Description
Using research she conducted through visits and interviews, Baker discusses the state of nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the US. She describes several homes that she calls "transformational"--those that are changing the way elders are cared for through their staff, distinct structures, creation of community, activities, family friendly atmosphere, and methods for dealing with dying. She aims to improve the lives of elders and assist loved ones in asking questions as they visit a facility. Baker is a freelance writer and contributor to the Washington Post Health section. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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On investigative visits to nursing homes across the nation, Beth Baker has witnessed profound changes. Culture change leaders are tearing up everything—the floor plans, the flow charts, the schedules, the lousy menus, the attitudes, the rules—and starting from scratch. They are creating extraordinary places where people live in dignity and greet the day with contentment, assisted by employees who feel valued and appreciated. Perhaps most surprising, these homes prove that a high quality of life does not have to cost more. Some of the best homes in the nation serve primarily low-income people who are on Medicaid.In Old Age in a New Age, Baker tell the story of a better way to live in old age. Although each home is different, they share common values: respecting individual choices; empowering staff; fostering a strong community of elders, staff, family members, and volunteers; redesigning buildings from a hospital model to a home (where pets and children are part of everyday life); and honoring people when they die. Her visits to more than two dozen facilities include those associated with the Eden Alternative, Green House, Kendal, and the Pioneer Network. Whether these transformational homes become the norm or the domain of a lucky few is the question that faces the next generation of elders, the baby boomers.
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