Each of our Summit ElderCare personal care providers specialize in geriatric care. They bring valuable skills and experience to our participant teams through a deliberate focus on caring for older adults who require assistance to remain independent so that they can live in their homes and communities.
Our primary care physicians, many of whom are board-certified geriatricians, specialize in the care of older adults and are trained to more expertly differentiate between a disease and normal aging so their patient is more apt to be treated and remain active. Our primary care physicians are better versed in prescribing for older patients and have expertise in dementia care and other disabling conditions of the elderly. Our primary care physicians are able to spend more time with patients and their caregivers than general practitioners since additional time is often required to make appropriate evaluations of elderly patients. They want to keep their patients independent for as long as possible. Our Summit ElderCare primary care physicians work closely together with the participants, caregivers and other members of the team to achieve the goal of helping these elders live productively in a home setting.
Nursing staff on the Summit ElderCare teams see the participants more frequently than most nurses in other settings see their patients. This allows the clinical staff to more closely monitor changes in their patients' conditions, such as weight, their demeanor, healing time for wounds, mobility and energy levels. With their expertise they can more actively manage health care issues as they develop, and sometimes prevent small problems from developing into larger ones. They take pride in developing important patient relationships and caring directly for the participants, earning their trust and helping their families.
Social workers at Summit ElderCare provide ongoing support and education about the aging process to both participants and their families. The social workers may also advocate for the participants by acting as a liaison to community agencies and participating in the intake and evaluation process. Being part of the interdisciplinary team they contribute to the participant's care plan while they educate the staff on the role of social and family systems.
Members of the activities staff play a critical role in the Summit ElderCare participants' lives. They develop and coordinate activities that are very important to the well being of all participants.
Activities are carefully planned and developed to be restorative, rehabilitative, meaningful and interactive. These activities have a strong social component and are meant to be recreational, stimulating, therapeutic, entertaining and fun. The activities provide opportunities for helping social, physical, and cognitive needs. Activities don't just fill time, they fill our lives. Understanding that, the activities staff consider how important these events are to participants' well being. Therefore they plan and present these exercises with great care and enthusiasm.
Health aides assist with personal care needs such as bathing, grooming, using a toilet and maintaining physical activity. Health aides support participants with patience, discretion and respect. Services are tailored to each individual to facilitate maximum independence, while ensuring safety and providing appropriate levels of supportive services.
Nutritionists monitor special dietary needs and make recommendations for meal planning and nutritional supplements. Changes in participant weight levels are also monitored closely to ensure that dietary intake is meeting participant health care needs. Adequate nutrition plays a key role in ensuring optimum health.
Home health care staff provide a wide array of services ranging from meal preparation, medication management, nursing services such as changing of dressings, assistance with bathing and dressing to light housekeeping. Home Health Care staff provide enabling services that make it easier for participants to continue living in a home-based setting.
Rehabilitation therapists provide goal-based therapy that helps participants reach target levels of functioning. The Rehabilitation staff also work closely with the nursing staff to help participants maintain optimum levels of mobility, range of motion and strength needed to support participant goals for independence. Rehabilitation staff, along with other members of the team, also perform periodic home safety assessments.
Transportation staff are also trained to meet the specialized ambulation needs of participating elders. With a primary focus on safety and participant comfort, they help participants to get from their home to the Adult Day Health Center and back and to other medical appointments, as needed.
All members of the interdisciplinary team are experienced, dedicated and understand the importance of every members role on the team in providing a positive experience for the participants.