Bridge House’s Transition Phase: Empowering Residents Through Practicing Executive Functioning Skills and Independence
Bridge House has recently introduced a new focus of programming for our residents, referred to as the Transition Phase at Brick House. For many of our residents who are entering the stage of transition planning for life after Bridge House, this time period proves to be a pivotal phase in the journey toward independence and determining what level of support is most appropriate upon graduation from Bridge House. Bridge House Transition Phase provides firsthand insight into how residents engage with the world around them, especially as they prepare to transition to the next phase of their lives after Bridge House.
Understanding Executive Functioning Abilities
One of the primary purposes of the Transition Phase lies in assessing each resident’s ability to navigate tasks that require executive functioning. This includes everything from managing technology to planning and executing off-campus passes, as well as navigating various activities independently. Residents participate in activities that allow staff to observe their abilities in real-life scenarios—how they handle planning, how they manage their time, and how they perform in social settings off-site. In doing so, this phase provides a unique window into the residents’ current skills and capabilities, highlighting where they may need additional support as they enter next steps and where their strengths lie.
By creating a detailed understanding of these abilities, staff can assess what barriers might exist for residents in completing daily tasks and where further guidance or intervention is needed. The ultimate goal is to provide a customized approach to each resident’s care, ensuring that they are given the tools and skills necessary to succeed independently as they move on from Bridge House’s care.
Eligibility and Safety Considerations
Residents are eligible for the Transition Phase once they have initiated their testing or have had their Diagnostic Formulation Meeting with the team. Typically, eligibility occurs about six to eight weeks into their stay, depending on the individual’s progress. However, Transition Phase programming may not be clinically indicated for all residents. Eligibility is contingent on safety, as the program is designed to help residents build skills that will support their transition, while still maintaining a safe environment.
Program Structure and Activities
The Transition Phase structure is carefully designed to foster both individual growth and community participation. The daily schedule begins with group activities such as gym and community groups, which promote physical and social interaction. This is followed by personal prep time, where residents can focus on their individual readiness for each day.
One of the key components of the program is the Executive Function (EF) groups, where residents are given opportunities to plan activities and personal passes. These sessions allow them to choose a group activity for the week and then plan their personal pass for the weekend. This process is an essential aspect of understanding how residents make decisions, plan their time, and engage with the world outside of Bridge House.
Personal Passes: Fostering Independence
One of the most empowering aspects of the Transition Phase is the opportunity for personal passes, which provide residents with the chance to leave Bridge House and participate in individualized activities in the community. Eligibility for personal passes requires residents to actively participate in programming throughout the week.
As they plan their personal outings, residents can choose from a variety of activities such as visiting a museum, going to the park, going to get ice cream or go to a movie, or even going to get their hair or nails done. These activities allow staff to assess how well residents follow social norms and engage with others, providing valuable information for their future plans after Bridge House.
While on their outings, Bridge House residents can also bring personal money and cell phones, offering an extra layer of autonomy. Depending on clinical indication and safety, residents are either accompanied by staff, or they are dropped off and picked up independently. These personal passes give residents the freedom to explore, learn, and engage with the broader community.
Learning Life Skills: Cooking and Shopping
In addition to the personal passes, residents in the Transition Phase also learn essential life skills. A cooking class is offered to teach residents how to prepare easy, nutritious meals. This lesson not only boosts their confidence in the kitchen but also instills valuable skills they can carry with them into independent living.
Residents also engage in practical exercises like creating shopping lists and going shopping. These activities further assess their executive functioning abilities, teaching them how to budget, prioritize, and make choices while in a real-world environment. Through these activities, residents gain an understanding of the responsibilities that come with independent living, and staff are able to assess how well they handle these tasks.
Motivating Residents and Building Independence
The motivation for residents to be active in the Transition Phase is twofold: it provides the structure for residents to understand their own capacities, and it helps staff assess their willingness and ability to engage in daily activities. By offering a variety of activities, from social events to personal responsibilities, the Transition Phase helps identify where residents need support, allowing us to dial in the least restrictive level of care that is still appropriate for their needs. This individualized approach to assessment ensures that residents are given the best possible opportunity to succeed in transitioning to a more independent lifestyle when they leave Bridge House.
In essence, the Transition Phase at Brick House is about more than just providing structured activities—it’s about empowering residents to build the skills they need for self-sufficiency while assessing the support they need to succeed. Whether it’s learning to navigate technology, shopping for groceries, or interacting with others in the community, the goal is to create a space where residents can practice their skills and make appropriate decisions for what will come after Bridge House.
