Full-time Residency

Lara's House offers a full-time residential setting for 6 women with various special needs. That simple description, however, cannot begin to tell the whole story.

Lara's House provides what every parent and family wants for their loved one, with special needs or not:

a secure and healthy home where each is loved for who she is, cared for with warmth and sensitivity, and encouraged and supported to be all she can be.

Staff and volunteers

Caring, capable, well-trained staff are on site 24 hours a day. Staff to resident ratio is often 1:1 during day hours; and 1:2 at other times. Therapists and specialists are available, as are volunteer students from teaching and health care universities.

All staff members are carefully screened and provided ongoing support and training to allow them to provide consistently patient, loving and compassionate care, and avoid their own burnout and fatigue.

Daily Activities

Lara's House coordinates with guardians and family members to create activities and schedules that best suit each person's needs and desires. Some residents participate in DDD day programs, others do activities at home and in the community. There is time made for arts and crafts, family visits, games, socializing and quiet time, body movement like yoga and dancing; depending on the choices of each resident. The staff makes it a priority to learn the most effective ways to communicate with each person at the house, so our residents can be as independent as possible and involved in making choices about their daily lives.

Family Events and Support

Family members are always welcome at Lara's House. The staff works closely with families to coordinate visits and to support time together, whether in person or virtually.

Nutrition

Meals served at Lara's House are healthy and nutritionally sound, tailored to each resident's personal needs. Organic foods are served whenever possible and menus are planned based on strong natural nutritional and medical guidelines, and are tailored to residents' medical needs and preferences. Special diets and eating plans are provided as desired/needed.

Medical Support

Medical and therapy appointments are arranged by the house medical coordinator, in conjunction and communication with the resident's guardian. Transportation to and support at appointments is provided.

Comfortable and Accessible Surroundings

Each resident has a private bedroom decorated as they wish. A spacious family room, large communal dining room, accessible kitchen, outdoor patio with misters, therapy/massage/meditation room, activity area, courtyard with fountain, and grounds with walking paths and a meditation/remenbrance area all contribute to a comfortable and nurturing environment.

Security and Family Connection

The home has a fully monitored security system, and an interior camera system to allow for full monitoring by staff for safety and supervision. For family and friends who are traveling or unable to visit, we are happy to set up times for video calls or FaceTIme.

Eco-Friendly

The home was renovated using eco-friendly and low allergen materials. The environment is as physically healthy as it is emotionally wholesome for its residents.