Person-centered care, otherwise known as resident-centered care or culture change model is a movement that has been transforming senior independent living in Bixby, OK in recent years. Moving away from the traditional long-term care medical model of the past, person-centered care takes on a holistic approach to caregiving, nurturing, and guiding the individual. The goal and focus of person-centered care are not only providing the highest quality of care but also the best quality of life to extend life expectancy among residents. There are many benefits to person-centered care, like providing residents with a sense of control over their daily lives by allowing them to create their routines and make their own decisions. This approach values the relationship between the resident and caregiver and believes that focusing on fostering those close relationships is the best way to provide quality care.
Why Person-Centered Care is Important
Respects the Residents
While person-centered care ensures that residents’ needs are met, they also focus on what the residents are capable of doing, providing them with opportunities to make their own decisions, showing them a level of respect, and giving them a sense of control which makes them feel important.
Beneficial for Mental Health
Person-centered care involves daily activities and tasks residents can participate in to combat loneliness or boredom some might experience. Through discovering new hobbies and activities they might enjoy, whether it is painting, gardening, or exercise, residents may gain a renewed sense of purpose and enjoyment. These stimulating activities also boost moods and create opportunities for social interaction which is vital for the mental well-being of residents.
Builds a Supportive Environment
Since person-centered care involves putting people first over the completion of tasks, relationships are at the forefront of care, and with connections being fostered between residents and team members, a supportive environment is created. This is crucial in the quality of care for residents as a supportive environment allows residents to feel generally more comfortable in the environment as well as when asking for help from the team.
Boosts Happiness and Life Expectancy
Research has shown that happiness boosts longevity. With increased satisfaction with care and their daily lives when person-centered care is implemented, residents have chances of living longer and fuller lives. Residents who have benefitted from person-centered care receive high levels of individualized care, meaning that they can focus their time on energy on things they truly love, which increases levels of happiness.
Good for Team-Building
In a retirement community where person-centered care is involved, there are benefits for more than just the residents. Team members of different levels are required to come together to work with designated groups of residents, instead of alternating daily tasks. This promotes teamwork among the members as they form relationships with each other, increasing enjoyment in jobs which translates to an overall decreased rate of employee turnover.
More and more senior independent living today, including our retirement community, have been joining the person-centered care movement, showing our commitment to providing only the best care to you or your loved ones. Contact us today to find out more!
