PHILOSOPHY

Deerfield Resident Life/Health and Wellness Philosophy

The core element of the Deerfield Health & Wellness Philosophy is an understanding that each resident is entitled and encouraged to live at the highest level of independence possible. Policies and fundamental strategies of care and services are designed to promote optimal dignity and to preserve the residents’ right to make their own decisions and choices regarding their health care.

Programs and services at Deerfield are designed to:

• Promote and encourage self-sufficiency
• Increase independence and modify needs for assistance
• Maintain dignity and self-respect
• Allow the residents to predetermine through Advance Directives, Living Wills and legal measures; future care and treatment
• Enhance quality of life
• Improve personal relationships
• Preserve and enhance the ability to participate in personal religious beliefs and programs
• Minimize both physical and chemical restraints whenever possible
• Promote resident decision-making and maximize choice and allow for flexibility with programs and services when possible
• Reactivate talents and skills or learn new ones
• Increase tranquility
• Continue to educate residents and staff on strategies to enhance wellness
• Promote and provide preventative care and wellness programs
• Assure confidentiality of medical care and records

When a change in a resident’s health status or needs indicate the need to move to another level of care, every attempt is made to include the resident, the family, and the resident’s personal physician in the decision-making process. When appropriate, Deerfield encourages and supports short-term recuperatory care in the Independent or Assisted Living residences. A team approach to providing care and services will be taken when a resident experiences a transition in status.

A thorough assessment form will be the basis to begin to identify the appropriate services needed, as well as the appropriate living environment at the time. Deerfield discourages 24-hour home health care and nursing care in the independent setting for a prolonged period of time. Every attempt will be made to educate the resident and family about the benefits of providing for the “total care” of the resident in the appropriate level of care when prolonged nursing services are needed on a daily basis.

Confused residents will be treated with dignity and respect at all times. Efforts will be made to modify the environment to enhance independence and autonomy.

In the event that it becomes necessary to transfer a resident to another facility, every effort will be made to enhance communications and see that appropriate care and services are received. When possible, transfer back to Deerfield to the appropriate level of care will be coordinated.

Deerfield encourages residents to provide Advance Directives and to be involved in all decisions regarding their care. The facility will make every attempt to provide care and services in accordance with the resident’s expressed wishes concerning administering or withholding life prolonging measures. Upon admission to Health Care or Assisted Living Residences, the resident will be asked to provide any documents he/she has executed. Deerfield does not sanction or approve of euthanasia or assisted suicide.

Each resident of Deerfield is required to have a local primary physician of record. Plans should be made for the physician to visit the resident at Deerfield, if so required.

The Resident’s Bill of Rights is the basis for the philosophy of health care, which the Bill of Rights assures that every resident is protected and furnished with basic privileges. It is the intent of Deerfield to promote and ensure a higher standard of care and quality of life.

Deerfield’s policies and strategies may change as medical and technological advances continue to progress. Deerfield reserves the right to make these determinations when in the best interest of all residents residing at Deerfield. Policies may also change from time to time when dictated by local, state, or national regulating bodies.