“The Pioneer Movement is all about focusing our services on the residents’ wants and needs and moving away from the old institutional model,” said Krankel. “Person-centered care lets residents receive the support they want when they want it, rather than on an arbitrary schedule laid out by the staff.”

                                                                                                               

These changes affect all aspects of life on the Meridian Village campus. Meal times are open-ended so residents can choose for themselves when they’re ready to eat. Assisted Living residents have access to a community kitchen, so they, like the skilled care residents, have access to healthy snacks at all times. Activity calendars are supplemented by spontaneous, on-the-spot recreation periods, as CNAs and housekeepers are taught to assist residents with hobbies.

“From orientation on, we impress on our employees that “Activities” includes everything a resident does, so it’s everybody’s job,” said Chris Baker, Meridian Village’s director of activities. Baker has been an advocate of the Pioneer Movement for years, helping to initiate a number of person-centered initiatives.

Upcoming additions to Meridian Village programs include the collection of life stories for each of the residents. This practice not only lets residents share their experience, but it helps staffers learn more about the people they serve. Baker is also helping to found a Person Centered Learning Circle for employees to evaluate what the community is doing in terms of this new philosophy.

One of the tenants of the Pioneer Movement is a endless pursuit of better practices. “We started this journey when we opened, and it will never end,” Baker said. “That’s what it takes to make this the best possible home for our residents.”