Elizabethtown Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center Receives a Deficiency-Free State Survey
Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services is proud to announce Elizabethtown Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Elizabethtown, North Carolina received a Deficiency-Free State Survey from the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR).
Receiving a Deficiency-Free State Survey following the state’s rigorous examination is an indicator of excellence and a distinction only a few communities are able to achieve. The amount of effort and dedication it takes to achieve deficiency-free status is tremendous and represents a testament to Liberty’s comprehensive approach to care for residents at Elizabethtown.
The DHSR conducts these unannounced inspections to assess how well a skilled nursing community is complying with applicable laws and regulations meant to ensure residents receive quality care during their stay. The survey usually lasts several days.
The survey reviews the following areas:
- Resident rights
- The right to be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation
- Admission, transfer and discharge rights
- Resident assessments
- Comprehensive resident-centered care plans
- Quality of life
- Quality of care
- Physician services
- Nursing services
- Behavioral health services
- Pharmacy services
- Laboratory, radiology, and other diagnostic services
- Dental services
- Food and nutrition services
- Specialized rehabilitative services
- Administration
- Quality assurance and performance improvement
- Infection control
- Physical environment
- Training requirements
- Emergency preparedness
Elizabethtown met or exceeded all the rigorous standards the DHSR reviewed during their recent visit.
“Our recent Deficiency-Free State Survey is a reflection of our holistic approach to care,” said Administrator Lori Barrow. “Elizabethtown has a long-standing tradition of providing thoughtful, individualized care to the residents while involving families in their plan of care. The longevity of many employees is a testament to the loyalty and commitment of the staff to our residents. I am so grateful that we have such a caring and supportive team here at Elizabethtown Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.”
To learn more about our rehabilitation and skilled nursing services at Elizabethtown Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, visit our website or call (910) 862-8181.
Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Alamance County Receives a Deficiency-Free State Survey
Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services is proud to announce Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Alamance County in Burlington, North Carolina received a Deficiency-Free State Survey from the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR).
Receiving a Deficiency-Free State Survey following the state’s rigorous examination is an indicator of excellence and a distinction only a few communities are able to achieve. The amount of effort and dedication it takes to achieve deficiency-free status is tremendous and represents a testament to Liberty’s comprehensive approach to care for residents at Liberty Commons of Alamance County.
The DHSR conducts these unannounced inspections to assess how well a skilled nursing community is complying with applicable laws and regulations meant to ensure residents receive quality care during their stay. The survey usually lasts several days.
The survey reviews the following areas:
- Resident rights
- The right to be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation
- Admission, transfer and discharge rights
- Resident assessments
- Comprehensive resident-centered care plans
- Quality of life
- Quality of care
- Physician services
- Nursing services
- Behavioral health services
- Pharmacy services
- Laboratory, radiology, and other diagnostic services
- Dental services
- Food and nutrition services
- Specialized rehabilitative services
- Administration
- Quality assurance and performance improvement
- Infection control
- Physical environment
- Training requirements
- Emergency preparedness
Liberty Commons of Alamance County met or exceeded all the rigorous standards the DHSR reviewed during their recent visit.
“Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services is incredibly happy for the residents and proud of all staff at Liberty Commons of Alamance County,” said Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services Western Regional Vice President Paul Babinski. “Their recent Deficiency-Free State Survey is a great reflection of our resident-centered approach to care. We are incredibly grateful for this tremendous caregiving team effort.”
To learn more about our rehabilitation and skilled nursing services at Liberty Commons of Alamance County, visit our website or call (336) 586-9850.
The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge Receives a Deficiency-Free State Survey
Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services is proud to announce The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge in Blowing Rock, North Carolina received a Deficiency-Free State Survey from the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR).
Receiving a Deficiency-Free State Survey following the state’s rigorous examination is an indicator of excellence and a distinction only a few communities are able to achieve. The amount of effort and dedication it takes to achieve deficiency-free status is tremendous and represents a testament to Liberty’s comprehensive approach to care for residents at The Foley Center.
The DHSR conducts these unannounced inspections to assess how well a skilled nursing community is complying with applicable laws and regulations meant to ensure residents receive quality care during their stay. The survey usually lasts several days.
