Adult day program adds to hospice service
Staffing and facility easy to acquire
(Editor's note: This is the second of a two-part series that looks at the benefits of partnering with adult day service programs. Last month, we looked at the opportunities, benefits, and challenges of collaboration. This month we discuss a hospice that started its own adult day service program.)
An adult day program for hospice patients is not a new concept for Midland Care Connection in Topeka, KS. The hospice developed its own adult day service program in 1992 as part of the hospice program. It has grown to accept non-hospice patients with specific conditions, says Karren Weichert, president and chief executive officer of the hospice.
"We have nurses on site to manage medications, provide osteomy and wound care and to evaluate medical problems," says Weichert. "We also have physical therapists who can provide therapy even though it is rarely required for our hospice patients."
Hospice aides are also at the adult day center to provide some personal care such as help with showers, she adds.
Because her adult day program and the hospice program are part of the same organization, staff members are cross-trained to work in both programs, Weichert says. This cross-training gives the agency more flexibility when census is up or down for home hospice, inpatient hospice, or adult day, she says. Registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, certified medication aides, and an administrative director serve between 50 and 60 clients each day, she says.
An adult day program can be a fun place to work, but Weichert points out to potential employees that it is not an easy job. "We are on our feet the whole day, and the activity does not stop," she says. When selecting staff members to work primarily for the adult day program, Weichert looks for people who are positive, animated, engaging, and able to connect quickly with people, she says.
"They must enjoy working with elderly people, and they must enjoy play because the activities we provide are fun, interactive games and arts," Weichert says. "I have never had a problem finding the right people to work in the program."
They have a 20-acre campus with separate buildings for the hospice administration, the inpatient hospice facility, and the adult day program, she says. "Even though we have our own building, I've seen successful adult day programs in strip malls and church basements."
An adult day program requires a large, open activity room, several bathrooms, and a kitchen, she recommends. Be sure you check your state's regulations and building codes for this type of service and that the building meets the requirements of the Americans with Disability Act, Weichert adds.
This is the second of a two-part series that looks at the benefits of partnering with adult day service programs. Last month, we looked at the opportunities, benefits, and challenges of collaboration. This month we discuss a hospice that started its own adult day service program.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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