Concierge Name: Manny Linares, LNHA
Patient Name: Peter Tepper
Patient Age: 76 years
Admission Date: 2/22/2024
Admitted From: CHSLI Mercy Medical Center
Discharge Date: 3/22/2024
Discharged To: Home
Length of Stay: 30 Days
Reason for Stay: Rehabilitation Post-Amputation
How did this patient hear about The Grand Pavilion? Mr. Tepper is with us for his third stay is a neighbor of our community and has been familiar with us for many years.

Details of Experience:

Mr. Tepper is a wonderful 76-year-old gentleman who makes an impact on everyone he meets. He brings a smile to every face and continues to motivate and inspire everyone in the community. He has been in our community twice before for rehabilitation but arrived this time after a right leg below-the-knee amputation on 2/4/24 at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre, New York, due to septic shock and osteomyelitis. Dr. Richard Matano performed a successful amputation, and Mr. Tepper participated in bedside therapy at the hospital for two weeks before he arrived at our community.

Upon his arrival, he was greeted by our Concierge, Avi Newman, and introduced to our Comprehensive Amputee Rehabilitation Program and Amputee Walking School program led by Paralympic Gold Medalist Amputees Todd Schaffhauser and Dennis Oehler (more information about our wonderful program can be found under our Specialty Programs tab on our home page).

Mr. Tepper presented powerful positivity and confidence in his ability to overcome this life-changing condition and pushed forward with his rehab. Requiring extensive assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and ambulation, he progressed rapidly toward independence. Upon initial assessment, Mr. Tepper had impaired balance and substantial decreases in strength, functional activity, tolerance, and endurance resulting in the need for moderate to maximum assistance to complete ADL tasks. Within a few days, he quickly progressed to safe car transfer for external appointments. He continued to progress and was fitted for a prosthesis.

With great nursing care, Mr. Tepper’s wound healed quickly without infections. He participated in our Urban Zen program with our Integrative Therapist, Jennifer Lampell, who used non-medical modalities to optimize relaxation and reduce anxiety from his new reality to which he found many benefits. Mr. Tepper made new friends and enjoyed social time in the mornings with our Activities team and complimentary Starbucks in the lobby with his wife Barbara in the afternoons and the numerous visitors that came to see him.

Due to a combination of issues with insurance and his rapid progression, Mr. Tepper and his family agreed that it was best to finish his therapy from home. He lives several minutes away and plans on walking back to the facility to show off his new leg Our Social Work team coordinated a safe discharge home, and we continue to monitor his progress to ensure he progresses on his journey toward better health and wellness

Concierge Name: Manny Linares
Patient Name: Charles Anderson
Patient Age: 60 years
Admission Date: 9/6/2023
Admitted From: Franklin Hospital Medical Center – Northwell LIJ Valley Stream
Discharge Date: 10/30/2023
Discharged To: Home
Length of Stay: 54 Days
Reason for Stay: Rehabilitation Post-Amputation
How did this patient hear about The Grand Pavilion? Through research, what was available through insurance, services available, location, and Google reviews.

Details of Experience:

Mr. Anderson is a determined 60-year-old gentleman whose energy betrays his condition. After a successful surgery at Franklin Hospital Medical Center at Long Island Jewish in Valley Stream with Dr. Jennifer Chang, he arrived at The Grand Pavilion, where he was greeted by his Concierge team, Manny Linares and Jacob Gross, along with the Administrator, Yiddy Eisen. It turns out Mr. Anderson and Mr. Linares had worked during the same time at Fordham University, though their paths did not cross, to their recollection. Mr. Anderson was extremely pleasant and driven to jumpstart his healing journey.

Unfortunately, after many years of battling with diabetes, Mr. Anderson had to have a below-the-knee amputation of his left leg and trans metatarsal amputation of the right foot. After this life-altering surgery, he had to decide where he would rehabilitate. He researched extensively before deciding that The Grand Pavilion would be the best place. The many positive experiences on Google led him to believe he’d be comfortable during his stay. The dedicated Amputee Program assured him he would receive high-quality training geared specifically to his condition. He was confident this was the best place to get him up and walking again.

During his stay at The Grand Pavilion, Mr. Anderson maintained a firm positivity and was confident that nothing would deter his progress. He even removed his television; he wanted nothing to distract him from his progress. He focused on reading and meditation to promote healing while not in restorative, occupational, or physical therapy, and he always welcomed an intellectually stimulating conversation. His positivity was infectious, and he engaged with everyone drawn to his smile.

