Health Matters - March

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Department Expansion

REMODELING of LifeCare Medical Center's lower level reached another milestone in November with the completion of a new area for two of the organization's growing departments.
Behavioral Health and Respiratory Therapy are now located on the north side of the building in beautiful new spaces that feel more like home than an office.
Soft lighting, plush furniture, and warm colors all create a calming sensation, which is essential to the types of healing practiced in there departments. LifeCare patients and employees alike are enjoying their new surroundings.

Soft lighting, plush furniture, and warm colors provide a welcoming atmosphere for the patients and employees of LifeCare's Behavioral Health department. November marked the end of a six-month renovation project that converted part of the building's lower level into this inviting new space.

The Behavioral Health Department's new play therapy room includes an observation window for monitoring child therapy sessions.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
In addition to having more work space, the new home of Behavioral Health offers a central area for all of the department's services, as well as a more convenient and private entrance for patients.
"Not only does the new space give us a great location, but it has brought this department together," says Jan Carr, Director of Behavioral Health. "It gives more privacy to our patients and efficient space for the team."
A stylish new reception area and private waiting room set the tone for the department with calming shades of green and gold.
The department includes four individual therapy rooms, a conference room used for group therapy or meets, and a play

therapy room that features an observation window for monitoring child therapy sessions.
A resource room has also been added to the department, providing a dedicated space for testing and resource materials.
"We are very excited about our new space in Roseau and about our growing services." says Carr, who department now has a presence in the Warroad school system, in addition to keeping schedules at LifeCare Greenbush Manor, Altru Clinic-Warroad, and Lakewood Health Center of Baudette.

RESPIRATORY THERAPY AND SLEEP STUDIES
At the far end of the hall, the new home of Respiratory Therapy is equally inviting. One look inside a sleep study room and patient may ask to stay more than one night.
"We've come a long way from the treatment room with a Murphy Bed," says Chris Berger, Director of Respiratory Services. "A room that feels like home can be just the ticket when we're trying to get you to sleep."
Or in some cases, maybe better than home.

The newly finished Behavioral Health department includes a stylish reception desk and spacious waiting area and a wall-mounted flat screen TV.

Indeed, the department's two cozy Sleep Study rooms look more like upscale hotel rooms than hospital beds
"A more comfortable bed was one of the main goals. A patient will sleep much better on a comfortable bed," says Berger, who is a respiratory practitioner.
LifeCare began offering Sleep Studies in 2003, and since then has helped many unwitting sufferers of sleep disorders find ways to rediscover deep REM sleep on a regular basis.
So far, nearly a dozen patients have take part in sleep studies in the new space and have given positive feedback on the comfort of the new beds, according to registered respiratory therapist Kelly Olson, RCP.
The sleep study rooms also include adjustable lighting controls, a cozy chair, and a television cabinet. A full bathroom is located right across the hall.
For the LifeCare staff, the room include polysomnograph equipment and a video camera with an infrared transmitter which produces a "night vision" style observation.
The camera also includes a microphone for two-way communication between the patient and therapist, and also captures sound while the patient is asleep.
LifeCare administration's call for a new space was reinforced by feedback from nearly 100 patients who completed a sleep study last year.
"The investment in these departments was necessary to accommodate the growth we have experienced." says Keith Okeson, LifeCare President/CEO. "The improved areas will better serve the clients and staff in both of these progressive departments."

Aside from a small camera above the headboard, the two new Sleep Study rooms in the Respiratory Therapy department look more like hotel rooms, complete with furniture and accent pillows.

Chris Berger, RCP, is Director of Respiratory Therapy and Sleep Studies at LifeCare Medical Center. He says the new work area and sleep study rooms are a great leap in the advancement of this growing department at LifeCare.