Identifying a New Tool for
EMPATHYand ENGAGEMENT
L
andis Homes takes the call to care for all residents seriously. One way to care for new residents is to get to know them. Jessica Kistler, Director of Life Enrichment, has implemented a new approach to increase team member understanding and connection with residents living in healthcare.
Jessica developed an innovative activity assessment tool designed to delve into the residents’ pre-retirement experiences, hobbies, likes, and dislikes. “It’s about bringing the essence of each person to light,” she explains. “We’re not just caring for their present needs but honoring their past and their passions.”
The assessment is integral for new residents, with interviews conducted shortly after admission. The resulting ‘Getting to Know’ document is shared with team members in the household and used to guide care plans.
The goal is clear: to foster a holistic understanding of residents, far beyond their immediate health issues. The initiative has been embraced across departments, with the ‘Get to Know’ information becoming a staple in the care process. “It’s about enhancing empathy, engagement, and ultimately, the quality of life for residents and team members,” says Jessica.
The sharing of life enrichment information has already had a profound impact. Team members are gaining deeper understanding of residents they may have known for years, which excites Jessica and affirms the effort she put into it. “It makes the care experience more personal, more centered around who they are as individuals,” she notes. Residents and their families have expressed appreciation for the depth of the questions asked.
Jessica is considering adding a segment encouraging residents to express wishes, big or small, further personalizing their care experience.
“At the core of our being, we all seek connection,” she states. “The ‘Getting to Know’ information is key to unlocking immediate, meaningful conversations and building relationships swiftly to ensure person-centered care.”
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Landis.org | FLOURISH | Summer 2024
CULTIVATING MEANINGFUL LIVING
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