Success Stories
David Olson
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole!” That was David O.’s motivation to get back home. David was living life at home with his family when a brief hospital stay left him in need of some rehab. He needed assistance with walking as well as other aspects of daily living. Kenwood Health and Rehab’s therapy team went to work creating him an individualized plan made up of physical, occupational, and speech therapy. After three weeks of hard work, David was ready to return home! He was walking 100+ feet, and climbing stairs, an essential part in being able to return home. David was welcomed home with open arms by his family and of course his four-legged friend!
Pictured L-R: Billie, RN; Jean, PT; Denine, RN; Melissa, LPN; Joel and Todd, Marilyn’s sons; Jenny, Marketing
In Memory of Marilyn
Kenwood Health & Rehabilitation had the honor of caring for Marilyn Miller in 2013. To say that she and her family were special people is an understatement. While here, Marilyn and her sons Todd Scheler and Joel Miller made many friends and touched many hearts. There was always a smile on their face and a positive word for staff. They gave us the gift of caring for Marilyn, rather than the other way around.
Heaven gained an angel in September 2013 when Marilyn passed after a long illness. The entire staff, residents and families mourned the loss of Marilyn. Todd was so touched by the care and relationships they had built at Kenwood that he wanted the facility to have a physical show of appreciation. So Joel painted the portrait you see in the picture and together he and Todd presented it to the staff. The painting has Marilyn and Todd sitting on the front porch like she loved to do and it is now proudly displayed above the mantel in the front lobby.
Dr. William Africano
Pictured L-R: Myrtle Walker, SRNA; Dr. William Africano; Jenny Niece, Marketing Director; Meghan Mills, Admissions Coordinator
Dr. William Africano was admitted to Kenwood in early March 2014 after battling with constant weakness related to a respiratory condition. He and his daughter were looking for a facility that could provide him with the nursing care he needed while receiving physical/occupational therapies close to his home in Richmond. Dr. Africano, a retired surgeon of 32 years, knew what to look for in a healthcare facility and considered all of his options. He and his daughter decided to come to Kenwood and take advantage of the Short-Term Rehabilitation Unit to reach his goals. He was in the facility for just over a month and made unbelievable progress! When Dr. Africano came to us he was not even able to sit on the side of the bed without getting completely out of breath. After working with therapy on building strength and improving lung strength, he was walking circles around the building!
During Dr. Africano’s short rehabilitation stay he built a new friendship with one of his aides, Myrtle Walker (pictured right). He was particularly impressed with her wonderful words of encouragement and her always-positive attitude. He even tried to take her home with him upon discharge! It is this kind of long-lasting relationship we strive to build with each of our residents so Kenwood is their “home away from home.”
Dr. Africano touched so many hearts at Kenwood, and the caregiver in him was forever present, ensuring that all needs were met around him even though he was the patient. He loved Kenwood and the care he received saying, “The care was phenomenal and everyone was so attentive. I was so happy to have chosen Kenwood.”
Lela Hisel Day
Janice Jackson (L), Activities Director, and Lela Hisel (R)
Kenwood Health & Rehab enjoyed celebrating Lela Hisel’s 100th birthday with her family on January 22, 2014. Janice Jackson, Kenwood’s Life Enrichment Director, had the royal treatment planned for Lela’s special day. After hair and makeup, the party began with family, friends and staff all gathered. A special presentation from Mayor Jim Barnes declared January 22 as Lela Hisel Day in Richmond. Then cake and punch were followed by a walk down the red carpet for a limousine ride. The limousine took Lela and her family to dinner at Red Lobster!
Lela has been a resident at Kenwood for the past four years and has been a very active resident in the activity program. We have so enjoyed celebrating with her and cannot wait until next year to celebrate 101!
For a full coverage of Lela’s celebration, click here.
Loran “Kirk” Kirkwood
L-R: Janice Jackson, Activities Director; Jenny Niece, Marketing Director; Leah Simpkins, Rehabilitation Director; and seated, Loran “Kirk” Kirkwood
Loran “Kirk” Kirkwood was admitted to Kenwood in early March with every intention of going to Thompson-Hood Veterans Center when a bed became available. Four days after admission, a care conference was held with Kirk, his family and staff members to ensure everyone had the same goals for Kirk’s stay. In this meeting Kirk announced that living at Kenwood has exceeded all of his expectations and he would rather stay at Kenwood instead of going to Thompson-Hood. We let Kirk know that he was more than welcome to stay long term at Kenwood. He and his family agreed to this, and Kirk has now been a resident for a month and is loving his home at Kenwood. He likes to get out and socialize in his power chair and participate in activities, he is very involved. His favorites activities are bingo, reading books from the bookmobile, religious services, exercise group, and socializing events held in the center – and he is tough competition in the trivia games!
Kirk has made the smooth transition into living life at Kenwood and is pleased to be a resident. He said, “I like waking up knowing I have something to look forward to each day. I have made so many friends here and am proud to call Kenwood home!”