Currently there are many physical as well as emotional barriers keeping the Sutton Community Home from being the best it can be:
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Electrical Systems Electrical Systems: In 1964 the facility met the needs and demands of the patients and the times. 50 years later times and technology have changed. “We need to anticipate the needs of the Baby Boomer Generation,” says Sutton Community Home Foundation Board Member, Jolene Griess. “Currently the residents’ rooms are equiped with only one electrical outlet. We are already seeing the change in times with several residents using laptops, tablets, cell phones, and other electronics. It is against code to use surge protectors or extention cords in the facility so we see the effects of the lack of electrical facilities.” Storage IssuesStorage Issues: With the current facility’s lack of storage room, staff members are forced to leave wheel chairs, walkers, lifts, and other equipment in the hallways creating hazards for patients and staff.
Kitchen FunctioningThe Kitchen: In our current facility the Kitchen is less than ideal. With the current kitchen work surfaces being wood, clean-up and sanitation efforts in the kitchen are much more complex and costly than a newer, stainless steel kitchen. The size of the kitchen is also limiting as there is only one prep area large enough to prepare food. Walk in cooler is outside. Lack of Storage for food.
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Resident room functionalityCurrently the facility offers rooms that are smaller in size than the average skilled nursing facilities in the area. Because of the room size the staff are challenged with the amount of space they have to properly move the residents when providing care.
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Bathroom Size: With similar complications as the room sizes, the current facilities bathrooms and bathhouse provide little room to properly care for patients. Especially those needing assistance from wheelchairs, walkers, lifts, and extra care from nursing staff.
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Nursing Stations: Currently there is a small nursing station near the front door of the facility. This small space no longer meets the demands of the nursing staff. With the increase of technology comes the increase in electronic equipment for nursing staff due to use of electronic medical records. Other needs of the facility and the nursing staff is that of more up to date and effecint medication delivery system as well as patient call light system.
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Emotional needs for our current and future residents:
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Lack of Privacy: Today’s staffing needs have maxed out the allotted administrative room in the facility. Staff members are currently occupying small office spaces with multiple other employees. This makes for less than desirable working conditions for those employees. It also creates a lack of privacy and confidentiality when multiple staff are trying to meet with potential clients or other employees.
Lack of Worship and Spiritual Area: Residents currently enjoy activities such as weekly worship services and hymn sing. Unfortunately due to lack of space, these activities are currently being held in the dining room, one of the only common areas large enough to facilitate the activities. Residents complain regularly about the surround noise and distractions associated with sharing a space.
Lack of Family Room: Currently when a resident’s loved ones come to visit they are limited to the resident’s small room or the dinning room as an area to meet. When larger groups come to the facility currently there is not a private area for them to gather and spend time together. The addition of a family and friends room or enclosed courtyard would provide adequate space for groups to meet.
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