Elks Home Service Nurse

Its mission is to support and promote the independence of individuals with developmental disabilities, by providing advocacy services in their home environment.

An individual of any age who has a developmental disability may request services. The disability has to have manifested before a person is 22 years of age. It may include physical or mental delays and may be a combination of both.

Services are Provided:

• by a Registered Nurse
• to Pennsylvania residents
• in the person’s home environment
• without discrimination
• at NO CHARGE

The Elks Home Service Nurse Can:

• provide in-home medical case management services
• advocate for an individual’s legal and human rights
• provide information regarding resources and services available
• assess needs and help to access equipment
• advocate for appropriate educational services
• assist with finding activities within the community
• offer instruction regarding home care
• provide emotional support
• help with vocational goals
• assist with residential placement
• provide referrals to appropriate agencies in the community
• interpret clinical findings and act as a liaison between health care professionals

Referrals for Services:

• Referrals may be made by a family member, health care professional, community agency or friend.
• Before services can be administered, permission must be obtained from the individual or family.
• After the referral, the nurse will visit the home to do an intake and initial assessment. The needs of the family and environment are noted at this time.
• After discussing the needs with the individual and family, the nurse will help determine the appropriate course of action. This may include referrals to health care professionals, government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
• The nurse will assist the individual and family with follow-up visits until the issue has been resolved.
• Home visits are then made on an as needed basis.

 

 

After 28 years Mary Ann Laine is Turning in Her Keys

Over the many years, DDS clients have come to think of Mary Ann, the Elks Home Service Nurse, as family. “Some of the children I saw in early intervention I am still seeing as adults,” she said. The Elks Home Service Nurse program is unique in that people never out-grow the program, explained Mary Ann.  This is one of the reasons Mary Ann loved her job. “I love people and I love the variety. Every day is different with new challenges.” 

Since she new she would be retiring, Mary Ann began to look for a replacement who shared her compassion for people with disabilities; she found Judy Mallozzi.  Mary Ann and Judy worked together on several projects for the Medical Home Epic Program and would often join each other on home visits and at Individual Education Plan meetings for children with special needs.  Mary Ann believes that Judy will have a smooth transition since she already knows many of the clients and their families.  Similar to Mary Ann, Judy loves people and likes to advocate for them.  Whether it’s working in the community, through the school districts or doctor’s offices, Judy realizes that she can have a great impact on families by giving them the support they need at any time they need it. While she admits she has “big shoes to fill,” Judy looks forward to the challenge.

Upon reflection Mary Ann said, “It’s been wonderful to watch the agency grow and expand services; especially when you consider where we came from.  Mary Ann remembers times when her office was in a broom closet, or on the second floor of a non-accessible building. DDS has come a long way over the past 50 years.  “It’s been an honor and a privilege to be a part of DDS, serving people with disabilities in Lebanon County,” she said.