Residents of The Heritage typically remain under the care of their personal physician, which is often a comfort to both residents and their families. In addition, the medical staff at The Heritage includes a part-time nurse practitioner to assist with medical needs, such as writing prescriptions.
The professionally licensed staff at The Heritage includes:
- two registered nurses (RNs)
- three licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
- 30 home health aides (HHAs)
- resident service coordinator
- two recreation therapists
- a building services director
- three maintenance workers
- four housekeepers
A registered nurse is always on-call at The Heritage, 24 hours a day - seven days a week.
The Heritage is staffed according to the Dementia Guidelines provided by the New York State Department of Health. These guidelines stipulate that the building be staffed by persons appropriately trained and capable of meeting the needs of the residents. Direct care staffing is provided by a ratio of one staff for every 8 residents during the day and evening, and one staff for every 15 residents at night.
The important role of the Recreation Therapist at The Heritage is to:
- enhance the quality of life for residents
- help maintain the strengths that residents possess for as long as possible
- decrease agitation and sleeplessness associated with the disease
- bring added purpose, fun and excitement to each day
- promote social interaction
The Heritage staff includes Home Health Aides, who are required to attend regular in-service training sessions to maintain their skills and knowledge.
In-services focus on specialty areas, such as:
- Hydration
- Incontinence
- Infection control
- Nutrition and the elderly
- Oral care
- Palliative care
- Transfer techniques
Special Alzheimer’s disease and dementia aide training in-service topics at The Heritage include:
- Assisting residents with medications
- Causes of dementia
- Communicating with people with dementia
- Dealing with combative behaviors
- Validation therapy
- Wandering