July 2019 Newsletter

My mother, Joyce Brownlee suffers from late-stage dementia and Alzheimer. My brother and I have cared for her around the clock for over 5 years and she now has progressed to the point that we cannot care for her ourselves anymore.

We have visited 14 facilities looking at overall cleanliness, staff to patient ratio, activities, and 24-hour nursing staff/doctor care etc. Your [MediLodge of] Howell facility exceeded those requirements far ahead of any facilities we previously visited.

She had an emergency and needed rehab last week, decisions had to be made rapidly! In our extreme difficulties and worries over the last week, I would like to recognize two employees at your Howell facility that were always happy to take my calls and answer my deepest concerns. These employees also rapidly and painlessly accelerated our acceptance and admission process into the facility, reducing some of the anxieties associated with our mothers overall care. So to that point, Joey Morganelli and Natasha Cook should be recognized for there professionalism and exceptional job! Although we still have ongoing hurdles (Initial Care Conference) today, as we are concerned about some of her medications and their side effects, diet etc. I feel better that the nursing and doctor staff will excel as well as these other employees have. Best,

Randy Reeves

"My wife and I are so glad we chose Medilodge of Howell for my rehabilitation stay... The nursing staff was excellent - they were caring, personable, and always willing to offer their assistance to ensure that you were doing ok and checking to see if you need anything. I was also very happy with the Physical and Occupational Therapists that helped me every day to gain strength and balance."

I was living in a senior living in Anderson, Indiana, in late 2015. I had been sick later half of 2015. I also had two heart attacks in 2015. Starting in January 2016, I had several bouts of pneumonia. In February, I had to go to Saint Johns ER because of trouble breathing. The doctors at Saint johns determined I needed a tracheostomy because my oxygen levels were low. After the surgery, my heart stopped, and they had to do CPR. I was put on a ventilator to help me breathe. I was in the hospitals from February to June. My daughter Tracy had me transferred to Howell, Michigan, at MediLodge for Physical Therapy. I met two therapists Linsey and Austin. I could only walk halfway, but by the end, I was walking both ways several times. I would do some weight lifting. I would ride there bicycle exercise machine. I walked with a walker, and Linsey and Austin would set goals how far to walk. I finally could walk on my own with a brace and cane. I can walk without the brace. I can walk short distances but long distances I have to use it. I went from assisted living to a senior community. I shop for myself and cook. I try to walk a mile and a half every day. I can do many things I couldn't when I was sick. Linsey and Austin had a lot of confidence I would walk but on my own from Medilodge. I feel that if it weren't for those two I would not have done so well.

I am on an AVAP and MediLodge of Howell was the only place who took them. The specific team member that stood out was Wendy in Housekeeping! She goes above and beyond to be sure everyone has everything they need.

I was assigned to MediLodge of Howell after leaving the hospital. The staff made me feel like I may have played a small role in their future by opening up to me. Kelly was particularly hard working, loves being a nurse, and always says hi to everyone!

Coming to MediLodge was well worth it! I feel stronger and my attitude changed too. I am more willing to do things. When the home nurse was coming, she only came two times a week for 40 minutes. I felt like we weren't doing anything and I wasn't getting any better. When I first came here I could only take a few steps, now I can walk all the way down to the therapy gym!

PT/OT/ST was awesome in getting her to participate in therapy; from admission to discharge, all staff facilitated a smooth transition, home care and equipment were ready and discharge done quickly. My mother improved and always praised the staff. Everyone smiled!

I want to thank Natasha and the staff so much for everything you did for my Mom, Jil. Everyone went above and beyond. Especially Natasha taking my calls on the weekend. Everyone was there in our time of need. You helped us so much when we needed someone to guide us. We didn't know what to do next with decisions in the medical field and you made everything go so smoothly. We will forever be thankful for YOU. My Mom is doing much better after her two week stay.  

I checked into MediLodge of Howell after breaking my right wrist in a car accident. While at the facility I learned to eat, dress, and write my signature with my left hand. I'm excited to get home to my pets, but my compliments to the staff who have taken very good care of me and given me much attention. This facility has a humanitarian approach to senior citizens, which I deeply appreciate.

This is the first bone I've broken in 7 years. I don't remember falling, but I was told I tripped over the dog's bed, and I must have hit my head. When I got to the hospital, I didn't even know my name. It took about 3-4 days for me to start to remember things. I came to MediLodge from the hospital because they didn't want me to go straight home. I have several clients and family members who have stayed at MediLodge and recommended I come here for the excellent care. Since I've been at MediLodge, I've been working at getting stronger, so it will be easier to take care of myself when I get home. Everybody at MediLodge was friendly and kind. I would recommend MediLodge!