Person-Centered Care and Culture Change

You have been learning about the many options that are available to provide you or your loved ones with long-term care, services and supports to help you continue living as independently as possible in the setting of your choice. But how do you "shop" for these things? What do you need to look for when you are comparing the various providers and organizations?

The quality of the care they provide is obviously important. This includes the clinical and medical aspects of their work. It is also important to investigate how they measure up to requirements and regulations that are outlined by state and federal rules and requirements. But there is so much more that needs to be considered in the equation.

Do you want to be treated like a "patient" or as a PERSON? Currently, the long-term care "system" is primarily focused on the medical condition, the diagnosis and what is "wrong" with someone. In the majority of long-term care organizations, "they" are in complete control and make all decisions about daily life for "the patient." These institutions were modeled after hospitals for efficiency and quality of care, but somewhere along the way something got lost: QUALITY OF LIFE.

Person-centered care is an approach and philosophy that always puts the person first. This is also referred to as person-directed care, patient-directed care, individualized care or self-determination. Regardless of what you call it, the PERSON comes first and the uniqueness of each person is respected and honored. Just because someone needs some help, is older, has a disability, or is living with dementia does not mean that they should lose their right to be treated as a person - not a "patient." Person-centered values include choice, dignity, respect, privacy, self-determination and purposeful living. Making choices about your own life, being listened to and “heard,” and being truly "known" is a basic human right.

Relationships are the key to quality long-term care. Person-centeredness is the bond between the person who is receiving the care and the person who is giving the care, or providing the support or service. The caregiver, or staff person, is also treated with dignity and respect. In a true care-partner team, each person is truly known and respectful relationships develop. When on-going relationships flourish, your values, preferences, choices and desires are known, acknowledged and met. Meaningful relationships improve satisfaction and quality of life for everyone involved, and greatly improves the quality of the care provided.

Culture Change is the name of the national movement focusing on person-centered care. This movement is dedicated to transforming the old, institutional philosophies and models of long-term care into one that practices person-centered care and embraces person-centered living. Although this movement started by focusing on nursing homes because they are the most institutional setting, this philosophy and approach is applicable to everyone in every setting and level of long-term care.

Long-term care CAN be different! Culture change is already happening and has been happening successfully across the country for more than a decade. Long-term care organizations and communities are becoming great places to live, to work, to visit and to thrive. With culture change, you can remain in control of your own life and continue "growing" – not just growing older.

Visit The Culture Change Network of Georgia to learn more!

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