Nursing Care
The professional support team at Life Care Center of Waynesville recognizes that every resident has unique needs, goals and abilities. By working closely with the resident and his or her family, the staff develops an individualized care plan. The plan is periodically reevaluated to ensure that it meets the resident's changing care needs.

A licensed staff offers 24-hour skilled nursing care. The staff provides close medical supervision, which may include assistance with dressing, bathing, walking, eating and the administration of medication.

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Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is often a critical component of a resident's care plan. A skilled team of physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapists evaluates the rehabilitation needs of each resident and designs an outcome-oriented treatment program. The goal of specialized rehabilitation programs is to help residents attain their maximum potential and restore the abilities and confidence essential independent living. Life Care Center of Waynesville offers rehabilitation therapy on an inpatient and outpatient basis.

• Physical Therapy helps restore movement and function while minimizing pain. Innovative techniques focus on improving range of motion, strength, muscle control, coordination, balance and locomotion skills.
• Speech and Hearing Therapy addresses the needs of residents who are suffering from speech, hearing and swallowing disorders.
• Occupational Therapy helps residents achieve greater independence in the activities of daily living. They learn basic self-care tasks such as dressing, bathing and eating, as well as more complex endeavors such as household management, meal planning and community interaction.
• Respiratory Therapy helps residents reach optimal physical ability by promoting healthy lung function through education, medication, oxygen administration and breathing exercises.

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Alzheimer's Care
The 26-bed special care unit at Life Care Center of Waynesville is the only fully-secured special care unit for Alzheimer's/dementia residents in the area. The unit has been designed to offer a comfortable and secure environment suitable for the care of residents with Alzheimer's disease and dementia-related disorders. The staffs goal is to maintain an active program of care, enhancing each resident's quality of life and providing comfort and emotional support for family members.

The physical environment and daily activity programs are carefully structured to allow residents to maintain as much control over their social and physical surroundings as possible.

Staff members are specially trained in Alzheimer's care and resident assessment. Working in an interdisciplinary fashion, the staff provides for the medical, recreational, social and emotional needs of residents in all stages of Alzheimer's disease. The staff oversees specially tailored therapeutic and recreational activity programs such as life skills, music, art, exercise and outdoor activities. Each activity is designed to help residents maintain or enhance strengths and abilities.

Respite Care
Respite or short-term care is provided for individuals who need assistance while their primary caregiver is on vacation or temporarily unable to provide home care. Respite participants receive the same services as the facility's full-time residents, including quality nursing care and supervision as well as group and individual activities.

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Adult Day Services
On weekdays, Life Care Center of Waynesville offers an adult day program for both ambulatory and non-ambulatory individuals who are cared for at home. Participants receive a hot meal and snacks throughout the day and take part in a variety of activities geared to their abilities and interests.

Activities
Residents are encouraged to participate in a wide range of activities planned by a professional activity director. A monthly calendar keeps residents and guests informed of coming events such as parties, movies, exercise classes, musical programs, religious services and craft classes. The activity department also schedules excursions to allow residents to stay in touch with the community.

Dining
To promote socialization, residents are encouraged to cat in the facility dining room, which features a view of the landscaped courtyards. Residents who wish to remain in their rooms or must do so because of illness receive in-room meal service. For special occasions, private dining is available in the family dining room. All diets are by physicians' orders and are supervised by a registered dietitian. A selective menu has been designed to meet nutritional needs and to provide a variety of meal choices.

Other Services
Professional medical personnel provide laboratory, optometry, podiatry and X-ray services using on-site mobile units and qualified local agencies.

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