Third wing set to open at nursing home

Just over a year after it opened, Custer Care and Rehab Center is set to have a third wing opened to welcome new residents.
The facility’s second wing, which opened in April, is full and has been full a  couple of times, but the third wing wasn’t quite ready for opening.
“Now, we’re ready,” Custer Care and Rehab Center administrator Madison Barta said. Barta said some remodeling had to be finished in the third wing as well as making sure there was enough staff in place.
The facility has always had a waiting list, from people who are still at home and aren’t quite ready to move into a nursing home but want the option available to referrals from hospitals across the state. Barta said Custer Care and Rehab reviews five to 10 referals a day for possible residents.
There are presently 26 residents at the facility, and the opening of the third wing will make room for nine more residents. When—not if—the fourth wing opens, the facility will have 44 spaces available. Barta said while the fourth will open, there is no timeline on it just yet.
The facility accepts Medicaid, and is still in the process of getting Medicare credentials. That process began over the summer.
“Things are going excellent,” Barta said. “We are very grateful for our residents and their families, the staff we have and the support from the community.”
Barta said the activites department at the facility has flourished as well, and there are employees and/or volunteers on hand over 12 hours a day, seven days a week, offering residents activities. Among those are bingo, morning exercises, game playing, a book club, a baking club, arts and crafts and painting with Cruisin’ Canvas. Getting together to watch movies on the large screen TV is a favorite of the residents, Barta said.
Barta added the facility will soon offer Certified Nursing Assistant and medical aide classes for those who are considering it as a career. Those interested can contact the facility.
“It’s a very rewarding career,” Barta said.
Barta heaped praise on the Custer Cares team, and said the support from the community along with buy-in from staff have made all the difference in making the facility such a success.
A member of that Custer Cares team, Mike Tennyson, said it’s exciting and rewarding to watch the progress at the facility.
“Opening a third wing is another milestone. I credit the hard work and dedication of our wonderful staff for our success,” he said. “I’m grateful to the mayor, council and community for their support helping us bring this critical asset back to life in our community.”