How to Talk with Your Aging Parents About Moving to a Nursing Home 

Talking with an aging parent about moving to a nursing home can bring up strong emotions for everyone involved. Your parent may fear losing independence, privacy, familiar routines, or the home where they built a life. You may feel worried about their safety while also wondering whether you are making the right choice. 

The most important thing to remember is that this is rarely a one-and-done conversation. Your parent may need time to process the idea, grieve what is changing, ask questions, and gradually warm up to new possibilities. A calm, ongoing discussion can help them feel heard and included instead of pressured. 

The strategies and sample scripts below can serve as a roadmap. However, every family is different, and you know your parent best. Adapt your approach to their personality, communication style, values, and current needs. 

Start the Conversation Before a Crisis 

Whenever possible, begin talking about future care before an emergency forces the family to make a quick decision. A fall, hospitalization, medication error, or caregiver crisis can limit your options and make the transition more stressful. 

Choose a quiet time when everyone is rested and there are few distractions. Avoid starting the conversation during an argument, immediately after an upsetting incident, or at a large family gathering. 

You might begin with: 

“I want to understand what matters most to you if you ever need more help. Can we talk about what you would want your care to look like?” 

This approach opens a discussion instead of announcing a decision. 

Make It a Series of Conversations 

Your parent may not be ready to agree, make plans, or even discuss the subject the first time it comes up. That does not mean the conversation failed. 

Listen to their concerns, acknowledge their feelings, and allow space before returning to the topic. Several shorter conversations may be more productive than one long and emotionally exhausting discussion. 

You could say: 

“You do not have to decide anything today. I wanted to start talking so we can understand the options together.” 

If the discussion becomes tense, pause it respectfully: 

“I can see this is upsetting. Let’s take a break and talk again when we both feel ready.” 

Giving your parent time to process the possibility shows respect and may reduce defensiveness. 

Lead With Concern, Not Control 

Focus on specific needs and changes you have noticed rather than your parent’s age or what you think they can no longer do. Statements such as “You cannot live alone anymore” can sound accusatory and may cause them to shut down. 

Instead, use “I” statements and concrete examples: 

“I have noticed that the stairs have become harder to manage, and I worry about you falling when no one is here.” 

“I know staying independent is important to you. I would like us to look at options that could give you more support while helping you stay active.” 

Keep the conversation centered on shared goals, such as safety, comfort, independence, social connection, and access to care. 

Ask Questions and Listen Carefully 

Before offering solutions, learn what your parent fears and what they want to preserve. Their biggest concern may not be the move itself. They may be worried about leaving a pet, losing contact with friends, sharing a room, managing costs, or giving up a favorite routine. 

Helpful questions include: 

“What worries you most about getting more help?” 

“What would help a new place feel comfortable or familiar?” 

“Which daily routines are most important to you?” 

“What would you want us to look for in a nursing home?” 

“Would you be willing to tour a few places without making a commitment?” 

Listen without immediately correcting their assumptions. Once you understand the real concern, you can look for options that address it. 

Offer Choices Whenever Possible 

A move can feel like a loss of control. Meaningful choices can help your parent remain involved in their own life. 

Depending on the situation, invite them to: 

Help compare communities and schedule tours 

Choose which family members participate in discussions 

Ask questions about meals, activities, therapy, transportation, and visiting 

Decide which furniture, photographs, and personal items to bring 

Visit for a meal or activity before making a decision 

Speak directly with staff or current residents 

Try framing a tour as information gathering: 

“We do not have to choose anything today. Let’s visit two communities and see what you like and do not like about each one.” 

Involve a Trusted Third Party 

Sometimes a parent can hear the same concern more openly from someone outside the immediate family. With your parent’s permission, consider involving their physician, a social worker, care manager, therapist, faith leader, or trusted friend. 

A professional can help explain current care needs, discuss available levels of support, and keep the conversation focused on safety and quality of life. Their role should be to provide perspective, not to overwhelm or pressure your parent. 

Talk About the Benefits Without Dismissing the Loss 

It is reasonable to discuss the benefits of nursing home care, including 24-hour support, medication management, rehabilitation, meals, activities, and opportunities for social connection. At the same time, avoid making the move sound easy or entirely positive. 

