Resize Text
My mother has been a resident of the Manassas Health and Rehab Center since September 2008.
I was initially wary of moving her from our home since I was nervous about “strangers” taking care of her. Upon her admission, I was greeted with a loving, caring and extremely competent staff who knew what to do to make her – and me – feel at home. They treat her, and me, with dignity, respect and love. I sleep better at night knowing that trained professionals are there to take care of any issues. The facility is modern and clean and is kept that way by the many hard-working staff members who take pride in their work. Staff members greet me with a hello and eye contact which is a sure sign that the administration values their work and rewards them as well. Who could ask for anything more?
In May of 2009, the senior administration staff started a family council for the Evergreen unit. We have met monthly and the families and staff have made great strides to further improve the quality of life for our loved ones. Almost everything that we suggested has been quickly implemented and the administration truly does have an open door policy for residents and their families. I am happy to call MHRC a member of my care team and appreciate all that the talented staff does for us.
Keep up the good work!
The Manassas Rehabilitation and Nursing center has renewed my faith in humankind!
Most of my life has been living in various countries around the world. At the age of 67 years, I must admit to having become somewhat jaded and callous to the international community harboring a ‘self centered, what’s in-it-for-me attitude’.
Personally, I was brought up to live by the Golden Rule, treating others as I would like to be treated. For most of my life I have felt this divine life style has become more myth than reality.
While living for the past 10 years, in Bolivia in my retirement with my Bolivian wife, I had the unfortunate experience of having my appendix rupture, after being misdiagnosed as ‘Neuritis’, sent home for two additional days of pure agony. When the pain became too much to bear I returned to the clinic (clinics are used instead of hospitals, often in Latin America); the surgeon who sent me home with Neuritis immediately wanted to operate for a bowel obstruction. My wife insisted on a CAT scan which revealed the ruptured appendix. While removing the appendix, he (the surgeon) nicked the bowel necessitating a second surgery nine days later which lasted nine hours. Upon completion, the surgeon told my wife to gather the family because I was not going to make it. To which my wife said “Oh yes he is, I won’t let him die”! The story continues, where in intensive care, which has to be as near to having died and gone to hell as any place on earth. Once I was stable, my wife and son (who is a junior at Virginia Tech, taking 10 days off from school, came to be with me and help his mom) booked a medical evacuation on American Airlines for travel to the United States. My wife contracted with a medical doctor and director of a hospital in La Paz, to accompany me to Manassas, Virginia, Prince William Hospital. We chose Prince William Hospital based on my wife’s sister and brother-in-law who live near by. My brother-in-law recently had need for surgery for Diverticulitis, and spoke very highly of his surgeon. Since we did not have a more compelling reason to choose a location for treatment, and since my sister-in-law and her husband were kind enough to offer their home to stay; while undergoing the necessary treatment. We traveled 15 hours from La Paz, to Prince William Hospital. My condition had worsened, putting me back on the critical list for a few days.
Once again stable and having received care in the hospital, all a very positive experience, I was referred to and transferred to the Manassas Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. From the time I arrived, I was met by the administrative staff, the nurses and technical assistants, all showing total commitment and a sincere desire to help me convalesce. After settling in, I was greeted b the Physical Therapists, doctors and technicians, again receiving a sincere, warm and friendly welcome.
When I arrived at the center I was unable to move my legs or having very little control over my physical movement at all. In short order I was walking, and making remarkable progress in regaining my old totally healthy and physically strong self. I was eager to regain my strength. Often I would express my humble appreciate to the rehabilitation staff for all they did for me; to which the response was always the same ‘you are the one doing the work’. This humble and selfless attitude caused me to well-up with emotion on several occasions. I would like to mention names of those who were of particular help and inspiration to me, but for fear of leaving someone off this list, it might be hurtful to some. I just want anyone reading this to know how pleased and grateful I am for the treatment and interaction I experienced at the center, and for the corporate directors for having the vision to make this all possible.
After 22 days I had a day where through my eagerness to push forward with the physical exercises, I experienced a break down which necessitated my return to the hospital, where it was determined that I had extensive Pulmonary Embolisms. The Pulminologist treating me said I had one of the largest blood clots in my lung that he’d ever seen, after treating thousands. A filter was placed in my Vena Cava to block further clots from reaching my heart. The surgeon told me my case was so severe that had I not gone into the hospital when I did, I could haven been dead within a couple of days. This made the 3rd near death experience since embarking on this adventure.
After five more days in the hospital I was returned to the Manassas Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, where I was met with open arms and expressions of sincere relief in my making positive improvement. I was treated as though I was a VIP, and have never experienced the general and total sense of concern, and yes down right expressions of love and concern. I spent another 28 days, some in recouping some strength lost. Never in my life have I met so many exceptional professionals, who possess these human compassionate attributes. Sure we have all met some of these people throughout our lives, but never so many in one place
In Early December 2011, the center celebrated an anniversary, inviting all resident patients to attend an excellent social gathering with great food. It was abundantly clear to me during the celebration; as to why, this organization is staffed by a cadre who epitomize professionalism. The Management visiting from Roanoke, Virginia, too display the ideals which exemplify the ‘Golden Rule’.
Congratulations on helping to keep America the place of envy in the world. May God bless you all for many years of continued success!
If (Heaven forbid) you find yourself in need of long term care or rehabilitation care. I know any of the facilities owned by Common Wealth Care will provide a complete and positive experience.
Most Sincerely and a Warm Hug to all of you wonderful people!
Daniel (Dan) Hutchinson
Julie Cochran, family member
