Hazel Miller is pleased to call Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake, her home. She has decorated her room as she desired, with the help of her talented daughter. Hazel enjoys receiving visitors and sharing stories about the special personal belongings that surround her. She participates in many of the home's activities, but also relishes reading a good book or sharing a cup of Cappuccino with her staff "buddy" on a daily basis. Hazel lives in a homelike environment, one of the hallmarks of Person Directed Care. ABCM has embraced Person Directed Care.

Person Directed Care (also known as Resident Centered Care) is an emerging buzz phrase in the long term care industry these days. Previously it was referred to as “Culture Change” because that is what the movement is really about: changing the culture of the traditional nursing home. The culture of nursing homes is evident in the term “nursing home” itself. Long term care facilities are based on the medical model of care where the shared beliefs and principles revolve around patients being cared for by medical personnel. Physicians and nurses are directing patients’ everyday life with orders and procedures for what they can and can’t do, when they get up for the day, what and when they eat, and what activities they do for the day. Medications are dispensed from a cart in a group setting and if a patient wants something out of the ordinary (for example a glass of wine, which is not out of the ordinary in our homes) they must first go through the nurse who then must call the doctor for an order.

When a person comes to a typical nursing home, he or she may be seen first as a diagnosis and must conform to the policies and procedures of that facility (schedules for bathing, dining, activities…). Changing this culture means changing the emphasis from “nursing home” to a “home with nursing care” and many other services that address all aspects of the individual’s emotional and spiritual needs including leisure interests, preferred daily routines and overall lifestyle. Person Directed Care homes have made a commitment to accommodating the residents’ lifestyles rather than expecting them to conform to the procedures of an institution. The residents decide when they get up, what and when they eat and what they do throughout the day.

Person Directed Care also encompasses changing the physical environment to make it less clinical by eliminating nurses’ stations, medications carts and buzzers and beepers. It is an effort to make nursing homes more homelike with an emphasis on personal possessions, choices in décor and a cozier, relaxed atmosphere.

Creating a homelike atmosphere also includes developing closer ties between the staff and the residents and their families. It is involving all staff and residents in the everyday decisions that affect them and their home.

ABCM has pride in its reputation of quality care and a friendly atmosphere in each of our homes. Recognizing there is always room for improvement and that the needs and wishes of those we serve are constantly changing, we have made a commitment to Person Directed Care. We are very pleased with the changes that have already been implemented in some of our homes and are excited about those to come. Please check our website periodically to follow our progress as we go forward with Person Directed Care.

Moving into a nursing home is a very difficult time for most. But the transition will be much easier if individuality and lifestyles are maintained. This is what Person Directed Care is about. When looking for a quality nursing home, whether it is an ABCM home or not, be sure to ask about the practices of Person Directed Care. For more information on Person Directed Care contact us and/or the resources we have provided on our website.