The Green House is perhaps best known for its homey environment — all private bedrooms and baths, family-style dining room and open kitchen, large living room with hearth and comfy chairs. But even more important than the setting may be the reimagined role of the caregivers who work there. For starters, their job title: nursing assistants are called shahbazim (plural for shahbaz, which according to Thomas, means “royal falcon” in Persian. When I asked him if there were any English words to describe what he envisioned, he said no). The name is meant to convey a person worthy of respect, someone who is valued. The shahbazim’s role is to make each elder’s day as pleasant and meaningful as possible, including not only physical care but friendship. If that means sharing a cup of coffee or playing a hand of poker, then they’re doing their job. They not only prepare meals, but may pull up a chair and eat with the elders. Family members, too, are encouraged to come for meals. The idea is that together the shahbazim and elders form a tight-knit community that feels as much like home as possible. This conforms with the growing body of research on the ill effects of loneliness and isolation on our health, and the benefits of having a strong network of social support.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Dec 2014 20:03:47 +0000
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