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Small group living in senior care settings represents a significant shift from traditional, large-scale institutional models. It emphasizes creating a more intimate, home-like environment where residents can experience a greater sense of community, belonging, and personalized care.
Understanding Small Group Living:
- Home-Like Environment:
- Small group living aims to replicate the familiar atmosphere of a private home, rather than a large, impersonal facility.
- This often involves shared common areas like living rooms, kitchens, and dining spaces.
- Personalized Care:
- With fewer residents, caregivers can provide more individualized attention and support.
- Care plans are tailored to each resident’s unique needs, preferences, and routines.
- Enhanced Social Interaction:
- Small group settings foster closer relationships between residents and caregivers.
- Residents have more opportunities for meaningful social interaction and companionship.
- Increased Autonomy:
- Residents are encouraged to participate in daily activities and make choices about their lives.
- This promotes a sense of control and independence.
- Consistent Caregivers:
- Residents often have consistent caregivers, which builds trust and familiarity.
- This continuity of care enhances the quality of life for residents.
Key Features of Small Group Living:
- Smaller Resident Numbers:
- Typically, these settings house a limited number of residents, often ranging from 6 to 16.
- Shared Common Areas:
- Residents share living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas, promoting social interaction.
- Family-Style Dining:
- Meals are often prepared and served in a family-style setting, encouraging social interaction and a sense of community.
- Person-Centered Care:
- Care is focused on the individual resident’s needs and preferences.
- Emphasis on Social Engagement:
- Activities and programs are designed to promote social interaction and engagement.
Benefits of Small Group Living:
- Reduced Feelings of Isolation:
- The intimate setting fosters closer relationships and reduces feelings of loneliness.
- Improved Quality of Life:
- Personalized care and a home-like environment enhance residents’ overall well-being.
- Increased Sense of Belonging:
- Residents feel more connected to their community and caregivers.
- Enhanced Cognitive Function:
- Social interaction and meaningful activities can help maintain cognitive function.
- Better Caregiver-Resident Relationships:
- Consistent caregivers, and lower numbers of residents allow for much deeper bonds.
The Misconception: Small group living is just a smaller version of a nursing home.
The Interesting Angle: Small group living is like “creating a chosen family,” where residents and caregivers form a close-knit community, sharing experiences and providing mutual support. It’s not just about providing care; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and connection. It is about a chosen family, not just a smaller facility.
Practical Considerations:
- Cost:
- Small group living may be more expensive than traditional care settings due to the higher staff-to-resident ratio.
- Availability:
- Small group living settings may be less common than traditional care facilities.
- Individual Needs:
- It’s essential to consider whether the individual’s needs and preferences are a good fit for a small group setting.
- Staffing:
- Ensure that the staff is properly trained, and that there is enough staff to resident ratio.
Resources:
- National Institute on Aging (NIA):
- Provides information on long-term care options.
- Link: https://www.nia.nih.gov/
- AARP (American Association of Retired Persons):
- Offers resources on assisted living and long-term care.
- Link: https://www.aarp.org/
- The Eldercare Locator:
- Helps find local resources for seniors.
- Link: https://eldercare.acl.gov/
- Your Local Area Agency on Aging (AAA):
- They can provide local resources.
- Use the Eldercare Locator to find your local AAA.
- Link: https://eldercare.acl.gov/
- Pioneer Network:
- This is a network that is dedicated to person centered care, and has information regarding alternative care models.
- Information can be found by searching “Pioneer Network”.