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Continuing the YAI/NIPD Network’s commitment to modifying and expanding our programs to enable people with developmental disabilities to age with comfort and dignity in their homes and communities, the YAI/NIPD Residential Department is creating its first single-level residence in Westchester County.
Building the Comforts of Home to Meet Individual Needs
YAI/NIPD’s new residence on Spencer Drive in New Rochelle will become home to six aging individuals who have complex medical needs and are currently residing in other YAI/NIPD homes in the county. The residents look forward to moving in this summer.
“This is going to be a state-of-the-art residence,” said Thomas A. Dern, Associate Executive Director of YAI/NIPD. “As our consumers age, we will continue to meet their individual clinical needs and allow them to age with dignity in a nurturing, caring environment.”
The home, which will be more than 3,200 square feet, will have separate bedrooms for each resident, allowing for comfort and privacy should medical care be required. The home will also feature specialized medical equipment, a backup generator for oxygen and various life-saving devices, a specialized tub that is easy and safe to get in and out of, and a Jacuzzi-style tub to provide relief for residents with arthritis.
“This is one of the most exciting projects that I’ve ever worked on,” said Beverly Jackson, Assistant Director of YAI/NIPD Residential Services. “It’s going to have an immense impact on the quality of life for our consumers.”
“I’m excited because it’s a new endeavor and a new type of program that will be individualized to meet our consumers’ needs,” said Simone Lawrence, who will supervise the Spencer Drive Residence.
In-Home Day Program
To ensure that residents maintain their active, fulfilling lifestyles as they grow older and their abilities change due to conditions such as Alzheimer’s and arthritis, the residential staff members are receiving training to provide in-home day services.
The day program, which will incorporate constructive in-home skills building activities, is one more way that YAI/NIPD is evolving to continue to provide the high quality of life that our consumers have enjoyed for years.
Like everything else about the new residence, its day program will be tailored to the residents.
“It’s all about doing things at their pace and based on their needs,” Beverly said.