For immediate release:

Whiting Health Care Center Leaps into Action, Takes on Displaced Residents in the Wake of Tropical Storm Irene

Whiting, N.J.

The flooding from Tropical Storm Irene made for many impressive images of rushing water and destruction. Even more impressive is the resilience and perseverance of people who joined together to cope with the effects of the storm. A perfect example is the staff at skilled nursing care center Whiting Health Care, who welcomed dozens of displaced residents from two sister centers in New Jersey that were evacuated as a result of Irene.

The tumultuous events began on Thursday, August 25 when the staff of Linwood Care Center, a sister Revera Health Systems center in Linwood, New Jersey, received an evacuation notice. A phone call later to Whiting Health Care Center administrator Cindy White, 67 Linwood residents were on their way to Whiting, along with staff and family members, some of whom had also been displaced by the storm. White explains, "We were glad to provide Linwood with safe shelter and care as the storm passed. Then on Sunday the 28th, as the Linwood folks were preparing to go home, we learned that another Revera center, Willow Creek Rehab and Care in Somerset, had been badly damaged by the flooding. We welcomed them here at Whiting with open arms. On Monday we had departing Linwood people and incoming Willow Creek people passing one another in the hallways." Still, White says the induction process ran smoothly. "It was our second time welcoming a large number of new residents, so we knew exactly what to do. We were so detailed that the process was seamless."

According to White, the flooding damage at the Somerset center was so extensive that the new residents will be at Whiting for at least the next three months. "The long-term nature of their stay with us meant that we had to ensure that the coordination of care, communication and medical direction was without incident. We assessed the space at the center and determined that one wing could easily accommodate our new guests. Willow Creek staff are also our interim guests as they assist us in providing specialty care so visiting patients have continuity in care giving.' White credits the staff members of all the centers for making a potentially difficult transition a smooth one. 'We had a welcoming committee ready with smiles, balloons and whatever care was needed. Every staff member stepped up, from social services to maintenance who had to move a lot of beds fast. All the employees did what was asked of them without question, no matter their job description."

For White, one moment symbolizes the events of that stormy weekend. 'We had a nursing assistant from Willow Creek helping with our registration as residents arrived throughout the day. An incoming patient who is blind was comforted when she heard that nursing assistant's familiar voice; she reached up, touched her face, and knew she was in safe hands. Whenever patients are in need, Revera centers are there to take care of them.'

On Thursday, September 22, the staff of Whiting Health Care Center held a celebratory barbecue in honor of their new guests from Willow Creek. Says Cindy White, 'There was much to balance, and a number of days with very little sleep, but with all the warm thanks and hugs patients and staff have gotten from families, it's been worth the effort. At times like these, having sister centers nearby to lend a hand is so very important."

Whiting Health Care Center, a member of Revera Health Systems, is a 200-bed skilled nursing care center offering post-acute rehabilitation care and therapy after surgery or illness for adults of all ages, as well as long-term, respite and hospice care. For more information, visit ReveraWhiting.com.