TCR - Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE? IS THE ENVIRONMENT STRUCTURED?
A typical daily schedule varies according to residents’ treatment and care plans designed specifically for them. However, residents have scheduled meal and medication times. The day may include: clinical day program, individual therapy, doctor/dentist visits, vocational experiences, mentoring outings, recreational therapy, schooling, and socialization time.

DOES TCR ENSURE THAT ALL RESIDENTS TAKE THEIR MEDICATION ON A CONSISTENT BASIS?
Medications are administered 4 times per day in residential settings. Staff assistance with the administration of medications and refusals are documented. Depending on the individual he or she may be asked to see the doctor if there are refusals of medications to determine the underlying issue. There is trained staff available 24 hours per day to assist with “as needed” medication and to accommodate specially prescribed administration times or procedures.

DO YOU OFFER CLINICAL SERVICES?
New Vitae Mental Health Center provides clinical services. This Joint Commission accredited program employs three psychiatrists and provides an Outpatient program and a Partial Hospitalization Program. Individual, group, and family therapy is available and may be augmented by specialty counseling services for issues such as substance abuse, post-traumatic stress and autism disorders.

ARE MEDICAL NEEDS ATTENDED TO? HOW?
Specialist appointments and medical doctor visits are scheduled by the residential staff. Transportation is provided. Some sites offer visiting medical doctors.

DOES TCR OFFER ACTIVITIES? ON-SITE? IN THE COMMUNITY? IS THERE AN ON-SITE GYM?
There is an activity calendar which provides for a variety of interests ranging from physical to creative activities. Many activities are off-site to places such as: restaurants, malls, movies and museums. An annual vacation to Cape May, New Jersey is available. Mount Trexler Manor and Quakertown House have on-site fitness centers. Mount Trexler Manor, Quakertown House and TryCo Apartment residents have local YMCA memberships and may participate in the Y’s community-based programs and activities.

CAN RESIDENTS GO TO SCHOOL OR WORK?
Residents are encouraged to enrich their lives through school and/or work. Pre-vocational experiences and available to residents on-site. Educational opportunities are provided through on-site tutoring as well as through attendance at local high schools and colleges. The Care Coordinator assists in providing guidance in these areas. Vocational skills testing is arranged by the Care Coordinator and is performed by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

WHAT TYPES OF ROOMS DOES TCR OFFER?
Residential facilities offer both private and semi-private rooms. The apartment program offers furnished housing with private bedrooms as well as shared living facilities.

WHAT ARE THE VISITING HOURS? CAN RESIDENTS CALL HOME? COME HOME FOR VISITS? IS FAMILY INVOLVEMENT ENCOURAGED?
Visiting hours are from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Residents may make and receive telephone calls at any time. Home visits can be arranged through the Care Coordinator. Supportive family interaction is strongly encouraged

DOES TCR PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT?
All TCR programs are voluntary. However, for the residents’ safety we ask that they notify staff and sign out when leaving the premises and supply us with their agenda and estimated return time.

DOES TCR ACCEPT CONSUMERS FROM OUTSIDE OF PENNSYLVANIA?
Consumers are accepted from anywhere in the United States and all foreign countries. The age range is 18 and over for the general population. Individuals with challenging behavioral healthcare needs between the ages of 18 to 25 years old may be admitted to Young Adult Services.

DO YOU HAVE SOMEONE TO HELP OBTAIN ALL ELIGIBLE BENEFITS?
Care Coordinators work with residents and their families to ensure maximization of all benefits. Care Coordinators are able to assist with applying for income and medical insurance benefits.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS? HOW ARE THEY PAID?
Residential rates are based on room preference and level of services needed. Most often the consumers’ income will need to be supplemented to meet the cost of providing residential services. Clinical services fees may be covered by private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY?
TCR has an open length of stay. Both short and long term options are offered. Length of stay often depends on the individual’s unique needs.

IS THERE EXTERNAL MONITORING OF TCR SERVICES?
Personal Care Homes are licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. New Vitae is licensed for Outpatient Clinic and Partial Hospital Program and approved for Community Treatment Team services by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Outpatient Clinic and Partial Hospital Program are accredited by The Joint Commission. New Vitae is also reviewed by private insurance companies through their credentialing and contracting procedures. Information can be obtained and questions/complaints posed by contacting the Commonwealth’s Department of Public Welfare Licensing Offices and The Joint Commission related to New Vitae’s accreditation status.