CrowneMobileHightowerNursing home care has changed dramatically over the years.

Patients require much more medical care. Facilities offer multiple services to better meet the needs in their community. The quality of health care and the quality of life continuously improve.

One Alabama lawmaker gained a better understanding of today’s nursing homes when he dropped by a south Alabama facility.

As part of National Nursing Home Week, Sen. Bill Hightower (R-Mobile) visited Crowne Health Care of Mobile to learn more about the services offered and the people receiving care.

During his tour, Sen. Hightower met residents who require alternative feeding methods, receive progressive wound care treatments and use advanced breathing techniques.

“We take care of people with very complex medical conditions,” Crowne Health Care of Mobile Administrator Amber Detamore said. “They require around the clock skilled nursing care. A facility like ours is the only place they can receive this level of care outside of a hospital.”

A walk through the memory care area showed Sen. Hightower the unique treatments used to care for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Nurses and staff in this area of the nursing home receive specialized education to help them better understand the needs of people who are often times unable to communicate.

“The compassion displayed by nursing home employees is truly amazing,” Alabama Nursing Home Association Executive Director Bill O’Connor said. “Alabama ranks high in quality care and customer satisfaction because of our skilled and caring workforce. It’s important that Sen. Hightower and other lawmakers see it in action.”

After touring Crowne Health Care of Mobile, Sen. Hightower spoke with Dr. John Dixon, the facility’s medical director, about the challenges of caring for aging Alabamians.

Sen. Hightower also made time to congratulate the newly announced Ms. Crowne Health Care of Mobile Dorothy Young. Ms. Young won the facility’s pageant on May 15. She’ll compete in the Ms. Alabama Nursing Home Pageant in Birmingham on July 28.

“I appreciate Sen. Hightower visiting and am glad he saw the balance we strive for. Nursing homes have to keep the atmosphere as enjoyable and home like as possible while meeting all of the medical needs,” Detamore added. “Visiting with elected officials and hosting a beauty pageant – on the same day – are just part of everyday life in a nursing home.”

About Crowne Health Care of Mobile:
Crowne Health Care of Mobile is a 174-bed skilled nursing facility and is licensed by the Alabama Department of Public Health. The facility offers therapy for people with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease along with physical, speech and occupational therapy and long term care. Amber Detamore is the Administrator and Linda Walker is the Director of Nursing.