Culture change is not a specific model, but rather the acknowledgement and implementation of care principles within an organization. The communities initiating change recognize that culture change and transformation are not destinations but a journey, always a work in progress. It is with the guidelines of founding principles that allows for both diversity and progress. Our ideal communities would incorporate:
• Appreciation of the uniqueness of each individual and provide individualized care
• Offer input and choices to residents that demonstrate dignity and respect for individuals
• Create a home environment
• Recognize the potential for growth
• Empower direct caregivers to make decisions with the resident
• Have all staff involved in the resident's life that support mutual well-being
• Foster the development of reciprocal relationships between residents, caregivers, family and community.
• Recognition of potential growth
• Recognizes that each person can and does make a difference
• Knows that each relationship is the fundamental building block of a transformed culture
• Team approach and staff empowerment
Encouraging Culture Change in Texas
Although many communities have experienced positive change using person-centered care, many long term care communities are hesitant to implement culture change in their facilities. As consumers, advocates, and policymakers, we can encourage the adoption of culture change throughout Texas.
• As consumers, educate yourself in the care practices of the long term care community. Are they as providers familiar with national organizations that teach and promote person centered care such as The Pioneer Network and Eden Alternatives? Are they members of the Texas Culture Change Coalition?
• As policymakers, adopting payment incentives that incorporate culture change criteria that embrace person-centered care into payment models and regulatory approaches that assess quality of life.
• As advocates, we can insist on creating the foundation and movement of change that leads all individuals within any long term care service the ability to receive Life-Affirming, Satisfying, Humane and Meaningful options.
In Conclusion
Culture change embodies a unified effort to build empowered relationship-centered communities throughout Texas. It is the key that transforms our long term care in Texas into the care communities that will be amazing places in which to live, to work, and enjoy.
Citation
Ransom, Sandy, Eden Alternative: The Texas Project, Institute for Quality Improvement in Long Term Health Care. IQILTHC Series Report 2000-4, May 2000.
www.pioneernetwork.net
Koren, M.J., “Person-centered Care for Nursing Home Residents: The Culture Change Movement,” Health Affairs Web First, Jan 10, 2010