Adding Life to Years

The primary responsibility of the Recreation Department is to help each individual develop positive leisure attitudes by offering innovative programs and therapeutic activities which not only adds years to life, but also adds life to years. Life itself is an unplanned, unscheduled, uncoordinated activity program. Everything we do from breathing to bathing, singing to seeing, can be considered an activity.

With several hours per day of leisure time (free time) to fill as they choose, recreation becomes a very vital part of each patient's day. The recreation department strives to offer exciting, therapeutic activities daily, which can be enjoyed in a group situation or on an individual basis. These events are planned to meet the physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and educational needs of all patients while also providing an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment. We invite everyone to come and be a part of the fun filled world of recreation and to add spice to your life!

Sensory and Mental Stimulation Programs

These programs are provided for special groups of patients needing the benefit of recreation with a mental or sensory intent. These include Reminiscent Therapy groups, which serve to enhance self-esteem, increase enjoyment of social relations, and to create and preserve a feeling of personal significance.

In Room Recreation Program

Our Recreation Department strives to meet the recreation interests and needs of all patients residing in our center. We take a special interest in those patients who are unable to participate in group situations due to ambulating problems, physical, or mental limitations.

Independent activity boxes which house many materials and supplies for patients to engage in independent activities of choice are available on each station.

The In-Room Activity Program allows patients to participate in recreational activities such as grooming assistance, music therapy, reading, artwork, reminiscing, and much more.

Religious Services

To meet the spiritual needs of patients, religious services are offered on the weekends along with Bible Studies, Sacred Concerts, and Mid Week Devotion during the week. Through fellowship and faith, the aged meet problems of advanced years with more tranquility and less fear, finding strengthened resources in their religion. A clergy is available for individual counseling at patient's request and any patient's personal clergy is welcome to visit.

Special Events

Holidays such as Valentines, Halloween, and Christmas are celebrated at our facility with decorations and reminders, which bring color and excitement into the lives of the patients and staff alike.

Monthly Birthday honorees celebrate with cake, ice cream, or other special refreshments and the singing of Happy Birthday. We also have party games to help make birthdays special. Each patient's birthday is also acknowledged on their day with a special certificate and the staff singing Happy Birthday especially to them.

Resident Council

The Resident Council is composed of a group of interested and concerned patients who act as a self governing body within the center. While this Council possesses many responsibilities, it's primary purpose is to present questions and suggestions to Administration while also promoting active patient involvement in all phases of nursing home life.

Resident Council meetings are conducted at least monthly with elected officers presiding over the meeting. A structured agenda is followed at each meeting and includes reading of the minutes, discussion of past and future activities, special speakers and/or projects, and a period for questions and suggestions. This Council sponsors many events and projects throughout the year to enhance the life of all patients.

We at NHC Garden City feel that Resident Council is a very important component in the operation of our center. By listening and acting upon ideas, concerns and suggestions of patients now residing in our center, we gain insight into making our center a better place to live.

Daily Group Activities

Structured group activities are offered daily to help meet the physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and educational needs of patients residing in the center. All patients are encouraged to participate in events such as exercise class, cooking class, bingo, gardening, bookmobile, and much more!

Volunteer Services

We feel that recreational activities are an important part of the daily routine of each patient at our facility. Becoming involved in activities and with other people can prove to be a rewarding experience. Aside from providing a daily schedule of activities coordinated by our recreation staff, we also have a volunteer program, which enables us to offer a varied schedule of activities and social interaction for our patients.

Volunteers enable us to provide our patients with the little things that add joy to life, which is so vital to the well being of our patients. Our volunteers provide companionship and friendship on a one-to-one basis as well as aiding us in our group activities.

We believe that maintaining an active volunteer program has a two-fold reward...not only does it provide an enriching experience for each volunteer, but it also provides special benefits to our patients. We would not be able to offer some activities without these loving and understanding individuals who seem to never tire of giving to others.

Room Reservations

We offer a room in our facility that may be reserved by family members and friends of our patients for private lunches, dinners, and parties. Just contact the recreation staff for details and arrangements.

Beauty and Barber Shop

A licensed beautician is available to provide professional hair care upon request.

Business Office

The business office staff is happy to assist you with any financial concerns dealing with billing, insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. Feel free to contact us with any of your questions on concerns.

Patient Trust Funds The business office offers and manages the patient trust fund accounts. The patient trust fund service enables patients to securely maintain a certain amount of money at the facility which can be accessed during day-time business hours. Social Security, VA, and pension checks as well as private money can be deposited to the account.

