Activities Director Stephanie Ruedisale recalls a patient who didn’t want to participate in an art activity she had prepared. “He had five kids,“ she remembered. Ruedisale, who is both kind and incredibly bubbly, worked her magic. “After the patient finished his first painting, he wanted to do four more so he could give one to each of his kids!”
At Marywood Nursing Care Center, providing excellent care for immediate medical needs is a given, and so is being aware of needs that may not be so obvious. “Some patients have friends who have passed away. Or their families have moved to another city. Sometimes residents have had their driver’s license taken away. Imagine not being able to just go to the grocery store anymore?” Ruedisale understands the various challenges that can affect a patient’s state of mind and does all she can to keep their spirits up.
Marywood Nursing Care Center, a 103bed short-term rehabilitation facility in Livonia, MI, began 33 years ago when two Felician Sisters saw a need for Catholic health care in the area. With nearly 150 admissions per month, the center is a busy hub of healing and hope nestled on the one-square-mile Felician campus that includes Madonna University, Angela Hospice, St. Mary Childcare Center, a Montessori Center, the Felician convent and Senior Clergy Village.
To the outside world, Marywood Nursing Care Center’s value is known by its FiveStar Centers for Medicare & Medicaid quality rating, its recognition by U.S. News and World Report as one of “America’s Best Nursing Homes” and the more than 80-year reputation of the Felician Sisters in the community. But to those within the Marywood walls — patients, families, and staff — the facility’s worth can only be measured by the language of the heart.
“Marywood cares for employees so that we in return can care for our patients. We feel needed and valued, and in return we value those that we are caring for.”
-Amy Berner, director of nursing, on how Felician Sisters have impacted the work environment
John Mimnaugh, CEO of Marywood, has worked there for more than 23 years and knows well the Felician motto “serve where you are needed.” Mimnaugh was in college studying nursing home administration when he applied for a job at Marywood. “I thought I was going to come in as an administrative intern,” he said, but the administrator placed him in the environmental services department. “I must admit, I kind of paused,” he recalled. Mimnaugh’s humility was stronger than his personal ambition, and he began his career where there was need — in housekeeping and laundry — before working his way up to lead the facility.
What Guides Staff to Excel?
It is the core Felician values of human dignity and compassion that shape this special environment and make Marywood stand out from other five-star nursing centers. A dedicated, personcentered approach, from a monthly resident council to activities tailored to individual likes and dislikes, is practiced by all staff who are taught to look at each patient as if they were their own parent or grandparent.
Christina Hall, director of Mission Integration and Spiritual Care empathized, “We have so many people come to us who are not their best selves. They are injured. They are ill. We respect them and see Christ in them.”
Ruedisale acknowledged the realities of seniors and the depression they may feel being in a nursing facility. “I encourage them to get out of their room and do something besides sit there and be in pain. I try to make their mind go elsewhere in a positive way.”
Mimnaugh added that little things like kneeling down to look up at a person in a wheelchair instead of standing over them can make a huge difference in relating to these vulnerable people. And he also said, “very often a patient will take your hand as you are talking to them. If you work anywhere else, how often are you going to have a moment like this to truly connect with another person?”
The Power of Faith to Comfort and Heal
A spiritual care team goes room to room on a daily basis, and the holy Eucharist is offered regularly. Being a Catholic facility is a big draw for many families. “Residents can have a sister visit and pray with them, they can go to the chapel and say the rosary or attend Mass. That’s a tremendous difference in Marywood versus a for-profit chain,” said Mimnaugh.
Hall agreed. “Seeing the sisters is very soothing for our patients. It helps them feel at home and comfortable.”
It’s not only patients and families that find comfort at Marywood. “We employ a lot of non-Catholic people, and often their experience with the sisters is limited. I appreciate being able to bridge the gap to bring the sisters and staff together.” Hall explained that the welcoming Marywood environment encourages employees to feel comfortable expressing their support and prayers for each other. “Here you can be your authentic self and live life fully in the Catholic charism.”
She remembers a specific employee whose son was in an accident and had an extended recovery period. “Being her son’s caretaker at home was very difficult for this employee, but when she came here to work, she said it was the most peaceful place in her life at that time. That’s what Felician ministries are all about — creating a safe and comforting place for people.”
71% of Marywood’s residents return home after discharge. Compare to 55.4% in Michigan and 53.7% nationally.
– U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
Perpetuating Success into the Future
Decreased vocations to religious life are forcing a trend toward lay people leading ministries. Mimnaugh compares this to carrying on the tradition and name of a family-run business. “Years ago, there would have been a Felician Sister in the role of executive director at each ministry, but through the years that has changed, and lay people are running ministries.”
Thankfully, the Felician spirit floods the lives of employees, making Marywood’s future certain.
“As lay people leading a Felician-sponsored ministry, we understand that we answer for a lot of other people, and ultimately we have the sisters’ reputation at stake,” Mimnaugh said, “and that’s a tremendous responsibility. And a privilege.”
Mimnaugh was raised in the Catholic faith and in the Felician way: committed to serving those in need. “I know the high expectations of the sisters. Marywood is different from other facilities.”
Hall’s role is key to Marywood’s future, too. “As the mission leader, I carry the torch of the Felician Sisters. I make sure our core values are truly instilled into everything we do.”
As Marywood continues to meet the physical and spiritual needs of patients, it remains committed to its Felician roots.
