Submitted by Bettendorf Health Care by MGM Healthcare
Earl Day has been working since he was seven years old and has been independent his entire life. He owned his own business in Milan for 27 years, and worked various jobs after that. Earl worked up until he was 80. He was starting to have some health issues and Marge, his wife, said it was time for him to retire.
A sore toe two years ago started Earl and Marge on a journey they didn’t expect. Earl had some circulation problems in his legs, and his doctors put eight stints in each leg, which didn’t help. They ended up removing his toe last October. Six weeks ago, he had to have the rest of his toes removed, and then a week ago, half of his foot. Earl and Marge were in need of some short-term help, until Earl could get around on his own. Marge cannot lift her husband to give him the help he needs, so they made a list of health care centers in the area that could be of service. After calling and touring several of them with her sister Lois, they decided on Bettendorf Health Care Center.
Chrissy Mikles, the Marketing Director, went to the Days’ home and visited with Earl to make sure they would be a good fit for him. He moved in the next day. Bettendorf Health Care Center is nestled in a quiet neighborhood right in the heart of Bettendorf. In fact, you have probably driven by it several times and didn’t know it was there. They are right off of Crow Creek Road in Bettendorf. They have gone through lots of changes over the last year. Ann Sieprawski is now the new administrator. When she started at Bettendorf Health Care Center, Ann put a new team in place that is ready to meet your needs. They are a smaller center licensed for 86 beds, so along with feeling like you are at home in a quiet neighborhood, they can also give you more personal attention.
Their initial goal was to get Earl stronger with some physical therapy and return him home as soon as possible. Originally, Earl just needed to build his strength to get around. Unfortunately, this week Earl had to have everything below the knee on his left leg removed. With the recent amputation, his recovery will be a little more extensive. The nice thing with Bettendorf Health Care Center is they can accommodate both short term and long-term situations. Their goal is to safely return residents to their highest level of functioning so they can resume their lives as normally as possible. Earl’s goal was to return home the same day. Although that goal may not have been feasible, the staff will work with the patient to come up with a plan based on the patient’s goals.
Nobody wants or plans to go to a nursing home or similar facility. Let’s face it: in the past they did not have the best reputation. Times have changed. Hospitals release patients before they are ready to return home, and those first few weeks can be crucial to a full and quick recovery. It is no longer is a place you go and never return home. The goal for most patients is a short stay — 12 to 18 days — to help with their rehab. In some cases, like Earl’s, you have some unforeseen events and the stay is extended. They are ready and willing to accommodate that transition as well. Earl loves Bettendorf Health Care Center, and would highly recommend it to anyone. He stated, “the food is great and the staff is the best.” When you are being discharged from the hospital you have a right to choose where you want to go. Choosing a skilled nursing center is not just a practical decision. It’s a uniquely personal one that has to feel right for both residents and their families.
Bettendorf Health Care Center understands that need, and that is why they focus on empowering better living in every way for those needing rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and long-term care. They are dedicated to continuously improving their delivery of quality care for their residents in a comfortable environment.
When you tour Bettendorf Health Care you can easily get distracted by all of the residents playing games in the hall and in physical therapy. Ariana Pickett is the Activities Director at Bettendorf Health Care Center, and she works hard to keep a full slate of on-site activities. Regular activities include games, arts and crafts, religious services, music appreciation, group physical activities, life skills, and quiet relaxation. They also invest in the latest rehabilitation equipment to facilitate recovery and better living for both their short term and long-term residents.
If you or a loved one are anticipating an upcoming surgery such as hip or knee replacement, cardiac or any other type of surgery, or have recently been discharged home from a hospital stay and think you may need skilled services contact Bettendorf Health Care Center at 563-332-7463 or visit BettendorfHealthCare.com. We are located at 2730 Crow Road, Bettendorf, IA, 52722.
Bettendorf Health Care is located in a quiet residential neighborhood. If you live in Bettendorf, they may literally be in your backyard and you don’t know it. They have provided individualized skilled nursing, respite, and short-term care to area seniors for 40 years. The center has private and semi-private rooms certified for Medicare, Medicaid, and many insurances. Bettendorf Health Care encourages residents to personalize their rooms for maximum comfort. They can also enjoy entertaining family and friends in one of the center’s four spacious lodges. They have an on-site dietitian that designs a nutritious and delicious menu with choices at each meal, and the center has complimentary cable and wireless internet access for residents and guests to enjoy. Additionally, the on-site beauty/barber shop is a popular stop for many residents.
Bettendorf Health Care Center also offers a full set of on-site therapy and rehabilitation services for short-term and long-term residents.
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy and dysphagia therapy
- Wound care
- IV therapy
- Orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation
- Stroke recovery
- Cardiopulmonary recovery
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s care
- Ostomy care
- Dialysis care
- Pain management program
- Tube feedings
- Hospice and palliative care
- Respite care
- Transportation services
Bettendorf Health Care residents also enjoy a person-centered activities program with a full range of recreational choices. Beyond all therapies and recreations is the caring and compassionate staff that works tirelessly to ensure residents are given the support needed to live life to the fullest.
The center also offers memory care for those struggling with memory issues, and hospice care is available if needed.