Mental health unit supports skilled nursing residents with a hands-on approach
Mental health issues are challenging for individuals, as well as the whole family, and finding the right support is essential to healing. For those Ohioans living near New Lebanon, SKLD New Lebanon’s Lighthouse Unit is there to help them find a pathway forward.
The Lighthouse Unit helps residents suffering from mental health challenges, supporting them through recovery and stabilization. This can include PTSD trauma, autism, brain injuries, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other mental health conditions.
Beyond the stigma of mental health
Alyssa Carter, administrator of SKLD New Lebanon, oversees the operation of the entire skilled nursing facility, ensuring the highest quality of care and programming possible. She has her finger on the pulse of how to meet residents’ needs.
Stigma can be one of the biggest challenges for those suffering from mental illness. Alyssa says,
“Our staff works to promote awareness and help families with training to have them learn what it means for a loved one to suffer in this way.”
Typically, family members are aware of the effects of mental illness, but the staff works to help them empathize and understand their loved one’s diagnosis. This often makes them more supportive and gives them hope as well.
Making the decision to move into a residential facility can be hard for both the family and the patient, so the SKLD staff works to make this transition as easy as possible. Alyssa says,
“We take it slow and figure out what works best for the patient, depending on their interests. Building trust is key, and we do this by trying to relate to the patients and their interests.”
For example, as a way to make residents comfortable, Alyssa says the team will sometimes bring in animals, such as bunnies and baby goats to brighten the residents’ day. SKLD New Lebanon is located in a farming community, so the residents enjoy furry visitors.
The Lighthouse Unit features its own courtyard where residents are able to go outside. “We have patients that suffer from trauma related to PTSD, such as Vietnam veterans, who benefit from the smaller unit with fewer distractions,” Alyssa says.
Sometimes residents need a push to participate in programs that can benefit them. The Lighthouse staff came up with “participation bucks” for joining activities that they can exchange for prizes.
Communication is key for residents with mental health conditions
Christenna Day, the social service director at SKLD New Lebanon, focuses on making sure residents at the Lighthouse Unit get everything they need to be comfortable and feel supported.
One of the primary needs for residents right now is simply having someone to talk to. Christenna says, “Because visitors are limited, one way that I am able to help is to just go over and talk with the residents. There is also a psychotherapist who comes in twice a week to speak with the residents.”
The most rewarding part of working in the Lighthouse Unit is when a patient thrives in their treatment. Many times, the progress can be dramatic. Christenna says,
“One patient with a traumatic brain injury made tremendous progress. We have one of the most amazing therapy teams, who helped a man who wasn’t able to stand or talk to walk and hold a conversation.”
The pandemic has inspired an already creative team to innovate even more, providing top-quality care directly to the residents’ rooms. “The therapy team takes tools like a stepper, hand weights, and even a mobile bike pedal so the residents can do their exercises safely. The team also uses the hallway by placing cones for the residents to maneuver around,” says Christenna.
Christenna especially loves the hands-on nature of her job and being able to talk to the residents. “It feels more like a family than staff here, making sure the residents are cared for like family. Everybody appreciates each other and takes pride in making a difference.”
Hands-on approach to mental health care
As Unit Manager at SKLD New Lebanon, Angel Miller oversees residents and makes sure everyone’s schedules are in check. That means coordinating activities, doctor appointments, physical therapy and anything else residents need for treatment.
Prior to this role, Angel served as a floor nurse. “Having that one-on-one experience with residents as a floor nurse helps me relate to the floor staff by seeing the job from both sides.”
Angel and her staff have found ways to keep the residents engaged and on track. Angel says, “Our in-house psychologist and the activities keep the residents involved and thriving despite the challenges. The way we interact is all about a hands-on approach, which the residents seem to love.
Even when times get tough, Angel says, “Seeing the smiles on the residents’ faces will brighten anyone’s day.”
No matter what’s going on in the world, the SKLD New Lebanon Lighthouse Unit is brightening up their unit by providing love and support to residents and families who need it most.
For more information about the SKLD New Lebanon Lighthouse unit, click here. For information about any of our other facilities throughout Ohio and Michigan, click here.