Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

144 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEAs a result of this study, the Reformed Presbyterian Home has:1. added one more level of care (personal care) and2. is actively pursuing the possibility of expansion.The proposed expansion would take two forms.1. The first would be developing the present site with additionalconstruction and new services.2. The second would be the purchase of suburban property (in BeaverCounty) for the purpose of developing an independent living centerwith some personal care services.Survey: Early in 1994, we hired consultants (T sc R Associates) to conduct asurvey of our residents, residents' families and prospective residents. Thissurvey sought to assess the satisfaction level among the residents and theirfamilies and to examine the decision making process which led to theirchoosing the RP Home. Prospective residents were asked about theirimpressions of the RP Home and what they would look for in a long termcare institution.The survey revealed a keen appreciation of the Home and its servicesfrom our current residents and families. Prospective residents (oldermembers of the RPCNA) also expressed a positive view of the RP Home, butmade clear their strong desire to remain in their homes until they neededpersonal care or nursing. Surprisingly, prospective residents said that, oncethey needed assistance, finding a nursing home that offered good care in aChristian atmosphere was more important than staying within 200 miles oftheir home and family.Board Retreat: In February 1994, the Board of Directors held a retreat tostudy Assisted Living. Assisted living is a new concept in long term care or avery old concept for those who remember aged people's homes operated byreligious organizations one hundred years ago. It is a style of elder care whichuses a social-rather than a hospital-model. Assisted Living programs deliverhighly individualized care, even skilled nursing care if necessary, to residentsin private rooms or apartments without moving them to a special floor ordesignated section. Because of Pennsylvania's boarding home regulations,only a modified form of assisted living could be put into practice in the RPHome. However, many of the principles could be implemented through ourpersonal care program.Decision to Add New Level of Care: As a result of the survey and study ofassisted living, we determined that our greatest need as an organization was todevelop our residential unit into a place where frail elderly persons couldreceive personal care. In the Fall of 1994 we began offering personal care inour Residential Unit.Refundable Life Use Fee: We learned from the survey that many potentialresidents are "put off by the thought of paying an entrance fee and wouldrather pay a higher monthly charge. We now offer both types of payment.