Initiating person-centered care practices in long-term care facilities

J Gerontol Nurs. 2007 Nov;33(11):47-56. doi: 10.3928/00989134-20071101-08.

Abstract

Person-centered care is a key concept guiding efforts to improve long-term care. Elements of person-centered care include personhood, knowing the person, maximizing choice and autonomy, comfort, nurturing relationships, and a supportive physical and organizational environment. The Oregon Health & Science University Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence and the state agency that oversees health care for older adults worked in partnership with 9 long-term care facilities. Each developed and implemented person-centered care practices, including those focused on bathing, dining, or gardening. This article describes the processes used to develop and support these practices. Three exemplary facilities made significant practice changes, 4 made important but more moderate changes, and 2 made minimal progress. These facilities differed in terms of existing culture, management practices, staff involvement, and attention to sustainability.

MeSH terms

  • Education, Continuing
  • Long-Term Care / organization & administration
  • Nursing Homes / organization & administration*
  • Organizational Culture
  • Patient-Centered Care*