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

The implementation of a model of person-centred practice in older person settings
although there were residents present in the lounge at the time, the loneliness and
isolation she felt was very disturbing for her. This prompted a discussion with staff
and residents about how they could make the unit more homely.
The picture below (Image 2.5) shows a residents lounge in the Community Hospital
of the Assumption redecorated following a PD exercise known as ‘structured
conversations’ on how to create a homely environment’ where staff engaged with
residents and colleagues to find out what constituted a homely environment for them.
This exercise followed an environmental walk-about undertaken with the PD group
during a programme day.
Image 2.5 Image 2.6
All lounge areas were transformed from minimalist design with contemporary
furniture and décor that may not adequately equate with the residents’ experiences of
a homely room, to areas that were inviting and homely for residents and their visitors.
This transformed the atmosphere in the area both for residents and staff. There are
focal points such as the fireplace and a cabinet with ornaments that contribute to
creating topics of conversation and areas of interest for residents and visitors. The
layout has influenced staff where it is conducive to a less clinical approach to care.
The importance of spirituality to older persons is well documented and Carrigoran
House have a small church incorporated in their building so that guests can visit
whenever they wish and regular services are held during the week (Image 2.6).
Developing an appreciation of the person as a whole individual, in other words the
personhood of the individual was a challenging concept in reality as opposed to
espoused thinking on individuality. No person in the three PD groups would have
denied the individuality of the residents/guests and in fact at times talked
passionately about the right of the resident/guest to be treated as an individual. But
the reality of this was not always evident and the slow realisation that the
fundamental way that care was planned and delivered had to be reviewed before
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