Providence Mount St. Vincent

Common Themes in The Mount's Processes and Systems Prior to Implementation

Centralized departments;

Lack of autonomy for residents in dining or choice of meals;

Lack of autonomy for residents in activities;

Lack of autonomy for residents in bathing schedules;

Language supported a culture of dependence (e.g. "patient," "ward," "floor" and "unit");

Residents identified by medical conditions or level of care;

Staff-resident interaction was not a priority;

Staff were task driven and organized work around delivery of care and staff preferences.

Common Themes in The Mount's Physical Environment Prior to Implementation

Institutional sterile environment (modeled after a hospital environment);

Long halls and hard surfaces;

Floor, wall and ceiling materials designed for durability and ease of maintenance;

Tight spaces clogged and crowded with people and equipment;

Four floors of nursing units with approximately 56 beds per unit;

Double-loaded corridor approximately 300 feet long;

A small centrally located dining and activity space;

Design of spaces physically separated residents and staff.