MANCHESTER (September 17, 2024) – September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month and iCare Health Network is recognizing the work of its staff in caring for residents with substance use disorder.
iCare Health Network utilizes a multi-disciplinary team made up of Recovery Coordinators, Social Workers, Nursing staff and partners with community providers and other resources to offer services and supports such as Recovery Coaches, APRNs, physicians, Physician Consultants and more.
While receiving a skilled nursing level of care, residents have the opportunity to receive wrap-around services from partners, individual and group counseling services and continue Medication Assisted Therapy such as Methadone and Suboxone in a seamless way.
Today we highlight Tericsha Diaz, Westside Care Center’s Recovery Program Coordinator. What follows is Tericsha’s reflections on theimpact of recovery programs on resident’s lives:
You have witness many resident’s journey of recovery in your time here. What have you experienced?
A female residents came to Westside last year with a history that included drug use. She was struggling to stay sober and thankfully due to our strong rapport she would voice her cravings and struggle to Social Services. She was utilizing psychiatric supports we offered as well as one-on-one therapy and addiction counseling. She went to all of the Recovery groups and even suggested the groups to new residents who would come in with histories of use.
This resident at one time overdosed while in the community. When she required care once again and returned to Westside Care Center she was depressed and didn’t know where to turn at times. She was struggling at home and in family life, struggling to regain the trust of loved ones which is a familiar story for those in recovery.
She used this as her motivation to stay sober. She continued to be involved with the Recovery groups and one on one therapy sessions. She worked extensively with Money Follows the Person to regain her independence and access stable housing options in the community. She eventually, with all of her hard work and dedication, was able to get housing through the Rental Assistance Program and integrate Methadone to control for cravings and relapse.
She also was able to buy a car and discharge back out to the community with supports and was able to regain her relationship with her son. She has persevered and pushed through her obstacles in order to live a healthier life with her son. She came back a few months later to thank Westside staff for the supports and for not giving up on her in the most difficult part of her life. She is a clear success story.
How do you build trust and rapport with individuals in recovery?
I build trust and rapport with individuals in Recovery by giving them respect. I speak to them without judgment, show them empathy, am my true self; transparent and understanding.
I feel I empower individuals in Recovery by showing them how far they have come and highlighting their positives, These residents are already struggling with the day to day and are constantly trapped in a negative space or mindset.
I like to always call my residents Mr. and Mrs. with their last names out of respect. I make sure to remember all my residents and their support system so that I can always remind them that they are loved and supported.
A challenging case I encountered was when a resident came to Westside with no income, no family support and homeless. Social Services were able to help this resident apply for social security, which eventually was granted. We helped this resident apply for housing support and they were able to leave with services, income, addiction recovery resources, a connection to a psychiatrist in the community and a community case worker.
What motivates you to continue working in the field of recovery?
I keep motivated as a Social Worker because I have a passion to help others. I have worked in the Recovery population for 15 years. I have a great rapport with my residents and they trust me. I stick to my word whenever I work with my residents and that means a lot to them. I will continue to support them and advocate for them to make sure they are having their needs met.
What role does the support system play in recovery, and how do you involve them?
I have care conferences with residents and their support systems so that everyone is on the same page. I love to make my residents feel supported in their recovery. Because of their history of substance use and all that goes with it they are frequently rebuilding burnt bridges while they are trying to rebuild their trust in existing support systems. I see Social Work as that bridge in having positive relationships and communication between residents and their support systems.
What is your vision for the future of recovery programs and addiction treatment?
I want to keep encouraging residents to live a positive, sober life and keep working daily on their relationships with their support systems. My vision for iCare’s Recovery Programs is to continue helping people create a meaningful life, learn to love themselves again; find hope, joy, and freedom.
To learn more, visit us at www.icarehn.com or call (860) 812-0788.