Mary Jane Fenton turned 100 years old on January 28, 2017. This is was a very special birthday as she celebrated it as a resident of ManorCare Health Services - Jersey Shore. This is particularly special because Mary Jane was the very first administrator of Leader Nursing Center, known today as ManorCare - Jersey Shore. Mary Janewas appointed the administrator by Governor George M. Leader on March 21, 1973. Mary Jane began her duties as administrator of the new nursing facility on May 1, 1973. It originally started as a 70 bed nursing center and has grown to a 120 bed short- and long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation center.

During the first few years of opening, 51% of the patients in the facility were from Jersey Shore and 19% of the patients were from the Lock Haven area. There was an average of a 98% occupancy rate. Mary Jane stated “those days were very fulfilling.”

Speaking of her time as Administrator, she said “we grew from the bottom up and had a lot of organizing to do. Governor Leader and his wife were very helpful in the process and Mrs. Leader personally did all of the decorating inside.”

Maureen Stabley, who is a current LPN at ManorCare - Jersey Shore was originally hired by Mary Jane as an LPN for Leader Nursing Center. Maureen stated “Mary Jane would sit in the patient’s room with the families during any difficult times if they wanted her to.”  

 

Read the story on Mary Jane and her friend Golda, who also turned 100, that ran in the local paper here. 

Patient Profile: 

After a serious accident, Kathleen was admitted to the hospital. She was was severely injured with several broken bones that required surgery. Post-surgery, Kathleen was unable to walk or transfer and was in need of rehabilitation and nursing care before returning home.

Post-acute Need:

Kathleen, 74, lives on her own and gardens extensively. She required physical and occupational therapy to help get her strong enough to transfer and walk on her own. She was in severe pain and had surgical incisions that required care.

Post-acute Stay:

At the center, the interdisciplinary team created a care plan to help Kathleen meet her goals. The nursing team helped Kathleen manager her pain and taught her about caring for her incisions. The therapy team helped Kathleen work on strengthening, balance and range of motion so she would feel confident returning home. The team did a home assessment to ensure Kathleen was confident in her ability to get around on her own.

Back to Active:

"When I first arrived I wasn't able to do much on my own. It was important to me to be able to get around independently since I was doing everything for myself before my accident. I am now stronger and more flexible and able to walk on my own safely." - Kathleen

Heartland-ManorCare skilled nursing centers provide a comprehensive regime of specialized rehabilitation services, each one designed to help you achieve your recovery goal.  Find a center near you to learn more about how a post-hospital stay can help you get back to active.