The survey reviews the following areas:
- Resident rights
- The right to be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation
- Admission, transfer and discharge rights
- Resident assessments
- Comprehensive resident-centered care plans
- Quality of life
- Quality of care
- Physician services
- Nursing services
- Behavioral health services
- Pharmacy services
- Laboratory, radiology, and other diagnostic services
- Dental services
- Food and nutrition services
- Specialized rehabilitative services
- Administration
- Quality assurance and performance improvement
- Infection control
- Physical environment
- Training requirements
- Emergency preparedness
The Foley Center met or exceeded all the rigorous standards the DHSR reviewed during their recent visit.
“Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services is incredibly happy for the residents and proud of all staff at The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge,” said Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services Western Regional Vice President Paul Babinski. “Their recent Deficiency-Free State Survey is a great reflection of our resident-centered approach to care. We are incredibly grateful for this tremendous caregiving team effort, and humbled by the trust and confidence we’re provided by this community. Thank you to our extended Foley Center family, and well-done Team Foley.”
To learn more about our rehabilitation and skilled nursing services at The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge, visit our website or call (828) 386-3300.
The Four Stages of Physical Therapy at a Skilled Nursing Community
Physical therapy may be necessary after experiencing an injury, surgery or limitations due to a health condition. Although the specific exercises, rehabilitation techniques and length of rehabilitation will vary from person to person based on individual needs, the overall process of physical therapy can be broken down into four phases. In this article, we describe what you can expect during the four phases of physical therapy at a skilled nursing community.
1.) Acute Phase
1.) Acute PhaseThe first phase focuses on reducing pain and inflammation. Depending on the condition, injury, or surgery, this can be achieved through a combination of manual therapy, modalities and activity modification. In almost all situations, early mobility is the key to a speedy recovery. Physical therapy often starts just hours after a surgery! The human body is made to move, and these early efforts can have a long-term positive impact on the negative toll immobility can have on the human body.
2.) Intermediate Phase
During this stage, physical therapy will begin to turn up just a little. Your physical therapist begins working to recover your movement and mobility. Treatment sessions will start becoming more individualized and challenging as you will start to see progress toward achieving functional levels of strength, range of motion and general mobility.
3.) Function and Activity
As strength, range of motion, and confidence increase, you will progress to phase three! This phase is where physical therapy shines. This stage is all about function. Your therapist will gradually build on your individualized plan with a focus on your functional goals. Progress in this phase will not be as rapid as the previous two. Therapy will balance the delicate nature of duration, intensity, technique and response to increase your ability to perform daily activities required for your return home.
4.) Maintenance and Prevention
Therapy is a journey. The road to complete recovery does not end here. Your physical therapist will provide a specialized home program based on your progress. Continuing an active lifestyle improves your physical and mental health and plays a crucial role in general health and wellness.
Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services provides physical therapy, along with occupational and speech therapy, at each of our 39 locations across North and South Carolina. To find a location near you or to request a free consultation, visit our website or call 800-999-9883.
How Skilled Nursing Communities Care for Residents with High Blood Pressure
As we age, we are more prone to developing hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure. In fact, the CDC estimates nearly half of the adults in the United States have hypertension. Individuals with hypertension are at a greater risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the U.S. That is why staff at skilled care communities are trained to provide specialized care to residents who have high blood pressure.
What is High Blood Pressure?
What is High Blood Pressure?High blood pressure is when the blood forcefully pushes against the arterial walls. It causes harm by making the heart and blood vessels work harder and less efficiently. Over time, the force and friction of high blood pressure damages the delicate tissues inside the arteries and forms plaque along tiny tears in the artery walls. The more damage that is caused increases the risk for stroke, vision loss, heart failure, heart attack and kidney disease.
Diagnosing High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is referred to as a “silent killer” because most of the time there are no obvious symptoms. Measuring your blood pressure is the only way to know if you have a problem.
A normal blood pressure reading is around 120/80. This chart from the American Heart Association details blood pressure numbers and what they mean:
High blood pressure can develop because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking, drinking or not getting enough regular exercise. Health conditions like diabetes and obesity can also increase the risk of developing hypertension.
How Skilled Nursing Communities Treat High Blood Pressure
Skilled care providers know following a healthy lifestyle can help keep blood pressure levels in check. To ensure residents maintain a safe and normal blood pressure level, providers will:
- Monitor blood pressure levels on a regular basis
- Engage residents in regular physical activity
- Provide physical therapy if necessary
- Serve nutritious meals that cut down on salt intake
- Administer any prescribed medication
- Consult specialists when required
Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services offers 39 skilled care communities across North and South Carolina that provide specialized care to residents who have high blood pressure. To learn more about our communities and the services we provide, request a free consultation by filling out our online form or calling us at (800) 999-9883.
