Not knowing how the elder would react, I waited. A few days later, I walked into my office and found the returned book along with a hand written note that read, " Tim, Many thanks for sharing this wonderful book with me. I heartily agree with the concept and ideas about cultural change. I pray for the brave souls working to accomplish a better life for all people, old and young!"
Wow! What a response. She got it! She liked it! We were doing the right thing. The very person that might one day live in The Cottages and be cared for by a Shahbaz understood.
That day I had an answer to "What Are Old People For?"
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The Cottages at St. Martin's Project
It’s simply home...With an on-going commitment to the enhancement of quality of life for elders, St. Martin’s in the Pines is pursuing a unique and revolutionary care model for those requiring long-term skilled nursing. “The Cottages at St. Martin’s”, the first six residential-style nursing homes to be built in Alabama and part of a national movement known as THE GREEN HOUSE® Project have been in operation since late 2008. As a pioneer in the state, St. Martin’s serves as a beacon of hope for culture change in long-term care.
The GREEN HOUSE® model creates a small, intimate community for a group of 10 elders. A radical departure from traditional skilled nursing homes, The GREEN HOUSE® home alters size, interior design, staffing patterns, and methods of delivering skilled nursing services.
Its primary purpose is to serve as a place where elders can receive assistance and support with activities of daily living as well as clinical care, but without the assistance and care becoming the focus of their existence.
The physical transformation is only one element of the GREEN HOUSE® model. Staff responsibilities are dramatically different from those in a conventional nursing home. The traditional certified nursing assistant receives a new role of universal care worker called a “Shahbaz”. Each is given additional training, in ways to protect, sustain, and nurture the elders living in The Cottage and to take on a broader array of responsibilities, including facilitating meaningful activities, cooking, light housekeeping and laundry. Each house is also served by a clinical support team of nurses, medical directors, social workers, physical therapists, and others. These professionals are not stationed within the houses, but visit according to a schedule, much like a home-health model.
Privacy...Dignity...Autonomy...Home...Small...Cozy...Family...Nurturing
...Safe...Smart...GREEN
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3 comments:
Tim,
I have read your comments explaining the Shahbaz and I have to say they have given me food for thought.
By the way, I saw your picture in your profile. Was that taken at a fishing village? The background looks familiar.
Elder Earline
Elder Earline,
Thank you for your interest and comments. It is exciting to me that you are following our blog.
Yes, you are very perceptive. The photo was taken on my last trip to Italy. I am standing on a canal on the island of Murano.
Please continue to watch our blog as we make this journey.
Tim
Of course it is Murano! Off the coast of Venice, correct? I remember fondly trips there.
I notice that the number of people participating is growing. I guess that is to be expected as you gain momentum. I look forward to learning more from all of you. It's quite fun for me.
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