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Community Corner

Verizon Foundation Grant Helps Bring Virtual Care Program to Residents of Schervier Nursing Care Center

Bon Secours New York Health System’s Schervier Nursing Care Center, specializing in long-term  and rehabilitation care in the Riverdale section of The Bronx, reports increased engagement and satisfaction among its senior community since receiving a $5,250 grant from the Verizon Foundation, to partner with See You Link, Inc. in July 2012. Since receiving the grant, Schervier Nursing Care Center and Schervier Apartments has launched its Virtual Care Program to improve patient care for seniors and disabled adults by providing them access to healthcare information and workshops, and technology training to improve their overall quality of life.

Schervier’s campus has witnessed great success in introducing its seniors to the digital age and teaching them how to use the technologies to keep them connected to family members and loved ones. The grant has made email and utilizing the Internet for Skype conversations, picture sharing memories, and Facebook possible for many residents and tenants who have never previously been exposed to the technologies. Schervier proudly reports that its seniors who take advantage of the program are leading happier and healthier lives.

The grant enables Schervier’s staff members to deliver vital healthcare information, remain updated on news and current events, connects residents with their loved ones, and conveniently provides links for residents and tenants to virtually participate in Internet activities and attend workshops provided by New York City agencies, including Riverdale Senior Services, Bedford Park Senior Services and the Allen Pavilion. Some workshops made possible through this innovative program include meditation, medication readiness, diabetes awareness, Living with Arthritis, and Earth Day planting activities.

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“The Virtual Care Program enables our seniors to actively stay involved both with the outside world and within our community,” said Rosa Gaston, Housing Manager. “Creating an environment of actively engaged individuals can be challenging, especially in senior populations, but with support from the Verizon Foundation, we are able to conveniently provide medical information, and keep them connected and interested in life and with their loved ones. On a daily basis, I personally see the physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits, and I am proud that we are able to provide these services that increase engagement, promote awareness and independent living on our campus, and increase their quality of life.”

For more information on Schervier Nursing Care Center and the services it provides, including short-term rehabilitation and long-term care in Riverdale, N.Y., visit www.scherviercares.org, or its Facebook page for frequent updates at www.facebook.com/SchervierNursingCareCenter.

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About Bon Secours New York Health System

Bon Secours New York Health System is part of Bon Secours Health System Inc., a not-for-profit Catholic health system headquartered in Marriottsville, Md.

Schervier Nursing Care Center is located in the Riverdale section of The Bronx, and is part of Bon Secours New York Health System, whose mission is to bring compassion to health care and to be “good help to those in need.” Bon Secours New York’s mission is carried out through the services and programs of Schervier Nursing Care Center, Schervier Short-Term Rehabilitation in Riverdale, Schervier Respite Care, Schervier Center for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care, Schervier Home Care, Schervier Cardio/Pulmonary Sub-Acute Care, the Bon Secours Center for Research in Geriatric Care and the Schervier Apartments. Information about Schervier and Bon Secours New York may be obtained from the Admissions Office at 2975 Independence Avenue in Riverdale, by calling (718) 548-1700, and at www.scherviercares.org

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