Residents are more than their diagnosis and their abilities. They have lived full and beautiful lives, raised families, enjoyed hobbies, built careers and made positive impacts on their community. That is why personalized care is so important. It goes beyond attending to the basic generic needs of residents. As opposed to a one-size-fits-all approach, personalized care is tailored to the individual resident resulting in residential care that is most relevant to them.
According to the results of the 2024 U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study by J.D. Power, overall, most senior living community residents and their family members are largely satisfied with their experiences — especially in assisted living and memory care. “There are improvements in every satisfaction area, particularly the quality of care provided by staff,” quotes Andrea Stokes, hospitality and senior living practice lead at J.D. Power.
When individuals or family members are comparing residential care options, it is a differentiator when a resident’s unique needs, preferences and life experiences are recognized in meaningful ways. It can be as simple as a co-worker bonding with a resident over a shared love of a sport or team, to the dining associate knowing a resident has a specific preference at meal time. The ways these details can be acknowledged in a residential care facility makes the resident feel seen, appreciated and valued and ultimately enhances overall well-being, builds trust and relationships, improves quality of life and promotes independence.
Enhances well-being and creates peace of mind
Making the move to a residential care community is a big decision that weighs heavy on the minds of individuals and family members. However, with personalized care comes peace of mind knowing the co-workers and caregivers are going to be highly attuned to the unique needs of them or their loved one. At Country Meadows, the co-workers who are interacting with residents in assisted living and personal care receive a thorough review of the resident’s needs and preferences to customize a care plan specific for them. For example, for seniors in residential care with diabetes or another pre-existing condition, they receive appropriate meals and are monitored carefully. To address the social aspects of well-being, activities and events are planned based on our residents’ interests. These engaging moments of connection also help to combat feelings of loneliness.
Builds trust and relationships
When co-workers get to know residents on a personal level, they are able to anticipate their residential care needs and learn their cues and tendencies. Trust is established between the residents, their family and the caregivers when the resident does not feel like a number. When co-workers take the time to get to know the residents and their family, the dynamic changes to feeling valued and loved, not just being taken care of. Our co-workers are supporting residents at vulnerable times at, what could be, a very vulnerable stage of their life, and that is not to be taken lightly. When supporting residents with activities of daily living such as dressing and mobility, maintaining trust, respect and dignity is paramount.
Improves quality of life
A frequent comment on social media posts of our residents is, “my loved one is living her best life!” after seeing them smiling and having fun during a recent activity. The goal of residential care, especially at Country Meadows, is living that best life and finding joy in every day. When all physical, emotional, social and even spiritual needs are being supported in a way that exceeds expectations, residents and their families can be confident they made the right decision and feel the freedom to explore passions, reconnect with hobbies, make new friends and focus on their own health and happiness.
Promotes independence
Personalized residential care allows for a balance between support and independence. Residents have the ability to manage certain aspects of their own care, choose their own meal selection, decide if they’d like to participate in an activity or even request additional support for daily routines. When the resident is “calling the shots” as much as able, his or her sense of independence is maintained and individual choices are respected. As a result, dignity is also preserved.
Personalized residential care at Country Meadows
Personalized care creates a living environment that is empowering, comfortable and safe. Residents are seen and celebrated for who they are and are valued members of the community. On our campuses, the primary goal of a personalized care plan is to improve the quality of care and health outcomes through the holistic, patient-centered approach. This process starts from the first day residing with us. On move-in day, the local advisor from the campus completes a Life Story questionnaire of the new resident. With background and anecdotes from the resident and family, we learn about his or her previous career, current likes, dislikes and passions. The resident’s Life Story is then shared with all members of the care team. Using this resource, everyone is aware of how best to provide the engagement portion of care and support the resident and family.
We understand that every resident is different and has unique needs when evaluating residential care locations. Contact our local advisors to discuss how we can best support you or your loved one at one of our campuses in Pennsylvania or Maryland.
