In long-term care, our greatest lever to success is a culture of continuous quality improvement.
The process of incremental change, discovered only by being aware of how every effort is expended, is how long-term care will improve.
Considering each resident for the person they are behind the medical chart is how outcomes of care improve quality of life.
Example:
BCIT’s class on April 13, 2026, introduced the idea of person-centred care.
Student homework was to present a practical, cost effective, and actionable idea that is person-centered and engaged family. friend care partner in the process.
Ideas included:
– Upon admission, have the family bring a photo album that staff, family, and residents could pick up and thumb through to spark fond memories, warm feelings, and conversation.
– Another form of familiarity, “getting to know me,” tool is a family tree. The family could work with a care home template that results in a poster-sized tree to place on the wall.
– Embedding cultural sensitivity and inclusivity into long-term caring was raised. The ultimate tribute to person-centered care is honouring a person’s background culturally (especially food preferences). While aspirational, the value of person-centered care has already been proven. Even the occasional efforts to incorporate familiar menu items could make a difference.
Veteran leaders, Michelle Merkel and Mike Mutter, led the class.
Guest instructor Lisa Dawson (15+ years of experience as a care partner for her Father in long-term care) added to the conversation. Lisa is also President of The Independent Long-Term Care Councils Association of BC
BCIT offers a Long-Term Care Management program, designed to ensure essential skills for effective leadership in long-term care. It fosters a culture of continuous quality improvement, ensuring residents’ safety, security, and satisfaction in their care experience.
Long-Term Care homes in BC must have a site manager at all times. In this fast-paced world, candidates often come from non- healthcare backgrounds without leadership experience. Residents and families know firsthand how important good leadership is to change management and quality care.
