Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments
Basis of evaluating the utility of current and future regulations
1. Physical safety and psychological security
Maximize the reality and perception of the resident and their possessions being secure.
2. Environment as therapeutic resource
Utilize the potential of all aspects of the environment (physical, social, organizational) working together as a resource for healing and improved functioning.
3. Holism and well-being
Focus on the whole person and his or her overall well-being -- including health, function, self esteem, relationships, and appearance -- as the desired outcome.
4. Resident rights and personal autonomy
Maximize available choices, opportunities for self-determination, and accessibility of options.
5. Create communities
Strive to generate meaningful relationships among residents, their families, and staff by providing:
| small scale living units, both private and communal space in the living units; |
| a neighborhood identity for several living units; |
| and relating primary staff support to the living unit and the neighborhood. |
6. Care provider options
Maximize the opportunities for care providers to:
| move toward a seamless system of care; |
| employ a customer centered organizational structure; |
| provide less care when appropriate or desired; |
| avoid creating unnecessary resident dependence or disability; |
| and lower overall system costs. |
7. Function enhancing technology
Harness new technology to increase the functionality of the environment for both residents and staff through:
| more efficient care delivery; |
| improved staff/staff communications; |
| responsive resident/staff communications; |
| management information for all staff to use in planning and decision-making. |
8. Creativity and evaluation
Encourage innovation, diversity of approaches, experimentation with new methods, systems, materials and equipment and systematic evaluation of outcomes.
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