IDEAS Institute
Posted by Patti on October 30th, 2006 / 
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I found some really good websites that promote Culture Change within LTC…here’s one I really like:
IDEAS INSTITUTE
The mission of IDEAS Institute is to provide solutions that improve the life of older adults through the conduct of rigorous applied research. Our highly respected staff examine the therapeutic potential of the environment—physical, social and organizational—as it relates to frail and impaired older adults.Serving older persons, their caregivers, and the community, the IDEAS Institute seeks to be a premier resource of information and environment – behavioral research centered on improving care and quality of life for people with chronic forms of physical and cognitive decline, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer’s disease.
Some of the material here is outstanding:
Home is Where the Heart Is: Designing Home-like Settings
In most homes, different rooms serve different purposes, and are designed to look very different. Seldom does a person have the same chair in the dining room as in their bedroom and their living room. Institutions, on the other hand, are marked by a uniformity of both furniture and design. All wall treatment is the same, or so coordinated that it’s hard to tell one space from the next. When a well designed chair is found, it is used everywhere: in the bedroom, in the dining room, in the activity room. But this approach to interior design will not make a place feel like home.
The Secrect to Happier Meal Times
Long-term care facilities, however, cannot realistically cater to every resident’s complete personal preferences. Group living, almost by definition, requires some level of compromise. It does not, however, suggest care providers should set policies and practices solely to suit their preferred organizational structure. Codes, in nursing homes, and market pressure in independent and assisted living make understanding and catering to your residents preferences related to dining increasingly important. This includes, at a minimum, some choice in meal time and some choice in what is served. More progressive facilities are also offering a choice of meal location, table companions, and a greater array of food options.
These are just a couple of the ideas listed at this site. Go have a look, bring the ideas to work and talk about them. Ask management to look as well. The articles are long but well worth the read.
January 16th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
We are currently in the beginning process of culture change. As a CNA, can anyone tell me how it impacted your bathing schedules, workload, work schedule – anything. I currently do all of the daily work assignments, weekly schedules and TRY to maintain a bath schedule that won’t kill the staff. Give me some ideas of how I can help this process less stressful for staff and residents.
January 16th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
I should add that we currently have 46 residents with 5 on the AM shift, 5 on the PM shift and 2 on nights – CNA staff. There are two nurses (7a-9:30p) and one nurse 9:30p-7a. We are attempting the transition into the neighborhoods. I think we could use A LOT of direction as to what has worked for others as well as what has not. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :-}