The reason we call Orchard View by the Mississippi a Home vs Institution vs Facility.
Terminology sets a tone and an understanding of what it is like to live in a retirement residence like Orchard View by the Mississippi. Many people use different words to describe a RR. To those of us that work in the industry we feel like it’s “Home”. Here is why:
Institution: Wikipedia says
“The term may also be used to refer to committing a particular individual to an institution, such as a mental institution. To this extent, “institutionalization” may carry negative connotations regarding the treatment of, and damage caused to, vulnerable human beings by the oppressive or corrupt application of inflexible systems of social, medical, or legal controls by publicly owned, private or not-for-profit organizations.
The word “institute” comes from the Latin word institutum meaning “facility” or “habit”; from instituere meaning “build”, “create”, “raise” or “educate”.
When you are considering a new “habit” for your loved one, the last thing you want to do is “institutionalize” them based on this description. Although many caregivers have guilt associated with not being able to continue to care for loved ones at home. As I say often, humans are not designed to go without sleep and down time for years at a time, a break and support is needed. No one should be the sole caregiver. We all need down time. Not everyone is cut out to be a caregiver. And that’s ok. We would never go to a car garage to have a tooth pulled, right? We want the best person doing what they do best!
On a positive note, you do want the home that you select to have structure and to be managed by this rule. “Institutions are identified with a social purpose, transcending individuals and intentions by mediating the rules that govern living behavior.” Which means that the home will support your loved one to be the best that they can be.
Facility: Wikipedia says
“The term means an installation, contrivance, or other things which facilitates something; a place for doing something:
Medical nursing homes, including residential treatment centers and geriatric care facilities, are health care institutions which have accommodation facilities and which engage in providing short-term or long-term medical treatment of a general or specialized nature not performed by hospitals to inpatients with any of a wide variety of medical conditions.[4]”
“Doing something” is a good start to considering options on where to live. However you don’t want to do just anything, you want to do what you like to do! When moving to a retirement home, the Activities Director will sit with you to gather information about your hobbies, pass times, talents, pass experience, education, work and more about YOU. Which means you have the opportunity to engage in the things you LOVE to do. The little difference, gives you purpose and simple pleasures of feeling like home.
Although care is part of the services we provide, we do not diagnosis or treat without Doctor’s consent and input. Our nurses and care staff are governed by their Nursing college licenses.
Home: Wikipedia says
“A home is generally a place that is close to the heart of the owner, and can become a prized possession.”
“home away from home“, “make yourself at home, “home is where the heart is“[18] and “home is where you hang your hat“.[19]
These are common sayings that help us bring our heart to the place that we dwell. When moving to a retirement home, you bring your prized possessions with you and display them in a way that make you proud to showcase of your life. This is the foundation of feeling comfortable, safe and secure. Your next basic need is that the people are like-minded, friendly and allow you social comforts. This will enable you to be as social as you want to, when you want to. On tough days, you know that you have people that care about you and will reach out with a gentle touch of support.
We are a privileged group of individuals that have the opportunity to work in your Home of choice. We strive to provide you the comforts of home, companionship, enjoyment and support. When
This is what makes a Retirement Home a Home.
Leave a Reply