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…

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…

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…

The pandemic has certainly challenged us all. For nursing home residents and their families, balancing regular visitation with health and safety protocols has been especially difficult. But, thanks to some creative brainstorming from our team at the Witherell, we’ve recently pioneered unique and innovative visitation solutions. The Witherell has become the first skilled nursing facility…

When patients are hospitalized after an illness or surgery, they’re often discharged to the Witherell for “step-down” care to continue their recovery. Once patients are well enough to return home, our team creates a discharge plan to ensure that they are well cared for after the Witherell. This may include a referral for home care,…

The Witherell’s beautiful 20+ acre campus is one of our most enviable features. With lush gardens and plenty of green space, our residents have always loved spending time outdoors. Now, blue skies and warm breezes are making the Witherell a wonderful place to enjoy the company of friends and family at safe social distances, too….

The Witherell’s Short-Term Rehabilitation Unit has garnered serious accolades—like a coveted 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and “Top Performing” status from U.S. News & World Report. It also draws consistently positive praise from Witherell alumni, local hospitals, and top physicians. Usually, people tend to think of short-term rehab in terms of…

Safeguarding the health of our residents is number one. But we also know that an essential part of well-being, and an important tool in preventing cognitive decline, is keeping seniors mentally engaged and emotionally connected. So, we’ve gotten very creative lately! Even though group activities are restricted currently, our therapeutic recreation team continues to offer…