Many of you may have met me at our Peck Street location. I've been in training to be an official "Therapy Dog" since I was nine weeks old; I'm now three (or 25 in dog years). Everyone had hoped that my big brother Max, who was a certified Therapy Dog though TDI International, would be able to aid in my training and provide pointers for me only a canine would understand, however he unexpectedly died the same week I came to my new home. I never got to meet Max, I'm told I have big paws to fill.
I've wanted to become official, however Dad held me back for more training. Seems it had something to do with not taking directions from all my funeral home aunts and uncles (The Clock staff).
I no longer bark at doorbells, phones or the delivery people. (I quickly learned that they bring biscuits!) My favorite people are the veterans who volunteer for military service rituals. They not only bring treats, they tell me stories, pet me and have taught me that when they play taps it's time to retreat under the desk in the front office with my aunts so I don't become scared and shake when they shoot their rifles. (I used to have nightmares over this!) Dad's especially proud of me because as a former U.S. Navel Officer, he knows how important veterans are.
Daily, I ride with dad to the office; we talk about if my services are needed. If not, I take a nap in the back offices. When we leave for the day, I let dad know that I want to play with my other furry siblings in the back yard, chase squirrels, bark at turkeys and even wrestle with my sister Lucy. I plan to enter certification training this summer.
Next month I'll talk about my job description and frustrations with my mother trying to dress me, she just doesn't get it! My job's "ruff" and I love it! Paws up!
The core services of this non-profit haven't changed - it's the Meals on Wheels program. Each and every day 50 drivers are traveling across three counties making deliveries to homebound seniors, bringing them not just a meal, but a daily visit, a smile and reassurance to them and their families that they are OK. It's a lifeline to staying independent! Hot meals, breakfasts, frozen meals to heat and eat, entrée salads and supper sandwiches, are all a part of the choices they have. For those more active and mobile, there are locations where lunches and activities are held daily in the three counties. They are small neighborhood cliques that socialize and make each center unique.
Home is now Tanglewood Park, which houses four non-profits. We began a new phase of operations, opening the Café at Tanglewood Park. It is not just for older adults, it is for anyone and everyone and open for breakfast and lunch. The food is amazing, the prices are the best and our barista can hook you up with your favorite latte. You can't go wrong. Any proceeds from operations go back into services for seniors. Stop and visit us 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
And…last but not least, for the over 50 crowd, stop at the Wellness Office for info on our classes, travel group or how to be a member. New classes begin mid-July!
They will face a critical decision as to which team of doctors, therapists, nurses and social workers they will trust to help them recover. Each day, Heartland Whitehall treats patients with hospital-level acuity and medically complex conditions transitioning from hospital to home. According to Alyssa Pischel, administrator at Heartland-Whitehall, "The patient's best way home is through our doors. Our outcomes reflect that. On average, 89% of our rehabilitation patients admitted to Heartland centers nationwide return home."
At Heartland facilities nationwide, 28,000 nurses will treat more than 36,000 patients, and 6,000 therapists will provide more than 100,000 minutes of therapy. The majority of these patients will return home and to the community to lead independent, productive lifestyles. "Our role in the spectrum of health care continues to expand and change, and we're thrilled that we can make such a positive difference in the lives of our patients of all ages," said Alyssa. "Today's post-acute care facilities are serving an increasing number of patients transitioning between hospital and home. We are not just a skilled nursing center, we are a post-acute rehabilitation center."
Whether a patient is recovering from surgery, illness or injury, the staff at Heartland - Whitehall works with the patient, family members and physicians to create individualized care plans that recognize the unique needs of each patient. The transition from hospital to home is further enhanced by a nursing staff that receives training in medical management and rehabilitation. At Heartland Whitehall discharge planning begins on admission and goals are set to help the patient return home as quickly as possible. The combined efforts of the therapy, rehabilitative nursing, dietary and social services departments provide guidance, family support and the encouragement needed for patients to return to their independent lifestyles.
"Our patients are coming to us younger and sicker and expect to recover quicker and return home," Jeff Langelier, Director of Rehabilitation at Heartland Whitehall said. "Our rehabilitation gyms are bustling with activity daily, with patients working on regaining strength, stamina and the skills they need to return home." Heartland Whitehall offers skilled nursing and physical, speech and occupational therapy, for patients with hospital level medical acuity as they recover from surgery, illness or injury. Often, patients may meet the criteria for discharge from a hospital, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they are ready to return home, they need rehabilitation to restore their physical abilities and re-learn certain skills, as well as to achieve the confidence they need to return to a productive lifestyle.