Gary George is not your everyday, run-of-the-mill nursing home resident. But then, SunBridge Care and Rehabilitation for Glenville (W.Va.) is not your everyday, run-of-the-mill nursing home.
      Gary is an avid outdoorsman who has always enjoyed hunting and fishing. While deer hunting in November 2000, he fell from a tree stand. After two weeks in the hospital, he transferred to West Virginia Rehabilitation Institute. The rehab center became his home for eight months while he adjusted to his new life as a paraplegic. Only 47 years old, Gary did not let his injuries stop him or alter his lust for life.
       After returning home, Gary developed pressure ulcers that eventually required surgery. Then he came to SunBridge for Glenville. Feb. 1, 2003, marked his one year anniversary with us.
       Gary says the nurses, CNAs and everyone at our facility are really good to him. “I would not get as good care anywhere else,” he said.
       The affection is mutual. Gary is always pleasant and our staff looks forward to seeing him every day.
      Gary is an inspiration to our other residents as well. He is always there to help with anything from playing bingo to adjusting television sets.
       A visit to Gary’s room leaves no doubt about his love of animals. The walls are adorned with mounted trophies: a deer head, two deer racks, a nine-pound large-mouth black bass, and a beautiful turkey tail he mounted himself. He helps feed the birds and deer so we all can enjoy watching the wildlife in our yard; the turkeys that visit provide their own form of entertainment for everyone.
       Knowing Gary’s love of hunting and fishing, our staff has included him on their own outdoor adventures. CNA Hazel Donaldson’s husband also loves to hunt and took Gary with him several times during the past hunting season. Gary was proud of “his best hunting season ever,” with four deer, including two “button” bucks. During the summer, Gary joined fisherman Eric Williams, maintenance director, and caught some “good size” fish. Eric cooked them at home and brought them to share with residents.
       Our story is what quality nursing home care is all about. For staff, it is more than passing medications and washing linens. For residents, it is more than sitting by a window and watching the world go by. It is all about life and caring, helping each other make the most of every day, and making a home for all of us.