One area of concern was the desire for what was referred to as a wander guard system. This security system, which is in use at many other nursing care facilities, would automatically lock doors if a patient tried to exit the building. Especially important for those who suffer from Alzheimers, this system would prevent possible accidents in cases when the patient might wander onto a roadway.
The manor, built in 1964 as a board and care facility with 40 beds, now has 64 beds and serves people who need far more care than in earlier years. Twenty-four percent of patients currently have behavioral problems and 94 percent need wheelchairs, which has caused a growing need for extra space through the main hallway to allow staff to tend to patients more effectively and efficiently.
The current computer which, among other things, records assessments in the Manor, is now six years old and not equipped for online service and other duties, which have been mandated for nursing facilities after December 31 of this year. Ampe commented that the staff has been keeping up with assessments so far, but due to the current mandate, will need an updated system.
The current potential needs of the Manor would run into thousands of dollars. Dr. Roger Dreyling commented the wander guard system in particular could be a good community project for local organization donations or fund raisers, as it is one specific focus dealing with the safety of residents.
In other business:
Bids were extended on the CAT scan machine until next month when board members will have made an on site visit to see the proposed machine in action.
In the area of the proposed PAHCS satellite clinic in Richmond, members of the PAHCS board, as well as several physicians, met with the advisory board from Richmond for the first time. They toured Paynesville's facility and discussed its history, as well as Richmond's possible role in the PAHCS system, and Richmond's specific needs.
The board will again meet August 4 in Richmond to tour the existing clinic there. William LaCroix, hospital administrator, expressed his feeling that the venture is moving ahead.