How Does Person-Centered Care Improve Quality of Life?

Posted on: September 13, 2021
Man’s hands holding black and white photograph

Helping hands. A sense of community. Connections. When considering options for senior living, it’s important to find a community that follows a person-centered care approach.

What is Person-Centered Care?

Person-centered care places the focus on each person and their unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Using this mindset gives individuals the power of choice, just as you have in your own home. You’re free to wake up when you’re ready, enjoy meals when hungry, and participate in activities that interest you.

What are the Benefits of Person-Centered Care?

There are numerous benefits to this approach to caregiving. Your physical, social, and emotional needs are recognized and prioritized.

Moving to a new home can be stressful for anyone because it’s a significant life event. But big changes like this can be more challenging to adjust to as we get older. A person-centered care approach empowers you to remain in your everyday routine, which helps create a much smoother transition.

What is a Small House Neighborhood?

At Otterbein SeniorLife, you will find person-centered care in our small house neighborhoods. The neighborhoods at Otterbein SeniorLife, a member of The Green House Project®, provide skilled nursing and rehabilitation for older adults in a home-like setting.

Here are a few benefits of this approach:

  • Encourages independence in daily activities
  • Meaningful relationships with staff
  • Improves quality of life
  • Personalized care
  • Home-like environment

Each elder in a small house neighborhood has their own private room and bath with a shared kitchen and living room for family meals and gatherings, along with a secure backyard patio. A small team of licensed staff provides care as needed to our elders and are on duty 24 hours a day. This home-like setting both encourages and nurtures connections between elders and the staff.

Learn more from families, staff, and elders about what it means to live in an Otterbein SeniorLife small house>>

Creating Meaningful Relationships with Person-Centered Care

At our SeniorLife Neighborhood in Perrysburg, Ohio, elders and staff teamed up to create a collection of beautiful stories called the Helping Hands Legacy Project.

First, the staff took photos of the hands of several elders in the community. Then, they sat down with each elder to learn what memorable experiences they wished to share about their lives. This meaningful activity illustrates how a small house neighborhood using a person-centered approach can make a big difference in the elders’ lives.

The Helping Hands Legacy Project

Person-centered care means taking the time to learn about each individual. The team at Perrysburg SeniorLife Neighborhood created a project that illustrates this meaningful approach.

Each elder’s story was told and, in turn, shared with others to help build connections within the community. This offers a sense of belonging and reminds us that our life stories are special and help define who we are at any age.

Here’s a small glimpse into the Helping Hands Legacy Project:

Woman’s hands resting on blanket

Woman’s hands crossed and resting on sweater

Woman’s hands resting on table

Woman’s hands crossed and resting on blanket

Woman’s hands crossed and resting on armchair

Man’s hands crossed near chest

Man’s hands crossed on lap

Learn More About Life at Perrysburg SeniorLife Neighborhood

Located along the Maumee River, the city of Perrysburg has both historic charm and modern amenities. Perrysburg’s proximity to Toledo offers easy access to more shopping, dining, and historical sites. In addition, the Perrysburg SeniorLife Neighborhood, situated near the heart of the city, provides opportunities to remain connected to family, faith, and community. At Perrysburg, you choose how to live out your retirement years.

Discover the Small House Difference  at Perrysburg SeniorLife Neighborhood