Strengthening Lives Through Thoughtful Health Support
Physical and health-related challenges are prevalent among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Providing an appropriate level of support for each individual’s overall health is fundamental to the mission, values, and principles upheld by the employees of Michael Dunn Center. Our commitment to promoting and maintaining optimal health outcomes for the individuals we serve is exemplified through the Health Services Department.
The Health Services Department provides a comprehensive range of health-related services, including Residential Nursing Services (Medical Residential and Intermediate Care Facility homes), Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy. Additionally, nutrition services are available through a contracted agency.
The Health Services department is also responsible for the management and day to day operations of six Medical Residential Homes. All of the individuals served within these homes require a significant amount of health related support to be able to have opportunities and choices regarding the lives they want to lead. The primary goal is to be proactive and provide as much preventive health maintenance as necessary to sustain a high quality of life for each individual. Thorough and frequent health assessments are part of a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week routine. The sharp assessment skills of Michael Dunn Center’s health professionals have proven to be invaluable in maintaining an overall high quality of life for each individual served by our department. Our nurses are able to handle medical issues for our individuals throughout the individuals changing needs as our population ages.
Additionally, the nurses oversee all medical appointments for individuals who do not require 24 hour nursing care and transport individuals to medical appointments. They monitor all medication administration for the day and evening programs. RNs are also trained to teach medication administration classes certified by the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities of the State of Tennessee to train unlicensed professionals to administer medications.
The therapy department is under the umbrella of Health Services. We provide all necessary Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Nutrition services, or Speech Therapy for adults who choose to utilize the MDC therapy group. The Therapists provide individualized services and function as part of the individual’s team. Our therapists also provide services for individuals at home or in other agencies.
Medical Success Stories:
Jason had declined and was no longer utilizing his quad positioner (it was not in the home) and he had not scooted on the floor in several years. With the assistance of PT, Jason’s quad was found in storage and now he uses it regularly. Jason has begun scooting again and he loves the interactions with his housemates and staff. He is more active because of PT. The scooting helps him to engage muscles that are not in use by sitting in wheelchair or bed and this activity has improved his overall strength.
In the past, Ginger was well known for refusing to attend medical appointments. Even when attempts were made, she would yell, embrace the diva she is known to be on any given day, and absolutely refuse to go inside. This often resulted in missed appointments and the need for repeated rescheduling.
Over the past two years, Ginger has not refused a single medical appointment. She now attends consistently and actively engages with her providers—whether through general conversation or by answering questions about her health and any concerns she may have.
As her Medical Appointment Coordinator for the past four years, I am truly proud of how much she has overcome and how much progress she has made in this area.
When Jonathon first came to live in one of our homes, Doctor/Dentist appointments brought him to tears and he would never speak to the provider. Medical Appt. Coordinator (MAC) would always try to prepare Jonathon for what could be happening at the appointment (x-rays with Dental cleaning, fillings, Eye exam, labs, etc) and always reassured him that MAC would be there with him. Over the course of a couple of years he began making eye contact with the providers, he would still tear up a little still, and would look to MAC to answer the providers questions. Over the last 2 years Jonathon has gotten to the point where he does not tear up at all anymore, and actually just about handles his own appointments with little to no input from MAC!
Shane’s gait pattern and cadence have improved since a rolling walker was implemented. Shane does not shuffle his feet as much and has gained confidence because he is no longer fearful of falling.
Eddie experienced medical issues / hospitalizations last fall. PT had to obtain a custom wheelchair for his comfort and safety. However, he no longer needs the wheelchair for every day. He has improved from needing a wheelchair and two person assist for all transfers to walking with line of site supervision.
Courtney lost all of her walking ability due to problems with her eyesight and fear of falling. Her mom was having difficulty even transferring her. PT was consulted and spent months developing a rapport with Courtney. Sometimes the sessions were simply encouraging Courtney and letting her get to know and trust the therapists. Courtney’s mom, Karen, was able to take Courtney on a much-needed weekend getaway this summer where Courtney was able to walk on her own for short distances!
Nikki has developed greater strength in her core musculature by sitting on the edge of mat unsupported. She began this activity by just sitting statically for short periods of about 5 minutes. She can now maintain her balance for 45 minutes while reaching all directions. This type of increase in strength assists her with performing more ADL tasks on her own and lessens the burden of care for staff. Plus, Nikki loves these PT sessions!
Tammy experienced decline in mobility and needed a rollator walker. She is now happily utilizing both a gait belt and rollator for all activities. She feels safer in her home and community! She has shown improvement in her HEP, assisting with counting reps and performing the exercises with better form for maximum benefit. We did not set out to teach her to count more accurately, but it came as a result of her participation with exercises.