Top Health Care Facilities Are the Deciding Factor
To say that the landscape of health care has changed recently is no exaggeration. In many areas of specialty, technology has made the once impossible now seem routine. But the economics of health care has also changed the landscape in many communities, creating winners and losers based on economic and fiscal factors (insurance, capital investments, consolidations) beyond most of our control. Communities with research-oriented hospitals and a high per capita income are doing well. Rural areas without a strong paying customer base are struggling. For companies and individuals, the presence of a range of health care providers, modern medical facilities and retirement communities is now in the quality-of-life box and is not an optional factor in making business or life choices. It is a must. And our community delivers.
The Harrisonburg-Rockingham area is fortunate to be in a good position when it comes to health care. Because of the regional draw of Harrisonburg as an economic and social center, the community is home to an exceptional hospital, several regional health centers and multiple well-respected assisted and independent living facilities.
One behind-the-scenes reason for the community’s standing in health care is strong tie to the higher education system. Blue Ridge Community College, Eastern Mennonite University and James Madison University each have highly respected nursing programs. Nursing students are provided with training, internships and employment opportunities while attending school. Many local students remain in the area after gaining a degree and a good number of out-of-town students decide to permanently relocate and stay in the community. Similarly, Sentara RMH Medical Center and many of the affiliated medical offices are not only seen as training centers for doctors and specialists, but also as career destinations with a great place to live and raise a family.
Medicinal Measures
Sentara RMH Medical Center
Seeing a need as the area grew, local leaders and residents came together to form Rockingham Memorial Hospital in 1912, a regional medical facility even then. Seeing the trend toward hospital systems, with the benefits of cooperation and shared support systems, Rockingham Memorial Hospital became part of the Sentara organization several years ago. This move occurred just after RMH moved from its original landlocked facilities near downtown to a sprawling new campus environment in the growing area off Port Republic Road east of Harrisonburg. Sentara RMH Medical added additional medical buildings on hospital property and has acquired new office space in Harrisonburg to continue expanding clinical and operating space at the hospital.
Sentara RMH Medical Center offers exceptional health care with services including behavioral health, emergency medical treatment, maternity, orthopedics, surgery, women’s health, neuroscience, digestive health, imaging, joint replacement, palliative care, respiratory and pulmonary, cancer, heart and vascular, and orthopedic and cardiac therapy and rehabilitation. The hospital has recently (July 2019) received its second Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and U.S. News and World Report has ranked the medical center as among the top in the state for gastroenterology, GI surgery, geriatrics and pulmonology. The hospital site also includes a helipad for Life Flight.
Harrisonburg Community Health Center
The Harrisonburg Community Health Center, a not-for-profit health care organization, has been providing affordable, quality primary health care services to the residents of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County since 2007. The health center operates at three locations, offering affordable health care to a wide range of individuals and families that would not otherwise have access to medical care. Services include primary care, dental, behavioral health, women’s health and prenatal care.
Regional Health care access
Regional Health Centers
Bridgewater Health Center is a cooperative venture between Sentara and Carillion Family Medicine providing lab and X-ray services as well as physical therapy. Sentara RMH Timber Way Health Center in Timberville also offers primary care, lab and X-ray services and rehabilitation services. Sentara East Rockingham Health Center has been around the longest and provides family medicine, health maintenance programs, treatment of minor illnesses and lab and X-ray services.
Harrisonburg-Rockingham Free Clinic
The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Free Clinic, conveniently located in Harrisonburg, provides medical care to low-income, uninsured adult residents. The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Free Clinic operates with a professional staff and is supported by more than 200 volunteers who provide all aspects of patient care. The clinic is also supported by Sentara RMH Health Center, United Way of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board, area businesses and others.
Retirement and Assisted Living
Bellaire at Stone Port
Bellaire at Stone Port is the most recent addition to Harrisonburg’s assisted living and memory care community. The facility was designed to “make living here feel like home” with a variety of services to make retirement life fulfilling. Bellaire at Stone Port offers senior assisted living and memory care in Harrisonburg, licensed nurses and resident rooms featuring electronic entry locks. The community is just off Port Republic Road and Stone Spring Road, near Sentara RMH Medical Center and two growing retail/business developments.
Bridgewater Retirement Community
Located in the Town of Bridgewater and adjacent to Bridgewater College, Bridgewater Retirement Community offers independent living, assisted living, health and wellness options, as well as memory support for its residents. Short-term rehab and respite care are also available. BRC, opened in 1965, continues to grow with the community, now offering multiple floor plans and updated amenities, including an on-site credit union and community meeting space.
Bridgewater Retirement Community’s newest independent living option is The Grove. This three-story building, part of a master plan of improvements, offers 34 apartments, featuring one- and two bedroom units with balconies and garage parking.
The Legacy at North Augusta
The Legacy at North Augusta in Staunton focuses on services and activities. The community’s floor plans consists of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment units. Assisted living and rehabilitation options are available. The Legacy also has short-term options for residents. The amenities include a bistro cafe, a fitness center, a game room, a putting green, a library, a salon/barber shop, an art and activities room, laundry facilities and 24/7 emergency and security system.
Sunnyside Communities
With a planned community feel, Sunnyside offers independent living and assisted living choices. The beautiful and scenic Harrisonburg campus, includes apartments, villas and cottages, allowing a choice of accommodations depending on life style and needs. Dinning, health and wellness activities, skilled nursing, therapy and memory support services are all available. Sunnyside is located just east of Harrisonburg and counts Massanetta Springs Conference Center and Lakeview Golf Course as its neighbors.
Sunnyside Communities, which is headquartered in Harrisonburg, has three distinguished Virginia retirement living communities and has been recognized for their innovative programming, best practices, and commitment to quality senior living care and support.
Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community
Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community in Harrisonburg, with a beautiful community setting, is adjacent to the serene Eastern Mennonite University’s campus. VMRC is a vibrant continuing care retirement community offering a full spectrum of living options, including independent living, assisted living, complete living care and memory support. VMRC is on the leading edge of housing trends for retirement, such as the Green House Homes, and the dining facilities incorporate local farm fresh foods in their meals. In order to provide a community-like atmosphere, VMRC has a wellness center, main street store and café, credit union, salon, bakery and library on-site. Residents and visitors also enjoy the Park Gables Gallery and annual juried art exhibits.
White Birch Communities
White Birch Communities provide a quality care residence community and devote energy to offering life enrichment opportunities and facilities that will stimulate social, emotional, and cognitive growth for the retired population.”