Exceptional Stories of Care: A Shining Endorsement for Concordia of Monroeville

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Sylvia Brunner came to the skilled nursing unit at Concordia of Monroeville in November of 2015. Six years before, she began to have memory issues, and for the last three years her husband Dave cared for her at home. She was experiencing frequent falls and, just before Thanksgiving, was hospitalized. It was then that the doctor told Dave to consider a senior care facility in Pittsburgh for her.

Dave serves on the Murrysville Medic One ambulance service board, and it was on the recommendation of the administrator, who works with a number of Pittsburgh nursing homes, that they decided on Concordia.

“We made the right choice for sure,” Dave said.

A month after Sylvia arrived, she was transferred to the personal care unit – and the family didn’t know what to expect.

“Sylvia is my best friend,” Dave said. “Of course we wanted the best for her.”

He believes the day-to-day treatment is great.

“I can tell you they attend to her skilled nursing and medical needs right away,” he said. “And if I’m not here for meals, they get her to the dining room.”

Dave, who lives just about four miles away, spends five days a week at the senior living community, so everyone knows him. He’s candid about the skill and expertise of those who work in activities.

“I know it isn’t an easy job,” he said. “But the nursing staff, led by Laura, and activities staff members Joan, Janice and Kelly, make a real difference.”

The couple, who have been married for over 47 years, met at Westinghouse, where they both worked. Sylvia was a secretary for the engineering manager and Dave retired after 30 years in the Controller office. They settled in Natrona Heights, where Sylvia grew up. Once their daughter Jill and son Ryan were born, Sylvia became a very active Mom.

“She was a neat freak about the house and could be a handyman, too,” said her husband, who at that time was working 10-hour days.

They moved to Murrysville when they were raising their children, and with the exception of a few years in Pensacola, FL, remained in the same area. Their son lives close in Plum Borough, and their daughter is in Mars, PA. They enjoy four granddaughters ranging in age from 16 to 5.

Dave underwent a hip replacement recently and chose to recover at Harmony Physical Rehabilitation, conveniently located on the same campus as Concordia of Monroeville. He has seen all aspects of care at the location and never hesitates to share his satisfaction.

“What I like about it too is the religious affiliation,” Dave noted. “There’s a real sense of balance with Pastor Dan (Strussenberg, Concordia Chaplain) as well as a Catholic priest and visits from Grace Baptist and the Church of God.”

From the staff in the business and finance office to the admissions personnel, activities department and direct caregivers, Dave can’t say enough about the senior care at Concordia of Monroeville.

“The bottom line is the kindness, the caring and the cleanliness shine through every day,” he said.

To learn more about our personal care services or any of our senior living communities in western PA and eastern OH, visit the Care Levels & Services or Home & Community Services pages of our website. For general information, call our administrative headquarters at 1-888-352-1571 or message us through our Contact Form.

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