Why Small Businesses Matter: The Nathaniel Witherell

Why Small Businesses Matter

Shop small, do big things for your community

Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!

You're IT The Nathaniel Witherell!

Three questions with Carolyn Mandelker on behalf of The Nathaniel Witherell.

Why did you start your business?

The Nathaniel Witherell began as a tuberculosis sanitarium in 1911 by Rebecca Witherell who donated the property to the Town of Greenwich the following year. The original building was constructed on land used for an almshouse. Over the years, the Witherell expanded as it transitioned to a center devoted to short-term rehab and skilled nursing for the vulnerable elderly.

The Nathaniel Witherell is publicly owned by the Town of Greenwich, which does something pretty rare these days: it takes care of its own – meaning the retired police, teachers, firefighters, librarians, caretakers, gardeners, and others in our community who once worked here but cannot afford the depth and breadth of care needed that the wealthier residents in our community enjoy. That we can “do unto others” is something Greenwich should be very proud of. 

What is your best-selling product/service?

Besides providing long-term skilled nursing care and Memory Care, we are known for our excellent post-surgical rehabilitation for adults of any age.  Even though people tend to think of “re-hab” in terms of treating those recovering from joint replacement, we also excel at cardiac/pulmonary recuperation after following heart surgery, heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and for chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. In addition, we provide general medical care for end-stage renal disease, cancer recovery, and other debilitating diseases.

Not only does the Witherell enjoy an extremely low turnover rate among staff, we consistently earn top ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as well as from U.S. News & World Report and others. All of these achievements have occurred because we constantly strive to meet the highest management standards, pay attention to detail, and provide excellent, caring services. Our priority is and always has been the health, safety, and well-being of the residents in our care.

Have you "reimagined" your small business?

We have expanded our center so that now we have 46 private rooms in our rehab unit, and special training rooms with cutting-edge equipment and testing. We also have on staff highly skilled therapists; and defined suites for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language pathology. Over the years, we’ve expanded our amenities for our skilled-nursing residents that include: cooking and baking classes, gardening, concerts and films, religious services, spiritual programs, holiday celebrations, trips, art appreciation, and exercise classes.

We also have a robust volunteer program and a large garden dedicated to growing vegetables organically.

The Nathaniel Witherell is located at 70 Parsonage Road in Greenwich. Visit The Nathaniel Witherell online here, and check out their Facebook page as well!

HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!