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SIZE |
120-plus beds, divided into 20 to 40 bed units. |
10 elders and rehab guests |
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PHILOSOPHY |
Focus on medical services for frail patients. |
Focus is on home and living to fullest. It is a home for people who just happen to require medical services. |
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ORGANIZATION |
Steep bureaucracy where nurses control all unit activity. |
Direct care staff are empowered with nurses visiting the home to provide skilled services. |
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DECISION MAKING |
Made by the organization. |
Placed as close to the elders as possible. House councils plan menus, activities and routines. |
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ACCESS |
Space belongs to the institution. Elders often given limited access to spaces. |
Space belongs to the elders, access to all areas of the house. |
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OUTDOOR SPACE |
Often challenging to access, especially without assistance. |
Easily accessible, fenced, shaded and in full view of the hearth and kitchen, allowing staff observation. |
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LIVING AREAS |
Most commonly double bedrooms and shared baths. Lounges and dining rooms often at end of long corridors. |
Private rooms with private baths. A central hearth is adjacent to the open kitchen and dining area with short distances to walk. |
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KITCHEN |
Off limits to elders and visitors. |
Elders and visitors have access and may participate in cooking. |
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NURSES STATION |
In center of most units. |
None. Medication and supply cabinets in each room for nurse visits. |
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DINING |
Large dining rooms with many elders. |
One dining table for home-style meals. |
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STAFFING |
Departmental. Tasks are divided among several people. Average 75 percent turnover rate. |
Elder assistants (can) take care of all tasks needed, such as direct care, laundry, housekeeping and cooking. Average 10 percent turnover rate. |
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VISITORS |
Limited ability to participate. |
May take part in meals, meal preparation and activities. Elders often host family celebrations. |
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