What is a ‘Green House’ and How is it Related to Long-Term Care?
Staff reports
The Green House approach, developed by Dr. Bill Thomas, is a radically new, non-institutional model that reinvents the experience of long-term care for elders. Elders receive needed assistance and care in small homes that meet all required state and federal regulatory and reimbursement criteria for licensure as skilled nursing facilities.
A Green House home is a self-contained dwelling for seven to ten people, designed to look like a private home or apartment in the surrounding community. Each person who lives in a Green House home has a private bedroom and full bathroom, opening to a central hearth/living area, open kitchen and dining area. Elders share meals at a common table. Family members, friends and staff are welcome to join the community at mealtimes and other activities.
For more information on Green Houses visit www.thegreenhouseproject.org.
