By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – A new wing at a LaPlace nursing home offers more space for patients who are undergoing rehabilitation that will help them return to living on their own.

Twin Oaks Nursing and Convalescent home recently opened the Royal Oaks Rehab-to-Home Program, which operates out of a separate building connected to the home.

“Twin Oaks recently acquired the old LaPlace Rehabilitation Center, which is right behind the nursing home and connected to the existing facility,” said Twin Oaks Admissions Director Laurie Trosclair. “It is still a part of the Twin Oaks operation, but patients who come here have separate dorm rooms and a separate dining area all their own.”

Trosclair said the facility is designed for patients who require physical, occupational or neurological rehabilitation in an effort to get them back on their own. She said Twin Oaks has always offered the program, but it was within the confines of the nursing home operation.

“The new wing gives us more space to cater to more patients,” Trosclair said. “We find it is easier for family members to encourage their loved ones who need help to get that help.”

Dr. John Tibayan, a specialist for Royal Oaks, said the facility offers orthopedic therapy, speech therapy and knee replacement rehab. He said rehab specialists are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, which is unique in the area.

“This is the only operation of its kind in St. John Parish,” Tibayan said. “Our patients really appreciate that we are always available when they need us.”

Trosclair said the facility opened about two months ago and has space for about 30 patients. She said the facility is currently serving about 18 patients. Tibayan added that the 24/7 rehab access makes stay times fairly short.

“Depending on the injury or ailment, the stay could be as short as six to eight weeks, or as long as 100 days,” Tibayan said. “We do our best to get them going as quickly as possible.”