One of the most powerful first words we all learn as children is the word, no.
Why is this such a language and development milestone? The ability to say no represents our first major opportunity to express our preferences. From here, we learn to clearly and effectively state our personal likes and dislikes, and to make choices based on them.
Making choices and decisions for ourselves is the key to feeling independent and in control. Even a simple yes or no decision allows us to assert our wants and needs. Preserving and encouraging this ability is at the core of self-directed care in senior living.
What is self-directed care?
When it comes to assisted living and memory care, it’s not only a case of what care is provided, but how care is provided that matters. Self-directed care is a model of care delivery that prioritizes personal choice and gives control to the person receiving care.
In senior living, a self-directed care approach influences various aspects of daily life.
- It means seniors can choose which services or routines they would like to independently handle or which they would like support.
- It involves personalized service plans, customized to meet the needs of each individual resident including tailoring their apartment to assist with independence.
- It also means service plans are flexible and designed to meet residents where they are, while understanding daily needs can evolve.
Self-directed care gives senior living residents control of their daily lives and care experience.
Why is self-directed care important in senior living?
Feeling independent is associated with enhanced well-being. Seniors in assisted living and memory care communities deserve to feel in the driver’s seat of their daily lives. Choice making is the bedrock of autonomy, which fuels quality of life.
A self-directed approach to care allows seniors to feel in control of their lives. It shows them they are an essential member of their care team, and that their voice and opinions are valued. The ability to make choices and feel independent is vital to seniors’ overall contentment and quality of life. Senior living communities, like The Birches, that fold self-directed care into their services and philosophy take an evidence-backed approach to senior living.
A self-directed approach to care also benefits senior living residents by encouraging active participation, promoting connection and information sharing, and fostering self-reliance and responsibility. It lets seniors know they're part of a community that cares about their well-being.
These benefits showcase how this approach can be a major boon to senior living residents’ life quality, especially for assisted living residents who are invested in finding their personal balance between independence and support.
How does The Birches approach self-directed care?
The Birches’ self-directed approach to care means our residents are always treated with the respect and consideration they deserve. We want them to know their needs and opinions matter to us, and that they have the power to shape what we do!
Our approach starts with personalized service plans. We believe no two individuals are exactly alike, so we develop service plans to meet the unique needs of each of our valued community members. Families are involved in this process, and we treat our service plans as living documents, meant to empower our residents in their successful aging goals.
The Birches encourages our residents to feel safe, secure, and at home as valued members of our close-knit community. We take the time to listen and are always willing to adjust to meet their preferences and needs.
Our Montessori approach prioritizes individuality, empowerment, fulfillment, and inclusivity. With stimulating activities, a thoughtfully designed, secure community setting, and a focus on promoting strengths, The Birches is a place where connection thrives, and all are treated with respect and dignity.
Another way we offer control to our residents and their families is with our flexible, customizable assisted living rates. We allow you to create the assisted living lifestyle that works best for your needs and budget.
If you’re seeking the best in personalized, innovative assisted living and memory care in Illinois, The Birches is ready to show you how our singular care approach promotes successful aging in all who call our community home.
Download our guide: Navigating Assisted Living: Essential Insights for Families to learn more.
