What is Person-Centered Care and Why is it Important?

As our loved ones age, it is important that they receive the care and attention they need to live comfortably and happily. For those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, person-centered care becomes even more essential and should be specialized for each individual. From nature therapy to offering around-the-clock support, we believe seniors living in assisted care homes should receive tailored support from a team that prioritizes their well being.

Offering person-centered care is highly beneficial for many reasons. By customizing care to each person, caregivers can create a supportive and comfortable environment that promotes independence, dignity, and quality of life. This approach can also reduce stress and other challenging behaviors that are common among people experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s. In addition, person-centered care involves active communication and engagement with the person, which can improve cognitive function and socialization skills.

The heart of our team is built on the conviction that all human beings are valuable, and that one size does not fit all. Therefore, we are committed to providing person-centered care to our residents that amplifies their quality of life through consistent, individualized care. We are proud that our person-centered care sets us apart from the rest.

So, what exactly is person-centered care?

Person-centered care is an approach that puts the residents at the center of their own care plan, recognizing that each individual experiencing aging and memory loss requires their own, personalized level of support. This means that instead of fitting the resident into a predetermined routine, their care plan is tailored to their individual needs and preferences. This approach focuses on the resident’s well-being and quality of life and goes beyond just physical health.

In contrast to traditional memory care facilities, where the primary focus is on managing symptoms and behaviors, person-centered care puts the emphasis on the individual resident. For example, instead of simply administering medication to manage agitation, our caregivers at Haciendas at Grace Village work with each resident to identify and address the underlying cause of the behavior. This approach leads to greater resident satisfaction and better health outcomes.

Older individuals living with Alzheimer’s or dementia can sometimes experience a loss of autonomy and control over their lives. Person-centered care can have immense value in offering a sense of control by allowing residents to be involved in their own care plan and making choices about their daily life. In addition, person-centered care can help foster a sense of dignity and respect, and help them to feel valued and supported. Our team at Haciendas at Grace Village understands the importance of meeting the needs of our residents, and we offer a wide variety of practices that embody person-centered care to improve their quality of life through all stages of aging.

What sets Haciendas at Grace Village apart?

One of the key features of our facility that makes person-centered care possible is our caregiver to resident ratio. Where the New Mexico state standard for caregivers to residents is 1 to 15, Haciendas at Grace Village has a ratio of 1 caregiver to 6 residents. We emphasize the importance of building strong relationships between our caregivers and residents. With a lower ratio, our caregivers are able to spend more one-on-one time with each resident, get to know them on a personal level, and have the capacity to intuit their needs.

Another important aspect of our person-centered care approach is our commitment to involve family members in the resident’s care plan and ensure they feel confident in the care their loved one receives. We understand that family members know their loved ones best, and we welcome their input in developing care plans that truly reflect their individual personality, preferences, and needs.

What Practices does Haciendas at Grace Village offer their residents?

Our team of caring professionals offers our residents a wide array of activities and support that nurtures their health, overall wellness, and happiness. From providing opportunities for socialization with peers, to offering 24/7 specialized care, our team is inspired to make person-centered care accessible and personalized for each senior.

We also believe it is important to curate spaces that nurture social stimulation and incorporate entertaining activities because it supports a positive mood, improves overall well being, and can even slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and dementia symptoms. Socialization can also help delay the onset of memory loss by stimulating the brain. Our center offers community activities and support, such as games,community gatherings, and events, to ensure each resident’s emotional and psychological needs are met.

As a part of our assisted living services, we also offer freshly prepared homestyle meals, snacks, and medication and hydration management. With our attentive and caring team of certified memory care practitioners, you can rest assured knowing your loved one is in good hands.

At Haciendas at Grace Village, we believe that person-centered care is the best way to provide high-quality care to our residents. By putting the resident at the center of their own care plan, we are able to provide a more personalized and fulfilling experience that leads to better health outcomes and greater resident satisfaction. To learn more about our services at Haciendas at Grace Village, please feel free to contact us with any questions.