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The Four Homes of Mercy
of the Arab Orthodox Invalid's Home Charitable Society
|
Our Services:
Residential Care For most people, the Four Homes Of Mercy is their home. It offers long-term residential placement for all levels of ability and all ages, three and above. The majority of patients have physical disabilities as a result of neurological disease. Nearly all are wheelchair users and the unit is largely geared towards no ambulatory residents. Although the emphasis is on physical disability, residents may have other cognitive, emotional, learning and mental disabilities. The unit is not, however, able to cope with people with severe behavioural problems. The Four Homes of Mercy places particular importance on creating opportunities for social and recreational activity. The philosophy is that quality of life is based on more than good physical health alone. By taking care of people's practical everyday needs, it gives them an opportunity to enjoy other interests and pursuits. Every effort is made for each resident to have a care and activity programme designed specifically for their needs. It is co-ordinated by a multidisciplinary team of staff, together with the resident, their families and friends where appropriate. The programme evolves as each individual's needs change, and the mix of skills amongst the staff allows for flexibility. Respite Care Respite care is an opportunity for an individual to have their needs met in a safe and comfortable environment, whilst also giving their regular carers a chance to take a break once in a while, allowing them to recharge their batteries. The Four Homes of Mercy will offer in the very near future both planned and emergency respite care. It is extremely important that this service can be offered at short notice if required due to unforeseen circumstances. The aim of the unit is to be as flexible as possible to meet whatever needs patients have. People may also be admitted for short-term care of up to several months. This is particularly useful for people waiting for a residential placement elsewhere, or for adaptations to be made to their home. It is possible during any of these short stays to provide assessments by members of our multidisciplinary team for e.g. assessment of nursing needs, nutritional status, communication, seating and activities of daily living. An assessment package can be designed around the individual's current needs and recommendations will take into account their regular living circumstances. General Health One of the basic aims of the Four Homes of Mercy is to maintain people in good physical health so they can make the most of the opportunities around them. That means managing their ongoing health needs, ensuring they have the correct medications, minimising the risk of infections, keeping pressure sores at bay, providing access to dentists, doctors and nurses as well as the services of local hospitals for specific referrals. Personal Care Continence management is an important aspect of the care provided by the unit, and staff are very aware of resident's changing needs- particularly people with degenerative conditions. Whilst staff assist with washing and dressing where appropriate the aim is to involve residents with those aspects of their care, making the service as personal as possible. Nutrition Good nutrition is an essential element of resident's care, contributing to their overall health and enabling them to have the energy to pursue whatever activities they wish. Nurses work to ensure that the residents ability to swallow is known and managed and that they have appropriate nutrition, either through food and drink by mouth or through gastrostomy tube feeding. The unit had negotiated an agreement with a local hospital for maintaining gastrostomy tubes. Communication Nurses and other care givers together aim to maximise people's communication skills, as well as their opportunities for communication. That means not only concentrating on the individual, but also ensuring that there are staff or volunteers available to communicate with, so that people have a chance to express themselves. Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists also play a role, ensuring that a patient's posture and seating allows them to communicate effectively. Maximising the opportunities for communication is very much a team effort. Mobility and Seating Correct seating is crucial to a resident's well being and mobility. It allows them to have access to all the facilities and opportunities available. One of the advantages of a larger organisation such as this is that residents can enjoy a high level of independence, safely moving about the wheelchair accessible building as they choose. Each resident has an individual physical management programme, supervised by nurses and physiotherapists. If changes need to be made to a resident's seating, the Occupational Therapists will get involved, together with wheelchair technician and together they can design an effective seating system. Activities The Four Homes of Mercy has a comprehensive programme of events and activities, which all residents are free to enjoy. These include events within the building such as musical performances, cultural activities, as well as outings such as shopping trips, visits to the local Souq, or other entertainment's - all designed to make life in the homes as stimulating and enjoyable as possible. The Patients activities Department organises special interest groups and visits from volunteers who are happy to spend time with individual residents. The department also organises trips. The aim is to provide residents with the opportunity to be by themselves or to enjoy other people's company. Residents' Well-being Many of the residents at the Homes have had to adjust to enormous changes in their lives including loss of independence, absence of family and friends and inability to do even the most basic tasks for themselves. One way the Homes tries to respond is by promoting a climate in which people can register their concerns and talk openly about their feelings. Opportunities for expression range from simply registering a complaint through to the ward representative or through the clinical psychologist who acts as an advocate for the children and young disabled wards. There is always a quiet or secluded corner in the Homes where people can be alone or communicate in private. The Homes day rooms and large open grounds mean that residents can easily find space away from their living area and the clinical environment. Psychological/Behavioural Issues Staff in the Four Homes pf Mercy recognise that residents do from time to time have particular issues or problems to deal with, and may need someone to talk to. Generally, it is enough simply for staff and volunteers to be sensitive to residents' emotional needs. Otherwise Clinical Psychologists and Social Workers are available to provide a professional ear. Our Psychologist is also able to provide staff with advice on managing behavioural problems. Residents with active mental health problems or behavioural disorders, however, may need to be referred elsewhere for specific treatment. The unit is very much a social one and the interests of the other residents must come first. The Living Areas The Four Homes of Mercy has the capacity for 100 beds l. The majority of accommodation is shared-either 2, 3 or 4 people sharing a room. Whilst single rooms are high in demand, for people who need to spend long stretches of the day in bed, the opportunity to share a room with someone can be an enjoyable experience. Different living areas cater for people with different needs. Each aims to enable the residents to live together in a community, enjoying each other's company and making the most of their individual potential. Some areas provide for people who have significant physical disabilities but who remain relatively cognitively intact and are able to use technological aids to make life easier. Other areas place the emphasis on encouraging the resident to take an active part in the planning and organisation of their care and activity programme. Some residents are able to organise their own time independently. Others require much more support and facilitation to make the most of their abilities and the opportunities available. The Four Homes residents are of all ages. The unit tries to place residents of similar age and interest together. One area is the children ward with children from the age of 3 up to 12 years and the other area in particular caters for needs of younger people with complex needs. It is a lively environment full of music, art and activity whilst still providing comprehensive packages of care for people with severe physical, cognitive and communication disorders. Service Teams We provide integrated clinical and non-clinical services through the following teams:
We currently have ninety patients distributed through four wards:
Clinics: Pre-Admission Assessment Clinic This clinic runs once a week to assess all referrals to the Homes. The consultant in rehabilitation and a team of therapy and rehabilitation staff manages the clinic. Patients who are assessed and prove to be suitable for admission are advised of an admission date. Those who are not suitable are given a detailed report and referred to other more appropriate organisations and centres. Out-Patient Clinic This clinic runs three times a week at this stage and we hope to increase it to 5 days a week. We receive referrals from the entire west bank. Patients are assessed by the consultant in rehabilitation and referred to the appropriate department for a programme of care. Patients attend either for physiotherapy, occupational therapy treatment or for social recreation activities. Wheelchair Workshop The workshop is open six days a week. The workshop aims to improve patients’ mobility and posture and providing appropriate seating for patients. All repairs and modifications are carried out at the workshop. |