Anna Norrell, marketing and admission coordinator for Ouachita County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, spoke Wednesday to the Camden Lions Club about the services her organization provides.
"Obviously we have long-term care, but in addition, there is our short-term care rehabilitation services," Norrell said. "We provide award-winning therapy backed by our therapy department. Let's say you have a fall and you have a break and post-surgical recovery. You go to your doctor and they say 'You're not getting around like you used to.' We offer inpatient and outpatient therapy."
Norrell also noted that ONRC was voted the #1 rehabilitation center in Ouachita County in the recent Camden News Reader Choice awards.
She said the long term care patients take part in activities like bingo, special meals and even a day of fishing at White Oak Lake.
"We have a lot of calls and questions 'Are you open? Do you allow visitors?' Yes, our visiting hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and so pretty much any time, it's wide open," she said.
She noted that ONRC is seeking community involvement with church groups and other organizations.
"Something really exciting that we did last year was a pep rally. We had Camden Fairview High School come out, they brought their band, cheerleaders, a few of the players. It was a big hit. The residents absolutely loved it.," she said.
Another example of community involvement is the SAU Tech cosmetology students who come and give makeovers to residents.
"This has been a great symbiotic relationship. They are coming in and getting the practice they need and it's giving our residents and elders a chance to get their hair done and nails done," she noted.