It was a great honor to meet Bernhard Sprenger. He is the facility manager and operates the logistics of the care home. I was deeply touched by his wisdom and shared experience. He mentioned how crucial it is to have the proper personnel working and the education required for such a job.
Additionally, how it is crucial to share the language to be able to provide care. They have a diverse team of people from various backgrounds which adds to the diversity of care provided. It was interesting to hear him inform me about the importance of a common language to be able to communicate. Although cultural differences may play a role it is crucial to understand one another.
I was impressed by the open garden they have and the animals they have such as birds and some chickens. Again, how are we maximizing the space? Additionally, it is in a residential area. Although the volunteer program can improve, it is a starting point to change the narrative of aging. This facility has the ability to transform the well-being of the neighborhood by offering more community events and resources.
It is also interesting how the individual rooms are as they have their own balconies along with a shared bathroom. Again, how are we ensuring these spaces are meant for them and uphold one’s dignity? Another facility that does not have cameras or sensors. They equip the older adult to have more privacy. Some might argue this is a lag of innovation yet it is upholding an individual right to privacy. He firmly believes that adding cameras impacts the human rights of the individual.
They have a total of 182 residents but each floor has its own theme/area. Although it’s a large facility they have smaller sub-communities within them with specific staff. One thing that was emphasized was the importance of having consistent staff in those areas.
I was also intrigued by the ceremonial procedure they have about the end of life and how people are carried out in a coffin. Again, how are we humanizing the end of life and ensuring that we are providing support to our families and residents? I was deeply touched by this as it offers a space for both. Additionally, ensuring that care staff if wanting to attend the funeral. Humanizing care is care is crucial.
It was also interesting to ask about the lack of cameras because again, this is as they stated “invasion of privacy and not a prison” yet some care homes I’ve traveled to feel it paramount to have cameras to monitor and observe 24/7 hours.
The government has set itself up to provide some type of care. Additionally, it’s interesting how someone depending on the level of dependency is guaranteed a certain amount that the system pays, and then you pay the rest in other ways.
This facility balances that commitment. There were other things we discussed that allowed me to understand how certain conversations must be normalized. How are we protecting our seniors in carrying out the life they desire and need?
