Christian Health Care Center's Short-term Rehab Unit Helps Patient Beat the Odds

The David F. Bolger Post-acute Care Unit at Christian Health Care Center (CHCC) in Wyckoff isn’t strictly for people who are recovering from hip or knee surgery, but provides care for people with a broad range of illnesses and injuries. For example, six years ago, Hawthorne resident Joe Rooney was diagnosed with lymphoma. He was declared cancer-free following six months of chemotherapy, but the disease returned 4 ½ years later. After more extensive treatment, Mr. Rooney started a downward spiral. After a series of complications, he finally began to heal following much prayer and positive thinking, and he was ready for short-term rehab. He and his family knew that CHCC was their only choice.

“We knew the quality of care at the Center. My mother was a resident at The Longview Assisted Living Residence at the Center until her passing, and she loved living there.” Mrs. Rooney said.

“It’s a miracle that I am alive. When I think about all I’ve been through, I really shouldn’t be here,” Mr. Rooney said. “I had a lot of angels at Christian Health Care Center’s short-term rehab unit helping me, along with the support of my entire family.”

When Mr. Rooney arrived for rehab at The David F. Bolger Post-acute Care Unit at CHCC, he couldn’t sit up and could only slightly move his fingers and toes. His interdisciplinary team developed a treatment plan following the Center’s Person- and Family-Centered Care Model. At first, all physical and occupational therapy took place in his room because the staff did not want to put him in harm’s way of any possible infection.

Today, Mr. Rooney is back to tending to his garden and, together with his wife, spoiling his seven grandchildren. They stop by CHCC’s short-term rehab unit every so often to visit the staff.

“It was a long haul, but our faith and our family – and the staff at Christian Health Care Center – got us through,” says Mrs. Rooney. “We love the staff. Everyone was so wonderful. I tell anyone who needs care or short-term rehab to come to Christian Health Care Center.”

The increase in the patient population in the short-term rehab rendered the rehab gymnasium inadequate. Construction of a 14,000 square-foot rehabilitation suite is currently underway. The new gymnasium will incorporate modern technology and progressive approaches, and feature a simulated home setting with kitchenette, living room, bedroom, bathroom, and laundry room for occupational therapy. Additional office space and areas to meet with family and friends will also be constructed. Construction is expected to be complete by early fall of this year.

For more information about short-term rehab at Christian Health Care Center, call (201) 848-4463, email khockstein@chccnj.org, or visit ChristianHealthCare.org.

CHCC provides a broad continuum of high-quality, compassionate care, offering superior senior-life, short-term rehab, and mental-health services. As a non-profit organization, we deliver

care to our community based upon the Christian principles on which we were founded more than a century ago.

CUTLINE: Pictured are Carol and Joe Rooney