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Causes: Human Services, Seniors, Supportive Housing for Older Adults
Mission: The presbyterian home of maryland, inc, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization located in towson, maryland. The home provides retirement living and health care through the continuum of life, dedicated to superb service with the values of dignity, trust and independence.
Programs: Prior to august, 2016, the organization operated a continuing care retirement community located in towson, maryland. The towson facility was licensed for 78 assisted living units and 22 comprehensive care units, which provided superior quality care for 65 residents during 2016 by providing the following program services. History: on january 24, 1884, the presbyterian home of baltimore, as it was known, first opened its doors on calvert street in downtown baltimore. In 1920 the name of the residence was changed to the presbyterian home of maryland, and in 1929, the organization moved to the offutt estate, a large and gracious home in towson, maryland. Over the course of time, numerous changes had been made to the original dwelling which sits on four acres amidst mature trees, flowering shrubs and beautifully landscaped grounds. The construction of additional wings allowed the organization to expand its population and the addition of a wellness area, including an activity center and physician's suite, allowed the organization to provide up-to-date accommodations and services. Residents enjoyed a walking path that meandered beside a low stone wall on the edge of the property, and the sitting porches that grace the facade of the building. The charming outdoor surroundings were a compliment to the many welcoming and comfortable areas within the building itself. In addition, the surrounding neighborhood offered residents a vast array of social, cultural, educational and recreational opportunities. Over the years, the organization had grown from an institution serving the needs of presbyterian church members to an organization that welcomed residents of all faiths and denominations. The organization remains true to its mission of providing superior quality services in a caring and respectful manner, encouraging each resident to enjoy his/her life to the fullest extent possible. The services the organization offered its residents were vast. The services were designed to provide the finest quality of care as well as the finest quality of life possible. These services included: nursing, medical care, housekeeping and maintenance, dietary service and activities. In addition, all service providers adhered to our policy of respect for the dignity of each resident. Nursing services: over the last 132 years, the organization has built a distinctive reputation for providing superb nursing care and maintaining one of the highest staff to resident ratios in the area. Under the supervision of the director of nursing, the organization had licensed staff on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The nursing staff was required to participate in regular clinical training through in-service classes as well as qualified classes offsite. This ensured that the medical personnel were kept abreast of the latest developments in the field of geriatric care and treatment. Every part of the towson facility was designed to feel like home. The organization was committed to offering the most independent lifestyle while tailoring the residents' care plans to meet individual needs. To determine the level of care, the clinical team assessed each prospective resident's ability to perform activities of daily living. Activities of daily living include bathing, dressing, medication administration, mobility, toileting, dining and cognition, a comprehensive care plan was implemented to ensure the safety and comfort of residents. The care plan took into consideration the general physical, mental and psycho-social situation of the resident. Members of the care team addressed medical and nursing care, therapies, meals and food service, activities and emotional needs. The organization offered three levels of assisted living and a health care center. The residents were able to remain in the facility as their need for more daily assistance increased. For those residents who may have become terminally ill, the organization worked with several preferred hospice providers. These providers worked in tandem with the organization's medical staff to help foster comfort, self-respect and tranquility for the resident and the family. The organization recognized the need for short-term, temporary relief for those caring for elderly family members who might otherwise require permanent placement in a community outside of their home. The organization's respite care services were designed to provide the same high standard of care that our permanent residents enjoyed, only on a planned, temporary basis. Medical services: the organization had a medical director and an assistant medical director. These physicians were available on site weekly and were available as the needs of residents arose. The medical director provided supervision and direction to the nursing services department. Residents were free to choose their physicians, and referrals were made to specialists whenever necessary. Specialized care was provided at the facility on a regular basis by the following: podiatrists, speech therapists, physical therapists, pharmacists, occupational therapists, geriatric psychiatrists, and exercise/fitness instructors. Two of maryland's finest hospitals, greater baltimore medical center and university of maryland st joseph medical center, were less than a 5 minute ride from the facility. Housekeeping and maintenance services:making sure the facility was neat and clean was just one function of this important department's role to the overall harmony of the facility. Services included personal laundry, facility linen, trash removal, and maintenance. Dietary services:proper nutrition as well as a pleasing presentation played an important role in the good health of all seniors under the supervision of the director of hospitality. All three daily meals were carefully prepared by the dietary team. A registered dietitian also provided consultation and support to the food service department. Meals were served in two attractive dining rooms where residents could enjoy small groups of friends. Residents had their choice of entree at the dinner meal, and the facility always offered a substitute entree. For those residents who chose not to attend the main dining room for the breakfast meal, they could enjoy a continental breakfast including juices, cereal and fresh fruits. The continental breakfast was conveniently located each morning in our spacious kitchenettes located on each wing of the facility. Lifestyle and wellness:the organization offered many varied activities on a daily basis to meet the needs of all of the residents. Many of the residents chose to engage in more independent activities such as in-house college classes, reading, socializing with friends, or attending the local senior center located only a few blocks from the facility. Others chose to fill their days with an assortment of activities including crafts and entertainment. The organization offered several weekly socials including the very popular wine & cheese social and ice cream social. All activities were planned, implemented and supervised by a certified recreation therapist. The organization hosted several events throughout the year for residents, volunteers, families and staff. These special events offered a chance for residents and guests to gather for socialization and to take part in parties, fundraisers and special occasions. Some of the events that were hosted each year included the annual resident shrimp feast, the annual crab feast, the friends & family supper, and several holiday events.