With the support of our phenomenal rehab team, in conjunction with our Amputee Walking School Program, led by Paralympic Gold Medalists Todd Schaffhauser and Dennis Oehler (see our program under Specialty Programs), Mr. Anderson progressed towards his ambitious goal of having the same level of function prior to amputation; he was determined not to allow this event to define the rest of his life. Within three weeks of admission, Mr. Anderson had his staples removed and continued to heal rapidly. Within six weeks of admission, Mr. Anderson quickly progressed with restorative therapy and could ambulate 125 feet safely with a rolling walker. His mobility and self-care scores doubled throughout his stay with Mr. Anderson, achieving complete independence in certain areas, including all his self-care metrics. By the end of his stay, he received a prosthetic leg and was ready to go home.

He is very grateful for his time at The Grand Pavilion and for making great connections with his aides, therapists, and all he engaged with, contributing factors to his healing journey. The social work team ensured everything was in place for a safe discharge home. Mr. Anderson, a father of six, returned home to his wife and returned to work in the office within a week of discharge!

Concierge Name: Manny Linares
Patient Name: Irene Orlowski
Patient Age: 80 years
Admission Date: 7/27/2023
Admitted From: New York Presbyterian
Discharge Date: 9/27/2023
Discharged To: Home
Length of Stay: 60 Days
How did this patient hear about The Grand Pavilion? Ms. Orlowski’s sister toured several facilities and chose The Grand Pavilion

Details of Experience:

Ms. Orlowski is a sunny 80-year-old woman whose disposition is far younger than the birth year on her chart. She was initially involved in a traumatic accident that led to a surgery and rehab stay. On July 24th, Irene was crossing the intersection of Madison Avenue and 46th Street, heading to pay her storage locker fee, when she tripped over a metal construction plate on the street. Unfortunately, the van turning the corner did not see Irene on the ground and ran over her left foot. Her foot was broken; several toes were crushed, one of the metal spikes that secure the construction plates pierced her ankle, causing a deep laceration, and much of her skin was pulled from her foot in what is described as a degloving.

Irene was taken to New York Presbyterian – Weill Cornell in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, where Podiatrist Dr. Elvis Danne Jr treated her. Dr. Danne realigned her crushed toes, closed the gash left by the metal spike, stitched it up, and secured the skin that was degloved, along with grafting synthetic skin to the top of her foot that was severely damaged. It was then wrapped and splinted. “Dr. Danne saved my foot,” she exclaimed.

On July 27th of 2023, Irene came to The Grand Pavilion, was greeted by Assistant Administrator Manny Linares, and was introduced to the myriad services provided. She was also met by Concierge Khadijah Bacchus, who, along with Manny, liaised Irene’s needs with the interdisciplinary team. She spent several weeks with our phenomenal rehab team, particularly Emily and Farrah, and the nursing staff to be able to walk again. Dr. Danne was involved in monitoring her healing journey and stated that she had progressed far quicker than anything he could have ever imagined. Irene was ready to go home in just 60 days. Her speedy progress could also be attributed to the frequent visits of her lovely sister, who was involved with her care from the beginning, including securing a bed for Irene at the facility.

Our Social Services team was able to coordinate a successful discharge and arrange for resources to be sent home. Irene is most excited to get home in the Lower East Side, order some food, and spend time with her lovely red long-haired cat, Brooklyn, who is desperate for her return. We are truly blessed to have been a part of Irene’s recovery and wish her the best in the next portion of her journey!

Concierge Name: Manny Linares
Patient Name: Willanetta Harris
Patient Age: 59 years
Admission Date: 6/29/2020
Admitted From: Mount Sinai
Discharge Date: Anticipated Discharge date of 9/2023
Discharged To: Anticipated discharge Home
Length of Stay: 3 years
How did this patient hear about The Grand Pavilion? Ms. Harris’ sister is a Social Worker and The Grand Pavilion was recommended to her

Details of Experience:

Ms. Harris is a vibrant 59-year-old who was at a Bible Study group when she suddenly fainted. Her friends noticed an immediate change in her face. She had just suffered a massive stroke. They rushed her to a local hospital, Bronx Lebanon on Mt. Eden Ave, but once she arrived, she was re -directed to Mount Sinai on 98th and Madison Ave. in Manhattan. They got her there on time and she is extremely grateful to Dr. Tomoyoshi Shigematsu and Christ, her Lord, for saving her life.

