Often when we hear the term specialization in the business of operating a group home we think about the process of being recognized to serve those with mental and developmental challenges. This is the case with many regulatory designations, including within the Michigan adult foster care system.
However, for many specialization involves a much broader focus, since many residents fall into categories that are
not solely or exclusively associated with mental and developmental illness. This includes the chronically obese.
This area of physical specialization matters for a variety of reasons including these elements that apply to a large percentage of these prospective residents:
- Many of them do not require the level of care provided in a skilled nursing home
- Many have dual medical concerns, i.e. mental illness and chronic obesity
- Many, often partially due to their significant weight gain, cannot be cared for by family or family takes no interest in their long-term care
- Many in this population, as a result of their obesity, suffer from many other conditions they need help to manage including hypertension, diabetes and increased susceptibility to pressure wounds
A group home that specializes in services to this population would need special programming. Staff needs training in:
- Usage of hoyer and other lift types
- Wound prevention
- Pressure management
- Safe, dignified personal care for the obese
As a result of following this protocol, the population can be well-served and person-centered care becomes the rule of the day.
So when you think about specialization, be sure and broaden your focus. The world has many who need a level of special attention many more of you can provide.
For more on staff development in Transfer and Ambulation, Click Here for an online course specifically focused on group living arrangements.
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Another Blog Post from the minds of Direct Care Training & Resource Center, Inc. and its Chief Executive, Bruce W. McCollum. Join us for a monthly podcast, next edition on ITunes called, “All that Care Can Be” – June 15, 2017.
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