Larry says: I am in my late 50s and was a patient at Parkway Rehab Center twice. The first time was to recover from my hip replacement surgery and 6 weeks later when I had both of my knees replaced at the same time!! After the surgeries, particularly after the knee surgery, I was in extreme pain. I was very anxious about how I would recover and how long it would take. It was difficult for me to do anything for myself because of the pain and my lack of mobility after my surgeries. The nurses and supporting staff helped me use the restroom and bathe while preserving my modesty, being careful not to add to my pain. When I called them for help, they were prompt in their response. The food was exceptional. (The banana pudding will always hold a special place in my heart!)

The Therapists were knowledgeable and capable. With their positive encouragement, they pushed me to do exercises to the best of my ability and beyond. With the care that I received from all the staff at Parkway, I was ready to return to my home much sooner than I anticipated. I felt much better than I expected at that point in my recovery. Almost one year later, I am feeling great. I enjoy being on the golf course at least once a week.

I felt so highly of my experience that my Mother was recently a patient after breaking her back. Like me she was able to recover and get back home. While at Parkway she ate better and therefore functioned better than at home. I am sure if you asked her, she would agree with my opinion of the Parkway Rehabilitation Center. I take this opportunity to thank everyone at Parkway for the excellent care I received. I have and will continue to recommend Parkway to my friends, family and anyone else who is interested. Larry October 2009.

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Eric says : My mother was at Parkway for 5 years. When she moved there from her Highlands home she had bedsores and was in a lot of pain. Parkway healed the bedsores and she never had one again. They also were able to alleviate her pain. She has rested easy, enjoyed the staff and her visitors and the last 5 years of her life have been peaceful for her. The family has enjoyed Mom's stories about the family history and been able to gain much insight into our heritage during her stay. Mom anticipated the birth of her first great grandchild and was able to enjoy her visits while she lived at Parkway. She has always been taken care better than we could do it at home. I want to thank the staff at Parkway for all the love and caring and skill they have given to my Mom over the 5 years she lived at Parkway. Mom passed this month to be with Dad. And I smile when I think about her care at Parkway. Eric March 2010.

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 Nancy says:  I have so many good memories of my time spent at Parkway.  The care was just wonderful.  I felt so lucky to have Parkway recommended to me.  The nurses and aides were very caring and professional.  My physical therapists were excellent.  I improved steadily in my recovery during the three months I was there.

One of the special things the Parkway staff did for me included a birthday party.  They held the party on a beautifully decorated screened-in porch and invited all my friends.  My physical therapist even thought of me and gave me a beautiful journal.  Such a sweet surprise!

One of my favorite memories involves a friend who was allowed to visit me weekly with my dog.  That was very special to me.

One more thing...their vegetable soup is the best I've ever had! - Nancy, 2009

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Marsha says:  As I entered the front doors of Parkway Medical Center, I was greeted by happily, colorful chirping birds located in the front lobby.  Upon reaching the 2nd floor, I was pleasantly surprised when the elevator doors opened to reveal a beautifully renovated Rehab Center.

The staff at Parkway truly go out of their way to make you feel like part of a large family.  This really helps you to make an easy transition from home or hospital.  There are times when you get down in the dumps, but there is always a staff member to give you words of encouragement or a hug to boost your spirits.

Parkway's ever smiling Rehab Unit Manager passes on smiles and truly cares for each and every patient, CNA, CMT and nurse on her unit.  How can you not do well with all the love and encouragement?  Even something as simple as washing your hair while you're in bed, or rubbing lotion on your back can make your day bright & cheery.

They have special nurses, CNA's and other staff caring for us as we heal from injuries or illness.  When you attend Physical, Occupational, or Speech therapies, you feel the encouragement from the staff as well as from other patients.  The camaraderie among us is felt as we assist each other in reaching our goals.  You hear, "Keep it up," or "Wow, you're doing great!" as you make your way down the hallway.  Parkway has a fantastic Activities Department as well.  They have many activities to keep you busy and lift your spirits.  Bingo, arts and crafts, birthday parties, market day, and church services several times a week.  They even have their own TV channel that shows special movies to patients throughout the building.

Since coming to Parkway there have been special treats to look forward to every week.  The food here is good.  You receive a menu every week and are able to choose the type of meal you would enjoy.  If you want something specific they are happy to accommodate you.  - Marsha 

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WHY I LOVE MY JOB: - Parkway Care Partners

Pam, CMT -  Parkway Care Partner since 1998 says: 

The Residents:  Helping them through this stage of life, assisting them with activities of daily living, bringing a little joy and happiness to their lives and giving them hugs.

