The Living Legacies in Promoting Excellence Magazine!

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.

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!!

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.

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.