The Green House design should be considered as nursing home resident numbers are growing. Early experiences with the “pod-like” structure show positive effects on residents, families, and staff.
Describe and discuss implications from the first Green Houses in Tupelo, Mississippi.
This was not a research article. However, the discussion centered around the relocation of 40 residents from a 140-bed nursing home to the Green Houses. Green Houses are “small, self-contained houses” for ~10 elders. Each has a private room and bathroom and shares communal space. Multiple Green Houses make up a nursing home.
The sponsor has noticed positive results for residents, families, and staff. Mississippi Methodist’s Green Houses have experienced lower staff absenteeism and turnover compared to their other facilities. Also in terms of staffing and cost, it was found that resources are redistributed, rather than using more resources.
There are not any limitations in this study.