It’s About the Person, not the Illness
“Aging is not a disease to be cured; it’s an opportunity that needs to be seized.” – Marc Middleton, founder and CEO of Growing Bolder.
If you’re thinking that an older adult community is about people telling you what to do and how to live your life, think again. United Active Living is all about enjoying an active, creative life supported by a highly educated staff that are trained to see you as a unique individual.
“We focus on the person, not the illness,” said Nicole Kendall, resident care manager. “I was drawn to United because of the philosophy that socialization and a stimulating environment work in a resident’s favour to promote health and well-being.”
Nicole, a registered nurse, worked in specialized geriatric clinics before coming to United. “I always believed that residents know how they want to live and that we can support them in their health care. They shouldn’t be told what’s best for them.”
United takes a holistic team approach to wellness. When you move into a United community, a comprehensive assessment is conducted that involves nursing, pharmacy needs, the art studio and fitness areas – all aspects of your wellness. The team gets to know you, your interests and strengths. They meet you where you are and support you to live in a way that creates richness and meaning to you as an individual. It is a community approach, providing opportunities for residents to connect, while respecting their individuality and preferences.
“We are very sensitive to the fact that United is your home,” said Nicole. ” We follow a social model of care, which means the resident is the expert. We focus on the resident’s strengths not their medical conditions, and the resident tells us how they want to live.”
Residents are empowered to make their own decisions about what is right for them, such as when they eat, what programs they attend, and the relationships they build. The benefit to this approach is that it supports residents in maintaining their independence in order to have a meaningful and fulfilling life.
“The medical world is turning more toward a person-centred approach, which involves the person to a greater extent in managing their own wellness. This is an approach that United has been working with for several years, and we see an ongoing benefit to the residents who are engaging more in community and creative pursuits,” said Nicole. “It’s an amazing place to work!”
Do you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community? Send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a tour. We are happy to help!
United is changing the conversation around aging. From our innovative United Minds (memory care) program to professionally staffed art studios and extensive creative programming, our communities offer more than you might expect. If you have questions or topics you would like us to cover in future blogs, let us know.
