Viera del Mar hosts grand opening

BY AUSTIN RUSHNELL

Viera residents welcomed the grand opening of a new rehabilitation center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 31.

The Viera del Mar Health and Rehabilitation Center held its grand opening, featuring guest speakers, a buffet and even a scavenger hunt.

The festivities began with a series of speakers, including doctors and department heads such as administrator Rachel Maser, who described the center as a place “where quality meets excellent guest service.”

After representatives spoke at a podium, the ribbon cutting was held and the doors of the facility were officially opened.

“The main goal (of the center) is to prove a quality service to the patients and residents of Viera,” said Gulf Coast Health Care president Jamey Richardson. “Some of the challenges are going to be getting the word out about what we do, and (sharing) understanding about some of the different services we provide that a traditional nursing home may not.

“(Viera del Mar) is going to offer a myriad of services,” Richardson continued. “I think the first and foremost is going to be rehabilitation; we’re also going to offer long-term care services. We’re going to be looking at everything, from folks that need special diets to people that need clinical care- - things that will require 24-hour care.”

During the opening, Viera del Mar offered hors d’oeuvres and a full buffet, made entirely by in-house chefs. There also was a steel drum musician from the award-winning band Caribbean Crew. Houston Prater, one of

the licensed practical nurses, mentioned that Viera del Mar will provide postacute services to its guests, including cardiac patients and those suffering from acute injuries.

Richardson also expressed a desire to keep Viera del Mar a viable part of the Viera area.

“We want to be part of this community,” Richardson added. “We want to make an impact on people, and we want the community to share with us what it is that we need to do to make (Viera del Mar) better.”

Tours of the facilities are currently being offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information about Viera del Mar Health and Rehabilitation Center, go to gchc.com/locationpage/viera-del-mar-healthand-rehabilitation-center-2 or call Director of Community Relations Melissa Conn at 321-775-6800.