A Special Population with Special Needs

People with HIV/AIDS require a complex mix of healthcare services.  We reserve three separate 40-bed units for people with HIV/AIDS who need skilled nursing care.  We manage their care through effective interdisciplinary teams; each resident is assigned an RN case-manager, attending physician, social worker, recreation therapist and dietitian, who together develop and coordinate appropriate strategies.  Physical and occupational therapists, mental health professionals and other specialists are consulted as required.

A Broad Spectrum of Programs

• Age-appropriate social and leisure activities.Social services and counseling for residents and their families.The benefits of a comprehensive mental health team.Traditional rehabilitative therapies including occupational, physical, recreation and speech therapy.A wide range of alternative therapies.
• A range of elective counseling and health promotion or programs, including:  A resident health education program offering guest lectures on a variety of pertinent self-care topics; addictive services counseling and support; sex education counseling; and a smoking cessation program.
• Coordinated efforts with Brookdale's Home Healthcare Agency  for residents discharged to their homes or facilities with lower levels of care.

Brookdale's Commitment to HIV/AIDS Care
The Schulman and Schachne Institute expands Brookdale's active role in treating people with HIV/AIDS.  Brookdale's Treatment for Life Center is a State-certified AIDS Designated Center able to provide a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services to those with HIV/AIDS.  The Schachne Institute's HIV/AIDS Care Unit is the only nursing home unit in Brooklyn affiliated with such an AIDS Designated Center.

AIDS Dementia Care Program
This unique program was designed to meet the special needs of individuals who have complex cognitive and behavioral needs due to AIDS Related Dementia.  This program is offered to our residents living on the Institute's HIV/AIDS Care Units, who have been identified to have special needs.  Assessment is conducted through the interdisciplinary care planing process.

Building on Brookdale's long history of expertise in dementia care, the AIDS Dementia Care Program uses the environment, therapeutic activities and staff interventions to assist our residents with AIDS Dementia to maintain independence in functioning and to enhance each individual's quality of life.

Who is Eligible?
The Schulman and Schachne Institute admits residents to the HIV/AIDS Care Units who require skilled nursing care due to the complications of HIV/AIDS.  Residents can be referred by the hospital or by an outside physician.  Self-referrals are also accepted.  For information about eligibility and admission, call (718) 240-6903.

Admission to the AIDS Dementia Care Program is limited to residents of the Schachne Institute who have a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS Related Dementia, require this specialized care and have been referred.

The Schulman and Schachne Institute for Nursing and Rehabilitation
650 Amboy Street
Brooklyn, NY 11212
(718) 240-6952    (718) 240-6953