Health Care Center Committed to Reducing Hospital Readmissions PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla., January 8, 2015 - South Port Square Health Center is expanding to meet the growing demand for rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing care and partnering with local physicians in an effort to reduce hospital readmissions. Part of South Port Square, a larger continuing care retirement community, the health center is also implementing a cardiac rehabilitation program, the first of its kind in the Port Charlotte area.

Under the guidance of Mario Lopez, M.D., F.A.C.C., the health center has introduced a Cardiac Conditions Program for outpatient short-term cardiac rehab that will eventually expand into inpatient care. Dr. Lopez, of the Charlotte Heart & Vascular Institute, is committed to successful outcomes when patients leave the hospital after receiving cardiac care. Dr. Lopez trains the specialized cardiac team at the health care center and is affiliated with three local hospitals. He is also the medical director of the Charlotte Heart Group Research Center.

"This opportunity supports our mission to bring the best possible cardiology rehab services to existing as well as future residents," said Lopez. "With both outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation going to be available, we will help residents maintain optimal health with the goal of reducing the number of hospital readmissions."

"We are seeing a growing number of individuals needing cardiac rehabilitation and we're excited to be able to offer this highly specialized, one-of-a-kind program," said Deborah Nickerson, director of community relations and nurse liaison for South Port Square Health Center. "This offers another solution for seniors living in the Port Charlotte area as they seek exceptional care for post-hospital, short-term recoveries and extended stays."

The health center is seeing an increase in the number of cardiac patients and anticipating an influx of patients with the addition of more programs. The overall number of patients is expected to increase by 10 times the current amount. The increase in patients will also generate several new jobs, especially in the area of therapy services. It will begin a 3,000 square foot expansion project beginning in the second quarter of 2015 to accommodate the increase in patients, staff and equipment.

According to the Florida Legislature Office of Economic and Demographic Research, the median age of Charlotte County's population is 55 years old. Between 2010 and 2030, Florida's population is forecast to grow by 5.1 million with 24 percent of residents being over the age of 65.

In addition, Dr. Asif Kamal is the new medical director of South Port Square Health Center. He is a board certified in internal medicine and practices at Kamal & Hassan LLC in Port Charlotte. He will oversee training, education and services for both short-term stays as well as long term care. Dr. Kamal is also affiliated with Bayfront Punta Gorda Medical Center and Bayfront Port Charlotte Medical Center.
South Port Square Health Center provides skilled nursing as part of South Port Square's larger continuing care retirement community campus. South Port Square, a Brookdale senior living community, is located at 23023 Westchester Blvd. in Port Charlotte. It offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and Alzheimer's and dementia care for more than 500 residents. The senior living community features a fitness center, library, lounge, ice cream parlor, beauty salon, bank, woodcraft shop and indoor aquatic center.

For more information about South Port Square or Brookdale, visit brookdale.com.

Contact: Kristin Puckett, 615-564-8481, kpuckett@brookdale.com

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Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is the leading operator of senior living communities throughout the United States. The Company is committed to providing senior living solutions within properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated to provide the highest-quality service, care and living accommodations for residents. Currently Brookdale operates independent living, assisted living, and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers, nearly 1,150 communities in 46 states and the ability to serve approximately 110,000 residents. Through its ancillary services programs, the Company also offers a range of outpatient therapy, home health, personalized living and hospice services.

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