The 'gift' of restorative nursing: focusing on restorative care benefits both residents and staff at Cove's Edge Comprehensive Care Center

Nursing Homes, Feb, 2004 by Cheryl Field

Following Up

Staff shared their experiences with the program at a lunchtime meeting for those working in rehabilitation, nursing, administration, social services, and staff development. Along with sharing success stories, keys to success were identified, systems for measuring outcomes were discussed, and the program's future was outlined. Consistent staff performance and dedication to the project were noted as a critical foundation for the program's survival and success. Initial team training, which occurred over three days, and the sharing of information on resident benefits, based on measurements at the beginning and throughout the program, were also important ingredients for success. Indeed, there are many success stories published on the Restorative Nursing Bulletin Board at Cove's Edge, with pictures of residents and caregivers working together to foster independence.

It all verifies what Staff Development Coordinator Ruth Veitze says she has known for some time: "Restorative nursing changes the whole focus on the part of the staff," resulting in measurable outcomes that are both clinically significant and personally meaningful. NH

Cheryl Field is the director of clinical and reimbursement services at LTCQ, Inc. For further information, phone (781) 674-9600, visit www.ltcq.com, or e-mail clinicians@ ltcq.com. To comment on this article, please e-mail field0204@nursinghomesmagazine.com.