HOUSING:
There are three types of housing: Single Family Homes, Townhouse, and Apartment style that are located in the Montgomery County area. An individual will be placed with several other age/behaviorally appropriate individuals. All residences are furnished.
ROOM SET-UP:
You may provide furniture, bedding & linens, towels or OCSS will supply and set-up. Individuals may also bring art work, electronics (TV, radio, clock, computer, & games), rugs or other items to personalize the room. Staff or parents are welcome to assist in room set-up.
DAILY ROUTINE/ DAILY SCHEDULE:
Each resident will follow his/her own individualized Behavior Plan and daily schedule to be determined by the Behavioral Psychologist and Program Advisor. A written schedule will be available for all individuals supported at OCSS so that not only does the individual know what activity is forthcoming, but the staff will know as well. Every effort will be made so that the wants and desires of the individual are incorporated into the daily schedule. Adults will be attending to their individual jobs or will be working on skill development during the weekdays. During non-work time, individuals supported will be involved with life skill training, which can involve an array of activities from in-house or community household chores, to banking and local resource exploration to personal targeted skill acquisition. Schedules are revised on a regular basis to reflect changes in individual interest, seasons, and new PCP objectives and services.
Implementation of the activity schedule reflects the ongoing interests of each individual. Ideas and suggestions from the individual's family should be solicited and included. Observations should be made of the individual's interest and preference when scheduling activities. Staff may discuss options available with individuals and their families using adaptations such as pictures to assist individuals in the decision making process.
The individual activity schedule should include specific training times for all prioritized objectives specified in the individual's plan. The training times should occur when the skill would normally be utilized and in the natural setting. For example, training on grocery shopping should occur in the store at the time the individual normally goes grocery shopping; showering should be taught in the bathroom of the residence before bed or in the morning when showering normally occurs.
All activities are scheduled to reflect the normal rhythm of life in the community. A variety of activities and materials should be available to each individual during free time. Staff should assist and encourage individuals to use materials or engage in preferred activities.
GROCERIES & MEALS:
Grocery shopping is done on the weekends and as needed by the individual and his/her direct care staff (Residential Counselors/Individual Support Staff). Residents have a choice in menus which are written weekly by the nutritionist/dietician. Meals are prepared in the kitchen by direct care staff with resident's participation to enhance skill acquisition.
PERSONAL HYGIENE:
Hair cuts and personal hygiene items (shampoo, soap/body wash, q-tips, deodorant, feminine hygiene items, hair spray, shoe polish, body/face lotions, toothbrush, toothpaste) are purchased with the help of the direct care staff and paid by the resident's personal budget, provided by OCSS through state funding support for students. Adults pay for these personal care items out their earned income or benefits to which they are entitled from SSL
MEDICATION:
All medication is filled and bubble packed, for safety and reliability, by a OCSS endorsed pharmacy. Management of medication is overseen by resident's own doctor and OCSS nurse.
LAUNDRY:
Residents will do their own laundry in house, with the assistance of direct care staff. Detergent, etc. is provided.
HOUSEKEEPING:
Individuals will help with the cleaning of the homes on a weekly basis. All cleaning supplies and equipment are provided by OCSS.
PHONE:
Each house has a phone that is available for the individuals use.
COMMUNITY OUTINGS:
Individuals will participate in community outings following their respective schedules. Because OCSS attempts to expose the individual to community norms and experiences, OCSS encourages the use of public transportation as much as practicable. Many individuals
will need transportation training so that they will be able to use the many public transit systems that are available. OCSS is a community-based provider, and as such, community integration is the goal of our model. OCSS staff encourage the development of individual relationships outside the walls of the organization, where adults and students get to know their barber, banker, neighbors and local government employees, utilizing the resources
and understanding their community to the fullest.
HOME VISITS:
We encourage all parents/families to invite the individual supported by OCSS for home visits on a regular basis. Do notify the Residential Coordinator prior to scheduling a home visit. Many of the individuals served by OCSS require advance notice and appropriate scheduling so that transitions can effectively occur. Try not to cancel a home visit once scheduled, cancellations can be very disappointing. Family members are responsible for the transportation of an individual to and from the residence. There are regulations that OCSS is subject to regarding limitations on the length of extended visits or vacations. Please be aware that there is a 35 day maximum limit for an extended vacation or service disruption over the course of a fiscal year (July to June). There are no "visiting hours" at a OCSS residence - an individual can choose when he/she wants to visit. OCSS is community-based. Family members should confirm visits to the house with the residential coordinator to ensure that the individual will be at home for the visit.
