Technology leads to a first for The Lutheran Home at Topton

The Lutheran Home at Topton recently registered a first as a result of technology.

Staff members of the Diakon senior living community in Topton, held their first “international” care conference.

“This type of conference focuses on care planning for individual residents, a meeting that typically involves family members,” said William Swanger, Senior Vice President, Office of Corporate Communications & Public Relations, Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries.“This particular conference included a resident’s relative living in London.”

The conference was conducted via Skype.

The five staff members and the resident and the resident’s niece all gathered on the Home’s D-2 floor. The resident’s son was in London, England.

Paul Lieber, NHA, and nursing home administrator at the Topton senior living community, said the conferences are important to care because the discussion involves every aspect of the resident’s care.

“We talked about therapy, diets, nursing care, pastoral care and we can also take into consideration the family’s perspective on care issues as well,” said Lieber.

When asked how this conference was unique, Lieber said, “The son in England got to see and talk to his mom. This was very inspirational for her.”

The resident’s son also had the opportunity to ask questions about his mom and talk to her.

“Discussions also gave some insight into new things to try and care for her, her preferences on things she liked in her past,” said Lieber.

What was the reaction to using Skype?

“The resident was excited to see her son on screen and able to talk to him. I believe this assisted their relationship to grow and develop,” said Lieber. “The team was also excited about being able to share how mom was doing with her family.”

What’s next in the future of care?

“We will grow the program and offer to residents who have relatives or family out of town,” said Lieber. “Once we see about B wing, we want to possibly offer at the bed side and not have residents travel to one part of the building.”