Nursing Home Myths and Realities
Many of us can remember the days when people thought that "putting someone in a nursing home" was a horrible thing to do. But that was then and this is now.
Nursing homes have come a long way. Today, nursing homes try to be as much like real homes as they can be. The staffs are better trained, patient privacy is respected, friends and families can come and go as they please, and husbands and wives can live together.
To learn more, click here for an informative article about the myths and realities of living in a nursing home, provided by the American Health Care Association.
Reflections of a Hospice Volunteer
Following is an excerpt from a book written by a hospice volunteer working in urban nursing home settings.
The chapter titled “Baby Boomer Haven” takes readers on a tour through an imaginary nursing home based on best practices of some, but not nearly enough, nursing homes that exist today.
Animals and children are important additions to the culture change of many nursing homes that are moving away from the stereotypical, traditional model.
“Watch out for Diva Dog over there, one of several resident pets. She’s just looking you over to make sure you look her over. In her spare time, she’s a certified psychologist.
Other indoor animals on the site are located in our aviaries of brightly colored birds and in our aquariums with fish that mesmerize us with their antics.
We have more animals outdoors such as horses and rabbits. It’s fascinating watching how all of our animals relate. They’re a lot like people, you know, and have much more sense than we think they do.
Employees seem to love working here as much as we love living here. Most have years of seniority, and hardly anybody is ever absent. Low staff turnover saves considerable money in overtime and in hiring temporary help.
Two things all employees like are our flexible scheduling and childcare on the premises. This allows them to personalize their time and accomplish more at home and at work with fewer worries.
If you look to your left through the window of the childcare center, you can see two employees having lunch with their children.
The older gentleman is a resident reading to a small group. I love spending time with the little ones. I jokingly call them my little “ankle biters” when they aren’t around. Some of them call me, “Grandma,” and a few like to say “Big Mama,” which really tickles me because that’s what I called my grandmother.”
Columbia Basin
Evergreen The Dalles 
Hood River Care Center 
Oregon Veterans Home 
