Beyond the Medical Model: The Culture Change Revolution in Long-Term Care

Culture change in long-term care facilities involves a shift in philosophy and practice from an overemphasis on safety, uniformity, and medical issues toward resident-directed, consumer-driven health promotion and quality of life. Fundamental to this shift is a focus on the importance of the relationships between residents and direct care staff. This review presents and discusses the key elements of culture change, including workforce redesign, resident-centered care, leadership, and the implementation process and evaluation. A case report describes how medical staff can participate in this grassroots movement and help foster the social, cultural, programmatic, and physical changes that can alter the culture of long-term care one home at a time. (J Am Med Dir Assoc 2009; 10: 370-378)