A dear friend of the South Shore Press was recently involved in an accident and recovered at the Medford Multicare Center on Horseblock Road. He was so impressed with the facility and the care he received, he encouraged us to write a story about it.
What we found was a vibrant, newly renovated, 320-bed skilled nursing facility that’s changing the way people think about rehabilitation and long-term care. From state-of-the-art therapy to compassionate staffing and an active role in the community, Medford Multicare Center is much more than a traditional nursing home—it’s a place to recover, to thrive, and to live with dignity.
At the heart of the operation is Administrator Lauren Braska, a dedicated healthcare professional who brings warmth, experience, and a passion for service to the job every day. With over a decade of leadership in skilled nursing facilities from Brooklyn to Nassau County, Braska found her home in Suffolk after the birth of her daughter, settling in nearby Mount Sinai.
Before I came to Medford for my interview, I had a preconceived notion of the facility similar to what the community and hospitals have.” Braska recounted. “And what I saw didn’t reflect the reality I found when I walked in the door. I saw a team that truly cared, a facility that was clean and modern, and a mission that aligned with my own values.”
That mission—“to exceed expectations and make a difference in the lives of those we serve”—is not just a slogan at Medford Multicare. It’s a daily practice. From residents in their 90s to others in their 20s and 30s, the center welcomes individuals from all walks of life with varying care needs, offering short-term rehabilitation, long-term skilled nursing, ventilator support, and more.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is our high success rate with ventilator patients,” Braska shared. “We’ve had people come in from the hospital on full support, and after a few months here, they’re walking out on their own. That’s the kind of outcome we live for.”
Medford’s sprawling 6,000-square-foot rehab gym is equipped with the latest in cutting-edge therapy and medical technology. Residents benefit from a full suite of services—physical, occupational, and speech therapy—delivered by a team that’s known for compassion and attentiveness.
But recovery is only part of the story. “We want our residents to enjoy life while they’re here,” Braska explained. “Our recreation program is phenomenal—everything from beauty services and live music to visits from therapy animals and even miniature horses. We recently hosted a fall festival that brought nearly 1,000 people from the community to the center, with food, music, pumpkins, and more.”
That connection to the community is deeply important to Braska and her team. “We want Medford Multicare to be known not just as a care center, but as a good neighbor,” she said.
Unlike facilities that only renovate the lobby for appearances, Medford underwent a top-to-bottom transformation, modernizing rooms, resident units, the therapy wing, and common areas to create a warm, comfortable environment throughout.
Staffing is another standout. Medford boasts one of the highest staff-to-resident ratios for a facility of its size on Long Island, with two nurses and a registered nurse per unit, allowing for attentive, timely care.
Braska, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Administration from St. John’s University and is a licensed nursing home administrator, says the culture she’s cultivated is one of respect and purpose.
“I’ve even had my own grandfather here,” she said. “That’s how confident I am in the care we provide. It’s not just about having credentials—it’s about hiring people who truly care. And that’s what you feel when you walk through the doors.”
At Medford Multicare Center, everyone matters—from residents and staff to the surrounding community. It’s a reality our dear friend of the South Shore Press experienced firsthand. And after spending time recovering there, he left not only healed, but deeply impressed.