[PHI has identified the following essential elements of high-quality care, services, and support for people who receive long-term care–whether in their own homes or in a nursing home, assisted living community, or other long-term care settings.
Quality long-term care is care, services and support that are…
Individualized
- Directed by informed choices made by the consumer (or, where appropriate, by family members or other representatives)
- Offered at the time and place most preferable to the consumer, in a manner that is unrushed
- Provided in a way that honors the consumer’s individuality and preferences
Respectful
- Compassionate–acknowledging the consumer’s right to dignity and privacy, both physical and emotional, in all interactions
- Supporting the ability of the consumer and direct-care workers to relate as individuals in mutually respectful relationships with one another in an environment of trust
- Inclusive–maintaining the consumer’s relationships with family members and friends, and promoting broader community engagement
Professional
- Consistent with progressive standards of nursing and medical practice
- Holistic—supporting health, independence, creativity, quality of life and surroundings, and well-being
- Provided by direct-care workers who have quality jobs that allow them to provide the highest-quality services and support
