Park Ridge Living Center
Edwin J. and Lois M. Wegman Cottages
Timothy R. McCormick Transitional Care Center
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is “culture change?”
Culture change is the common name given to the national movement for
the transformation of older adult services.
Culture change supports the creation of an environment where the voices
of elders (residents) and those working with them are considered and
respected. Culture change encourages elders (residents) and their
caregivers to express choice (what to eat, when to eat, when to wake up,
go to bed, etc…) at every level of daily life.
Culture change requires changes in organization practices, physical
environments, relationships at all levels, and workforce models – leading
to better outcomes for elders (residents) and staff.
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Why is PRLC transitioning from using the word resident to elder?
As part of the culture change philosophy, elder (resident) is defined as a
term of endearment offering honor and respect to an individual’s wisdom
and experience gathered throughout their lifetime.
Question:
Why is Park Ridge Living Center (PRLC) embracing the “culture
change” philosophy?
Culture change complements the mission of PRLC (to provide quality
care, independence, and a positive living experience for elders) and the
core values of Unity Health System (respect, quality services,
empowerment, compassion, and creativity).
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As providers of health care, PRLC and its staff assume a responsibility to
insure that our elders are afforded a lifestyle that is healthy, dignified, and
positively fulfilling.
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Why is the scope of the Park Ridge Living Center (PRLC)
replacement project?
New construction will replace the 37-year-old building with the Timothy R.
McCormick Transitional Care Center (40 beds) and four free-standing
cottages to be know as the Edwin J. and Lois M. Wegman Cottages.
Each cottage will have 20 private rooms each with a private bath. Each
cottage will include a dining and living room, a spacious kitchen, multifunctional room, a spa, and an enclosed outdoor courtyard.
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Why has PRLC decided to build cottages versus a traditional nursing
facility?
Cottages provide a more home-like environment and eliminate the sterile,
institutionalized feeling of the traditional nursing facility. The environment
in the new cottages will allow our elders to live their lives with greater
empowerment, independence, dignity, and self-determination.
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What is the timeframe for completion of the new construction?
The tentative date for completion is April 1, 2010. Any changes to the
anticipated completion date will be communicated to our elders, families,
and staff.
Question:
The elders of PRLC will eventually move into the four new cottages.
How will it be determined as to which cottages the elders will move
into?
The philosophy of culture change emphasizes that relationships are very
important in the lives of elders. Elders develop relationships with each
other and with staff. PRLC recognizes the importance of maintaining
these relationships. As part of the planning for relocating our elders to the
cottages, input from our elders, families, and staff will be solicited to insure
that appropriate placement occurs in each cottage. Additionally, when
planning placement in the cottages, PRLC will consider each elder’s
medical condition, cognitive status, and assistance needed for activities of
daily living.
Answers:
The actual physical relocation of elders to the cottages will require a
definitive plan and well-coordinated effort. Elders, family members, and
staff will need to strategize the move for each individual elder. More
information will be communicated in the future regarding planning
sessions for relocation of our elders to the cottages.
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What will be the staffing in each cottage?
Twenty elders will live in each cottage. Elders will be cared for by a multitalented worker called a “shahbaz.” The shahbaz (plural – shahbazim) is
a certified nursing assistant who is responsible for providing daily personal
care, assistance with activities of daily living, cooking, cleaning, first aid,
and emergency preparedness. Staffing for each cottage will include four
shahbazim during the day shift, four on the evening shift, and two on the
night shift. Staffing in each cottage will also include a professional nurse
24 hours a day.
Similar to our current operations, nurses and shahbazim will be supported
by a clinical team of rehab therapists, social workers, dietitians,
physicians, activity assistants, and a nurse practitioner.
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What will be the changes in the food services operations and dining
experience?
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) will be prepared in the fully-equipped
kitchens of each cottage. Shahbazim will receive adequate training in
safe food handling procedures and culinary skills. The shahbazim will
prepare meals based on a menu developed in collaboration with the
dietician and the elders of each cottage. Elders are encouraged to assist
in meal preparation.
The meals will be prepared and served in a family-style manner. The
intent of this dining experience is to allow our elders to socialize with each
other, staff, and family members.
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Who will clean the cottages?
The primary housekeeping duties will be performed by the shahbazim in
each of the cottages. To complement the housekeeping duties performed
by the shahbazim, an Environmental Services aide will provide additional
cleaning services on a weekly basis.
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How will spiritual care services be provided?
Spiritual care services will be coordinated through the Recreation
department of PRLC and the Spiritual Care Services department of Unity
Hospital.
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Will activities still be provided in the cottages?
Recreational activities are important to the well being of our elders.
Shahbazim, with the support of the Recreation staff, will facilitate
meaningful activities for our elders. These activities are driven by the
preferences of our elders.
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Will outings still be planned for the elders?
Outings will still be part of the activities programming offered to our elders.
Based on choices of our elders, these outings will be coordinated by the
shahbazim and Recreation department.
Question:
How will the cottages be secured and are there any safeguards that
were considered during construction?
Maintaining the safety of our elders is a significant priority at PRLC. As
part of the planning for the new cottages, several accommodations have
been included to insure the safety of our elders.
Answer:
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A state-of-the-art call system will provide prompt notification to the
shahbazim and nurses to insure timely responses to calls for
assistance.
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The cottages are equipped with a fully-automated fire alarm and
sprinkler system which is connected to the Unity Hospital
switchboard the local fire department.
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The stoves in each cottage are equipped with an Ansul fire
extinguishing system and emergency shut offs.
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Fire extinguishers are located throughout each of the cottages.
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All exterior doors are locked to provide a secure environment.
Families and visitors must ring a doorbell at the entrance of each
cottage to gain entry.
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To insure adequate responses by staff in the event of an
emergency, fire drills will be conducted in each cottage on a
monthly basis.
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Will care conferences still remain?
An elder’s care plan is important in insuring the best possible health care
experience. Care conferences including our elders, designated
representatives, and staff will continue in order to provide the highest
practicable standards of care and quality of life.
Question:
What is the process should an elder require urgent medical
attention?
In the event an elder requires hospitalization, the shahbazim or other staff
will contact 9-1-1 for emergency transportation to the Emergency Center
of Unity Hospital. All shahbazim and nurses will be required to be trained
in CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation). If an elder is a ‘”full code,” CPR
will be administered until an emergency medical technician arrives at the
cottage.
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