The newest trend in assisted living and skilled nursing is "person-directed care." Instead of telling residents that bath time is 10 AM, residents are asked what time they want to bathe? The same can be done for meal time and snacks. When an individual moves into long term care, some of his or her independence is taken away. The Jewish Pavilion, a non profit in Orlando that serves seniors of all faiths, has the motto "We like to see seniors smile." When residents feel in control of their lives, they are much happier. The Jewish Pavilion makes sure that residents in long term care are not forgotten and that they feel connected to the community through one-on-one visits, holiday programs, intergenerational events etc. Visit http://www.jewishpavilion.org/ for more information. Below is information from the Pioneer Network supporting Person- Directed Care:
There is a need to ask more specific questions about person-directed care and what the
nursing home is doing, if anything, with person-directed care and culture change. Listed
below are some general and specific things to ask and to listen for in the response. These
are not the only “correct” responses, but they will give you a general idea of what you
might hear that indicates work toward creating home for residents.
How is your nursing home involved in culture change?
Listen for: “We have a committee that works on making our place a home for residents
who live here. Residents and families serve on the committee. Staff members attend the
state coalition meetings and go to conferences to learn more. Several of our staff
(including direct care workers) have visited other places involved in culture change. We
have consistent assignment so that our staff can get to know the residents they are caring
for including their individual needs and wishes.”
How will you get to know my family member?
Listen for: “It is very important for us to really get to know each person who lives here.
We have a questionnaire for your family member to fill out that helps us get started. If
they are not able to do this (because of dementia, for example), we want you to help us
get to know them. Then we will talk with them and spend time together. We will learn
about their preferences, their past, what they enjoy doing now, and their goals and wishes
for the future. Everyone on the staff will get to know your family member.”
Do the CNAs/nursing assistants take care of the same group of residents each time
they work, or do you rotate the assignments after a period of time?
Listen for: “Consistent Assignment.” “With few exceptions, our caregivers care for the
same group of residents each time they come to work.”
Will my loved one be awakened at a set time in the morning or will she have a choice?
Listen for: “Residents may choose to sleep as long as they want without being
awakened.”
What is your policy regarding food choices and alternatives?
Listen for: “Let me show you a list of the alternatives we always have on hand if
someone does not like the main entree being offered. Do you think your loved one would
be satisfied with these? If not, we can usually accommodate her wishes.”
Can my loved one be given a shower/bath when he or she chooses?
Listen for: “Yes. We can accommodate a person’s lifelong pattern of bathing. Plus, we
understand about the special needs of persons with dementia. We have many creative
ways to keep people clean, so we can adapt to their preferences and comfort and still
maintain cleanliness.”
What type of recreational activities are offered here?
Listen for: “We offer a wide variety of meaningful and purposeful activities. Residents
have input into what is offered. Many of our activities are also spontaneous. Our CNAs
do activities with residents based on what the resident likes to do, including at night for
those who are awake. We also have someone here in the evenings and on weekends to
engage residents.”
How do you build a sense of community, and give those who live here a voice in the
decisions about how things are done?
Listen for: “Residents are part of the home team. We have an active Resident Council.
Discussion groups, neighborhood or household meetings are held weekly with residents,
staff and invited family members. Residents have a say in who cares for them.”
How do you meet the special needs of people who have some type of dementia?
Listen for: “We educate our staff on how to best communicate with people with
dementia. Because we have consistent assignments, staff know the residents well and can
anticipate and meet their needs in flexible, creative ways. We also support and teach staff
how to problem-solve difficult situations
Submitted by Nancy Ludin, Executive Director of the Jewish Pavilion
