A philosophy of living
Sydney’s Montefiore Home recently launched its ‘Philosophy of Living’ (POL) across its 4 Sydney sites and HomeCare business.
Ann Brodie, Alasdair MacDonald, Melanie Lindenberg, Bruce Collier, Janine Grossman,and Anna Santikos
“POL focuses on ‘Person Directed Living’ (PDL), an innovative evolution from the traditional industry standard model of person centred care,” said Montefiore CEO, Robert Orie.
“PDL is more care recipient focused with a greater emphasis on enhancing their choice, dignity and wellbeing. We tested PDL in a few units with remarkable success. Representative changes included individualised rising times for our residents, expanding meal times allowing residents to eat when they want, and more engaging activities. Outcomes have varied from a reduction in discretionary incidents; enhanced resident choice, dignity and wellbeing; to improved Inter-Disciplinary Team (IDT) involvement. Remarkably, we found that no increased staffing or costs were required and staff are able to spend more one-on-one time with residents,” he said.
As a result of the program’s initial success, corporate-wide rollout of POL has started. This has included a 1 day management interactive training program focused on cross departmental PDL and ways to enhance care recipient choice, dignity and wellbeing. Alasdair MacDonald, General Manager, Business Innovation and Quality, commented, “POL is being symbolised by a Tree of Life with 3 branches representing choice, dignity and wellbeing which are independent yet mutually reinforcing. Supporting this is the POL Framework comprising of IDT, a Neighbourhood Model of Living, and Integrated Governance.”
A staff educational roadshow has also been developed and outcomes will be measured and reported on the program’s success. Promotion of the program includes banners; new staff, visitor and volunteer branded lanyards; staff pocket-sized flyers; posters; staff orientation tools and a POL video and training booklet. “PDL and the Tree of Life symbol will act as the cornerstone for Montefiore’s Philosophy of Living strategy,” Alasdair added.
