Lansdowne Village has a new look! The Meramec rehabilitation wing at Lansdowne Village in St. Louis, Missouri is now complete and ready for skilled nursing and short-term patients! This renovation project has been in the works since 2022 and is finally finished. The renovations include a renovated physical therapy room, occupational therapy room, dining area, and other updates to the facility. Patients will be able to receive top-notch care from skilled nursing professionals in a modernized environment. The renovations have been designed with patient safety and comfort in mind. Lansdowne Village staff are excited to welcome their new patients!

Lansdowne Village is also excited to announce the upcoming renovations to be complete soon. These renovations will bring a new level of comfort and convenience to our skilled nursing and long-term care facility. With an expanded dining hall, modernized lounge, and welcoming entrance, these renovations will make life easier for residents and their families. In addition, Lansdowne is also making improvements to existing infrastructure such as the elevators and gyms. With these changes, Lansdowne Village is committed to providing an even better experience for our residents in the years ahead.

With the help of Reliant Rehabilitation’s expert team of therapists, Lansdowne Village is fully equipped to help you in any way possible. To learn more about Lansdowne Village’s skilled short-term or long-term care services, schedule a tour or request more information.

 

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So, what senior-friendly activities are cost-efficient and easy to do at home? Here are some ideas to spark your imagination when planning for family holiday celebrations.

Our favorite senior-friendly holiday activities

Karaoke night

Karaoke nights can be what you make them. You can invest in a karaoke machine or search YouTube for Karaoke songs or playlists. Use keywords like “Christmas karaoke” or “best karaoke playlist.” Turn up the volume and let your family sing their heart out!

Bake together

Cookies, cake, bread, you name it… Baking is a great way to get the whole family involved. Don’t forget to decorate! Seniors also benefit from practicing creativity.

Movie night
Find the perfect movie – Holiday or otherwise – and set up your very own home movie theater. String some lights around the room, heat up the fireplace, pop some popcorn, and throw on your comfiest pajamas.

Charades

Charades are a timeless classic. You can play with a smartphone app like Heads Up! or go old-fashioned by drawing hand-selected prompts from a bowl.

Decades dinner party

Host a holiday dinner party they’ll remember for years to come! Let guests pick their favorite decade to dress up as and bring an iconic dish from. For example, you choose the 1950’s. Dress up in iconic 50’s clothes and bring a meatloaf. Let your imagination run wild and have fun with it!

Drive around town to look at Christmas lights at night

Pack up in the car and take a drive around town to admire the houses at night.

Join a book club together

Give them a gift that will last all season long. Give them an early gift and join a book club together. You’ll have an ongoing activity that you can do together or separate and it gives you something to talk about when you’re together.

Spa day

Pamper your loved one for a day! Go out for a massage, and manicures/pedicures for some relaxing one-on-one time together.

The holidays don’t always have to look the same. Traditions are important but so are making unique memories together. Enjoy this time together!

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Courtesy of MGM…it’s on us!

MGM Healthcare is excited to announce their 2022 Holiday Party for St. Louis hospital Case Workers and Social Workers! This year’s Holiday Party is on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at Westport Social. Starting at 5:00 pm and running until 8:00 pm, join MGM and their St. Louis-based skilled nursing administrators and marketers for appetizers, an open bar, and gift basket raffles. MGM local vendors are also welcome to attend.

RSVP now!

Skilled nursing facilities represented at the MGM Holiday Party include Florissant Valley Health & Rehabilitation Center, St. Sophia Health & Rehabilitation Center, Bentwood Nursing & Rehab Center, The Quarters at Des Peres, Lansdowne Village, Normandy Nursing Center, Sunset Health Care Center, and Oak Park Care Center.

MGM and their supported facilities are excited to host what should be the best holiday party of the year! For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Director of Business Development, Jessi Werkmeister, at jwerkmeister@mgmhealthcare.com.

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Many aspiring nurses start out as a Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA). Even as an entry-level position, obtaining a CNA license involves weeks of classes, clinical training, and a successful exam score. Luckily, all centers within the MGM Healthcare network offer on-the-job training and cover education costs for caregivers looking to advance their career.

