Et cetera : You’re Part of the Family

             You can hear it in her voice. Nurse Manager Jessica Birker genuinely cares about the people who live at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab. “That’s our next door neighbor or grandma’s best friend, or a loved one of our own, so there’s a personal touch to the people we’re taking care of. I really feel that we’re a family here.” Her eyes sparkle as she talks about the residents of the Annex. “Oops, that’ll cost you a dollar,” she laughs.

The facility is not called the Annex anymore. It’s Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab. Visitors and even some of the staff still slip once in a while, but it’s catching on. “It’s kind of a mouthful, but it’s a much more descriptive name for what we really do here”, Birker says. Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab has been serving local residents since 1962.

            The close proximity to Virginia Gay Hospital makes Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab an attractive alternative to other long term care facilities. “Being attached to the hospital is a huge convenience with all the services it has to offer,” Birker adds. “In other facilities, you’ve got to make arrangements for transportation to medical visits, procedures, and tests. We’re right here. We just take you down the hall.”

            But it’s the family like atmosphere that most residents enjoy. In fact, Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab just earned a 100% satisfaction rating in the category of “Dignity and Respect”. “The patient is always at the front of our mind,” says Birker.   And it shows.

            Another independent survey rated Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab in five different categories: Aides, Dietary, Nursing, Housekeeping, and Administration. Nearly all categories ranked above the statewide average with the highest marks appearing in the Nursing and Housekeeping categories. 

            But it’s the home town feel that keeps coming up. “There’s a good chance that anyone who works here is related to one of the residents”, Birker said.   Because of that small town flavor, the staff takes the time to get to know everybody that walks in the door, and greets them all by name. That includes the people who come in to entertain the residents as well. Activity Coordinator Mary Simnacher keeps things lively with a full calendar of events each week. There are activities two, sometimes three times a day ranging from musical entertainment, an exercise class, or even a manicure.      

            When things are no longer safe at home, or there’s a crisis event that occurs, then it’s time to consider other options. The first step to becoming a resident of Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab is to contact Nursing Manager Jessica Birker at 472-6280. She’ll set up a visit and make sure the facility can meet your needs. Private suites, private rooms and semi private rooms are available. The spark in her eye gets even brighter as she says, “I want to know that everyone that walks through our door has a positive experience. That’s my own personal commitment”.