Not very long ago, care for the elderly was a highly institutionalized field. It mainly focused on addressing immediate health concerns and providing reactive treatments. It was essentially a cookie-cutter solution that was supposed to meet all seniors’ needs. Of course, no two seniors’ needs are the same, so it wasn’t the most effective approach. Though it worked for some, it left quite a few with unmet needs and unnecessary suffering.
Around 30 years ago, people truly began to realize the scope of the problem with the conventional approach. That led to a revolution. It created a movement toward holistic care and a more customized approach to senior care. Millions of seniors are now enjoying the benefits of that development. Read on to learn more about some of the ways resident centered care elevates senior living.
Preserving Independence and Dignity
For one, person-centered care goes a long way toward preserving seniors’ independence and dignity. Many aging Americans say that losing their autonomy is as frightening as seeing their physical health and cognitive abilities decline, if not more so. Losing their dignity can have serious negative impacts on people. It can take away their confidence, self-worth, and security. It increases their risks of developing depression and anxiety as well.
Today’s assisted living communities are fully aware of the value residents place on their independence. They also understand the potential implications of taking it away unnecessarily. As such, they make every effort to maintain residents’ dignity and allow them as much independence as possible. That alone is making a world of difference in senior living.
Personalized Care
Residents receive far more personalized care with the person-centered approach as well. Instead of providing identical care for everyone, senior living communities tailor their care to the needs of the individual. Residents have access to all the physicians, specialists, physical therapists, and other medical care providers they need, and those professionals develop a customized care plan for each person.
That applies to senior living communities’ ADL assistance and other services as well. Caregivers take residents’ unique routines and preferences into account, and they schedule their services accordingly. Even their nutritional services revolve around each residents’ needs and expectations. They offer truly personalized care from every angle.
Customized Lifestyles
Furthermore, senior living communities give residents numerous opportunities to create the customized lifestyles they’re looking for. They don’t force all residents to follow specific schedules or participate in one-size-fits-all programs. Instead, they offer an array of options, including fitness classes, enrichment activities, and personal development courses to name a few.
Senior living communities also foster a variety of hobbies with painting, sculpting, quilting, gardening, book clubs, creative writing, and photography being some of the possibilities. Social gatherings and special events are readily available too. Residents can participate in the classes, hobbies, and events that interest them and opt out of those that don’t.
Socialization
Finally, resident-centered care elevates senior living by providing plenty of opportunities for socializing. Staying social is vital for sustaining seniors’ physical, emotional, and mental health, and it can aid in preventing or slowing cognitive decline. In senior living communities, residents can take part in social events, connect with their neighbors in classes and workshops, and have small private gatherings in their apartments if they like. This is yet another customizable element of today’s senior care.
Living Life to the Fullest With Resident-Centered Care
In the past, senior care was a one-size-fits-all sector. Today, that’s far from the case. Virtually every aspect of senior care is now tailored to each resident’s unique needs. Getting the VIP treatment via the person-centered approach is elevating senior living in many ways, and residents are living longer, happier lives as a result.
