A Green House is an example of culture change in long-term care living. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation provides grant funding for the Green House model on a national level. Green Houses are self-contained dwellings of seven to ten residents who thrive as families in homes built to blend in with the neighborhood. Residents add their personal decorating touches, greet the day when they feel like it, plan menus, and eat with the staff. Mealtimes prepared in an open kitchen are unhurried and socially rewarding. Each elder has a private room and bath with easy access to all areas of the home.
At Green Houses, skilled nursing assistants (CNA’s), referred to as “shahbazes,” coordinate all facets of eldercare life with the support of nurses and therapists. They focus on nurturing, sustaining, and protecting residents. Residents are encouraged to be independent. This video titled “Green House: A Place to Call Home” showcases advantages of Green House living.
Frances Shani Parker, Author
