The Importance of Resident-Centered Care in an AFH
Introduction:
In an Adult Family Home (AFH), providing exceptional care is about more than just meeting residents’ basic needs—it’s about recognizing and respecting their individuality. Resident-centered care is an approach that focuses on the unique preferences, needs, and values of each resident. This method ensures that care is not only effective but also dignified, empowering residents to maintain a sense of control, autonomy, and personal identity in their daily lives.
Washington State emphasizes resident-centered care in its Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) regulations, requiring AFH providers to develop personalized care plans that align with each resident’s specific needs. By prioritizing person-centered care, AFH providers can enhance resident well-being, improve satisfaction, and foster a supportive, home-like environment.
In this article, we will explore the importance of resident-centered care, its key components, and how AFH providers can implement it effectively.
1. What is Resident-Centered Care?
Resident-centered care is a holistic approach to caregiving that places the individual at the heart of all decisions and interactions. Unlike traditional models that focus primarily on clinical needs, resident-centered care prioritizes personal choices, routines, and quality of life.
Key Elements of Resident-Centered Care:
Personalized Care Plans: Each resident’s plan reflects their medical, emotional, and social needs.
Respect for Autonomy: Residents are encouraged to make choices about their daily routines, activities, and care.
Emotional and Social Well-being: Beyond physical health, the care model supports mental and emotional well-being through meaningful interactions and engagement.
Dignity and Respect: Caregivers honor personal values, traditions, and preferences, ensuring residents feel respected and valued.
When care is tailored to the individual, residents feel more at home, leading to higher satisfaction and improved overall well-being.
2. Benefits of Resident-Centered Care in AFHs
a. Enhances Quality of Life
When residents are treated as active participants in their care, they experience a greater sense of purpose and happiness. Allowing them to choose their meals, activities, and social interactions helps maintain their independence and dignity.
Example: Instead of enforcing a strict schedule, AFH providers can offer flexible meal times or allow residents to choose their bedtime, mimicking the autonomy they had before entering care.
b. Builds Stronger Relationships Between Caregivers and Residents
A resident-centered approach encourages caregivers to develop deeper connections with residents. By listening to residents' stories, understanding their preferences, and respecting their choices, caregivers can build trusting relationships that foster emotional security.
Example: If a resident enjoys listening to classical music before bedtime, a caregiver who makes an effort to accommodate this preference strengthens the caregiver-resident bond.
c. Reduces Depression and Loneliness
Seniors in care settings often experience feelings of isolation. When care is personalized, residents feel valued and heard, which reduces the risk of depression and loneliness.
Example: Organizing social activities based on individual interests—such as gardening for a resident who enjoys nature—keeps residents engaged and connected with others.
d. Improves Health Outcomes
Resident-centered care promotes better physical and mental health outcomes by addressing the whole person, rather than just treating symptoms.
Example: Instead of only focusing on medication and treatments, caregivers also support nutrition, exercise, and emotional well-being, leading to a more balanced, healthier lifestyle for residents.
3. How to Implement Resident-Centered Care in Your AFH
a. Develop Individualized Care Plans
A resident-centered care plan is a customized roadmap that outlines each resident’s preferences, medical needs, and daily routines.
How to do it:
Conduct comprehensive assessments to understand medical, emotional, and social needs.
Involve residents and their families in the care planning process.
Regularly update care plans to reflect changes in health or preferences.
Example: If a resident has dietary restrictions but loves certain traditional foods, their meal plan can be adapted to provide safe, familiar meals.
b. Encourage Resident Independence and Decision-Making
Empowering residents to make choices about their daily activities, clothing, and leisure time helps maintain their sense of control and dignity.
How to do it:
Offer options for meals, activities, and social engagements rather than enforcing rigid schedules.
Encourage residents to participate in daily tasks (e.g., setting the table, choosing outfits) to maintain independence.
Respect cultural and personal preferences when making care decisions.
Example: If a resident prefers taking a shower at night instead of in the morning, adjusting their care plan enhances comfort and autonomy.
c. Train Staff in Person-Centered Care Approaches
Caregivers should be trained to listen, observe, and respond to residents’ needs with empathy and patience.
How to do it:
Conduct staff training sessions on communication skills, cultural competency, and active listening.
Encourage caregivers to ask residents about their personal histories, interests, and routines.
Foster a team culture where staff prioritize kindness, patience, and attentiveness.
Example: Instead of rushing through routines, caregivers should engage in conversation, making daily interactions meaningful and enjoyable.
d. Promote Social Engagement and Activities
Keeping residents socially and mentally active is a key part of resident-centered care.
How to do it:
Offer group activities such as music therapy, gardening, and arts and crafts.
Encourage family visits and community involvement.
Personalize activities based on each resident’s hobbies and past interests.
Example: If a resident enjoyed painting before moving into the AFH, setting up a small art station allows them to continue their passion.
4. Overcoming Challenges in Implementing Resident-Centered Care
a. Addressing Staff Shortages
A common challenge in AFHs is limited staff availability to accommodate personalized care.
Solution: Train caregivers on time management techniques and hire additional staff if necessary to maintain quality care.
b. Balancing Regulations and Personalization
While state regulations provide strict guidelines for AFH operations, resident-centered care requires flexibility.
Solution: Find ways to balance regulatory compliance with individual preferences. For example, caregivers can document resident choices to meet both legal and personal care requirements.
c. Ensuring Staff Buy-In
Some caregivers may be accustomed to traditional care models and hesitant to adopt resident-centered approaches.
Solution: Educate staff on the benefits of resident-centered care, showing how it improves job satisfaction and strengthens caregiver-resident relationships.
Conclusion:
Resident-centered care is not just a trend—it’s a necessity in Adult Family Homes. By prioritizing residents’ preferences, autonomy, and well-being, AFH providers create a home-like environment where seniors feel respected, valued, and engaged.
Implementing individualized care plans, promoting independence, training staff, and offering social engagement opportunities ensures that each resident receives the best possible care.
By embracing resident-centered care, AFH providers can enhance quality of life, improve health outcomes, and build a stronger, more compassionate caregiving community.
References:
Choosing Care in an Adult Family Home or Assisted Living Facility https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/22-707.pdf
The Resident VIEW in Community-Based Care Residential Settings https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36518807/
Resident-centered care in assisted living https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10537983/
Person-Centered Care and Its Role in Assisted Living: A Guide https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/person-centered-care
Person-Centered Care https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/key-concepts/person-centered-care
Module 5: Resident and Family Engagement: Facilitator Notes https://www.ahrq.gov/hai/quality/tools/cauti-ltc/modules/implementation/long-term-modules/module5/mod5-facguide.html
Resident and Facility Characteristics of Adult Family Home, Adult Residential Care and Assisted Living Settings in Washington State https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233447027_Resident_and_Facility_Characteristics_of_Adult_Family_Home_Adult_Residential_Care_and_Assisted_Living_Settings_in_Washington_State
5 Ways Adult Family Homes Help You Avoid Hospital Stays https://conciergecareadvisors.com/5-ways-adult-family-homes-in-bellevue-keep-you-out-hospital/
Standardized Assessments, Care Planning, and Improved Quality of Life for Residents of Adult Family Homes https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=3297&context=dissertations
