Old Age in a New Age: The Promise of Transformative Nursing Homes

by Beth Baker

On investigative visits to nursing homes across the nation, Beth Baker has witnessed profound changes. Culture change leaders are tearing up everything—the floor plans, the flow charts, the schedules, the lousy menus, the attitudes, the rules—and starting from scratch. They are creating extraordinary places where people live in dignity and greet the day with contentment, assisted by employees who feel valued and appreciated. Perhaps most surprising, these homes prove that a high quality of life does not have to cost more. Some of the best homes in the nation serve primarily low-income people who are on Medicaid.

In Old Age in a New Age , Baker tell the story of a better way to live in old age. Although each home is different, they share common respecting individual choices; empowering staff; fostering a strong community of elders, staff, family members, and volunteers; redesigning buildings from a hospital model to a home (where pets and children are part of everyday life); and honoring people when they die. Her visits to more than two dozen facilities include those associated with the Eden Alternative, Green House, Kendal, and the Pioneer Network. Whether these transformational homes become the norm or the domain of a lucky few is the question that faces the next generation of elders, the baby boomers.

248 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jessica]

Rob's work is doing a "book club" which basically means they are bribing employees to read books that they think will improve the atmosphere at work. I hope it works. I am reading this for his work book club thingy.

*Update* I didn't finish it. I'm having a hard time reading much that isn't recreational & fun to read rightnow. :( Sheesh. Sorry :)

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Age in a New Age is the most influential book in my professional life and the reason I don’t give up on nursing homes! Although I’ve never found a nursing home even close to this ideal, I believe they exist and I have worked for several Adminstrators & companies who truly care about the residents and have made progress in that direction. This book is a breath of fresh air!

[Slhess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a helpful overview of the options out there currently for us boomers starting to think about our old age and how we want to live.

[Sharon · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book was a good informational book. Not really a relaxation read!