Signature Programs: Wellness Services
As our population ages, now more than ever, it is critical that seniors housing companies focus not only on the psycho-social needs of residents but the clinical needs of residents as well. Horizon Bay Management is one of the few organizations that has made this commitment, which is evidenced by the resources devoted to managing wellness and the structured programs for its communities.
Since Horizon Bay’s portfolio is diverse, the department customizes programs based on the needs of residents and the community. The department consists of corporate staff (two RN attorneys, an RN MBA), regional staff and community staff (wellness directors and aides). The wellness department’s ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for our residents.
Resident Services
Assisted living residents complete a proprietary and comprehensive assessment prior to moving in and thereafter on a quarterly basis. The assessment is used to determine the level of support and assistance for residents, which includes personal care, nutrition, behavior, safety, ambulation, wellness services and socialization. Each community’s wellness staff receives in-depth education and can support residents in the following areas:
- Legal directives and resident rights, including durable power of attorney, living wills, advance directives, do not resuscitate orders, and resident rights and grievances.
- Accidents and incidents, including preventing medication errors, delopement prevention, emergency response and falls.
- Infection control, including glove policy, sharps policy, hand washing, incontinence disposal, and other issues.
- Medication management, which includes numerous policies such as administration of medications, disposition, charting and labeling, storage, medication errors, and other standards.
- Medical records, which includes proper documentation policies and procedures, confidentiality policy and progress notes.
- Resident care, which provides information on several healthcare related situations, such as managing incontinence, catheters, compresses, decubitus ulcers and other care needs.
- Nutrition, including prescribed diets, appetite monitoring, and substitutions.
The Horizon Bay wellnessteam has a comprehensive training program for its community staff, as well as ongoing monitoring of privacy issues. Community staff receives education on the following risk areas:
- Emergency situations, including bomb threats, fire evacuation, emergency plans, and natural disasters
- Quality assurance
- Employee orientation
- Accident and incident investigation
- Corporate compliance
- HIPAA and privacy issues
- State regulatory requirements
