The Oregon Caregiver SPRING/SUMMER 2024 www.ohca.com 8 FEATURE » FEATURE, CONT. months ago.” This individualized approach to activity directing exemplifies HCBS, ensuring that residents feel seen and valued by their caregivers and community. Avamere at Chestnut Lane is the only assisted living facility specializing in serving residents who are Deaf and Deafblind in the western United States. “Our residents have shared they appreciate having the ability to communicate through American Sign Language (ASL). This creates a sense of belonging and community. Our senior living team is also able to explain information and medications from doctors, so residents can have full understanding of their healthcare needs,” says a staff member at Chestnut Lane. Meeting residents’ communication preferences is an integral part of making sure residents’ needs are met and that their preferences are acknowledged. “Our team members have shared that they feel safe and understood here, and that help is being provided to residents in the way that it should be,” they explain. “This cultivates a family environment, where every team member and resident can feel valued and that they belong.” The foundation of the connections between residents and staff comes down to communication. Supporting Resident Choice Avamere at Chestnut Lane believes in the power of resident autonomy, allowing residents to feel independent while continuing to offer the services necessary to ensure resident safety and wellbeing. “We provide transportation for errands and outings, and can assist residents with ordering transportation as needed. We are also conveniently located next to a train station, allowing residents the freedom to go on their own outings,” explained the staff. Allowing this autonomy gives residents a sense of agency they may have felt was missing living elsewhere. Wherever a resident needs to go, staff at Chestnut Lane will make sure it is possible. Additionally, resident engagement is of the utmost importance at Chestnut Lane. “We have various monthly meetings dedicated to seeking resident input, including our Resident Council where residents share their feedback, Chef Corner where we welcome input on our menu options, and activity meetings to choose upcoming activities,” said a staff member. Michele Nixon, senior regional director of operations for Senior Housing Long term care communities use a resident’s history and personal preferences to create unique, person-centered activities and care plans.
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