Your parent may be grieving their home, routines, community, and sense of independence. Acknowledge that loss honestly: 

“I know leaving your home would be a major change. It makes sense that you feel sad and uncertain. We will take this one step at a time, and I will stay involved throughout the process.” 

Reassurance is most meaningful when it includes a plan. Explain how often you will visit or call, which belongings can come with them, and how the family will help them maintain important relationships and routines. 

What If Your Parent Has Dementia? 

A dementia diagnosis does not automatically mean a person cannot participate in decisions. In earlier stages, your parent may still be able to express preferences, compare options, and make informed choices. Include them as much as possible, use clear language, discuss one idea at a time, and choose the time of day when they are usually most alert. 

If memory loss or confusion makes it difficult for your parent to understand the decision, remember information, weigh the options, or communicate a consistent choice, contact their physician. The physician can evaluate cognitive changes, look for medical issues that may be worsening confusion, discuss safety concerns, and help determine whether a more formal assessment is needed. Decision-making ability can depend on the specific decision and may change over time. 

Before acting on your parent’s behalf, review any advance directive, health care power of attorney, guardianship document, or other legal paperwork. Laws and authority vary by state, so an elder law attorney may be helpful if responsibilities are unclear. If your parent still has decision-making capacity, involve them in future care and legal planning as early as possible. 

When your parent cannot fully participate, continue to protect their dignity. Use what you know about their past wishes, values, routines, relationships, culture, and definition of quality of life. Even if they cannot make the final decision, they may still be able to express preferences about food, surroundings, daily activities, or who provides care. 

You might use simple, reassuring language such as: 

“We are going to a place where people can help you with your medications and meals. I will be with you, and we will bring your favorite things.” 

Avoid arguing over details your parent cannot process or repeatedly reminding them of painful information if doing so causes distress. Ask the physician or dementia care team for communication strategies suited to your parent’s condition. 

When Safety Cannot Wait 

Although a gradual approach is ideal, some situations require immediate help. Contact a health care professional promptly if your parent is wandering, repeatedly falling, missing essential medications, leaving appliances on, becoming unable to meet basic needs, or living in conditions that place them or others in danger. 

If there is an immediate threat to anyone’s safety, call 911. A physician, hospital social worker, or local aging-services agency can help your family assess the situation and identify appropriate care options. 

Moving Forward Together 

There is no perfect script for talking with a parent about nursing home care. Aim for an honest, respectful process rather than a flawless conversation. Start early, listen more than you speak, return to the subject over time, and involve your parent in every decision they are able to make. 

For many families, choosing a nursing home is not about taking independence away. It is about finding the right level of support so a loved one can be safer, receive needed care, and continue experiencing connection and purpose. 

If your family is beginning this conversation, our team is here to answer questions, explain care options, and help you understand what to look for in a nursing home. Contact us to learn more or schedule a tour. 

Contact Sprenger Health Care Systems for additional help. 

Sources: 

National Institute on Aging: Advance Care Planning 

National Institute on Aging: Assessing Cognitive Impairment in Older Patients 

Alzheimer’s Association: Legal Planning 

Alzheimer’s Association: Dementia Care Practice Recommendations 

This article provides general information and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice. Consult qualified professionals about your family’s circumstances.

Austin’s Road to Walking

Life can change in a moment’s time. For Austin, that moment led to a life-changing accident. Only being in his 30s, Austin had a tree fall on him after it fell the wrong way while cutting it down. Against all odds, Austin survived, but this accident left him with multiple serious injuries and a long hospital stay. After several surgeries, Austin was stable enough to begin rehabilitation. Austin’s condition was severe when he arrived at Rose Lane. He was unable to walk, reposition, or complete simple movements on his own. Reflecting on the early days of recovery, Austin shared “I wasn’t able to walk at all, move. I couldn’t turn over, nothing.” Being a younger adult, Austin had a pretty hard time with this condition. 

From the Ground Up 

When Austin first started, he required total assistance for mobility and relied on specialized equipment just to be able to safely transfer. He needed full support from his care team to transfer into his wheelchair. Austin’s goal was very clear from the moment he arrived: he wanted to walk again and return home. He shared that there were moments when he was convinced; he may never be able to leave. His determination to walk was his driving force to keep pushing him through even his toughest moments. 

