Services

Rehabilitative Care

Our skilled team of caregivers has expertise in the treatment of medically complex patients. We work together to treat patients with multiple medical issues and resulting impairments.

Peoplefirst Rehabilitation offers a large range of specialized clinical rehabilitation programs to address the individual needs of our patients.

Peoplefirst Rehabilitation employs state-of-the-art equipment to treat our patients. This includes ultrasound, diathermy, and electrical stimulation to treat a variety of conditions and impairments.

Our interdisciplinary team and Peoplefirst Rehabilitation has expertise in falls reduction. Early recognition of risk factors helps to alleviate the incidence of falls in the elderly population.

Our Nursing Staff, together with Peoplefirst Rehabilitation, has expertise in orthopedic recovery. We successfully treat patients with various orthopedic conditions, such as total hip and knee replacements, and various other fractures or injuries.

Peoplefirst Rehabilitation has expertise in the treatment of gait disorders. Gait disorders increase the risk for falls and impede overall independence. Our physical therapists are skilled at recognizing and providing individualized intervention for a variety of gait disorders.

We provide an interdisciplinary approach to Stroke Recovery. Our entire team, together with Peoplefirst Rehabilitation, recognizes that a stroke impacts the whole person. We concentrate on a holistic recovery plan, incorporating the individual's areas of strength to speed recovery.

Peoplefirst Rehabilitation collaborates with the registered dietitian to provide dysphagia therapy. Dysphagia, the inability to swallow, can be the result of stroke, or other neurological conditions. Treatments include exercises, teaching, foods with altered textures, and at times, use of specialized equipment.

Our interdisciplinary team of caregivers has expertise in bariatric management. Providing education on safe transfers, energy conservation, and appropriate physical activity helps assist our patients in becoming more independent and functional.

Peoplefirst has expertise in seating and positioning. Improved postural stability, appropriate seating systems and strengthening programs are utilized to improve functional ability, decrease pain, and improve the quality of life of our residents.

Our interdisciplinary team has expertise in cardiac and pulmonary recovery. We treat patients with various conditions, such as COPD, emphysema, and post-open heart surgery.

Our interdisciplinary team has expertise in the treatment of pain. A variety of pain management techniques are implemented to determine the most effective and appropriate treatment for the resident.

We have expertise in the treatment of wounds. We treat patients with various types of wounds including diabetic, arterial, venous, traumatic, and pressure. Our team of nurses, a registered dietitian, and Peoplefirst Rehabilitation staff work together to provide this care.

Our staff is trained in special approaches to engage and comfort persons with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Our system is designed to utilize a person's strengths and abilities to achieve the highest possible functional level.

Our staff has expertise in working with patients who have cognitive loss, which can result from a number of causes. Our personalized approach optimizes a patient's outcome through a variety of cognitive programs.

Our Mission:

Peoplefirst Rehabilitation embraces the philosophy of "Peoplefirst". This philosophy supports our commitment to give the people we serve our highest priority: the patients and residents we treat, the family members with whom we interact, the therapists we employ, and the other facility interdisciplinary team members with whom we work.

Post Acute Care

We have a distinct unit allocated to the care of post acute patients. These are individuals who have been recently discharged from the hospital for various reasons. These patients continue to need monitoring and rehabilitation so that they may safely return to their home environments. Some include post-operative patients, acute episodes of chronic conditions, medical management, and safety management, and strength and conditioning.

24 Hour Nursing Care

Our facility is staffed 24 hours by Registered Nurses (RN's); Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN's), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA's). Our professional team is credentialed accordingly. Background checks are performed on all of our employees. Our employee average length of stay is over five years. This longevity leads to the excellent care provided.

Outpatient Therapy

We are licensed to provide Outpatient Therapy. This includes Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy. The cost of outpatient therapy can be covered by Medicare B, HMO's, or may be paid privately.

Alzheimer's/ Dementia Care

Mission Statement:

It is our mission to provide enhanced care for patients with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease or a related disorder and to offer a consistent, comfortable and nurturing environment where patients are treated with respect, dignity, and love, while meeting the needs of their physical, psychosocial and spiritual wellbeing.

Our Goals:
It is our goal in cooperation and support of the residents' families to provide a safe, supportive, and productive lifestyle for each individual residing on the unit.

