June Newsletter

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.

Customer Service That Really Cares

Richard W. knew exactly where he was going for post-surgical rehabilitation after his knee replacement surgery. He knew because when his wife had been at MediLodge of Port Huron in the past, they loved how professional and clean the place was. They were impressed with the spacious private rooms, private showers and the fact that the staff is always friendly and attentive. “The food was pretty good and the staff was so professional” Richard states. “While I was here for my own stay, I experienced the same friendly and professional staff. The therapy folks are so knowledgeable and really helped me get back on my feet in no time.” Richard said he would not hesitate to recommend MediLodge of Port Huron to a neighbor or family member. Everyone there knew their profession and did it well. The feeling of “good customer service” really showed through.

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.

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!

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.

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.