When you imagine getting older what images come to mind? Now think about being in a space where you are able to dictate what you want. I arrived at NewDirection Care for my three-day visit to learn more about the work environment and the first MicroTown around the world.
The concept they developed combines several key elements I’ve come across in my travels across several countries and spoke to the desires that the residents wanted. I spent time with the lifestyle/wellness team and was intrigued by the work they were doing. What caught my eye was how they are constantly evaluating and thinking about what new activities they should do. They are generating reports to ensure they hold themselves accountable and provide meaningful activities for the residents. They are not just doing activities just to do them, but are adapting and experiencing meaningful activities that lead to engagement.
They are currently doing some new projects that are focusing on cultural programming and asking the residents what cultural traditions/events are important to them to ensure they are celebrated. I was able to witness such a conversation and was so intrigued to hear about food traditions, holiday traditions, and other traditions that are important for a resident and how the care home will uphold them. How are we ensuring we gain a better understanding of our resident’s backgrounds? And how do we ensure that if they cannot eat meat on Friday for religious beliefs, how do we do that for them even when they are no longer able to speak?
Another aspect that deeply inspired me was what they’ve called ‘care conferences’ with family members. I’ve seen this occur at the hospitals I’ve visited in Brazil but not in an actual nursing home. I was intrigued by the report and graphs in this five page paper that summarizes key components of care for older people and how they’ve progressed. How are we ensuring we are creating more information transparent to family members and talking about decline over time? I was deeply moved to see how the family members felt heard, and most of all supported throughout the journey of having their loved one here and witnessing decline. This has made me think about how we ensure we are generating information for the families beyond what they ask but providing more such as a report for them to look over and ask questions. The report included information about diet, sleep habits, and activities engaged in throughout the day.
They are working on other projects that again combine what I’ve seen in other countries in order to ensure that they are also supporting and involving the family. What I found very interesting as well was the transparency that was done during my visit.
I also found it quite unique how one resident wanted to get their passport and how the staff heard them and helped them obtain those papers. I find this unique because typically a staff member would not be hearing one’s request, but ignore them. I also found it comforting how some residents are able to have an access card to leave the facility to go on errands and take themselves out.
On my last day I was overwhelmed with gratitude and joy as I was able to speak with two residents and it eventually became four during an event High Tea. They asked me a very personal question and I felt so empowered to simply be. It is at moments like these that I am reminded how we are training our care staff to be inclusive. As well as, creating space to laugh, cry, and build community amongst ourselves.
One resident in particular deeply moved me by asking me questions and genuinely wanting to know who I was and where I come from. I was deeply moved to hear them joke around one another. The table was radiating with laughter and joy. It almost brought me to tears to see what it means to be old and grow old with older adults in this very moment. This is what living a Gran Edad looks like. I often think back to this moment and recall the feelings of hope and care but most of all ability to simply be.
This is what living an old grand life entails. To be able to joke around with the community. They also had a genuine concern for the dog Zoey. It was unique as it was not their dog but a friend yet they cared for it. It was a really beautiful moment to witness this and hear them.
It is clear that we must be able to create a friendly space and the work environment impacts the quality that not only the residents have but also being employed. The care staff mentioned how the physical space empowered them to be and they felt more comfortable.
Thank you NewDirection Care. I look forward to the future projects you all develop. They are trying to figure out if such a space may be created in a multi-leveled building and how will that work.