These ideals will be achieved through a daily structured program that will include therapeutic recreation activities, sensory stimulation, monitored nutritional intake, regular exercise programs including daily walks for those able to participate, opportunity for spiritual worship and the freedom for individuals to explore the unit in a safe environment.

Staffing:
The North Wing staff has been carefully selected for their strong interest and talent in caring for sufferers of Alzheimer's Disease. Each staff member is trained in the unique and specific care and treatment needs of the Alzheimer's patient. Having continuity in staffing has a two fold purpose. It provides residents the opportunity to recognize a familiar face and care style as well as gives the staff member increased familiarity with the behaviors and ability of the patient so that their needs can be anticipated and met.

Structured Leisure Activities:
The activity program offers a variety of structured activities on a daily basis. It is designed to focus on each person's ability and strength, and includes both group and individual activities. The staff's familiarity with each resident's interests and past routines allows for the development of an individual care plan.

Family Support:
Chestelm recognizes the difficult challenges that transitioning a loved one into long term care can pose for the family member. It is our philosophy to allow the families liberal visiting privileges and care roles if desired, in assisting with some of the patient's needs. This helps us to better know what worked in the past as well as give the family member a continued partnership in their care.

Chestelm offers a monthly Alzheimer's Support Group that meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month. The group features guest speakers and an opportunity for family members to share their experiences, feelings and concerns in a safe forum.

The Chestelm Family Council is another support program open to all family members and meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month. In addition to providing health topic educational programs, the council welcomes suggestions for enriching our standards of care. Family members hold executive offices on the council and are committed to communicate information to all families or responsible parties thru monthly mailings.

Family members are also encouraged to participate in the Resident Care Conferences where they can meet with all of the disciplines to discuss the patients individualized care plan and approaches of care developed by the team. Families are always welcomed to consult with the nursing staff or any department head to inquire about particular issues that they feel should be addressed immediately.

Consultation and education regarding the stages of Alzheimer's Disease, or other related information is offered by a Dementia Care Specialist by appointment.

Respite Care

Caregiver relief is a necessary component to every household. We accommodate many family needs. If you are planning a vacation, have a wedding to attend, or just need a break, we will be happy to assist you. Think of this respite as a vacation for all involved. Your loved one can visit us and consider their stay as being at our "Bed and Breakfast". There are some funding resources available for respite care. Please contact us for more information.

Hospice Care

Our treatment focuses on the patient's well being. Their comfort both physically and spiritually is of most importance. Many of our alternative therapies are offered. See a more detailed list under Treating Body, Mind, and Spirit. We are separately contracted with hospice support providers to meet all of your medical and psychosocial needs. You may click the links below to find out more information.
vitas.com
masonicare.org
midhosp.org

Dietary

Our Resident Food Council Members and our Food Service Director design our menus according to the preferences of the residents. Our menus are nutritionally balance by our Dietitian. Specialized diets are easily accommodated. Our residents are offered choices daily through our a la carte dinning service. Patients/residents are more than welcome to request items they may have "hankering" for. It is our philosophy to keep diets as liberal as possible. Nutrition is a key component to healing.

Discharge Planning

Comprehensive discharge planning begins the day you are admitted. Our team of specialists will evaluate and develop a unique plan of care. Our team will work in conjunction with you and your family, friends, or community resources to provide a safe and successful discharge.

Continuous Quality Improvement

It is our policy to develop, implement, and maintain an ongoing program designed to monitor and evaluate the quality of care provided; to develop and pursue methods to improve quality care; and to resolve identified problems. There are numerous internal tools that we use which help up focus on specific areas. Two tools which residents/patients have access to are our Satisfaction Surveys which are mailed quarterly and upon discharge, and our Suggestion Form which is located in the hallway by the rehabilitation department. These forms may be dropped in the secure box located in the same area. The committee meets daily to review any items. We also welcome and encourage you to contact us directly. See our directory for direct lines or e-mail addresses.

Treating Mind, Body & Spirit

Chestelm offers a unique departure from traditional treatment with our holistic care program. An array of alternative therapies are provided for individuals who express a desire to supplement and enhance their current health care regime. These services support health and well-being by helping to balance the body-mind- spirit connection and are delivered by qualified practitioners.

Massage Therapy
Therapeutic Touch
Reike
Reflexology
Meditation& Visualization
Healing through Music
Expressive Art
Aroma Therapy

Additionally we also offer evening programs for our residents, their guests, and members of the community.
Drum Circles
Yoga
Tai Chi
Sound Healing