NORWICH – The name isn’t the only thing that’s changed at the Norwich Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, formerly known as the Pearl and Everett Gilmour Health Care Facility, 88 Calvary Drive.
Since its changeover on January 1 – under new owners Alex Barth and Ephraim Zagelbaum – the center has hired its own therapeutic staff and continues to offer top-notch short-term and long-term rehabilitation and respite and palliative care, according to newly promoted Director of Marketing and Admissions Liza Newman.
In the past, the center had contracted out for therapeutic services, stated Newman. Now, with its newly-hired staff of five under Rehabilitation Director Mike Masse, the center can offer a one-on-one, more personalized service to its residents.
“I hand-picked this staff from people I’ve worked with in the past and our mission is to create the best short-term rehabilitation center in the area, that is our goal,” said Masse. “There is a huge need for it locally and that’s what brought me here.”
The rehabilitation facility features modern, state-of-the-art equipment, he added, including machinery you may not find in a lot of other short-term rehab centers and nursing homes.
“We’re pretty fortunate to have the space and equipment we have,” stated Masse of his hand-picked crew – Physical Therapist Tracy Henry, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant Lana Clark, Physical Therapist Assistant JoAnn Kumrow and Speech Therapist Ray Bird.
Norwich Rehabilitation Supervising Administrator Theresa Creedon said the transition had been a smooth one so far, and the center is looking to expand its rehab service from the current six day per week format to a full weekly schedule.
“Our company is certainly focused on customer service and we really like to get to know the families, to make sure they’re comfortable and truly feel their loved ones are being cared for here,” stated Creedon, who has 20 years of administrative experience. “We try to reach out to the families and we have an open door policy, from administration to department heads to our staff. If a family member is concerned at any time we make sure that we’re available.”
The center features a number of amenities for its residents, including lounges with computer access, eastward-facing dining rooms with a scenic view of the valley, a walking path and gazebo, activity room, cinema, beautician service, semi-private and private rooms and a pair of private palliative and respite rooms.
Newman said she’s continually surprised by the number of people who are unaware that the center even exists.
“It’s really a beautiful facility and people are welcome to contact me for a tour and see what we have to offer, or just stop by,” she added.
For more information on the Norwich Rehabilitation and Nursing Center contact Newman at 336-3915, extension 309, or via e-mail at enewman@norwichrehab.com.