Jefferson Community Health & Life Gardenside is a 40-bed long-term care facility dedicated to providing both rehabilitation services for those recovering from injury or illness and a comfortable home for individuals who are no longer able to remain in their own homes. Since opening its doors in 1963, Gardenside has been a cornerstone of the community, offering compassionate and quality care in a setting carefully designed to be warm and welcoming. The facility features areas such as a beautiful day room, which is reminiscent of a family living room where residents and guests can gather to relax, share meals, and enjoy television together. This same spirit of community carries throughout the facility, from the chapel area to the spacious dining room, all aimed at creating an environment where residents feel at home.
Gardenside takes pride in its holistic approach, ensuring that residents receive professional care twenty-four hours a day. The staff coordinate medical services including lab work, x-rays, medications, and follow-up appointments, and are available at all times to assess medical concerns and communicate with residents’ physicians. Medication administration and personal care are managed by trained direct care staff, and the Social Services team is available to address psychosocial and emotional needs, assist with appointments for eye, dental, and hearing services, provide transportation, mediate conflicts, and facilitate smooth transitions upon discharge. The nutrition services department offers meal service tailored to special diets and preferences. Daily meals feature a choice of entrees and a variety of side dishes; hot breakfast is served in the dining room, while a continental breakfast is available earlier and later in the day. Lunch and supper are provided at set times, and snacks and supplements are always on hand to meet individual needs.
Rehabilitation is a central component of the Gardenside philosophy. When appropriate, individualized rehabilitation plans are developed in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, with physical, occupational, and speech therapy services available. The rehabilitation room is fully equipped, and rehab aides provide support with exercise and strengthening programs, guiding residents toward their highest potential for independence. Life enrichment and activities are also thoughtfully planned by the Activities Department, with both group and individual options that include games, crafts, sing-alongs, community outings, and entertainment. Residents have opportunities to explore local points of interest, participate in community events, and revisit former homes and farms during bus trips. Events and holiday celebrations are family-friendly, and space within the facility can be reserved for private gatherings.
Gardenside recognizes the importance of resident choice and feedback in daily life. Residents elect their own Residents’ Council, which meets monthly to provide feedback to staff on activities, food preferences, and general improvements for facility life. These meetings also serve as a forum for questions and updates on new developments within the facility. Regular care conferences are held with staff and family members, ensuring open communication and involvement in residents’ care plans.
The facility emphasizes connection and comfort, offering private phone lines for local calls, basic cable hookups in every room, and access to large screen televisions in the dayroom, chapel area, and dining room. Church services and Bible studies are held regularly in the Gardenside dayroom and chapel. On-site amenities such as a beauty shop staffed by a licensed beautician offer haircuts, styles, perms, and coloring, which residents or their families may schedule.
Charges for nursing care and services at Gardenside are determined by a state-approved assessment that identifies one of seven levels of care based on the resident’s needs for assistance in daily living as well as social and emotional support. Upon admission, residents enter at Level 4 until the assessment is finalized, at which point rates are adjusted according to the specific level of care required. The daily room rates are comprehensive, covering most supplies and services that might be individually charged elsewhere, with the goal of providing maximum value and peace of mind for residents and families.
Gardenside has a longstanding history of excellence, maintaining a 5 Star Quality Rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, with only a brief period of a 4 Star rating between October 2023 and January 2024. In 2017, the facility was recognized as a recipient of the Bronze Commitment to Quality Award, a distinction that signifies its dedication to improving the lives of residents through continual advancement in quality care. Gardenside’s monthly newsletter, Gardenside News, keeps residents, family members, volunteers, and community members updated on activities, services, and facility news, reinforcing the sense of community and transparent communication. With a professional and caring staff, state-of-the-art rehabilitation services, engaging activities, and an unwavering commitment to resident wellbeing, Jefferson Community Health & Life Gardenside continues to serve as a leading option for long-term care and rehabilitation in the area.