News Archives

We’ve all seen it, you know, the old commercial where a senior falls in her home and cries out that she’s fallen and can’t get up. So many recognize the commercial that today that line is practically a punch line. However, the reality is, falling is no laughing matter – especially for seniors. Did you know, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 20 percent of all falls cause serious injury, most often head injuries or hip fractures. Each year, 2.8 million seniors receive emergency room treatment as a result of falls. More than 800,00 seniors are hospitalize...

Well, Summer is finally here! For many families, that means preparing for fun-filled vacations and relaxing getaways. But if you are one of the thousands of caregivers tasked with caring for an aging loved one, a vacation or weekend getaway, may seem impossible or out-of-reach. Unfortunately, it’s all too common for caregivers to feel overwhelmed by the emotional and physical strain of the responsibility of taking the best care of their loved ones. While you as a caregiver may be reluctant to admit you could use a break, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to be in this alone ...

If you or a loved one has been experiencing a medical condition that requires a more concentrated level of care, it’s likely that your doctor may have recommended short-term rehabilitation. At this point, you may be asking yourself, “What’s the point?” With that important question in mind, below, we’ve laid-out four core benefits that short-term rehabilitation provides as well as to why it may be worth your time, energy and commitment: Quality of Recovery: Some may say, “Hey, I’m healthy and active, I even have a long-time exercise regimen, what do I need rehab for?” The reali...

Mother’s Day is almost here, and it’s the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with the important women in your life – for many, that means visiting a senior mom or grandmother being cared for at a skilled nursing facility. While your mother or grandmother will be glad to just spend time with you, planning a special Mother’s Day activity is a great way to show your love and appreciation. Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate Mother’s Day with a senior mom: Treat her to a manicure: A manicure or pedicure is a thoughtful gift idea for your mother or grandmother, especia...

Mother’s Day is almost here, and it’s the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with the important women in your life – for many, that means visiting a senior mom or grandmother being cared for at a skilled nursing facility. While your mother or grandmother will be glad to just spend time with you, planning a special Mother’s Day activity is a great way to show your love and appreciation. Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate Mother’s Day with a senior mom: Treat her to a manicure: A manicure or pedicure is a thoughtful gift idea for your mother or grandmother, especia...

Sixteen months ago Louis Glosson’s life changed forever. He was a typical male living his life and doing his thing.  Lou stated “I was visiting a buddy of mine and got in my car to leave.”  Little did he know that the drive home would be so horrible.  A king cab double wheeled pick-up truck hit Lou’s car due to the driver falling asleep.  While Lou was driving his neon, he was pushed back and hit a tree which caused the pick-up truck to finally stop.  Lou broke multiple bones, had multiple surgeries and was in very rough shape to say the least. Lou was brought to our facility in D...

Sixteen months ago Louis Glosson’s life changed forever. He was a typical male living his life and doing his thing.  Lou stated “I was visiting a buddy of mine and got in my car to leave.”  Little did he know that the drive home would be so horrible.  A king cab double wheeled pick-up truck hit Lou’s car due to the driver falling asleep.  While Lou was driving his neon, he was pushed back and hit a tree which caused the pick-up truck to finally stop.  Lou broke multiple bones, had multiple surgeries and was in very rough shape to say the least. Lou was brought to our facility in D...

Jeff had been a successful student athlete; his days were consumed by track and field and football. As he got older, Jeff spent his life taking care of family and friends; caring for them unconditionally. Unfortunately, Jeff, neglected to take care of himself during these times. Eventually, he was admitted to the hospital with seizure activity and gait disturbance. His anxiety and fear of falling created numerous obstacles. Jeff also had difficulty expressing his thoughts (expressive aphasia). He knew what he needed/wanted to say but was unable to get those thoughts out. When Jeff came to The ...

One cold January morning, Chester was on his way out to get breakfast for himself and his wife. While walking to his car, Chester slipped and fell on a patch of ice; resulting in a fractured right tibia and fibula. Chester’s injuries required surgery to repair the fractures. The doctors ordered that he maintain non-weight bearing to his right leg for 12 weeks. It was mid-February when Chester arrived at The Gardens at East Mountain to begin his rehab. At first, Chester required assistance to safely stand and had been only able to walk 25 feet with a rolling walker and assistance from a t...

What are ten steps? Well, for Martha, it was the one thing standing between her and returning home… Martha Normand turned to Chicopee Gardens following a hospitalization after a fall at her home. Suffering a L4 vertebral fracture, Martha was experiencing significant pain and her mobility was limited due to the wearing of a required back brace. Working with Martha, our OT and PT teams developed a tailored plan and rehab objectives – our primary goal was to get Martha home, one step at a time! Each day, Martha returned for her therapy sessions; committed and brave. With hard work and a ...

Pennsylvania nursing home, The Gardens at Blue Ridge, announced the launch of a new peer mentoring program for its team of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA). The innovative program, developed by the SEIU Training and Education Fund, is the facility’s latest employee development initiative. Mentors will support new employees in adjusting to their role and responsibilities, serve as a role model for the provision of quality care and services, and act as a guide to acclimate those to company values. Mentors are selected based on outstanding work performance, commitment to quality care, and tho...

Pennsylvania nursing home, The Gardens at Camp Hill recently welcomed Congressman Scott Perry to its facility to meet with residents and staff. Congressman Perry held one-on-one listening sessions with residents and staff and participated in a tour of the facility and campus. The congressman was also joined by a staffer, Ceason, who brought along Jive, her therapy dog to interact with the residents. The visit wasn’t all play though, “Our staff had an informative discussion with the Congressman on a variety of pertinent healthcare-related topics,” said Gabe Sebbag, addin...