How we support aspiring CNAs and Nurses

CNA trainees at any MGM-supported center go through the “CNA fast track.” Your facility will pay for you to go through a 3-week class schedule and cover expenses for the CNA exam at the end of those training sessions. During that time, you will also receive valuable on-the-job training that will prepare you for certification.

For those looking to pursue nursing licenses beyond CNA, these centers offer even more opportunities for further career growth. After you complete your certification and have worked at your facility for 1 full year, you can begin the next step in your nursing career. Centers offer tuition reimbursement to caregivers who wish to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). This allows you to advance your career without having to change employers! You can stick with the team you know and trust.

With 26 locations across the Midwest, you’ll work within a small, tight-knit community with corporate-level resources. Thanks to this structure, you can form connections to those around you on a personal level with the benefits of a larger company. With these resources, your location can help you grow in your career and support you financially, physically, and emotionally along the way.

Benefits of CNA training

1. Fast-track to CNA license
2. Cost of education is covered
3. On-the-job training
4. Financial assistance for LPN license available after CNA license
5. Vast network of facilities and healthcare professionals

Start Your Journey to a CNA License

What you need to become a CNA trainee:

1. High school diploma or equivalent
2. Complete 16 hours of on-the-job training
3. Commit to attending all classes (75 hours)
4. Must test and obtain CNA license once program is complete.

Real CNA Trainees

Rakehl Combs, CMT

Rakehl Combs, Certified Medication Technician (CMT) at St. Sophia Health & Rehabilitation Center in Florissant, Missouri, recently moved into her new role after earning her CNA certification through Aspire Healthcare Solutions. Having recently completed the program, Combs hopes to further pursue her career as a Registered Nurse (RN). When asked what about long-term care is most appealing, Combs stated that she works on the dementia and Alzheimer’s unit. Combs also shared that, to her, the most rewarding part of working with dementia patients is the opportunity to treat them like family.

Diamond Easterling, CNA

Diamond Easterling, CNA at St. Sophia, completed her CNA requirements in October 2020. Easterling’s experience in both the classroom and the field provided valuable skills and knowledge as she set out to begin her nursing career. Easterling’s roots in long-term care nursing trace back to her childhood when her mother was also a CNA in a nursing home. Having grown up visiting her mom at work, Easterling cherished meeting the residents and watching her mom spring into action. Now, 21 years after her mom began her CNA journey, Easterling plans to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) after also becoming certified as a pharmacy technician.

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What is assisted living?

The United States has approximately 28,900 assisted living communities, with 22.6% of those in the Midwest. Assisted living allows you to maintain your lifestyle with some extra help with daily tasks such as getting dressed, showering, and navigating meals. Many locations also offer memory care.

Assisted Living vs. skilled care

The difference between assisted living and a nursing home or skilled nursing facility is the level of care provided. Skilled nursing focuses more on medical care while assisted living puts an emphasis on maintaining the independence you’ve always had.

Medicare coverage also differs between the two services. Medicare can cover skilled nursing after a qualifying hospital stay and may take on the costs of some aspects of assisted living, but may not include room and board for these communities, depending on your policy.

10 reasons assisted living is right for you

You’re still in control.

You are still in charge of your life with the same independence you had before. You don’t have to do this alone if you don’t want to; you get to decide when and how you need help.

Life as usual with extra assistance

This can include going for walks, bathing, eating, getting dressed, or using the restroom.

Medication management

Trained professionals will manage your medications for you so you can spend more time living and less time worrying.

Live-in pets welcome

No need to rehome your furry companion. Cats and dogs are welcome in your new home!

Transportation available upon request

You don’t have to give up going out. If you can’t drive yourself, most assisted living communities offer transportation to shopping centers, restaurants, appointments, and so many other options.

Social programs/activity

Along with transportation, social programs and activities are available. These planned activities vary day to day. Some days may include arts and crafts, holiday parties, planned outings to local attractions, and baking or cooking sessions. Take these opportunities to make friends, try something new, or enjoy the things you already love!

Fight loneliness with new friends

You’ll meet new friends and neighbors in the same stage of life as you are. With apartment-style living and shared common areas, you’ll never be alone – unless you want to.

No more tedious housework

Say “goodbye” to all the chores take took hours to complete. Use that valuable time for yourself now!

24/7 professional care as needed

Even in the privacy of your own apartment, you never have to be alone to fend for yourself. Trained professionals are there to help around the clock whenever you need it.

