Page 15 - Vibrant Living Scrapbook

Who Lives and Works in Your Household?
You’ll find a variety of personalities in your household. While we may be different, as we
get to know each other’s little ways and idiosyncrasies, we build connections on them, creating a web of relationships that makes up the household identity. Some folks are outgoing, some are shy and most fall somewhere in between. In the Household Model, where residents and staff have the benefit of the situation and environment to really get to know one another, we can find new and different ways to connect with others, bringing everyone into the household fold in a way that is comfortable for them.
But the connecting is the important part. Institutional living and isolation go hand in hand. Individuals find themselves waiting to be engaged while at the same time, building walls to protect themselves from the loss of identity that is so common in the traditional nursing home.
So, in our households, we break down those walls and extend our hands to engage and embrace people for who they are and on their terms.
The resident-directed, person-centered care of households is a hot bed for meaningful relationships between the people who live and work in them. Life becomes more vibrant when shared.
Community Learning Circle Questions
It is helpful to get to know each other better. Promise yourself you’ll get better acquainted with one other householder today! Just go up to someone and say something. Here are some icebreakers for getting the conversation started:
• I was born in _____ and grew up in ______. Where did you spend most of your life?
• I love to cook – do you enjoy the kitchen, too?
• Could we just talk for a minute? I’ve wanted
to get better acquainted with you. I live right
down the hall...
• Did you watch the game last night? I’m not
much of a fan but I thought last night’s game...
• I see that you are an early riser like me – I have
to have my coffee...
For more fun, inquire about passions and pet peeves. Or ask people to describe themselves by completing the sentence, “My personality is....”
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