Press Release Mar. 27, 2007

More than 200 Attend Elant Appreciation Breakfast.

State-of-the-Art Rehabilitation Equipment to Debut

(Newburgh, N.Y.) - More than 200 people attended a recent breakfast honoring New York State Senator William J. Larkin, Jr., Empire State Bank President Anthony Costa and other community leaders who have generously supported the ongoing Renewing Elant at Newburgh campaign.

  The event marked the debut of a new video that was developed to tell the story about the Renewing Elant at Newburgh campaign. The project involves an ongoing community effort to revitalize the Elant at Newburgh nursing home campus through a series of capital improvements and equipment purchases. Community volunteers are enthusiastically committed to raising funds and awareness about the program, which has resulted in the renovation of common areas, the front lobby, resident rooms and the purchase of electric beds so far.

  "We are encouraging the community to get involved in this exciting campaign any way they can," said architect Joe Minuta, who was honored at the event for his in-kind donations of architectural plans and renderings for the project. "This is an important project, one that is near to my heart, and providing designs for it was a labor of love. It's important for us all to give back."

  Donna Cornell, Chair of the Committee enthusiastically appealed to the breakfast crowd, "Consider volunteering, making in-kind contributions or simply reaching into your pockets to make a donation. We are looking to the community to lend a hand and make a difference. Help us spread the word about this exciting project."

  The breakfast also featured testimonials from the family members of several Elant residents who shared stories about the high quality of care their loved ones receive at Elant campuses.

  Committee member Michael J. Kirtio expressed his gratitude for the high quality care that his mother received while residing at Elant at Newburgh. "We were truly touched by the level of caring and commitment that the staff of Elant at Newburgh demonstrated during my mother's stay at the home," Kirtio said.

  Also showcased at the event was a unique piece of equipment known as a car simulator that helps patients undergoing rehabilitation to regain the ability to get in and out of vehicles. The Elant at Newburgh nursing home is the only facility in the region utilizing this state-of-the-art device in its rehabilitation program.

  "The car simulator helps our residents be more mobile," said Cheryl Dorn, Vice President/Executive Director of Elant at Newburgh. "Now, when residents have to go out, we are able to help them successfully maneuver the rigors of entering and exiting cars and vans. This increases their dignity and safety," said Dorn.


  Future plans for the project include reconstruction of the home's front courtyard, dementia unit renovations, spa-like bathing rooms, resident room renovations and the purchase of additional electric beds for residents.

  The breakfast was sponsored by Jim and Eileen Taylor, who were honored at the event for their ongoing contributions to the renewal campaign.

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Elant, Inc., a community-based, not-for-profit organization, is a leading provider of services for older adults and chronically ill people of all ages. Elant has grown from a 120-bed nursing home established in 1985, to a comprehensive system of organizations that provide a full range of health and housing services to the mid-Hudson Valley and beyond. On any given day, Elant serves more than 2,500 people through our network of communities, home care agencies and services. Elant's mission is to provide personalized, high quality care and lifestyle options to persons of diverse generations, cultures and needs.