Tuesday, November 30, 2021

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights bridge over Housatonic River


Turnback Tuesday looks at the Housatonic River.

This photo is looking east down the 148-mile long river. The Derby-Shelton Bridge is in the background.

The original bridge linking the two towns together was built in 1839. The covered bridge seen in this photo was replaced in 1891.

The Ansonia, Derby, and Shelton part of the river is tidal. It is said that there is good fishing where the tidal waters meet the flow of the dam.


Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history.

Recuperation journey: Balancing act


Mornings with Stuart! Cell phone photo taken through the window.

Happy Tuesday! 

Bishop Wicke Health and Rehab in Shelton recognized as Best Nursing Home


SHELTON - United Methodist Homes of Shelton is proud to share that Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center is among the 13 percent of U.S. skilled nursing facilities that have been recognized as a Best Nursing Home for 2021-22 by U.S. News & World Report.  


The skilled care community earned Best Nursing Homes status by achieving a rating of “High Performing,” the highest possible rating, for both Short Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. 


The five-star rated facility also received its second consecutive deficiency-free annual survey this fall, which is a significant accomplishment. 

The nursing home inspection is a rigorous review process required for all nursing homes participating in Medicare and Medicaid and is regulated by State (Department of Health) and Federal authorities (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)). On average, skilled nursing facilities in CT receive 7 deficiencies per survey each year. Homes must be in substantial compliance with Medicare and Medicaid requirements, as well as state law.


United Methodist Homes President and CEO David Lawlor said, “We are extremely proud of our team at Bishop Wicke for upholding the highest standard of care through the most difficult times.  The extraordinary dedication and compassion of fantastic staff coupled with a 147-year organizational mission of service, and not profits, is a powerful combination!”


U.S. News gives the designation of Best Nursing Home only to those homes that satisfy U.S. News’s assessment of the appropriate use of key services and consistent performance in quality measures. The ratings include data on staffing, success in preventing ER visits and pneumonia vaccination rates, among other metrics. Out of 13,175 nursing homes that received a Long-Term Care Rating, 1,063 were designated as High-Performing. 

The Short-Term Care Rating incorporates measures of quality including consistency of registered nurse staffing, use of antipsychotic drugs and success in preventing falls. 

For 2021-22, 13,500 facilities received a Short-Term Rating, while only 1,651 homes earned a High-Performing Rating.


This year's methodology includes an emphasis on homes meeting certain standards of patient safety, which could limit a home’s ability to achieve a ‘High-Performing’ rating. These standards include a minimum threshold for the staff 

COVID-19 vaccination rate, among other criteria. Homes that have below a 75% COVID-19 staff vaccination rate are not considered a leading facility. 

A significant percentage of Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care programs that would otherwise have qualified as 'High-Performing' were downgraded at the time of publication.


About Wesley Village: Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Avenue in Shelton and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. The Wesley Village campus offers independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support, skilled nursing and short-term rehab. To learn more about Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or contact us at 203.225.5024. To become part of the Wesley Village team, visit our website at: https://www.umh.org/career-opportunities-at-umh.


About U.S. News and World Report: As nursing homes and facilities across the country continue to grapple with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. News report provides data-driven information and guidance to help residents, families and caregivers understand their long- and short-term care options. Now in its 12th year, the U.S. News Best Nursing Homes ratings and profiles offer comprehensive information about quality of care, COVID-19 vaccination requirements for residents and staff, flu and pneumonia vaccination rates, and infection control violations listed on the resident safety summary. 


Individuals can easily conduct customized research for a highly rated nursing home by location, size, and Medicare and Medicaid coverage. 

For more information behind both U.S. News ratings please refer to the FAQ.



This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.