Cherokee County Health and Rehabilitation Center

Taking Care to the Next Level

877 Cedar Bluff Road Centre, Alabama 256-927-5778 www.cchrc.net.

Cherokee County Health & Rehab Center believes in the power of exceptional nursing. “Our nurses and support staff do everything they can to make our residents feel better and enjoy life in a safe and welcoming environment,” said Sherry Abernathy, Director of Nursing. Nurses and therapists use advances in the medical field to improve the quality of life for our residents every day, said Sherry, who has worked at CCHRC for 14 years. She says, “Individualized care makes the difference in skilled nursing.” Several residents need daily respiratory care, and therapist Terri Cooper administers treatment to those with breathing problems and monitors those who need oxygen. “I’m here for anyone who may have trouble breathing,” Terri said.

This year, Tiffany Eaton, a registered nurse, completed specialized training as a wound nurse, which helps residents who need an extra level of care. She also has implemented new medical strategies to help prevent wounds. “Our nurses work with physicians to ensure that all residents receive prompt medical attention,” said Jennifer Cambron, the assistant director of nursing. “Those who need IV antibiotics or other IV therapy get treatment in their own rooms and suites.” X-rays, EKGs and other diagnostic tests are performed in-house, and all residents receive physician-guided care under the direction of Medical Director Dr. Byron Nelson and other attending physicians. Cherokee Health & Rehab’s state-ofthe-art facility includes short-term rehab

at The Rehab Center, Cherokee Village Assisted Living, the Alzheimer’s Unit and long-term care. Because great nursing care can make a dramatic difference in residents’ lives, CCHRC provides several nursing scholarships to those who show strong aptitude in the medical field and also enthusiasm and compassion for working with residents in a skilled nursing facility. Jennifer, who started as a nursing assistant 17 years ago, completed her LPN and RN degrees on scholarships from CCHRC and was recently promoted to assistant director of nursing. “They have been so supportive all the way,” she said. Sherry, who started work at Cherokee Health & Rehab as a certified nursing assistant, feels that working at a long-term care facility is rewarding and uplifting. “Here you form a bond, you get to know the resident, and they become your family,” she said. As director of nursing, Sherry doesn’t spend as much one-on-one time with residents as she once did, “but everyone still comes to see me,” she said. “I have the candy bowl.”

The Alzheimer’s unit at CCHRC is considered one of the best in the state. From the 28-foot vaulted ceilings to the circular floor design, every detail was chosen to provide a safe and stimulating environment. In The Rehab Center, nursing supervisor Lauren Loveless says the best thing about her job is seeing that residents make great progress. “Some come in who cannot move from their bed, and they leave walking out the door,” she said. Rehab at The Rehab Center also includes speech and occupational therapy as well as physical rehabilitation. For those who need assistance but not full-time nursing care, Cherokee Village Assisted Living provides a safe and caring lifestyle. The Village also offers specialty care. Screened porches and rocking chairs give residents a place to visit and enjoy fresh air when the weath er is nice. Whatever your health care need, Cherokee Health & Rehab is a place you can call home.