MNRC adds rehab-to-home renovation to campus

     Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Campus (MNRC) is proud to welcome its new rehab-to-home services.

     Located in the newly renovated 600 wing of the facility, the rehab unit includes 11 large private suites, each with its own handicap accessible bathroom. The rooms are complete with a bed, couch, TV, table and chairs, and armoire.

     “They are move-in ready,” said Leann Herman, marketing and admissions with MNRC.

     On March 29, the center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the new skilled rehabilitation area. The new addition offers complete therapy services, provided in partnership with Millennium Therapy Outpatient Clinic. Certified staff are available to help residents reach their goals, regain their strength, and get back to enjoying life.

     The new unit also includes: separate dining room, newly furnished community room, beverage café, and a separate entrance for outpatient skilled rehab guests. There is a large bathroom with a whirlpool, and a small kitchen area.

     “Stays here are meant for short-term,” explained Herman.

     She said having a separate unit within the facility is a big draw for people.

     “Having the option for rehab and therapy in one’s own community is nice,” she added. “They can be close to home and family.”

     Work on the renovation started in January, though talk started circulating back in October.

     Semi-private suites were converted into large private suites.

     Herman explained the rehab-to-home services offered at MNRC are meant for those of all ages. Those 65 years and older can utilize the service with their Medicare Part A coverage.

     “It’s covered by some private insurers, too,” added Herman.

     MNRC offered skilled rehab services before, but those patients were mixed in with the general population. Now, these short-term patients have their own wing.

     Offering skilled rehab service, Herman said ultimately decreases the number of times a patient might have to be readmitted to the hospital. She said after you fall at home and have to stay at the hospital for a few days, skilled rehab is needed as a follow-up before you can go home on your own.

     “Here, we have hands and eyes on these patients versus if they were home alone,” said Herman. “They’ll have a higher level of care than if they returned home.”

     The project also included renovations throughout the center as well: new furnishings, new paint, new flooring, and new light fixtures. The beauty shop was also expanded to offer more room.

     “It offers an updated look,” marveled Herman. “It was nicely done. This is a great opportunity for people.”

     Speaking at the open house was new MNRC Administrator, Laurissa Martin. She started working at the center eight years ago and worked her way up the corporate ladder. After starting as a charge nurse, Martin said she never imagined her career would lead to this.

     “Never did it cross my mind that some day I would be standing here in an administrator role with the honor of presenting to you this incredible renovation,” she said.

     Martin said many people are unaware of the progress MNRC has made over the years.

     “We began as a community nursing home back in 1968. As the owners, John and Kim Grubb, witnessed the quality of life we could offer the aging adults of Monticello, Pennington Square Assisted Living was added. We have now evolved into a campus that provides a full continuum of care.”

     Martin said the campus gives families peace of mind that their loved ones are taken care of.

     “Over the years we have built a proven reputation of providing kind, compassionate care and making a difference in the lives of the people we serve,” concluded Martin.

     Owner John Grubb was also present. He said the facility was originally built by his father, also John Grubb, and Harold Juckette. (Juckette’s daughter, Linda, was also present.)

     Now, Grubb and his wife, Kim, and Linda Juckette have come together to build and run nursing home facilities throughout Iowa.

     Before the work began at MNRC, Grubb and his wife toured the facility.

     “Kim had a lot of ideas about what we could do to maybe improve things,” he said. “I agreed. We need to keep up. There’s an awful lot of good people here, and working here. This facility is well kept. The cadre has done a wonderful job in this 600 wing.”

     Just prior to the opening, Grubb said someone moved into one of the new suites. “She said, ‘I love my room.’ That’s great to hear and I’m glad that we had the wherewithal to look into the future and can plan to have nice things for people here.”

     Juckette agreed.

     “Healthcare is ever evolving,” she said. “I so appreciate all the people who work in all of our buildings and take care of our senior citizens. This facility is now ready for the next 10-20-30 years.”

     Monticello Mayor Dena Himes said the rehab-to-home addition adds to the growth of Monticello.

     “Monticello has seen many wonderful changes, and this is definitely one of those times,” explained Himes. “The people who live and work in the community feel like a family. This project is nothing short of an extension of those feelings.”

     Himes said quality of life is also important in a town like Monticello. “This particular project is proof how very important quality of life is, not only to individuals but to family and friends as well. The continued renovations of the campus will provide a local, comfortable and quality alternative to those in need of rehab and/or long-term care.

     “Thanks everyone who had the foresight to add this wonderful addition to Monticello. I look forward to the continued growth of the MNRC campus.”