Between 1982 and 1993 the popular American television sitcom ‘Cheers’ was known as the place “where everybody knows your name.” Similarly, residents of New Franklin Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing are made to feel comfortable, cared for and understood in our multilingual environment where staff members not only know their name but speak their language.

With the increasing number of minorities emerging in our country and in the New York City area, those from immigrant populations in need of recuperation, rehabilitation or long term care may find it difficult to locate a program with professional and support staff members that speak their native language; many have found – and have been delighted by – the caring staff, linguistic abilities and ambiance of New Franklin.

We host a culturally diverse resident population for whose varied customs and traditions we accommodate and with whom we communicate in their native tongue. From Asian-Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish and Persian to Indian, Farsi and many more, New Franklin creates an inviting homelike atmosphere for any non-English speaking person in need of rehab or extended care.

Why is a Multilingual Rehab Setting Important?

Many of us have traveled to another country and experienced difficulty – and at times abject frustration – in obtaining directions or information due to the language barrier. Can you imagine what a non-English speaking person encounters when seeking medical services for a protracted illness or after an injury? Unable to get the health care needed, unable to be understood, unable to understand.

New Franklin designed its services and programs so that each person seeking care is first and foremost understood. We listen and respond in the person’s home language so that the initial and all subsequent interactions are smooth, clean and positive. A resident feels at ease, comfortable, with less anxiety and stress, knowing that staff members communicate well and understand their needs and concerns through the particular nuances and innuendos that are more easily communicated in one’s own language.

Residents develop trust in our staff more quickly by similarities of culture or simple understanding of the language. This makes all care – from taking prescriptions, making appointments, and learning meal and activity times to rehab routines and entertainment schedules – better and easily maintained. Our residents are happier and improve over a shorter period of time as objectives and goals are clearly understood and arrangements made for cultural values.

What is Offered in our Multilingual Environment?

At New Franklin, we believe no one should feel isolated due to language – everyone is welcomed, and we strive to accommodate the traditions and customs of our varied resident population. Our Spanish-speaking residents find joy and companionship in our Spanish Club. With 70% of our residents from the Asian community, we employ Asian staff who relate well to our Asian residents including a Chinese cook who serves up an array of Chinese food with tastes and aromas that bring back fond memories of their homeland. New Franklin is sensitive to the religious beliefs and practices of our residents with onsite services for all religions including Jewish, Buddhist, Catholic and others. We do our very best to serve our diverse resident population with attentive care and customized programs and services that meet their cultural traditions.

We may not be ‘Cheers’ but New Franklin Center is home to people from diverse backgrounds and different languages…and for many that is a sign of a welcoming – and cheerful – atmosphere.