RIC's Adaptive Daily Living Apartment

 

In order to help patients further their rehabilitation and prepare to return home, RIC has an apartment set up on the 12th floor of its flagship hospital. The apartment includes an entryway, bedroom, bathroom and a working kitchen. Patients work with their therapists to complete a variety of tasks in a home-like setting.

The apartment includes several modifications to make it more accessible for those with compromised mobility. For example, the refrigerator handle has been adapted, the cabinets have been reorganized and the kitchen includes a pull-out cutting board. The bathroom has a curbless shower, shower chair and grab bars. The bedroom also features a lift and an inclining bed.

Apartment Overnight Program

RIC has recently expanded the use of this apartment into an overnight program for patients and their caregivers as they near discharge from the hospital. The prospect of going home can bring up feelings of nervousness on the part of both patients and their caregivers, especially after going through inpatient rehabilitation. The Apartment Overnight Program serves as a unique opportunity for individuals and their caregivers to practice the skills they have learned during therapy in a simulated home environment. By taking part in the program, all parties involved can identify areas that require further assistance, education or practice before the patient leaves the inpatient rehabilitation environment.

Patients who qualify to take part in the program may do so on the recommendation of their attending physicians. They will have access to the apartment from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday night. A patient care technician will be outside the apartment all night and will check in periodically. Therapists will work with the patient and his or her caregiver before the overnight stay to determine a plan and set goals for the evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the apartment overnight program?  

It is a program  created to better prepare patients and, if appropriate, their caregivers for discharge by allowing them to practice skills learned in the inpatient rehabilitation setting in a simulated home environment.

What are the safety precautions for this program?  

A patient care technician will escort the patient and caregiver to the apartment and remain outside of the door at all times. He or she will check on the patient/caregiver at routine intervals and will be in communication with the patient’s primary nurse. In addition, there are call lights in the bedroom and bathroom that signal an audio/visual alarm on the 12th floor. Finally, a list of emergency numbers and a fire egress plan is provided in a comprehensive Overnight Apartment Program Binder in the apartment. 

Can the patient use the stove, oven, or knives for meal prep?

No. Due to safety regulations those items and appliances are NOT to be used during overnight program.

How is the patient/caregiver prepared for this program?  

A member of the patient’s rehabilitation team will orient him/her to the apartment prior to the program, including the adaptive equipment that will be provided during the stay.  

Can a patient who has an area pass use them during the program?

No. They may only take cigarette breaks per their doctor's orders. The purpose of the program is to work on apartment, not community, goals.

What type of patients are appropriate for this program?  

Patients who are best suited for this program include individuals who are unsure of their ability to return to home, patients who have been unable to participate on a day pass due to logistical reasons, those with a current fall assessment rating that is low or none and patients with caregivers who would like to try out their skills in a rehabilitation environment before returning home. 

Can the patient stay in the apartment alone?

Yes. If the patient meets all of the requirements for the program, he or she may stay without a caregiver, although the technician will be outside the door checking in every 3 hours.