The Urban Green House Model

The structure of an urban Green House® model skilled nursing facility is radically different from that of a traditional skilled nursing facility, though it provides the same if not more of the necessary skilled nursing services and amenities. 

First developed by Dr. William Thomas and drawing from the traditions of the Eden Alternative, the first Green House® facilities were built in the Midwest, where large expanses of flat land were in greater supply.  The facilities were characterized by a drastic departure from the traditional design, operations and philosophy compared to its institutional counterparts. The Green House® model’s architecture focuses on three main tenets that emphasize a home-like feel: Warm, Smart and Green. 

The Warm tenet relates to the décor, furnishings and overall interior design that fosters serenity and socialization.
The Smart tenet reflects the incorporation of advanced technologies to improve independence and care.
The Green tenet advocates for the harmony and balance of internal and external environments, and the importance of ample sunlight and greenery in the residences.  To learn more about the Green House Model, click here.

This Green House model and those models built in the Midwest served as the working templates by which the urban-model Green House®, the Leonard Florence Center for Living, was created.  As such, the Leonard Florence Center consists of 10 separate homes, each with its own kitchen, dining and living area.  Each home houses 10 residents in private rooms, complete with a private bath and shower.  The first of its kind, the Leonard Florence Center’s urban Green House® shares the same goal as the original Green House® model:  to lead by example the transformation and de-institutionalization of long-term care facilities into better, healthier and improved healthcare residences.

About

I believe in the work that the Foundation does because it believes in creating a better system, better facility, better program for the future. That matters to me.

I knew my mother would be well-taken care of at any facility that was under the Foundation, because of the reputation. And I was right.

This organization doesn’t treat my dad like a patient, they treat him like a person. He is given the best care possible, and it’s because they believe in treating the whole person, not just the illness.

I began volunteering at Foundation’s Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home and realized what a special place this was. Residents are happy, and the staff care. I enjoyed being here, too.