Community and Culture Change
At Helen Porter, we’re concerned about the total person, about emotional and spiritual needs as well as physical care. Each resident is considered an important member of the larger community. Recently, Helen Porter undertook Culture Change, the foundation of which is based on transforming Helen Porter into a true home. Decentralized dining has been added, where residents are given a choice of foods to eat and a comfortable and homey atmosphere has been created. Institutional settings are a thing of the past at Helen Porter and we will continue our endeavor in the months and years to come.
Staff
With consultation from our Medical Director, a team of dedicated and experienced nurses are on duty 24 hours a day at Helen Porter. A Nurse Practitioner (NP), Registered Nurses (RN), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), and Licensed Nurse Assistants (LNA) take care of any health issues and daily living needs of residents, assuring their safety, personal hygiene, and comfort. Tailoring care to individual needs and goals is central to our philosophy. Recognizing that some residents may have special needs, our Social Service, Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy, and Activities Departments are equipped to assess each person’s situation. Programs are available for the physically challenged as well as those with memory impairment.
In conjunction with the nursing staff, Dietitians, Nutrition Services, Activities, Housekeeping/Laundry, Administration, and Maintenance, subscribe to an interdisciplinary approach in which all areas of expertise are equally important. Within this context, considerate and respectful care is given to each resident. In the event of an emergency, the nursing home is adjacent to Porter Hospital which is fully equipped and staffed to handle critical illnesses.
Residents and family are also an important part of the team in making planning decisions. We emphasize what the individual can and chooses to do in striving to achieve their maximum level of independence.
Personal Well Being
In helping meet the needs of all residents, our professional staff has implemented a varied program in the large, well-equipped activity room. For those with special interests, individual programs can be arranged as well as group pursuits in sports, games, arts and crafts, nature walks, gardening, and music. All residents have access to outdoor recreation in a secure courtyard. Dedicated community volunteers help to provide meaningful leisure time activity and add a special touch to resident care at Helen Porter. They perform many tasks that contribute to the enjoyment of nursing home services.
Family Support
Recognizing the need for nursing home care can be an unsettling process for families. Our experienced staff is always available to provide support in making this important transition and will work to ensure the least amount of disruption to the emotional ties of family and friends. While being sensitive to the concerns of everyone involved, we believe in the right of each resident to make decisions about care and encourage individual control over daily life. In considering the needs of aging loved ones, we invite you to visit Helen Porter and see for yourself how this philosophy is put into practice.
A Unique and Natural Environment
Residents and families have access to two remarkable resources at Helen Porter. We have a beautifully landscaped courtyard with both perennial flower beds and raised gardens for the annual planting of fresh vegetables by our residents. Additionally, our residents may enjoy a wheelchair or walker-accessible nature trail which begins at Helen Porter and winds through meadowlands, wetlands, and woodlands. The trail provides a lovely outdoor respite for our residents and allows them to take advantage of the soothing and healing effects of nature.
Social Gatherings
Helen Porter offers a variety of group and individual activities to appeal to the diverse interests of our community members. Activities range from games & socials to spiritual offerings, chances to be physically active, massage, seasonal activities, special interest groups and displays, community outings, theme days and more. We encourage our community members to take part in the activities that interest them individually, providing assistance as needed. Come join us!