The Family Members: Getting to meet people from all walks of life and being able to help them cope with having a loved one in a long term care facility.

The Co-workers:  Having the best co-workers in the world.  We are care partners, team players, and friends.  My co-workers were tremendously supportive to me during difficult times in my life.  They were by my side, called often, came by to offer moral support, brought food and even gave financial support.  They truly care and are much more than just co-workers.

Parkway is a great place to work.  Everyone is treated as a member of the family.  Administration has an open door policy and will help with any problems.  They treat care partners to many nice activities such as the family Christmas night, and employee appreciation picnic just to name a few.  They celebrate CNA Week and Nurses' Week and have many activities geared toward the residents.  We adopt our residents and buy for them at Christmas, have ice-cream socials, movie and popcorn nights, monthly resident birthday parties with live music and much, much more.  I love my job, my residents, and my co-workers.  God Bless all of them!

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Theresa,RN - Parkway Care Partner since 1993 says: 

Parkway Rehab and Nursing Center has given me the opportunity to grow professionally and personally.  Their tuition assistance program has helped me obtain my Associates Degree in Nursing.  There isn't a day that goes by that I don't learn something new about myself, and about how to cope with the many stressors of my nursing career.  As a nurse at this facility I not only touch the lives of the residents, but I touch the lives of their family members as well.  It gives me great joy to see a resident take his or her first steps after having a stroke.  I'm able to marvel at the wonders of the human body when I witness a resident taking his or her first bite of food without assistance.  I must admit, when I complete my eight hour days at Parkway I am exhausted mentally and physically, yet every morning I find myself coming back.  It isn't because I have to, but because I want to.  Being a nurse at Parkway Rehab and Nursing Center is more than a job to me, it's an opportunity to touch lives with a smile, and help heal with my hands.

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 Carolyn, Rehab Tech, Parkway Care Partner since 1976 says:

I love my job at Parkway.  There is one special reason, the residents.  It is a joy to care for them, no matter what they go through there is always a sweet smile on their face. Then there are the hugs.  I love listening to them tell me about their lives, work, families.  And when I walk into a room you feel their love.  I enjoy seeing them take their first steps after an injury.

When I drive up to my job to turn into 1155 Eastern Parkway, which I have been doing for the last 33 years, I know what is on the inside.  We have a great boss who cares about his residents and employees.  I can't forget about all my co-workers, or care partners, which we call ourselves.  Whatever the problem or situation, or the day, or weather, we have great fellowship working together.  I always thank God because there is no where else I want to be or anything else I want to do.

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 Lee, LPN - Parkway Care Partner since 1994 says:

Why do I love my job?  I get to experience all the aspects and emotions of life that make us human beings.  I get to laugh at the funny stories that the residents tell.  I get to offer a comforting smile or words of encouragement when a resident speaks of aches and pains and limitations that the aging process imposes upon them.  I get to see as their physical limitations take hold, quite often the wisdom of the person increases twofold to compensate. 

I feel melancholy as I watch the gradual decline of once reasonably happy and healthy residents as they succumb to the aging process, but at the same time I feel proud of them for the dignity and strength they display fighting their battle. I feel sad when a residents life draws to a conclusion, be it someone I have cared for a long time or someone I have only known briefly.  I feel somehow honored to be with them when their life comes to an end; holding their hand just so they know someone cares and they are not alone.  I cry when their life has ended.

Quite simply, I love my job because not everyone can do it.  I feel I was especially chosen just as my co-workers and many around the world who do as I do on a daily basis.

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Angela, CMT - Parkway Care Partner since 2003 says:

Webster's Dictionary defines "job" as a specific duty or function.  One of the main reasons why I love my job is because it is more than just a specific duty.  It is a calling that has been placed in my heart, and I love it.

Working with the elderly, and not so elderly, requires a great love for people, patience, and teamwork.  As a Certified Medication Aide, some need pain medications, some a simple hug, others just someone to talk to.  I believe is it my responsibility to help make them feel better, to make a difference.

The staff at Parkway may be the closest thing to family for my residents.  I love listening to their stories and they love listening to mine.  They are interested in my family and my life.  They are indeed a family away from home.  I currently work with residents who have Alzheimer's and Dementia, and everyday I get a chance to experience something new.  Everyday at our dance time I look forward to seeing my residents laugh, sing and dance. 

I have worked at Parkway for 7 years and this year I will start nursing school.  I am so excited and looking forward to the new things that I will learn.  How can I not love a job that gives me the opportunity to advance in a field by caring for others and helping them maintain their dignity and respect that we all should have for one another.  It is a great feeling.

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