The Team Makes a Difference 

Leaning on the support team helped Austin throughout his recovery substantially. He shared that his therapy team was always there to help, encourage, and talk to him. They supported not only him, but also his family. “There was a lot of help. They did everything. Absolutely love them,” Austin shared. The constant encouragement from the team is what helped push him through the most difficult parts of therapy. It was especially helpful as he was learning to stand again, which Austin described as his biggest challenge. 

Steady Steps 

Regaining strength and control happened slowly for Austin. Slowly, he transitioned to being able to move around on his own from total dependence. He started with a mechanical lift, then worked to being transferred with assistance. Eventually he progressed to parallel bars and then to taking steps. To this day Austin still remembers the mindset he had when he first stood on his own: he was going to see how much further he could go. He was able to advance from being wheelchair bound to walking with support. Using assistive devices allowed him to set new goals for himself. Overtime he was able to manage everyday tasks on his own, and even navigating the stairs became easier. 

Looking to the Future 

Motivation came from the thought of life beyond rehabilitation. Austin saw his physical progress as a sign of regaining independence. Regaining independence meant getting back to the moments that mattered most. He shared that he looks forward to spending time with his family, being active, and one day walking without assistance. That vision is what is still pushing Austin forward today.  

Knowing how others may feel in recovery and how overwhelming it can be, he shared a message that is rooted in persistence: 

You can’t give up. Keep trying, even when it’s hard. If you fall, get back up and keep going. 

To protect privacy, patient details have been limited in accordance with HIPAA guidelines. This is written with patient permission. 

David’s Journey to Independence 

David came to Sprenger Health Care Heather Knoll after experiencing cardiac complications after a surgical procedure to remove cancer. His difficulty with swallowing resulted in participation in several swallow studies. Ultimately, David needed a feeding tube after the studies were unsuccessful to ensure he was getting proper nutrition. Once medically stable, he was admitted to Heather Knoll for skilled rehabilitation with the goal of regaining strength, eating on his own again, and returning to his assisted living community.  

The Starting Line 

When David first arrived at Heather Knoll, he required a lot of support with every aspect of his daily life. He could not get in or out of bed on his own and was unable to walk at this time. Daily tasks that required hands on help included dressing and brushing his teeth. Eating and drinking by mouth was not safe for David at this time. When he reflected on his time at Heather Knoll, he shared that the most difficult part of his recovery was how long it seemed to take. Having a hard time with how long you’re away from home is a common hardship for anyone. 

Continuing the Journey 

After his skilled stay ended, David continued to go to therapy to continue to build on his progress. Eventually, he gained enough strength and had enough swallowing ability to upgrade to a safe, modified diet. This was a huge milestone for David in his recovery journey. David was able to return to his assisted living community. When he returned, he was completing daily tasks with minimal assistance. 

The Motivation 

David’s proudest accomplishment through rehab was being able to return to his own room in the assisted living community. His progress and his surroundings kept him going. When David was asked about what advice he would give to others going through a similar situation, he simply stated to follow the instructions that the care team gives you. 

Stories like David’s remind us that recovery takes time, patience, and consistent effort. Progress is possible with the right support system, such as your therapy team, and determination. David’s story is a great example of the impact of compassionate care, skilled therapy, and resilience. 

To protect privacy, patient details have been limited in accordance with HIPAA guidelines. This is written with patient permission.

Heather Knoll Named One of America’s Best Nursing Homes

At Sprenger Health Care Systems, our mission has always been to provide care that feels like family. That’s why we’re so proud to share some exciting news: Heather Knoll Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Tallmadge, Ohio has been ranked 11th in the state on Newsweek’s 2026 list of America’s Best Nursing Homes.

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About the America’s Best Nursing Homes List

Each year, Newsweek highlights the nursing homes that rise above the rest. The 2026 edition features the top 1,200 facilities across the country and evaluates them using four main criteria:

• Quality of care
• Recommendations from medical professionals
• Accreditations
• Feedback from residents and families

This year, the process placed greater weight on clinical results, reflecting the industry’s growing focus on measurable outcomes. In addition, Newsweek introduced vaccination rates as a new quality measure. The rankings also expanded to include 33 states across three size categories, giving more families reliable options when searching for a safe and trusted nursing home.

