The Principles of Assisted Living
There are six basic principles of assisted living. These basic principles are to be adopted in the daily care provided to the residents in your community.
Privacy:
Means a specific area and/or time over which the resident maintains a large degree of control. Privacy is supported by designing a living space which is not shared with others, except by personal choice, and by providing services that are delivered with respect for the resident’s civil rights.
Dignity:
Means providing support that validates the self-worth of the individual. Dignity is supported by designing a structure which allows personal assistance to be provided in privacy and delivering services in a manner that shows courtesy and respect.
Independence:
Means supporting resident capabilities and facilitating use of those abilities. Independence is supported by creating barrier-free structures and careful design of assistive devices.
Choice:
Means a resident has viable options, which enable the resident to exercise greater control over his/her life. Choice is supported by the provision of sufficient private and common space within the facility to provide opportunities for residents to select where and how to spend time and receive personal assistance.
Individuality:
Means recognizing variability in residents’ needs and preferences and having flexibility to organize services in response to those needs and preferences.
Home:
Means a living environment that creates an atmosphere supportive of the resident’s preferred lifestyle. Home is also supported by the use of residential building materials and furnishings.
