, paid vacation, matching retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, holiday time, sick time, long/short term disability, and much more.

    Qualifications

    Graduate of accredited School of Nursing.

    License/Certification/Requirements

    Current Licensed Registered Nurse/Practical Nurse LPN License in Massachusetts. CPR/AED Certification. Dementia 8 hour training. Must have annual Flu Vaccine and Tb Testing as required by DPH.

    Experience

    1-2 years experience Licensed Registered/ Practical Nurse. LTC experience. Computer experience in Windows 7 and 8, Experience with SigmaCare.

    Job Type: Part-time

    Pay: $30.00 – $45.00 per hour

    If you are interested in being considered to join our team, please submit the application with your resume below.





      Its Flu Season

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      Help Our Elderly Residents

      Flu Symptoms Stay Home

      Every year the flu hits the United States around December to March on average. Many elderly lives are lost due to flu. Please see the signs and symptoms list below. If you have any of these symptoms please DO NOT VISIT a loved one in a nursing home.

      • Fever
      • Aches
      • Chills
      • Fatigue, Weakness
      • Sneezing
      • Stuffy Nose
      • Sore Throat
      • Chest discomfort, cough
      • Headache

      Please stay home! Most of our residents are compromised and have complex health issues. As we all know the Flu is quite contagious. When the Flu virus enters a healthcare facility everyone is in Jeopardy, staff and especially the residents. It can become quite complicated when staff and residents become ill. The number of staff is limited to care for the residents, and when one resident’s gets ill it just a domino effect to the other residents.

      The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), predicts the 2019-2020 season has the potential to be just as severe as last season or worse.

      Please STOP, please THINK, and PLEASE STAY AWAY if you have the flu or flu-like symptoms. Oh, and most important get vaccinated, it’s never too late!

      Thank you in advance, it is much appreciated!

      The nursing staff at Arnold House Nursing Home

      Flu Ward in the year 1918-1920 (Spanish Flu Pandemic)

      Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)

       

      Dining at Arnold House

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      Dining at Arnold House Nursing Home

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      Dietary and Care Guidelines

      Hi, I am Dennis, the Executive Chef at Arnold House Nursing Home. As an Executive Chef I can tell you from my experience food is very important for love ones. The food has to be flavorful, nutritional, presentable and meet the dietary and long term care guidelines for your loved one. Don’t be afraid to ask the admission person these important questions:

      • Can I get a copy of the menu?
      • Are there any budget constraints?
      • Do you have special events dealing with food?
      • Is it okay to stay for lunch?
      • Is there a dietician and speech therapist available?
      • What if my loved one would like a snack at any time?
      • Can I see the dining room?

      Cooking from Scratch

      I can’t tell you how important it is for the food to be flavorful. I always look for recipes that contain fresh herbs and spices. You know it is scratch cooking when you see fresh herbs and vegetables being used. Fresh produce is also a big key for me here at the Arnold House. We have a produce purveyor (Sid Wainer ), that will deliver twice a day if needed to provide the special requests of residents (fig jelly, prunes, coconut milk and any other specialties). We also use two food purveyors (Gordons and Sysco), not because of budget constraints but which purveyor can provide the better quality of product that I need (fresh seafood, prime quality of beef). Your loved one will know if the haddock is fresh or frozen. At Arnold House Nursing Home we only use fresh caught fish.

      Nutrition

      Nutritional is another key to look for. There are Department of Public Health (DPH) guidelines that need to be followed. I always try to sell them on fruit in the morning. We offer a choice of different fresh fruit each morning and use 100 percent juices. Hydration is very important. I meet with the dietician constantly to check weight loss and anything else that has to do with a loved one. If the food is flavorful and presented right, there should not be any problem with meeting their individual needs at Arnold House Nursing Home.

      Food Presentation

      Food presentation is very important. I can’t tell you how many times I see residents looking at the food and commenting on the wonderful aromas. They also have no problem letting you know if something is not right. It’s like watching one of those food shows on TV. I enjoy asking the residents how the food is, it’s always good to talk to them so you can correct any issue immediately. I treat them like I would want to be treated.

      Resident Needs

      The needs of the resident are something we strive for at Arnold House Nursing Home. My philosophy is that if you give them what they like, then there will be no problems. Sometimes the resident looks for that special comfort food item that is not too healthy. I’ll talk to the dietician to make sure there is no problem and offer it. I can’t tell you how many times a loved one would ask for peanut butter and jelly or grilled cheese sandwich. I have a little trick when I offer them a peanut butter sandwich, for a side I give them fresh fruit, when serving a grilled cheese sandwich, I try to put a soft vegetable in it. I try to put some nutritional value in each sandwich. I always meet with the loved one’s family to discuss their dislikes and likes. Many times, I invite them to stay for lunch and enjoy a meal.

