by Brad Smith, AICP, PLA, ASLA
BEING MORTAL
My daughter began her social work career in the world of hospice care. She described it to me as a profession similar to that "of a midwife, but on the other end of the life spectrum – assisting with a natural process. I’ve seen her working first-hand in a number of family situations operating in this role, and it’s been nothing short of amazing.
She and I have formed a two-person “book club” studying the seminal work Being Mortal: Medicine and what Matters in the End by Atul Gawande. My daughter is a caregiver, while I am a planner and landscape architect, so our viewpoints on some of the topics arise from different professional backgrounds. The “book club” has been particularly poignant as we have been navigating my sweet 88-year-old mother’s (her grandmother’s) progression through her elder years. Caring for my mother and watching the unfolding changes in the marketplace (think: the forthcoming Medicare Advantage update) have helped me envision new ways in which design can enhance quality of care and improve the delivery of services provided to both dealing with illness and recovery and an aging population:
Providing an enhanced experience of “aging in place,” making it more manageable, comfortable, and as dignified as possible
Relocating into an Assisted Living Community focused on freedom and autonomy
Being part of an imaginative and innovative environment like Bill Thomas’s Eden Alternative, or NewBridge on the Charles (a multi-generational campus outside of Boston)
Benefiting from a Hospice House, like the one provided by Sojourn Center in New River Valley of Virginia
Disruption Drives Innovation
Shareable infographic outlining ideas for innovative design within the hospice and palliative care sector.
Companies who respond to changes in the marketplace, and position themselves to respond to the needs of those they serve will find themselves in a good place during market shifts. Two key prevalent innovation factors for continued success are:
PERSON-CENTERED CARE Just like in the world of Assisted Living, in the world of Hospice and Palliative Care, the staff is there to serve the recipient of care AND their family.
CENTRALITY OF THE GUEST EXPERIENCE Everything that occurs while on site becomes part of the collective memory of the place. Ensure all aspects of a resident’s or guest’s experience are carefully orchestrated around to be memorable and positive.
Click on the infographic to the right or here to see specific examples of how these two factors of innovation can be implemented in practical ways in existing or new facilities. One final note: Don’t forget to take care of staff and employees! Providing a respite garden solely for their use can benefit everyone visiting a facility. Staff are the front line customer service representatives and their positive mental health benefits everyone. Getting outside for a “breath of fresh air”, experiencing a moment of solitude, or catching up on personal matters in a peaceful space can make all the difference in a person’s attitude on the job. Leverage the restorative effects of nature and the positive impacts will resonate throughout your organization.