Continuing Care

Spectrum Health Breaks Ground to Expand Rehab and Nursing Center

Spectrum Health will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking event on Tuesday, June 23, at 10 a.m. at its Rehab and Nursing Center at 4118 Kalamazoo Avenue in Grand Rapids. The facility, which was originally built in 1964, is being expanded and renovated to better serve patients.

“We are thrilled to be able to see this project get underway because of what it will mean for our patients,” said Chad Tuttle, president, Spectrum Health Continuing Care (SHCC). “The project will bring the latest in innovative design concepts to create an environment of healing for our rehab patients, while providing a home-like environment for our long-term residents.”

The Spectrum Health Rehab and Nursing Center serves 700 patients each year and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for brain injury and stroke, with its clinical outcomes exceeding national benchmarks.

“Our goal is to provide a high quality environment that supports healing and compassionate care,” said Christina Freese-Decker, president, Spectrum Health Hospital Group. “Spectrum Health is proud of the care provided to our current patients and residents. Because we are an integrated system, Spectrum Health is one of a few health systems that can provide the full continuum of care to serve the needs of our patients and their families.”  

The project includes a two-story addition of 122,600 square feet that will provide space for 165 patients. The addition is being constructed adjacent to the existing one-story building. Tuttle says that patient care will continue uninterrupted throughout the construction, which is expected to end in the summer of 2016.

The project is being designed by MKM Architecture and is being constructed by The Christman Company. Tuttle said that members of Spectrum Health’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) and staff members were consulted in the design of patient areas and amenities.

“We wanted to make sure that our facility reflects the high quality care and comforts our patients and their families expect and deserve,” he explained.

The new building will offer short-term rehabilitation services on the first floor and long term care on the second floor. The first floor will feature 77 beds, most in private rooms. The second floor will have 88 beds with the majority being in enhanced semi-private suites, along with private rooms. Each floor will be divided into four “households” with separate living areas. A large room on each floor will be used for meals and recreational activities. The renovation project also includes a fully equipped rehabilitation gym, private treatment rooms and a low stimulation area specifically suited to patients with neurological conditions.

Current services at the facility include:

  • Neuro rehabilitation
  • General rehabilitation
  • Short and long-term nursing care
  • Long-term care for aging adults
  • Art and music therapy

The Spectrum Health Rehab and Nursing Center also partners with organizations, such as the Grand Rapids Symphony, to bring important sensory and therapy experiences to its patients and residents.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system, based in West Michigan, offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which is comprised of 12 hospitals, including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; 180 ambulatory and service sites; 1,300 physicians and advanced practice providers, which include 1,100 members of the Spectrum Health Medical Group; and Priority Health, a health plan with more than 648,000 members. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer, with 22,600 employees. The organization provided $294.6 million in community benefit during its 2014 fiscal year. Spectrum Health is the only health system in Michigan to be named one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems® by Truven Health Analytics for 2015. This is the fourth time the organization has received this recognition. spectrumhealth.org