“Elder” Care in a Small Package

I have recently attended a "Green House Project" workshop. Although there is much talk about smaller more homelike senior care facilities you really need to see these small facilities first hand to appreciate what they provide to the “Elders” as well as the staff. The traditional style skilled nursing facilities have been evolving to include more homelike features including fireplaces, carpeting, wood trims, etc... However the "Green House Project" takes the next step to establish a true home environment that provides all of the services required of a skilled nursing facility.

What I learned.

The "Green House" model is not just a small senior facility. This is a carefully balanced system that redefines the caregiver roles to provide the most comfortable setting that can be maintained with a minimum of cost. Even adding a few more beds than what is designed in the system can lead to staffing inefficiencies and less profitability.

The main question we need answered is can the small facilities be financially feasible. The answer appears to be Yes, but you have to modify the traditional operational models. Moving forward I anticipate seeing more demand for this type of senior home. And hopefully the positive culture change that these homes are building will find its way into the larger care facilities.

Visit http://www.thegreenhouseproject.org/ for more information.

By
Gregory Richardson