Michele Gratzl’s employment at Hancock Hall and sister facility, Filosa has spanned four decades. She began her work at Filosa Convalescent Home in 1971 when she was just 21 years old, serving as a nurses’ aid. Over the years, her roles and responsibilities evolved as did the nursing profession and skilled nursing industry. Gratzl has served as social worker, ward clerk, and most recently as Resident Trust Coordinator and Accounts Payable Coordinator. Next week, she begins a new chapter as a retiree, and doting grandmother. “I’m proud to be a part of this great organization. I am blessed to have known and worked with a very special group of people and I will miss all of them,” says Gratzl. Here, Gratzl shares cherished memories and gives readers a look at days gone by.
You moved to Danbury 46 year ago and began working at Filosa soon after. Did you ever think this position would span four decades?
When I was hired by Barbara Filosa in 1971 never imagined that I would be part of the Filosa organization for over four decades! In 1971 there was no formal orientation as there is today. You were given your list of residents, a sheet with their schedule and you were on your way. I remember being saddened to see that the residents were not home with their families. When I returned home after my first day at work, I remember telling my husband that I would give Mrs. Filosa two weeks and then I would probably leave. However, that never happened. As each day passed, I realized that Filosa Convalescent Home was vitally needed for many who could not be cared for by their families the residents quickly became part of my life and my family.
Tell me about how your role at Filosa and Hancock Hall has evolved and/or how the industry has evolved.
When I started working at Filosa I was a nurse's aide. The facility was a 30 bed nursing home. On the 7-3 shift each aide was responsible for 10 residents. The day went by fast, giving my residents the time and care they required. At that time, there were no bed alarms, spacious showers stalls or housekeeping staff to assist with accidents, spills, etc. On Sunday mornings, under the supervision of the charge nurse, the aides prepared breakfast for the residents. Each resident whose life I was privileged to be a part of, helped me to grow and become who I am today.
The next role that I had was the ward clerk. I worked very closely with Barbara Malone who is Barbara Filosa's daughter. Regulations at that time were much different than today. I was able to pick up doctor orders, count medication delivered by the pharmacy, write care plans and conduct studies. Also answer phones and make appointments for residents.
In 1972 Filosa increased bed capacity to 60 beds and later four more beds were added. Filosa Convalescent Home is presently a 64 skilled bed facility.
In 1974 I gave birth to my first child, Suzanne and my son Michael was born in 1976. I left Filosa for 3 years. In 1977 I returned, now a mother of two. Both Suzanne and Michael worked for the Filosa organization. Suzanne worked at Hancock Hall as a receptionist and Michael worked at Filosa in the kitchen.
My next role was the Social Worker designee. This position allowed me to work with residents, their families and staff. Helping residents and their families to adjust to placement, fears and concerns they experienced, also to be a listening ear for the staff. In this position I continued to grow.
When Hancock Hall, named after a very special friend of Mrs. Filosa, Marion Hancock, opened in 1984. Part of my duties included admitting residents to our new facility. Presently, Hancock Hall is a 96 bed SNF [Skilled Nursing Facility] and short term rehab facility. I continued to work as a social worker designee until 1996. At that time, Filosa and Hancock Hall had a Master's Social Worker in each facility. This remains true today.
In 1996, I began my final role in the Filosa/Hancock Hall organization. I began working in the finance office. Not knowing how to turn on a computer was only one of my challenges! With the help and patience of my co-workers, I was able to master my duties. My role has been to maintain the daily census for Filosa and Hancock Hall, Resident Trust Coordinator and Accounts Payable Coordinator. Frank Malone, PhD, the son-in-law of Barbara Filosa is the CFO of Hancock Hall and Filosa.
The Administrator at Filosa is Michael Malone and Jennifer Malone-Seixas is the Administrator at Hancock Hall. They are the grandchildren of Barbara Filosa This family run organization has grown and become an institution that I am truly honored to be a part of.
You are part of the fabric of Filosa's history! What memories of founder, Barbara Filosa can you share?
Barbara Filosa was a strong woman and a special friend. She expected that her staff always worked as hard as she did. She did not come from a time when meetings were part of work. So when it was mandated that care plans had to be prepared for each resident, with participation from each discipline (nursing, dietary, recreation and social service) she would question why her staff was talking rather than working!
March 3 is a big day for you! After more than forty years you will retire! Tell me about life after Filosa and Hancock Hall.
I started working at Filosa at the age of 21 and at the age of 66 I will be retiring. Filosa and Hancock Hall have been a very important part of my life. I’m proud to be a part of this great organization. I am blessed to have known and worked with a very special group of people and I will miss all of them.
My life will have a different focus. I will be heIping to take care of my 15 month old grandson and in June, his new little brother.
Favorite story about your time at Filosa/Hancock Hall?