Changing Aging

Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign

Posted By John Korzendorfer, Senior Director of Campus Operations 

The ongoing dialogue on the Changing Aging blog about “IT” fascinates me. “IT” is comprised of numerous factors, and today I would like to talk about one of them as they relate to America’s nursing homes.

SIGNS!

In my work I have the opportunity to visit numerous nursing homes, and so many of them have this in common:

                                                SIGNS!

I’m not talking about directional signs. . .

Remember the chorus from the mid-70’s song “Signs?”

“Sign, sign, everywhere a signBlocking out the scenery, breaking my mind.Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?”You know what I am talking about. . .

No SmokingSmoke Free FacilityTurn Off The LightWipe Your Feet

Wash Your Hands

Flush The Toilet

Close the Door

Other Door

Keep Door Closed

Knock Before Entering

Guns Are Banned From This Facility

No Parking

Do Not Park Wheelchairs Here

Sign In At The Front Desk

Visitor Registration

Delivery’s In The Rear

Etc. – Etc. – Etc.

The long-term care profession has been very good at relying on “rules” when instead we should be taking personal responsibility to treat people as people.As the country embraces “person centered care,” let us not forget first to treat others the way we would want to be treated, embrace “common sense” and realize that our desire to have everyone follow the rules can simply suffocate and suck the spirit out of people.Ask yourself this question: Do I have these “signs” in my home, where I live?And, if we do put up a sign, how about using other ones, such as:

Welcome!Our Mission is to Create Home. How Can We Help?

We Want Your Ideas.

Thank You for Choosing Us.

We’re Proud to Serve You.

We’re Thankful for You.

How Can We Do Better?

If you have “IT,” you will look “IT.”

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This entry was posted on Monday, January 28th, 2008 at 1:14 pm and is filed under Hospitality, It, Leadership, Vital Successful Aging. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

4 Responses to “Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign”

1. Pat Henderschiedt Says:
   January 28th, 2008 at 4:39 pm

   I love the concept - We all need to be more aware of how our building appears to people walking in off the street.
   Thanks John

2. Jennifer Pfeffer Says:
   January 28th, 2008 at 6:36 pm

   I’ve often had this same thought. We’ve had so many signs up that they completely lose their impact and definitely do not “create home” . To help solve this dilemma here at Pathstone, when we opened our new building we created a staff only communication area for all those pesky, but needed signs. This has gone a long way in helping us create a better atmosphere here in Mankato. Thanks for the great insights.

3. Ecumen Says:
   January 28th, 2008 at 8:58 pm

   We are in the ultimate hospitality business and can never forget that.

4. Sue Johnson Says:
   January 31st, 2008 at 9:53 am

   Thanks, John, for your wise words. Sunrise is going to address this issue beginning today.

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