Shoreland Health Care and Retirement Center Becomes a Center of Excellence for On-Site Wound Care
Quality Surgical Management (QSM) certified Shoreland Health Care and Retirement Center as a Center of Excellence for On-Site Wound Care. This means residents can receive wound care at Shoreland, in the comfort of their own room, instead of being transported to the hospital for treatment. 
Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation’s Whiteville skilled care community established itself as a Center of Excellence by offering superior quality and outcomes-focused wound care programs.
To achieve this special designation, Shoreland met the following criteria:
- Shoreland has a dedicated QSM Wound Certified Nurse on-site 5 days a week
- Shoreland has a QSM provider managing all wounds in the building
- Shoreland hosts regular internal team meetings with a focus on quality and process improvement (QAPI)
Shoreland’s goal is provide residents with the best quality of life possible. For residents receiving wound care, this means doing everything possible to assure fast healing while reducing the need for trips to the hospital.
“Shoreland’s clinical team strives for excellence every day,” said Roxanne Thompson, Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation’s Vice President of Operations. “This is one of many examples of why we are so proud of their dedication to quality of care. The leadership team at Shoreland ensures the nurses have additional education and partnerships with community resources to provide specialized care for those we serve. In this case, advanced techniques in wound care for quality outcomes. The added benefit and confidence to our residents and loved ones of being recognized as a QSM Center of Excellence is the ability of our nurses to provide on-site, advanced wound care services without the disruption of travel outside of our community for healing. This enhancement to our services at Shoreland allows us to expand our ability to provide specialized wound care for those in our community who very much are in need.”
For more information about Shoreland’s wound care services, call (910) 642-4300 or visit our website.
How Physical Therapy Helps Improve Balance
Good balance is one of the most important building blocks of being able to safely move and perform activities of daily living. Without good balance, you are more likely to fall and seriously injure yourself. That is why balance training is a key aspect of physical therapy.
Signs of Balance Problems
A balance problem exists if someone has difficulty keeping a stable and upright body position, whether moving or staying still. Some causes of balance problems include muscle weakness, joint stiffness, decreased movement, inner ear problems, lack of physical activity or too much sitting. Balance problems can also arise due to medical conditions like stroke, arthritis, diabetes, cognitive diseases, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.
A person with balance problems may experience teetering when trying to stand up, staggering, tripping, swaying or stumbling when walking, dizziness or vertigo, lightheadedness or blurred vision.
Some people do not have any static balance issues, meaning they can sit or stand still and accomplish one task at a time. Problems with dynamic balance are more likely. An example of dynamic balance is when someone moves about or tries to do more than one thing at a time, such as walking while turning their head, bending and reaching for an object or walking in a poorly lit area. If a person’s static or dynamic balance is abnormal, physical therapy can help.
Benefits of Good Balance
The most beneficial aspect of good balance is injury prevention. When you improve your balance, you are less likely to fall.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one out of four adults 65 and older falls each year. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again. Falls can cause broken bones, fractures and head injuries. Working on balance skills can significantly reduce the chances of falling in the first place.
Being afraid of falling because of balance issues can also affect someone’s physical and mental well-being. They may avoid physical activity altogether, which can lead to more muscle weakness and balance problems. A person can also become frustrated by not being able to do certain activities, which can lead to depression.
How Physical Therapy Helps Improve Balance
Physical therapy is all about improving strength, range of motion and balance to help people regain their independence and confidence after an injury, surgery or hospital stay due to an illness. Our physical therapists at Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services work on movements and exercises that strengthen the core and other key muscle groups associated with balance.
Our physical therapists assess each person to see what areas of movement, strength, coordination, visual tracking and balance may need improvement. They will then create a tailored plan of care to help the individual reach their balance and other healthcare goals.
Beyond exercises, they will also help people assess potential problems with footwear and hazards in their home that could be a fall risk. Hazards can include loose rugs, poor lighting and other obstacles.
At Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services, our overall goal is to help each individual improve their mobility, strength, movement, flexibility and posture so they can have more control over their balance. This will help them reduce their fear of falling and increase their overall activity level.
