The Link to Person-Centered Care
If nursing home staff are familiar with the concept of person-centered care, then trauma-informed care will likely feel like a natural extension of that approach. This section discusses the bridge between person-centered and trauma-informed approaches.
Trauma-informed care intersects with several ongoing priorities within nursing facility communities:
- Quality of care
- Safety
- Facility management
- Infection prevention and control
- Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB)
- Dementia care
- Staff recruitment, well-being, and retention
This short video offers a refresher on defining care through a person-centered lens.
Many nursing homes have adapted trauma-informed practices as part of their person-centered approach (Kusmaul, 2023). For example, some nursing homes offer ongoing education about relocation stress, also known as transfer trauma. Some nursing homes prioritize continuity of care as residents change skill levels or units within a community. Such a practice values positive relationships between residents and care providers as essential for resident happiness, health, and engagement and can minimize the impact of a transition. Other nursing homes require new employees to complete internal training on mental health as part of onboarding. Practices such as these are valuable for the entire community, but what may be missing is understanding these practices through a trauma-informed lens.
Person-Centered care and trauma-informed care both emphasize each resident as a unique, multifaceted individual.
Both person-centered care and trauma-informed care consider the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of residents as equally important aspects of wellness. In the case of nursing homes, both approaches aim to learn what residents want and what matters most to them. Care for trauma survivors includes acknowledging their past histories and trying to create safe, healing spaces.
Intersection of Dementia and Trauma
When considering residents with dementia, ongoing education about relocation stress should include strategies for addressing the unique challenges faced by residents with dementia, such as heightened confusion and anxiety. Continuity of care is vital as familiar faces and routines can help reduce stress and improve overall sense of security. Training for new employees should also cover how to recognize and respond to signs of trauma in residents with dementia, ensuring that care is both compassionate and effective.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in Trauma-Informed Care
Nursing homes must integrate DEIB principles to embrace trauma-informed care fully. For example, understanding how cultural backgrounds influence trauma experiences can help staff provide more personalized and effective care. Additionally, creating an inclusive environment where all residents feel respected and valued is essential for fostering a sense of safety and belonging.
In summary, trauma-informed care is an extension of person-centered care that considers how each residents’ life history and personal experiences influence their health, happiness, coping skills, and response to care (Kusmaul, 2023).