The field of healthcare constantly evolves, driven by both consumer demand and the body of literature that dictates protocol. Holistic health is a term widely recognized and accepted by traditional medicine as well as modern practitioners. At Artesia Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, a facility which treats older adults with a large spectrum of medical needs, the integration of medical care and a positive quality of life is the foremost focus of the staff who care for the senior patient population.
Artesia Healthcare, owned by Beecan Health, treats adults aged 55 and older who suffer from common medical ailments for the older adult demographic: Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as cardio and respiratory issues combined with ambulatory problems, arthritis and diabetes, among others. The facility houses 65 beds which can accommodate short and long-term stays, depending on the needs of the patient. The privately funded, fully staffed facility offers an array of treatment modalities and lifestyle commodities for its demographic, including a physical therapy room, on-staff dietitian, and a moderate-sized van for resident outings.
According to Artesia Healthcare’s administrator, Richard Edelman, the facility’s duty begins when the abilities of a family exceed their limit and an older adult finds themselves in need of additional assistance. Edelman shared a wide variety of considerations for providing quality long-term care, most of which centered around keeping the patient involved and active in their own life. Edelman has been the facility administrator since October 2023. He previously worked in long-term care in Mescalero, NM, Arizona, Texas, and the Midwest.
To Edelman, “The idea is not what we do for the resident, but the idea is what we do with the resident.” Edelman and his staff aim to achieve this goal by asking for feedback from patients and generating community involvement from both average community members and those with medical knowledge. As a newcomer to the area, Edelman expressed an interest in learning more about the culture of Artesia and hearing from an advisory group that might help direct the process of creating area-specific patient care.
Edelman also shared his vision for community involvement goes beyond the layperson and extends back into the medical field. Edelman hopes Artesia Healthcare can play a role in the development of the community at large by creating a positive work environment that encourages young Artesia residents to develop job skills and then stay in Artesia to live and work.
The Artesia Healthcare staff stand behind this vision, with decades of experience in long-term care supporting their initiative from a broad spectrum of perspectives. Staff Development Director Anjelica, who has 15 years of experience in long-term care, organizes monthly trainings for staff covering topics from orientation to disaster preparedness and abuse. Robin, the Assistant Director of Nursing, has worked in long-term care for over 20 years.
Robin approaches the challenges of long-term care from the perspective of a certified Dementia practitioner- by focusing on quality-of-life as a day-to-day practice. Rachel and Becky, the Activity Director and Activity Therapist, respectively, focus on keeping residents involved in the selection of activities offered on-site as well as organizing travelling events, such as regular visits to Wal-Mart to get residents out of their rooms and engaged in sensory, physical, emotional, and spiritual activities that provide a sense of independence.
According to James, Artesia Healthcare’s Director of Nursing, valuing and caring for staff is a priority that trickles down into patient care. Although James stated the importance of treating residents like family, he stated the facility avoids employee turnover by making staff feel appreciated. Keeping positions filled ensures shifts are covered and helps staff avoid burnout, which in turn allows providers at all levels to provide quality patient care.
James stated, “It’s up to us to change the image of long-term care.” Susan, the facility social worker, stated she views long-term care as an “opportunity to make a difference…on a daily basis in a personal and productive manner.” Most staff echoed a need for increased community engagement to achieve the highest level of patient care.
Artesia Healthcare and Rehabilitation is located at 1402 W. Gilchrist Ave, directly north of Park Junior High School. Artesia residents interested in touring the facility, volunteering or submitting an event for consideration by the Activity Department can call the facility at 575-746-6006. The facility is open to visitors daily from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