When she arrived here at The Grand Pavilion for Rehab and Nursing on June 29, 2020 (she celebrates her 3rd year at GP), she was unconscious and stayed there for a while. The first thing she remembered was being assessed by the speech therapist and unable to communicate verbally. When she first began to speak, she recalled a conversation about her weight and how her unhealthy lifestyle of undereating may have led to this event. Arriving during the height of the pandemic added another layer of complexity to her healing process; she didn’t believe she would ever walk again. She asked Debbie, her first physical therapist aide, “Whatever made you think I would walk again?” to which Debbie replied, “You never fought against us, you never gave excuses, and you never complained.”

Ms. Harris progressed very slowly, but given the event that brought her here, any progress was a huge success. She began participating with the Therapeutic Recreation team and began healing in another portion of her life, her soul. By daily reading her Bible, journaling, and connecting with other residents, Ms. Harris began seeing a change in her condition. She even joined the Resident Council to speak for herself and advocate for the other residents at GP. Around one and a half years into her rehab, she began to see a change in her mindset about her progress, and hope began to settle in. Ms. Harris grew determined to walk and leaned on Debbie and her new GP family for support.

When her concierge, Manny Linares, met her in November of 2022, Ms. Harris was on a Floor Ambulation Plan and walking with assistance in the GP halls. As the months progressed, she relied less and less on help and now ambulates alone, safely, every day with the help of a walker and her FAO braces. She has become a beacon of inspiration to her friends and the GP team. Ms. Harris expects to be discharged in the next coming weeks and is excited about the next chapter in her life. She is an example of determination and spirit, and we are so proud of all that she has accomplished here. We share in her joy and hope for continued success in her health.

Our Social Services team is working with her to ensure she has everything she needs before being safely discharged home with her fiancé, and we will walk with her through every step of the process.

Director of Concierge: Jordan Soban, LNHA
Patient age: 60 years
Admission date: 04/01/2022
Admitted from: Mount Sinai South Nassau
Discharge Date: 03/30/2023
Length of stay: 363 days
How did this patient hear about The Grand Pavilion? Hospital Social Worker Reason for stay: Post-operative care following a right tibial fracture

Details of Experience:

Ms. Debra S. is a spirited 60-year-old woman who was first admitted to The Grand Pavilion for Rehabilitation and Nursing in April of 2022. Ms. Debra had suffered a right tibial fracture that required an external fixator, and when she needed to select a rehab center to recuperate after her surgery, she selected The Grand Pavilion.

Immediately after arrival at The Grand Pavilion, the concierge, Jordan, welcomed Debra. The staff gave her a warm welcome. Upon admission, Debra required physical therapy to improve her balance, endurance, mobility, and strength. She required occupational therapy assistance with many activities of daily living, such as dressing and personal grooming. One of her main goals for her stay here was to regain enough health and strength to be able to undergo knee replacement surgery on her left knee.

Debra actively participated in the recreation department’s activities, participating in everything from movie hours and musical entertainment to painting classes. She was a regular at afternoon manicures.
Debra worked tirelessly at therapy throughout her stay here, with the goal of regaining enough health and function to be able to undergo knee replacement surgery on the opposite leg. In January of 2023, she was able to undergo the surgery. Following the successful procedure, she returned to The Grand Pavilion for another six weeks of therapy.

Debra progressed quickly, soon walking independently with a walker. At the end of March, nearly a full year here at The Grand Pavilion, due to her tireless hard work, the staff at The Grand Pavilion determined that Debra would be able to safely return to the community.

The social work department at The Grand Pavilion arranged for Debra to return home with her husband. Upon discharge, Debra remarked that she was excited to see her son, his puppies, and his new swimming pool.

We wish her a happy and healthy remainder of 2023!

Concierge: Jordan Soban
Patient age: 90 years
Admission date: 11/18/2022
Admitted from: Mount Sinai South Nassau
Discharge Date: 12/08/2022
Length of stay: 20 days
How did this patient hear about The Grand Pavilion? Prior stay
Reason for stay: Fall

Details of Experience:

Ms. Helen R. is a lovely 90-year-old woman who was first admitted to The Grand Pavilion for Rehabilitation and Nursing in December of 2021, May of 2022, and again in November of 2022. Ms. Helen had been a patient at The Grand Pavilion twice before for medical care and when she needed to select a rehab center to recuperate after her fall. She told the hospital that there was only one place she wanted to go.

