| Flexibility
key when introducing philosophies, say administrators When it comes to integrating a philosophy of care into a long-term care home, an open-minded and flexible approach is essential, say administrators. Individualization is key to implementing the Eden Alternative philosophy, says Debby Riepert, the manager of long-term care at Trinity Village Care Centre in Kitchener. But first, a representative from the Eden organization comes to meet the staff, guidebooks are provided, and a leadership team is formed. Rooted in the Eden principles, “each home then develops its own policies and procedures, based on what works best for them,” says Debby. “Even each home unit might differ from one another, as each resident population differs,” she adds. Regarding Trinity Village’s Eden Alternative certification, they’ve had a team together for two years working on developing their policies and procedures, notes Debby. Successful activities and initiatives that embrace the philosophy and principles are recorded in a journal, and to further exemplify how each principle is being implemented, staff also create a display poster and take photos, explains Debby. An Eden representative comes to visit after each principle is “achieved” and gives – or doesn’t give – their approval. Once all 10 principles have been successfully implemented, the home officially becomes a registered Eden home. At Shalom Village in Toronto, staff members follow the At Home Approach manual, but its implementation is more loosely based, says Pat Morden, CEO of the home. “The front page of the manual says ‘Use Your Best Judgement.’ That just about sums it up,” notes Pat. “It is a guideline for staff; a framework to work with, because you can’t have every detail laid out in the manual. You have to be able to problem-solve and make decisions within that framework.” A similar approach to implementation is undertaken with the Our Living Tapestry philosophy of care at Regina Gardens in Hamilton. Like at Shalom Village, staff members are encouraged to use their best judgement when implementing the philosophy, says Mary Jane Glassco, the administrator. “It’s just guidelines,” she says. “We still have rules and regulations, we just try to be more understanding, flexible and accommodating.” |