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Bethesda to Expand Community Options in Illinois

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Aurora, Ill. (Nov. 18, 2008) - Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.’s Immediate Care Facility (ICF) in Aurora, Ill. will be closing in June, 2009. As part of Bethesda’s continual effort to provide the best environment for the individuals it serves and supports, the large facility will be closed and several smaller group homes will be opened in its place.

“It is our goal to provide the greatest level of independence in the most natural home-like setting for the people we support,” says president and CEO, Dr. John E. Bauer. “Closing the institution in Aurora is a significant step in helping people become integrated and valued members of their communities. We are committed to helping every person we support to achieve their personal goals and aspirations.”

Currently, the Aurora facility serves 44 people, all of whom have developmental disabilities. “While we strive to provide the finest quality supports, whatever the size of the home,” says Kate Dunbar, regional director of Bethesda’s central region, “Smaller homes offer more privacy, greater comfort and more individual supports and choice.”

In addition to offering greater opportunities to integrate into the community, smaller group homes also offer a significant cost advantage. Large facilities such as Aurora are difficult to maintain and are costly to renovate whereas the expenses for smaller homes in the community are much lower, plus government funding is higher.

People with family members at Aurora are being presented with their options and excitement and support seem to be high. “I think it’s wonderful,” says David Ryberg, who has a daughter at Aurora, “The project seems to be moving ahead with great progress and everyone I’ve talked to thinks this is a great way to go. In the long run, I know my daughter will enjoy her surroundings a lot more.”

Staff is also being prepared for the move. All staff will be offered the opportunity to move and will be given a chance to become certified as Direct Support Professionals (DSP), if they are not already; however, some qualifications will be different. Because of the community setting, all staff will be required to perform all necessary tasks in the home. This means that all staff must have a valid driver’s license and be able to perform household tasks, in addition to assisting those supported by Bethesda.

Now in its second century of service, Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the country and around the world. Bethesda offers many different types of services for individuals and their families, including a variety of residential settings, supported-living programs and outreach services.

For more information on Bethesda’s services and support programs, call the public relations office at 800.369.4636, ext. 3817, or e-mail: pr@blhs.org.