Immediately after arrival at The Grand Pavilion, Helen was welcomed back by the concierge, Jordan. The staff all remembered Ms. Helen and gave her a warm welcome. Upon admission, Helen required physical therapy to improve her balance, endurance, and overall mobility and strength. Helen was an active participant with the recreation department’s activities, participating in resident council and musical entertainment. She was a regular at afternoon manicures and the weekly Catholic mass.

At approximately the halfway point of her stay, Helen demonstrated a marked improvement in her balance and no longer required the use of a wheelchair. At the beginning of December, as a result of her progress, the staff at The Grand Pavilion determined that Helen would be able to safely return to the community.

The social work department at The Grand Pavilion arranged for Helen to return home with her daughter. Upon discharge, Helen stated that she was overjoyed to be able to spend Christmas at home, as she had spent all of the major holidays in the hospital or at The Grand Pavilion over the last year.

We wish her a happy and healthy remainder of 2022!

Director Concierge: Jordan Sobon
Patient age: 77 years
Admission date: 06/03/2022
Admitted from: NYU Langone- Long Island
Discharge Date: 08/22/2022
Length of stay: 80 days
Reason for stay: Diverticulitis
How did this patient hear about The Grand Pavilion? Hospital Social Worker

Details of Experience:

Ms. Elaine L. is a lively 77-year-old woman who was first admitted to The Grand Pavilion for Rehabilitation and Nursing at the beginning of June from NYU Langone-Long Island Hospital. Ms. Elaine was admitted to the Hospital for diverticulitis and chronic COPD. Upon discharge from the Hospital, Ms. Elaine selected The Grand Pavilion to get her back on her feet.

Immediately after arrival at The Grand Pavilion, Elaine and her son were welcomed by the concierge, Jordan, who was able to answer all of their questions about life at The Grand Pavilion. Within 24 hours of arrival at The Grand Pavilion, Elaine was greeted by staff members from nearly every department, including nursing, physicians, therapists, and dieticians. Her physical therapist, Sofia, and her occupational therapist, Rebecca, worked together to develop a comprehensive therapy plan that would allow her to meet her goals. Elaine started her rehabilitative journey unable to walk or stand on her own, and she also required moderate levels of assistance with several Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

Elaine was surprised and delighted to find that one of her friends from outside the community was also at The Grand Pavilion receiving rehab services, and she was able to spend her free time participating in activities with her. Elaine became an active participant in therapeutic recreation programming and was the winner of the annual Art for Life program.

After several weeks at The Grand Pavilion, Elaine could perform ADLs independently and walk using a rolling walker. During her stay, she also benefitted from the services of The Grand Pavilion’s respiratory therapy team and was able to discontinue her use of continuous oxygen. At the end of August, as a result of her progress, the staff at The Grand Pavilion determined that Elaine would be able to safely return to the community.

The social work department at The Grand Pavilion arranged for Elaine to receive continued care at home from the Royal Home Care Agency. Upon discharge, Elaine stated that while she greatly enjoyed her stay here, she was very excited to be going home and that she hoped the only time she’d be back was to visit. The staff at The Grand Pavilion are thrilled that she made such significant progress during her stay here and will miss the playful attitude she brought to The Grand Pavilion.

A follow-up phone call a month after her discharge revealed that Elaine was thriving at home. We wish her a happy and healthy remainder of 2022!

Director Concierge: Jordan Soban
Patient age: 61 years
Admission date: 09/10/2021, 02/18/2022, 06/09/2022
Admitted from: NYU Langone Long Island
Discharge Date: 10/25/2021, 05/03/2022
Length of stay: 45 days, 74 days
Reason for stay: Right knee replacement, left knee replacement, and IV antibiotics
How did this patient hear about The Grand Pavilion? Hospital Social Worker

Details of Experience:

Mr. Robert Bamberger is a full-of-life 61-year-old man who was first admitted to The Grand Pavilion for Rehabilitation and Nursing at the beginning of September 2021 from NYU Langone-Long Island Hospital. Mr. Bamberger was admitted to The Grand Pavilion for the first time after receiving a right knee replacement. Upon discharge from the hospital, Mr. Bamberger selected The Grand Pavilion to get him back on his feet so that he could return home to Island Assisted Living.

