November 2002

| The Current Caregivers Corner | Caregivers Corner Archives |
2003: | January | February | March | April | May | June |
2002: | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep/Oct | Nov | Dec |
2001: | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep/Oct | Nov | Dec |
2000: | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |

Caregivers Corner - November 2002
The Institute Welcomes Lynn Smith

A growing number of nursing homes across the country are involved in pioneering efforts to bring about real quality of life changes in how we approach caring for our elders. This involves rethinking many of the practices typical of the traditional medical model of care. A strong advocate of the compelling need to change the culture of caring for our elders, the Institute recently added a new member to the team. Lynn Smith has joined the Institute as Director of Education and Change Management. In this capacity she will work together with nursing homes that are committed to moving forward on their culture change journeys. A self-described �Culture Change Cheerleader,� Lynn will work with homes to identify creative ways for improving quality of life for staff and residents. Her experience has demonstrated that projects and activities abound as staff members volunteer to work as teams to make things happen. Reflecting the Institute�s vision and mission, Lynn finds ways to include residents and frontline caregivers in making changes a reality.

Prior to joining the Institute Lynn was a member of the staff at First Coast Health and Rehabilitation Center in Jacksonville, Florida. Here she worked with the team for a year implementing changes to improve the lives of the residents and staff. The management philosophy of the home was transitioned from one of �strict supervision� to �empowerment of staff and residents.� As stated in First Coast�s mission statement, the management shifted their focus: �By embracing our individual differences, we celebrate all whom live, work and play in our home.� The result of the yearlong project was The First Coast Family � a vibrant, life-affirming community of staff and elders. Residents now answer the phone, assist with making transportation arrangements, and help to care for the many children that visit the home daily.

Lynn Smith with caregivers at First Coast

Regarding her new role, Lynn says, �This position provides me with such fantastic opportunities. The thrill of seeing relationships develop between staff and residents just warms the soul!�

Realizing that culture change is, in fact, a journey, Lynn takes a humorous approach to helping people truly understand the heart of the mission.

"I had an Activity Director approach me recently to complain about the nursing assistant staff. She shared with me her frustration at the lack of cooperation she was experiencing in getting room-bound residents to attend activities. She pointed out a window and said, �They keep doing things like that! Just sitting around!� A look out the window revealed a nursing assistant sitting outside under a tree next to a contracted resident in a geri-chair. Both were looking at each other with big grins on their faces. Sharing the warmth of the sun and friendship was obviously as precious an activity as anyone could ever hope. I took the Activity Director by the arm and said, �Honey, we have a lot to talk about!�

Every day brings new challenges and exciting opportunities for celebrating the human spirit! For those who would like to learn more about the culture change activities in progress at some of the homes with which we work please visit the web site www.longtermcareculturechange.com that features some of the aspects of their continuing journeys.

Go to the Caregivers Corner archives.

Caregivers Corner - November 2002 The Institute Welcomes Lynn Smith

Caregivers Corner - November 2002
The Institute Welcomes Lynn Smith