At Deer Lodge Centre, the dedication and passion of our staff are the driving forces behind the exceptional care we provide. One such individual who embodies this spirit is Jennifer Chorney, the manager of Lodge 4 Geriatric Assessment and Rehabilitation. With eight years of experience at Deer Lodge in various roles, from frontline occupational therapy to managing different programs, Jennifer has become a vital part of our team, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care on their journey to recovery.
Jennifer’s commitment extends beyond her role at the Centre. She is also a valued member of the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation Board of Directors. In this capacity, Jennifer helps raise awareness about the Centre’s mission and the critical programs we offer. Her involvement with the Foundation reflects her deep dedication to both the patients and the broader community we serve.
A Journey of Compassionate Care
Jennifer’s current role on Lodge 4 is both challenging and rewarding. The geriatric rehabilitation floor is where patients spend approximately four weeks receiving medical care and therapy. The patients Jennifer works with come from various backgrounds and face diverse challenges. Whether it’s someone recovering from a fall, a stroke, or a heart attack, or an individual struggling to regain independence in daily tasks, Jennifer and her team are there to support them every step of the way.
“We see patients who are going through some of the most difficult times in their lives,” Jennifer explains. “Our goal is to help them regain their mobility, their independence, and their confidence. It’s about getting them back to the life they want to live, even if that means adapting to new ways of doing things.”
A Team That Feels Like Family
The strength of Deer Lodge Centre lies not only in its programs but also in the people who work here. Jennifer is quick to highlight the incredible teamwork that makes her floor a place of healing and hope. “We have fantastic staff here at Deer Lodge,” she says with pride. “From nurses and doctors to allied health professionals, housekeepers, and maintenance crews, everyone plays a crucial role in the care we provide. It’s not just a job; it’s about making a difference in our patients’ lives.”
This commitment to teamwork and care extends beyond the walls of Deer Lodge Centre. Jennifer is also a dedicated volunteer, sitting as a Board Member with the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation, where she helps to raise awareness about the Centre’s programs and services.
“The Foundation does such a good job of helping the community see what is within these walls,” Jennifer says. “I wanted to be part of that, to help people in the community understand the incredible work we do here.”
Heartwarming Moments and Lifelong Lessons
Jennifer’s time at Deer Lodge has been filled with countless stories that highlight the impact of compassionate care. One story that stands out involves a patient who was told they would never walk again. “Our staff took the time to work with them, helping them understand their new reality and showing them the independence they could still have,” Jennifer recalls. “Now, that individual is back in the community, living life with their family. Those are the moments that make what we do worth it.”
For Jennifer, working at Deer Lodge is more than a career; it’s a calling. “It’s rewarding, it’s always changing, and it’s fun,” she says, summing up her experience in three words. “Every day brings something new, and I feel privileged to be part of a team that makes such a difference in people’s lives.”
Supporting the Mission of Deer Lodge Centre
As we continue to provide vital care to our community, we rely on the support of donors like you. Your contributions help us maintain and expand the programs that make Deer Lodge Centre a place of healing, hope, and transformation. By supporting the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation, you are not only helping us care for our current patients but also ensuring that we can continue to serve future generations.
Join us in making a difference. Together, we can help more people like the patients on Jennifer Chorney’s floor regain their independence and live their lives to the fullest.
Donate today to the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation and be a part of something truly special.