FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

Contact:  Kim Kloeckner

Administrator, Tendercare Health Center Birchwood

231-947-0506 or email kkloeckner@tendercare.net

 

 

Geriatric Psychiatric Program Closed

 

Traverse City , MI October 5, 2007— Tendercare Health Center Birchwood and the Michigan Department of Community Mental Health announced the closing of the Geriatric Psychiatric Unit effective October 1, 2007.

This program has been housed inside Tendercare Birchwood for over 30 years, providing nursing and specialized mental health services for clients 65 years or older.  “While it is sad to see some of the patients we have cared for over the years leave, Birchwood is very excited to have an opportunity to fit a new need in our community,” stated Kim Kloeckner, Administrator for Tendercare Birchwood. 

The few patients that remained in this program at the beginning of the year have been safely placed in general nursing home care throughout the state, and will continue to receive the care they need.  The closure in no way affects the Rehabilitation or Dementia units that Tendercare Birchwood has always had, and will continue to have. 

The space vacated by the Geriatric Psychiatric Program is now open in the facility and ready for renovations to meet the needs of Birchwood’s future.  Many options are being considered, but Tendercare is working to make sure that whatever program takes its place, will add value to the healthcare system in the Traverse City community.

Tendercare Birchwood is a two-time winner of the Governor’s Award for Quality, and is part of Tendercare ( Michigan ) Inc. - Michigan 's #1 provider of diversified skilled nursing and post-acute rehabilitation services.  Tendercare employs a strong team of professionals dedicated to developing new healthcare initiatives that support the company’s tradition of providing superior quality care to all residents.  Tendercare offers a broad continuum of healthcare and rehabilitation services including two other centers in the Grand Traverse area: Tendercare Traverse City and Tendercare Leelanau ( Suttons Bay ).  Visit Tendercare online at www.tendercare.net.  For further information, please contact Kim Kloeckner at 231-947-0506 or email kkloeckner@tendercare.net.

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