The Supportive Living team at Willow Valley Communities
Willow Valley Communities offers a full continuum of supportive care services for all residents including personal care, memory care, skilled nursing care, and short-term rehabilitation for those recovering from illness or surgery. The state-of-the-art care administered at Willow Valley Communities is nothing less than exceptional and is provided by a highly trained, compassionate team.
Willow Valley Communities is a “Type A” Lifecare community. The “Type A” Lifecare contract promises supportive care, if it is ever needed, with no increase to the monthly service fee because of that increased level of care. In contrast to some communities’ fee for- service contract, which often charges a daily rate and can quickly deplete assets, Willow Valley
Communities’ Lifecare promise provides peace of mind protection from the ever-escalating costs of care. Additionally, residents have also found that a portion of the entrance fee and monthly fees may be tax deductible as a medical expense.
Willow Valley Communities’ Four Supportive Living Communities
The supportive living communities at Willow Valley Communities are comprised of four distinct areas with floor plans and common areas that are designed with the needs of the residents in mind. Willow Valley Communities’ supportive living environments are warm and inviting with an atmosphere that is comfortable, not institutional feeling. They provide a resident-centered approach with care that meets the residents’ unique needs. Residents enjoy beautifully well-appointed accommodations with a wide array of amenities. Throughout the various Willow Valley Communities’ Supportive Living communities, you’ll find several dining venues, art studios, billiard and game parlors, libraries, fitness centers, and more.
The Glen
Located on the Manor Campus, The Glen has been significantly expanded and is getting a fresh, new look throughout. Among its most striking features are the many windows in the common areas, which provide an open, bright, and cheery environment that allows residents to feel like they are outside in nature
The Glen offers a range of support services. These include personal care, short-term rehabilitation, long-term skilled care, and memory support for Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders. Licensed nurses in both personal and skilled care are on duty around the clock. Both the personal care team and the skilled care team manage and administer medications and provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). The skilled care team performs many other healthcare-related services. The Glen also houses an outstanding outpatient and inpatient team of physical, occupational, and speech therapists.
Cedar Brook at The Glen
Located in The Glen, Cedar Brook offers memory support in a warm, homey setting. The Cedar Brook team is trained in the latest advances in dementia care with most team members having completed the national certification as a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP). Care at Cedar Brook is comprised of resident-centered programs and a reassuring daily structure that helps maintain life skills, keeps residents focused, and ensures the best possible quality of life. The new Garden Room in Cedar Brook at The Glen enables residents to therapeutically work with plants and provides them with a soul-enriching connection to nature. Lighter colors and artwork at The Glen also add to the positive atmosphere. Family and friends, considered an integral part of the comprehensive approach to care, are offered education, the latest research information, assistance, and encouragement during this challenging journey.
Lakeside
Located on the Lakes Campus, Lakeside offers around-the clock clinical expertise from a caring, experienced short-term and long-term skilled nursing sta.. Lakeside provides a homelike, resident-centered environment with lovely views of
Willow Valley Communities’ campus, access to a professionally landscaped courtyard, and meals prepared to order at a cozy Country Kitchen.
Meadow Ridge
Located on the Lakes Campus, Meadow Ridge is a personal care community. Personal care provides assistance with activities of daily living like appointments, medications, and nutrition. Meadow Ridge offers style, practicality, and comfort, along with the most independent lifestyle possible for those needing a minimal level of supportive care. Meadow Ridge offers three different apartment plans, either furnished or unfurnished, and a monitoring system for 24-hour assistance. Housekeeping and meals served in an elegant dining room are also included. Cozy Country Kitchens are also available for residents’ use.
Kendall Hunsicker, Vice President of Healthcare Services, is very proud of the entire supportive living team, which numbers approximately 500. She explained how the success of the department stems from how team members approach their work. “There is an amazing dedication to the residents and a positive spirit that is seen every day,” she said. “It is heartwarming to me.”
Willow Valley Communities values wellness of mind, body, and spirit. This philosophy is integrated into daily life in supportive living communities. Resources and services are designed to enhance well-being and maximize independence. “This is not at all like the typical perceptions some would have about nursing homes,” stressed Kendall. “We work to help residents attain the highest achievable level of living that’s possible for them. We take this very seriously.”
Kendall also said that Willow Valley Communities is always looking for ways to enrich and enhance residents’ lives. “While we provide healthcare to those in supportive living, it’s so much more than that. It’s about the quality of life.” As examples, Kendall cites bus trips, lunches out, and day field trips available to all residents in skilled and personal care. She also noted that each building in the supportive living communities has its own kitchen and dedicated staff. helping to create an outstanding culinary experience.
Kendall marvels at the care demonstrated daily by the team. “We constantly strive for quality and excellence and always look for ways to improve our processes.” She further explained,
“There is no use of outside agency staff, which is unusual in this industry. Having our own team adds to the quality of care given to the residents. We feel fortunate to be recognized as a high-quality healthcare provider in all areas by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), the PA Department of Human
Services (DHS), and most recently, Newsweek magazine.” (Newsweek magazine ranked The Glen #1 on its list of Best Nursing Homes in Pennsylvania for 2020.)
“We are blessed to have such an incredible team,” Kendall said. “It’s demonstrated in the quality of care they provide, their long-term tenure, dedication, competence, attention to detail, and customer service.” Kendall remarked how this was quite apparent during The Glen’s recent expansion. “All members of the supportive living team worked together to transition residents seamlessly during the recent opening of The Glen’s addition.”
“I’ve seen the staff go above and beyond over and over,” Kendall added. She recalled when a resident was unable to get out to buy an anniversary card. “A member of the team, on their own initiative, bought a card for the resident to sign and give to their spouse.”
But this doesn’t surprise Kendall. As she explained, “Willow Valley Communities’ residents’ expectations are high. The supportive living team understands this, and their compassion, commitment, and expertise is clearly demonstrated every day in their care for the residents. It’s so gratifying to see.”
