Starr Regional Health & Rehabilitation is an 88-bed nursing facility providing both skilled and intermediate care for patients seeking long-term or rehabilitative services in southeast Tennessee. With a history of service dating back to 1967, this care home has built a reputation for high-quality care delivered in a supportive, compassionate environment. The facility is designed to meet the unique needs of each resident, whether they require assistance with daily living or advanced therapeutic interventions after surgery, injury, or illness.
The proximity and direct connection to Starr Regional Medical Center – Etowah allows for seamless continuity of care and provides residents immediate access to imaging, emergency, and a broad spectrum of medical services as needed. Starr Regional Health & Rehabilitation is equipped to serve individuals using private pay, Medicaid, or Medicare, ensuring its services remain accessible to a diverse population.
Oversight and expert medical direction are provided by Samuel Olsen II, MD, who leads a dedicated interdisciplinary team. This team includes Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, and additional healthcare professionals who collaborate to create individualized care plans. The home places a strong emphasis on rehabilitative therapy, offering physical, speech, and occupational therapy according to each patient’s needs and physician recommendations. Therapists at Starr Regional Health & Rehabilitation are experienced in helping patients recover strength, regain independence, and reclaim quality of life following joint replacement, injury, stroke, and other complex health issues. Specialized treatments are also available to address challenges in mobility, daily living routines, and speech and swallowing functions.
For residents seeking alternative or supplementary forms of therapy, Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is offered as a unique option. This program utilizes the positive influence of animal interaction to enhance social, emotional, and cognitive functioning, contributing to an improved sense of well-being and recovery. In addition to in-person care, Starr Regional Health & Rehabilitation encourages regular connection between residents and their loved ones, supporting remote contact through platforms such as Google Duo and Facebook, especially in circumstances when personal visits may be limited.
The care home is dedicated to resident safety and health, consistently adhering to best practices for infection prevention and control, including those initiated in early 2020. Monitoring of residents for infectious symptoms and routine testing prior to admission are standard procedures, ensuring a safe living environment. The facility also maintains a transparent approach to communication, providing regular updates to family representatives and requiring masking as appropriate for certain patient encounters.
Visitation practices are guided by current health circumstances and official recommendations, with the primary goal of protecting both residents and staff while fostering opportunities for families to remain engaged. Throughout all operations, the residents of Starr Regional Health & Rehabilitation are treated like family, with their well-being, independence, and quality of life placed at the forefront of care. The home’s commitment to excellence and community service is at the heart of its longstanding presence in the region.