News

June 2014

Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Highlights Summer Safety Tips for Seniors in the Community

Niskayuna, NY based Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center offers important summer safety tips to senior citizens in honor of June 2014 National Safety Month

Niskayuna, NY (June 2014) During the month of June, Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center observes National Safety Month and encourages others to raise awareness about crucial safety issues facing seniors in the summertime. Through educating the community, Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center aims to reduce the risk of heat stroke and other injuries and illnesses among the senior citizen population in the hot summer weather.

With the sunny summer months approaching, many community seniors face the risk of heat-induced illness such as sunburn, dehydration and heat exhaustion/stroke. Keeping this in mind, Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center provides a list of important rules to always keep in mind to stay healthy in the heat.

· Drink lots of cold water, clear juices and other liquids that don’t contain alcohol or caffeine as these two can easily dehydrate you.

· Do your best to remain indoors with the air conditioning on. If the temperature is in the 90s or higher and you don’t have an air conditioner, go somewhere that has one, such as a shopping mall, library, senior center or movie theater. Fans can’t provide enough cooling in such heat.

· If you need to go outdoors, always wear sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15.

· Wear loose, light-colored clothes and a wide-brimmed hat to keep your head and face cool. This will also provide added protection from damaging sun exposure. A hat should protect the neck, face and ears, helping you both stay cool and avoid sunburn. Being sunburned can also make it harder for your body to cool off.

· Save your daily walk or outdoor activities for when the weather is cooler, such as when the sun is going down or before it comes up.

· Take cooler showers than usual, or sponge baths when you’re feeling warm. Wet washcloths or towels with cool water and put them on your wrists, ankles, neck and under your armpits to help cool down.

“As the temperature continues to increase it is important to remember these precautionary tips,” said Jeff Ruso, Administrator at Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. “We at Pathways will continue to stress these summer safety rules throughout the summer, as the health and safety of our geriatric residents is our primary objective.”

Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a unique and comprehensive rehabilitation center serving both the pediatric and geriatric populations. Located in the beautiful Mohawk Valley, at 1805 Providence Avenue, Niskayuna, NY, Pathways is a 112 bed facility, providing top-notch medical and rehabilitation treatment to individuals in need of sub acute care, those suffering a Traumatic Brain Injury, Ventilator-dependent patients, and more. Pathways' caring medical professionals provide customized individual care plans to ensure the highest quality of care to all of their patients.

For more information, kindly contact the Admissions Department at 518-374-2212 or visit their website at pathways-rehab.com.

May 2014

Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Salutes United States Armed Forces Veterans on Memorial Day 2014

Niskayuna, NY based Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center honors and salutes its resident veterans on Memorial Day 2014

Niskayuna, NY (May 2014) This year on Monday May 26th, Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center along with Americans nationwide solemnly mark the annual federal holiday of Memorial Day. Memorial Day was first celebrated shortly after the Civil War to commemorate the fallen soldiers from both sides. Nowadays the holiday has expanded to honor the over 1.3 million American servicemen and women who perished throughout all America's wars. On this day the country pauses and salutes those who laid down their lives for freedom and liberty.

On Memorial Day many people visit military cemeteries and memorials of loved ones lost in battle. Volunteers place American flags by each and every grave in the nation's military cemeteries to show gratitude and respect. Additionally many national cemeteries hold special Memorial Day events to
salute the nation's fallen heroes. It is also a day to give support to all those who served, whether in the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, National Guard or Coast Guard.

"We at Pathways Nursing are honored to support our resident veterans on this important day. They put their lives on the line for us and this great country and the least we can do is honor them today," said Jeff Ruso, Administrator at Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. "We are humbled by them and truly appreciate their service so we can live freely."

For more information, kindly contact the Admissions Department at 518-374-2212 or visit their website at pathways-rehab.com.

May 2014

Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Receives Award from Town of Niskayuna, NY

Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center cited in Town of Niskayuna’s Proclamation on 2014 National Nursing Home Week

Niskayuna, NY (May 2014) The Town of Niskayuna officially proclaimed the week of May 11th to May 17th National Nursing Home Week. The town chose to give praise to Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center as a "unique and comprehensive rehabilitation center serving traumatic brain injury, pediatric and sub-acute patients”. The American Health Care Association (AHCA) established National Nursing Home Week in 1967, which gives the opportunity for administrators around the country to celebrate the many contributions of their staff.

This year’s National Nursing Home theme is the Hawaiian, "Living the Aloha Spirit" encouraging living a life of kindness, compassion, patience and harmony. In Hawaiian culture, Aloha has more profound interpretations than the simple 'hello', it additionally stands for treating others with respect, care, and humility which lends to the air of what Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center strives to be. A place of unity, truthfulness, harmony and respect for others. These values are core to the everyday workings of Pathways.

