Person-Centered Care

Person-Centered Care

Person-centered care is the practice of caring for people and their families in ways that are meaningful and valuable to the individual. It includes listening to, informing, involving and collaborating with people about their health care. The IOM (Institute of Medicine) defines patient-centered care as: “Providing care that is respectful of, and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs and values, and ensuring that patient values guide all clinical decisions.”

Orchard at Athens believes the tenants of person-centered care are foundational for a good experience in an assisted living community and should be questioned when searching for a community. The Picker Institute and Harvard Medical School used a focus group to help create eight principles of person-centered care which include the following areas.

Respect For Patients’ Values, Preferences & Expressed Needs

Involve patients in decision-making, recognizing they are individuals with their own unique values and preferences. Treat patients with dignity, respect and sensitivity to his/her cultural values and autonomy.

  • Does the community gather comprehensive information on preferences of daily routines, social and professional history, values, interests, relationships, spiritual and or religious practices, hobbies and preferred leisure activities, etc..

Coordination & Integration Of Care

  • People that require assistance with living can often feel powerless and vulnerable. Therefore, the community must engage in proper coordination of support to help nurture empowerment and dignity.

Information & Education

Does the community provide on-going educational opportunities to families and residents, and does the community keep an ongoing dialogue with the family regarding their loved one?

Physical Comfort

  • Does the community understand the physical needs of their residents, and do they make adaptations to meet those needs?

Emotional Support & Alleviation Of Fear & Anxiety

  • Does the community understand the emotional needs of their residents, and do they foster a culture of belonging and connection?

Involvement Of Family & Friends

  • Does the community have an open dialogue with family, and do they help educate and support a family in ways of staying connected with their loved one?
  • Is the family an integral part of the plan for support, and are they encouraged to be part of finding solutions and being proactive in their loved one’s support?

Continuity & Transition

  • What is the procedure for keeping continuity of staffing and programming?
  • How does the community handle transitions of support, and how is the family and resident supported in this?

Access To Care

  • What is the medical staffing?
  • How accessible is medical staff and care?

Orchard at Athens is proud to provide all of these described tenants and can guarantee a person-centered experience for residents and their extended family and friends. If you’re looking for a senior living facility in Athens that provides a person-centered experience please Contact Us to schedule a tour.