Dietetics

Our nutrition department is comprised of a full time Registered Dietitian and a Certified Dietary Manager. We serve three meals daily to our patients and have a variety of snacks available throughout the day. Restaurant style dining is offered, which includes wait staff, linens, and soft music. We offer complimentary meals to family members on the day of the Quality Check Meeting at the facility. Hot lunch meals are available daily in the cafeteria for visitors and staff from 11:00 am until 12:30 pm. Visitors may also purchase guest trays for breakfast and supper meals.

Hospice

We are proud to now offer Solaris as a Hospice provider at NHC Garden City. Solaris Healthcare is a division of National Healthcare that offers high-quality, compassionate care at the end of life through a team oriented approach to care that includes: expert medical care, pain and symptom management, and a plan of care that is customized to meet patient and family needs.

What are advantages of Solaris Healthcare?

• Solaris treats the person instead of the disease.
• Solaris focuses on the family as well as the individual.
• Solaris emphasizes the quality of life instead of its duration.
• Solaris allows the patient and family to control how and where he or she experiences the remainder of life.
• Solaris coordinates your care with your physician.
• Solaris provides grief and family support services throughout the course of life limiting illness and for a year after your loved one has passed away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should a decision about entering a hospice program be made and who should make it?

A: Healthcare decisions belong to the patient. At any time during a life-limiting illness, it is appropriate to discuss all of a patient's care options, including hospice. Facing illness is difficult. Caris staff members are highly sensitive to all of your concerns and always available to discuss options with the patient, family, and physician.

Q: Should I wait for our physician to mention the possibility of hospice, or should I mention it first?

A: The time to plan for end of life issues is now. Your physician needs to know how you wish to proceed. Patients and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician and other health care professionals, clergy, or friends.

Q: Does hospice do anything to make death come sooner?

A: Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death. Solaris upholds the sanctity of life. The goal is to maximize the quality of life for patients, even when the duration of life is in question.

Q: Who pays for hospice care?

A: There is no cost to patients covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and many other managed care plans. In addition, military personnel and their dependents can receive hospice under TRICARE.

Laundry

Resident's personal laundry can be done by the facility at a cost of $1.00 per day. Please mark all clothing items with the resident's name and room number. If any changes need to be made in the laundry agreement, please contact your Social Worker.

Medical Director

Brian K. Adler, MD, FACP

Dr. Adler is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine. He established his practice in 1984 specializing in Adult and Geriatric Medicine with an emphasis on wellness and preventative care. Graduating with a degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Colorado, he went on to earn his medical degree at St. Georges University School of Medicine. Dr. Adler is on active staff at Waccamaw Hospital.

James M. Vest, MD, MPH

Dr. Vest has provided medical care to nursing home patients along the Grand Strand for twenty years and is a Nursing Home Certified Medical Director. He has two offices, Primary Medical Associates in Surfside Beach and Carolina Forest Family Medicine in Carolina Forest. He Graduated from Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine in 1984. He finished a three year Family Practice Residency at Colonial Family Practice in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is board certified and has a masters degree in Public Health from the University of Michigan and a bachelor of science in Microbiology from Michigan State University.

Dr. Jim Vest moved to the Surfside Beach area with his wife Sharon in 1987. They have one daughter, Heather, who is a senior at Coastal Carolina University. Besides medicine, Dr. Vest also enjoys performing and is the drummer for two local bands, Retrograde and The Salamanders. These bands play from Carolina Forest to Murrells Inlet. He also organized and runs the adult roller hockey league at Myrtle Beach Extreme Hockey where he continues to referee and play. His other interests include water skiing and snow boarding.

Nursing

At NHC Garden City, we have a 24 hour staff of licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants who provide various services for our patients. We also have physicians and nurse practitioners who make regular visits to patients and are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our additional medical staff consists of physicians listed on the Medical Staff page and physician assistants and nurse practitioners from Palmetto Internal Medicine, Primary Medical Associates, South Strand Internist, and The Doc House.

The following nursing services are available at NHC Garden City:

• Managed Care
• Respiratory Therapy
• Sub acute and Skilled Care
• Traditional Care

Managed Care
NHC Garden City will coordinate with your managed care organization/insurance company to provide skilled or traditional services necessary for your continuum of care.

Respiratory Therapy
Respiratory Care at NHC Garden City is a comprehensive team program that cares for residents with known or suspected pulmonary disease or dysfunction. It is comprised of doctors, nurses, and all staff who work in the facility to monitor, report, evaluate, and treat residents with respiratory disorders.

