By Shellie Friesen-Berry, Director of Admissions and Marketing for Health Center, Assisted Living, and Memory Care

At Dallas Retirement Village, we believe that providing health services involves more than just providing physical care. That was the overall message at DRV’s most recent quarterly Health Services Q&A Forum on May 6, 2019.

It was a “town hall” atmosphere as residents, their families and guests learned about health services from various departments at DRV and asked insightful questions about important topics.
Following is a brief look at six key topics covered during the Forum:

1. Planning ahead for assisted living or memory care needs.

Both assisted living and memory care at Dallas Retirement Village has a waiting list, with DRV campus residents having priority over non-DRV residents. If individuals or family members are interested in learning more, we suggest touring before there’s an immediate need. The admissions team works with each individual to help ensure a smooth transition.

2. Making rehabilitation more enjoyable.

Anyone who’s ever gone through rehab will tell you—it’s hard work. That’s why Jeroen Laport, director of rehabilitation services at Dallas Retirement Village, says it’s important to use techniques and games that are fun and pleasurable while doing therapy. Our premier senior rehabilitation center features a licensed, professionally trained team of therapists, including physical, occupational, and speech-language therapies.

3. How to make sure you qualify for short-term rehabilitation at DRV.

Approximately 98% of short-term care move-ins at Dallas Retirement Village are individuals who move here following a hospital stay. If you know you are going to have surgery that will require rehabilitation (such as a joint replacement), contact the admissions team at (503) 623-5581. We will do our best to work with your insurance company, so you can rehab with us. If you have an unplanned hospital stay requiring post-hospital rehab, contact our admissions team right away. Also, let the hospital staff know you would like to rehab at Dallas Retirement Village, and we will work to accommodate you.

4. The advantage of learning about insurance coverage before you need it.

With so many options for insurance coverage, it’s hard to stay on top of what coverage you have—or don’t have. Health Services at Dallas Retirement Village will often advocate for people requesting rehab or care at DRV. In addition, Christine Braibish, DRV social services director, helps connect residents and potential residents with a variety of resources, such as SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assurance)–a no-cost Oregon program to help individuals get answers to questions about Medicare and insurance.

5. Staying active matters—no matter where you live.

As a Life Plan Community that offers a continuum of care, activities at Dallas Retirement Village are designed to give residents opportunities across the entire campus. That way, if a resident moves from one level to another, it helps to make their move seamless in terms of activities, explained Hilary Boyce, campus director of life enrichment at Dallas Retirement Village. “We want to know residents personally, so we can plan activities that bring them joy—no matter where they live at our community.”

6. The best meals are enjoyable and delicious.

“The heart of our mission in dining services is hospitality,” says Linda Saunders, dining services director, who oversees kitchen and dining staffs serving 900+ meals each day across the Dallas Retirement Village campus. Teams in each kitchen and dining area—from independent living’s multiple dining venues to assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care, and rehab—have a unique focus on making the dining experience a special part of the day.

If you have questions about health services at Dallas Retirement Village, email sfriesen-berry@drvhome.com. For general information or to receive an invitation to the next Health Services Q&A Forum, call (503) 623-5581.