Your Personalized Care Team

At Living Branches, we see and care for the whole person. Mental, emotional, and spiritual health is just as important as physical health. That’s why you’ll get to know a variety of care providers – we’re here to help you live well.

Residents in Living Branches communities work with a range of team members. Some provide health care and help with activities of daily living. Others lend their expertise on fitness, diet, spiritual practice, and other important aspects of life.

The Living Branches approach

All caregivers use the Montessori philosophy at Living Branches. We get to know each resident as an individual and craft a care plan that matches your abilities and preferences. There’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all.

Residents typically develop close-knit connections with caregivers. To support these relationships, we do everything we can to retain team members and keep them with the same residents.

Living Branches caregivers stay current on modern approaches to care. Caregivers participate in monthly training, annual skill fairs, and other educational experiences to sharpen their skills and increase their knowledge.

Clinical leadership

The team members who lead each level of care at Living Branches communities are responsible for the health and wellbeing of many community members. Some leaders also have unique roles, ensuring that certain aspects of health care are handled by those with special expertise.

Living Branches entrusts health care leadership to:

• RNs who serve as directors in the Health Care communities
• Nurses or state-licensed Personal Health Care Administrators (PCHA) who serve as directors in the Personal Care communities
• An infection preventionist who guides efforts to offer vaccinations, prescribe antibiotics responsibly, use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and train team members on ways to prevent and limit infections
• A clinical educator who provides hands-on training to all caregivers and oversees the Living Branches CNA training program

Round-the-clock caregivers

One of the advantages of a senior living community like Living Branches is access to medical providers at all hours. Depending on their level of care, residents have access to:

• RNs and LPNs on-site, not on-call
• CNAs/resident assistants who provide warm, compassionate care in Personal Care and Health Care
• Medical technicians (med techs) who help Personal Care residents take the right medication at the right time
• Care coordinators who plan resident care, handle referrals to doctors, provide assessments, oversee the documentation of medical records, and more

Therapists

No matter which community they call home or the kind of therapy needed, residents have access to:

• Physical therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Speech therapists
• Certified creative arts therapists
• Psychologists

Therapists may work with residents in specialized rooms or their own residences, increasing the chance of more consistent therapy.

Health Care residents who complete therapy may work with the restorative nursing team to maintain their progress. Their goal is to help residents retain their health and independence once formal sessions with a therapist wrap up.

Life enrichment coordinators

There’s always something to challenge and inspire you! From group outings to solo activities, life enrichment coordinators help residents expand their horizons, build community, make new memories, and have fun. They are responsible for:

• Scheduling and running events, including arts, games, fitness challenges, live entertainment, lectures, crafts, outings, and much more
• Preparing environments where residents can participate in solo activities
• Providing ways for residents to adopt meaningful roles to them, such as gardening or homemaking
• Guiding service projects that help residents give back
• Inviting residents to participate in as much or as little as they want

Registered dietitians

Food is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. Registered dietitians are here to ensure each resident enjoys the food they need to feel their best. Their role includes:

• Developing nutritional care plans that align with a doctor’s orders
• Making sure residents receive food that matches their abilities and that they have adaptive equipment at mealtime, if needed
• Helping residents eat well after a procedure or illness
• Working with other caregivers to make sure residents maintain proper weight and energy levels

Fitness coordinators

Fitness and wellbeing go hand in hand! Fitness options are tailored to each resident’s interests, goals, and abilities. The goal is to have fun and enjoy time with friends and neighbors while staying active.

Your campus fitness coordinator is responsible for:

• Leading fitness classes for various fitness and mobility levels
• Offering additional programs for residents who opt not to take fitness classes
• Coordinating lectures on many health topics
• Consulting with residents to improve their fitness, mobility, balance, or strength
• Performing balance assessments and trainings

Social workers

At each campus and care level, social workers are a critical resource. They help residents plan ahead while enjoying the present. If it requires a form, our social workers can help!

At Living Branches, social workers are responsible for many things, including:

• Working with residents and families to make sure residents have everything they need while at Living Branches
• Helping residents and family members with advance directives and other planning
• Handling room moves and discharge plans
• Assessing, supporting, and advocating for residents

Pastoral care

No matter your spiritual practice, the pastoral care team is here to support you. They contribute widely to campus life by:

• Leading weekly worship services
• Hosting Bible studies and other smaller groups
• Offering one-on-one conversations to support mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing
• Visiting residents receiving treatment off-campus