The following therapeutic services are offered:

• Aerosol Therapy
• Bi-Level and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Bronchodilator Therapy
• Emergency Resuscitation Code Team
• Oxygen Therapy
• Patient Education
• Suctioning
• Chest Percussion

The following diagnostic services are offered:

• Doppler Studies
• Patient Assessments
• X-Rays

Traditional Care
NHC Garden City also provides care to support individual's activities of daily living. It is our goal to help each individual achieve and maintain the highest possible level of independence based on their health care status

Our Traditional Nursing Services include:

• Assistance with Activities of Daily Living
• Medication Assistance
• Patient and Family Education
• Restorative Therapy/Maintenance Therapy

Sub acute and Skilled Care
Our skilled nursing services provide transitional care for patients who require intensive nursing rehabilitation needs. Whether needed for weeks, days, or months, physician directed healthcare services are designed to complement a hospital stay, or in many cases, be a substitute for hospitalization.

Our Skilled Nursing Services include:

• Daily Lab Services
• Hospice Care
• IV Therapy
• Medically complex Patient Management
• Medication Management
• Nutritional Therapy
• Orthopedic Care
• Pain Management
• Rehabilitative Therapy
• Respite Care
• Wound Care

Pharmacy

Pharmacy services are offered through Network Healthcare with a special emphasis on providing each individual resident with the most efficient service. A registered pharmacist oversees the pharmacy services and is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The pharmacist not only ensures that the residents receive the proper medications, but also routinely checks the medication orders. These checks allow the pharmacist to identify and prevent drug and diet interactions.

Medications are supplied to the facility according to state regulations. Charges for medications are not included in the room and board charges. Itemized lists may be available upon request.

Social Services

Choosing a long-term health care center is often a new and difficult experience for the resident and their family. Our social workers at NHC Garden City understand these concerns and are trained to assist the resident and family in making the best possible decisions. The social services department is available to assist the residents and families with any concerns, questions, or suggestions. It is our intention to make each residents stay as pleasant and comfortable as possible. We are constantly striving for excellence; therefore, we always welcome suggestions for improvement.

Therapy

Our rehab team has grown to eleven physical, occupational, and speech therapists with a combined total of more than 100 years of experience in rehabilitation. Our therapists offer individualized treatment catered to the specific patient need and discharge plan. The therapists play an important role in the interdisciplinary team to provide the most comprehensive and effective rehab with a focus on individual patient needs and ultimately, allowing the patient to return home. NHC Garden City Rehab offers physical, occupational, and speech therapy services on an in-patient and out-patient basis.

Physical Therapy (PT)

At NHC, we value an individualized approach and work side-by-side with residents and their families to assure that plans and goals are met.

Physical therapy can help individuals with orthopedic conditions such as:

• Aftercare of elective orthopedic surgeries
• Cardiopulmonary and circulatory conditions such as congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Fractures and dislocations
• Low back pain and osteoporosis
• Neurological conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson's Disease
• Sports injuries
• Workplace injuries including repetitive stress

Participating in Physical Therapy can improve:

• Balance and postural control
• Mobility and ability to access the environment
• Motor skill development
• Muscle strength, coordination, and endurance
• Range of motion and flexibility

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Our goal of occupational therapy at NHC is to treat patients with disabilities so that they may return to doing the activities of their everyday life. We work with individuals who have physical or mental disabilities from injury, illness, disease processes, and the aging process.

Occupational therapy may help individuals with problems relating to:

• Amputations and trauma
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Neurological dysfunction

Occupational therapy can help the elderly learn to:

• Adapt to changes brought about by aging such as decreased energy and vision
• Adapt the home for safety and efficiency
• Cope with the mental aspects of aging
• Identify community resources such as senior centers and clubs
• Increase physical strength and endurance
• Safely performs routine activities such as dressing and cooking.

Speech Therapy (ST)

Speech therapy treats speech, language, and voice disorders with the goal of improving communication. Speech therapy includes prevention, identification, evaluation, treatment, education, and rehabilitation of communication disorders. We have two vital stem trained and certified speech therapists.

Speech therapy problems may result from problems relating to:

• Cancer
• Dementia
• Head or spine injury
• Neuromuscular speech disorders
• Stroke

Speech Therapy can help with treatment of:

• Aphasia (the loss of the ability to use or understand words)
• Apraxia (motor speech disorder where voluntary movement is impaired without muscle weakness)
• Dysarthria (damage to the nervous system that affects the muscles used in forming speech sounds)
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing regular foods/liquids)
• Voice disorders

The mentioned disorders are treated with a range of activities including:

• Audio-visual aids
• Instructive or repetitive practice
• Introduction of strategies to facilitate functional communication
• Sign language and use of pictures
• Strengthening exercises
• Vital Stem Therapy