What is this change:
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.
What does this change look like:
- A warm, caring environment that feels like home.
- Staff truly know their residents, their families, and understand their lived experiences.
- Schedules and routines match residents’ preferences and needs.
- Meaningful activities that engage residents according to their abilities and what brings them joy.
- Relationships thrive between and amongst staff, volunteers, residents, and their families.
What does this change mean:
- Using a relationship-based approach to care where residents, staff and families feel part of a community and are treated with dignity and respect.
- Setting up small home-like environments of 8-16 residents/unit with shared living spaces such as a living room or kitchen.
- Leadership committed to a relationship-based approach to care.
- Employing full time, well-paid staff, who are trained in empathy and who understand the culture change required in these homes.
- Hiring staff based on emotional intelligence.
- Recognizing families and caregivers as integral members of the team.
- Engaging volunteers who are trained in empathy and culture change.