Restaurant-style dining

Many communities have kitchens and dietary specialists dedicated to bringing you 3 delicious, healthy meals every day in a restaurant-style dining setting. At Forest Hills Assisted Living, Dietary Specialist Fatima Jasasra has become a staple within the community known for her excellent meals and adventurous spirit in the kitchen. Every apartment is also equipped with a kitchenette for when you’re hoping for a little privacy during mealtime.

Ready to begin your search?

The move into assisted living doesn’t have to a difficult one, and it doesn’t mean losing your independence. In fact, those who make the move find their quality of life is greatly improved. It may not always be an easy choice, but it is certainly an important one that takes a lot of thought and research. Try using a database like A Place For Mom or check the MGM locator to find a fully-certified location near you.

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Our motto is simple: empower better living. Since empowering better living looks different from person to person, that means tailoring certain physical requirements for each rehabilitation resident. These senior living communities and rehab centers across Oklahoma truly exemplify that motto through their rehab programs. MGM locations partner with Reliant Rehabilitation to provide skilled nursing patients with high-quality, customized rehab services including occupational, speech, and physical therapy.

We are proud to elevate these past and current skilled nursing residents for their successful rehabilitation processes. Each resident put in the work to improve their skills and ultimately their lives.

Forest Hills Care & Rehab – Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Beverly Smith was admitted to Forest Hills Care & Rehab on May 12, 2022 under the care of Dr. Joseph Moore and was discharged 16 days later!

Visit the Forest Hills website for more information.

Leisure Village – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Myrtle Carrington was admitted to Leisure Village Health Care Community on March 30, 2022 under the care of Dr. Jack Brown. She was discharged to long-term care on June 6, 2022.

Visit Leisure Village’s website for more information.

Seminole Care and Rehab – Seminole, Oklahoma

Brenda Tunnell was admitted to Seminole Care and Rehabilitation Center on February 21, 2022 under the care of Dr. James Krablin. After 60 days, Brenda was discharged to home.

Visit Seminole’s website for more information.

Seminole Care and Rehab

Seminole, Oklahoma

Judy Calger was admitted to Seminole Care and Rehabilitation Center on April 7, 2022 under the care of Dr. James Krablin. 56 days later, Judy was discharged to home.

Visit Seminole’s website for more information.

Rehabilitation takes a lot of work on the patient’s part and these rehab graduates are no exception. With stays ranging from 16 to 69 days, these residents were able to achieve significantly higher functional outcome levels than when they were first admitted. Through hard work and determination, they improved their physical, occupational, and speech function enough to either return home or transition into the next level of care.

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What is inpatient rehab?

Inpatient rehabilitation refers to patients who reside in a skilled nursing facility or inpatient rehab facility during their rehab journey. This stay often occurs following a hospitalization for a medical event such as serious illness, surgery, or injury. Rehab is then used to return the patient to their highest possible function to go about everyday life with minimal assistance. The level of care required for these types of health events cannot be provided at home so they must relocate to receive the best care according to their current function.

What is outpatient physical therapy?

Outpatient therapy or rehab offers all the same benefits as inpatient therapy with a few additional perks. Outpatient rehab gives patients the ability to fit sessions into their everyday lives. Rehab includes a wide range of specialties including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. This service is ideal for patients looking to improve their daily quality of life but are independent enough to continue living in their own homes.

Outpatient vs. inpatient rehab physical therapy

Outpatient rehab and residential inpatient rehab overlap in quality and type of care, but the separation comes about in everyday life. Some differences include:

Living space

Outpatient physical therapy allows you to continue living at home.

Level of independence

Outpatient rehab allows you to come and go according to your schedule. Inpatient offers further skilled nursing care beyond your due to your therapy needs.

Different Medicare coverage

Medicare Part B covers outpatient rehab therapies including physical, occupational, and speech. In 2018, Congress repealed Medicare caps for necessary therapy. Alternatively, Medicare Part A covers inpatient costs.

Which option is better?

