Caring for the Community
 

   Trinidad State Nursing Home is celebrating its 50th year of dedicated care and service to its residents and their families by responding to their individual medical needs while adapting to the changing trends in the delivery of health care.

	Paula Barela, RN, Peggy Hamiln, Director of Nursing, Kathy Wolf, RN

   Recently, TSNH instituted new programs enabling residents to gain more control over their surroundings such as complementary healing treatments. TSJC massage students provide a form of massage specifically designed for the elderly. Likewise, a rehabilitation team offers therapy for residents intending to return home by providing a program to maintain strength and independence. It is also important to recognize that the end of life is a natural part of the life cycle and can be managed in a loving, respectful manner. Their newest program emphasizes the dignity of the individual at this time of transition.

   Education and support are given to the residents and their families as they make comfort care choices with their physican. The nursing room has dedicated a suite to comfort care, providing a home-like atmosphere for the residents with an additional room available for the family members to rest during this time. Education has also become an important component in understanding the end of life transition so TSNH has created a library, with resource materials regarding health issues such as illness, treatment options, the dying process and grief, written in both English and Spanish. Some materials are for in-house use, while others can be used for take-home study.

   A helpful nursing staff offers assistance with bereavement and proper care for loved ones at home, utilizing an outreach program along with an educational effort to address medical, and end-of-life hospice issues. It’s comforting to know there are trained professionals available who can help families cope at such a difficult time.