Saint John Paul II Center
33 Lincoln Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810-7963
Awards and Affiliations
Saint John Paul II Center, a proud member of the community for nearly 30 years, is a 141-bed skilled nursing facility offering several specialized units. We offer a short-term rehabilitation unit to serve those that need rehabilitation services following a hospitalization, a designated dementia unit and a general long-term unit for residents with long-term care needs. We also provide physical, occupational and speech therapy within each of our specialties.
The trade name Saint John Paul II is a trade name owned by and used under license from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport or its affiliates. Use of such trade name does not imply any affiliation with, or ownership, operation or endorsement by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport or its affiliates.
Dementia Care Education by Genesis HealthCare is recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association® for incorporating the evidenced-based Dementia Care Practice Recommendations in the following topic areas: Alzheimer’s and dementia, person-centered care, assessment and care planning, activities of daily living, and behaviors and communication.
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Services
- ShortStay care
- LongTerm care
- Memory Support
- Respite care
- Palliative care
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Orthopedic Rehabilitation - including joint replacement, injuries and amputation
- On-site Nurse Practitioner
- Attending Physicians
- Registered Nurses
- IV Therapy
- Audiology care
- Bariatric specialties
- Colostomy care
- Dementia care
- Dental care
- Personal care
- Pet therapy
- Podiatry care
- Psychiatric services
- Vision care
- Wound care
- X-ray
- Hospice care
- Pain management
- Case management
- Dietary and nutrition needs management
- Discharge planning
- Individual treatment plans
- Heparin therapy
- Medication management
- Coordinated transportation
- Cultural, educational, religious and social activities
- Recreation activities
- Interpreter services
Amenities
- Private and Semi-Private Rooms
- Spacious rooms
- Private bathroom
- Fully air conditioned
- Individual climate control
- Activity room
- Sunroom
- Beautiful Garden(s) / Courtyard(s)
- Conveniently Located
- Scenic views
- Suburban setting
- Beauty Salon / Barber Services
- Cable Television
- Chapel
- Comfortable common and lounge areas to gather with friends and family
- Dining Room
- In-room dining options
- Private dining rooms for family gatherings
- Alarm system to aid in the security of residents with cognitive deficits
- Complimentary laundry facility on-site
- Computer with internet access
- Housekeeping
- Laundry facility on-site
- Mail and Newspaper Service
- Pharmaceutical delivery service
- Telephone
- Wireless Internet
- Gift/convenience shop
- Smoke free environment
Asif Aleem
AdministratorAsif has been working in health care for 23 years with experience in clinical, medical research, public health, and long-term healthcare management in Pakistan and the United States. He is committed to consistent quality improvement endeavors and regulatory compliance. As a member of various professional organizations, he stays up-to-date with the quality care activities in long and short-term care. Asif's philosophy of healthcare is to strive for the best possible care for residents and be responsive to their needs, concerns, and preferences. He strives for perfection and wants SJP Center to shine and provide excellent care to all residents. Asif has a medical degree from King Edward Medical University Pakistan, a Master’s degree in Public Health from DePaul University Chicago, and Long Term Health Care Management Certification from the University of Connecticut.
Dr. Robin Mahabir
Medical DirectorDr. Mahabir has been at Saint John Paul II Center since 2016 and has served as a Medical Director for Genesis Healthcare for over 25 years. He attended medical school at the University of Baghdad and completed his residency at Griffin and Yale New Haven hospitals. Dr. Mahabir enjoys the relationships that develop with his residents and having the ability to provide medical direction as well as compassionate care.
Rafca Mercilus
Admissions DirectorRafca has worked in healthcare since 2009. She began her career as a Certified Nurses Aid in the hospital system and worked her way up to a Case Management Assistant. She earned her undergraduate degree in Healthcare Administration and her Master's Degree in Business Administration from The University of Bridgeport.
Rheegie Olores Baje PT, DPT, RAC
Director of RehabilitationRheegie is a Connecticut licensed Physical Therapist. He has worked as a physical therapist for 20+ years in outpatient, long -term care and home care settings in the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and the United States. He started working at Saint John Paul II Cener as Director of Rehabilitation in June of 2019 . Rheegie obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy in 1998 and went on to get his Doctorate Degree as well as finish his post graduate certificate in Rehabilitation Administration at the University of Montana in 2019.
Joan Ginty, TRS, CDP
Memory Care DirectorJoan has been with Genesis/St John Paul II Center for over 5 years. Prior to moving into the Director Position, Joan was the Assistant Recreation Director on the Memory Care Unit. Joan obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Southern Ct. State University, and is a Nationally Certified Dementia Care Practitioner. Joan has over 12 years of experience providing opportunities for engagement, success, and enjoyment to individuals living with cognitive and memory impairments. According to Joan, respecting that everyone's journey is personal and unique is the basis for providing quality care and keeping our residents safe and happy.
Felt like vacation!
After surgery I was hesitant to go to rehab but I couldn't have recovered without the help of the staff at Saint John Paul. Everyone was nice, even the other residents. I felt like I could just focus on my rehabilitation because everything else was taken care of. The food was good - it felt like a vacation! I'm excited to go home, but wish I could stay and enjoy the staff and assistance longer!
-Lovie T.
Meet Thomas Lytle
In late 2019, I slipped out of bed, landed on the floor and could not get back up. My wife called an ambulance and I was admitted to Danbury Hospital. I knew I would need post-hospital rehabilitation so I actually did my own research while I was in the hospital. I had been to two other facilities in the area and refused to go back. When I looked up Saint John Paul II Center, I noticed that all the recent reviews were very positive. I asked around and no one had anything but nice things to say.
When I came to the facility, I was very anxious. I knew I was going to be here for a very long time, if not forever. My anxieties went away fast when I saw how welcoming everyone was. I was admitted just before Christmas and the recreation department made Christmas wonderful for me. The food is great, the dietary staff works with you, and rehabilitation therapy is wonderful.
Before my hospital stay, I could not walk three steps without falling. After working with the rehabilitation department, I can now walk 100-200 feet confidently. They were very thorough, and they explained why and what muscles I was working to teach me how to do it on my own when they cannot be there. My new goal is to get off oxygen. They have already gotten me from 3L to 2L. The word I would use to describe Saint John Paul II Center is Stellar.
Above and beyond!
Loraine G. has been a resident at SJP since Fall 2015. She says that everyone here is her family and that the recreation department goes above and beyond each day to ensure the residents are happy and taken care of. Loraine loves to see Director of Recreation, Debbie Milczarski when she comes to visit her everyday. Besides the amazing staff, Loraine says that she loves the programs and that it is a Catholic facility and is able to enjoy Mass.
Real professional
I was transferred to Saint John Paul II Center from Danbury Hospital to continue my healing after surgery, and one week later I am ready to go home and continue my recovery. I am grateful for all the care I have received from the nurses and other staff at the facility. Real professional, I must add, going beyond their duties, making sure we are all in the best state of mind to get better quickly. I feel great satisfaction with all the treatment and wish the healthcare personnel all the best.
-Jiri O.
