Person-Centered Principles
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Know each person.
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Developing a relationship with each resident, knowing their needs and wants as well as their daily routines. Assigning consistent staff to each resident in order to cultivate this relationship.
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Each person can and does make a difference.
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Despite physical or cognitive impairments, every resident can contribute in some way. Finding a sense of “purpose” for every resident and offering choices for care routines, dining, and activities.
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Relationship is the fundamental building block of a transformed culture.
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Enhancing the relationships amongst staff with residents, staff with each other and with residents’ families can improve the overall quality of life for each resident. Incorporating a “Best Friends” approach to caring for the resident.
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Respond to the spirit, as well as mind and body.
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Moving from a task-oriented, medical model of care to one that is holistic, all-encompassing—addressing the entire well-being of each person.
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Risk-taking is a normal part of life.
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Allowing the resident to make personal choices even if that choice results in the resident taking a risk.
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Put person before the task.
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An approach to caring for each resident that places the priority on the care of the resident and not on “getting the task done”.
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All elders are entitled to self-determination wherever they live.
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Once a person moves into a long term care setting, they still have the same rights to make personal decisions (regardless of the outcome) as they did when they resided in their own home.
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The community is the antidote to institutionalization.
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Changing the environment from one of little or no choices and no relationships to one of self-determination, “family”, and a sincere sense of community.
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Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
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The staff treats each as well as the residents as they themselves would like to be treated.
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Promote the growth and development of all.
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Shape and use the potential of the environment in all aspects: physical, organizational, and psychosocial/spiritual.
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Practice self-examination, searching for new creativity and opportunities for doing better.
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Recognize that culture change and transformation are not destinations, but a journey – always a work in progress.