• News Release
• Date: December 3, 2008

• Contact: Jolene Weaver
• 717-581-4390

Person Centered Care: An Inside Look

You may have heard the term 'person-centered care' as Brethren Village moves forward in planning, design, and implementation of our redevelopment effort. Specifically focused for Residents in our healthcare center, person-centered care is a culture change movement from a nursing-home, institutional model of care to an individualized, neighborhood environment.

Person-centered care is a philosophical approach in the long-term care industry that honors and respects the voice of Residents and those working closest with them. Person-centered care is about finding common-sense approaches to personal choice, dignity, respect, and the self-determination of the Resident.

Flexible plans- a keystone in the person-centered care model- allow for choice and spontaneity. Delivery of medications, meal times, and activities are scheduled according to the needs and desires of the individual Resident, rather than strict adherence to programmed timetables.

This person-centered care transformation will require changes in the operational and organizational practices of Brethren Village. A hallmark of applying this person-centered care change can already be seen in the construction and physical environment of our new healthcare center. Plans for country kitchens, where neighborhoods of 20 Residents will dine, feature self-accessed treats and beverages, along with made-to-order meals.

Technology advancements, new workforce models, and an overall redesign of methods and implementation of direct care will increase the personal choice, freedom, and well-being of Residents. Brethren Village is looking forward to improved satisfaction of consumers and direct care workers as we implement the switch to the person-centered care model.

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