It takes lots of neighbors to make a village

Lewisburg, Pa.    Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Residents of the new health-care and rehabilitation center at Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village, Lewisburg, Pa., are happily giving the center's new “neighborhood concept” good reviews.

Opened in late summer, the two-story, 102-bed building creates a more homelike, less institutional environment with five neighborhoods—four residential and one devoted to short-term rehabilitation. Each of the residential areas is equipped with a country kitchen and common living area, along with individual and shared suites offering enhanced privacy.

“Everything is new and fresh-looking,” says resident Richard Schnure, who notes that he enjoys the modern feel of the new center. “It’s easy on the eyes.”

Maintaining his independence at Buffalo Valley is important to this self-admitted baseball fanatic: “I decorated my room with my baseball pennants and all of my sports books, plus I watch sports on my TV as much as I can. It’s very homey here.”

Schnure says he’s made a lot of friends in the new building and appreciates being able to come and go as he pleases, whether to play games in the activities room or attend “movie night” on weekends. The neighborhood concept allows Buffalo Valley staff to emphasize “patient-centered care” with individual options that are respectful of and responsive to residents’ preferences and values (such as when one rises and takes meals throughout the day).

“Variety is the spice of life,” says Schnure. “I want to live a good retired life, and I can do that here. I’m very satisfied and content.”

“I like the neighborhood suite idea. It’s like having my own little apartment.”

Jane Troutman says she feels quite at home in the new building, too. “I have the freedom to go up the path and go to The Village Common when it’s nice outside or I can play bingo or I can stay here in my room and read, which I love to do. I’ll frequently read 100 pages a day. The librarian knows I like light mysteries, so she brings me four books every two weeks.”

 

As president of the center’s Resident Council, Troutman also leads monthly meetings during which residents and staff get together to talk about life in the new facility and voice any questions or concerns.

“The health care here is very good,” she says. “Whether it’s the nursing, dietary or maintenance department, the quality of service is excellent.”

Another resident, Michael Clark, agrees with that assessment.

“I feel at home here,” he says. “I like the neighborhood suite idea. It’s like having my own little apartment.”

Clark stresses that maintaining a level of independence is a crucial part of his life at Buffalo Valley.

 

“There’s a lot to do,” he explains. “I enjoy going outside, playing games with the other residents, hearing the music groups when they come to perform, plus I like the parties, too. They are lots of fun. Plus, the food's not bad either," he adds with a grin.

“I love it here.”

The revolutionary design of the $16.2 million center also features a state-of-the-art, 1,900-square-foot physical therapy suite to assist residents with rehabilitation. Other amenities include flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi access, field trips, worship services, creative arts programs and transportation for shopping, banking, medical appointments and other outings.

The village's former nursing care center, built in 1968, was recently demolished to create more parking on campus.

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