Overview
The implementation of changing institutions to homes is the revolutionary change needed in LTC. Small home-like environments provide eight to sixteen residents with the ‘stuff of life’. A life of meaningful activities surrounded by staff who interact with them and care for them with empathy and kindness.
Key aspects of change:
- A Warm, Caring Environment: Creating an atmosphere that feels like home.
- Personalized Care: Staff truly know residents, their families, and understand their lived experiences.
- Tailored Schedules and Routines: Matching residents’ preferences and needs.
- Engaging Activities: Providing meaningful activities that bring joy and engage residents.
- Fostering Relationships: Thriving relationships among staff, volunteers, residents, and families.
Implications of Change:
- Relationships: Where everyone feels part of a community and is treated with dignity and respect.
- Small, Home-Like Environments: Setting up small units with shared living spaces for 8-16 residents.
- Commitment to Leadership: Leadership committed to a relationship-based approach to care.
- Qualified and Empathetic Staff: Employing full-time, well-paid staff trained in empathy and understanding the required culture change.
- Emotional Intelligence in Hiring: Hiring staff based on emotional intelligence.
- Recognition of Families and Caregivers: Recognizing families and caregivers as integral team members.
- Engagement of Trained Volunteers: Engaging volunteers who are trained in empathy and culture change.