Retreat Healthcare in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, has introduced a groundbreaking arts-based training program to enhance staff empathy and resident well-being in its assisted living and memory care community. Conducted by ESTEAM Health in collaboration with Creating Futures that Work, the ART of High-Performance Caregiving training integrates arts-driven experiential learning to bolster critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and adaptability among caregivers. This program also promotes flexibility, strength, mindfulness, cognitive strategies, and nutrition, aiming to improve overall caregiver well-being.
Innovative Program Implementation
Engaging Learning Modules
The ART of High-Performance Caregiving training was specifically designed to help staff comprehend and support the cognitive and emotional states of aging residents. According to Alyssa Janney, founder and CEO of ESTEAM Health, the program’s enjoyable tools are tailored to foster deep empathy and enable caregivers to tailor their interactions. This personalized care ultimately enhances residents’ comfort, dignity, and overall success. Following its initial launch in 2023, the training modules were refined based on feedback from the first pilot program. Notably, 14 out of 33 participants successfully completed all workshops and assessments.
Measurable Outcomes and Success Rates
The initial implementation of the program yielded promising results, demonstrating a 20% improvement in nearly six skill areas and a 10% or greater improvement in almost eight other areas. This data indicates enhanced empathy, readiness to learn, resilience, curiosity, agility, flexibility, and decision-making abilities among the participating caregivers. Improvements were also notable in attributes such as collaboration, team leadership, openness to diverse perspectives, problem-solving, and idea range. Between 21% and 43% of participants exhibited significant progress in these areas, further emphasizing the training program’s effectiveness.
Enhanced Caregiver Well-being
Self-care and Engagement
One of the pivotal elements of the ART of High-Performance Caregiving program is a self-care session designed to prepare staff for their workday by fostering a flow state, or optimal engagement, during their shifts. Post-workshop evaluations revealed that 90% of participants achieved a moderate to high degree of flow at the start of their shifts, underscoring the program’s efficacy in promoting engagement and effectiveness. This focus on self-care not only benefits the caregivers but also has a positive impact on the residents they care for.
Broader Toolkit for Dementia Care
Dr. Lena Ernst, founder and clinical director of Retreat Healthcare, highlighted that the workshops have equipped staff with a broader toolkit, incorporating problem-solving, creativity, and resilience, particularly in caring for seniors with dementia. By empowering caregivers with these enhanced skills, the program has significantly improved the quality of care provided to residents, leading to better outcomes and more fulfilling experiences for both staff and residents.
Future Expansion Plans
Nationwide Availability
The success of the ART of High-Performance Caregiving program at Retreat Healthcare has prompted ESTEAM Health to consider making it available nationwide to various caregiving communities. These communities include independent living, assisted living, memory care, continuing care retirement communities, nursing homes, and home health organizations. By expanding the program’s reach, ESTEAM Health aims to extend the benefits witnessed at Retreat Healthcare to a broader audience, thereby enhancing care and support for seniors across the country.
Trainer Preparation and Program Impact
Retreat Healthcare in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, has launched a revolutionary arts-based training program designed to enhance both staff empathy and resident well-being in its assisted living and memory care community. This innovative program is conducted by ESTEAM Health in partnership with Creating Futures that Work. Named the ART of High-Performance Caregiving, the training employs arts-based experiential learning to strengthen critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and adaptability among caregivers. Additionally, the program places a strong focus on promoting flexibility, strength, mindfulness, and cognitive strategies. It also emphasizes the importance of nutrition, all aimed at improving overall caregiver well-being. Through this holistic approach, Retreat Healthcare seeks to foster a more supportive and nurturing environment, ultimately enriching the quality of life for both staff and residents. The integration of arts into caregiver training sets a new standard in the industry and highlights the multifaceted nature of effective caregiving.