Franciscan Care Center at Brackenville 100 St. Claire Drive Hockessin, DE 19707 24 hours/7 days P-234-5420 F-234-5424

A mission to care

Because we're not-for-profit, our mission is perfectly clear: Taking care of your loved one, not taking care of a bottom line. It's a difference you can feel at our Franciscan Care Center. Led by spiritual values and a tradition of compassion, our hallmarks are a caring attitude, friendliness and cleanliness. No wonder our facilities are so well cared for. No wonder so many staff members stay for so many years. No wonder our residents feel such a spirit of warmth, security and home-like support, and their families feel such peace of mind. Does mission matter? At Franciscan Eldercare, we think it makes all the difference in the world.

A mission to heal

All the sophisticated medical care of St. Francis Hospital stands behind the excellent on-site care our residents receive. 24-hour professional and skilled nursing care is provided by experienced registered nurses, and customized to each resident's needs. An Individual Care Plan is created for every resident, carefully incorporating doctor's orders, medication needs, nutrition management, treatments and therapies, and personal preferences. Complex medical services include:

• Oxygen therapy
• Intravenous therapy
• Skin treatments
• Enteral feedings
• Wound and pain management
• Post surgical care
• Respiratory therapy

Restorative nursing, respite care and hospice care with ambulation assistance for those unable to walk are also available.

A mission to nourish

"I can't believe how much better she's eating." We hear this so often, and it's true - the right diet can make an amazing difference in the physical, mental and even emotional health of our residents. Residents who choose to have meals in a social setting are welcomed to our dining room. And for those who prefer in-room dining, three meals a day will be delivered. Each meal, and our afternoon and evening snacks, are created with an emphasis on taste, tempting variety and nutritional value. Menus can accommodate regular, modified and therapeutic diets, with meals carefully prepared to follow the diet prescribed by each resident's physician.

A mission to restore

For some, Franciscan Care Center is a temporary residence - a valuable transition between surgery, injury or illness and a return to life at home. Our rehabilitation services are designed to ease that transition and restore independence through physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, short term rehabilitation services, evaluations and family training.

A mission to inspire

We help and encourage our residents to be as active and involved as they wish in the life of our Franciscan Care Center community. Our wide range of activities to delight the mind, body, and soul include:

• Exercise classes
• Bingo and board games
• Arts and crafts
• Cooking
• Beauty salon
• Musical entertainment
• Daily church service (mass) twice a week, and clergy available at any time request
• Socials
• Room visits
• Holiday and special events
• Trips to the mall and movies
• Excursions to local Greek and Italian festivals

A special unit at Brackenville for Alzheimer's and related disorders

While residents with Alzheimer's experience a progressive loss of memory and thinking ability, they are often still strong, active and happiest when free to wander. Understanding these needs, we have created a special "Free Spirit" unit at our Brackenville facility, staffed by caregivers who specialize in Alzheimer's and related disorders. Close supervision and a carefully structured environment are provided, but residents are able to move about without restraint. Alarms ensure that our staff can track each resident's safety within the unit's generous interior space and outdoor patio. "Free Spirit" brings residents a quiet setting, a structured day, a sense of purpose, longed-for freedom and plenty of opportunities to fill useful roles.

Making hard choices easier

Finding an eldercare center for someone you love can be an emotional and challenging process. Our mission is to make that process easier for them and you. We're here to answer your questions, explain your options and earn your trust. And the best place to start is by seeing our compassionate care, quality attention and medical skill for yourself, at Franciscan Care Centers.