Follow Wurtland Nursing and Rehabilitation on Facebook! Click Here

To see a list of frequently asked questions please Click Here

Wurtland | Nursing & Rehabilitation

Latest News

Latest News

Lifelong Exercise Promotes Brain Health in Older Adults

January 13, 2025

Individuals who maintain a regimen of physical activity throughout their lives may prevent brain deterioration during middle and older adulthood. NIA researchers made the discovery by measuring cardiorespiratory fitness in 125 cognitively unimpaired adults, ranging in age from 22 to 94, and by examining their brains. Specifically, they assessed the white matter of the brain, which is composed of myelin, a fatty layer of insulation that surrounds neurons. The study suggests lifelong exercise could be a therapeutic strategy for promoting brain health and reducing the risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The findings were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Myelin, which tends to decrease as humans grow older, has two major functions: protect neurons from insults and harm such as toxic byproducts generated by the brain, and accelerate the communication between different neurons and regions of the brain. Other studies have shown aerobic exercise may preserve and enhance cerebral myelination throughout the adult lifespan, but how it worked remained unknown.

In this study, the research team tracked cardiovascular fitness levels by measuring maximum oxygen consumption. While running on a treadmill, participants breathed through a mask that was connected to equipment that monitored oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations. Oxygen consumption was calculated every 30 seconds. The highest value, termed VO2max, was expressed in milliliters per kilogram of body weight per minute (mL/kg/min). This method is considered the most accurate way to measure cardiovascular fitness.

To examine myelin content, the researchers used MRI to scan different regions of participants’ brains. They analyzed those images using mathematical and physics modeling to extract information on myelin content, called myelin water fraction. The participants were divided into four age groups: 22 to 39 years, 40 to 59 years, 60 to 79 years, and 80 to 94 years.

The scientists saw a strong correlation between cardiovascular fitness and myelin content, with even small improvements in VO2max leading to large boosts in myelin. Participants 40 and older experienced the greatest myelin increase, suggesting if young adults maintain good cardiovascular health throughout their lives, it will pay off later when they reach midlife and beyond by protecting their brain myelin.

The research suggests cardiovascular fitness may be crucial for the production and maintenance of myelin. The authors emphasize study participants were not professional athletes — just average people who exercised regularly — and that workout length and intensity were varied.

This research was supported by NIA grant ZIAAG000353.

To learn more, please visit https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39159379/.

Success Story: Cheryl Pilbeam

November 30, 2024

Wurtland Nursing and Rehabilitation, in partnership with Reliant Rehabilitation, is excited to share the inspiring journey of Cheryl Pilbeam!

After undergoing knee replacement surgery, Cheryl came to us for therapy and orthopedic aftercare. Her dedication is truly remarkable—Cheryl is often one of the first in the gym every morning, working hard to regain her strength and endurance. With her determination, she’s now ambulating on her own with a walker! Cheryl’s excitement to return home to her family is contagious, and we couldn’t be happier for her as she prepares for discharge. Congratulations, Cheryl! Your hard work and commitment are an inspiration to us all!

Wurtland Nursing & Rehabilitaiton Named Best of Kentucky in Nursing and Rehabilitation

November 27, 2024

Louisville, Ky. – On Thursday, November 21, the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities/Kentucky Center for Assisted Living/Kentucky Senior Living Association (KAHCF/KCAL/KSLA) recognized the top long-term care facilities in Kentucky at their quality awards banquet with the 2024 Best of Kentucky award. Wurtland Nursing and Rehabilitation was honored to be a part of this elite group of leaders in the industry.

“We are honored to recognize these deserving providers at the top of their class,” said Association President Adam Mather. “These providers have faced challenges with innovation and positivity and have gone above and beyond to ensure the best quality of life for their residents.”

The Best of Kentucky – Nursing and Rehabilitation honorees must possess a CMS star rating of four or higher to apply.

We graciously accepted the Best of Kentucky Award for Wurtland Nursing and Rehabilitation at the KAHCF Awards banquet on Nov. 21, 2024.  This prestigious award would not have been possible without the dedication and unwavering support and care of our amazing Care Team Members.  Our Care Team Members are the epitome of excellence and through their hearts we continue to provide exceptional healthcare.  I would also like to extend a sincere Thank You to the residents and families that have allowed Wurtland Nursing and Rehabilitation the opportunity to serve for all their healthcare needs.  

Long-term care and assisted living providers from across the state attended the Annual Meeting & Expo to celebrate 70 years of the Association. Participants furthered their knowledge of senior care with a variety of educational options including strategies to cope with stress on the job, hiring and retaining quality staff and regulatory issues. More than 100 vendors exhibited during the expo showcasing the latest innovations to provide quality care. 

