Ever since I can remember, I was told “it takes a village to raise a child”. I didn’t really understand this until I had children of my own. And now, for myself and for many others, a “village” is needed for ourselves and/or for our families/parents/seniors.
As we all know, age can be just a number, but it also can be about needs that become greater and more complex. Whether the need is help with appointments or mobility or even help with personal care… sometimes we all need some extra help. Medication, mobility, meal preparation, or even social interactions become a necessity, and the biggest question sometime is – how do we get the help that is needed? Whether seniors are living at home or with family or even in a senior living community, providing purpose and meaningful care is not just for one person… it takes a team–a “village”.
Sometimes a “village” is much bigger than just a family member or a caregiver or even a nurse. Sometimes a “village” are family members, friends, neighbors, physicians, therapists, nurses, caregivers, activity professionals, dining team members, social workers, spiritual care providers, and volunteers. Each person within a “village” brings a different perspective and a different skill. A “village” is not created by accident, it is intentional and is created through communication, respect, trust and the willingness and desire to work together for the senior. Being curious and listening is important for every member of a “village” because each person who is part of the senior’s “village” has an important role. And having a “village” in place not only helps the senior by not just knowing them, but also by caring for them because care is more than a task…it is a relationship and it is personal.
Creating a “village” of care is person-centered: meaning looking beyond a list of care needs and understand the whole person and looking beyond a diagnosis and knowing and understanding their history, preferences, routines, strengths, aspirations, relationships, fears, and dreams. The most effective care teams are the ones that truly get to know the person and not just share information but work together so all these individual pieces become the large picture – the person! Collaboration and communication are also key in creating a “village”. Each person within a “village” contributes because no one person knows everything. The strength of the “village” comes from everyone knowing something. When everyone comes together and works together as a “village”, seniors experience the care that feels more personalized, responsive to their needs and is well-coordinated.
We must not forget that the senior who is receiving the care is the most important person in the “village”. Their voice matters along with their history and choices. Everyone wants to be as independent as possible and maintain their dignity. Whether a senior is living on their own or in a 55+ community or even in a senior living community, the goal is to partner with them and to understand what matters most. It is up to the “village” to help the senior continue to live the life that they want to live and feel that their life is purposeful and meaningful. Sometimes this can mean helping someone safely walk around their home or even to the mailbox or even sit down to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. The big moments are important, though the smaller moments matter too.
No one person can do it all, but together as a “village” a senior can be surrounded by support, connection, and care. A “village” can help a senior to continue to feel valued, seen, and known. When a senior moves out of their home and into a senior living community, that “village” doesn’t have to end. Instead, the “village” grows. Families and friends bring a lifetime of memories and knowledge about the person they love. The “village” knows their favorite foods, their routines, traditions, stories and even the little things that can bring a smile to their faces.
If you would like to learn more about the “village” at Arbor Terrace Crabapple, please call 770-649-1009. Person-centered care is the benchmark of all that is done for all seniors who reside within our assisted living and memory care.
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