Person-Centered Care: Guide for Senior Living in Niagara Region

Person-centered care is a health care approach that puts the resident first and caters to their individual needs, meaning their personal preferences and interests.

This holistic approach is often found in senior living communities in the Niagara Region, where seniors are encouraged to play a more active role in their care by voicing their preferences. It is considered the most effective way to maintain independence while living the fullest life possible.

But what exactly is person-centered care? Here, we highlight its vital elements and describe its impact on seniors. This guide will help you understand the importance of person-centered care and how it can improve the resident’s quality of life.

Let’s get started.

Prioritizing Independence: Person-Centered Care for Senior Living in the Niagara Region

Keep reading to discover important things you should know about person-centered care in senior living communities in Niagara Falls.

1. What Does the Term ‘Person-Centered Care’ Mean?

Person-centered care focuses on emotional and care needs consistent with an individual’s lifestyle. The main focus is on relationships within the care system, instead of a task-centered approach that is solely focused on their physical health. In the Niagara Falls region, it is generally provided by retirement communities and senior living communities where the environment, services, and care are tailored to meet the residents’ individual needs. The approach also involves getting to know the residents, respecting their views, and valuing them as an important part of the community.

2. What Are the Benefits of Person-Centered Care?

One of the biggest advantages families often notice is how their loved ones’ quality of life improves once they move into a senior living facility. They have the help they need, along with companionship and the ability to participate in activities they find interesting; this makes a major difference in uplifting their mood. Moreover, having a say in their own care also supports their sense of self.

For instance, seniors make decisions as they would when living in their own homes. So, they decide when they sleep and wake up and how to spend their free time. Since they know that they are in control of their personal choices and are not going to lose their independence, their emotional health benefits too. With person-centered care, there is no division in the care staff. This is possible as everyone works together to meet the needs of residents.

Furthermore, when seniors find that their lifestyle and preferences are honoured, they feel as though they are truly at home. But if someone else is calling the shots, it feels more like they are living in a facility than in their own home. This is because person-centered care in senior living communities in the Niagara Region promotes autonomy and occurs within a community setting. It isn’t just the level of care and help, but also the attention they receive from staff that helps them live an enriched life.

3. How Does Person-Centered Care Work in a Senior Living Community?

While a lot of the language and research surrounding person-centered care focuses on different medical situations, this care philosophy is also seen in senior living communities. Here are some ways in which such communities approach this care.

• The staff findsout as much as possible about the person to whom they are offering care.
• Residents are greeted by their name by staff members and caregivers.
• Residents have conversations with staff members and caregivers as equals.
• Seniors choose their activities and their level of engagement in them.
• The preferences and opinions of seniors in the community are honoured.

Remember, the concept of person-centered care goes beyond interactions and daily activities. For instance, meals can accommodate the resident’s dietary restrictions and personal preferences. Furthermore, autonomy and freedom of expression are also great indicators of person-centered care. So, if you are touring senior living communities in the Niagara Region, be sure to note how residents are addressed and if you notice any personal touches in their rooms. These are great ways to determine if the retirement home provides person-centered care.

4. What Is the Best Way to Find a Person-Centered Senior Living Community in Niagara Falls?

To ensure you find the best person-centered care living community in Niagara Falls, you need to begin planning early and consider your aging loved one’s needs. This allows you to sort through the wide selection of options and understand which ones provide the best services. You can also schedule a visit to see exactly what they have to offer. While touring the facility, be sure to ask as many questions as you need.

Person-centered care in senior living communities in the Niagara Region puts the needs and desires of residents first while focusing on understanding them. It is an important type of care as it can greatly improve seniors’ quality of life. While making the change might seem overwhelming, transitioning at the right time will result in increased satisfaction and an enhanced quality of life. These definitely make it an investment worth considering.