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Assistive Technology
Encouraging residents to remain as functionally independent
as possible is an important goal at The Boston Home.
We have made great strides to become an innovator
in the use of Assistive Technology:
Guiding our innovative efforts in this area is our Technology
Committee, which plans for the systematic integration of new
technologies and seeks partnerships with area colleges and
corporations. Of particular interest is the work of TBH physical
therapist and seating specialist Faith Saftler. Faith has made
presentations focusing on "The Wheel of Accessibility"-ways to
promote the independence of residents in all areas of their lives,
including communication; personal comfort; intellectual, creative,
and recreational engagement; and mobility and access.
Thanks to the vision and efforts of TBH staff and volunteers,
we continue to make great strides in identifying how technology
can improve the quality of life for disabled adults.
The Computer Center, staffed by a team of clinical specialists
and volunteers, has eight computer work stations adapted for
the residents' use.
Residents have access to the Internet and e-mail,
word processing software, desktop publishing, video-conferencing,
voice recognition, infrared mouse (allows head movements to move
computer cursor), and games.
Many residents also have motorized wheelchairs,
electronic activators for environmental controls
in their rooms, and/or computers used for speech.
For more information on Advanced Technology,
click here.
Medical and Dental Services
In the world of long-term care facilities,
The Boston Home's medical program is a notable
exception.
"What makes us different are continuity and frequency of care,"
says Medical Directory James Mahoney, MD, who has been making
"house calls" to The Boston Home residents since 1978.
The physicians are scheduled to be on-site two days a week but
often stop in three or four days a week. This commitment enables
the physicians to develop strong, lasting relationships with
The Boston Home residents.
Since all medical matters can't be handled on The Boston Home
premises, the physician sends residents to Caritas Carney Hospital when warranted.
And for specialized treatment, residents may opt to visit an appropriate facility.
For x-rays, residents may be sent off-site, or a technician brings
a portable x-ray machine to The Boston Home. Blood is drawn at
The Boston Home by a Caritas Carney Hospital lab technician.
We provide preventive dental services on site, and we make special
arrangement to handle more extensive needs, as appropriate. In
addition, we offer a spasticity clinic and eye care services.
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Cindy Walsh, RN, and UMass Boston
nursing students assist resident
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Nursing
The Boston Home's core service is
quality nursing care. RN's are assigned
24 hours/day, 7 days/week. RN's coordinate
the care provided by certified nursing care
assistants (CNA's), including toileting,
feeding, and dressing.
Rehabilitation Services
The Boston Home offers a comprehensive,
multidisciplinary rehabilitation program.
Disciplines include physical therapy,
occupational therapy, speech and language
pathology, and a seating specialist.
Rehabilitation equipment is located in the
rehabilitation room.
Resident and Family Involvement
Each quarter, families are invited to attend care
planning meetings. Each resident's care plan is
reviewed by an interdisciplinary team. Families
and/or residents are also encouraged to participate
in various committees and councils such as the
Resident Council and Food Council.
Social Services
The Boston Home Social Workers offer a wide variety
of clinical services and actively contribute to the
quality of resident life. Social Workers provide
support and consultation to residents and families,
coordinate the counseling performed by the mental
health consultants, and lead discussion groups.
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Residents can choose from a variety of
programs in the new Activities Room
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Therapeutic Recreation
Central to the daily life of the residents is the
comprehensive schedule of recreational, cultural
and educational programs organized by the
Therapeutic Recreation Staff.
Programs offered seven days a
week include: the Writing Group, Garden Club,
daily news and coffee, movies, outings, and more.
A wide variety of TV channels is available via
The Boston Home satellite service. Computer
games, bridge, and arts & crafts round out the
many offerings available to our residents.
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