Resident-directed living

In the household model of care, our residents live on their own terms, according to their rhythms and daily choices. They wake up when they choose and breakfast is prepared our open kitchen so that the smells and sounds of morning are normal and relaxed. Traditional schedules and boundaries such as wake-up lists, shower schedules, rigid menus, and activity schedules are eliminated so that life in the home is natural and tailored to each person.

Physical Environment

The physical environment is designed to be warm, accessible, and residential in nature. The number of residents is limited 16 people. Direct access to the kitchen; outside, well-protected private space; and comfortably shared spaces are key to the physical environment. This is truly a case where the small environment helps grow relationships and creates a sense of home. Private rooms and showers and individually controller thermostats.

Empowered staff

In a household model, CNAs are often referred to as care partners, since they support and uphold the philosophy of resident-directed care. The resident/care partner relationship is at the heart of the household. Care partners need the authority to respond to the choices and needs of each resident. If a resident wants to sleep until 10:30 a.m., the care partner needs the authority to respect that choice and the responsibility to uphold the resident’s decision. In traditional long-term care, those decisions sit with nurses and administrative staff, who are often far from the care.

Beyond providing direct care for residents, care CNAs may also order supplies; lead the cooking, housekeeping, and laundry; and be responsible for creating meaningful engagement. The team also does self-scheduling and holds regular team meetings for planning and decision making. This is an advanced level of staff empowerment.