Health Services

On Sewickley Campus

Due to the severity of their medical conditions, it was decided that on-site medical services would most benefit the people living on campus. Familiar surroundings encourage cooperation and allow for greater team input which often generates more accurate diagnoses. These on-site services will continue as long as funding allows.

Nintey-four people currently live in Verland's ten homes on campus. Of that number, the majority are persons with profound retardation, most are wheelchair users and approximately 95% have seizures. Although the average person is in his/her mid-40's, as they grow older, Verland must be prepared to handle even more complex medical challenges.

Just as Verland adapts clothes, homes, treatment and therapies to fit the individual, we also engage any necessary health care specialists to treat their medical needs most effectively. The following specialists make routine visits to Verland. Beyond the on-site nursing staff, a medical doctor is also on call 24 hours/day to ensure maximum responsiveness and state-of-the-art medical services.

A dedicated nursing staff comprised of three shifts works 24 hours/day, provide immense benefits due to their long-term employment at Verland. Because our nursing staff is intimately familiar with each resident and his/her physical condition, symptoms can be interpreted more effectively and treatment can be more precise with their valuable input. Nurses also function as a precious link between families and their loved ones, sharing everything from preferences for shampoos to early childhood histories.
		Off Campus For the 134 individuals living in Verland's other community homes, local medical providers are selected by the families working closely with the person's interdisciplinary support team. Health Services for persons-VCLA homes are available in the local providers offices. This team is comprised of Verland's registered nurse, a Qualified Mental Retardation Professional, the individual's direct support professional, and his/her program specialist. Health services for person in Verland CLA homes are provided in the local medical offices.
For new families it is important to note that Verland fiercely adheres to the regulations which prohibit unnecessary medication, sedation or restraints. All efforts are directed toward the least possible medicial intervention necessary to promote the best quality of life.