The assisted living industry has experienced a growing expectation to provide “Person Centered Care.” But what is it, really?
Person-centered care is an approach to healthcare that prioritizes the needs, preferences, and values of the individual receiving care. It emphasizes active participation and engagement of the person in their own care, and seeks to create a personalized care plan that meets their unique needs and goals.
In the context of residential assisted living care, this approach will likely manifest in the form of more individualized care plans and greater involvement of residents in the decision-making process regarding their care. Additionally, there may be a greater emphasis on providing opportunities for socialization, community engagement, and activities that support the physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being of residents. It is also likely that technology will be increasingly utilized to support person-centered care in residential assisted living. For example, telehealth and remote monitoring technologies may be used to allow residents to receive medical care and support remotely, while also allowing staff to keep a closer eye on residents’ health and well-being.
Additionally, virtual reality, Artificial Intelligence, virtual reality tools, and other emerging technologies may be used to enhance residents’ quality of life by providing opportunities for socialization, entertainment, and engagement with the outside world.
RALNA will be watching the development of these tools and the ongoing evolution of Person Centered Care in the RAL sector.
Do you have experiences with Person Centered Care that you think point the way to the future for assisted living? Let us know. Email Brian@RALNA.org or info@RALNA.org
