Plans are underway in Wyoming to build an entirely new type of nursing home — one that looks, and acts, more like a home instead of a hospital. It’s called a “green house,” where 12 people, each with his or her own bedroom and bathroom, share meals at the same table. Nursing assistants take care of personal needs and cooking, and because there’s no administrative layer, those employees are paid more than workers in traditional nursing homes.
Doug Osborn, board chair for Green House Living for Sheridan, says he initially had doubts that it could work, but he became a believer after visiting several establishments.
“I’ve been in three or four of them now. The elders like it and the caregivers like it. It’s just a much more comfortable, relaxed place.”
Osborn says residents in green houses are encouraged to invite family members to dinner, and each facility has flower and vegetable gardens.
“Pets, people and plants. Those are three elements that they try to get into all the green houses. They find that having a pet, a dog, in the green house is a great thing. Everybody likes the dogs.”
The Wyoming legislature has already approved the project, and Osborn says all they need is about $200,000 more in donations to obtain matching grants so they can break ground. Montana is already home to seven green houses.
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