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Our
Semi-Independent Living Services Program created in 1975, is one
of the oldest in the state of Minnesota. The SILS Program
provides counseling, training and support needed for people to live
alone, with a roommate or spouse in their own apartment or home,
or in a family setting as they prepare for greater independence.
Services are designed with each individual to ensure continued
success and independence. Areas of focus include
-
meal
management
-
shopping
-
financial management
-
personal appearance
-
apartment maintenance
-
accessing resources
-
rights
and responsibilities of community living
-
social
and leisure skills
-
general medical supervision.
The amount
of staff assistance varies based on the needs of the individual
who is being served. A unique feature of HMC’s Semi-Independent Living
Service is the availability of on-call services, allowing a SILS
staff to respond to needs on holidays, weekends and night time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What makes HMC different from other
provider organizations?
2. What is HMC’s system for quality assurance
and how are services monitored?
3. What is Harry Meyering Center’s
philosophy?
4. How does the agency encourage and support
people to be active with self-advocacy groups?
5.
Who serves on the board of directors?
6. What are the results of the SILS/SLS
In-Home program’s most recent licensing survey?
7. Is HMC connected to
other programs that your family member or friend might need such
as day support or work programs? How are they connected?
8. What and how does HMC routinely communicate
with families?
9. How are staff screened?
10. What training does HMC offer staff?
11. How are direct service staff supervised?
12. How can families and consumers reach
different staff at all levels in an emergency outside office
hours?
13. How are services individualized to meet
individualized needs?
14. What recreational and social activities do
people participate in? What happens when individuals choose not
to participate?
15. What kind of transportation is available
during the week? On weekends?
16. How are funds handled and by whom?
17. Are meetings held when I can attend, after
work hours or weekends?
18. What resources are available to pay for
services?
19. How does HMC ensure the continuation of
contact with family and friends?
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What makes HMC different from other provider
organizations?
The Harry
Meyering Center was established by the local ARC and parents of
children with mental retardation. Parents involved with HMC’s
development sought to provide their adult children with a
residential alternative to a state institution. HMC is a
not-for-profit organization serving the Mankato area since
1973.
HMC provides the
people they serve and their families with services that
encourage dreams, focus on independence, foster community
connections, help people cope with life-changing events and
offer special attention to safety, health needs and security.
The SILS/SLS
In-Home program is unique in that it employs several long-term
staff, which maintains stability for individuals involved.
Several staff have worked with the same individuals for more
than 20 years!
2. What is HMC’s system for quality assurance
and how are services monitored?
SILS/SLS In-Home
program has numerous processes in place to audit the quality of
the service. First, there is the team of concerned people
around each consumer. This team includes the consumer, the
legal representative, the case manager, interested family
members, day program staff, and HMC staff. The team monitors
the programmatic side of the service as well as consumer
satisfaction. Financial audits are completed regularly.
Consumer and Stakeholder Satisfaction Surveys are completed
bi-annually.
3. What is Harry Meyering Center’s philosophy?
Harry Meyering
Center has its philosophy based in the 14 values of the agency
which guide the services, interactions, and supports of the
individuals served. These values include an emotionally and
physically safe environment, respectful communication, choice,
and a home that reflects the interests, routines, and
personalities of those living there.
(Click here to see a complete list
of HMC Values.)
4. How does the agency encourage and support
people to be active with self-advocacy groups?
The SILS Program
offers open lines of communication and on-going training to
encourage individuals to be self-advocates. Staff inform
individuals served about the self-advocacy groups and assist
them with making arrangements to attend.
Individuals
served are encouraged to belong to the local “People First”
chapter and "Aktion Theater.” Staff support this participation
at the level necessary for each individual to be successful.
5.
Who serves on the board of directors?
The Board of
Directors is a policy making board and does not direct
day-to-day operations. Careful attention is paid to board
composition. Three (3) of 10 current board members represent
family members served by HMC.
6. What are the results of the SILS/SLS In-Home
program’s most recent licensing survey?
The SILS/SLS
In-Home program is licensed by the State Department of Human
Services (DHS) which surveys programming, health and safety,
staff training, and policies and procedures. The program is
surveyed every 2 years. The program has had excellent reviews
with 6 out of the last 9 reviews resulting in no deficiencies.
Results of all reviews can be obtained by calling the SILS/SLS
In-Home Program Director.
7. Is HMC connected to other programs that your
family member or friend might need such as day support or work
programs? How are they connected?
People served by
HMC enjoy work and day services offered by MRCI, Valley
Enterprises, Lifeworks and several retirement options.
