What is one of the core principles of self-reflection in elder and long-term care environments?

Engaging in ongoing personal growth and evaluation is a core principle of self-reflection in elder and long-term care environments because it emphasizes the importance of continuously assessing one’s own practices, attitudes, and behaviors in relation to the care provided to residents. This principle encourages staff to actively consider their experiences and interactions, learn from them, and adapt their approaches to better meet the needs of the individuals in their care. By committing to personal growth, staff can enhance their understanding of dementia and improve their ability to support residents, fostering a more compassionate and effective care environment.

In contrast, memorizing procedures without the ability to reflect on their effectiveness diminishes the quality of care that can be provided, as it may lead to rigid practices that do not account for the unique needs of each resident. Regular assessments that lack personal input do not allow for deeper insight into the individual experiences of care staff, which is crucial for meaningful improvements. Similarly, ignoring feedback from residents disregards one of the most valuable sources of information regarding their preferences and needs, ultimately impeding the goal of providing personalized care.