King Farm Presbyterian Retirement

Programs: Charitable purpose: caring for seniorsingleside at king farm (ikf) is a faith-based, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community located in rockville, maryland just north of washington dc. Ikf offers three levels of care to seniors over the age of 65 who are residents of independent living, assisted living, or skilled nursing, all of which are licensed and regulated by the state of maryland. Ikf enhances the lives of all residents through the life-enrichment programming performed daily. Over 4,000 programs are held annually, focusing on the nine dimensions of wellness. Overall the programs are directed toward achieving and maximizing an individual's highest potential, even as he or she experiences older adulthood. Ikf has dedicated personnel for life enrichment in all three levels of care provided. The physical aspect of wellness centers on getting regular exercise, maintaining good nutrition, and avoiding risky behaviors. Ikf promotes physical wellbeing through regular exercise and stretching programs and having a personal trainer on hand to give residents individual attention. A pool and swimming instruction are also available to residents as a means of helping them stay physically adept. In addition, ikf uses the services of a nutritionist to consult with residents concerning their diets. Ikf encourages intellectual wellness for residents by offering conversations on current events, opportunities to listen to speakers on a wide variety of subjects, and a chance to participate in the resident council and other community organized committees which offer advice to the administration. For those who are experiencing memory loss, ikf has a dedicated staff person to design and lead special activities to invigorate the mind. Emotional wellness incorporates the concept of believing in oneself, having the ability to cope and adjust to challenges in a healthy way, enjoying life, and staying optimistic. Ikf promotes emotional wellness by engaging residents in decision making processes when appropriate, celebrating their lifetime milestones, and providing a wide variety of activities that appeal to diverse people. For example, residents are encouraged to take a leadership role in creating on-campus programs. Recently a resident sought to initiate a science club on campus, while another sought out collaboration between staff and residents to improve the services being offered through internal surveys and analysis. A third example of community involvement is exemplified through the group of residents who are career doctors. These persons sought administration to support the skilled nursing facility by performing exit interviews so the services could be enhanced. Here residents took the initiative and volunteered to further support the culture at ikf. Continuing care retirement communities (ccrcs) are by their very nature social entities enabling relationship development. Traditionally people who age in ccrcs live longer than those who do not, largely because of the social environment and the continuing health care. Residents dine together, attend events and activities together, and occupy the same common areas; they are not isolated as they would be if they lived alone. Morning mingles and outreach by the welcome committee are important ways of keeping resident engagement vibrant at ikf. People at ikf come from a diverse background with a wide variety of beliefs and ideas, and feel free to share these interests with others. There are many dimensions to spiritual well-being, and ikf honors all of them. Protestant, catholic, and jewish services are offered regularly, and all beliefs are honored on the world day of prayer. There is a spiritual life committee of members, led by the ikf chaplain, focused on developing an inclusive sense of spirit at ikf. Through its programs, people find deeper purpose and meaning in their lives. Ikf offers dance, tai chi, chorus and a variety of activities that awaken the spiritual side of residents. From an environmental wellness perspective, ikf is a leader in energy and environmental design (leed) because we are a (green) certified building. Residents recycle, and ikf has received recycling awards from the county. The building is also beautiful, providing residents with a calm and relaxing environment in which to live. Charitable purpose: health careikf provides 24 hour emergency support to all residents. For those who live in independent living, a 24 hour, 7 day a week concierge calls 911 for emergency service. For assisted living and comprehensive care 24 hour emergency care is provided. Ikf also provides health care in our assisted living and skilled nursing environments. Residents who return from the hospital or whose health is declining often need additional care and so transfer to increasingly comprehensive levels of care - either short or long-term. A wellness center is staffed to provide residents with services of an on-site nurse, physician, and nurse practitioner. A rehabilitation company partners with ikf in the provision of those services. The nurse provides monthly health education to all residents. In addition, a podiatrist, optometrist, and dermatologist come regularly to see residents. The residents of ikf benefit from all the services and opportunities provided to them as they experience older adulthood with ikf. This allows them to have a carefree lifestyle, inspired by their own choices. The corporation extends charity care and other support to residents who meet certain criteria under its benevolent care policy and are unable to pay for services, at all levels of care as needed and when appropriate, without charge or at rates less than those established. This support is provided through a benevolence fund established at the outset of the community.