A great time was had by all when Advanced Health & Rehab of Garland recently honored its Certified Nursing Assistants with a week’s worth of fun activities. One day included a crazy hat contest during which CNAs and other staff members created crazy hats and modeled them for a panel of judges. The judges spent half the time laughing and appreciating the sense of humor of the employees and the other half in awe of the commitment and dedication the employees have toward the facility’s residents.
The first-place winner, CNA Shakaya Thompson, created a hat that was covered in things a CNA uses daily and was highlighted by medical gloves hanging from it. The second-place hat was created by Kar Purnanda, the facility’s rehab director, and sported photos of patients’ physical therapy successes. Carmen Chapa, the human resources director, came in third with her hat creation that was covered with Lifesavers to symbolize that CNAs save lives. The contest was judged by Alexander Helgar and Oscar Barkis from the Garland Chamber of Commerce, Marcy Babcox from Garland Behavioral Hospital, Becky McIntire from Dallas Regional Hospital and yours truly, Kim Everett.
Another day of celebration included the CNAs being served breakfast by other staff members dressed up as Dr. Seuss characters. Can you guess what the food happened to be? Yes, it was green eggs and ham and the CNAs loved it.
Evidenced by the amount of camaraderie and laughter, the folks who work at Advanced Health & Rehab of Garland enjoy their jobs. They are enthusiastic and it is evident that they care about the residents.
Business Development Specialist Leann Runge provided a tour of the facility and greeted each patient we passed by name.
The only thing missing is a nice, new, shiny facility, which will become a reality later this year when the center moves into its new building located at 1201 Colonel Drive. The 139-bed facility will be a positive change for both residents and employees as the current structure, formerly Silver Leaves Nursing Home, was built in 1969 according to Dallas Central Appraisal District records.
“As a team, residents and staff, we are thrilled to soon be opening our new building, continuing our nearly 50 years of serving the city of Garland and neighboring communities,” Administrator Brad Watson said. “Our new facility will feature state-of-the-art rehabilitation gyms, large resident rooms, in-room private showers, walking paths, dedicated activity space and lots of resident relaxation spaces inside and out.”
Watson added that even though the new facility will be great, they are most proud of the quality of care they already offer.
“We will continue to deliver purposeful living, individual choice, meaningful engagement and personal dignity to our residents and their families,” he said. “At Advanced Health and Rehab Center of Garland we love our residents and find joy in serving those in our community.”
Advanced Health & Rehab has three units, long-term care, short-term rehab and memory care. Outpatient and inpatient physical therapy are offered currently and will continue to be offered after the move. One thing that sets this facility apart from many others is their IN2L system for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. The system is designed to trigger memories.
Once settled in the new building, Runge plans to ask volunteer groups to come in and visit with or entertain the residents.
About Career Nursing Assistants: The role of CNAs is a vital part of the overall care of patients. A few of their numerous duties include: taking vital signs; helping patients bathe, dress and eat; transporting patients to activities within the facility; relaying important patient information to RNs and LVNs; applying bandages or dressings; and helping improve each patient’s quality of life.
About Advanced Health & Rehab Center of Garland: Advanced Health & Rehab Center of Garland offers a variety of therapies and services to help patients regain independence. Skilled nurses, therapists and licensed care professionals are available to guide patients through personalized therapy. Whether recovering after a hospital visit or in need of an on-going medical support, the center will help patients achieve their goals.