About KAHCF/KCAL/KSLA
Established in 1954, the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities (KAHCF) is the trade association that represents the proprietary and nonproprietary nursing facilities and personal care homes across the Commonwealth. Kentucky Center for Assisted Living (KCAL) was established in 2018. Kentucky Senior Living Association, an Argentum affiliate, was founded in 1999 and joined KHACF/KCAL in a strategic partnership in 2024. One of the state affiliates of the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, KAHCF/KCAL provides a wide variety of services to member facilities including legislative and regulatory activities, professional development, statewide recognition programs, publications, media relations, research, and advocacy relations.

Success Story: Brenda Burkett

November 19, 2024

Wurtland Nursing and Rehabilitation, in partnership with Reliant Rehabilitation, is excited to share resident Brenda Burkett’s Success Story!

Brenda showed unwavering determination to regain her strength and endurance. Working closely with our dedicated therapy team, Brenda’s hard work and positivity lit up our community, spreading laughter and joy to everyone around her. We are thrilled to celebrate her remarkable progress as she prepares to return home! Congratulations, Brenda! Your strength and spirit inspire us all.

Success Story: Abby Sheffield

October 4, 2024

Wurtland Nursing and Rehabilitation, in partnership with Reliant Rehabilitation, is excited to share resident Abby Sheffield’s Success Story!

Abby Sheffield was admitted to Wurtland Nursing and Rehab after a hospitalization for a pulmonary embolism, respiratory failure, and COPD, leaving her very weak with low endurance. She began physical and occupational therapy with the goal of regaining her strength and stamina. Abby was especially motivated by her dream of moving to Florida, a goal she had set prior to becoming ill. Her determination drove her to put in consistent effort during her therapy sessions.

With the expert guidance of her therapy team, Abby made remarkable progress, gaining the ability to perform daily tasks and ambulate with modified independence! She is now well on her way to safely transitioning to her new life in Florida. Congratulations to Abby and her Care Team on their success!

Success Story: Lina Adams

September 20, 2024

Wurtland Nursing and Rehabilitation, in partnership with Reliant Rehabilitation, is excited to share resident Lina Adams’ Success Story!

Lina Adams has been a long-term resident at Wurtland Nursing and Rehab since 2021. Throughout her stay, she has been battling lymphedema, experiencing fluctuations in swelling and pain. Thanks to the dedicated support of the nursing and therapy teams, Lina has managed to keep her condition under control, regaining strength and maintaining her range of motion. She has also gained independence in her power chair, which allows her to socialize, enjoy the outdoors, and read her Bible. Her warm personality and love for being out of her room brighten everyone’s day at the community!

Success Story: Jack Adkins

August 23, 2024

Wurtland Nursing and Rehabilitation, in partnership with Reliant Rehabilitation, is excited to share resident Jack Adkins’ Success Story!

Jack Adkins, a long-term resident at Wurtland Nursing and Rehab, has faced significant challenges due to respiratory issues, congestive heart failure, and multiple shoulder surgeries that impacted his mobility and ability to perform daily activities. Despite experiencing a tremendous amount of pain and limited range of motion in his shoulder, Jack has worked diligently with the therapy staff. His determination has led to incredible progress in regaining mobility and independence! Congratulations to Jack and his Care Team on their great progress.

Success Story: Lee Cantrell

August 14, 2024

Wurtland Nursing and Rehabilitation, in partnership with Reliant Rehabilitation, is excited to share resident Lee Cantrell’s Success Story!

Lee Cantrell was admitted to Wurtland Nursing and Rehab following a stroke that resulted in dysphagia, poor balance, and mobility issues. Despite his young age, he quickly engaged in therapy with the support of his family, focusing on swallowing strategies and lower body strengthening to regain balance and mobility. Under the professional guidance of his therapy team, Lee has made significant progress! He is now able to walk up to 100 feet with assistance. As he continues with rehab, he is well on his way to regaining his prior function and returning home. Congratulations to Lee and his Care Team on their success!

Success Story: Chris Leadingham

June 24, 2024

Wurtland Nursing and Rehabilitation, in partnership with Reliant Rehabilitation, is excited to share resident Chris Leadingham’s Success Story!

Chris was admitted to Wurtland Nursing and Rehab for orthopedic aftercare following the amputation of his toes. He initially faced balance and endurance issues post-surgery. After working diligently with therapy and regaining his strength, Chris is now able to ambulate without any assistive device and is planning to discharge home! Congratulations to Chris and his Care Team on their success!

Success Story: Bessie McDowell

June 12, 2024

Wurtland Nursing and Rehabilitation is excited to share resident Bessie McDowell’s Success Story!

Bessie McDowell was admitted to Wurtland Nursing and Rehab with a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Upon admission, she was very weak and struggled with completing daily tasks and ambulation. While working with therapy from Reliant Rehabilitation, she has now regained her strength and function! She is engaged in many activities within the community and has progressed to being modified independent with all activities of daily living and mobility. Congratulations to Bessie and her Care Team on their success!