Diagnosis & Assessment
The Lucy Idol Center provides comprehensive programs through the core programs of Diagnostic Assessment Services and Adjunctive Therapy Services, and other supportive services including Transportation Services, Monday through Friday 8:30 - 3:00.
A licensed Psychologist is present at the center to oversee the process that determines whether, and to what degree, an individual has limitations, and what interventions and services are needed to enable the individual to move toward improving their level of functioning. Through assessment, the Licensed Psychologist determines the most beneficial services to be provided. Clients are evaluated to determine the degree of deficit, etiology of conditions, and service interventions appropriate to provide quality care. The Psychologist provides services with consideration for the multi-faceted, health-related problems, co-occurring disabilities and cultural aspects of each individual. They provide services in a manner that empowers clients to express themselves to the best of their ability. Many of the clients are non-communicative which increases the difficulty of diagnosis and assessment and requires the coordination and consultation of staff, families and caregivers.
The Psychologist reviews all client Individual Service Plans, completes Diagnosis and Assessment for each client and supervises Adjunctive Therapy services and Day Habilitation.
The Psychologist provides individual and group counseling, treatment and therapy. The Psychologist identifies individuals who may benefit from individual or group counseling, treatment and therapy. Scheduled sessions are held and the results documented. Activities may include but not be limited to assisting individuals in improving coping skills, discussion of self-esteem, appropriate interaction skills, relationships, adjustment to disabilities/disorders etc.
The Psychologist participates in monthly Behavior Support reviews, makes recommendations, reviews & signs behavioral assessments, consults with staff and provides training. The Licensed Psychologist will evaluate each individual's need for service and target areas for improvement by identifying mental health issues. These areas may include but not be limited to improving interpersonal relations, modifying and improving specified behaviors, improving coping skills, improving self-esteem, improving self-expression , improving communication involving service provision among clients, caregivers, families and other involved individuals, improving responsiveness to medication interventions and improving health status.
A licensed Registered Nurse is present to provide diagnostic health assessment for each individual at the center. The Registered Nurse measures an individual's response to various interventions with related progress notes and documentation. They conduct and interpret evaluations, testing, and screenings to determine the current physical & mental health status of the recipient to facilitate appropriate treatment and/or medical/nursing program development on behalf of the recipient. They work with the supervising Psychologist and Activity Therapists to assess clients to establish strengths, needs and client desires for program development for discussion and approval by the client, their personal representatives including families, caregivers, guardians and other members of the interdisciplinary team. The nurse is also available to accompany clients to psychiatric appointments or other physician appointments as needed. The Registered Nurse trains staff in infection prevention/control, communicable diseases and the use of universal precautions. The Registered Nurse administers all medications, monitors individuals for possible side effects, completes routine G-tube feedings, catheter care, attends to other medical needs as necessary such as suctioning and asthma interventions. The nurse also monitors diet restrictions, skin integrity and coordinates health care with center staff and client residences and families. The Registered Nurse attends to emergencies and supervises and trains staff in delegated nursing activities and infection control. The nurse also has group interaction sessions with the clients to improve their coping skills, interaction skills, self-esteem and self-expression. The nurse maintains the Safety Committee that meets monthly and is comprised of clients and staff. The nurse is a member of the Quality Improvement Committee that monitors all service aspects at the center and the Behavior Support Committee monitoring client response to specified behavioral programs.
