Beatitudes, a nursing facility in Phoenix, AZ, has one goal in mind for its residents: let them do whatever they want. It’s an unusual approach for a nursing home, but it’s one that’s garnering positive results.
An article on WPTV.com discussed how residents and their families have reported a better quality of life and lower costs at Beatitudes. Staff members also stay longer, which is often difficult to achieve in a skilled nursing facility.
Patients can go to sleep and wake up when they want. They can eat or not eat whatever they like. And families have peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones are being taken care of and doing what they want.
There is a downside that some experts have noted. For those patients with Alzheimer’s, a caregiver may think the Alzheimer’s patient will get better. They may not incorporate the patient’s previous passions into their everyday life.
The article notes that nurses at Beatitudes say it’s about listening, letting the patients make their own decision, and showing them love.
Beatitudes is a retirement community that was founded in 1965 as a way to provide care to seniors who prefer independent living options. Home care services and assisted living are also available for those who do require extra care.
We all want the best for our elderly loved ones, especially when we know we aren’t able to give them the continuous care they need. Beatitudes seems to be taking skilled nursing facilities in a new, positive direction with an emphasis on the happiness of not only the patients, but the staff who care for the residents. It’s a trend that we hope catches on across the country.