The care a resident at Madonna's St. Angela's Special Needs unit is very individualized, according to an interdisciplinary care plan. However, there are some basic expectations of care a resident might expect during their stay.
Physician Visits: The physicians on St. Angela's Special Needs round at least monthly, however staff are in contact with physicians should care issues arise. The residents' primary physician is either a pulmonologist or a physiatrist, depending on the program they are admitted into. The residents have other physicians that consult with their care who specialize in wounds, endocrinology, gastroenterology, urology, otolaryngology, or other clinical areas.
Interdisciplinary Team: The interdisciplinary team that helps to direct the plan of care includes the physicians, nursing, case management, nutrition therapy, respiratory therapy, recreation therapy, neuropsychology, therapies and spiritual care.
Personal Care: Performing as much of one's own self-care (bathing, dressing, grooming) as possible is one way our residents keep their independence and mobility. Home routines will be carried out as closely as possible. The personal care will be individualized to meet the needs of the resident and their medical condition. We do have a beauty salon for residents who wish to utilize their services. Residents are encouraged to wear personal clothing items or MRH attire during the daytime hours.
Clinical Procedures: Throughout the day, registered nurses and other specialized clinical staff, such as respiratory therapists, will provide highly technical clinical care to our residents. The clinical staff change wound dressings, monitor vital body functions, manage oxygen needs, provide technical support for residents on ventilators or who have tracheostomy tubes, develop and teach bowel and bladder programs, deliver necessary medications and nutrition supplements, and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team.
Rehabilitation: The St. Angela's Special Needs unit is a long term care area which offers restorative care to residents. Physical therapists and occupational therapists evaluate the residents on admission and establish an individualized functional maintenance program which is carried out by the restorative aide and nursing staff.
Education and Training: A very important part of a resident's stay on St. Angela's Special Needs is education and training for the resident and/or their family members or other caregivers about the resident’s condition and care needs. Education is done throughout the day in a variety of ways. Therapists teach adaptive techniques and how to use different equipment. Nursing staff teach residents and their families about the resident's medications and management of their health conditions. A Nutrition Therapist may teach a special diet, a Neuropsychologist may teach some techniques for coping, or a Respiratory Therapist might teach the resident or family how to manage the ventilator or suction the resident. Participation in activities is highly encouraged and often requires education to the resident and/or family members or other caregivers so a resident’s care needs can be met when outside of the facility.
Case Management: Each resident has an assigned case coordinator, who coordinates the treatment plan, help drive discharge planning, and educate regarding community resources. The team meets quarterly to discuss the resident's individual progress, adjusting the plan as needed. The resident and their families are encourage to attend the team meeting and participate in planning the care for the resident.
Meals: Residents may choose to eat in their rooms or out in the common area, where they may interact with others.
Activities: The St. Angela's Special Needs area has a recreation therapist who works on the area to provide activities for our residents. Participation in activities is encouraged to enhance the quality of life for our residents.