Providers that offer a wide variety of leisure activities are
also resources for people served by HMC.
Individuals in
the SILS/SLS In-Home program are employed through both
community-based employment and competitive employment. Several
individuals utilize the MRCI Ease program as a resource for
pre-retirement and retirement activities.
8. What and how does HMC routinely communicate
with families?
With guardian
permission, family members receive copies of progress
documents. Families are encouraged to call with questions and
concerns. Individuals served have no restrictions on phone use
or visitors and staff encourage individuals served to solidify
their family relationships with regular communication.
9. How are staff screened?
When hiring
staff, we look for individuals who are compassionate,
enthusiastic and motivated. A series of interviews take place,
generally including one at the house so that individuals served
can voice an opinion. Before a person is hired, they must
provide two references, undergo a background check and pass a
drug test. Proof of a good driving record is also required.
10. What training does HMC offer staff?
HMC staff must
complete a series of orientation classes and in-services. Such
training includes the vulnerable adults rule, HMC policies and
procedures, OSHA, health and safety issues, HIPAA, CPR and first
aid. Staff also receive training specifically related to the
individuals with whom they will be working. Annually
thereafter, staff complete 20 or more hours of training. The
number of hours worked determines the number of hours of
in-services required.
In addition to
the mandatory training, SILS/SLS In-Home staff receives training
specific to working with individuals in their own apartment.
Among the most important areas of training are financial
entitlements, problem-solving, decision making, management of
medications and financial management. Staff are encouraged to
attend additional training that may assist them in issues as
they arise.
11. How are direct service staff supervised?
SILS/SLS In-Home
has a Program Director and two Team Facilitators who are QMRPs
(Qualified Mental Retardation Professionals.) SILS/SLS In-Home
staff are different from SLS and ICF staff because they meet
clients on a scheduled basis, in their own home or apartment.
The Program Director and Team Facilitators are available for
questions or mentoring in the office and by cell phone. Staff
also have frequent informal meetings with supervisors.
12. How can families and consumers reach
different staff at all levels in an emergency outside office
hours?
In case of an
emergency, HMC does offer on-call services. On-call services are
also available through Blue Earth County.
13. How are services individualized to meet
individualized needs?
Development of
structured programs and daily routines are based on formal
assessment, consumer needs, likes, dislikes and personal goals.
Every effort is made to encourage choice and control to the
consumer, when it is safe and healthy to do so.
Programmatic
decisions are made by the consumer and his/her team. Individual
Program Plans are developed and implemented to train or increase
skill levels. Procedures are in place to maintain skills.
Outcomes are developed and implemented based entirely on the
desires of the consumer.
14. What recreational and social activities do
people participate in? What happens when individuals choose not
to participate?
While it is
ultimately the individual’s choice, we strongly encourage
participation. There are a number of activities available
through the community such as LEEP events, the Community
Education ACCESS program and sporting events.
HMC employs an
Activities Coordinator who plans and provides over 15 activities
a month. Activities include: game night, card making, scrap
booking, movie night, craft club, exercise classes, art
opportunities, and live music performances. Activities are open
to all individuals served by HMC and are free. Staff provide
information, encouragement and support when necessary.
Individuals then decide to participate or not among many
choices.
15. What kind of transportation is available
during the week? On weekends?
Individuals in
the SILS/SLS In-Home program utilize public transportation (bus
or taxi.) Staff assist in planning activities so that
transportation is taken into consideration. Since the bus does
not operate on Sundays, individuals walk or use a taxi.
16. How are funds handled and by whom?
Everyone in the
SILS/SLS In-Home program has their own checking account that
they are responsible for managing. Staff provide training in
financial management practices based on the Risk Management Plan
and as determined by he Interdisciplinary Team.
The Community
Living Coordinator is responsible to oversee the financial
management aspects of an individual’s training. All individuals
with dual signature (no ownership implied) accounts will be
audited every 6 months by the Program Director and Team
Facilitators.
17. Are meetings held when I can attend, after
work hours or weekends?
Typically, staff
call a month in advance to determine what dates and times work
for team members. Meetings are held when as many members as
possible are available. At a minimum the team meeting must
include the consumer, the legal representative and the county
case manager.
18. What resources are available to pay for
services?
State SILS grant,
MRDD waiver, CADI waiver, and private pay.
19. How does HMC ensure the continuation of
contact with family and friends?
A main focus is
for individuals to maintain connections. Staff encourage and
assist with letter writing, phone calls and keeping track of
family birthdays and special events. Individuals are always
encouraged to invite friends to activities or events rather than
attending alone.
To learn more about our other programs,
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