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Building Relationships and Friendships
Relationships and friendships are foundational to home and a normal life. This really needs to be placed higher on the priority list than anything else, for without it not much else matters. To be known means there is a relationship, and that we have rejected that old institutional way of focusing only on tasks while ignoring the person. In fact, one of the Pioneer Network values is just that: “Put the person before task.” When you get to know someone and build a relationship, it is hard to do otherwise. Maybe not every relationship blossoms into friendship, but a normal and vibrant home life certainly makes it possible.
Now more than in all the history of long-
term care, residents and staff members have the opportunity to get to know each other as people, not just as “workers” and “residents.” The Household Model offers the environment where it is easier than ever to do so. When
we see each other as just people, institutional barriers are knocked down. Do all you can
to support the building of relationships and friendships. You all, with your ideas, hold
the key to making this happen. Organizing Community Meetings, inviting staff to dine with residents, celebrating birthdays for
staff and residents and doing all you can to encourage caring for each other will truly build home and family for all. The ideas are endless.
Community Learning Circle Questions
How do we make friends?
Is there anything holding us back from making friends in the household?
What more could we do to foster friendships and relationships?
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