Our Care and Communities » Our Communities » Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers » Loretto Health & Rehabilitation Center » Cunningham Skilled Nursing
Cunningham Skilled Nursing
Skilled nursing at the Loretto Health and Rehabilitation Center provides long-term care for older adults requiring enhanced support and 24-hour care. Patient health care needs are met by caring, well-trained interdisciplinary teams with expertise in the lifestyle and healthcare needs of older adults.
Person-Centered Care
Loretto recently embarked on a major initiative to truly transform elder care in Central New York by creating more intimate homelike environments that promote more individualized, person-centered care relationships between our residents, program participants and staff.
Elements of person-centered care include knowing the elders, maximizing choice and autonomy in as many facets of their lives as possible, nurturing relationships with staff and fellow residents, including families in social events and care planning, and the understanding that all challenging behavior is viewed as meaningful and can be addressed relieves the staff and residents of over-concern and encourages a hopeful, positive approach to problem solving.
Individuals receiving care have a voice and choice in their surroundings, activities and daily schedules. They are not only the recipients of care, but also the shapers of that care.
Staff training in person-centered care has already begun in some parts of Loretto, and eventually everyone will have the opportunity to learn about the model as it spreads throughout the entire Loretto family of care.
For more about person-centered care, contact Loretto regional director, Karen Carroll, at (315) 413-3394 or kcarroll@lorettosystem.org.
The Eden Alternative
The Eden Alternative is a person-centered care philosophy that was developed in 1991 by Dr. William Thomas. The Eden Alternative is dedicated to 
“transforming environments into habitats for human beings that promote quality of life for all involved.”
To date, 220 Loretto Health and Rehabilitation Center staff members have become certified Eden associates. Loretto plans to eventually provide Eden Alternative training to its entire workforce of more than 2,500 employees.
For more about The Eden Alternative, contact Loretto director of Green communities & person-centered care, Karen Carroll, at (315)413-3394, kcarroll@lorettosystem.org, or visit www.edenalt.org.
Sage-ing
Sage-ing is the act of approaching aging as a journey of deepening wisdom, continued learning and expanding possibilities. It is a process of self development that enhances interpersonal relationships, hones communication skills and cultivates a valuation of Elders as mentors and wise counsel in the community.
Its principles are not specific to any faith or denomination, but serves to enhance spiritual well-being. Sage-ing is the process of becoming an elder; of reviewing one's life; of coming to terms with our mortality; of effecting intergenerational healing; of transmitting one's wisdom learned through life experience; of creating one's legacy; and, being a mentor to others. Sage-ing is the act of harvesting life's wisdom as a legacy for future generations.
For more information about Sage-ing, contact Loretto corporate director of elder life and spirituality, Brenda McCutcheon, at (315) 413-3364, or bmccutch@lorettosystem.org, or visit www.sage-ongguild.org.
Therapeutic Recreation
Therapeutic recreation at Cunningham skilled nursing provides elders with a variety of leisure opportunities and pursuits that are holistic (body, mind and spirit) in nature. Emphasis is placed on past preferences and new learning, recognizing that elderhood is a time of growth. Programs are organized into individual, small and large groups to meet the needs and interests of all elders. In addition, elders are able to celebrate holidays, go on outings into the community, enjoy a walk around our building and attend worship to augment their living experience.
Spiritual Care
To learn more about spiritual care at the Cunningham skilled nursing facility, visit our spiritual care section.
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