Masonic Care Community receives Excellus funding for rehabilitation equipment

UTICA, N.Y. — The Masonic Care Community announced it has recently received sponsorship funding from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield to enhance its rehabilitation and fall-prevention activities for its residents in the Health Pavilion.

The organization will use the money for support and equipment to help residents regain their equilibrium and balance. The activities focus on decreasing instability that can contribute to potential fall risk, which also increases the safety and efficiency of staff.

“The ability to integrate balance and stability exercises into our rehabilitation and fall prevention programs is extremely important, especially when working with older adults,” Tamara Fontaine, administrator of the Masonic Care Community’s skilled-nursing facility, said in a press release. “We are incredibly grateful to Excellus BCBS for understanding the importance of this and assisting us in ensuring we can provide a quality rehabilitation program that focuses not only on treatment but also on safety and the prevention of fall-related injuries.”

The release did not disclose the amount of funding that the Masonic Care Community received from the health insurer.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield says it provides sponsorship funding for initiatives that align with the health plan’s mission to help people lead healthier and more secure lives through access to care.

“We are proud to partner with Masonic Care Community to support this vital program aimed at decreasing instability and increasing fall prevention for seniors,” Excellus Regional President Eve Van de Wal said in the release.

The Masonic Care Community is a nonprofit organization and provider of senior health-care services and living opportunities. It also provides rehabilitative services, home health care, and an onsite childcare center. The organization employs more than 700 people and provides care and housing for more than 500 seniors on its 440-acre campus.