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A Remarkable Accomplishment

With more than 15,000 nursing homes nationwide, standing out in the top group is a remarkable accomplishment. This recognition speaks directly to the dedication and compassion of the Heather Knoll team. Every day, our staff members go above and beyond—not only delivering excellent clinical care, but also ensuring residents feel comfort, dignity, and belonging.

From medical treatments to therapy services, and even in the simple act of offering a reassuring smile, our warm and inviting team supports residents and their families through every step of their wellness journey. At Heather Knoll, we don’t just care for residents—we welcome them as family.

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Sprenger’s Legacy of Care

Since our founding in 1959, Sprenger Health Care Systems has grown into a trusted leader in senior care, Since 1959, Sprenger Health Care Systems has continued to grow as a trusted leader in senior care. Today, we proudly provide a full continuum of services, including:

• Skilled Nursing
• Assisted Living
• Independent Living
• Memory Care
• Hospice
• Respite Care
• Short-Term Rehabilitation

We also hold a VA contract, which allows us the honor of caring for the veterans who have bravely served our country.

This recognition reinforces what our residents and families already know: at Heather Knoll—and throughout every Sprenger community—excellence in care isn’t just a goal. It’s our promise.

Healthy Living Through Movement: Water Aerobics for Seniors 

Staying active is one of the most important ways older adults can support their overall health, mobility, and well-being. At Sprenger Health Care Systems, we’re proud to offer a safe, low-impact, and enjoyable way for eligible residents to stay fit — water aerobics! 

Why Water Aerobics? 

Water aerobics is an ideal exercise option for older adults because it combines the health benefits of physical activity with the therapeutic properties of water. In the pool, your body becomes lighter, reducing the impact on bones and joints. This makes it a comfortable and accessible form of exercise for individuals with arthritis, limited mobility, or those recovering from injury. 

Benefits include: 

• Improved Flexibility and Balance: Water’s natural resistance encourages better range of motion and reduces the risk of falls. 

• Enhanced Circulation and Heart Health: Gentle aerobic movement supports heart function and decreases swelling. 

• Reduced Joint Pain and Stiffness: Warm water helps soothe muscles and ease discomfort. 

• Mental Wellness and Social Connection: Group exercise boosts mood and promotes a sense of belonging. 

• Increased Strength and Endurance: Build stamina and muscle tone without the strain of land-based workouts. 

No prior swimming experience is required. All exercises are performed in shallow water and led by board-certified therapists who are there to guide, encourage, and modify movements to fit each individual’s needs. 

What to Expect in Class 

Each session is designed with our senior residents in mind and includes: 

• Gentle warm-ups 

• Stretching and movement 

• Low-impact cardio routines 

• Relaxing cool-downs 

Classes are conducted in a warm, welcoming environment where everyone is encouraged to participate at their own comfort level. 

Class Details 

This class is open to Independent Living and Town Center Condo residents only. 

When: First and third Wednesday of each month 
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM 
Where: The Independent Clubhouse 
200 Community Drive 
Avon Lake, Ohio 

Our indoor heated pool ensures a pleasant experience no matter what the weather is like. 

Cost: Free of charge 

Questions? 

For more information, please contact: 
James West 
Director of Rehabilitation 
(440) 396-4471 
jwest@sprengerhealthcare.com 

We look forward to helping you move toward better health — one gentle splash at a time! 

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular issues are often caused by an imbalance between the left and right vestibular organs in the inner ear and tend to disrupt a person’s sense of balance and spatial orientation, causing frequent symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, and changes in balance and hearing. Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized approach to managing these symptoms, focusing on exercises that are designed to retrain the brain and enhance the vestibular system’s function. Those who participate in vestibular rehabilitation often see significant improvements in dizziness, blurred vision, balance, and have an increased confidence in daily activities, contributing to a higher quality of life.

What is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy?

Vestibular rehabilitation is a type of physical therapy that targets the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for processing sensory information related to balance and eye movements. When this system is compromised due to illness, injury, or aging, vestibular rehabilitation helps to retrain the brain and restore its normal function by addressing the root causes of dizziness and imbalance through targeted exercises.

