Sarasota Memorial Nursing and Rehabilitation Center sits within the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and serves up to 120 residents in private or semi-private rooms, each with its own bathroom and shower, and rooms come with televisions and telephones for comfort, and every day, the census runs around 99. The center offers both short-term rehabilitation and extended care, with skilled nursing and therapy staff on duty day and night, and you'll find physical, occupational, and speech therapy services running seven days a week for those who need help getting stronger or more independent, whether it's after surgery, illness, or for chronic conditions. All medications and biologics are kept locked, with extra steps for controlled drugs, and while some pharmacy deficiencies have come up involving proper labeling and storage, staff address medication matters according to accepted rules. Over the latest reports there have been 10 inspection deficiencies, including issues with upholding dignity, self-determination, and communication among residents, and also with care for those who can't perform daily tasks on their own, but staff do provide care for such residents and work to support quality of life. Nurse staffing averages about 4.50 hours per resident per day, but turnover is 20.4%, and care is tailored for each resident, with personalized treatment plans to match health needs and rehabilitation goals. There's a range of extras, including state-of-the-art equipment, a dining area, covered patios, and a lakeside gazebo with a fountain for gatherings or visits, plus scheduled activities and social events to help residents stay engaged.
The center includes specialized programs like cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, Memory Disorders assessments, a Pet Therapy Program, and support and survivorship offerings for cancer patients. Patients can access both outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation services-including neurological care, heart services, pain management, wound care, and more-with a particular focus on recovery and rehabilitation after serious medical events. Sarasota Memorial's system brings tools such as an SMH Wayfinder, a patient portal, and even a hospital app for engagement, plus health education, surgery updates, transportation, other health resources, and a medical library-not forgetting services for women's health, digestive problems, respiratory care, urology, trauma, and surgical needs, even radiology and imaging like MRI or CT. The building has a full transfer center for moving patients, memory and neurological clinics, a NICU, and genetics testing for inherited cancers. There's a rehabilitation pavilion and specialized units for varying care needs, and the skilled nursing and rehabilitation staff support people needing both post-acute care and longer-term help with day-to-day living. The facility has received recognition as one of the nation's best 5-Star residential rehabilitation centers, though, as always, reports from inspectors and state agencies can show both strong points and areas that need improvement.
