HCR ManorCare's MedBridge Program Celebrates the Opening of 100th Post-Hospital Rehabilitation Unit

TOLEDO, Ohio, April 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- HCR ManorCare, primarily operating under the Heartland and ManorCare names, developed MedBridge as a unique unit within its skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities to provide a level of specialized care for patients that helps speed their transition home. This month, HCR ManorCare will launch its 100th MedBridge unit within the company's ManorCare Health Services – Wheaton, Maryland skilled nursing and rehab center, with plans to launch several more MedBridge units in the next few months. HCR ManorCare is pleased to have the only post-hospital program that is based on a set of unique criteria that must be met before a center achieves certification and the right to use the MedBridge name. Criteria include attaining physical and clinical standards, as well as meeting or exceeding targets such as percentage of patients returned home, reduction in rehospitalizations and patient satisfaction.

The interdisciplinary approach at HCR ManorCare centers helps post-hospital patients achieve their goals by creating a program tailored to their individual needs. "Our custom approach has helped the majority of MedBridge patients to return home in 30 days or less with a reduced chance of returning to the hospital," said Dr. Mark Gloth, vice president and chief medical officer.

Treatment plans are designed to maximize independent functioning, improve psychological and physical well-being, and assist the patient in returning home. The MedBridge treatment team, which includes specialty physicians, RNs and licensed physical, occupational and speech therapists, addresses the patients' impairments and prepares them to successfully transfer home. The nursing team, supported by nutrition and recreational therapy staff, provides a broad range of services to meet the complex needs of patients. The rehabilitation team that a patient selects can strongly impact his or her recovery. Joan, a patient recovering from a total knee replacement at MedBridge, said, "I cannot rave enough about the program that my therapist designed for me. I saw progress every day!"

It is important to choose a post-hospital care provider that has a proven track record of success and commitment to quality care. In the first year of operation, MedBridge has treated 11,990 orthopedic, 4,582 cardiac, 2,258 pulmonary, 1,082 oncology and 721 neurological patients.  In 2014, MedBridge successfully returned over 33,000 patients back to the community, and their lives.

"We are proud to offer one-of-a-kind service to the community," states Marty Grabijas, vice president of sales and marketing. "We encourage patients to stop by for a pre-surgery tour to really experience our facility and services." You'll agree with John and the majority of our patients who went home satisfied this past year that MedBridge was their bridge from hospital to home. John, who received therapy for Parkinson's disease at MedBridge, said, "Not only am I going home stronger but also more confident in my ability to safely complete my day-to-day activities. I would absolutely recommend MedBridge to anyone needing rehabilitation services."

The warm and welcoming design of patient rooms and the common areas are also integral to the MedBridge experience. Visitors weren't forgotten as shown by amenities such as the comfortable lounge areas and Wi-Fi availability. The attention to patient comfort and recovery elicits kind words from many. Louise, who had nursing and rehabilitation services at MedBridge, said, "All of the staff are warm and friendly, making you feel welcome and at home. Each night, the activity department had something going on, from popcorn and a movie to ice cream socials. That's important when you have to spend a few weeks to a month of your time somewhere away from home."

The HCR ManorCare health care family comprises centers that are leading providers of short-term post-acute services.  With 56,000 caregivers nationwide, the HCR ManorCare centers are preeminent care providers in their communities.  These locations operate primarily under the respected Heartland and ManorCare Health Services names. Our skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers provide post-hospital care for patients transitioning from hospital to home. Our clinical teams have the demonstrated track record and commitment to positively impact the success of patients needing this level of post-acute care so they can return home to a meaningful lifestyle.  

SOURCE HCR ManorCare