History of JCMCF
County Medical Care Facilities were established by Michigan’s legislature with Public Act 280. This legislation charges county homes to provide for the long-term care of the county’s most needy. Many county homes evolved from the Poor House system of care charged with caring for TB patients, mentally ill, developmentally delayed, and the county’s poor, indigent, and orphaned.
In Jackson County, like many county facilities, the Medical Care Facility began with the County Infirmary located on County Farm Road. Inmates, as the Residents of the County Infirmary were called, worked the farm as they were able for their room and board. It was a tough existence, yet for many inmates, it was the best home life they had ever known.
Like many County Medical Care Facilities, the evolution of caregiving grew and changed perspectives in a much more person-centered manner. In Jackson County, the original Jackson County Infirmary burned to the ground and was replaced by the Jackson County Medical Care at the edge of town on Lansing Ave. This was a large institution housing 194 Residents in what was at that time, the 1960’s, a state-of-the-art nursing home.
The new sixties rendition of the county home was spacious, had gardening areas, and offered a new approach in care. Medical care became the primary focus. Nursing staff wore starched white hats in crisp white uniforms with a strong emphasis on meeting the physical needs of the individuals who resided in the home. A solid meat and potatoes cuisine met the nutritional needs of the Residents.
The final and current evolution of Jackson County Medical Care Facility is a modern design, neo-feudal in nature, with natural lighting, spacious semi-private rooms that feel like private rooms, gracious and open common areas, and all the amenities of home. Buffet meals offer a large number of tasty choices, ethnic foods, expanded home recipes of the elders offered in both neighborhood and main dining rooms. Indoor garden elements of large trees tower above and shade elders in a café like atmosphere in the main dining room.
Elements of the home that enrich life include a grand piano, buffet dining and meals upon request, Resident computers and Wii consoles, large screen TVs, aviaries, a library, IN2L computer activities system and therapy along with games on each neighborhood and two large outdoor courtyards to garden and enjoy. Additionally, fireplaces grace each neighborhood.
The most important change in care delivery at Jackson County Medical Care and her sister county facilities is the offering of person-directed care. Many County Medical Care Facilities are Eden Alternative homes, have Greenhouses or Small House models, and strongly believe in culture change and person-directed care. Person-directed models of care allow engagement of the Elder in care choices, development of their care plan, and in all activity choices. The idea is to engage the Elder in a rich life of their choosing for as long as they are able. When they are no longer able to speak for themselves, those closest to them become their advocates.
The population that County Medical Care facilities serve has not changed much in the last 178 years and they are still subject to PA 280 and meeting the needs of the underserved. The significant change has come in how that care is delivered. The Elder is the center of our world and we are honored to support them.
