Happy Thanksgiving!

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.

This is MY Life

Shirley S. is one of the latest therapy graduates of MediLodge of Port Huron. Shirley had stayed at a different skilled nursing center in the past. When she slipped and fell on black ice this winter, she found herself needing short-term nursing and therapy to recover from a fractured femur. She returned to her last center only to be disappointed with the inflexible schedule and lack of private rooms. She then took it upon herself to switch centers. Shirley came to us looking for private rooms, flexible scheduling, top notch custom therapy, and personal respect. That is exactly what she found at MediLodge of Port Huron. Shirley says “I am not a sit around type of person. Other places are not flexible with their hours and respecting my personal decisions, but I love that I am allowed to plan my own life here”. The new private short-term suites allowed Shirley to continue her many social and personal activities such as church meetings with ease. She appreciated that she could participate in fun events throughout the building, or just relax and enjoy some quiet time and make a call to a loved one “This is the cleanest place I have been to and every one of the therapists are all really great. They have the best nurses’ aides here as well; they treat me as if this is my home.” Shirley also gave compliments to the kitchen staff and chef “The food is really good here too. They have the best bacon I have ever had and I need to get the recipe so I can make it at home!” As you can see, Shirley has a passion for life and she loves to be the captain of her ship. At MediLodge of Port Huron, she felt that she could continue living her life as she wanted and was also able to take full advantage of the high quality nursing, therapy and food services to help her Recover, Rejuvenate, Revitalize and Return Home.

I would just like to say that my stay at MediLodge of Port Huron exceeded my expectations!!!

I had a wonderful stay. I was very pleased with the staff and how they worked together as a team. From the first moment stepping through the doors everything was wonderful. The staff was very prompt with answering call lights and giving medications. Staff was always very kind and pleasant.

My family was able to schedule visits with no issues, and we had a very nice area to visit in. I would tell anyone looking for a place to recover or needing therapy to choose MediLodge of Port Huron, they are great at what they do!!

And one more thing, I loved the popcorn on Fridays.

Thank you!

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!

I would just like to say that I had a wonderful stay at MediLodge of Port Huron. All the staff very just wonderful! I can see why MediLodge of Port Huron is a 5 star facility. A special shout out to Joann ( C.N.A.), she is phenomenal!!

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.

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.

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.