Nurse Practitioner Sees 'Best of the Best' at Sedgebrook-Radford Green
"I have never seen so many healthy people in their 90s!" said Diana Neubecker, MSN, RN, of residents at Sedgebrook senior living community in Lincolnshire, where the recent graduate of Loyola University's nurse practitioner program completed her clinical rotation in geriatrics.
An emergency nurse, Neubecker received her master's degree more than 20 years after earning a bachelor's in nursing. "These are definitely not the elderly people I'm used to seeing in the emergency department; everyone seemed so much younger than their stated age!"
This may be due in part to the fact that Sedgebrook has its own onsite, fully equipped medical office. Led by medical director Dr. Elliott Kroger, its complete team of professional staff, including two full-time physicians specializing in geriatrics, a nurse practitioner and several medical assistants, allows residents to have their primary care team where they live. "Immediate access to health care is something all retirement communities may benefit from," she said.
Alongside Dr. Kroger, Neubecker examined residents, assessed their needs and devised individual patient care plans for them. "A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice role," she explains.
Neubecker never worked exclusively with seniors prior to the four months she spent at the picturesque community last fall. "I thought this was just going to be another rotation. Not at all! These residents were some of the most active, independent elderly people I've ever met."
Other medical rotations in her master's program were internal medicine, emergency care, pain management, palliative care, and occupational health. Among them all, said Neubecker, her time at Sedgebrook was the most surprising.
"I would definitely consider specializing in senior care after this experience," said the Chicago native. In addition to active, healthy residents, Dr. Kroger was particularly inspiring to Neubecker. "He's a rock star!" she said, emphasizing the generous amount of time he spends with each patient, listening and answering their questions, addressing their needs and helping them make decisions.
"I have never worked in a more caring environment," said Neubecker, crediting the entire Sedgebrook-Radford Green staff for their willingness to tend to residents' every need and desire, no matter how minimal. "I was awestruck by everyone there; they go beyond the call, doing things that many would consider outside their realm of service."
Neubecker's praise is not limited to staff; she cites friendly, appreciative residents as well. "Caring for them was such a positive experience. Seniors are so grateful for the time we take listening to them and addressing their concerns."
Currently studying for her national board certification exams, Neubecker is not yet sure whether she will remain in emergency care or branch out into other areas of health care. What is certain, she said, is that her work at Sedgebrook was eye-opening and horizon-broadening. "I was challenged in many ways and learned a lot of new things. Being at Sedgebrook, I've seen the best of the best!"
Sedgebrook is a Life Plan Community offering a diverse lifestyle, maintenance-free living, and outstanding amenities. Five-star rated Radford Green Health Care and Rehabilitation is located on the 72-acre Sedgebrook campus in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Sedgebrook is a Senior Care Development, LLC affiliated community and managed by Life Care Services LLC®. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToSedgebrook.com or call 847-901-3319.