Home » Uncategorized » Rehabilitators receive award for excellence

Rehabilitators receive award for excellence

The rehabilitation staff at St. Joseph Residence received a visit from their Divisional Vice President, Mark Kilmer, of Sundance Rehabilitation last week, and he was packing a hefty award. In a competition between 440 buildings throughout the United States, the Sundance team of rehabilitation experts at St. Joseph Residence proved their commitment to patients over all the others.

Incorporated in 1990, SunDance has grown to become one of the nation’s largest providers of contract rehabilitation services with customers in more than 37 states. Over 5,000 dedicated SunDance professionals provide physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology services in a variety of settings including long-term care centers, assisted and independent living communities and hospitals.

“Laurie Young has done an exceptional job with making sure the submissions for the award were taken care of,” said Bob Fietsch, director at St. Joe’s. “By doing this important paperwork and tracking their achievements, it was clear to see that the team had surpassed their common goals and achieved excellence in patient care.”

Young was excited to see the trophy that symbolized the team’s hard work. “This first-time award will show others the level of commitment these rehab experts have and how the team goes above and beyond for their patients,” said Kilmer.

“Each month we consolidate patients and almost 50 percent of them are able to return to their homes,” explained Young. “This speaks to the level of care given at this facility. These people not only come to live here, but come in and go back home feeling like they are better for having been here. That’s the goal we want to achieve for them.”

Young said that from admission to discharge it takes an average of 32 days to rehabilitate a patient. That’s with seven days a week of therapy. Prior to going home an assessment is done, where the rehabilitation experts ask questions and tour the home to make sure railings are solid, rugs won’t be a problem, etc. “We recommend durable medical equipment to help them in their homes if we have to,” explained Young. “We want to see them succeed and have their freedom. We also offer outpatient rehab, and these patients get to meet with us at their homes.”

Kilmer said that the SunDance Pathways to Wellness program is specifically designed to help seniors improve health and fitness while increasing independence. The SunDance vision includes access to wellness services that encourage seniors to create successful, balanced lifestyles. A variety of services, screenings and educational activities engage mind and body to help older adults find satisfying levels of personal wellness.

The rehab program has been so successful that there are rehab graduates who come back to volunteer at the facility. One woman comes in regularly to play organ or piano for the residents.

“I think the social aspect of St. Joseph’s Residence is sometime overlooked,” explained Fietsch. “You get to meet with others and interact here, something you cannot always do when living at home.”

“This is truly a rehabilitation facility,” said Young. “We have people who live at Marion Heights and Trinity Terrace who have gone through our rehab program at St. Joseph Residence and then return to their apartments. The transition is easier for them. That’s what it’s all about.”

Scroll to Top