Riverside Lifelong Health & Rehabilitation Smithfield

07/25/2025

Congratulations to our June 2025 Champions of Caring winner, Dana Cary! Below is the testimonial submitted for her nomination! Thank you for all you do, Dana!

“On Saturday, June 21, 2025, when Dana Cary got to work, she was told that the cook would be out. Upon hearing this information, she immediately went to the kitchen and started helping with breakfast. Dana formerly worked in the kitchen and knew what needed to be done and she did a great job. If not for Dana and the other kitchen crew the residents would have had cereal, milk and bananas for breakfast. After getting breakfast finished Dana went to catch up on her EVS duties. Thanks, Dana, for putting the residents first.”

07/25/2025

Congratulations to our May 2025 Champions of Caring winner, Rhonda Holland! Below is the testimonial submitted for her nomination! Thank you for all you do, Rhonda!

Rhonda was recognized by a family member for “truly [having] the heart to care for people…her patients feel her love for them. She frequently gives big hugs and tells her patients she loves them. She is the best! Her care for my mom was outstanding!”

07/25/2025

Congratulations to our April 2025 Champions of Caring winner, Phyllis Mihalic! Below is the testimonial submitted for her nomination! Thank you for all you do, Phyllis!

“Tonight, we had a few staffing issues - an agency nurse did not show up, and one of the CNAs were not at the building yet. This left only one nurse 7p-11p (an agency nurse who was having access issues), and one CNA, in a fully occupied building of 34 residents.
Our day shift nurses were not able to stay any longer. One of who had fancy dinner reservations at 9pm and had to go home to get ready. When our Director of AL got to the building, she saw that Phyllis had not left yet and had missed her dinner reservations, costing her $200. Phyllis said she didn't want to leave an agency nurse who had not worked in our building before by herself, especially with only one of the two CNAs in the building so far. She went above and beyond, without being asked, to ensure the residents were taken care of, our staff (including temporary staff) were supported, and never complained.”

P.S. Phyllis also just received her RN license - please show her some well-deserved congratulations and recognition for her achievements!

07/24/2025

Our Riverside Lifelong Health & Rehabilitation Smithfield Team had the exciting opportunity to tour the new hospital coming soon to Smithfield! 🏥✨
We got a firsthand look at the impressive facilities and innovative features that will soon be serving our community. It's inspiring to see the future of healthcare taking shape right here in our own backyard!

07/18/2025

07/11/2025

Shout out to some key people at Riverside Lifelong Health & Rehabilitation Smithfield: our Recreation team – Beth MacAdam, Stanley Holloway, and Lydia Dunkailo.

This week we celebrated National Therapeutic Recreation Week recognizing the staff who make the days fun and exciting, help residents make connections with others, provide lifelong learning opportunities, and meet individual recreational and activity needs of each resident.

They were asked,
If you had to describe your job in three words, what would they be?
Beth said, “Creative, Meaningful, Rewarding”
Stanley stated, “Fun, Exciting, and Enjoyable”
Lydia shared, “Fulfilling, Everchanging, Worthwhile”

How do you encourage residents who may be hesitant to participate?
“I tell them how much fun they can have if they come out” – Stanley

How do you tailor activities to meet different residents’ needs and interests?
“I learn about each residents’ interests, abilities, and backgrounds. I use assessments, conversations, and observations to plan diverse programs that suit different physical, cognitive, and social needs to make all residents feel included and engaged” – Beth

What is your favorite activity or program you’ve ever led here, and why?
“Penny Pitching. Residents really are engaged and competitive” – Lydia

Thank you to each of you, we are grateful you are part of our team and our residents’ lives!

07/02/2025

After 27 years of dedicated service, Alieen Jackson is retiring from her role as a full-time EVS Aid for Riverside. Throughout the years, she has gone above and beyond her duties, earning several awards for her compassion and care towards our residents. Her warm smile, and her unwavering commitment have made a lasting impact on everyone she has worked with. Whether ensuring the facility was clean or stepping in to help the kitchen staff during busy times, she was always ready to lend support wherever it was needed. Thank you for your years of dedication Alieen!

06/28/2025

🫘 Planting Day Fun! 🌿

Our residents had a blast planting butter beans in pots to kick off the summer season! With laughter, sunshine, and a little dirt, it was a joyful afternoon of hands-on fun. We can’t wait to watch them grow!

06/13/2025

We had the best time today! Our friends at the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church provided an ice cream truck (Smithfield Ice Cream Parlor) and our residents, staff, families, etc. are so thankful for such a wonderful treat! Thank you to the kindness you showed our facility today!

06/05/2025

Join us! 😎🍦

05/11/2025

🌷 Happy Mother’s Day to All the Incredible Moms in Our Community! 🌷
Today, we celebrate the beautiful, boundless love of motherhood in all its forms. At Riverside Lifelong Health and Rehabilitation Smithfield, we are proud to honor:
👵 Our beloved resident mothers, whose lives are filled with wisdom, warmth, and unforgettable stories.
👩‍⚕️ Our dedicated staff members who are mothers, balancing the care of their own families with the love they give to our residents every day.
👩‍👧‍👦 And the amazing daughters, daughters-in-law, and family members of our residents who are mothers themselves—continuing the legacy of love and care across generations.
To every mother connected to our community: thank you for your strength, your nurturing spirit, and the joy you bring into our lives. 💖
Wishing you all a peaceful, love-filled, and joyful Mother's Day!

05/09/2025

🌟 Celebrating National Speech-Language-Hearing Month! 🌟
This May, we proudly recognize Jacki Slaughter, our exceptional Speech-Language Pathologist in Rehabilitation Services for Senior Living. 🧠💬👵👴
Jacki plays a vital role in helping our senior residents maintain and regain their communication and swallowing abilities—skills that are essential for quality of life and independence. Her expertise, compassion, and dedication make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves every day.
Thank you, Jacki, for your unwavering commitment to empowering our residents through personalized care, patience, and heart. We are truly grateful for the impact you make!