Green House (nursing home)

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The Green House nursing home model is an innovative^{[citation needed]} form of long term care for the elderly. It has been developed in response^{[citation needed]} to the perception that elders in conventional "medical model" nursing homes are prone to develop feelings of loneliness, boredom and helplessness. Residents of conventional nursing homes often^{[citation needed]} have a quality of life primarily focused on physical health issues; there is insufficient attention to developing a culture and physical environment that fosters emotional, intellectual and spiritual growth.

Green Houses de-institutionalize care and instead use small ten bed group homes for elders. Elders are given private rooms and a great deal of choice in their activities. Instead of the nursing station as a center of conventional nursing home unit, there is a kitchen, a living room and a fireplace. Green Houses make abundant^{[citation needed]} use of plants and animals. Children are often invited to participate in activities. There is evidence^{[citation needed]} that these homes significantly increase resident satisfaction, reduce the need for restraints and psychiatric medications. The concept was first^{[citation needed]} proposed by William H. Thomas, M.D. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is granting a total of $10 million for seed funds to support the development of 50 such facilities in the United States. Generally the development cost is greater^{[citation needed]} than a conventional nursing home, while ongoing operating costs are about the same.^{[citation needed]}