The goal of the project is to hear the voice and choice of individuals living in long-term care homes. Gain an understanding of what they view as key areas for improving their care experience within VCH long-term care homes.
HDL and VCH invited individuals living in VCH long-term care facilities, and their family members, to participate in 1-hour long workshops to share their thoughts, ideas and priorities for improving the culture of care within VCH long-term care homes.
The team worked to develop two activities. Activity One had residents choose two images from a pile that represented experiences, activities and feelings. The residents would then explain why they were important and what it made them think of. The goal of Activity Two is to hear stories about good care experiences and capture the qualities present in those stories; residents choose an image that represents good care to them and the table discusses.
Laura communicates with a resident through drawings without an interpreter.
A resident shares their experience.
The interpreter helps the team translate residents' during Activity One.
A VCH member helps the team communicate with a resident.
A team member takes notes during Activity Two.
The team shifts to 1-on-1s
“Thanks so much for coming to Dogwood to have the session... A number of the residents came to me the next day to indicate that they really enjoyed the opportunity and felt that your group really listened to what they had to say.”
-Ellen, Resident Manager at Dogwood
With the completion of the workshops totalling 46 participants, the team moved on to synthesis. By taking all of the sticky notes from each workshop and grouping them regardless of the activity, themes began to emerge. We saw that these could be used as core principles and values when considering next steps towards changing the culture of care in long-term care homes.
The group discusses images.
VCH member and Laura engaged in the discussion.
Project Team
Health Design Lab
Caylee Raber, Director
Jean Chisholm, Research Assistant
Nandita Ratan, Research Assistant
Srushti Kulkarni, Research Assistant
Amanda Ko, Research Assistant
Nadia Beyzaei, Coordinator
Vancouver Coastal Health
Jas Gill, VCH Dementia CARE Team Lead and Vancouver Residential Practice Team
Jo-Ann Tait, Regional Program Director for Asissted Living and Supportive Housing
Heather Mak, Professional Practice Director in Residential Care
Sharon Galloway, Community Partner
Reno Ouano, VCH Dementia CARE
Venus Villaos, VCH Dementia CARE
Girlie Ring, VCH Dementia CARE