
Lifehouse operates four homes in Novato and San Rafael, each providing a home
for six individuals with more severe developmental disabilities. Clients
receive 24-hour care from trained staff with a ratio of two or three
clients to each staff person with one overnight staff person who checks
in regularly. These homes are called Intermediate Care Facilities
and are funded through MediCal.
Each client is served by a team of professionals -- typically a
speech therapist, a registered nurse, an occupational therapist,
a physician, a behavior specialist, a dietician, a recreational
therapist and a Regional Center caseworker. The team designs an
Individual Service Plan (ISP) for each client based on specific
needs.
The tailored plan consists of goals and objectives to teach clients
important skills in hygiene, habit training, safety, community awareness,
communication, social skills and other targeted areas.
During the day, clients attend school, pre-vocational training,
vocational training, or
recreational activities, based on their ages and individual needs.
In addition to in-home training, Lifehouse also provides clients
many opportunities to be active participants in the community with
assistance in shopping, going to the movies, bowling, working and
any other activities that interest them.
The severity of cognitive or physical disabilities does not rule
out independent living for individuals who desire this lifestyle
option. For individuals with medical, physical or other challenges,
Lifehouse is able to assist clients with daily living tasks they
aren’t able to perform on their own. These individuals often
qualify for other government services such as In-Home Support Services
(IHSS) to augment the support and training that our staff provides.
Depending on the client’s needs, services can be provided
up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
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