Creating Relationship-Centered Caring Environments
Planetree’s holistic approach encompasses body, mind, and spirit. It supports the involvement of family and friends in providing care and empowers individuals by providing information and education. Planetree recognizes the importance of the nutritional and nurturing aspects of food and the healing benefits of an attractive physical environment. Nature, art, music, and space for meditation and prayer are incorporated into this environment.
Since its founding in 1978 as a nonprofit organization, Planetree has been a pioneer in humanizing the hospital experience for patients and their families. Planetree is committed to improving medical care from the patient’s perspective and transforming hospitals into healing environments.
In 2003, United Methodist Homes combined its values and operating philosophy with the Planetree patient-centered approach to create the Planetree Continuing Care Model. This model focuses on the relationships that develop in retirement communities, assisted living residences, and skilled nursing facilities. Wesley Village, a senior living campus in Shelton operated by United Methodist Homes, has pioneered the first Planetree continuing care community.
The Planetree Continuing Care Model emphasizes the relationships that sustain a healthy and meaningful life. It celebrates the uniqueness of each individual, and responds to the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of residents and staff.
Research demonstrates that authentic relationships are the foundation for well-being and personal growth. For residents and staff, the Planetree approach is designed to nurture the relationships that allow individuals to achieve their maximum potential while adapting to changes within themselves and their community.
Components of the Continuing Care Model
Recognizing the Primary Importance of Human Interactions
Planetree is about human beings caring for one another. A Planetree continuing care community fosters caring relationships among residents, families, employees, and volunteers by emphasizing self-awareness and personal accountability. Staff retreats provide an understanding of the needs of older adults and sensitize staff to life from the resident’s perspective, while building team relationship skills through experiential exercises. Ongoing seminars for residents and staff offer tools for communicating positively, maintaining authentic relationships, and managing conflicts in a dignified manner.
Enhancing Each Individual’s Life’s Journey
A Planetree continuing care community offers opportunities for personal growth, self-expression, and the fulfillment of individual dreams. Planetree supports individuals who provide volunteer service to the communities where they live and work. Through group discussions, journal writing and a life stories program, individuals have opportunities to review their life, clarify what they value, and determine personal goals. In a life stories program, a trained volunteer interviews a resident and writes a short story that captures some of the pivotal events in that resident’s life. These short stories are shared with caregivers, enabling them to see each resident as a whole person rather than primarily as “someone needing services,” and creating bonds between individuals that deepen mutual respect, trust, and concern.
Supporting Independence, Dignity, and Choice
A Planetree continuing care community offers a range of options that support an individual’s autonomy, lifestyle, and interests. Residents direct their care and their decisions are respected. A Planetree community provides consistent caregiving teams in an effort to strengthen relationships and ensure that personal preferences are understood and met. Staff members and volunteers actively participate in the creative process of individualizing care and services that are offered to residents. Staff training emphasizes respect for privacy and personal space.
Incorporating Family, Friends, and Social Support Networks in the Life of the Community
Social support and loving relationships are vital to good health. A Planetree continuing care community surrounds residents with people whom they can depend on and encourages individuals to actively build trusting relationships. It enables residents to maintain their connections to family and friends by providing unrestricted visiting hours, flexible schedules, and convenient access to telephone and e-mail. There is a process to match residents with their neighbors, and staff with their peers, especially during times of need. Support groups help individuals cope with transitions, illness, loss, grief, and stress. A care partner program actively involves family members and friends in planning and providing care.
Supporting Spirituality as a Source of Inner Strength
Planetree recognizes that spirituality is essential to a fulfilling life. A Planetree community provides opportunities to strengthen the relationship with one’s faith and inner resources. Residents and staff have opportunities for worship, prayer, meditation, and ceremonies such as an annual Blessing of the Hands that celebrates the caring spirit of the staff. In addition, there are educational programs about spirituality and opportunities to discuss, both privately with clergy and in groups, the meaning and spiritual dimensions of life and one’s personal beliefs and values. Pastoral care is available for residents and staff for routine needs as well as for times of stress such as illness or the death of a loved one.
Promoting Paths to Well-Being
A Planetree continuing care community provides innovative programs for residents and staff that maintain health and fitness and that complement western scientific medical care. Wellness programs include prevention and management of chronic diseases and convenient access to vision, hearing, dental, and other specialized services. There are exercise facilities with equipment designed for seniors and personalized programs for strength, balance and fitness training based on individual assessments and benchmarks. Naturopathic medicine, aromatherapy, guided imagery, massage, yoga, and meditation classes are offered.
Empowering Individuals Through Information and Education
A Planetree continuing care community gives residents and staff the information necessary to understand their situation and maximize their physical, psychological, and financial well-being. There are educational programs about preventing and coping with diseases, a resource library, and computers with Internet access. A Continuous Quality Improvement process throughout the organization encourages staff at all levels, residents, and family members to work together to solve problems and exceed quality standards. Staff are trained to take the initiative in resolving issues that arise with resident services.
Recognizing the Nutritional and Nurturing Aspects of Food
Planetree recognizes that eating is not only essential to physical health, but is also a source of pleasure, comfort, and fellowship. A Planetree dining program enhances the social aspects of meals while serving delicious fresh food that is attractively presented in a pleasant environment. A full-service dining program offers changing, nutritionally-balanced menus with choices of entrees and side dishes, including heart-healthy choices, that are responsive to individual preferences. Mealtimes are flexible and healthy snacks are available at all times. The dining program includes special events, holiday meals, parties, and picnics for residents and staff.
Offering Meaningful Arts, Activities and Entertainment
Planetree recognizes that people need opportunities for camaraderie, laughter, and creativity. A Planetree continuing care community offers a variety of activities that include classes, discussions, concerts, parties, outings, intergenerational programs, and family events. To broaden the relationships between staff and residents, staff participate in special resident activities. Transportation accommodates residents who wish to attend off-site events and to volunteer for local organizations. For animal lovers, pets visit regularly. An employee committee plans activities that enliven the workplace and encourage fellowship.
Providing an Environment Conducive to Quality Living
Planetree recognizes that the physical environment has a tremendous effect on the
well-being of residents and staff. The design of a Planetree continuing care community incorporates public and private space, residential décor, natural light, and views of nature. An uncluttered environment facilitates movement and communication, creating a feeling of “safe shelter.” There is a library, and space for group activities, social gatherings, and worship. Common areas feature artwork, music, plants, and fish tanks. Flower gardens, fountains, labyrinths, and outdoor sitting areas allow individuals to experience the relaxing, invigorating, and meditative aspects of nature. The design and operations provide for the safety and security of residents, staff, and visitors while enhancing the quality of life.
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