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Columbus Colony


http://www.columbuscolony.com/

 

Columbus Colony was nominated for patient centered care and active involvement with long-term care deaf and deaf & blind patients, outreach through training and associations through organizations that help the deaf and scholarship program, innovation through rehabilitation and electronic charting, and their partnership with their vendors

 

Facility Interview with Robert Griggs, Administrator and Lisa Kondas, Director of Nursing

 

Tells Us More About Columbus Colony

Columbus Colony is a 150 bed non-profit skilled nursing facility and rehabilitation center with a history dating back to 1892.  The present day location, 1150 Colony Drive, Westerville, Ohio was established in 1979.  This facility now has 190 employees serving the deaf, blind, and hearing elderly and those with health alterations.

 

What Is Something Special You Would Like Us To Know About Your Facility Or Your Staff?

Columbus Colony has amazing longevity of staff – their commitment is solid, the success is proven. The team at “CCEC” has strong values & convictions – and the perseverance to sustain them. As Larry Galluzzo says, “they’re good people”.   

  • Originally deaf and blind facility, now serving the hearing community.
  • Only nursing home in the US with the ability to handle the deaf, blind, and those with health alterations.
  • Accept admissions from all over the US.
  • All staff trained in sign language; Carry training with them where ever they may go in their career.

What Is Your Favorite Story Related To This Facility Or Your Staff?

Colorado Springs: The plane left Cols, Ohio at 6am. It was an above and beyond effort that the DON was dispatched to Colorado Springs to retrieve a deaf-blind resident from a facility where no sign language communication could be provided.  The goal was to bring the resident back to CCEC where staff specialize in the care of deaf-blind people with health alterations. This person was not only deaf and blind but also paralyzed from a stroke, wheelchair bound, and had just suffered a fall resulting in a fractured bone.  Some of the challenges that occurred were transfers on and off the planes, toileting and treating medical needs. Unforeseen layovers and storms resulted in long delays.  It was a relief when the plane finally landed at Port Columbus, safely, at MIDNIGHT! CCEC transportation was there to greet them. Our newest resident was safely admitted and officially a member of our community.

 

Awards And Commendations

  • 2010 March Hero of the Month from OHCA
  • Vicki Anderson for her years served (31 and counting),
  • Florence Mwangi LPN & Sylvia Guako Activities Director have received scholarships
  • Joi Melvin Social Worker has been recognized for her work with Hospice(s).
  • Sharon Walls to receive commendation for her years served (24 & counting)
  • Richard Huebner to receive the LeadingAge Board Member of Distinction
  • 2011 LeadingAge Ohio Foundation Nursing Scholarship to Mabinty Bundu
  • Mission Focus Award to Columbus Colony Elderly Care

Community Involvement

  • OSDAA’s Community Center to expose others to deaf culture and Columbus Colony hosts the Deaf Festival annually.
  • Visits to different schools and local sign classes to teach about deaf heritage.
  • “Open Door” policy for teacher/student visits.
  • CCEC serves as an educational host to two colleges for Nursing, STNA, and Interpreting programs.
  • Open door to BENHA’s Administrator-in-Training program for students seeking to be a future nursing home administrator.

 Columbus Colony

 

Photo

Caption:

CCEC Staff

 

Credit Line:

Columbus Colony Elderly Care: (standing L to R) Robert Griggs – Administrator, George Rutashongerwa – RN (sitting L to R)Linda Ford-Smith – Interpreter, Kathy Doan – LPN, Nancy Steigerwald – LPN

 

Date of Image: 8/12/11