CENTRE- WEIS Radio was honored to welcome Penny Cochran and Michelle Marlow with Piedmont Healthcare and Duggar Mountain Specialty Care into the studio for a live interview on Wednesday, July 22.

You can hear the interview here:

Cochran, administrator of Piedmont Health Care Center, and Marlow, assistant administrator, joined WEIS Radio’s Merry Jerry Baker. They discussed the facility, ongoing improvements, and the many services available to area families.

The guests said renovations and updates are underway at the facility. In addition, new furnishings are helping create a more comfortable environment for residents.

Piedmont Health Care Center is a 91-bed facility. It offers inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and long-term care. Dugger Mountain Assisted Living is also located on the campus.

Cochran and Marlow said they enjoy getting to know the residents and learning from their experiences. The facility serves people from many different backgrounds across Northeast Alabama and Northwest Georgia.

They described the facility as a place where hometown employees care for hometown residents. Piedmont Health Care has more than 100 employees, and many staff members have spent decades working there. During the interview, the administrators cited employees with 25 years or more of service.

The facility also encourages employees to advance in their careers. Staff members can begin in departments such as dietary services before training as certified nursing assistants or medication assistants. Nursing scholarships are also available to help qualifying employees continue their education.

Cochran and Marlow acknowledged that placing a loved one in skilled nursing or long-term care can be difficult. Therefore, the admissions staff works closely with families throughout the process.

Short-term rehabilitation may involve Medicare or private insurance. Meanwhile, long-term care options include private payment or Medicaid. Staff members can help families understand the paperwork and determine which options may apply.

The administrators also discussed the pressure placed on relatives who provide full-time care at home. Although many families try to provide that care for as long as possible, a loved one may eventually need more attention than one person can safely provide.

“Caregiver fatigue is real,” they explained.

Piedmont Health Care provides skilled care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A team of trained employees shares the responsibility of meeting each resident’s needs.

That support can allow relatives to step away from the constant role of caregiver. As a result, they can once again focus on being a spouse, child, grandchild, or friend.

Cochran and Marlow said families do not need an appointment to tour the facility. Visitors are welcome to stop by and see employees and residents during a normal day.

“We want them to come and see us in action,” they said.

Families can also contact the facility before a planned surgery if short-term rehabilitation may be needed. The staff can help patients prepare for their stay and begin planning for recovery.

Piedmont Health Care is also seeking community volunteers. Opportunities include visiting with residents, sitting with them on the porch, playing bingo, singing, or helping with Sunday school activities.

Volunteers do not have to commit to a set schedule. Instead, the facility will work with the time and talents each person can offer.

Employment opportunities are also available. The administrators encouraged people interested in nursing and health care careers to apply and become part of the facility’s team. Openings may include nursing and other support positions.

Piedmont Health Care Center and Dugger Mountain Assisted Living are located at 30 Roundtree Circle in Piedmont. The campus offers a scenic view of Dugger Mountain.

For more information about services, tours, employment, or volunteer opportunities, call 256-447-8258.