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Health Care District’s Skilled

Nursing Home Praised by Families

for Communications Efforts

(l-r) Jeanneane Garland, Hospital Liaison; Sobrina Stanley, Activities Assistant; Antonina
Giamporcaro, Social Worker; Luxi Perez, Activities Assistant; Beatrice Thelemaque,
Activities Assistant and Sheila Fernandez, Activities Manager.
Despite mandated COVID-19 prevention measures
that restricted visitation, the Edward J. Healey
Rehabilitation and Nursing Center has kept the lines
of communication open over the past six months for
its 111 residents and their families. Gary Teitelbaum
appreciates the ongoing information he receives about
his 56-year old brother Eric, who has lived at the
skilled nursing center in Riviera Beach for the past five
years.
“Every single time there is progress or something
happens with my brother, who is confined to a wheel-
chair, they call me about it,” said Teitelbaum. “I’ve
been overwhelmed with joy by the emails and calls
that I’ve received. I think the care there is exception-
al.” Eric Teitelbaum
The 120-bed facility, which is owned and operat-
ed by the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, sends families weekly emails
with updates on their loved ones in English, Spanish and Creole and then follows up
to ensure the email or letter was received. The skilled nursing home’s staff also pro-
vides iPads to residents so they can see and speak privately with their family and
friends via FaceTime and Skype several times a week.
“The most important thing is to ensure that the residents’ psychological, emotional
and medical needs are met,” said Shelly Ann Lau, Executive Director of the Healey
Center. “We understand it’s difficult not to socialize closely with others as we main-
tain social distancing requirements, so we try to accommodate safe interaction with
others.”
The Healey Center’s activities, admissions and social services staff replaced bingo
games, shopping trips and communal dining with other options. They coordinate
with families who deliver their loved ones’ favorite foods and then decorate the resi-
dents’ rooms and wheelchairs to celebrate special occasions like birthdays. Staff shops
online for items that residents request. Growing vegetables also engages residents in
the outdoor patio garden. Unlike most nursing homes that serve senior adults, the
average age of Healey Center residents is 61. Their activities are based on their ability
levels and interests.

4 October 2020 southfloridahospitalnews.com South Florida Hospital News