For many people, entering a skilled nursing facility can feel overwhelming. At Brodie Ranch Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Austin, staff members create an environment that is welcoming, supportive and focused on helping residents maintain their independence and quality of life.
From specialized wound care and rehabilitation services to group activities and outings into the community, the facility’s approach centers on personalized care and meaningful connections.
Comprehensive care and specialized services
Brodie Ranch staffs certified nursing assistants, a charge nurse, medication aides and specialized treatment nurses to support a wide range of medical and rehabilitation needs.
“We’re always looking for team members that really care and want to serve this population,” Executive Director Ross Bradfield said. “We ask, ‘How well are they responding to residents? Are they going above and beyond? Are they taking care of them like they’re their own family member?’”
The facility currently serves residents ranging in age from their 20s to over 100 years old. It offers physical, occupational and speech therapy services, and staff members encourage residents to participate in activities and social events throughout the day.
The facility also partners with physicians and mental health professionals to provide additional support for residents, including wound care and psychiatric services. Furthermore, staff members work closely with residents and families to evaluate treatment plans and reduce unnecessary medications.
Navigating the intake and admissions process
Entering a skilled nursing facility requires careful planning. The team at Brodie Ranch works to make the transition smooth for families.
An admissions team member coordinates closely with hospital discharge planners, physicians and families to evaluate each resident's specific medical needs prior to arrival.
To help families navigate the financial aspects of care, the facility provides guidance on coverage options, including Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance.
Focusing on quality of life and emotional well-being
Emotional support plays a major role in the recovery process.
“If residents are unhappy, they’re not going to want to participate,” Bradfield said. “We create a positive atmosphere here.”
Residents are encouraged to stay active through activities such as bingo, balloon volleyball, group events and dining room gatherings. The facility has also expanded its activities program with a new activities director.
Brodie Ranch is acquiring a larger transportation vehicle in the coming weeks to help residents maintain a connection to their community. The larger vehicle will allow groups to participate in community outings, such as shopping trips, park visits and seeing movies.
The administrator shared an example of a resident who arrived withdrawn and minimally communicative, but gradually became more social and engaged after staff adjusted his care plan and encouraged more interaction. Bradfield said the resident now regularly spends time socializing with staff and other residents, something his family had not seen in years.
Looking toward the future
As the facility continues to grow, Bradfield said they are focused not only on resident care, but also on creating a positive workplace culture for employees. The facility currently has two beds available and is hiring nurses and certified nursing assistants.
Bradfield said the long-term goal is to make Brodie Ranch a place where both residents and staff feel supported, valued and connected.
Click here to learn more about the facility, or to contact the team today.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