There’s no right or wrong answer for everyone. The decision to go with outpatient or inpatient rehab is situational and up to your physician. They may assess your ability to live independently based on your physical wellness or determine that you need additional assistance in a skilled nursing facility. Arbor Court in Mount Pleasant, Iowa caters to both residential patients and those seeking outpatient services with their new outpatient rehab program. Regardless of what is best for you and your situation, Arbor Court and their physical therapist partners at Reliant Rehabilitation are ready to help you regain control of your life. For more information on outpatient and inpatient services at Arbor Court, call 319-385-1400 or submit a contact form so a representative can reach out.

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Arbor Court, a skilled nursing facility in Mount Pleasant, is proud to announce their newest outpatient rehab program! Due to high demand, Arbor Court now offers outpatient rehabilitation services for non-resident patients in the Mount Pleasant community. With the help of Reliant Rehabilitation, this new program is open for anyone seeking affordable, high-quality rehab.

When asked what sparked the idea to open Arbor Court for outpatient rehab, Mitchell Boeck, Director of Rehab at Reliant Rehabilitation, stated that current skilled nursing residents enjoy their therapy programs and notice significant benefits. Once residents are ready to return home, they often wish they could continue with Arbor Court’s therapists. Now when a residential rehab patient is discharged, they can continue their therapy with the same familiar faces.

Why choose Arbor Court?

With access to the same facilities and equipment as residential rehab patients, outpatients at Arbor Court still reap the full benefits of speech, physical, and occupational therapies. All patients are welcome, including, but not limited to:

• Former residents who return home but require further therapy after discharge
• Community members who do not meet the requirements for skilled nursing care but still need therapy to continue with their everyday lives.

As a skilled nursing facility, Arbor Court specializes in quality care for all who need it. Alongside the team at Reliant Rehabilitation, these healthcare professionals know how to care for their patients and get them back to their highest possible quality of living.

The Arbor Court outpatient rehab experience

Arbor Court partners with Reliant Rehabilitation and their excellent team of therapists to provide the highest quality of care. The outpatient therapy program allows residents who have returned home to continue therapy with known and trusted therapists.

When you arrive for your outpatient rehab appointment, you will park in one of the reserved outpatient parking spots. Friendly, familiar faces wait inside the outpatient rehab entrance to greet you. You will head to the fully equipped therapy gym, which is shared by both outpatients and residents.

Before beginning your therapy session, you will update your therapist on current function and bring up any questions or issues that have come up since your last visit. Your therapist will take appropriate interventions based on your personalized plan of care and treatment. Former residents are always welcome to stay and visit with friends from your stay with skilled nursing.

To learn more about outpatient rehabilitation at Arbor Court, give them a call at 319-385-1400 or schedule a tour online.

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As of November 2022, Fatima will have been with Forest Hills Assisted Living for 10 years. Prior to joining the Forest Hills team, she owned and operated a café in Broken Arrow with her husband for 14 years. Fatima loves to cook and finds plenty of satisfaction in coming up with new ideas for her residents. She welcomes requests with an adventurous spirit and never backs down from a challenge in the kitchen.

Not only is Fatima bold in her work, but she goes about business with a big smile and an even bigger heart. Whatever residents ask for, they get, and they get it with a smile. She doesn’t stop there, either. Whenever there is a task that needs to be done at Forest Hills, Fatima jumps in to help in whatever way she can. When asked how she felt upon being named Oklahoma Assist Living Association’s Dietary Caregiver of the Year, Fatima said she was excited, felt appreciated, and glad that her work has paid off.

Oklahoma Assisted Living Association and the Caregiver Awards

The Oklahoma Assisted Living Association (OKALA) is a resource for those looking into Assisted Living communities in Oklahoma for themselves or a loved one. As they celebrate 25 years as an organization in 2022, OKALA continues to provide the best possible support to anyone searching for an Assisted Living Community in the state of Oklahoma since 1997. Their website offers information on where to start your search for an Assisted Living Community as well as a helpful Consumer Checklist which lists what features to look for when touring a community and questions to ask.

The Caregiver Awards recognize those who exemplify positivity, inspire those around them, and go above and beyond to improve quality of life. Nominees must meet the following requirements:

1. Must be employed at a Senior Living Community.
2. Senior Living Community must be a member of OKALA.
3. Must provide letter of support for the nominee from caregivers and Assisted Living residents.

We are thrilled that Fatima has been recognized for this award. She proves time and time again what an incredible asset she is to the Forest Hills Assisted Living Community, and that her influence extends beyond this group of caregivers and residents.

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