Developmental Disabilities

Hi Rav_810,
We have places in the US like: http://www.melmark.org/newhome.html

As a matter of fact, I just started there today. And so far I am really enjoying it!!!!

Hello Rav_810,

I've been working in one of the community based programs you spoke of for about 12 years. Our program was opened in the1970's for the very purpose of receiving patients who were being placed in the community after several institution closings. After many years of trying to access regular physician services, we came to the conclusion that our special MRDD population really did need more unique medical services. We created and implemented the first successful Wellness Clinic designed for MRDD patients in Kansas. We have a variety of physicians such as the Primary, Neurologist, Dentist, Dietitian, etc. who come to the Clinic weekly to complete preventative and acute assessments. We have been able to reduce the number of exams done under anesthesia (related to anxiety and non-compliance) by 75%. We still have the dilemma of having to use the local emergency departments and hospitals when necessary. They definitely do not understand the unique needs of our patients, and we have had to do enormous amount of education, but the physicians and nurses are finally starting to catch on. I hope this answers your question. I would love to hear more about your MRDD experience.

Kudos to you amlv! I have talked about these same type of needs for the MRDD population in our area. I am a nurse for a special needs school. I cringe at the possiblity of having to send some of our kids to area ER's. Although I know the docs are competent and very thorough, I feel a deeper understanding of MRDD and its components would be so helpful.

This is a hard topic to explain and approach, but your type of facility would provide an invaluable service. I'd like to hear more about it.