Morton Bakar Center is a skilled nursing facility that has served the community for over fifty years, specializing in the care of older adults living with serious mental illness. This center focuses on providing comprehensive, long-term psychosocial rehabilitation and supports individuals aged 65 and older who require 24-hour supervision and assistance with psychiatric recovery. Morton Bakar Center is dedicated to creating a safe, structured, and supportive inpatient environment designed to help residents build skills, prepare for community integration, and achieve lower levels of care where possible.
Residents of Morton Bakar Center receive care from a multidisciplinary team comprised of mental health and medical professionals. The team includes a psychiatrist, internist, licensed therapist, registered nurse, rehabilitation therapist, and a dietitian, ensuring that the medical, psychiatric, and holistic needs of each resident are met. Each resident undergoes a comprehensive evaluation and risk assessment, resulting in a collaborative treatment plan with a strong recovery focus. Essential services offered include medication education and training, independent living skills training, therapy in physical, occupational, and speech domains, psychosocial assessments, psychotherapy, and 24-hour nursing care.
The care philosophy at Morton Bakar Center is grounded in the Recovery-Centered Clinical System (RCCS), a deeply personal and holistic approach toward recovery from severe mental illness. Every aspect of the center’s approach emphasizes the potential for growth, healing, and movement toward greater independence. The staff is trained to facilitate collaborative recovery—many team members have built longstanding careers within the center, such as Ofelia Alvarez’s remarkable 39-year tenure, underscoring the commitment and continuity of care provided at Morton Bakar Center.
Throughout the year, the center’s community celebrates and acknowledges shared successes and special occasions together. Residents and staff participate in events such as the Lunar New Year, Christmas in March, and the Fall Fairytale Festival, offering a sense of connection and celebration. Morton Bakar Center also marks occasions like Social Work Month and National Skilled Nursing Care Week, further nurturing a sense of belonging within the community.
The center actively cultivates resilience, kindness, and authentic power through monthly highlights such as “RCCS Tidbit of the Month” which address themes including hope, community, wisdom, and gratitude. These regular reflections encourage both staff and residents to engage with their recovery journeys in meaningful ways. Morton Bakar Center’s dedication is illustrated in its ongoing leadership development programs, achievements such as Zero Deficiency Surveys, and the compassionate legacy built over decades of service. This skilled nursing facility stands as a place where individuals find support, respect, and opportunities for personal growth in an environment thoughtfully designed to foster mental health recovery.