The Power of Person-Centeredness in Long-Term Care: A View Across the Continuum

In an effort to expand the overall discussion on experience, this paper explores the perspectives and practices of the patient, resident and family experience in long-term care. It examines that while there are clear and distinct differences at the various points in the care continuum, there is also a much stronger connection than we might consider as we look at the efforts and concepts driving person-centeredness and the patient, resident and family experience. Through engaging with the voices of practice from six leading organizations committed to excellence in long-term care – Beatitudes Campus (AZ), Breckenridge Village (OH), Carolinas HealthCare System (NC), Commonwealth Care of Roanoke (VA), Jewish Home Lifecare (NY), and Vetter Health Services (NE) – the paper looks to identify key motivations and practices, support and roadblocks and the impact a focus on experience has in the long-term care setting overall. By taking a cross continuum perspective, grounded in the voices of real experiences in long-term care, the paper provides not only insights but also inspiration for actions that can have a positive and lasting effect on those receiving care in all segments of the care continuum.