To My Family at Care Meridian,

  I’ve been gone a week and I miss all of you so much.  I miss my OT, PT, RT, ST, CNA’s, DVD, CD’s, ABC, CBS – I miss you all.  I am glad I’m home but I will never forget how all of you helped me so much to get through my success.  Terry, I use my horse blanket every night, it has snowed here twice since I’ve been here, and my slippers too.  I miss my girls who had to pull me up from the couch.  I miss all my nurses who cared so much for me.  I miss whistling and singing teacher “Sal”.  I miss my therapists which I call my “pushers” because if it wasn’t for them pushing me to do my exercises and walking I wouldn’t be as far as I am today.  I miss Jayson who is a wonderful cook and Maribel.  Whoever started Care Meridian did a good thing and the people who run it sure know how to hire the right people.  It’s amazing that every person who works there makes “you” feel special, they lift your spirits and keep you going.  I’m still on my diet plan to stay on it, it’s a lifestyle change and thanks to Mike for leading me in the right direction.  I’m still doing my weights and walking everyday.  I go to my sisters and I have to go up her stairs and I do it. 

 I love you all,

 Dianne

(Dianne Welshans is a former CareMeridian Oxnard patient.)

Dear Katherine and the entire Cowan Heights Treatment Team,

You all are such angels!  You took exceptional care of Mrs. Soria and her family.  Thank  you so much for including Mission Hospital’s Acute Rehabilitation Unit in her care, we are honored. Thank you for making me feel so welcome every time I come to visit all of you.  You make everyone who enters feel accepted, nurtured and safe. Look forward to seeing you all again soon. If I can ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to call.

Keep up the amazing work — it does not go unnoticed here or in Heaven!

Sincerely,  Jessica

(Jessica Elia, DPT, Rehab Liaison, Mission Hospital)

Dianne Welshans suffered from a pulmonary embolism in November 2010.  On life support,  with little hope for recovery, after a month at Kaiser Permanente Panorama City, she was sent to CareMeridian Oxnard. At CareMeridian, experienced staff weaned Diane off her ventilator and through intensive therapy not only got her back on her feet, but worked with her on diet and making healthy choices.  Diane returned home in February 2011 with a new lease on life.  With the clinical and emotional support of CareMeridian staff, she not only recovered, but lost 160 pounds.

“CareMeridian Oxnard’s sub-acute facility is, in my opinion, one of the finest I have ever seen and the care provided there for my sister  is nothing short of awesome.  Everyone is warm, friendly, caring and immediately responsive to her needs.  I do not know how the staff are able to respond so quickly to her needs, but it is nothing short of amazing.  I have complete confidence in their ability to properly care for her.  They are supporting her faith, beliefs and values as well as encouraging her spirit.  I have visited other facilities which were good clinically but cannot come close to matching the quality of care here.  The home-like atmosphere is uplifing and provides a sense of family.  As far as I am concerned, this facility and its staff are a gift from God to my sister.” - Rev. Donald Pederson, brother

Christopher Brocchini came to CareMeridian Fresno Weber from Fresno’s VA Hospital after suffering from respiratory failure as a result of cardiac arrest.

“I have received 100 percent excellent care here. The staff is friendly and helpful. The food’s really good. And, I have my own room. The guys at the VA’s respiratory unit saved my life and the people at CareMeridian are helping me put it back together.” — Christopher Brocchini

Michael VonBraun, veteran Army Major, was involved in a severe motor vehicle accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures. Initially in a coma, Michael was transferred from San Francisco’s VA Hospital to CareMeridian’s Fresno Weber facility.

“CareMeridian is possibly the best facility of its type. The staff is excellent. The care is personal. My recovery has been remarkable!” — Michael VonBraun

Adam Combs suffered a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 2008. He spent a month in a Bay-area hospital before being moved to a nearby convalescent facility where he grew weaker and sicker. He was then transferred to CareMeridian’s Fresno Marks facility.

“Adam was in a place where he was going to die. His wife and I reached out to staff at the Veterans Affairs Central California health facility and they told us about CareMeridian. There’s no doubt in my mind that this move saved his life.” — Bobby Swaggart, friend and brother in the Vietnam Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club

Sam Nichols suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of a roadside bomb in Iraq. He wasn’t expected to live and was ultimately transferred to CareMeridian’s Granite Bay facility.

“It’s been three years since his accident and he continues to make progress thanks to the people at CareMeridian. And, when I leave, I feel like I’m leaving him with people who care about him. I love that he’s in an actual home, but with experienced staff.” — Erin Nichols, wife

Dear Sheila,

I wish to express my gratitude to you for the work and service you and your staff at CareMeridian [Las Vegas] provide for my daughter everyday. I visit her at least once a week, and I have never seen her unhappy or unkempt. I know she is well cared for and attended to (someone really does great work with her hair). You have a fine group of people working there.

The new pediatric wing is wonderfully decorated and furnished. It is truly an impressive, comfortable place.

I struggled for a long time about having Mia in a care facility, as I think everyone would, but I am so pleased with the outcome here. Mia is happy when I show up to visit, and happy when I leave. I feel very lucky for her and the rest involved in her life that your facility is here, and that Mia has access to it. Your facility has made a vast improvement in Mia’s life, as well as my own.

Thank you, very much.

Don Rolfe