Special Care Unit
The Special Care Unit at Hillsboro Community Medical Center is a residential-type living area for people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The SCU is an 10 bed unit which specializes in individualized care. The benefit of a small unit is that we can offer personal attention day and night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Dementia?
Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person's ability to
carry out daily activities. The most common form of dementia among older
people is Alzheimer's Disease, which involves the parts of the brain that
control thought, memory, and language. Although scientists are learning
more every day, right now they still do not know what causes AD, and there
is no cure.
Q: Who gets Alzheimer's Disease?
As many as 4.5 million American's suffer from AD. It is more common in older
adults, and it affects all races. About 1 in 10 people over the age of 65
have Alzheimer's. As many as 5 in 10 people over the age of 85 have Alzheimer's
Disease.
Q: Does early diagnosis and treatment
really help?
People with AD often do better if they start treatment early. Medication
can slow down the symptoms of AD. People who start treatment early may keep
higher memory and thinking skills longer. Also, treatment may help people
keep doing their daily tasks longer.
Q: Is the HCMC Special Care Unit
safe for residents who wander?
Yes. Residents are free to wander around the special care unit. There is
a code to enter and exit the units. Residents also have access to our secure
courtyard.
Q: Are there activities designed
for residents with Alzheimer's or dementia?
Yes, activities are specifically designed for them. We also have physical
and occupational therapists who evaluate and work with residents.
Q: Is the staff trained to working
the people who have Alzheimer's disease or dementia?
Yes, our staff attend workshops that are centered on residents with some
type of dementia. In addition, our staff receives monthly in-service education
on dementia.
Q: What is the staff to patient
ratio?
We have a day staff of three and a night staff of two nurses. With only
11 residents in the unit, we offer each resident personal attention.
Q: Will a doctor continue to see
nursing home residents who have Alzheimer's disease or dementia?
Yes, a doctor sees all residents.
Q: Can residents have personal items?
Yes, we encourage residents to bring in personal items with them. For residents
with dementia, familiar items help them locate and identify their room.
Q: What forms of medical coverage
do you accept?
We accept private pay, commercial long term care insurance, and Medicaid.
Q: Where can I found out more
about the Special Care Unit?
Contact Pam Buller, Social Services at 620-947-1479 or
e-mail.
Links:
ADEAR
Alzheimer's Disease Education & Referral Center
www.alzheimers.org
Alzheimer's Association
www.alz.org
Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation
www.leezasplace.org