The main goals of vestibular rehabilitation are to reduce dizziness, improve balance, and increase overall activity levels in individuals dealing with associated symptoms.

Sprenger Health Care Rose Lane now offers vestibular rehabilitation. Call (330) 837-6270 for more information.

Life Enrichment in Senior Living Communities

Life enrichment programs are designed to boost the physical, social, and cognitive engagement of older adults. Senior living communities have increasingly recognized that a meaningful life is about more than just medical attention — it also includes fostering the social, emotional, and intellectual well-being of the senior. Life enrichment programs play a vital role in this process, offering seniors increased independence, entertainment, and socialization while residing in a senior living community.

What Are Life Enrichment Programs?

Life enrichment programs in senior living communities offer structured activities designed to promote senior’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and are often tailored to the interests, abilities, and preferences of residents, ensuring that they are accessible for all participation. These programs include exercise classes, music and art activities, cooking lessons, gardening, social events, and much more.

Benefits of Life Enrichment Programs

1. Supporting Cognitive Health

Keeping the mind engaged is crucial for seniors, particularly in delaying or reducing the effects of cognitive conditions, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Life enrichment programs often feature brain games, puzzles, and learning opportunities that encourage mental stimulation, like reading clubs, art classes, or learning new technology skills, helping seniors remain intellectually active.

2. Keeping Seniors Active

Physical activities are a cornerstone of life enrichment programs, ensuring that residents stay active, maintain mobility, and improve their overall health. These activities can help improve circulation, muscle strength, and flexibility through light exercise classes, dance sessions, walking groups, or other active games and outings. These programs are designed to accommodate different levels of mobility, ensuring they are accessible for all seniors who would like to participate.

3. Building Social Connections

Loneliness and isolation are significant concerns in senior living communities, potentially stemming from a change in lifestyle. Life enrichment programs provide structured opportunities for residents to connect with one another, fostering friendships, and building a sense of community through group activities, social events, and outings.

Life enrichment programs are essential for creating a vibrant lifestyle for seniors in senior living communities. By providing opportunities for physical, mental, and creative engagement, these programs ensure that residents continue to lead active and meaningful lives, while fostering better health, stronger social connections, and an overall greater sense of happiness. After all, the later years of life should be filled with joy, growth, and opportunities to thrive.

Find Sprenger Health Care’s monthly life enrichment activity calendars here.

200 Years of Service: How Sprenger Health Care’s Therapy Team Exceeds Two Centuries

In November, Tyler Sponaugle, a Physical Therapist from Sprenger Health Care Rose Lane hosted two company-wide, free CEU programs specializing in vestibular rehabilitation, in which dozens of Sprenger’s therapists attended. Tyler began his therapy career with Sprenger Health Care over 10 years ago, and has recently obtained a specialization in vestibular rehabilitation, in which he aims to continue assisting the community and other therapists gain knowledge on the topic through outreach and CEUs. These CEUs were held at Towne Center in Avon Lake, Ohio, and Heather Knoll Nursing and Rehabilitation in Tallmadge, Ohio, to provide accessibility to the therapists commuting from the other surrounding Sprenger facilities.

Many of the therapists in attendance had worked within Sprenger Health Care Systems for a decade or more, which had the group thinking – how many years of combined experience have they all had while employed with Sprenger?

The answer spans more than 200 years of therapy experience within the South Sprenger Health Care facilities alone, in total resulting in 363 years from all Sprenger Health Care Systems, and even more in overall clinical experience!

Many of the therapists in the photo above began their careers with Sprenger and overtime have grown throughout the company, building on learned, hands-on experience and one-on-one mentoring.

This is the case with Angie Maurer, OTR/L. In 2009 she was in her final year of graduate school at Cleveland State University, when she attended an Occupational Therapy conference and had the opportunity to chat with leadership from Sprenger Health Care Towne Center. Here, she learned that the only years-old, newly constructed nursing facility was in Avon Lake, Ohio, Angie’s hometown. She, along with a handful of her classmates, were given the opportunity to begin their career with Sprenger Health Care, all of which remain employed with the company!

