Residents thrive in small nursing homes

“I love it,” Johnson said. “It’s not a rush anymore. We get to spend quality time with residents. They think we’re family. And we are.”



Residents thrive in small nursing homes

In 10-person houses, staff is happier and elderly healthier

The Philadelphia Inquirer

REDFORD, Mich. — After 14 years as a certified nursing assistant — the bottom of the food chain in the nursing home culture — Linda Johnson has tasted the future. She now is a “Shahbaz” in a “Green House” — a respected worker in a new model of caring for the frailest elderly.

“I love it,” Johnson said. “It’s not a rush anymore. We get to spend quality time with (residents). They think we’re family. And we are.”

The nursing home idea is turned upside down:

• Only 10 residents live in a house, rather than the standard 120 to 180 people, and despite their dementia and infirmities, they are happier and healthier.

• Nursing aides, with their new titles, are empowered and enjoy their jobs.

• Despite more personalized care, costs are the same or less than in nursing homes.

The Green House was conceived by Bill Thomas, a pioneer in long-term care. The first cluster of six houses opened three years ago in Tupelo, Miss. Three more groups in Mississippi, Nebraska and Michigan have since moved nursing home residents into Green Houses.

“The Green House starts with a positive vision,” Thomas said.

The results have been dramatic. Some residents who were hand-fed in nursing homes have begun feeding themselves. A few who only sat in wheelchairs have begun to use a walker.

“We are just stunned,” said Mariellen Davis, head of the Village of Redford Senior Living Community, part of Presbyterian Villages of Michigan. “A switch goes on” for the residents.



All American Senior Care

Bob DeMarco