The Ridge Terrace Group Home - 1344 Words

The caregivers at the homes assist in arranging medical care, such as routine appointments or follow-up care as needed, in the event the resident or his or her guardians do not. In addition, a staff member normally attends the resident’s medical appointment. Each resident, or his or her guardian, is allowed to seek treatment from a physician of their choice. If they do not chose a physician, the group homes will bring the residents for medical care to consulting physicians. Frances House pays its consulting physicians a total of $150 per month for their consulting services. The physicians then bill the resident’s insurance or public aid for the medical services provided. The Ridge Terrace group home consists of a large ranch-style†¦show more content†¦In Kenneth, Jr.’s situation, he was allowed to look at magazines and watch television due to his low cognitive abilities. In the evenings, the residents participate in activities that are designed to develop and reinforce such areas as social skills, stress management and independence with activities of daily living. According to Dina Bicker, Ridge Terrace’s Qualified Mental Retardation Professional (QMRP), and who presented very well at her deposition, Kenneth, Jr. initially was a pleasant resident that liked to have fun with the other residents. However, starting in approximately 2005, he became abusive and aggressive toward other residents and objects. His parents assert that his newly developed aggressiveness was due to frustration resulting from the staff not allowing him to express his emotions and not providing assistance with stress management. After the staff unsuccessfully attempted to use behavior modification programs in an effort to resolve his aggressive behavior, they took Kenneth, Jr. for an evaluation to Dr. Dennison, a psychiatrist at Sinissippi Center. Dr. Dennison is not an employee of Frances House. Instead, he is one of many health care professionals who are on Frances House’s referral list. Dr. Dennison evaluated Kenneth, Jr. on October 9, 2006, and diagnosed him with bipolar disorder. To treat this condition, Dr. Dennison prescribed Depakote and