JASPER — Countryside Health & Rehab of Newton County located in Jasper held an open house on Friday afternoon, May 16, to show off over $1 million in renovations and improvements recently completed to the facility. Countryside co-owners Mike and Mandy Hathorn were on hand to meet and greet visitors and help serve burgers and hotdogs grilled by staff of Cornerstone Bank in Harrison.
Countryside staff got to enjoy the picnic-like event even further by being allowed to wear casual clothing for the day. Bailey Norton, RN, facility administrator, had both of her hands full of paper plates of food. She was delivering them to folks inside the building, formerly known as the Newton County Nursing Home.
Tara Box and Mike Hathorn, lifelong residents of Northwest Arkansas and experienced in assisted living and nursing home management, became the owners in 2023 when the nursing home, built about two decades earlier, was facing potential closure, particularly after the impact of COVID-19 on its census.
The sale brought a commitment to enhance care, modernize the facility, and expand its services, including becoming Medicare certified and providing rehabilitation services. The open house was a celebration that the operation of the facility will continue.
There is a freshened atmosphere in the building as renovations were made from floor to ceiling. In addition, original cabinets, furnishings and equipment have all been replaced. The most important change visitors won't see is the state-of-the-art electronic charting system. Hathorn also said things were moved around to make the existing space more efficient so there was no need to add on to the building.
Countryside Health & Rehab of Newton County is a small facility with 70 beds and has for-profit, corporate ownership, and participates in both Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Hathorn noted the ownership continues to collaborate with the non-profit Newton County Healthcare Association, Inc., which formerly owned the nursing home. It meets the last Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Conference Room of Countryside Health & Rehab.
Norton said she began working at the Newton County Nursing Home in 2013. She then went to work at the Countryside facility in Harrison and transferred back to Jasper with the new ownership in 2023.
She said the family-like atmosphere hasn't changed since the early days when the nursing home was county-owned and then managed and operated by the Newton County Healthcare Association. She said after the dark days of the pandemic most of the 65-70 employees remained, demonstrating their continued dedication to Newton County and its residents.
Patients come from all over, Norton said. The census is at 41 and continues to grow. There is still a waiting list that has been carried over since the nursing home sale.
The selling point is that since it is a smaller facility, it is more like a real home. People get to know each other and become a part of each others' lives.
About the facility
Countryside Health & Rehab of Newton County offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to senior care in Jasper, Arkansas. This skilled nursing facility, also part of a larger assisted living network, ensures seamless transitions for residents needing varying levels of care.
At Countryside Health & Rehab, residents benefit from round-the-clock professional staffing, including registered nurses who administer medications and oversee daily health care needs. The facility boasts complimentary physician assistance to monitor residents' health, ensuring consistent and dedicated medical attention. Residents with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia receive specialized care in a secure environment tailored to their unique needs. This includes a thoughtfully designed atmosphere, additional staff trained in dementia care, and a secure building with courtyard access.
The facility also emphasizes the importance of daily living activities and offers extensive support with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and ambulation. The health care services are complemented by personal laundry and housekeeping, ensuring a clean and comfortable living environment for all residents.
Countryside Health & Rehab prides itself on offering a rich array of activities designed to engage and delight residents. From planned daily activities that encourage socialization and mental stimulation to enjoying the beautifully landscaped patios, residents have ample opportunities to stay active and engaged.
The living accommodations at Countryside Health & Rehab are designed to be both spacious and comfortable, featuring private rooms with walk-in showers, cable television, and Wi-Fi internet. The home-cooked meals are another highlight, offering three nutritious meals daily with additional snack options. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, ensuring residents feel at home while receiving the care they need. With its combination of dedicated health care, engaging activities, and comfortable living spaces, Countryside Health & Rehab of Newton County stands out as a premier choice for senior care in Jasper.
