Programs and Services
Skilled Nursing Care
Hallmark Development Center's care is provided by the following
who are dedicated specifically to the children and young adults
of Hallmark: a pediatrician who is the Medical Director for the
unit, a licensed nurse practitioner (NP), registered nurses (RN),
licensed practical nurses (LPN), and certified nursing assistants
(CNAs). This talented group of staff provides 24-hour medication
and treatment administration for each individual. The unit specializes
in the care of individuals with tracheotomies and nutrition/medication
via G and/or J-tubes. Medical support services may also include
respiratory therapy and a registered dietician. (back to top)
Program Director
The Program Director is a full-time employee who coordinates and
ensures the integration of services between all the center's disciplines:
nursing, rehabilitation, education, day habilitation, therapeutic
recreation and social services. The Program Director leads the disciplines
in developing innovative programming, provides staff with education
and in-servicing, ensures regulatory compliance, meets with families,
provides tours of the unit, and assures that each child and young
adult has comprehensive, consistent and structured activities for
optimum developmental achievement. (back
to top)
Hallmark Developmental School
The Hallmark Developmental School is a Chapter 766 approved private
special education program which provides children ages 3 – 22 with
a complete academic experience. Lessons are provided in both the
classroom and the community through interactive, multi-sensory
learning experiences, which utilize individual strengths and preferences.
The program activities are designed to access a wide variety of
sensory responses through auditory, visual, tactile, proprioceptive,
vestibular, and olfactory stimulation. All programs are designed
to enhance the development of fine and gross motor skills, encourage
students to communicate at their own level, and to offer opportunities
for socializing with staff and peers. The teachers complete annual
academic/developmental assessments, as well as assist students
in creating MCAS alternative assessment portfolios as required.
Day school and extended year (summer) programming are available to children who live in the community, but may need a specialized education program which they are unable to access in the public sector or during the summer. (back to top)
Hallmark Day Habilitation Program
Day habilitation provides specialized services to individuals, who are age 22 or over. The program is dedicated to providing developmental skills training, so that each young adult achieves the skills necessary to function with as much self-determination and independence as possible. Skill training is offered in both the classroom and through community integration activities. The activities concentrate on the specialized service areas of independent living, communication, sensori-motor, and affective skill development. (back to top)
Rehabilitation
The Hallmark rehabilitation staff is comprised of occupational therapists and assistants, physical therapists and assistants, speech and language pathologists, and a licensed music therapist. These staff, dedicated specifically to the unit, are responsible for assessing each individual and developing treatment plans designed specifically for each child/ young adult. They provide services in the classroom, community, or rehabilitation gym. The goals of rehabilitation may include:
- Maintain/increase range of motion/flexibility in all joints
- Increase mobility
- Develop self-help skills
- Explore and familiarize with the environment
- Improve communication abilities
- Accept/tolerate a variety of
sensory stimulants (back
to top)
Therapeutic Recreation
This program provides large and/or small group activities, 1:1 individualized programming, and community integration opportunities, both within and outside the facility. The program, offered during the evening and on weekends, is designed to continue where the school and day hab programs end; offering activities that focus on the same goals, but promote increased socialization and community awareness, as well as enrich and enhance each individual’s quality of life. (back to top)
Social Services
The Hallmark Social Worker assists families who are considering either short-term stay or long-term placement for their child. She guides families through the admissions process, including the MRT screening paperwork necessary for placement, arranges tours, and explains the policies and procedures associated with the programs at Hallmark. Once a child or young adult is living at Hallmark, the social worker maintains continual communication with families, offers group therapy to both individuals and their families, provides discharge planning, and arranges services that facilitate community connections. (back to top)
Assistive Technology Center (ATC)
The Assistive Technology Center is home to the most advanced communication technology available today. The AT center’s goal is to allow our residents access to technology that helps them to achieve the highest level of functional independence for communicating and controlling their environment. The AT center provides opportunities for both the children/young adults with cognitive impairments or those who have recently suffered a brain injury. It is our belief that the introduction of technology that increases functional independence returns the sense of hope and recovery that is vital for the long term success of the individual. If you would like additional detail about the ATC please click here. (back to top)
Short-term Rehabilitation and/or Respite
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires that medically complex children, under the age of 22, complete a screening by the Medical Review Team (MRT) prior to being placed in a pediatric nursing care facility. Children who meet the admissions criteria are eligible for up to 90 days of short-term respite over a 365 day period. These 90-days can be utilized all at once or throughout the year. Hallmark’s short-stay program is called Bridges. For more information, please click here.
Children and young adults may also access short-term rehabilitation services offered by the Department of Public health through the Medical Review Team (MRT) or the Health Care Quality committee. Candidates eligible for these stays may include individuals who have recently been hospitalized and will continue to have skilled nursing needs on a short-term basis or those who have recently suffered brain injuries. (back to top)
Click here to see an article about a recent Hallmark resident who suffered
a brain injury.
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