Hearth & Care holds open house, Christmas bazaar

Hearth & Care Rehabilitation and Nursing in Greenfield held their annual open house and Christmas craft bazaar Tuesday evening.

The annual even allowed residents and their families an opportunity to interact with staff, community member and local craft vendors. 

Shannon Miller, director of marketing and admissions, said that 36 vendors participated. 

"We've had over a couple hundred people here," Miller said. 

The bazaar and open house featured crafts, homemade snacks, and Santa Claus listening to Christmas wishes. 

The 50-bed rehabilitation facility provides therapy and  assistance to residents. 

"We think it's a hotel-like atmosphere," Miller said of the facility. "I say it's the best kept secret in Greenfield."

Miller said the facility was constructed initially from an old house at the corner of Washington Street and South Street in Greenfield, and they have worked to maintain a home-like atmosphere. 

"We consider this their home, and we're just invited guests in it," Miller said. 

Administrator India Chrisman-Williams said that they hope that Hearth and Care can change the perceptions that some people have of nursing homes. 

"This is a place where you come and get better, and then you go home," Chrisman-Williams said. "And we want the community to be involved."