      Meal Times and Snacks

      Who doesn’t like breakfast when they sleep in? The first meal of the day is so important. It is the best time for them to consume calories. This is where a Bistro Menu works so well. We offer a choice of eggs, pancakes, pastries and breakfast meat. At Arnold House Nursing Home, each resident breakfast is cooked to order. When the resident arrives in the dining room, they choose from the menu and then one of our chefs prepares their entrée and serves it hot. Bistro Menus also help at night. We offer a third choice, (shrimp scampi, baked haddock, choice of sandwiches). The snack cart is so crucial for the residents especially if they have low blood sugar or they are just hungry. We try to switch things up by offering a savory or sweet snack.

      Special Events and Holidays

      Special events and holidays are another important thing to think about. When you have Christmas dinner at your home, is it well decorated? Are you going to have a meal with all the holiday traditions? We always go the extra mile for this. I enjoy spending my holidays here at the Arnold House with the residents. I love it when a resident thanks you for an excellent dinner, or you tell a family member we are serving filet mignon or baked lobster tail, the expression is priceless! The activities director also gets her hand into the food aspects. We offer activities from decorating cookies to making apple pie. We even celebrate special occasions like Chinese New Year to the opening day of baseball.

      Finally, I hope these answered all your questions about the nutritional aspects of choosing a skilled nursing facility. If you are choosing a place for your loved one, I hope you keep the Arnold House in mind because we meet all the demands.

      Dennis Wilson
      Executive Chef

      Chefs at Arnold House

      Chefs at Arnold House

      Gardens of Arnold House Nursing Home

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      Cheers to 70 years! Arnold House Nursing Home’s 70th Anniversary Party

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      Celebrating 70 years in business!

      Our Business

      In 1949, Marjorie R. Cook had a vision. That vision was to care for the elderly with dignity, love, and respect.

      Arnold House is a private pay nursing home and continues to be family owned and operated, third generation, Jil Sullivan, RN, Director of Nursing, and AnnMarie Cox, Director of Patient and Employee Services.

      We work in collaboration with many other community resources to ensure that our residents receive the best care possible. Our Area Hospitals Include: Lahey Clinic – Burlington, Massachusetts, Winchester Hospital – Winchester, Massachusetts, Lawrence Memorial Hospital – Medford, Massachusetts, Melrose-Wakefield Hospital – Melrose, Massachusetts.

      Cooking with Aromatics – Part 1

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      Arnold House Chef Dennis

      From the Executive Chef at Arnold House Nursing Home

      Hello everyone, my name is Dennis. I am the Executive Chef at the Arnold House Nursing Home. I have worked for the Arnold House for over five years. My everyday challenge is, “How can I make every dish more enticing for the elderly residents I serve?” Please enjoy Part 1 of Cooking for our residents at Arnold House Nursing Home.

      The fragrance of food and how important it is to stimulate the elderly to eat.

      It is easy to make a dish so much better with aromatics and which is often overlooked. Just the smell alone intrigues people. Not only is smell and taste but appearance is very appealing to the eye. Who doesn’t like being asked what is that wonderful smell in the kitchen or how did you make that garden salad look so out of this world. Let’s get cooking!

      The first thing I learned in Culinary School was making a roux. Simple, equal parts fat, equal parts flour. The next step was mirepoix French for 50 percent onions, 25 percent celery, 25 percent carrots. Then it was sachet of spices, a cheesecloth of fresh herbs and spices. Just those 3 things alone have endless possibilities.

      We will start with roux, not an aromatic but very important for a base of flavor. No more corn starch! Save that for your tennis shoes! The most important part of making a roux is to remove the starchy flavor of flour. A tan color for light gravy’s and chowders. A dark color for your jambalaya and brown gravy’s. But be careful the darker it gets the hotter it is, known as the “Kitchen Napalm”.

      Next is mirepoix, ah the things you can do to with these vegetables to improve any dish. I love when I get asked how you got that dark roasted taste with your Chicken gravy or did you get that color by using Gravy Master, Absolutely not! I use 50 percent Onions, 25 percent Celery, and 25 percent Carrots, which equals 100 percent flavor! I personally use 2 methods sautéed in butter or good olive oil or just roast them in oven. Remember the darker the color the robust the flavor. Just the smell alone will bring people to your kitchen table.

      Finally we get to the herbs and spices. There are 2 methods of doing this one is called sachet French for bag it’s a cheesecloth wrapped in butchers twine tied to a pot of stock, soup or gravy. Its contents usually contains garlic, cloves, peppercorns, bay leaves, parsley sprigs and thyme. The twine helps because it is easy to remove for the taste you are going for. The other way is called bouquet garni which really made from herbs with stems like parsley, leeks, celery. Thyme sprigs, basil and bay leaves tied to butcher twine to the pot. With doing this you upped your Beef Stew or Tomato sauce with your grandma’s recipe.

      Next in part 2 I will break down the different types of aromatic cooking and the regions it is used. Plus the many herbs to knock out the next time you make that roast beef, roast poultry or fish. No more uneventful salad’s either.

      Cooking with Fresh Vegetables