“Being cited specifically in our town proclamation is an excellent way to kick off this year’s National Nursing Home Week. It is a tremendous honor and I thank our excellent staff for all their hard work,” said Jeff Ruso, Administrator at Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. “We look forward to continuing being an example of great nursing care for nursing homes across the state.”

For more information, kindly contact the Admissions Department at 518-374-2212 or visit their website at pathways-rehab.com.

May 2014

Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Wins Coveted IPRO Quality Award 2014

Niskayuna, NY based Nursing Home Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has been presented the annual IPRO Quality Award

Niskayuna, NY (May 2014) The annual IPRO Quality Award is given to healthcare providers who have achieved a very high standard of quality care and service. Always striving to improve and increase their rankings, Pathways enjoyed a 30 percent jump in their ranking of quality services.

Pathways Nursing and Rehab Center worked with IPRO to implement evidence-based interventions which increased the Medicare 30-Day admission rate. Additionally, by participating in the Albany Care Transitions Committee, Pathways improved care transitions across the entire Capital District.

IPRO will be holding its 29th Annual Membership Meeting and Luncheon on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014. At this time the award will be given to Pathways acknowledging their impressive accomplishment. The luncheon will be held at New York Laguardia Airport’s Marriott Hotel, 102-05 Ditmars Boulevard, East Elmhurst, New York, from 12:30 to 3:00 PM.

IPRO stands for Island Peer Review Organization. Based out of Lake Success, New York, IPRO works with organizations to help improve their quality services. Some of these include data collection and analysis, retrospective claims reviews, and other services that ensure a company enjoys the best possible quality control. IPRO takes healthcare facilities and makes them more efficient, productive, and scrupulous.

“It is a great honor to be able to receive the 2014 IPRO Quality award. Being able to put Pathways's name alongside the past award winners is a great achievement and not one we take lightly, said Jeff Ruso, Administrator at Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. “I look forward to accepting the award and continue working with IPRO to keep increasing our level of quality work.”

For more information, kindly contact the Admissions Department at 518-374-2212 or visit their website at www.pathways-rehab.com.

May 2014

Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Proudly Supports the 2014 Walk To Cure Arthritis

Niskayuna, NY based Nursing Home Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center backs and participates in this year’s Walk To Cure Arthritis Capital Region Event

Niskayuna, NY (May 2014) Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Niskayuna’s premier nursing home, is happy and excited to participate in the 2014 Walk to Cure Arthritis, held this Sunday, May 18th. The walk will be held at The Colonie Crossings, located at 580 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville NY 12211. Registration for the event can be completed online atwww.walktocurearthritis.albany.kintera.org.

The walk consists of either a 5 kilometer route or a shorter 1 mile walk, which raises funds and awareness to fight the nation's leading cause of disability, Arthritis. Arthritis is an extremely common form of joint disorder that involves the inflammation of joints, and appears in over 100 different forms.

At this year’s Walk to Cure Arthritis, Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center will be manning an informational booth with a plethora of information on arthritis, to both educate and inform the public about this disease which the CDC estimates effects 52.5 million Americans. The walk will contain music, light refreshments, and a special Kid Zone with face painting and crafts.

"We at Pathways Nursing are always delighted to be given the chance to participate in education and fundraising programs whenever possible," said Jeff Ruso, Administrator at Pathways Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. "When we heard about the walk we jumped at the chance to advocate for such a great cause. We have the chance to educate the public about arthritis and the various treatment options available today. See you all there!"

For more information, kindly contact the Admissions Department at 518-374-2212 or visit their website at www.pathways-rehab.com.

May 2014

Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Celebrates National Nursing Home Week 2014

Niskayuna, NY based Nursing Home celebrates and actively participates in this year’s National Nursing Home Week

Niskayuna, NY (May 2014) This year, starting on Mother's Day, the week of May 11-17 marks National Nursing Home Week. The American Health Care Association (AHCA) established National Nursing Home Week in 1967, which gives the opportunity for nursing homes around the country to celebrate the many contributions of their staff and residents. This year's National Nursing Home theme is the Hawaiian, "Living the Aloha Spirit", encouraging living a life of kindness, compassion, patience and harmony.

In Hawaiian culture, 'Aloha' has more profound interpretations than the simple 'hello'. It also stands for treating others with respect, care, and humility which are the values upheld at Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. A place of unity, truthfulness, harmony and caring and respect for others. These values are core to the everyday workings of Pathways, and influence the staff and administration.

