Schoellkopf Health Center celebrates $1.5 million upgrade

The Schoellkopf Health Center today celebrated the completion of more than $1.5 million in upgrades to the 120-bed facility.

The facility's new look includes the renovation of all residential rooms as well as patient accommodations in its subacute care, short-term rehab and hospice units.

"Floors have been replaced, new room furnishings and window treatments have been purchased, all our lounge and dining areas have been upgraded and even our bathing and shower areas have been modernized," Schoellkopf Administrator John Durno said. "The entire facility has a more modern look and feel to it and our residents really appreciate the homelike atmosphere."

Located on the Memorial Medical Center campus, the Schoellkopf Health Center opened in January 1973 on the site of one of the hospital's original structures - the Louise Maternity Building.  It was the only nursing home in Western New York to feature private rooms for all its residents - an amenity its residents still enjoy.

Originally named the Niagara Falls Memorial Nursing Home, the facility was rededicated in 1994 as the Schoellkopf Health Center in recognition of the leadership and generosity of then Nursing Home Board Chairman Paul A. Schoellkopf.

The center overlooks historic Schoellkopf Park, which was fully restored to its original splendor in 2007 and later expanded along Walnut Avenue. The park's walkways, benches, period lighting and award-winning landscape design are highlighted by its landmark signature fountain.

More recently, the Schoellkopf Health Center renovated its Rooker Rehabilitation Unit and opened David's Path, a dedicated hospice unit that operates in collaboration with Niagara Hospice.

"We are extremely pleased with the results of this comprehensive upgrade project," Memorial Medical Center President and CEO Joseph A. Ruffolo said. "It's an effort that will continue to ensure Schoellkopf patients and residents the comfort, dignity and respect that come from having private rooms in a modern, attractive facility."