Dynamic living at Mary Ogilvy House

The development of a 'yes culture' at The Mary Ogilvy Homes Society was initiated in response to feedback from residents, who said: "Just because I am old doesn't mean I am sick and even if I am I don't want to be constantly reminded of it!"

From this the home was inspired to analyse the pervasive culture of the organisation and to develop a different approach. The deinstitutionalisation of their systems promotes a 'person not patient' focus. The home's goal was to go further than a discussion on customer service and person-centred care and to realise a new culture. They wanted to defy the dominant paradigm of residential aged care and so came up with the philosophy "think hospitality NOT hospital".

This philosophy of care promotes empowerment in day-to-day living and looks forward to the future.

The home's new culture was later influenced by the Humanitas model (http://www.woonzinnig.nl/engels/index.php3) developed in the Netherlands. As a result of adopting the new culture, individuals have changed their own perception of themselves. the journey has emancipated some from existing stereotypes and empowered them to take a risk and rediscover their capacity to be themselves.

These changes impacted every area of service delivery.

• Staff professional development incorporates customer service as a theme.
• Renovations and extensions were guided by this approach. A deliberate decision was taken to move right away from nursing home ambience and to adopt a boutique hotel feel to the interior decor.
• Decisions and choices lie in the hands of the individual. Most importantly; individuals are not 'told' what they can or cannot do.

Photo: Mrs Pat Oakman (left) and Mrs Lillian Keeling review their latest work on the Mary Ogilvy House Newsletter.