Tandem Health Care Provides
Variety of Options for Older Adults
by John Fries
There's something for everyone at Tandem Health Care of North Strabane,
a retirement village and residential nursing facility that offers
a variety of care options for older adults.
Located just off Linden Creek Road, near Lindenwood Golf Club,Tandem
provides assisted living, skilled nursing and secure Alzheimer's care-all
on one picturesque campus.
Tandem Retirement Village is Washington County's premiere assisted
living facility, providing elegant accommodations for active seniors.
The beautiful 85-bed ,two story building features spacious studios
and one- and two-bedroom apartments-each of which is furnished with
a kitchenette, refrigerator, microwave oven, cabinets, sink, private
bath and shower and individual climate control.
One low monthly fee covers the apartment, as well as such amenities
as laundry, local phone service, cable television, nursing care that's
available around the clock, and more. Small pets are welcome as well,
subject to management approval.
Other amenities include: an onsite library with computer and Internet
access, a game room with large screen TV, ice cream parlor, a cafe,
hairstyling and nail service for men and women, an activity and craft
area, outside patio and garden, formal dining room with fireplace,
available private dining room, living rooms and more.
For seniors requiring skilled nursing care, Tandem offers a 62-bed
facility providing both long-term and short-term care, 24 hours a
day. "Three levels of care are available, ranging from total skilled
care to minimal supervision or assistance," said Joseph S. McCarthy,
Tandem's director of admissions, "and each guest room is equipped
with telephone and cable TV access."
For short stay guests, physician-directed skilled health care services
are designed to complement a hospital stay, or can be a substitute
for hospitalization.
Individual care plans are developed around each guest's needs. Long-term
guests enjoy a personalized family setting with many opportunities
for social interaction. Two activity directors provide a full schedule
of options.
Tandem Rehab provides on-site occupational, speech, and physical therapy
services are available as needed. The warm, elegant environment also
offers a state-of-the-art therapy gym, an exquisite dining hall, and
a lounge with large screen television.
The Camelot Alzheimer's Assisted Living Residence is a secure, 20-bed
unit that was specifically designed for individuals coping with the
effects of Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. This specialized,
holistic program provides a safe, therapeutic environment that allows
guests to enjoy pre-disease normalcy.
"Camelot's mission is to provide dignified living in a safe and secure
environment that promotes an atmosphere of acceptance, understanding
and love," said McCarthy, who noted that the activity-intensive program
recognizes the needs of each person.
"We intertwine fun and therapeutic activities throughout the day,
and our staff interacts socially with our guests. We structure the
environment so there is a minimum number of reminders that something
is wrong. By allowing our guests to do what they can for themselves,
then helping them do the rest, we can decrease trauma and frustration."
While Tandem offers an extensive range of amenities to address the
needs of older adults and their families, they also go a few steps
beyond what you might expect. For one thing, there's no entrance fee
or security deposit--something McCarthy said is somewhat atypical.
"It's no secret the key to our success is our exceptional team of
managers and staff."
Also, Tandem actively seeks to help veterans of the U.S. military
qualify for assistance with living expenses via a federally funded
Veterans Administration program called Aid and Attendance or Housebound
Benefits--assistance they might not even know they quality for. "Veterans
who served during a major war, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam
and the Gulf wars, whether here or overseas, are eligible to apply
for federal assistance that covers some of the costs associated with
assisted living and nursing home care," said McCarthy. An eligible
veteran with a surviving spouse can receive $1,600 each month, and
a single eligible veteran with no dependants can receive up to $1,347.
Spouses of veterans are also eligible.
Tandem Health Care of North Strabane 200 Tandem Village Road Canonsburg,
PA 15317 724-746-0600
