Turning a New Leaf: Nursing Home Residents and Staff Point to Positive Change at Reading's Fairlane Gardens

READING, Pa., March 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- It's been nearly one year since the nursing facility at 21 Fairlane Road in Reading, PA transitioned to its current name Fairlane Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation at Reading. During this time the facility has seen significant positive changes in patient care, customer service and food quality, this according to long-time staff and residents.

Jonathon Williams, a long-term resident, who was recently nominated by his peers to lead the facility's Resident Council asserted, "Change is in the air! We feel we have good-faith partners here at Fairlane Gardens as well as a staff that works with us and truly cares."

"From the very beginning, facility leadership have been laser-focused on meeting the needs of our residents, staff and local community", says Jamie Fox, Administrator at Fairlane Gardens. "What we've been seeing over these last ten months are positive trends and tangible improvements."

Take the facility's CMS ratings: In 2017, the facility scored just 1 star. Today, Fairlane Gardens has a four-star rating in Quality Measures and three-stars overall according to Medicare.gov.

"I believe our vastly improved ratings stem from the collaborative efforts of our physicians, nurses, and various other team members", says Sophia Mathews, Medical Records Coordinator. "I've been working at this facility for 28 years and it's refreshing to see the positive relationship being fostered between staff and management; a critical element that was lacking during previous years. We feel the support of management and know we can rely on each other when needed."

"At the heart of any successful skilled nursing facility is a caring, professional and growth-oriented staff", explains Crystal Stein, Director of Human Resources, adding, "we place a special emphasis on employee development and retention ? beginning with the onboarding process and continuing throughout their time at the facility."

Michelle Harrell, Certified Nursing Assistant, serves as a mentor to new hires ? a role she has come to embrace. "Peer mentors enhance our workplace environment and helps integrate new team members in a healthy and constructive way. It's about the quality of life of our nurses and staff. Ultimately, it's these efforts that help maintain the high standard of care we provide our residents."

Ms. Fox also points to the facility's efforts to engage and invest in the local Reading and Berks County communities. In December, the facility held its first annual "Breakfast with Santa" event for local children and families. Sandy Morissette, Payroll Manager, coordinated with the Reading Fire Department to deliver Santa and Mrs. Claus in grand fashion aboard a bright red fire engine. Over 100 men, women and children were there to welcome-in the special guests and local heroes. Other recent community events include: Harvest for the Homeless, Veterans Breakfast, Safe Trick or Treat Night, and a neighborhood blood drive.

Finally, Ms. Fox stressed, "We know transitions of this degree will have its difficulties but together we've proven that Fairlane Gardens is up for the challenge ? our staff looks forward to serving our residents, their families and the Reading community for years to come."

Media Contact: Jeff Deutsch, [email protected]

About Fairlane Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation at Reading

Fairlane Gardens Nursing & Rehabilitation at Reading is a 124-bed skilled nursing facility conveniently situated just 10 minutes from Reading Hospital and located near local shopping centers, restaurants and public transportation. Fairlane Gardens' clinical and therapy teams offer short-term rehabilitation, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy as well as long-term skilled nursing care.

SOURCE Fairlane Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation at Reading