Welcome to
MediLodge of Traverse City

Dear MediLodge Staff, We’d like to express our deepest gratitude to the entire team at MediLodge of Traverse City. For the past four years our mother, Irene Senkiw, had lived there, and it was the best decision that we ever made regarding her care. We’re sad to say that she passed away on Friday, April 20, 2018. Irene was diagnosed with dementia in 2011 and had resided at another nursing home in the Detroit area. At that location, she was mistreated by staff and other residents and was so unhappy. She would say “No! I’m not going in there!”, and would beg us not to take her back inside at the end of an outing. As a family, it was so stressful and sad for us to leave our mom somewhere where she wasn’t happy. However, all of that changed when we moved her to MediLodge of Traverse City (formerly Tendercare) in 2014. Her husband had passed away, so she came north to be near her youngest daughter, Carol, who could oversee her care. As a resident, she was treated as so much more than a patient, she was more like a family member. It could have been devastating for Irene to move far away from the community and family she knew, but that was not the case at all. Soon the residents and staff at her new home were like a family to here. There was a familiar daily routine in which she could participate or there was the flexibility to move to her own rhythm as her body and mind changed with the progression of the dementia. You all have intuitively cared for her in a way that upheld a quality of life that we didn’t know could be possible in a skilled nursing facility. Whenever we would return from an outing for the day, she would say, “Oh yes, I’ve been here before. It is very clean.” She took comfort in the familiar surroundings and welcoming faces when we came inside. We were always greeted by, “Well, hello Irene! How was your afternoon?” or “How nice to see you!”. She enjoyed the daily meals and activities, parties, music, hand massage, and manicures and the tender loving care she received every day. As her family, we could see that she was happy there. Even though she couldn’t tell us directly, it was reflected in her spirit, her smile, and her health. So, we give you a great big “Thank You!” to every nurse, CNA, physician, physical therapist, recreation therapist, kitchen staff, laundry staff, sanitation staff, administrative staff, drivers, volunteers, and everyone who made her health and joy possible. Thank you for all of the long hours, late nights, double shifts, weekends and holidays that you spend there. We noticed every one of them and are grateful that you take such pride in your profession. In much gratitude, Carol Bell, Joane Slusky, Mark Senkiw Children of Irene Senkiw

My husband has been at MediLodge of Traverse City for 13 months. His care has been stellar. The care is given with tenderness and love. The activities are so diverse-field trips to seeing gardens and going on picnics. The Activity Director, Kasia, along with Barb and Georgiana (great supportive staff) have planned and carried on an Art Show (profitable) from art the residents have done. The residents were so proud of their accomplishments. A lot of the family members and guests to the Lodge attended.

The activity staff and transporter have taken residents on Fall color tours, Christmas light tours and also to see the orchards blossom in the Spring. They have brought residents to enjoy live music and a meal at the Senior Center (the Gathering Place) in Honor.

My husband wanted to first stay in bed. Kasia encouraged him to get up and help her. He now has helped put flower decorations (or posies as he calls them) on the dining room tables and picks them up. He takes that very seriously and that he’s needed.

I have been at the Lodge different times during the week. I have yet to see dirty hair or find food on resident clothes. Residents are clean and cared for. CENAs –Martha, Becky, and Tina care so lovingly for the residents that can’t feed themselves. Hugs and forehead kisses are a daily thing. All the staff are wonderful. I see how caring and wonderful they are.

Now, my husband is a very picky eater. He is constantly teasing the cooks, complaining about the food as he’s cleaning up his plate. The staff takes it in stride and hug him anyway. They are real treasures.

Then there is Travis-maintenance man/BBQer and many other things he does. He is so busy but always gets everything done and done well. Travis takes the time with residents that want to help as he’s working in their room. He is ever so kind.

Now, all that being said, I can’t leave the office staff out. Lisa, Amy, and Wanita-they are my go-to folks when I feel like my world is caving in because my husband isn’t here. They understand and listen to me and offer their supportive caring.

Again, let me reiterate this Medilodge of Traverse City is stellar and should be held up as a standard by which all health care facilities should be held! I’m so thankful I found this treasure!

Staff is helpful, thoughtful, and always attentive, very generous and go above and beyond whenever I’ve needed or asked for anything. Physical therapy is the BEST! They are always helpful and professional. I’ve done so much better since I’ve been here.

The staff at MediLodge of Traverse City treat me with respect. I love them all! Holly and Beth have especially been great to me. The food here is wonderful too!

I was the primary caregiver for my wife from 2008 until her death in 2013. During those 5 years, we had been to all available nursing homes. There was no doubt in her mind which facility she liked the best especially when it came to her needs. MediLodge of Traverse City (formerly Tendercare) was much more tuned in to what her specific needs were. Whether it was the nursing care, the PT or OT or she simply felt more at ease with this facility, she was here until her final trip to Munson Hospital. So, when I became ill, there was no hesitation as to where I wanted to rehab. MediLodge of Traverse City was my first choice and I could not have made a better decision. I am leaving here with a new purpose for living. It has truly been a great experience!

I really enjoyed myself and the staff.  They were all very friendly and helpful.  I’ve been here before from May – July.  When I was told I needed physical therapy again, I told them that I wanted to come back to Medilodge of Traverse City.

I chose this center because they are very nice people. The staff are friendly, and it’s a clean place. I really enjoyed myself being here.

The folks here at Medilodge of Traverse City have been pretty quick to help me.  The food has been really good.  I would suggest having more fresh fruit like blueberries, bananas, strawberries, and apples.  The staff is friendly and kind.  The facility is clean and it’s nice and warm here!

I can’t say enough about the CENAs, nursing staff, therapists, plus all the auxiliary staff.  They were very supportive, helpful, and certainly caring.  Thank you so much.  Love you all.  The room was very nice and comfortable.  Housekeeping people did a good job.  The dietician was so helpful.  Thank you all.  Bless Kasia, the person who cared about my emotions and mental feelings.  I needed her.  She kept me from falling apart!