Residents at Cherry Village Benevolence now have easy access to a three-pronged therapy program at the long-term-care facility.

            The new on-site service is available to full-time residents, as well as those who need Cherry Village services for only a short time.

            “People who are recovering from hip or knee replacements can rely on us during their recovery,” explained Melissa Tudor, therapy services coordinator. “Our skilled-nursing team and therapists are here for anyone who needs us for the long term or even just a few weeks.

            “We offer therapies that result in consistent progress for a better quality of life,” Tudor added. “Families of those who are here for just a few weeks of recovery can count on professionals to help their loved ones return home as soon as possible.”

Six new Cherry Village employees are offering physical, occupational and speech therapies.

            Tudor is a certified occupational therapy assistant. Others on the fully licensed team include an occupational therapist; physical therapist; physical therapy assistant; speech/language pathologist; and a restorative aide who enables residents to maintain mobility and strength after therapy sessions are complete.

            Physical therapy involves helping with motor skills such as walking, while occupational therapy entails “getting people back to their daily-living routines,” Tudor said. “This includes getting dressed and performing personal hygiene tasks.”

            Speech therapy can help with a number of issues, she noted.

            “Often, speech therapy is used when someone has trouble speaking or swallowing and/or is recovering from a stroke,” Tudor said. “But it can also be quite helpful when memory and cognition issues are involved.”

            Donna Marbut, Cherry Village director of nursing, said the therapists are invaluable to the medical staff.

            “If we notice someone’s condition is declining, we can seek input from the therapists right away,” Marbut said. “They can help evaluate the situation to determine if a certain therapy would be appropriate.”

            The therapists perform initial screenings for all residents, “which helps us be even more aware of current or potential problems,” Marbut noted. “In addition, when someone is preparing to go home, therapists conduct in-home evaluations. They make suggestions about safety issues and how to avoid problems.

            “We do all we can to prevent a re-occurrence or a re-admission,” the director of nursing added. “We want people to enjoy the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible.”

            In the past, Cherry Village contracted with a private company to offer therapy services. Now, residents can become well acquainted with on-staff therapists who provide a continuity of care.

            “It is nice that the residents will see these familiar faces all the time,” Marbut said. “That is so important here.”

            Cherry Village, 1401 Cherry Lane, is a non-profit facility managed by a local family.