The Culture Change Movement: Long-Term Care

The thought of spending one’s golden years outside of the home, is one of the most depressing and unnerving things that an elderly or chronically disabled person would have to deal with. For many people, however, this is a reality that they must face. Long-term care organizations have begun to recognize the stigma that living in one has, and sought to end it by starting the Culture Change Movement. The Culture Change Movement is a nationwide movement that is geared towards the altering of services for the elderly, that is founded on a people based belief and practice system and allows the elderly and those that are in close contact with them to have their opinions, ideas, and views valued and respected. The goal of the Culture Change movement

With people directed care “residents” are in total control of their activities, meaning that they have free will over when they would like to get up, eat, bathe and do any other activities. This principle is important because it fosters autonomy and independence in the resident which is the opposite of what is typical of living in a long-term care facility. The second core principle is the building of meaningful relationships between the staff and the residents. This principle is important because according to studies, staff members tend to work harder, and deliver superior care to their residents when they like and know their patients on a personal level. Also, the residents tend to feel more at ease, and safe knowing that they’re being taken care of by someone who cares. Lastly, the third core principle of the Culture Change movement is that the management team works closely with residents, their families, and staff members before making any choices that may alter or change the way their daily lives are ran. The management team also trains staff members to allow residents to make their own choices. This is important because it keeps everyone on the same page and ensures that the resident’s care is individualized to their