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Person-Centered Principles

  • Know each person.

  • 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.

  • Each person can and does make a difference.

  • 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.

  • Relationship is the fundamental building block of a transformed culture.

  • 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.

  • Respond to the spirit, as well as mind and body.

  • Moving from a task-oriented, medical model of care to one that is holistic, all-encompassing—addressing the entire well-being of each person.

  • Risk-taking is a normal part of life.

  • Allowing the resident to make personal choices even if that choice results in the resident taking a risk.

  • Put person before the task.

  • An approach to caring for each resident that places the priority on the care of the resident and not on “getting the task done”.

  • All elders are entitled to self-determination wherever they live.

  • 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.

  • The community is the antidote to institutionalization.

  • 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.

  • Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

  • The staff treats each as well as the residents as they themselves would like to be treated.

  • Promote the growth and development of all.

  • Shape and use the potential of the environment in all aspects: physical, organizational, and psychosocial/spiritual.

  • Practice self-examination, searching for new creativity and opportunities for doing better.

  • Recognize that culture change and transformation are not destinations, but a journey – always a work in progress.

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