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...

I came to The Gardens at Blue Ridge having fractured my knee. When I first got here, I was in so much pain, I was in tears! But once I began therapy that all started to change. There I met a young lady named Karla, she was my PT Instructor. Karla became my best friend at the facility. Each day, she talked me through the therapy. At times, when I felt like giving up, she was there by my side to encourage me. Karla (and Brenda!) believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself – for that I am especially grateful! The entire therapy staff was patient with me during this challenging peri...

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...

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...

Nine residents at The Gardens at Blue Ridge celebrated their graduation from the PEER (Pennsylvania’s Empowered Expert Residents) Program, which trains residents at long-term care facilities to serve as advocates that enhance the quality of care and life for their peers, by working with both facility staff and their fellow residents. The PEER group participated in five 2-hour training sessions; providing them with the education and tools they need to support their fellow residents. Sessions include information on resident rights, various roles of facility staff, tools-such as the R...

Harnessing today’s Healthcare Transformation is a core priority here at The Gardens at Blue Ridge. That is why a delegation, led by facility administrator, Catherine Kirkham attended the SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania’s Second Annual Healthcare Transformation Summit. The event, held last week, brought together healthcare workers from hospitals and nursing homes across the state with supervisors, management, and experts in the field, the 2-day Summit provided valuable information and training for all who attended. Attendees also shared the positive impact their current projects have had on c...