Soft music quietly emanates from the baby grand piano as sunlight filters through the high windows. A group of friends cheer each other on in a friendly match on Wii. In the kitchen, the chef is preparing the evening’s meal, and the wellness treatments and wine and cheese social will begin shortly. No, this isn’t a luxurious spa resort. It’s Avante at Ocala, this area’s newest and most talked about healthcare facility.
Avante is not what one might expect when visiting a nursing and rehabilitation center. The mood is tranquil and the décor is stylish, with no white walls and an ambiance that is anything but sterile. Cathy Dickmann, professional design consultant, demonstrated all her professional talents and skills in coordinating the incredible 39,000 square-foot facility. The result is a top-notch medical facility that could rival any five-star hotel’s amenities. The soothing colors, rich wood tones, and bright atmosphere are enough to make any patient feel at home.
According to Administrator Bob Mondrone, Avante’s 20 facilities in Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia are “leading the industry into a new direction for rehabilitative and nursing services.”
“Our unique home-like environment truly helps heal the mind, body, and spirit,” adds Marc Lichtman, corporate director of business development and marketing. “We embrace the entire person’s needs, not just their ailments. It truly is a place to serve, to care, and to heal.”
Specializing in long- and short-term convalescent and rehabilitative care, the compassionate staff at Avante is committed to providing the highest standard of care, support, and comfort to all the residents. And with a full-time, dedicated nursing and professional staff, Avante can care for a variety of patients.
Residents requiring physical, occupational, speech, or respiratory therapy don’t need to travel to an outside facility. At Avante, the therapists are all on staff. The 105-bed facility also offers cardiac and stroke recovery programs, post-acute care, and wound and respite care, and is the only facility in Marion County to offer ventilator/tracheotomy management and weaning.
“Our goal is to keep people at their highest level mentally, physically, and socially,” says Dean Dickmann, President/CEO and visionary leader of the Avante Group. As President, Dean oversees the multi-state organization and its thousands of beds and 3,500-plus employees.
“Our mission is to improve the quality of life for our esteemed residents, our colleagues, and our communities by exceeding expectations one individual at a time,” he says. “It’s like a home for beginning again–the residents grow and flourish as individuals.”
“And there’s plenty to do here,” Bob adds with a smile. “There are so many opportunities to stay active and engaged. We really encourage socialization and physical fitness.”
And the staff at Avante goes above and beyond to keep their residents connected to family and friends throughout the country. The Avante Broadcasting System is a unique way to “spend time” with loved ones across the miles. Utilizing a computerized video network, residents can video-visit with grandchildren in college or even share in the fun of a family birthday party. The system will also offer residents a variety of entertainment options, including movies that can be viewed either in the privacy of a resident’s room or in the well-appointed living room or lounges.
Other activities include crafts, a men’s and women’s club, socials, theater nights, exercise classes, and Wii games, just to name a few.
Of course of the utmost importance is the safety and medical well-being of each and every patient 24 hours a day, seven days a week—whether they are at Avante short- or long-term.
“In addition to the high-end clinical care that we offer, we also consider our staff to be very caring,” says Director of Nursing Cherlyn Deleonabreu. “We provide individualized planning and attention to detail. What works for one patient may not work for another.” One of the greatest rewards for Cherlyn is when a resident is well enough to return home.”It’s such a mix of emotion,” she says. “It’s what we strived for, but we’ll miss them just the same. To hear a resident say ‘I’m going to miss you; you took such good care of me’ is so rewarding.”
According to Marc, Dean has created “one of the finest long-term care organizations in the country.” The Avante President/CEO has even spent time discussing long-term care with Governor Charlie Crist and is now embarking on a special project in guest relations throughout the Avante system.
“We have to learn from the hospitality industry the importance of our residents who are our guests,” Dean says. “That includes focusing on everyone who directly or indirectly interacts with them by providing specialized training. Yes, it will be a culture change for many but a remarkable environment anyone would be proud to be affiliated or working with.”
Avante At Ocala
2021 SW 1st Avenue
Ocala, FL34474
(352) 732-0042
Personalized tours available!
Grand Opening Celebration
February 17
Open to the public—please RSVP in advance
