Seacrest Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Little Egg Harbor on Wednesday announced the launch of a specialized Stroke Recovery Program, filling a critical gap in subacute care for the Ocean County region. The debut coincides with the center earning the prestigious Skilled Nursing Facility Stroke Rehabilitation Certification from the American Heart Association® (AHA).
The launch follows a multi-million-dollar modernization project at the facility, which culminated in a grand reopening this past fall. The new program is designed to meet rigorous, evidence-based standards for stroke survivors, providing a bridge between acute hospital stays and a return to home life.
The program is spearheaded by Dr. Chi M. Wu, a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) with over 30 years of experience. Under Wu’s direction, the multidisciplinary team focuses on a holistic recovery path, including:
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Physical Function: Restoring strength, endurance, and balance.
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Mobility & Spasticity: Managing pain and improving movement.
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Communication: Overcoming speech and cognitive deficits.
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ADL Training: Relearning daily tasks like cooking and dressing.
“Seacrest’s Stroke Recovery Program reflects its commitment to transformative skilled nursing services,” Kate Bauer, regional director of market development for Marquis Health Consulting Services said. “The AHA certification has armed the center with additional tools to ensure patients have the best opportunity for positive outcomes.”
The centerpiece of Seacrest’s recent renovation is The Promenade, a dedicated 51-bed subacute care wing designed specifically for progressive rehabilitation. The wing features:
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3,000-Square-Foot Gym: Equipped with state-of-the-art tech and a Smart Car simulator to help patients practice getting in and out of a vehicle.
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ADL Suite: A simulated home environment including a kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom to ensure patients are safe for discharge.
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Modern Amenities: Dedicated dining areas and a private patient and family lounge to support the emotional aspects of recovery.
With approximately 795,000 people in the U.S. experiencing a stroke each year, the AHA certification provides a vital framework for patients and families. It evaluates facilities on care coordination, clinical management, and patient education.
“Participation in this certification benefits the patient and the facility by standardizing care,” Pamela Duncan, volunteer chair of the AHA’s certification workgroup said. “It helps patients choose a facility that follows important best practices.”
Seacrest, located at 1001 Center Street, currently maintains a Five-Star Quality Measures rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The facility was also recently honored with the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award from the American Health Care Association.
