Kentmere Rehabilitation and Nursing Invests in Innovative Technology Under New Leadership

WILMINGTON, Del. September 2026 — Kentmere Rehabilitation and Nursing is investing in three innovative technologies designed to enhance rehabilitation, advance wound care and engage residents with cognitive challenges as the 125-year-old Wilmington skilled nursing community enters a new era under Executive Director Leslie Johnson.

The investments include the Solo-Step Track System, which supports residents during physical therapy; Vaporox Hyperoxia Therapy, an advanced treatment for hard-to-treat chronic wounds; and the Tovertafel 3, an interactive system that promotes cognitive, physical and social engagement.

Johnson, a forward thinking, results driven leader, joined Kentmere earlier this year and has quickly put her vision for the community into action.

“Kentmere has such a rich history, and we want to honor the values that have guided this organization for generations, while also looking at what the future of care can look like,” Johnson said. “These investments allow us to enhance the exceptional care and services we provide and create even more opportunities for residents to thrive.”

Investing in Innovative Rehabilitation

The new Solo-Step Track System is an overhead support system designed to assist residents during physical therapy.

The system allows residents to begin walking sooner and more safely, helping them progress to strengthening exercises more quickly. It also provides support that can reduce the risk of injury to therapists, allowing them to focus more fully on a resident’s progress rather than physically bracing or supporting the resident during mobility exercises.

While the system is valuable for short-term rehabilitation patients, Johnson sees another important application for the technology.

“We will also be using it with our long-term care residents who are at risk of physical decline as they age,” she said. “The goal is to help them regain strength and stability and maintain as much mobility and independence as possible.”

Johnson said the Solo-Step Track System is uncommon in short term rehabilitation and long-term care settings and is more frequently found in higher acuity clinical environments.

“I wanted to bring it to Kentmere because it can help improve our outcomes and help residents get stronger, faster and with greater confidence,” she said.

Advancing Wound Care

Kentmere has also invested in Vaporox Hyperoxia Therapy, or VHT, an advanced therapy for hard-to-treat chronic wounds.

Used in conjunction with standard wound care, VHT is designed to promote tissue growth and reduce the risk of infection. The technology has been reported to significantly accelerate wound healing compared with traditional methods.

“We are the first skilled nursing facility in Delaware to have this,” Johnson said.

The technology, which will complement their existing wound care, was recommended by Kentmere’s new rehabilitation director, who had previous experience working with the device and recognized its potential to enhance wound care.

“Wounds are a prevalent problem for seniors, and we want to do everything we can to help them heal quickly, prevent them from getting worse and help prevent amputations,” Johnson said.

Bringing Technology Into Daily Life

Kentmere’s commitment to innovation extends beyond clinical care.

The community recently added the Tovertafel 3, a technology-based system designed specifically to engage people experiencing cognitive challenges. It features interactive games that respond to residents’ movements, stimulating cognition while encouraging physical activity, social interaction and sensory engagement.

Johnson has worked with the Tovertafel previously and has seen firsthand how it can affect residents.

“I have seen significant benefits in how residents interact with one another and how their mood lightens when they are engaged with it,” she said. “It also gives residents another way to interact with friends and family.”

The Tovertafel supports Kentmere’s broader approach to wellness, which recognizes that exceptional senior care encompasses more than clinical needs. Social connection, intellectual engagement, physical activity and emotional well-being all play an important role in quality of life.

Looking Ahead

The three investments reflect Kentmere’s effort to build on its 125-year history while embracing new opportunities to enhance care and services.

“We are preserving the values that have guided Kentmere for 125 years while embracing new opportunities to provide even better care,” Johnson said. “This is just the beginning. I am already looking at what is next for Kentmere.”

Kentmere Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing

Located in Wilmington's scenic 40 Acres neighborhood, Kentmere Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing provides high quality rehabilitation, short term sub-acute skilled nursing, long term care, and specialized Alzheimer's and dementia care. Since 1901, Kentmere has served the community as a nonprofit organization dedicated to excellence, compassion, and life with dignity. Through a person-centered approach that supports physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, Kentmere is committed to helping residents achieve their highest quality of life in a caring and supportive environment. For additional information visit www.KentmereNursing.com