MVNRC – I think it’s lovely

Long Term patient Rose had a few kind words about how she feels about MVNRC.

Name: Rose
Care focus (Long/short term): Long term
Date of interview: 6/15/2022

What do you think of the facility?
“I think it’s lovely. The grounds are all well-kept, and so are the rooms. This is the place to be if you have to be anywhere. I couldn’t stay at home anymore and I’m glad I ended up here,”
Dietary:
“I like the chicken Alfredo and pasta dishes,”
Therapy:
“Therapy is just something we need and the therapy people are definitely around. It helps.”
Activities:
“I love sitting out on the porch. I wish we could do it in the winter it’s so nice out here,”

Honoring Volunteers

Volunteers Make A Difference Every Moment

 The theme for this year was “Volunteers Make A Difference Every Moment.”

Volunteers were greeted by Activity staff and a small token of appreciation. Dietary was on hand with some yummy snacks for the event. Activity Director Cindy Swatt spoke on how “Our Volunteers” mean so much to our residents and how they look forward to seeing them.  Administrator Michael Mickey also expressed his heartfelt “Thanks” for all they do.  It is a blessing to residents, staff, and volunteers themselves.

A word search and a word scramble were handed out for all and small prizes were given to those with the most correct answers.

 

Nursing Homes Therapy Dogs

Using Therapy Dogs at Mahoning Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

therapy dog 02

If you’ve ever owned a pet like a dog or a cat, then you know the joy that they can bring you as a pet owner.  However, as our friends and family members age they might not be able to care for a pet as they once did.  But that does not stop a pet lover from smiling when they see a puppy or love patting a pooch on their head.  The use of pets in a care facility like a nursing home can add smiles, joy, to the days of the residents.  That’s where special dogs like Snickers who is a Therapy Dog can be helpful to make the residents day a little brighter.

Therapy Dogs are used to visit schools daycares, group homes and rehabilitation homes like Mahoning Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  These dogs have stable friendly temperaments and easy-going personalities.  Patients are encouraged to talk, pet and interact with dogs which helps reduce stress and encourage healing.

Snickers is one of our therapy dogs that started coming to visit when he was a “Puppy”.  He came to visit last week while we had the residents on the porch enjoying popsicles.  And of course, he had to have some too.  Snickers also can do a lot of tricks with the help of his Mommy.  Visit again soon Snickers.

 

therapy dog therapy dog 03

What Does Social Services Do?

What Does Social Services Do?

A Social Service Department has various functions. Another role in which we serve our residents and families with the Medicaid Application Process.   This can often be a confusing and daunting task.  Whether it is to cover the cost of a Short-Term or Long-Term stay, the Social Services department can assist you through the process.  We will meet with the resident and family for a private appointment where we can complete the application step by step.  We submit the application and all necessary documentation to the County Assistance Office.  We also complete annual renewals when necessary.

One of our most important services is helping the resident and their families adjust to their new environment.  It is often difficult to deal with the physical and emotional challenges our residents face as well as being in a new environment.  Social Services is here to help in any way we can to make the transition here, whether short term or long term, to a homelike environment.
Social Services participates in Care Plan Meetings.  These are designed to be ‘update meetings’ for the families and resident to receive reports on progress as well as to voice any concerns you may have.  They are held shortly after admission and quarterly thereafter.  These meetings are beneficial for both staff as families as we all work toward a common goal.

Social Services also provides community outreach to provide education about our services, answer questions and provide some fun.  We have visited local senior centers to speak about our facility and services where we hosted bingo and provided prizes.

On 9/7/17 we participated in the Annual Carbon County Senior Expo in Jim Thorpe, PA.  The event was highly attended by over 1,100 people.  We handed out Mahoning Valley brochures, koozies, pens and other items.  We were greeted by family members that had loved ones with us and even got to see some of our former residents thriving in the community. It was a truly great event that we were proud to be a part of to give back and help educate our senior community.