The Implementation of a Model of Person-Centred Practice In Older ...

The implementation of a model of person-centred practice in older person settings
Evaluation of phase two data collection indicated that there was still room for
improvement in a number of areas. Environmental walkabouts showed where
communication between residents, relatives and staff could be further improved. A
lack of appropriate activities for some of the more dependant residents was
identified. There was very little storage space for equipment. Christmas celebrations
were not as residents would wish and some residents were unhappy at being unable
to attend Mass. On-site changes and rotation of staff lowered the motivation of some
staff. From the residents narratives in particular, it was noted how some residents
suffer from lack of or poor social contact, and expressed feelings of powerlessness
and boredom.
Action plans arising from Phase 2 data collection
Person-centred Christmas celebrations were planned to ensure that all residents had
the opportunity to enjoy the build up to Christmas as per their suggestions. For
example, some residents expressed a wish that they would not receive a visit from
Santa Claus, but instead they would prefer a greater emphasis be shown towards
religious services. This highlighted for participants how assumptions about residents’
preferences are not always correct.
In St Joseph’s Unit, a roof garden was developed in which residents could enjoy the
pleasure of being outdoors. In another site an overgrown garden was cleared and
seating and walkways were installed in order to enhance the residents’ experience.
“De-institutionalisation” and “establishing a home from home atmosphere” came
about through the transformation of an entrance and lounge, in St Finbarr’s, into
areas where visitors and residents could sit and chat in comfort, and in another site
where a dull lounge was transformed into a homely cosy sitting room where residents
could relax and mingle. Improved mealtimes and the purchase of new bed linen
served to improve the residents’ comfort in St Columbanus. A particular project titled
“A New Direction” focused on erecting visible signage to ensure that relatives and
friends of residents would be able to find the unit/ward more easily.
Independence and choice for the residents were enhanced through the development
of a mobile shop, a hairdressing comfort room, increased accessibility to Mass, and
resident support groups/meetings. Improvements were made around end of life care
issues, including the design and implementation of an information leaflet for relatives
whose loved one had died.
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