nursing homes for the better. Hallways of clinically, sterile rooms, that make nursing homes seem more like hospitals than elder-care facilities have given nursing homes a bad name. The new movement is not only an attempt to shed a better light on end-of-life care, but an attempt to make those living in nursing homes, and their families, more comfortable. Here's what's changing:1. Personal Preference
In nursing homes of the past, residents were told when to bathe, when to eat, and when to turn the lights out – not much different than a hospital or prison. In today's nursing home, patients are given more personal preference in regards to their schedule. This personal choice gives patients a sense of independence and autonomy that is frequently lost in traditional, skilled-care settings. Healthcare administrators understand that needing care does not necessarily equate to being unable to make decisions for one's self.
2. Inclusive Language
The labeling of patients often made these people seem like objects instead of humans. "Patient" and "ward" were often the impersonal names given to those needing care in a residential facility. Following in the path of person-first language, nursing home residents are referred to by name, not illness. Respectful interactions between staff and residents are encouraged, and getting to know patients is the new norm.
3. Same Staff
Historically, nursing home staff rotated among patients, never getting to know the residents as individuals. In the new nursing home model, residents are visited and taken care of by a consistent number of staff, allowing both the patients and those caring for them to become more familiar with each other. This familiarity allows staff to get to know patients' preferences, likes and dislikes, developing a relationship that inspires more personalized care.
4. Resident Input
Who knows better how a nursing home should run than the people who live there? Traditionally, decisions were made by management and administration, without consulting residents, direct-care staff or patients' families. Today, input is sought from all of these people before major decisions are made. Staff is properly trained so that they can have input in the day-to-day runnings of the facility.
5. Housing Design
Nursing homes of the past were cold, stark buildings, often made up of multiple floors, with long hallways. It's not unusual for these floors to contain more than 50 rooms. As new nursing homes are being built, they are designed to feel like home, with several, smaller units being erected on the grounds of the facility. These smaller units are designed to make residents more comfortable and to make it easier for staff to care for their assigned patients.
When it comes to nursing homes, it is rare for people to be happy about placing their loved ones in a facility. The new model of nursing home aims to make the term "nursing home" strike better thoughts in the minds of patients and their families. Healthcare administrators, along with other professionals, are working hard to ensure that the nursing home of yesterday stays in the past.
About the Author
Ivan Nichols is an avid health blogger. If you're interested in becoming an health administrator, you may want to consider programs offered by Ohio University and Washington University.
They are still dreadful. The food is awful. Staff turnover high every place. Low pay. No exercise for them. Limited outdoor or sunlight.
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