Culture change can be seen in action at
Halifax Regional Health System’s long-
term care communities every day:
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Programming supports resident-
directed, person-centered care.
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There is a focus on relationship-building.
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Staf members are specially trained in
caring for patients who have Alzheimer’s
disease and dementia.
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There are spalike bathing areas.
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Construction and renovation includes
an open design with architectural ele-
ments that provide a sense of distinct
functional spaces.
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Outdoor living spaces are available,
including secure courtyards.
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Residents have access to kitchens and
laundries.
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There are secured memory-support
households.
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Noise reduction elements, including a
wireless call system and carpet, are used.
NURSING
home care has
come a long way since the days of
almshouses, 19th century places for
the poor, elderly and infrm without
family who could or would take care
of them. Today long-term care facili-
ties are making changes to enhance
comfort and safety and to ensure
they are places where people can
lead fulflling lives.
Today “culture change” is what
it’s all about. And Halifax Regional
Health System’s (HRHS) long-term
care afliates MeadowView Terrace,
Te Woodview and Seasons at Te
Woodview have embraced the cul-
ture change movement.
What is culture change?
Culture change is a national
movement for the transformation of
services for seniors based on person-
directed values and practices in
which the voices of the seniors and
those working with them are consid-
ered and respected. Choice, dignity,
respect, self-determination and pur-
poseful living are the core values.
Culture change is all about look-
ing at organizational practices, phys-
ical environments and relationships
at all levels and working toward
making changes that lead to person-
centered, resident-directed care.
“We believe that each resident is
an individual,” says Connie Zamora,
HRHS director of long-term care ser-
vices and administrator of Te Wood-
view. “Culture change supports this
belief. We want our residents to have a
say in their day-to-day life—what they
eat, what time they get up and go to
bed, when and how they take a bath.
If they are capable of decision mak-
ing, then we want them to participate.
And for residents unable to make de-
cisions, then we need to do for them
based upon what their past habits and
lifestyle dictate, not on what works
best for us. Culture change is about
individual choices—not cookie-
cutter, one-size-fts-all care.”
Benefts of culture change
Te Pioneer Network, an organi-
zation advocating for culture change
in elder care since 1997, reports
that communities who have made
the change from provider-directed
care to person-centered, resident-
directed care have seen positive
outcomes, including:
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a decrease in employee turnover
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signifcant improvements in
employee, resident and family
satisfaction
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a reduction in depression and use
of medication to treat depression
and behavioral problems
Culture change: Te future of
Ideas in action
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lifeand health