PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT: EMBASSY HOUSE

Embassy House, located nearby in Brockton, has recently converted 41 beds into HIV/AIDS specific units, with a long-term goal of converting the entire 123-bed facility. The nursing and rehabilitation center is one of the few facilities providing long-term-care services to a younger HIV/AIDS population. The typical patient is male, in his 40s, homeless, and ill from lack of care.

There are no age or gender requirements, but patients appropriate for referral to Embassy House must:

• have an HIV/AIDS diagnosis,
• be 2 weeks clean –and-sober,
• be non-disruptive and
• have a payer source such as Medicare, MassHealth, or private – the cost is $250/day

Screeners can be sent to a hospital or a home. If the patient or patient’s family would like to tour the facility, they should contact Ted Giovannini, Program Director, at (508) 588-8550.

Current clinical staff on the unit includes 1.5 RNs for each shift, a social worker, and two aides. They expect to hire a half-time physician specializing in infectious disease early in 2006.

As Embassy House’s HIV/AIDS population grows, they will be able to increase their services. Current services provided include:

• care for dementia patients,
• administering of IV drug therapy
• physical, speech and occupational therapies
• pain management in collaboration with the pain clinic at Brockton Hospital

Embassy House will also work with hospice if needed.

12/2005