Moving into a new environment is never easy. At MMH North Ridge, we've assisted thousands of people like you in making the adjustment to your new home. We encourage you to participate as much as you like, and to become acquainted with your new neighbors.

Clothing and Fabric Care

Residents are asked to bring enough clothing to allow for frequent changes. All clothing including bathrobes, should be easy to launder and should require no ironing. Please avoid clothing that requires special care (i.e., hand washing, hang dry, dry-cleaning). Clothing labels are available through Environmental Services. A special machine will be used to apply the clothing labels for you. Included in your monthly rate, laundry service is available through our Fabric Care Department. If the family chooses to handle laundry for the resident, please notify the Nursing Department, and provide this service at least weekly. Clothing labels must be applied to a concealed area of the garment. All dry cleaning is to be arranged by the resident or family at their own expense.

Electrical Appliances

Televisions must be 13" or less and on an appropriate, safe stand. Maintenance is available to connect your television to the satellite system. Heating pads, electric blankets and extension cords are prohibited by the Fire Marshal. Out of consideration for all, TV's and radios must be turned off by 10:30 p.m. and not turned on until 8:00 a.m., except in the main lounge.

Family Conference

Family conferences provide the opportunity for the multi-disciplinary team to meet with the Resident and Family members to review the Resident’s plan of care. This in contrast to regulatory scheduled care conferences which have limited time designed for review. The disciplines involve with the plan of care will be invited to attend all family conferences. This may include representatives from Nursing, Social Service, Rehab Services, Therapeutic Recreation, Chaplaincy, and Nutrition Services. Your Social Worker will coordinate the family conference. Please see your Social Worker if you have any questions.

Food in Rooms

Perishable food should not be stored in residents' rooms, and MMH North Ridge does not have storage facilities available for these items. Any food brought in should be in agreement with the resident's dietary needs and in quantities to be consumed that day.

Furniture / Wall Decorations

Before bringing in furniture, please contact the area Nursing Supervisor or Social Worker. They will evaluate each resident room for safety, infection control and the ability of staff to provide care safely. They will make recommendations regarding the appropriate size for these items. When hanging items on the walls, please do not use nails. If you would like to hang pictures, please use the 3M brand hanging strips.

Guest Meals

Guest meals are available at a nominal charge for families and friends wishing to join a resident. Guest meal tickets can be purchased at the Information Center Holiday guest meal reservations must be made 72 hours in advance.

Internet access

There is a computer located in the 2 west activity room that is available for resident use. Wireless computer service is available through out the facility.

Nutrition Services

Managed by a licensed dietician, the Nutrition Services Department provides nutritionally balanced meals plus snacks each day. Weekly menus are posted in each dining room. A physician must prescribe therapeutic diets for residents requiring diet modifications. A registered dietician or dietetic technician visits upon admission, completes assessments and is available for consultation.

Pets

Residents are not allowed to have pets because of infection control and sanitation reasons. Visiting pets must be on leashes, properly immunized and may not be in dining areas during meal times. Should the need arise, please be prepared to present current shot records.

Signing Out/In

All residents must sign out at the desk in their area before leaving the unit and sign in on their return. We ask that visitors notify the nursing station before taking a resident off the unit even when not leaving the premises.

Smoking

As of May 1, 1995, MMH North Ridge is a smoke free facility. Residents admitted to North Ridge after that date may not smoke in the facility.

Social Services

Social Services are available for residents and their families at the time of admission and throughout the resident's stay at MMH North Ridge. Social Service staff assists each family in determining the level of care required for each resident, and the Social Worker provides counsel regarding personal and social needs. In addition, Social Workers assist residents and their families with discharge planning.

Spiritual Care

Recognizing that spiritual well being is an integral part of a person's physical health, a chaplain will visit the resident shortly after admission to discuss any religious and/or spiritual needs. To help meet each resident's individual needs, the Spiritual Care Department at MMH North Ridge Care Center can facilitate contact with his/her religious community. MMH North Ridge chaplains will also be available for spiritual care services as desired. For immediate response, contact the charge nurse or the operator to have a chaplain paged.

Telephones

Telephones for use by residents to make local calls are located in the lobby and near each nursing station. Long distance calls can be made through the switchboard operator by dialing "0". Installation of personal phones can be arranged by contacting the area Social Worker. Residents who wish to make private phone calls may access the Director of Resident Services or Social Service Office by request.

Therapeutic Recreation

Under the direction of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, a comprehensive activity program is provided to meet the functional needs of all MMH North Ridge Care Center residents. Services include creative arts, socialization, physical activities, animal-assisted therapy, cognitive exercises, community outings, special entertainment and a music therapy program. Monthly program calendars are located near each activity room in all dining rooms.

Visitors Information

Visitors are welcome at MMH North Ridge any day of the week. To allow the nursing staff to carry out the necessary care of residents, we ask that visitors come between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. We do realize, however, that it is not always possible to come during these times, and we encourage you to visit when it is most convenient for you.

Volunteers

Dedicated volunteers help at MMH North Ridge by reading to residents, writing letters, carrying out personal requests, providing in-house transportation and assisting with recreational and religious activities. To learn more about our Adult and Junior Volunteer opportunities, contact the Volunteer Services Department.