Thursday, October 12, 2017, marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the history of the Heinzerling Community. Heinzerling donors, friends, families, and DODD officials joined us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for our first two new smaller homes. Each of these two new buildings will be home for 8 individuals who currently live at the two larger facilities. In many ways, the homes are like a typical home, but they include specialized features and adaptations to support the unique needs of our residents. Each home features a large living room, kitchen, dining room and screened-in patio along with a private bedroom for each of the residents. Individuals will enjoy more individualized living space along with more privacy.

The new homes will have 24 hour staffing that includes direct support professionals and nurses. A home manager (similar to the unit manager) will supervise both homes and be assisted by a residential coordinator. One nurse per shift will provide nursing care for both homes. A teacher (QIDP) and therapist will be assigned to both homes. Other support services and oversight will be provided by current administration and department heads at HDC and HMF. Each home will be individually licensed and certified as an ICFIID, the same as HDC and HMF. The staff will provide round-the-clock quality care to be sure residents enjoy living in their new home so that they can experience all the different opportunities available to them.

Over the course of the next several years, the Heinzerling Community will be raising funds to build 6 additional homes and renovate current facilities. To find out more about these plans and to support our residents’ future, please contact Brian Asbury, Director of Development and Public Relations, basbury@heinzerling.org or 614-272-8888.