The Crumley House day treatment program consists of a series of classes and activities scheduled Monday through Thursday with Friday being a community re-entry day. The program begins at 9 am each day with a brief planning meeting. The meeting lasts for 15 minutes and consists of announcements concerning any changes in the schedule or special events for the day. Current events are sometimes discussed. One important aspect of this meeting is that clients are given the opportunity to express their opinions on various things. Often they make suggests and comments on the weekly outing and other topics, however they may voice any complaints and concerns that they have.
After the meeting, the clients rotate between three different classes throughout the morning: 1) computerized training, 2) physical training, and 3) cognitive/academic class. Each class lasts 40 minutes with a 10 minute break between classes. An instructor is present in each classroom with one roving instructor moving to where ever they are needed. Depending on the day of the week, there may be up to ten clients in each class. Though there may be several members in class, each person is involved with individualized activities as outlined in their treatment plan.
Clients in the computerized class often utilize cognitive software such as BrainTrain, Parrot Software, and numerous online sites. Some may work with some academic software for reading comprehension, basic mathematical skills, or other topics. Many also receive training in computer operations especially internet topics such as e-mail and search engines. For those considering returning to school or work, training in useful software packages like Word or Excel is available. During cognitive/academic class a systematic set of activities designed for each client is presented to remediate deficits in cognitive and academic areas such as memory, attention, comprehension, reading comprehension, basic math skills, etc. During this class, one-on-one training is provided as often as is feasible depending on the number of staff and volunteers that are available. Physical deficits are addressed in the physical training class. The instructor may have a set of instructions to follow provided by a physical therapist. If not, a set of activities are designed to provide good cardiovascular health and to address other concerns such as poor balance, weakness, poor motor skills, etc.
During the morning, outside agencies such the ETSU Communicative Disorders Department, the ETSU Physical Therapy Department, and the Milligan College Occupational Therapy Program may be present. They take clients from their normal routine to provide them services from their disciplines. Since they are working at the own individual pace, they simply resume their activity when they return to class.
One hour is allotted for lunch at noon. At one o’clock, following the lunch hour, clients participate in a group session. This session lasts for one hour with various topics being presented. Suggested topics include social skills, basic academic skills(reading comprehension, arithmetic skill – especially as applied to real life situations), health and dietary training, community skills, budgetary skills, leisure skills, household management, independent living skills, numerous cognitive skills(memory, reasoning, attention, sequencing, etc.), anger management, time management, etc.
Following the group session, clients are provided with a thirty minute social period with a snack provided. For the remainder of the day clients have self-determined activities. Indoor or outdoor activities are available depending on the weather. Members may choice to participate in these activities or many often prefer to return to the computer lab or physical training gym. During summer months the pool is often open with two to three staff members present for supervision and assistance. Other recreational opportunities may include movies, music presentations (both live and through our smartboard), and occasional dance sessions. Also, outside groups such as the Jonesborough Story Tellers may provide entertainment.