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Gardens at West Shore Nursing Staff Benefits from Career Training and Enhancement Classes HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Nursing staff at The Gardens at West Shore recently benefited from a fifteen week enrichment course provided by The SEIU Training and Education Fund. The collaboration between West Shore and The Training Fund is but one initiative in the larger goal of providing caregivers with the skills and support that will enable them to move up in their careers and provide residents with quality care. As they are at the forefront of daily patient interaction, it is v...

We’ve all seen it, you know, the old commercial where a senior falls in her home and cries out that she’s fallen and can’t get up. So many recognize the commercial that today that line is practically a punch line. However, the reality is, falling is no laughing matter – especially for seniors. Did you know, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 20 percent of all falls cause serious injury, most often head injuries or hip fractures. Each year, 2.8 million seniors receive emergency room treatment as a result of falls. More than 800,00 seniors are hospitalize...

Well, Summer is finally here! For many families, that means preparing for fun-filled vacations and relaxing getaways. But if you are one of the thousands of caregivers tasked with caring for an aging loved one, a vacation or weekend getaway, may seem impossible or out-of-reach. Unfortunately, it’s all too common for caregivers to feel overwhelmed by the emotional and physical strain of the responsibility of taking the best care of their loved ones. While you as a caregiver may be reluctant to admit you could use a break, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to be in this alone ...

If you or a loved one has been experiencing a medical condition that requires a more concentrated level of care, it’s likely that your doctor may have recommended short-term rehabilitation. At this point, you may be asking yourself, “What’s the point?” With that important question in mind, below, we’ve laid-out four core benefits that short-term rehabilitation provides as well as to why it may be worth your time, energy and commitment: Quality of Recovery: Some may say, “Hey, I’m healthy and active, I even have a long-time exercise regimen, what do I need rehab for?” The reali...

Mother’s Day is almost here, and it’s the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with the important women in your life – for many, that means visiting a senior mom or grandmother being cared for at a skilled nursing facility. While your mother or grandmother will be glad to just spend time with you, planning a special Mother’s Day activity is a great way to show your love and appreciation. Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate Mother’s Day with a senior mom: Treat her to a manicure: A manicure or pedicure is a thoughtful gift idea for your mother or grandmother, especia...

Meet Raymond, an Army veteran who was stationed in Korea and Hawaii, serving a total of five years. His main job in the Army was to maintain the communications on the base. After discharge from the service, he put those skills to work and worked in telecommunications hooking up systems in private sector across the country. Raymond came to The Gardens at West Shore after suffering a stroke for rehabilitation with the goal of being able to return home. Raymond recalls, “I was not able to eat, and I was in a wheelchair. Eventually I got to be able to use a walker and started to get better.” R...

William Dawson, or “Bill” as he is affectionately known, arrived at The Gardens at West Shore wearing his trademark oh-so contagious smile! Bill became well known throughout the facility for his warm, outgoing and friendly personality and just a pleasure to be with. Working with Bill, our therapy teams developed a comprehensive rehabilitation plan with attainable strategic objectives. We are proud to say that Bill has achieved all his therapy goals and has returned home to his beloved husky puppy, “Princess”. Congratulations Bill, from all of us at The Gardens at West Shore! We...

March 20, 2019 – Nursing staff at The Gardens at West Shore recently completed Mental Health First Aid training. The 8-hour course, accredited through The National Council for Behavioral Health, provides trainees with the skills to assist residents who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. In addition, trainees are introduced to risk factors and warning signs for mental health or substance use problems, engage in experiential activities that build understanding of the impact of illness on individuals and families. Topics covered include depression ...

Whether your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or is just starting to show signs of memory loss, knowing when it’s time for memory care is never an easy choice. However, there are early signs you can look out for to make the optimal and most timely decision on transitioning your loved one to a memory care program. Here at The Gardens at West Shore, we help families transition to memory care when ready. Below are some common early signs for you to consider: #1 Unsafe and Unsound One of the most common concerns family members have about a loved one living with AlzheimerR...

Whether your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or is just starting to show signs of memory loss, knowing when it’s time for memory care is never an easy choice. However, there are early signs you can look out for to make the optimal and most timely decision on transitioning your loved one to a memory care program. Here at The Gardens at West Shore, we help families transition to memory care when ready. Below are some common early signs for you to consider: #1 Unsafe and Unsound One of the most common concerns family members have about a loved one living with AlzheimerR...

Whether your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or is just starting to show signs of memory loss, knowing when it’s time for memory care is never an easy choice. However, there are early signs you can look out for to make the optimal and most timely decision on transitioning your loved one to a memory care program. Here at The Gardens at West Shore, we help families transition to memory care when ready. Below are some common early signs for you to consider: #1 Unsafe and Unsound One of the most common concerns family members have about a loved one living with AlzheimerR...

Employees at The Gardens at West Shore recently took time off from their regular jobs to give back by providing hot meals to Harrisburg’s homeless population. With the help of employees, the volunteer group prepared over 60 meals for distribution. Each meal, prepared by the facility’s chefs, included a grilled hot dog and hamburger, macaroni, fresh salad and a cold bottle of water. The group’s first destination was to the Bethesda Mission at 611 Reily Street, Harrisburg’s only homeless shelter for men. Bill Christian, Executive Director at the shelter thanked The Gardens at West Shore ...