Updates

SWC APARTMENTS

In 2003, SWC began to convert distinct areas of some cottages into apartments.  The first apartment was completed on Cottage 10 and involved the conversion of a former dining room with attached bathroom into a one bedroom, 2-bed, licensed apartment. 

These conversions involved the installation of commercially available fixtures, which one would typically see in a community-based apartment.  This includes a complete kitchen, microwave, electric range and refrigerator, as well as a bathroom with built-in tub, shower, vanity and apartment-sized, stackable, washer and dryer.   

Furniture was purchased to coordinate the décor of the living room and dining area, and the bedroom was set up with two beds.  Walls were decorated with a woman’s taste in mind, with the expectation that this first apartment would be occupied by females. 

Staffing was established for one staff for all shifts.  The female to move into this apartment was selected because of her substantial behavior problems, which resulted in significant usage of restraints.   

Over the period of time that she has been in the apartment, behaviors have been drastically reduced and restraint is no longer necessary. In addition to improvements in behaviors, she has also learned to interact in an apartment environment.  This includes learning to use a washer and dryer, taking a bath whenever she wants, independently accessing food from a refrigerator and beginning to prepare simple meals.  

Attempts have been made to generalize her social function by her joining other women on Cottage 10 outside the apartment and women joining her within her apartment.  Thus far, these attempts have not been successful and behaviors reappear.   

Efforts are underway with the responsible county to review her current protective placement.  Because of her current accomplishments, she may be able to make a successful transition to a single apartment. 

In the Spring/Summer of 2004, SWC remodeled a similar area on Cottage 11, using the same type of apartment style, this time decorating with the understanding that this apartment would be occupied by males.  

These men were chosen specifically to aid in their transition to community living and demonstrate that they could live in other than a congregate setting.  Both men have adjusted well and are beginning to prepare meals in their apartment while daily attending the Goodwill Program in Racine, Wisconsin.  It is expected that one of these men will be placed in a community setting in the coming months.

A SPECIAL PROJECT 

The staff at Southern endeavor to provide a home like environment for the people who live here. In the fall of 2004, the staff undertook a project to redecorate the bedroom of three gentlemen who live here. In consideration of the interests of the men, a motor sports theme was chosen revolving around racecars and motorcycles.

The designers started the project with soliciting donations of auto and motorcycle parts. Among the parts gathered was a pickup truck bed. In the spirit of Monster House, a concept was formed to turn the pickup truck bed into a display shelf as a central piece to the design. The craftsmen of SWC's Service Department were enlisted to modify the truck bed. John Stack, steamfitter, did the metal fabrication and body work. Metalwork included sectioning the bed, moving the gas filler door to the remaining section, fabricating a rear bumper and mounting brackets to support the shelf. Carl Monefeldt, painter, laid down the sleek blue finish. Jeff Elliot, electrician, modified the taillights to function in place with a new power supply and an ignition switch as an on/off switch. Last but most important, Bill Drissel, carpenter, handled mounting the shelf securely to the wall.

Other items included in the design: hubcaps, scale models of racecars and motorcycles, posters, pictures and a modified gas pump that was once used by Southern.

AboutSWC/Truckshelf fast with still large.wmv

In the Winter of 2005, Southern remodeled a third area, which is a licensed four-bed apartment.  Again, this is complete with kitchen, living room, washer, dryer and other apartment-based fixtures.  The area remodeled is on Cottage 8 and is a completely new design.  It can be used for up to four individuals, depending on needs of the population at the time.  Currently, three men who have significant PICA (ingesting inedibles) live in this apartment.  The environment and staffing have allowed these men to be safe and free of protective attire as they continue to learn positive behaviors.  

The apartments are seen as viable living opportunities, in order to meet a number of specific needs.  These include reductions of behavior with a particular focus on behaviors noteworthy enough to require physical restraint, preparing long-term population for community transitions and as future living arrangements for SWC’s short-term program.   

In the coming years, Southern expects to convert more areas into apartment-like environments to aid residents in achieving positive outcomes in their life as outlined above. 

Last Revised:  October 24, 2008