Subacute And Skilled Care - We meet the special needs of subacute and skilled level patients with physical, occupational, speech, and medical nutritional therapies, combined with 24-hour nursing care. Whether provided for several weeks or several months, our physician directed subacute and skilled health care services are designed to complement a hospital stay or, in many cases, be a substitute for hospitalization.

Traditional Care - NHC HealthCare, Fort Sanders provides consistent skilled nursing care to traditional care patients for support in their daily activities. Through our care, our patients are able to achieve and maintain the highest possible level of function in order to return home.

Physical Therapy - We offer a wide variety of therapy services because it plays a vital role in patients' rehabilitation programs. Our highly trained therapy team is dedicated to work with patients who have suffered a loss of function as a result of strokes, falls, hip fractures, accidents, back problems, arthritis, or other illnesses. We work with patients by helping restore muscle strength, balance and coordination, as well as managing pain and regaining mobility. In addition, our therapists provide training in use of orthotic, prosthetic, and other assistive devices. Our program is available 6 days a week.

Speech Therapy - Our speech services begin with initial screening for communication and swallowing disorders, continue with assessment and diagnosis then a personalized program of therapy is designed for each patient. Our Speech-Language Pathologist is certified in VitalStim - a FDA approved neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy to help treat patients with chewing and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). We help patients overcome communication disorders such as aphasia, dysarthria, and apraxia.

Occupational Therapy - NHC HealthCare, Fort Sanders' Occupational Therapists focus on helping patients regain as much independence as possible in activities of daily living. These activities include self-care skills and home-making skills. Our focus is placed on teaching the patient less strenuous ways to carry out daily activities, prescribing special equipment designed to make the patient more independent, and training upper extremity strengthening and coordination skills. Our Registered Occupational Therapist and Certified Occupational Assistants are trained and certified in modality therapy including electrical stimulation and thermal agent therapy. Occupational therapy is offered 6 days a week.

Respiratory Therapy - We are one of the area's only skilled nursing center to provide inhalation therapy by a full time Respiratory Therapist. These services include breathing treatments for COPD and CHF.

Dietary - Our Dietary department is committed to providing a fun and enjoyable dining experience along with meeting the nutritional needs of our patients. We employ both a full-time Registered Dietitian and a full-time Certified Dietary Manager who work together to enhance the medical capabilities of our patients while exceeding their satisfaction. We offer a Spring/Summer and a Fall/Winter menu cycle with available substitutions for patients who prefer a different option than what is intended on the regular menu. Guest trays are also available for purchase. The dietary department takes care to provide nourishing snacks upon request, and special meals for holidays, parties and events in order to provide the best dining experience possible.

Podiatry Care - Quarterly podiatrist visits can be arranged through our Social Services department. Patients simply fill out a consent form obtained from the receptionist and return the completed form to the Social Services director.

Vision Care - Vision exams can be arranged through our Social Services department.

Beauty/Barber Shop - Personal hair care services are available at the center by appointment.

Hospice Care - Hospice provides specialized care to our patients when their illnesses no longer respond to aggressive, cure-oriented treatments. We provide a special program of care that helps patients receive emotional and physical comfort. Hospice also provides education, support and counseling to the families and caregivers of patients.

Internet Access - We offer wireless internet service throughout our healthcare center. Specific logon information can be obtained at the center.

Cable TV - Each patient is provided a 32" flat screen high definition TV with free cable service.

Newspaper delivery and Telephone Services - are easily arranged.

Volunteer Program - We are proud of the outstanding contributions of individuals who volunteer in our community focusing on the individual needs of the patients.

Activities - Enhancing the rehabilitative process and improving the patient's physical, mental, and emotional health is the purpose of the center's patient activities. We offer a wide variety of choices in a group setting - crafts, exercise, courtyard visits, bingo, birthday parties, happy hour, trivia, sing-a-longs, movies, musical events as well as religious services in our dining room on Sundays at 2:00 pm.

Aside from the planned group activities, dayrooms are available for our patients to reserve for birthday parties and family gatherings.

Our in-room program is designed specifically for patients who cannot participate in the group activities. We strive to improve our patients' health and well-being.