Angie has been an Occupational Therapist with Sprenger Health Care since the very beginning of her career, working at Towne Center for nearly 15 years. Angie stated, “I love working here, at Towne Center. The people are amazing; We all work together, bouncing ideas off one another. Physical, occupational, and speech therapists work as one unit, making sure that our residents get the best care that we can provide. Everyone here is just amazing – the nurses, the environmental staff, everyone!”

For Mistie Hall, PTA, she has had a similar experience to Angie. Mistie went to Lorain County Community College and received a degree in Applied Science, continuing on to become a certified Physical Therapy Assistant, which is a career that she has worked in for nearly 20 years. She began her career in a neighboring hospital, and then transitioned into a travel position, which is how she happened across Sprenger Health Care. She began working for Sprenger Health Care Systems almost 17 years ago, at Autumn Aegis in Lorain, Ohio. For her first few years with Sprenger, she traveled around to other local Sprenger facilities, such as Anchor Lodge, Amherst Manor, and Elms Retirement Village, but 12 years ago, she decided to make a permanent home at Towne Center, where she has been ever since.

In December 2023, Mistie took over an exercise class held twice a week in Towne Center’s Independent Living, assisting residents with physical activities to continually improve their health and independence. The class has exponentially grown since Mistie has taken over, and it is just one small piece of her time at Sprenger that she values dearly. Mistie’s end-career goal is to eventually retire with Sprenger.

Kristen Matus, PT, DPT, has been with Sprenger Health Care for exactly half of her career, nearing a decade. She graduated from Toledo University in the Fall of 2006 and began working as a Physical Therapist in January of 2007. In 2016, some of Kristen’s friends persuaded her to try out a new avenue with Sprenger, and so she did. Out of her 18-year long Physical Therapy career, Kristen has spent 9 of those years with Sprenger Health Care, and she doesn’t plan to leave anytime soon. In fact, Kristen hopes to continue her growth at Towne Center by promoting continued positive development with the outpatient therapy caseload. She stated that her goal is to “help the community by providing care.”

Flourishing Careers

Angie, Mistie, and Kristen are just a few of the many therapists who have chosen Sprenger Health Care as a place to flourish their career. Not only has their career grown over time, but the relationships they have garnered have given them family-like friendships in both co-workers and residents. Angie stated that the one part of her job that she enjoys the most is being able to go to work and enjoy her time spent with all of the residents, but especially the residents who reside in long-term care, who she has known and worked with for years.

Sprenger Health Care Systems is an ever growing 12-nursing home, 10-assisted living, and 8-independent living enterprise, employing more than 2,000 professionals, located in Ohio and South Carolina. If you are interested in joining Angie, Mistie, Kristen, and the dozens of other devoted therapy professionals, search our open positions here.

Reducing the Holiday Blues in Nursing Facilities

As the holiday season quickly approaches, garland and tinsel temporarily adorning most homes, you may feel more cheerful than you have all year. We often gather with family and friends, eating, chatting, reminiscing of the past, and what our future entails. Spreading love, kindness, and cheer by giving gifts or making holiday cookies. However, there are some, specifically older adults, that have a more difficult time getting into the holiday spirit.

For many seniors, the holiday season may have a new meaning. Instead of setting out cookies and milk for Santa, or traveling to long-distance relative’s homes, the absence of these traditions may leave the holiday season seeming like a thing of the past.

These changes may result in feeling subdued or sad, which is a normal reaction to facing change and generally temporary, the person eventually returning to their normal mood state, but a case of long-term blues is not a natural part of aging. When these feelings begin interfering with functioning in everyday life, it is considered depression.

Doug Gregory, the Bereavement Coordinator for Sprenger Health Care’s WellSpring Hospice says, “The American Association of Geriatrics Psychiatry, (AAGP) indicates that over 30% of nursing home residents may experience depression which can be exasperated during the holidays due to several factors. Caregivers and facility staff should be aware of changes in behavior and mood with residents.”

Some signs of depression in older individuals may include:

• Questioning the value of life
• Diminished self-esteem
• Excessive feelings of guilt
• Reduced appetite
• Lethargy/lack of energy
• Persistent sadness
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Unusual fidgeting
• Staring off into space (or at the television) for prolonged periods of time

Depression is a medical illness that should be diagnosed and treated by trained professionals. Left untreated, depression may last months or even years.

