In my new role, I am now associated with a number of Diakon senior living communities and if there is one consistent factor I see, it’s the fact our staff members recognize that no two people are alike.
That means we have to develop specialized care and an individualized approach to meet each person’s needs and preferences. Our goal always is to provide care in just the manner you or your loved one prefers.
In fact, that’s the secret to successful long-term care: Making our residents, their families and our staff teams feel part of a family.
The attributes of this type of care also offer a guide for you as you consider a long-term care community:
• Warm-hearted care. The care team should offer 24-hour nursing support in an inviting, welcoming environment. They should always listen to you and your loved one’s concerns, needs and desires to provide the most personalized service.
• A resident-focused approach. No matter what your loved one’s needs are, staff members should strive to provide choice, purpose and meaning in life each day.
By keeping you and your loved one at the center of care planning and involving you in the decision-making process, care-team members not only build relationships, but also create a plan that meets individual needs and preferences. Whether you have a concern, idea or simply want to talk, staff should listen to you, allowing them to better serve your loved one while adapting to changing needs.
• Around-the-clock care. The facility should have nursing staff available 24 hours a day, Medicare-certified services, comfortable surroundings and more, so that your loved one’s needs can be met any time of day.
• An array of activities. The senior living community’s calendar should feature life-enriching activities, special events, opportunities for friendship and more, so that residents enjoy days full of joy and engagement, helping them to become involved, create new relationships and feel even more at home within our family.
To learn more, please contact any Diakon Senior Living Community.
—Robert Musser, Vice President for Operations, Diakon Senior Living Services
