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Wing bears long-term resident's name
Sallie Howrey, 82, of Nevada thinks that Medicalodge of Nevada deserves the recent five star rating they recently received, and she should know. Howrey has been in the facility longer than any other resident. Howrey says she has enjoyed all 27 years she has lived there, "The people, they're so nice," she said, "They have never mistreated me in any way or even been cross with me."
A lot of work goes into providing the care that Howrey receives. "It takes a whole team," said Community Resource Director Kim Robertson. The nursing home had been a four star facility for many years. "It took us a long time to get the five star rating," said Robertson.
Robertson says the "nursing care" has been a primary factor in achieving the high rating, but the entire staff has played a tremendous role in the recognition of quality service. And it is high quality service; according to administrator Susan Houser, there is only one other five star nursing home within a 150 mile radius of Nevada.
Several factors are considered in determining the ratings. Information given by the nursing home on a daily reporting basis provides the detailed data on health inspections, staffing, quality measures and fire inspections that has allowed Medicalodge to achieve "the goal that all nursing homes are working toward," said Houser.
Some things are consistent in the nursing home industry. Resident councils are common, and Howrey served for many years as the president of the council at Medicalodge, but caring, compassionate medical services by highly trained nurses are the foundation on which Medicalodge has built its system of care. Other things going on at the facility, however, are new and designed to "make the nursing home more like a regular home," said Robertson.
Howrey says, that's what they're trying to do, "make it more like home, and they're getting there." In her 27 years at the facility, Howrey has seen many changes. Different paint and wallpaper, new furniture, a multitude of staff members and several roommates have come and gone, sometimes with little notice. But she is excited by some of the changes taking place now.
Phase I of a $500,000 renovation has been completed in a project that will take three years to complete. The refurbishment, according to Houser, is a "modernization" or "culture change." The change incorporates elements of the surroundings, service and aesthetic atmosphere into an integrated whole that mimics that regular home environment desired by staff and residents.
Some of the changes are technological, like an upgraded phone system, but there are others, like the policy of no overhead pages to staff members that help create a different climate for residents. Furnishings do the same thing and so does a shift away from "anything that seems institutionalized." Real dishes instead of trays is important to homelike surroundings. And so are buffet style meals. One big change in the way things are done is the elimination of a single birthday party for everyone celebrating in a given month. Now each resident enjoys an individual birthday party complete with traditional birthday treats
Howrey likes all the food in her home not just the goodies. She said it's always been good. And she likes many of the other things at Medicalodge.
Bingo, and van rides, going out to eat and just being able to visit with her best friend of many years, Maralyn are all important to Howrey.
She likes being able to just watch a movie in her room or listen to a CD, she especially likes the people. And they like her.
Howrey lives on what used to be called the blue wing of the nursing home, but some time back, in honor of her, the name of the hall was changed to Sallie's Meadow.
Other physical changes to the building will be coming. The nurse's station in the middle of the X shaped facility will be eliminated and turned into a comfortable commons area for resident socializing and activities. It will be a great place for residents, family members and guardians to gather and see first hand the changes taking place.
It is important for family members to know the caretakers well. Choosing a nursing home for a loved one is not a decision to be made lightly. Even though Howrey's husband John chose Medicalodge because "it was the cleanest one he looked at" there are many things to consider. You can't do too much research while looking and Robertson said that a good place to start is the Web site www.medicare.gov.
That would be a starting point, but should not be considered the last word. By all means contact and visit any facility that seems worth further inquiry. To learn more about the five star service, staff and facility at Medicalodge of Nevada visit the Web site above or www.usnews.com or give them a call at (417) 667-5064.