Gregory also offered a handful of tips in dealing with seasonal depression, saying, “Some preventative measures to consider are: referrals for counseling and psychiatry, bringing in service animals, children’s choirs, and other special activities during high-risk seasons, collecting old holiday cards and decorations to hang on resident’s doors and in their rooms, encouraging family members to purchase scenic window film coverings for the resident’s room, and simply taking time to just sit or talk with these residents. It is essential to differentiate between normal sadness and clinical depression, which requires treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling, professional support can make a significant difference.”

Other things that may help a person with a case of the holiday blues:

Depression may go past just during the holiday season. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons, typically starting in the late fall and early winter and goes away during the spring and summer. A sad mood is linked to lack of sunlight during the winter months due to shorter days.

It is important to note that depressive and suicidal thoughts or actions should never be ignored. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, please take action by calling your doctor, 911, visiting the nearest emergency room, or contacting nursing or therapy staff.

Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to be connected to a trained counselor at a suicide crisis center nearest you.

Sprenger Health Care Bluffton Received a Deficiency-Free Rating

Sprenger Health Care Bluffton received a 100% deficiency-free rating on their state survey, conducted by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control on Friday, November 1, 2024.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) annually reviews Skilled Nursing Facilities to ensure that the health and safety conditions focusing their analysis on the residing resident’s safety, security, sanitary, and overall maintenance. To receive a 100% deficiency-free review by the DHEC notes that the facility met the highest possible standards of satisfactory living. Sprenger Health Care Bluffton also received a deficiency-free rating for their Residential Care Facility survey in April of 2024.

Dennis Maddox, Ph.D., MCG, a local professor of Anatomy and Physiology and short-term resident of Sprenger Health Care Bluffton stated, “Being here felt like being at home. Everyone was so nice and sweet in such an amazing way. I am sad to leave, but happy to know I will be home for my birthday and for the holidays.” Mr. Maddox stayed with Sprenger Health Care Bluffton for 6 weeks as he worked through an illness with the nursing and therapy teams, maintaining an end-goal of getting back home and to work.

“We are incredibly proud of our team’s dedication to excellence and quality care, which has been affirmed by our recent deficiency-free survey from DHEC. This achievement reflects the hard work, professionalism, and commitment of every team member to uphold the highest standards in patient care and compliance. Thank you to everyone for making this accomplishment possible and for continually going above and beyond to create a safe, welcoming, and well-maintained environment for our patients and families.”

Dwight Green, the Executive Director at Sprenger Health Care Bluffton

About Sprenger Health Care Bluffton

Sprenger Health Care Bluffton is a 105-bed Long Term Care, Skilled Nursing Facility, and Assisted Living, offering services such as memory care, in-house therapy for short-term rehabilitation, daily activities, served dining, and a VA contract. They also offer Respite Care for those in need. Residents have access to state-of-the-art amenities, such as a 3000+ square foot therapy gym, 65 private rooms in the Skilled Nursing wing, 45 private suites in the Assisted Living wing, a bar that offers a daily happy hour, a 24/7 Chapel, and much more.

Sprenger Health Care Bluffton offers a range of services designed to meet the needs of seniors at different stages of life and health, aiming to create a supportive and caring environment that prioritizes residents’ health, safety, and well-being. The facility provides personalized care, including therapy services, social activities, and wellness programs tailored to enhance residents’ quality of life.

About Sprenger Health Care

From a small family-owned nursing facility to an expansive enterprise employing 2,000 professionals, Sprenger Health Care is actively growing and adapting to the ever-changing needs of the communities they serve. With a strong focus on innovation and quality, Sprenger’s third generation is building a legacy while maintaining the same philosophy of personalized care initially established by Grace Sprenger in 1959.

Sprenger Health Care is a leading developer, owner, and operator of senior living communities and services in Ohio and South Carolina. Through their 12-nursing home, 10 assisted living, and 8 independent living communities, they provide exceptional health care services, including; long-term nursing care, assisted and independent living, memory care, hospice, respite care, and short-term post-acute rehabilitation. 

Sprenger Health Care Bluffton

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