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With bright windows encompassing the space, the newly renovated short-term rehabilitation space at ArchCare at Mary Manning Walsh Home makes the often-hard task of rehab more pleasant.
The 6,000-square-foot, short-term rehabilitation center on the 14th floor of the complex has been completely renovated, including new therapeutic equipment, a simulated apartment for relearning activities of daily living, a car transfer simulator and other enhancements.
“It’s just spacious and so bright,” said Sister Sean William O’Brien, O. Carm., the nursing home’s executive director. She is one of the Carmelite Nuns of the Aged and Infirm who serve at Mary Manning Walsh Home.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 24, Cardinal Dolan noted the need among many people for short-term rehabilitation care. “The Church is a mother,” he said. “She is always listening to what her children need.”
“Mary Manning Walsh is on the cutting edge” in providing that kind of short-term care to those in need, the cardinal said.
The 82-bed short-term rehabilitation unit at Mary Manning Walsh Home cared for 1,250 patients during 2012. Short-term rehabilitation services include 24-hour nursing care, sub-acute medical care by physicians and nurse practitioners, physical, occupational and speech therapy, wound care, among other services.
The facility is home to 82 short-term patients as well as 360 residents. There are 27 members on the therapy staff.
Rehabilitation is “hard work,” Sister Sean said. “This means a lot for our residents. I think the staff is so glad to see it.”
Other renovations at Mary Manning Walsh include those to the Emerald Café and Lounge area and the beauty salon. New bathing suites on the fourth and fifth floors include showers, therapeutic tubs and other amenities.
Additional renovations, including replacement of all elevators and upgraded lighting, wall coverings, flooring and furniture, are under way or in the planning stages. Plans include the creation of a 10-bed hospice unit in partnership with ArchCare at Calvary Hospital next year.
Mary Manning Walsh Home is under the umbrella of ArchCare, the continuing care community of the archdiocese. Scott LaRue, ArchCare’s president and chief executive officer, was present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Last year, ArchCare completed extensive renovations to the rehabilitation gyms at ArchCare at Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck and ArchCare at Carmel Richmond Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center on Staten Island, and added 51 new rehabilitation beds at ArchCare at Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center, Manhattan.
Francis J. Serbaroli, chairman of the board of trustees of ArchCare, said the facility responds directly to the health care needs of the community, all in the Catholic tradition. This will help patients in their “journey from hospital to home,” he said.
