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We are a 200-bed long term care/short term care rehab facility serving all the needs of the elderly: physical, spiritual, psychological and social. |
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At Providence Rest, we strive to improve the quality of life of our residents. To this end, we continuously look for different methods in which our residents can live fully and well. With the participation of all staff, we initiated a "Spa" program for the residents and it has been a wonderful and beneficial service that continues to receive remarkable comments from the residents, families, staff and the press. The program was made possible by private grants. In an effort to provide alternative approaches to pain management and anxiety levels, we provide residents:
Massage therapy is one of the best antidotes for a stressed body. It boosts the body's immune system, relieve tension and pain built up in the muscles, and increases circulation and nutrient delivery to the organs. We have an accomplished Massage Therapist on board and our staff has been trained on simple massage techniques that can be used to help calm a resident who is agitated. In Chinese medicine, channels of energy called meridians flow through the body and can be influence by needing the acupuncture points. Acupuncture points can stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal chord, and brain, which will change the experience of pain, or trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones to influence the body's own internal regulating system. This results in the stimulation of the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being. Through Cultural Change, we have shifted from the traditional nursing home model to one of resident-centered care. With teamwork and creativity, we have enhanced the bathing experience for residents who may experience feelings of anxiety and agitation related to dementia. On one unit, a tub room was converted into a SPA sanctuary, with an environment similar to a commercial spa. It creates a soothing and relaxing calm atmosphere, using aromatherapy, dim lights, serene decors and a quiet surrounding. The resident them enjoys the whirlpool tub bath while the nurse assistant applies gently range of motion and/or massage to further enhance the bathing experience. The residents are given lush terry bathrobes and a personal spa kit with creams/lotions to complete their experience. The completion of the newly built Baptistine Pavilion allows our residents to live in a beautiful, modernized building equipped with whirlpool tubs on each floor. With the help of a private grant, we now have a nurse assistant assigned to be the "Spa Lady". Residents with various conditions are given the opportunity to enjoy the Spa sanctuary at least once a week. The results have been positive, for residents requiring various levels of care. The newly renovated Pope Pavilion now also has whirlpool tubs on each floor. All residents will benefit from the same Spa sanctuary, even if it is just for the enjoyment of being especially pampered. Who does not want that?? Together with the efforts of our medical team, the hands-on nursing care and recreation staff's added relaxation sessions, we have successfully demonstrated how effective the spa and wellness program is in helping to reduce the anxiety level of the resident. There has been a marked decrease in the use of anti-psychotics in controlling the behavioral problems of agitated residents. The Results: ...These are some testimonials from residents after being in the "Spa" "I feel renewed again", "It's a wonderful feeling". "Ahhhhh, that feels great!!" "Even the most agitated resident invariably calms down and sleeps better with this treatment." Media Coverage: Our program has gotten our residents as well as the press talking! We were featured in:
Donations: The success of our spa and wellness program relies upon the generosity of our friends and families. If you are interested in helping to fund this program, please contact Louisa Greco, Foundation Office @ 718.518.8715
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Last modified: 12/02/2008
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