Maintaining social distance from elderly family members during the pandemic was challenging but necessary. Now, as more people are fully vaccinated, we’re reveling in those joyful reunions. For those whose parents or grandparents live independently, that first visit after months apart can offer valuable insight into a senior’s health and well-being. Typically, adult children notice…

If you’ve lived, visited, volunteered, or worked at the Witherell, you know that music is a key part of our culture. We regularly host performances by local choirs and orchestras, and even provide music appreciation classes. Recognizing how music supports the emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of our seniors, we made a commitment long ago…

Nurses are the backbone of any healthcare facility, and that’s especially true in skilled nursing. The Nathaniel Witherell is quite lucky in this regard; our nursing team is second to none and our dedicated nurses are specialists in elder care. As a town-owned and operated facility, our nursing culture is supportive, welcoming, and nurturing. Perhaps…

While we know that diet plays a key role in overall wellness by enhancing the body’s immune response and reducing the risk of disease, for seniors, proper nutrition is essential to healthy aging. Beyond nutrition, food can also evoke memories of family celebrations and cultural connections. For the Witherell’s registered dietitians, creating meal plans for…

The job of a social worker in a skilled nursing facility is challenging and complex. It generally involves overseeing the psycho-social well-being of hundreds of seniors, while also supporting family members before, during, and after the transition of a loved one to long-term care. During the last year, however, the pandemic brought new challenges: health…

Making the decision on a skilled nursing facility for an older adult parent can be difficult. As senior care experts, we’re often asked what families should consider when making that choice. Quality of care is primary. But, according to many experts in the field, a facility’s location is also tremendously important. According to Aging.com, “When…

As spring approaches, optimism is in the air! As of this writing, most of our residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and we continue to make strides in vaccinating all staff. New federal data now show that the number of new COVID-19 cases in nursing homes has dropped dramatically since December, when vaccinations of…

Time and treatment are critical when caring for someone with sepsis—the body’s life-threatening response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death. But once someone survives sepsis, the journey is often not over. For that reason, the Witherell’s Sepsis Care Program is an important resource for patients, physicians, and hospital…

In early January, the Nathaniel Witherell began vaccinating our residents and staff against COVID-19. As of today, many at our facility have been fully vaccinated and our clinics will continue providing vaccinations this month. In the words of our medical director, Dr. Frank Walsh, “It’s important for us all to do everything we can to…