Anderson Center for Autism:
Real-Time Communication for Enhanced Supports with Therap Services

Located in the Hudson Valley of New York, Anderson Center for Autism has a long history of supporting individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Today, the agency provides services to individuals living in community IRA homes spread across three counties. Before beginning to use Therap in 2018, Anderson faced a challenge familiar to many human service providers: staying organized with a paper documentation system. Since switching to Therap’s comprehensive documentation solution, the agency has benefited from increased efficiencies that allow them to spend more time on what is most important – the people they support.

"[Therap] was our first electronic health and billing record," explains Emily Maduemezia, Assistant Director of Adult Residential Services. "We were doing complete paper [documentation] and made the full transition over the course of two years." Implementing Therap’s system has improved Anderson’s documentation process in numerous ways.

With community homes in multiple locations, a centralized electronic documentation system has reduced the amount of time Anderson’s staff spends traveling. “Everything is in one spot instead of having to drive across counties to find a paper document,” says Maduemezia. With the ability to quickly access records, staff spends less time searching for information. “Being able to access all of that information [electronically] is amazing.”

Everything is in one spot instead of having to drive across counties to find a paper document. Being able to access all of that information [electronically] is amazing.

Therap’s documentation tools have also helped Anderson with audits and oversight. Instead of sifting through physical files, staff can retrieve necessary records in seconds, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. “When the state comes, we need to be able to access information,” states Maduemezia. “[With Therap], everything is all at your fingertips…that has really changed how we work.”

One of the most impactful changes Anderson has experienced from implementing Therap’s system is the shift to real-time communication. “[Therap] completely changed the way we operate because of the ability to communicate in real-time across programs,” Maduemezia says. “To be able to communicate about the needs of the individuals frees up so much time for [staff] to be able to focus on…quality of care.”

Anderson Center's story exemplifies how agencies can benefit from switching from paper to electronic documentation. "[It's] life changing," Maduemezia affirms. Her advice to other providers considering the switch to Therap? "Do it! Do it slowly...and support your staff. By embracing real-time communication, streamlined processes, and centralized information access, Anderson Center for Autism is able to devote more time to ensuring a high quality of care for the individuals they support.

[Therap] completely changed the way we operate because of the ability to communicate in real-time across programs. To be able to communicate about the needs of the individuals frees up so much time for [staff] to be able to focus on…quality of care.

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