A Culture Change for Nursing Homes

As we move into the 21st century, we should all be aware of the revolutionary movement called Pioneer Network. This wonderful movement began in 1995 with the goal of improving the quality of lives for nursing home residents and developing a new “culture of aging”. These values and beliefs are also referred to as “Culture Change”. As we all know, it is difficult for people to accept change, but often change can mean improvement. Hopefully, as part of our role as Social Workers, we can help transform the values within the facilities we work to improve the environment that supports the elder in aging gracefully and enables the staff to work in a satisfying environment.

Pioneer Mission: “Advocate and facilitate deep system change and transform the culture of aging.” To do this we must communicate, network and learn about new techniques to build and support relationships and community.

Pioneer Vision: “A Culture of Aging that is life-affirming, satisfying, humane and meaningful.” Recognizing that new ways of living and working are needed other than traditional means.

Pioneer Values:

* Know each person.

* Each person can and does make a difference.

* Relationship is a fundamental building block of a transformed culture.

* Respond to spirit, as well as mind and body.

* Risk taking is a normal part of life.

* Put person before task.

* All elders are entitled to self-determination wherever they live.

* Community is the antidote to institutionalization.

* Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

* Promote the growth and development of all.

* Shape and use the potential of the environment in all its aspects; physical, organizational, and psychosocial/spiritual.

* Practice self-examination, searching for new creativity and opportunities for doing better.

* Recognize that culture change and transformation are not destination but a journey, always a work in progress.

I attended the second annual conference for the Pioneer Network last August in Rochester, NY. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with the people who developed this revolutionary concept; network; get some new ideas; learn how this culture change relates to clinical practice; and learn how to implement and live these values. While I was in Rochester I visited Fairport Baptist Home. It was there that I witnessed an atmosphere far different than the typical nursing home. It was truly an atmosphere of home. Both resident and staff alike were smiling, interacting and engaging in relationship. Residents were doing their own laundry in their unit, staff ate their lunch with residents so they could share a meal (separate breaks were still provided), furniture from the 40’s and 50’ adorned the halls and rooms. The rooms were set up by “neighborhoods” and all staff was responsible for meeting resident needs. Small group discussions with residents were encouraged to enable them to make decisions that would have a direct impact on their lives. I think that too often once an elder is admitted to “our care” there is a tendency for staff to control many of the decisions for that person. They may need assistance with care, but often they are capable of making their own decisions. We need to empower the elder to maintain some control over their lives. It would not only help elders feel better about themselves, but would help facilitate an experience of respect and dignity.

For more information, contact: www.PioneerNetwork.net or call 585-271-7570.

• Excerpts taken from Pioneer Network brochures.

Lisa Morvillo, LSW, President of SSWANH