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Autumn
Court is a secured community within the nursing home setting. Autumn
Court sees its residents as one member of a family group, all of
whom have special needs. Families become partners in care while
the resident resides in the unit, families are actively involved
in all decisions related to life in the special care unit. A family
support group meets regularly led by a professional trained for
support group leadership. Special care unit families support each
other and are then better able to support their family member.
Family members shape the life the resident lives
in the unit by sharing information which will assist the staff to
better plan for the resident’s care. Facility staff is prepared
to provide information for families on matters related to legal
issues, financial issues, treatment plans and referral needs.
The
Program
In addition to comprehensive nursing services, Autumn
Court provides activities and rehabilitation services designed to
meet the needs of individuals with short attention spans and increased
needs for supervision. Clients are involved in specialized unit
activities which include small group activities, music therapy,
supervised outdoor activities, enhanced one-on-one interactions
and field trips.
The staff members are individually selected and
trained for their skill in providing care to residents in the unit.
Ongoing, continuing education is an integral part of the special
needs unit staff process.
Residents of Autumn Court are given additional opportunties to walk about freely, both inside and outside, weathr permitting. A secure yard area is located off the unti with atendant supervision.
Criteria
for placement
Autumn
Court was designed for residents who tend to wander, suffer from
mental confusion, disorientation, memory loss, are unaware of others'
personal space and belongings, are fearful or agitated, might require
the use of restraints in other settings for their own personal safety
or safety of those around them, require increased stimulation, (cognitive,
emotional and physical), require decreased stimulus often found
in the nursing center directed units, require continual supervision,
require a modified environment, require a more flexible schedule.
Admission in the special care unit will be determined after careful
assessment and evaluation by the health care team, which will include
the family/significant others.
Our
Goals
The goals of the special needs unit include:
1. An improved quality of life for residents with special needs by providing an environment that will allow them to function according to their own capabilities.
2. Increased freedom from use of physical and chemical restraints.
3. Opportunities for residents to participate in indoor and outdoor activities in a secured environment.
4. Increased feeling of self-wroth for residents.
5. Reduction of pressure on residents to meet unrealistic expectations for conformity.
6. Provision of social, mental, and physical stimulation, especially designed to meet the needs of each resident.
7. Knowledge and assurance for family members that their loved one has a better quality of life, and is receiving a specialized approach to his/her needs.
8. To provide support for family members.
9. To provide respite care services or day care services for families when more permanent services are not required.
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