At a time when high-quality senior services and healthcare reform are converging, The Wartburg, recently distinguished by U.S. News & World Report as one of New York State’s “Best Nursing Homes”‖ – will break ground on May 9th at 11 AM to construct a state-of-the-art Rehabilitation & Adult Day Center on their beautiful 34-acre Mount Vernon campus, that will include 50 bed in-patient rooms for short-term rehabilitation, and a significantly expanded adult day services center.

In describing this new facility, David J. Gentner, President and CEO of The Wartburg and Wartburg Foundation, said, “This increased emphasis on rehabilitative services will help more people return to their homes safely after an injury or illness. The spacious new Adult Day Center will provide day-to-day medical therapies and social programs so caregivers can work outside the home knowing that their loved ones are receiving health services, socialization and supervision.”

This will be the second major groundbreaking this year for The Wartburg. In January, the non-profit organization broke ground on the Friedrichs Residence, a 4-story building of 61 affordable senior apartments. These two new facilities are part of a $50 million capital repositioning plan being funded in part by a $27,590,000 grant award. In October of 2010, the New York State Department of Health announced that The Wartburg had won a Healthcare Efficiency and Affordability Law of New York (HEAL NY 20) grant.

Gentner added, “In the past 20 years, there has been significant change in the way senior healthcare services are delivered. Expectations have changed with a focus on hospitality and technology-supported clinical services. Our goal is to promote recovery and a return to independence for the residents, with the ultimate goal of returning home.‖ In addition, this facility is part of Wartburg’s vision for post-acute healthcare reform.  We are mindful of the trends and incentives to become better integrated with acute care providers and medical groups. This design will link quality and outcomes with value-based reimbursement, increasing our ability to partner with these providers.”

According to Ryan Herchenroether, the Wartburg’s Director of Planning, “Most Westchester County seniors, 79% according to a recent AARP survey, prefer to remain in the community of their choosing. Both components of this building will support seniors by allowing them remain independent for as long as possible.”

The May 9th groundbreaking program begins with a gathering at 11 AM in the historic Wartburg Chapel, and will then move outside for the ceremony, followed by remarks and refreshments back in the Chapel.