In the spirit of National Nursing Home Week many administrators take the opportunity to express how appreciative they are of their staff and the great work that they do. There is always a focus on making the work environment as enjoyable to work in as possible and National Nursing Home Week is the perfect opportunity to showcase these aspects of a facility.

"I'd like to take this moment to express my deepest appreciation and once again thank the amazing staff at Pathways Nursing Home for their constant commitment to nursing care," said Jeff Ruso, Administrator at Pathways Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. "I want them to know they are an incomparable driving force and a bright example for all other staff teams in this industry. I am immensely proud of the work we have accomplished so far and look forward to what we have planned for the future."

For more information, kindly contact the Admissions Department at 518-374-2212 or visit their website at www.pathways-rehab.com.

April 2014

Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Supports Occupational Therapist Month

Niskayuna, NY based nursing home Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center honors its exceptional Occupational Therapy Team

Niskayuna, NY (April 2014) Occupational Therapy is a critical element of every skilled nursing facility, helping residents achieve independence in all facets of their lives. Trained occupational therapists assist in developing the "skills for the job of living" necessary for returning individuals to their lives before injury or illness.

There are various types of occupational therapies, focusing on various physical ailments, such as cognitive, orthopedic or neurological. Occupational therapists have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment to fit the resident, with the resident being an integral part of the therapy team. It is occupational therapy’s purpose to get beyond the problems and to find solutions that assure living life to the fullest.

When working with an occupational therapist, strategies and modifications are customized for each resident to resolve problems, improve function, and support everyday living activities. Through these therapeutic approaches, occupational therapy helps residents design their lives, develop needed skills, adjust their environments and build health-promoting habits and routines that will allow them to thrive.

By taking the full picture into account—a person’s psychological, physical, emotional, and social makeup as well as their environment—occupational therapy assists residents to do the following:

Achieve goals
Function at the highest possible level
Concentrate on what matters most to them
Maintain or rebuild their independence
Participate in daily activities that they need or want to do

“Our rehabilitation program is as successful as it is largely due to our tremendously talented Occupational Therapists. They help our residents get better faster, providing them the quality of care they have come to expect from Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. This being Occupational Therapist Month, we salute our team and thank them for their service,” Jeff Ruso, Administrator at Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

For more information, kindly contact the Admissions Department at 518-374-2212 or visit their website at www.pathways-rehab.com.

April 2014

Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Supports World Meningitis Day 2014

Niskayuna, NY based Nursing Home educates the community on the dangers of the Meningitis disease and how to prevent infection.

Niskayuna, NY (April 2014) This year, April 24th marks World Meningitis Day. Started by the Confederation of Meningitis Organizations, World Meningitis Day aims to raise the global profile of meningitis, emphasize the importance of vaccination, and provide support to those dealing with the symptoms of the disease. Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center recognizes the importance of educating the community on the disease and supports the CoMO in their efforts by sharing tips to avoid contracting the disease and how to respond in the worst case scenario.

Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges. The meninges is the collective name for the three membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord. There are three types of meningitis: Bacterial, Viral, and Fungal. Bacterial meningitis is aggressive, develops quickly and can lead to permanent disability or death in a matter of hours. It is fatal in approximately 50% of cases and accounts for around 170,000 deaths around the world each year. The infection spreads from person to person through actions such as kissing, coughing, sneezing, sharing food or utensils. Children who attend daycare or preschool are at greater risk of contracting bacterial meningitis.

Viral meningitis is the most common but least severe and many patients recover without any permanent damage. Fungal meningitis causes severe infections but occurs much less frequently. It is not contagious and spreads by inhaling fungal spores from the environment.

Meningitis can be difficult to identify early on in infection. The main signs of contracting the disease are similar to the common cold and develop quickly over the course of just a few hours. Look for symptoms such as vomiting, drowsiness, stiff neck, light sensitivity, and headache as well as altered consciousness. The best way to prevent bacterial meningitis is through vaccination. Vaccines prepare the immune system by exposing the body to a germ so that it is better able to fight an infection when it occurs. The vaccines available protect against all three major causes of bacterial meningitis.

“Meningitis is a dangerous and fatal disease. People should be educated on its potential dangers and learn how to prevent infection, not just for their health, but for the health of future generations. Since the geriatric population is at high risk, we must do our best as a care center to spread awareness, not germs,” said Jeff Ruso, Administrator at Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

For more information, kindly contact the Admissions Department at 518-374-2212 or visit their website at www.pathways-rehab.com.