Promoting Opportunities For "Engagement"

Results from a large-scale research project (Mitchell and Kemp, 2000) indicated that social interaction, defined as "engaging" others socially, is one of the best predictors of quality of life in residential care settings. This is a concept that is at the core of our Silverado values and belief systems. Engaging others can be as simple as saying hello, smiling as you make eye contact, or simply giving someone a warm pat on the shoulder as you pass by. These small interactions have the potential to make a large difference.

A few years ago, a state surveyor posed a question as she left one of our Silverado communities following a successful survey. She wanted to know why everyone (staff, families, and residents) appeared so happy. The answer to this question relates directly to the concept of engagement.

We expect all of our associates (staff) to be involved in the lives of our residents. This is accomplished through several different programs and training initiatives. Our "Cheers" program is named after the old "Cheers" television program that begins with a theme song stating, "Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name..." While our residents may at times forget where they are, everyone saying hello helps them feel that they are "home."

Mentoring Program

Our mentoring program pairs new associates with veterans who share and model this philosophy. Many of our communities have an adopt-a-resident program that pairs non-nursing associates with newly admitted residents. They are simply asked to get to know new residents and become a part of their lives. This model allows all Silverado associates to truly be a part of our "care-treatment" team and to feel a part of our overall mission.

One definition of engagement is to "look with open eyes at the environment around you and then interact accordingly..." We want all of our communities to be living and engaging environments. When this is accomplished, we truly have the ability to make a dramatic and positive impact in the lives of our residents, their families, and our own associates.