Compassion is a cornerstone of the Bethesda Vision: Fostering Successful Aging through Compassion and Innovation. Without compassion, illnesses may be cured and wounds may be healed—but the human element will be absent. That is why compassion is always a part of the very essence of Bethesda.

A Home Away From Home

At Bethesda, compassion is evident in the staff’s attention to our residents’ nonphysical needs. At each Bethesda community, numerous events and activities take place to help residents maintain an active social life. In addition, holidays are celebrated, and family members and friends are always welcome. Therefore, family meeting areas are designed to be homelike, comforting and familiar.

Before Robin Light, a resident at Barnes-Jewish Extended Care, passed away, she and her family appreciated having a variety of places to sit and visit, each providing a change of scenery.

“We loved the dining room—they always decorate for the holidays—and we loved sitting outside in the beautiful courtyard,” said Robin’s sister, Hope Herndon.

Calming, Quiet Spaces in Long-Term Care

One of their favorite places at Barnes-Jewish Extended Care was the Reflection Room. Opened in late 2016, the Reflection Room was the brainchild of Pat Baker, who is now a chaplain at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. It is a serene, nondenominational space for residents and their families to gather, read, rest, and enjoy being with each other.

Quiet spaces are often overlooked in long-term care. There can be a great deal of loss and depression. Having places for families to gather, or for residents or staff to meditate and spend quiet time, is very important.

According to Hope, the Reflection Room offers a welcome island of solitude in an otherwise bustling skilled nursing community. “For family spending time here, it’s so important to have a variety of spaces to go to,” Hope said. “It made residents like Robin feel at home, especially being surrounded by friendly staff who knew her name and greeted her.”

Contact Bethesda for more information regarding the care and services offered at Barnes-Jewish Extended Care, or to schedule a tour.

With 133 years of experience, our non-profit has set the bar for quality and compassionate senior living in St. Louis. If you are considering assisted living, we encourage you to tour our communities, including Bethesda Hawthorne Place and Assisted Living at Charless Village. With our full spectrum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, rest assured that all of your care needs will be met by highly-trained nurses and aides.  
Life at Bethesda Skilled Nursing
Barnes-Jewish Extended Care quality of life resident life skilled nursing testimonial testimonials