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

The implementation of a model of person-centred practice in older person settings
held on a regular basis is documented, solutions sought and feedback provided to
the residents and all the staff.
In St Patrick’s there has been a long standing resident committee established with an
independent chairperson, the development of smaller resident group meetings on
each of the individual wards has further enhanced this process of communication. In
both sites it was found that the information collected at these meetings contributed to
and provided more evidence to support implementing change in other ways by
bringing to the fore issues such as, choice around meal times, the exploration of
more meaningful activities for residents, getting to know the residents likes and
dislikes and issues they wanted to highlight. One of the residents in St Patrick’s,
through the resident group meeting, expressed a wish to try to return to live in her
own home. A process was put in place with the resident which was facilitated by the
CNM, a participant on the PD group and MDT to explore if this was possible. This
was progressed over a long period, although it was not possible for the resident to
return on a permanent basis because of many different reasons. The resident was at
the centre of the decision making process and all efforts were made to meet the
person’s needs.
Action planning as a result of consultation with residents in Falcarragh Community
Hospital through the resident group meetings included the following:
• Excursions to areas of interest in the local community that are meaningful for
the resident.
• Going out shopping both locally and travelling to Letterkenny.
• Having ‘fish and chips’ for tea.
• The establishment of a hairdressing salon in the hospital, a similar service
was established in St Patrick’s.
• The attendance of regular chiropody service for the residents.
• The expansion of social activities based on resident’s choice and requests.
Person-centred language activity was explored by the participants in both groups
over the two years. This resulted in raised awareness of using person-centred
language, the participants facilitated this through active learning activities and work
based learning, such as, role play, developing listening skills and observing. There
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