We are here to help you reach your balance goals and better your health. Contact us today to set up a free consultation by calling 800-999-9883 or using our online form.
What to Expect When Touring Our Skilled Nursing Communities
We know it is not an easy decision to move out of your home or to help a loved one make the transition to long-term care. That is why we want to help everyone involved find a skilled nursing community that best fits their needs for comfort and care. Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services offers 39 skilled nursing communities throughout North and South Carolina. This article will detail what you can expect when you visit one of our communities.
Meet Our Staff and Interdisciplinary Care Team
During your visit, we will introduce you to our staff members, including our interdisciplinary care team. We want you to get a feel for who we are so you feel confident that you or a loved one will be well-taken care of. Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services encourages prospective residents and their families to ask any questions you may have so we can answer them thoroughly or address any concerns.
Tour the Building
A member of our staff will take you through the areas of our community where our residents spend their time, while detailing the amenities, services and social activities we offer. They will also detail what a typical day at Liberty looks like. Below are some of the areas you will see while touring our communities:
- Dining area
- Private and semi-private rooms
- Common areas
- Therapy gym
- Beauty salon
- Outdoor gathering areas
If you are unable to tour a building in person, many of our communities have virtual tours available online.
Discuss Payment Options
During your visit, we can also breakdown the cost of living at one of our locations and what payment options are available.
To learn more about one of our locations or to schedule a tour, visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-999-9883.
Why Choose Liberty for Physical, Occupational or Speech Therapy
Physical, occupational or speech therapy can help you or your loved one recover after surgery, a serious illness or injury. Therapy is a pivotal time in the healing process and requires patience, strength, and a strong support team. Our Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services team can be the support system you need to help you reach your healthcare goals on your road to recovery. Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services recognizes everyone’s healthcare journey is different and we can accommodate your personal preference for how you would like to receive care.
Short-Term Rehabilitation at Liberty
With 38 locations across North and South Carolina, Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services provides conveniently located rehabilitation communities for you or a loved one to receive quality care close to home. While staying at one of our communities, a plan of care will be developed for your recovery. Care plans are individualized to meet your specific needs and goals. Other amenities include spacious private and semi-private suites, daily nutritional meals, complimentary internet and cable, specialized activities and access to 24-hour skilled nursing care.
Outpatient Therapy with Liberty
If you are more inclined to stay in the comfort of your own home or as you transition back to your home, many of our rehabilitation communities also offer outpatient therapy. For your convenience, you can visit us on your scheduled rehabilitation times each week and return home when you’re finished. Often, we'll provide you with exercises to do at home to improve your recovery.
Enhanced Therapy Services at Liberty
Many of our rehabilitation communities have a Well-Equipped Therapy Gym with an Activities of Daily Living Suite to help you work on skills like washing dishes or doing laundry. Enhanced therapy services also include diathermy and ultrasound to assist with decreasing pain, e-stimulation to support improved joint movement and muscle strength and vital stimulation to promote better swallowing. When you are engaged in these enhanced services, you have a more positive experience during your regular therapy sessions.
Request a free consultation to learn more, or schedule a consultation by calling 800-999-9883.
September is National Disease Literacy Month
September marks National Disease Literacy Month, which aims to improve a person’s overall understanding of their diagnosis and the services available to assist them with their care.
As a provider of skilled nursing care for a variety of conditions, Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services knows just how important it is to fully educate someone about their health. Education gives people more control over their overall healthcare by giving them the tools they need to manage and improve their health.
Importance of Disease Literacy
For those who suffer a chronic disease, knowing as much information as possible about their condition is especially important. Most chronic illnesses do not fix themselves and are generally not cured completely. Some can be immediately life-threatening, such as heart disease and stroke. Others linger over time and need intensive management, such as diabetes. Most chronic illnesses persist throughout a person’s life, such as arthritis.
Knowing the best way to manage these conditions through therapy, medication, diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes can immensely improve someone’s quality of life. By providing all the information about the condition, treatment, and prognosis, it’s possible for individuals to make the best choice for them.
How Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Can Help
Upon admission to any of our 38 skilled nursing care communities, our clinical team will ensure each resident and their family have all the information they need to make informed decisions about their health as a complete care plan is developed. This thorough education will help individuals understand the full spectrum of skilled nursing and therapy services available for their care.
Contact us today to discuss our services by calling 800-999-9883 or use our online consultation request form.