Merry Christmas

Lori and I have always been attached at the hip, so making a decision to admit her into a nursing home was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Knowing that she needs 24/7 care, I made the decision to place her in MediLodge of Port Huron. Since placing her, I have had nothing but amazing things to say about this facility. She looks amazing and happy every time we come see her for a window visit and that speaks volumes on the amazing care she gets. A doctor once told me “she is living on love” and I think that is exactly right. The staff truly love and care for her, I honestly believe this is the best place she could be. Anyone I talk to that is looking into placement into nursing home I recommend MediLodge of Port Huron with my whole heart, it has exceeded all my expectations.

A Smile In His Heart

If you get a chance to meet Mike O., you will never leave without a pep in your step and a smile in your heart. Mike came to MediLodge of Port Huron after having heart surgery. Mike was impressed by the open arm welcome and by how clean the building was, especially the floors. “It is very important to me to see how the floors are kept, especially the carpet. Everyone does a great job here. Even the corners are nice and clean.” He also enjoyed how helpful and caring the staff were with him. They went out of their way to motivate him, joke around with him and do what they could to help make his stay pleasant and enjoyable. Therapy was able to really motivate him and help him learn how to shower, dress and take care of himself without hurting or injuring himself. They taught him how to exercise so he could get stronger and gain his confidence again. Mike also had lots to say about the food. He loved the roast turkey and mashed potatoes, breakfast was his favorite and he enjoyed “destroying” a good burger. When it came time to prepare to go back home, Mike really appreciated the extra education about his medicines, and information to help him when he got home. His next doctor appointment was made for him and he was given instructions on whom to contact if he ran into any concerns. He was educated about coming back to MediLodge of Port Huron within 30 days if he found that he needed more care. He was assured that MediLodge would be following up with him to make sure that his home care services were stepping in to assist with the next phase of his recovery. All of these steps really helped to put Mike’s mind at ease as he continued to recover and get back to enjoying all his favorite activities again. Congratulations, Mike on your graduation from MediLodge of Port Huron therapy!

Twice is Nice

When Anna Deni was making the decision of where to go for her post-surgical rehabilitation after her second knee replacement, she had no question that it would be Medilodge of Port Huron. Anna first came to Medilodge after her first knee replacement surgery. She thought she would be going home for her rehab, but friends and family felt strongly that she should go somewhere where she could have 24 hour care and top notch therapy to get her back on her feet quicker, safer and stronger than she could at home. When she arrived at Medilodge of Port Huron, she was struck at how caring, friendly and attentive the staff was; how beautiful the facility was; and how really, really good the food was! She found that the therapy staff was very encouraging and positive. They taught her the correct and safe ways to move, which helped her feel more confidant and safe. She was back on her feet much earlier than she ever thought possible. Anna appreciated the teamwork, positive attitudes and respect that the staff had for each other. “They are truly dedicated to their work and really care about the residents,” she says. Therapy was not some pushy, cookie cutter approach, but rather an individualized program that took her wants and needs into consideration. Anna was eager to reconnect with all the wonderful people she had met her first time at Medilodge of Port Huron and knew she would be well taken care of. She has kept in contact with many of them such as Donna, Nicole, Elyse, Amanda, Jennifer and Rose who made such a difference to her. She felt like she was going on a vacation with her friends at Medilodge, to relax, get better and eat well. To Anna, Medilodge of Port Huron turned out to be so much more than she expected. She found lifelong friends, laughter, encouragement, strength and hope. She loves the teamwork and positive attitudes that the nurses and staff have and feels bitter sweet about leaving at the end of her stay this time. She has enjoyed the Medilodge experience so much that she has decided to have her pet Pug, Sissy, become a therapy dog, and the two of them want to volunteer their time at Medilodge to help others feel better also. Anna knew she found a second home here, and didn’t’ think twice about where she was going for her post-surgical therapy the second time around. Twice IS Nice, at Medilodge of Port Huron.

