Atrium

Since one and sometimes two of the five houses in an Avalon by Otterbein neighborhood focus on rehabilitation therapies, temporary stays after a hospitalization or an acute illness are common. The specialized, trained staff understands that no person wants to live in an environment that focuses solely on their frailty, and so quality of life becomes the small house focus. Elder assistants, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, physical therapists, social workers, nutritionists and a medical director make up the healthcare team. They work together to personalize the care for each resident.

Long hallways in traditional nursing homes create dependence on wheelchairs. But the short, wide hallways and outside walkways at Avalon by Otterbein encourage elders and rehabilitation guests to walk as much as possible. This maintains strength and reduces the dependence on wheelchairs.

Elder assistants are integral in the mental and physical health of the elders. In addition to the current nurses aide training, they undergo 120 hours of additional instruction for household duties, such as laundry and cooking. Enjoying the privacy of their own room, even residents with a waning appetite can be enticed by the wafting smell of home-cooked food coming from the family-style kitchen. It may even be their recipe that was used in the preparation. The design of the small house and its location within a neighborhood makes the transition for elders easier. It provides optimal opportunities for residents to stay connected to family and friends.

Both residents and staff appreciate key differences such as no institutional schedules, meals or routines; high elder assistant staffing ratios; and home cooked meals. The benefits of these changes include better outcomes, improved quality of life and satisfaction for residents and increased nurse effectiveness. Avalon by Otterbein neighborhoods are licensed and certified by the Ohio Department of Health. Avalon by Otterbein small houses are both Medicare and Medicaid certified.