Individualization - Our services are shaped by an approach in which the individual comes first --- his or her needs and the needs of family members are the driving forces behind all decision making and planning.  A multi-disciplinary approach is utilized to ensure that each individual receives the appropriate care and services based on his or her:

  • Interests and preferences
  • Mode of communication
  • Likes and dislikes
  • Goals for the future
  • Best methods of learning
  • Abilities
  • Specific need areas

 Comprehensive approach - We carefully evaluate and integrate the information coming from members of the team (which can include family members, physicians, mental health counselors, physical and occupational therapists, communication specialists, behavioral and clinical specialists, nurses, nutritionists, psychologists, and service coordinators) into a comprehensive plan of services that helps people move toward health, skill acquisition, emotional health, behavioral stability and social attachment, all within their neighborhoods and communities. Increased success in becoming a member of the larger culture, using community resources effectively, becoming a self-advocate, participating in stay-healthy activities, and forming vital friendships and networks of natural supports are outcomes that are reachable for those we serve. Using an integrated approach and developing the correct staff supports, with the right matches, in each setting, helps people achieve goals they may never have dreamed about before coming to Mid-Atlantic Human Services.

Nursing and medical oversight - by registered nurses who are on 24-hour on call duty is available. Nurses who work at Mid-Atlantic Human Services are professional members of our team, each focusing on a specific program and having knowledge of and exposure to all other programs and services in order to appreciate our mission and core values. Nurses are active participants in all phases of the admissions and intake process.

A word about Community Life: All individuals enjoy a wide array of activities based on their personal interests and talents. Many are members of their local YMCAs, YWCAs and Bally’s. They take enthusiastic advantage of vacation opportunities, usually traveling with staff and perhaps a peer: recent expeditions have included Disney World, Las Vegas, Great Wolf Lodge and Resort, Deep Creek Lake, and Bethany Beach, Delaware. Each year we bring together all who are associated with Mid-Atlantic Human Services --- those who participate in services, those who provide direct treatment and care, administrative and managerial staff, clinicians, and families --- for a holiday party held at a local banquet hall. It’s an evening of dining, dancing, fun, gifts and appreciation. It’s truly a family environment here in many ways; staff invite those we support to their weddings, family gatherings and church suppers. And individuals share their important moments --- graduation, Weight Watcher achievements, promotion to new jobs, and important birthdays --- with their staff.

It’s important to note that all staff members are trained to develop the skills that are critical to providing good care and effective teaching for the individuals whom we serve. Mid-Atlantic has developed a strong culture of ongoing education to continuously improve abilities and round out knowledge. Mentoring and supervision are provided by program directors, clinical and behavioral staff. Trainings are provided in-house by members of our Maryland and corporate team, who are equipped with extensive knowledge and expertise, along with an understanding of our mission and core values.

Mid-Atlantic Human Services has a reputation throughout the state for meeting the highest of quality assurance standards and maintaining those standards throughout the year. We have established internal norms of performance to compliment and extend those required by state licensing boards.

Residential Services

 

Group Home Living and Alternative Living Arrangements

Two models of residential supports meet the needs and satisfy the preferences of many individuals who have chosen Mid-Atlantic as their service provider.

First, group homes typically serve four to five people of like temperament, interests and abilities. Alternative living units (ALU) are smaller, serving one to two people. Group home staff, working under the direction of a house leader, first establish a relationship with each resident and then, on the strength of that relationship, help each person develop a rich daily activity schedule that includes opportunities to learn new skills, work on maintaining skills, contribute to the home through participation in chores and group activities, and relax at home and in the community. All health-care needs, coordinated by our nurses, are attended to using community resources such as local dentists and physicians, mental health agencies, and hospitals.

Residents are provided with assistance in budgeting and purchasing clothing and other essentials, planning vacations and long weekends, and purchasing gifts for friends and family members. Staff help residents maintain strong emotional attachments with people who have been important in their lives. Residents are provided transportation to get where they need to go – to clubs, gyms, church, the post office or town hall, family gatherings and visits with friends. Residents work on personal problems and behavioral issues, sometimes in a small group sitting at the kitchen table, where they can feel the support of their housemates, who may be contending with similar problems.

Mid-Atlantic’s most recent focus has been directed at responding to requests to develop transitional services and intense behavioral support for individuals with Autism Spectrum disorders. Individuals from Level 5 and Level 6 placements are assisted slowly in acclimating to independent community living by working on skills that build competence and self-confidence, by establishing a support network, and improving social and communication skills. Currently, people with these goals live in two group homes in which special services are provided.

 

“It’s alright and ok and there’s nothing to complain about. I like getting my nails done by staff. I like having my own room and it’s decorated in pink and white. I’m learning how to do my own laundry by myself. I like the staff; they are helpful. I get to see my parents on the weekends and go on other trips when I stay at my house. I do the dishes and got to go to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg for vacation. I’m going to a concert and I’m excited because I’ll get a new outfit and get a haircut. I like Mid-Atlantic and I like my job at the day program I go to.”
-R.D., who resides in a group home

For more information about residential supports, which are usually funded privately or through DDA, please be in touch with:
Sandy Chilton, State Director, at (410) 497-3000.

Individual Service Option (ISO)

 

This living arrangement is uniquely Mid-Atlantic’s in Maryland. The ISO affords the individual an opportunity to reside with a companion or a family and promotes even greater individualization than the group home or the ALU model. Typically people who choose this kind of residential support value their autonomy and independence and prefer not to live in a group setting. They have fewer needs for supervision of the activities of their daily lives, and are more apt to wish for greater involvement in their neighborhoods and communities. They may work competitively or participate in supported employment programs.

A multi-disciplinary approach involving important stake-holders is utilized to ensure that each individual receives the appropriate care and services based on specific needs and preferences.

 

“When parents have to decide on long-term care for their special needs child, it is a difficult and heart wrenching decision. You feel there is no one who can care for your child as well as you do. Well, that is true; however, it has been my experience with Mid-Atlantic that they make every effort to provide a loving and caring environment. Mid-Atlantic provides nice homes in safe neighborhoods. Your child will receive specialized care and individualized attention. No, it is not home. But it is the next best thing.”
-Heather Higdon, Mother

For more information about Individual Service Options,
which are usually funded privately or through DDA
be touch with:
Sandy Chilton, State Director, at (410) 497-3000.

Respite Services

 

Respite services are another support for members of the developmental disabilities community that family members and individuals find valuable. Respite is generally provided through an ISO arrangement (an individualized placement) or in one of two community-based homes that have additional space for someone who needs a brief vacation. Respite stays can be limited to one day, or can be extensive for as long as three months. When an individual’s parent needs a medical procedure or must be out of time, respite care provides a comfortable and tailored option with staff who are well trained and peers who enjoy visitors.

Planned respite that occurs periodically allows an individual an opportunity to schedule a get-away and parents to go on long weekends. Respite stays can serve many purposes, one of which is the expansion of an individual’s social network, or exposure to new experiences and people. Payment for respite services is through the State of Maryland as well as from private pay sources.

For more information about respite services,
which are usually funded through DDA or privately,
be in touch with Sandy Chilton, State Director, at (410) 497-3000.