After regaining the strength to ambulate utilizing a rolling walker, Robert returned home in October, spending about 6 weeks building up strength. During his time at The Grand Pavilion, Robert developed a close friendship with his roommate Michael, with whom he still connects.

Four months after leaving The Grand Pavilion, Robert decided to undergo his second knee replacement surgery, this time for the left knee. Upon readmission, Robert happily shared that when his hospital social worker asked for a list of 3 possible rehab centers, the only one on his list was The Grand Pavilion. During Robert’s second stay at The Grand Pavilion, he resided in the 2W unit, where he developed close friendships with a number of patients on the floor. Robert was also a heavy participant in The Grand Pavilion’s recreational activities, from painting classes to cooking classes. At the time of his discharge, Robert was walking comfortably using a rolling walker.

About a month after his discharge, Robert returned to The Grand Pavilion, this time to receive IV antibiotics. At the time of his readmission, Robert shared that while he was disappointed by the setback in his health, he once again knew that the only place he wanted to go was The Grand Pavilion. Robert was able to return to his old room on the 2W unit and was happy to find that a few of his friends were still there as well. Robert has happily readjusted to life on 2W and is enjoying recreational activities again as he waits to finish his course of IV antibiotics.

We here at The Grand Pavilion work hard to ensure that our patients know that we are always here for them, should they ever need our services again. Patients like Robert show us that this message is known to our patients.

The staff at The Grand Pavilion enjoy their time with Robert and wish him a happy and healthy remainder of 2022 when he returns home.

Director Concierge: Jordan Soban
Patient age: 66 years
Admission date: 09/07/2021
Admitted from: NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital
Discharge Date: 01/22/2022
Length of stay: 137 days
How did this patient hear about The Grand Pavilion? Hospital Social Worker
Reason for Stay: Chronic Osteomyelitis

Details of Experience:

Ms. Frances Thomas is a lively, 66-year-old woman who was first admitted to The Grand Pavilion for Rehabilitation and Nursing in the beginning of September from NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital. Ms. Thomas was admitted to the hospital for chronic osteomyelitis and an ankle fracture. As a result of her ankle fracture, Ms. Thomas’ ankle was enclosed in a cage. Upon discharge from the hospital, Ms. Thomas selected The Grand Pavilion to get her back on her feet.

Within 24 hours of arrival at The Grand Pavilion, Ms. Thomas was greeted by staff members from nearly every department, including nursing, physicians, therapists, and dieticians. Frances quickly adjusted to life on the 2 West unit and instantly became the life of the unit. Her physical therapist, Marvin, and her occupational therapist, Rebecca, worked together to develop a comprehensive therapy plan that would allow her to meet her goals. Ms. Thomas arrived at The Grand Pavilion requiring moderate assistance with mobility-related tasks and could not walk on the injured ankle, necessitating that she hops on one foot. She also required moderate levels of assistance with several Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

Frances had two phases to her therapy journey at The Grand Pavilion, one before removing her ankle stabilizer cage and one after. During phase one, occupational therapists worked on teaching her how to complete ADLs while working around the cage, while the physical therapists worked with her to teach her wheelchair mobility.

After removing the cage, Ms. Thomas began relearning how to safely weight-bare on her injured foot. The physical therapy team set goals for Frances that included being able to walk up to six steps of stairs and safely walking 100 feet. By the time of her discharge, Ms. Thomas had not only met that goal but surpassed it to walk more than 150 feet and ambulate up nine steps of stairs. The occupational therapists assisted her in reaching her goal of being able to complete ADLs with little to no assistance.

At the end of January, as a result of her progress, the staff at The Grand Pavilion determined that Frances would be able to return to the community safely. The social work department at The Grand Pavilion arranged for Frances to receive continued care at home from the VNS Home Care Agency. Upon discharge, Frances stated that while she greatly enjoyed her stay here, she was very excited to be going home and that she hoped the only time she’d be back was to visit.

The staff at The Grand Pavilion are thrilled that she made such significant progress during her stay here and will miss the laughter she brought to 2 West. We wish her a happy and healthy start to 2022!