Facilities

St. Mary’s is a 40-bed facility with 32 single residential rooms (eight per floor) and four double rooms (one per floor). Each bed is equipped with a call bell to access a nurse in case of an emergency. Every two residents share a full bathroom. There is a general dining room for residents to enjoy home-cooked meals, prepared specifically to satisfy their dietary needs. We also have a common living room area where residents can socialize, watch television and participate in recreational or support groups.

Recreation

There are a wide variety of activities offered such as creative writing, Pokeno and current events discussions. Our recreational staff also provides one-on-one activities for residents in wheelchairs and those with special needs and also lead motivational and support groups that focus on numerous relevant topics. These groups have a high participation rate because it provides an avenue for residents to discuss their feelings and issues about living with AIDS.

We also offer popular events such as bowling, going to the movies and ice-skating. A popular on-site event is the weekly Juice Bar, where residents make smoothies and socialize. The recreation staff also works closely with the physical therapist to coordinate structured activities for individual residents and for groups.

We recently started an incredible music therapy group for to meet the needs of residents with compromised sensory and/or psychomotor functioning.  Residents partake in relaxation exercises that pair deep breathing with gentle stretching or imagery experiences.  The group also incorporates instruments that provide auditory, visual and vibrotactile stimulation assuring benefit for residents with visual or hearing impairments.  Group participation varies from passive (music listening, deep breathing, guided imagery, listening/feeling/seeing instruments played by therapist) to active (singing/chanting, drumming, moving to music) allowing successful engagement for clients with a wide variety of abilities. 

These activities have made positive changes in our resident’s lives. They promote socialization and strengthen relationships with staff and other residents. The various discussion groups motivate them, improve their self-esteem and help them gain a better understanding of their past. This mental and emotional support helps patients excel and reach their goals.

Clinical Services

St. Mary’s takes pride in our dedicated and accomplished clinical staff. There are several clinicians who are HIV Specialists. ( Additionally, we have an on-site psychiatrist, a dietician and an acupuncturist available by appointment for both SNF residents and ADHC clients. Clients and residents have physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy services at their disposal as well. Our clinical staff is well trained to understand the specific medical needs and concerns of this special population. They create a trust-based environment with the residents to help them feel comfortable and secure so that they can receive the best possible treatment.

Residents are required by the state to have monthly physicals, however, doctors are available 24 hours a day to see patients who request their services. Although, the SNF offers extensive medical services, residents are still able to visit external specialists.

Social Services

Resident Services is devoted to managing the daily activities or the patients, ensuring successful comprehensive care plans and discharges, monitoring compliance with state and federal guidelines, guaranteeing that patients’ rights aren’t being violated and counseling patients and families, with the continuous commitment and support of the social services department. Our team works together to help acclimate patients to the resident facility and with basic counseling.

Resident services plays an integral part in the comprehensive care plan. The CCP team consists of all members of the social services department, the Medical Director, both therapists and most importantly, the resident. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that all areas work together to help each resident establish and achieve the goals for their stay. The ultimate goal is usually discharge and a successful release into the community. After the initial CCP meeting, it is required for residents to meet with the CCP team quarterly. However, residents can meet with them any time by request. We encourage family members to attend CCP with the patient to show support and involvement. All members of the CCP team must approve a patient’s discharge to guarantee a safe and smooth transition back into life outside of the residential facility.

Once all members of the CCP team agree on a resident’s discharge, the team prepares the resident to leave the facility. This includes finding appropriate housing that meets the patient’s needs, helping clients set up utilities, etc. They emphasize skills needed to live outside of the resident home such as: hygiene, budgeting, ?, cooking, shopping, etc, with the assistance of the physical and occupational therapists.

Additionally, we offer bi-weekly substance abuse support groups to those in need. Many of our residents are fighting substance abuse issues and need to openly express their issues with peers and a trained social worker.