Individualized and personalized care in a home-like setting
By Lauren Schiffman, Contributing Writer
Photo/courtesy Catholic Free Press
Charlton – Situated on a 30-acre sprawl of land in Charlton, Charlton Manor Rest Home and Assisted Living is commemorating 10 years under the tutelage of owner Michael Turpin.
“It’s a very caring organization,” Turpin said of the community, which Turpin transformed from its prior iteration of a poor farm to a home for up to 35 individuals who live in private or semi-private rooms. The space is decorated with period antiques, framed photos of previous residents and oriental rugs. “We transformed it to look like a private inn, and I bought everyone a flat screen TV with 100 channels. It’s a beautiful environment,” he added.
Charlton Manor provides individualized and personalized care for older adults – and some younger ones – in the homelike setting from the time they move in through their end-of-life.
A chef prepares three meals and two snacks daily and works with a dietician who oversees the menu. Many older adults have special dietary concerns, and for those who need it, meals are individualized.
In addition to home-cooked meals, residents receive complete housekeeping and laundry services; medication management when necessary; and transportation to medical appointments, shopping trips and more. Typically, Charlton Manor welcomes entertainers, including a violinist, who performs once a month for eager residents. Since the pandemic began, however, she has been performing outside. The community also hosts various religious services, a book club, adult coloring classes, arts & crafts, bingo and movie screenings.
Residents with early onset dementia receive one-on-one care from private aides brought into the home. Students in a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) program and who work at Charlton Manor are given an opportunity to develop their skills by working with a nurse consultant, who offers tactics and tips to help the students effectively engage with those individuals. The students can redirect someone who is having difficulty and “engage them in conversation or crafts. We have one resident who likes to polish silver,” which is what the students encourage him to do when necessary. The students enjoy the semi-clinical training experience in a home-like environment.
Through a contract with Jewish Home Care and Hospice, Turpin’s staff also provides end-of-life care to eligible residents. “They’re passing in a familiar and living environment surrounded by people they know,” Turpin said. He added that clergy are brought in for those who are open to it, no matter the individual’s faith.
“I go beyond to make sure that people get what they need.” said Turpin. In fact, he added, “I encourage people to contact me if they need help placing a loved one in our challenging healthcare environment.”
Although there have been reports across the country about Covid-19 adversely affecting senior care communities, Charlton Manor has been COVID-free since the beginning of the pandemic. “I closed down anyone going to any outside services,” said Turpin, who is wary about his residents commingling with residents of other eldercare communities. Residents do continue, however, to go to their medical appointments.
In-house safety precautions include sanitation stations; deep cleanings of resident rooms; and daily wipedowns of doorknobs and bathrooms, for example. Residents are encouraged to wash their hands prior to each meal, and an aid provides hand sanitizer to further ensure cleanliness. “My manager, Deborah Fitts, is wonderful,” Turpin said. “She oversees the operation, and the building is spotless,” he added.
Despite the individualized care each resident receives, Turpin keeps his costs reasonable and according to the appropriate level of care; it’s an affordable choice. “Residents know they’re in the right environment. They want to live here, and they want to die here,” he said. And if they no longer have assets to pay for their care? “They remain with us until the end. Not only do residents feel like they’re at home; they are,” Turpin said.
“We have a warm environment with the undertone of spirituality. You feel it when you’re here.”
