Pilgrim Place was one of four senior communities across the U.S. cited in the October issue of Leading Age Magazine for its efforts in bringing Culture Change to the skilled nursing facility.  Leading Age is a publication of AAHSA (American Association of Homes & Services for the Aging).

Culture Change refers to the transformation taking place in the most progressive of skilled nursing facilities--an evolution from the traditional medical model of care to a more person-first approach.  Households or neighborhoods are established within the facility.  Residents and staff have autonomy about menus, activities and the things they want. The results are happier residents, a more involved staff, and a better quality of life.  Even dementia patients thrive in this model. 

Leading Age says that culture change, at its best, celebrates the older members of  society, but adds that, "providers must work to maintain a sense of ownership among residents and their families."

Pilgrim Place is a senior community for people who have served in religious or charitable, humanitarian organizations.  The Pilgrim Place Health Services Center is a 56-bed skilled nursing facility open to the larger community.

President/CEO Bill Cunitz explained that the Pilgrim Place community's culture of caring and service to others generates a high level of commitment to elders living in the skilled nursing facility. Many of the independent living residents have volunteered in the chaplaincy program and in provided musical entertainment. When Pilgrim Place moved forward with transforming to a household model in the nursing home a couple of years ago, in part at the urging of the residents, these same people began working with staff to create the framework of a successful shared-leadership model. 

             

To help them through this transition, Pilgrim Place retained one of the top consultants in the country for transforming skilled nursing facilities into person-first communities--LaVrene Norton of Action Pact, Inc.

 

"It's been a bottom-up model for transformation," said Cunitz.  "The essence of culture change is person-first care. We are creating neighborhoods within our facility, where residents and staff have autonomy about menus, activities and the things they want  in their area. The goal is for every day to be a good day for these residents, the most frail members of our community, but still capable of contributing so much."

            

Member of the staff of the Health Services Center have attended training sessions and symposiums on culture change.  The level of enthusiasm they have brought back to their jobs far exceeded expectations. "I am part of a new civil rights movement, and I am passionate about it!" said one LVN upon her return.