The household model of care
Putting home back into the nursing home.
A small group of residents lives in a family-style home, with a close-knit team of caregivers who become like family.
From staff-driven to resident-directed
Most of us believe the best place to live is at home, where we have privacy, dignity and the freedom to choose. The Cottages at Creekside move past an institutional, medical model of care to resident-directed care in a household.
As nursing homes began to emulate hospitals, schedules were built around what was easiest for staff. That may be efficient, but it neglects individual preferences. Needing help with daily living shouldn’t mean giving up control over every decision, from when to go to bed to what time to take a shower. The household model gives residents more autonomy, closer relationships with peers and staff, and more purpose.
Where you’ll see the difference
Resident-directed living
Residents live on their own terms. They wake up when they choose, and breakfast is made in the open kitchen so the smells and sounds of morning feel normal and relaxed. Wake-up lists, shower schedules and rigid menus are gone.
A home, not a hallway
The Cottages are designed like family homes, with porches, front doors, open kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms and dens. A small household helps relationships grow and creates a sense of home.
Empowered staff
Each team serves a single neighborhood, with a nurse mentor focused on clinical needs and a household coordinator focused on quality of life. Caregivers are trained across tasks and have the authority to honor each resident’s choices.
In every household
- Private rooms and bathrooms
- Short hallways
- An open kitchen and skylights
- A secure outdoor courtyard
- Individually controlled thermostats
- 24-hour nursing care
- A security system
- New choices and experiences each day
See it for yourself
Visit The Cottages
The best way to understand the household model is to walk through one.