You and your CNAs work very hard to promote the best quality of life possible for your elderly patients, clients and/or residents. But, everyone in healthcare knows that certain issues can really impact client care—such as staffing ratios, quality time spent with clients and infection control practices. One non-profit organization in the U.S. has developed their own answer to better quality care for the elderly–the Green House Project.
Inside the Green Houses
These small houses were designed to hold about 10 residents and represent a “hybrid” of home health care and nursing home care. The idea is that each resident would receive better, more individualized care as well as one-on-one social interaction with other residents and nursing assistants. There are currently 260 of these Green Houses in 32 states across the nation.
Within each of these homes, the clinical support team (including nursing assistants, a nurse, and a doctor) focus on not only physical health, but also emotional development and growth. As you know, the elderly face many different emotional “roadblocks” (many of these dilemmas occur when a senior is placed in a nursing home). Inside Green Homes, CNAs are encouraged to spend as much time as possible with each of their clients-including taking meals with the residents-with the hope that nursing assistants can help their clients feel happier and healthier.
A Shift in Health Care
Can you see these Green Houses multiplying across the U.S.? Do you think your nursing assistants would enjoy working in a smaller environment that encourages close contact with their clients? Do you think these quality interactions would help your nursing assistants provide better care? We’d love to know your thoughts!
