Frequently Asked Questions:

What do you think are the strengths of your services?

Forte Residential is devoted to the concept of “Family driven initiatives”. The individual being served and their responsible legal representative are placed in the corporate structure and assume significant decision making responsibilities about their own care or that of their loved one. Forte is a small company seeking to provide a limited number of motivated families with optimum quality residential based services. The founder and president of Forte Residential, Tom Van Meter, conceptualized this unique philosophy of “Family driven initiatives” in the relatively “un-serviced" areas of rural Indiana. Tom served on the Indiana Commission on Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities from it’s inception in 1992 through 2003.
 

How do you recruit and train employees?

Direct care employees are our most valuable resource. By reducing overhead costs we seek to compensate our quality-oriented workers with a competitive wage.  Recruitment is by referral and newspaper adds. Employment of family members is encouraged. Orientation to Forte’s history, philosophy, mission, and relationship to other organizations is part of the training process. CPR/first aid, Incident Reporting procedures, documentation practices, medication assistance, and specific client-oriented training are also included.
 

What is your employee retention/turnover rate?

Turnover over the last five years has been 5% for full-time employees.
 

What do you do to prevent abuse, neglect or exploitation of consumers?

Criminal history checks are done on all potential employees. Communication between workers and review of daily log worksheets keep each employee in check. Observation of consumer’s attitude and physical condition by individuals who work with them regularly help assure their safety. Forte and outside case management meet regularly with the consumers to discuss their lives and quality of care they are receiving. Typically, the Family Advocate will be with the consumer every day. This individual is personally and intimately acquainted with the consumer and is very keenly aware of any shifts in emotional or physical aspect of the consumer’s life.
 

How are the people you serve included in the process of planning their own
services?

The “Family Advocate” is the legal guardian or closest family member of the consumer. The Family Advocate is given significant decision making authority within the corporate structure without actually being employed. The “Person-Centered Planning” strategy is implemented in planning sessions with family and interested parties. Action oriented outcome is emphasized.
 

How do you respond to consumers and family members who are unhappy with the services they are receiving?

Because the “Family Advocate” is the legal guardian or closest family member the consumer has, the first opportunity to report any quirks in the flow of services to themselves or their dependant loved-one. Forte facilitates the process by support in resolving issues, formulating strategic plans, providing additional training, and intervening if necessary.
 

How do I apply for employment with your agency?

Go to the Employment Application on our Contact Us page.