After 34 years at AHRC’s Jackson Street home, Rita Mendes gathered with her roommates around the living room table one last time, a celebration before her next chapter begins. They shared a meal with their favorite foods, all in honor of Rita’s move to her new home with Citizens Options Unlimited at their Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility (ICF).
Planning to move was not an easy one, for Rita or her family. “She just needs a much higher level of care,” Chaveli Dowden said. Chaveli has been a direct support professional at Jackson Street for nearly six years. She, along with the entire Jackson Street team, were integral in supporting her family to make the decision.
“It’s a big leap to make,” shared Mary Mendes, Rita’s sister. “It was because of the relationship I have with the staff.” After a year of doctors’ visits and hospital stays, the Jackson Street staff worked with Mary to consider additional care options for Rita.
“For a person like Rita, what makes us stand out is that we are a part of a family of organizations,” said Shaun Weathers, Vice President at AHRC Nassau. “We’re naturally able to support her transition and are fully capable of supporting her as opposed to a brand-new agency.”
Now living in the Magnolia building at Shoreham, Rita has access to a higher level of care, more accessible spaces, and a slower pace that has brought her greater ease.
“She’s doing great!” shared Mary. “It’s exactly the right place for her. She’s charming everyone there, and they’re taking great care of her.”
Rita, who has Down Syndrome and dementia, uses a wheelchair. ICFs provide around-the-clock care, including on-site clinical services and active treatment to promote independence.
As Rita’s needs have changed over the years, Shoreham now provides the additional care options she needs, including assistive equipment like a patient floor lift that’s made all the difference in her comfort.
“The fact that we have these facilities is great,” Mary shared. “She can fall asleep in a wheelchair and that’s okay. If she needs help eating, the staff is there for her. She feels like it’s okay to be really disabled. The pressure is off her.”
At Shoreham, Rita has her own room and is settling in well.
“Here it’s a slower pace,” said Esther Shea, Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIPD). “She has her nails and hair done. She’s doing karaoke and even made a couple of friends.”
For her birthday on July 12, Rita celebrated with her new housemates and staff, her sister, and enjoyed a surprise visit from her Jackson Street friends. As Rita continues to adjust to life at Shoreham, she’s finding new rhythms – and new reasons to smile.