|
|
Providing safety, security
and the comforts of home*
Community Advocate - July 2, 2004
By Sandie Michals
Community Reporter |
Marlborough - Westridge
Healthcare Center was founded in 1964 to provide quality, affordable
and dignified health care local seniors. A team of dedicated,
licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants work under the
direction of the primary care physician to provide 24-hour -skilled
nursing care.
Four distinctly different
programs are available, including short-term or "rapid recovery"
and complex medical care, specialized Alzheimer's/Dementia care,
geriatric behavioral care, and long-term/comfort hospice care.
Westridge Healthcare's
Special Care Unit was designed for the care of people diagnosed
with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias who have difficulty
dealing with daily care or have a decline in judgment and safety.
The Special Care Unit emphasizes positive life experiences through
programs such as reminiscence therapy, music therapy, exercise
programs and "failure free" activities. The unit, which
was renovated last year, is a bright, cheerful and peaceful environment.
It is a secured unit, featuring landscaped outdoor courtyard
and gardens.
Westridge's Executive
Director David Morrall has spent 22 years in the healthcare industry.
"We are certified
by the Massachusetts Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association,"
Morrall said. "Our staff is specially trained to care for
Alzheimer's patients. They are kind, patient and compassionate.
Residents receive individual attention. We offer group or independent
activities designed to keep them stimulated but without getting
them agitated."
The Rapid Recovery Unit
is equipped and staffed for complex medical and short-term recovery
needs. Patients who are recovering from a stroke or heart attack
or recovering from surgery may benefit from the rapid recovery
care. A new gymnasium was recently added to the third-floor unit,
and all care is overseen by the in-house physiatrist. The staff
receives continuous education in the latest short-term rehab
and complex medical care techniques. A " transitional room"
furnished with microwave and refrigerator assists patients preparing
to go home.
Westridge Healthcare accommodates
190 residents and features pleasant common areas where residents
can visit with family members and visitors or participate in
a variety of activities throughout the day. It provides a comfortable
routine of socialization and recreation through numerous social
events from bingo to backyard barbecues.
"We are capable of
handling complex medical care, such as cardiac care or intravenous
feedings," admissions coordinator Teddianne Meehan said.
"We have nutritionists, dietitians and social workers, and
all levels of rehabilitation therapy are available including
physical, occupational and speech-language therapy. A nice feature
is that if someone comes here with the beginning stages of something
and it progresses, they can be moved to the long-term care unit.
There is no need to move them to another facility. Spiritual
care is also an important service provided here to offer support
to our patients, their families and their loved one."
Westridge Healthcare Center
is Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization
accredited and is certified as a Medicare provider and participates
in most commercial insurance plans.
"We have a great
staff here who has accomplished a lot," Morrall said. "We
have a very low turnover and are people are caring, compassionate
and patient. They are selected on that basis. Our goal here is
to provide quality nursing, rehabilitation and specialty care
in a caring and supportive environment."
Westridge Healthcare Center
is located at 121 Northborough Road East, Marlborough.
Back
To In The News Main Page
*Marlborough Hills
Healthcare Center was formally named Westridge Healthcare
Center.
|
For
more information, a tour or to arrange a referral for admission,
please call (508) 485-4040. |
|
