Employee Spotlight: Emily and Briyana

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!

The commitment to quality designated by this award is a key first step to developing systematic, sustainable, person-centered care and services. We congratulate all of our 2010 winners on this prestigious achievement.

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

I am married and my husband Alvin is here too at MediLodge of Traverse City. Your staff has been very friendly and accommodated our stay here. Everyone is very friendly and joyful. It has been a good experience being here.

MediLodge of Traverse City: I wish I could thank every one of you for all that you did for my mother. She always seemed so happy to be there. I love the book, and will treasure it always. Thank you so much for everything.

"Personality, care giving, kindness, patience and determination are only a few adjectives that describe most nurses aides and therapists at the Traverse City facility. When I look back to just 3 weeks ago of how my limbs and body were when I entered the doors of Traverse City, I was very weak and hardly able to do anything for myself. But with the support of the rehabilitation program and the supervision of all the staff, I have a much better outlook about myself. I feel ready to care for myself for the most part, therefore going home to continue my rehab program and get stronger as life continues on."

I got really good care the last time I was at MediLodge of Traverse City, that’s why I wanted to come back when I needed therapy again. You guys are great here! You have a great Activity Department, and I’ve gotten excellent care. I couldn’t think of a better place to be.

Nurses and staff were very nice to me during my stay.  Physical therapy worked well with me for rehab.

Your therapy personnel is excellent and knowledgeable. Positive staff like yours brings about pleasant, relaxed residents. I especially enjoyed the high ceilings and lots of windows in the Dining Room, set up like a restaurant. I would have liked a more Mediterranean style menu. I was impressed with the cleanliness of rooms; sanitation was evident. Residents were treated with respect no matter their condition — a happy, friendly atmosphere like a family. I was impressed with how far some staff drove and how long the team has worked there.

I just wanted to let you know that I can’t thank you and your staff enough for the care and attention that I received during my stay at Medilodge of Traverse City.  My broken hip was unannounced for two months.  I finally went to the ER and was told I have a broken hip.  It was so unexpected.  I was so blessed to know I was coming here.  The nurse aides and the therapists were supportive and attentive and always there!  Thank you for all you have done!  I am now better and walking because of your care.