Concierge Director: Yossi Mandelbaum
Patients Age: 71
Admission Date: 11/07/24
Admitted From: Mount Sinai Brooklyn
Discharge Date: 12/21/2024
Discharged To: Home
Length of Stay: 1 Month 2 Weeks
Reason for Stay: General strength and mobility improvement
How did this patient hear about The Chateau at Brooklyn Rehabilitation & Nursing Center? The patient’s Father and Mother were Rehab patients
Details of experience:
Barry is a seventy-seven-year-old man who came to the Chateau after a fall at home. He felt uneasy because he had never been in a nursing home, and not knowing anyone was another concern.
However, within minutes of his arrival, Barry felt the warm atmosphere at the Chateau. All of his previous concerns were washed away. From making new friends to creating relationships with the CNAs and always having positive energy i
On December 7, 2024, Jacqueline was admitted to The Chateau. Her story began a couple of days earlier when she started having difficulty breathing at home. Realizing that her condition wasn’t improving, she called an ambulance and was rushed to the hospital. Upon arrival, Jacqueline’s heart stopped, and she was given CPR. Fortunately, she was revived, but the doctors informed her that she had lost strength and mobility due to her heart stopping and would need rehab to regain her prior mobility and stability. Jacqueline remembered that both of her parents had stayed at a nursing home on Nostrand Avenue, so she researched. After learning that the name of the building on Nostrand Avenue was The Chateau, she reviewed the website and decided to transfer there. Upon arriving, Jacqueline was immediately struck by the bright and welcoming atmosphere. She was greeted by Yossi Mandelbaum, the Director of Concierge, who reviewed her stay and introduced her to the nursing team.
The following morning, Jacqueline met with the rehab team. She was impressed that they took the time to sit down with her and discuss her goals, struggles, and anything she wanted to share. Since her stay at the hospital, Jacqueline had concerns that she might never walk again. However, to her surprise, The Chateau made the impossible seem possible. Jacqueline said, “I was so surprised that they were able to help me stand up on the very first day I was here.” The rehab team focused on providing the highest quality of care and continuously encouraged Jacqueline, showing her that she could achieve her goals with effort and determination. Jacqueline recalled her physical therapists, Nadia and Melvin, who were incredibly well-versed and knowledgeable in their field. She also remembers Kawan, a powerhouse of energy who was always ready to help anyone and everyone. His constant encouragement and positive demeanor made a lasting impact, keeping her motivated and focused on her recovery. The rehab team’s personalized approach, support, and expertise set Jacqueline on a path to success.
While Jacqueline’s physical recovery was progressing well, she expected to be bored when she wasn’t in the gym. However, the recreation team had other plans for her. Brianna, who oversaw activities on the second floor, was incredibly amazing. She brought life to the floor with various activities and a bright, sunny presence. Guided by the Director of Recreation, Diane, and Assistant Director, Liz, the recreation team ensured there was something for everyone. Brianna’s energy made the room feel like it lit up with sunshine and rainbows whenever she entered. The constant support from the recreation team made Jacqueline’s time at The Chateau not only productive but also fun and engaging.
One highlight that stands explicitly out in Jacqueline’s mind was Art Therapy with Massa, where Jacqueline was able to express herself through painting. The therapeutic benefits of art became clear as Jacqueline found it relaxing and rejuvenating. In addition to the therapy and activities, Jacqueline was delighted by the live entertainment that made her feel like she was attending a fun party while recovering. The DJ was incredible,
playing a great mix of music that brought people together in celebration.
Jacqueline also profoundly appreciated the consistent support from the CNA team, including Ms. Rose, Stella, Andrea, and Ava, who always took the time to check on her, even when they weren’t officially assigned to her. Their warmth and attentiveness made a big difference in her experience at The Chateau.
Beyond the rehab and recreation teams, Jacqueline felt supported by the social work team, knowing that someone was always available to assist her whenever she had a question, concern, or anything else. A standout memory from her stay was the Chateau Christmas Lights event. In celebration of Christmas, The Chateau went all out by decorating the front yard and the entire building. The festive lights and signs created a cheerful atmosphere, and each floor was decorated with holiday spirit, making Jacqueline feel like part of a warm, close-knit community.
In Jacqueline’s final days at The Chateau, she was filled with blissful memories, from the amazing first impressions to the lively entertainment in the day room. She couldn’t help but feel deeply grateful for the care and support she received. The entire team at The Chateau made her feel at home, and she leaves with a heart full of warmth and optimism for the future. Here at The Chateau, we are incredibly happy for Jacqueline and look forward to hearing about her continued success.
n the building, Barry knew the Chateau was the correct decision.
One of the team members who had a tremendous impact on Barry’s journey was the Assistant Director of Recreation, Liz. Barry expressed that she always had so many fun and new activities each and every day. Every day was packed with excitement to keep the day moving. She truly is a gem, and in the words of Barry, “I always look forward to seeing and hearing what Liz has in store for us each and every day.” Barry compared The Chateau experience to the famous saying, “When you’re having fun, time flies.”
During Barry’s stay, he received rehab five days a week. During rehab, one of the machines that he would use was the bike. While Barry was trying his best, exercising on the bicycle was very difficult. After some discussion with the rehab team, Barry realized that even though the bike was difficult for him, it was exactly what he needed to flourish during his rehab journey. The bicycle got easier each day, and by the end of his stay, the bicycle was rather simple. With constant communication, encouragement, and care, Barry always looked forward to each and every session. Barry noted that things do get better. Every day is a day for improvement and progress. Moreover, Barry recognized that a crucial point to recovery is giving it 100%.
With this new mindset, Barry became more comfortable with his surroundings and began to see his improvement. As time went on, Barry truly understood that the beginning is always the hardest, but once you get the ball rolling, your progress picks up drastically. Like a snowball going down a mountain, at the beginning, the snowball is small and moves slowly, but with every roll, the ball gets bigger and faster. This is exactly what happens at the Chateau. You receive encouragement from rehab, knowledge from nursing, creativity, and fun from recreation, assistance from social work, and customer service from the Concierge. With all of this focus, it’s literally impossible not to improve.
As Barry was reflecting on his stay, he wanted to give a special thank you to Yossi Mandelbaum, the Director of Concierge. “Yossi always checked in on me and all the residents daily. He made sure that all my questions were answered and taken care of. Not only had that, but he always kept me updated with any news on any topic I asked about. He is the core here at the Chateau. You can visit him if you need anything, and all your questions/concerns will be resolved.’ Aside from the five-star customer service, Barry also wanted to thank the dietary team at the Chateau. The in-house chefs always make enjoyable meals for everyone. Knowing you are getting a nutritious and appetizing meal every single time is truly the cherry on top. At The Chateau, we cannot be happier for Barry and wish him all the best on his new journey.