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Expanding Our Family
This year marks the expansion of Meridian's nursing and rehabilitation offerings, with a new facility in Wall set to open this autumn. It also marks the expansion of Meridian's family by one special new member.
For many seniors, being home alone can be very frightening. When something unfortunate happens, it can be even more frightening.
Brick resident Estelle Feldman, 81, can certainly attest to that. Earlier this year, she was by herself at home when, all of a sudden, she felt like she couldn't breathe. She called her granddaughter Beth for help, who immediately dialed 911.
Discovering the Problem
Estelle was brought to Ocean Medical Center's emergency room, and after being evaluated and undergoing some diagnostics, she was admitted. "I was told that my grandmother had fractured her spine due to her osteoporosis," relates Beth.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, more than 1.5 million fractures each year can be attributed to osteoporosis, of which 700,000 are vertebral fractures. "Osteoporosis is often called ‘the silent disease' because there is significant loss in bone density before you have signs like this type of fracture," clarifies Ken Souchek, senior manager of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Services at Ocean Medical Center. "This is why it is so important to work with your physician on early detection and prevention, including diet, weight-bearing exercise, and possible medications when appropriate."
Comforted by Familiar Surroundings
After spending four days in the hospital, where Estelle was simultaneously treated for cellulitus, an acute bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissue, she needed to go to a rehabilitation facility to receive the nursing care she required, along with both physical and occupational therapy. So she was referred to Meridian Nursing & Rehabilitation at Brick, where she had been a patient before. "I can't say enough good things about the care I received at the rehabilitation center," Estelle says. "They are so kind, and everyone is so anxious to care for you."
At the end of her treatment, Beth met with the therapists to decide if Estelle should continue to live on her own. "My grandmother could, but she needs some assistance at times, and it would be great to find someplace for her where she could socialize with others," comments Beth. At the suggestion of Jodie Orosz, MSW, director of Social Services for the Brick facility, Beth decided to look into some assisted living communities.
The Perfect Solution
When Beth told Estelle about Rosewood Assisted Living in Toms River and its independent living section, she quickly said, "Sign me up!" According to Estelle, "If Rosewood is anything like the rehabilitation center, I am going to be really happy!"
Jodie wants nothing but happiness for Estelle too. "We treat all of our patients like one of the family and try to make them very happy. Estelle, having been here several times in the past two years, has really found a special place in many of our hearts."
After this article was written, Estelle fell in her home and was later diagnosed with dementia. She did move into Rosewood Assisted Living, but not into the independent care area there. Rather, she now comfortably resides in the assisted living section, where she can get the help she needs with bathing, medications, meals, and transportation.
 – Robin Krippa
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In the fall of 2006, Meridian will be opening a brand-new rehabilitation center in Wall. This state-of-the-art facility will be equipped with 130 beds designed for subacute patients — that is, those with a greater need for clinical care.
"We are very excited about adding this new center to the Meridian family," says Ken Aber, director of long-term care for Meridian Quality Care. The center has been outfitted with many amenities for patient comfort, like private rooms and baths, entertainment lounges with couches, and common areas for family visiting. "When designing our center, we consulted with physician leaders and administrators at Jersey Shore University Medical Center to make sure we were meeting the needs of patients who would be discharged to us," assures Ken. For example, to accommodate the patient population, "Our rehabilitation gym will be twice the size of that found in most subacute centers."
All three Meridian Nursing & Rehabilitation centers are staffed 24/7 with registered nurses, and each staff works very closely with the patients' physicians to deliver the highest-quality care. At Wall, there will not only be a medical director who oversees all patient care, but also a physiatrist, a physician who specializes in rehabilitation medicine.
Changes are under way at Meridian's two established facilities as well. "We will be relocating the Red Bank center in early 2007 to a brand-new, completely modern space in Shrewsbury that will allow an additional 26 beds," Ken explains, "and Brick will be undergoing internal renovations to make the environment more aesthetically pleasing."
For more information on Meridian's nursing and rehabilitation facilities or assisted living communities, call 732-751-3600.
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