University at Buffalo (UB)
What People are Saying about the Institute
“Person-centered care is a revolutionary approach to care for our rapidly aging population that focuses on humanizing care of vulnerable elders especially those with dementia, In addition to providing high-quality care for physical needs, the person-centered approach takes psychological and social needs seriously by respecting and valuing the individual as a whole person; by individualizing care; by trying to understand the world from the perspective of the individual; and by providing an environment that has a supportive social psychology.”
“Person-centered care in the long term care setting refocuses the process of care, making it more responsive to the emotional and physical needs of the resident, while energizing the caring function with values that give it a whole new meaning for all involved…staff and residents alike. The creation of a more home-like atmosphere adds a dimension that enhances day-to-day relationships between residents and staff that is lacking in many traditional care environments.”
“Re-inventing the way we care for our elders is long overdue in Western New York. This unprecedented effort of community-wide person-centered care has the potential to profoundly impact the lives of not only our seniors, but their caregivers as well. This culture change transformation will undoubtedly filter down to everyone who touches thelives of our seniors.”
Michael Helbringer, Past President, Western New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
“When I think of caring for my mom or my dad, I think about providing care for them that is personalized to them and for them, that their preferences are thoughtfully considered, their previous lifestyle is accommodated as best as possible and they can live as independently for as long as they can . . . and that independence is honored, promoted and supported. To be to me, person centered care means to honor our aging relatives as people, not as a room number or a patient or a resident.”
Aimée C. Gomlak, FACHE, Vice President Strategic Redevelopment, Executive Director Continuing and Home Care Foundation, Catholic Health System
“We have a duty to provide more than just basic necessities of life for our elders. We need better communications, improved systems that mesh with real needs, and most important, we need to think out of the box, centering on the needs of the individual, not the convenience of institutions. Person-centered care gives us the catalyst to come together as a community to give our elders the holistic care they deserve.”
Laura Mondello, Past President, Network in Aging