John G. and His Harmonica Harmony

John G. didn’t know what to expect when he came to MediLodge of Port Huron. After Pneumonia and eye surgery, he knew he needed to get his strength back to be able to go home and get to work on his Blue Water Bridge artwork he has all planned out in his head. Although it was very out of his comfort zone to come to a skilled nursing center, he really appreciated how much he was treated like a gentleman and was able to keep his freedom. John exclaims “The staff was always ‘Johnny- on-the-spot’. The building is always so nice and clean and people really work hard at providing good service.” Therapy worked great in helping John become stronger and more confident. He felt like he is much more able to return to his assisted living apartment in a safer and healthier way. John was often caught “serenading” other Lodgers with his harmonica. At the age of 8 or 9, John was given a harmonica as a gift. He always liked music and he would practice and practice until he perfected the skill. “My Old Kentucky Home” was the first song he learned while riding home from school on the bus. If John found out that a person had a birthday coming up or just passed, he would come out and play “Happy Birthday” on his harmonica. “Silent Night” is another of his specialty tunes. MediLodge of Port Huron will miss the musical moments of John G., but we are all blessed to have had the chance to meet him. John admits that if he ever needs our services again, he would not hesitate to return to us. He really appreciated all the care and smiles that were given so freely by everyone. He went home feeling motivated, positive and full of life and energy.

Out of the Well

Nancy B. came to MediLodge of Port Huron at a low time in her life. She had undergone a knee replacement that ended up getting infected. Seven operations later, she was doing all she could to keep her hope alive to save her leg. Nancy was depressed, discouraged and afraid. She felt trapped in a deep well of darkness. When she came to MediLodge of Port Huron, she felt like she entered a 4 star hotel. The staff was very welcoming and friendly, the place was clean and beautiful. “This center is the cleanest, nicest and best service I have ever received.” Her private room was a haven for healing. However, she still could not wait to get home. She was eager to start therapy so that she could get her strength back. But then another setback… yet another surgery. At this point she was on her last thread of hope. She was afraid that she could possibly lose her leg altogether. This is where staff stepped in to encourage her, pray with her and help her stay positive. Family and friends came from all over to visit with her and help lift her spirits. With everyone’s’ help, she faced her surgery bravely, ready to accept whatever God had in mind for her. She would find out if the surgery was successful at her follow-up appointment. She was finally able to start her therapy. During her time of waiting, Nancy began to talk with other lodgers in the building and make friendships there as well. She encouraged others as they also encouraged her. She got stronger. “I can feel God walking by my side during all of this”, she declared. When staff visited Nancy in her room, she now had a smile on her face instead of tears in her eyes. She radiated a sense of victory instead of loss. She was climbing out of that dark well. After much hard work and growing determination, Nancy was finally able to stand up and transfer herself on her own! This was a huge milestone for someone who was very close to losing her leg. At her follow-up appointment, the news was good…the infections were gone, her wounds were healing nicely and her heart was filled with joy again! Nancy exclaimed, “The amount of support, encouragement and friendship I received from everyone here was wonderful. I would recommend for anybody to come to MediLodge of Port Huron for top quality care and emotional support…I think they perform miracles here. “Nancy was finally able to go home to finish up her recuperation. She has decided that after she has fully healed, she would like to come back to MediLodge of Port Huron and become a volunteer helping to encourage and lift up others as they have done for her. Congratulations, Nancy, we are proud to watch you stand tall in victory on higher ground!

Judy D.; Home is Where the Heart is

Judy has been a Lodger at Medilodge of Port Huron for over 4 years now. She went there after a hospitalization stay and was very happy to see how much the staff cared for her and her commitment to get better. She said she was immediately impressed by the atmosphere and how comfortable it was. Judy is a social creature who loves to help people and be involved in daily activities. She feels that the staff really make a difference in helping her live as independently as possible. As someone who worked in the service area, she understands how much a positive attitude contributes to a caring staff and a caring community. A few years ago, Judy’s family wanted her to come home and try living on her own.

Jerry Corwin Write Up

Jerry Corwin has been a CNA with MediLodge and its predecessor the Evangelical Home since 1985. He brings compassion and hard work to so many during the midnight shift. His residents proclaim that he is “the best”. They describe his attentiveness such as making sure that Pat B. has her socks on when she needs to go to the bathroom so she doesn’t slip and fall. He thinks nothing of getting coffee for a resident on his way out of the building. He answers call lights quick as lightning and makes his patients feel so secure and cared for. He is a valuable asset to MediLodge and the staff and residents. Pat B. and Dorothy P. wish that he could train all the aids right from the beginning to show them all how to be great. Two residents share their gratitude toward Jerry: “Jerry, Thank you for all the wonderful things that you do. You are a wonderful gentleman. Medilodge needs more workers like you. Thank you ever so much. Your reward is waiting for you in Heaven.” - Pat B. “Jerry, Thank you for everything that you have done. Your kindness goes so very far. You have been there for me and have been a wonderful listener. You are easy to talk to and can be trusted. You are always kind to everyone and never talk bad about anyone. You never hold anything against anyone here at work. You are such a good person. If you were ever to leave, MediLodge would lose a very good person.” – Dorothy P.