Groton — Fairview Odd Fellows Home has launched a comprehensive lymphedema management program, the facility announced.

Jessica Vincent, an occupational and certified lymphedema therapist, is leading the new program at Fairview, the only skilled nursing facility in the area to offer such inpatient and outpatient therapy services.

Lymphedema occurs when lymphatic vessels and nodes are damaged due to illness, surgery or injury, leading to significant swelling.

“Having a lymphedema specialist on our staff is a big plus for our patients with primary and secondary diagnoses. It elevates our rehab team to the next level.” said Tracy Zegarzewski, Fairview’s director of rehabilitation. “It is a service that is offered for all of our patients on an inpatient and outpatient basis, allowing for continuity of care. We are currently accepting patients.”