Following a hospital stay, Dorine Edwards needed rehabilitation and physical therapy to strengthen her arms and legs. She has severe arthritis in her legs and a hole in her spine. She chose to come to New Community Extended Care Facility for services. After two months and two weeks at the skilled nursing facility, Edwards was able to return home to New Community Commons Senior.

Edwards was familiar with Extended Care prior to entering the facility on March 27. She had been a patient at Extended Care in 2021 receiving similar rehabilitation and physical therapy. She had good experiences for both of her stays.

“It’s nice here,” she said. “I like everything.”

When University Hospital gave Edwards the choice of several places to receive rehabilitation and physical therapy, she chose Extended Care because of her past experience. Her doctor also worked on site.

Extended Care Administrator Veronica Onwunaka is thankful Edwards’ chose to return to the facility and knows she did so because of the care the staff provides.

“Ms. Dorine is an advocate for great care. She really sees the goodness and the kindness and the spirit of welcoming that the staff at Extended Care gives to all our residents,” Onwunaka said. “I am so grateful that she gave us the opportunity to serve her again.”

While her stay was relatively short, Edwards participated in activities, including a cookout and buffet lunch, which she enjoyed.

Edwards has been a New Community resident for nine years. She lives in an apartment at Commons Senior, 140 South Orange Ave., Newark. While she was happy to return home, Edwards said she was grateful for the services she received at Extended Care, particularly the physical therapy, which she continued after discharge.

“The people in there are very nice,” she said. “They had me stand and strengthen my arms. It was helpful.”