Pioneer Network National Conference

The 2008 Pioneer Network National Conference was a rousing, thought provoking experience. The chance to be able to share the PCC experience - the challenges, the passion, the possibilities, was for me, both about the chance to learn more about the pieces in the journey from other professionals, as well as an opportunity to get recharged. And it happened. I learned from leaders and new- comers; I learned from the questions I asked and heard; I learned from the answers and the questions that came from questions; I learned from listening to what came out of my very own mouth, (on my professional and personal journey - do I walk the walk, self?) and I brought away with me a sense of renewal and reflection. And my own focus for 'a call to action.'

The title and the mood of this conference was 'A Call to Action' - and it was fitting. It ain't just about the talk, but about the walk. And that's what it's all about, isn't it? The passion for life affirming action and the fact we ain't dead till we're dead. Learning and experiencing and bringing it to life - sharing the journey. Making an active difference, making choices that create possibilities and support PCC.

I also want to thank the PN and the volunteers who made this such a valuable experience: Cathy Lieblich, Rose Marie Fagan, Christie Dobson, Cheryl Ritzi, and so very many more who made this possible.

I would love to hear from others who attended the conference and their thoughts and experiences. What they came away with and what their call to action is now...

Rhea L. Schneiders, Associate Educator/Consultant IfCE

Transformation at Clearwater Center in Florida

Adventures in Transformation: Stories from the Journey

(reprinted from Vol I Issue III of Momentum, the Institute's newsletter for eldercare professionals engaged in Person-Centered Care)

Does a change from an institutional appearance to one more reflective of a home really make a difference to our residents? The Clearwater Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Clearwater, Florida had been on a journey to include their residents in all decisions that would affect them or their home. The home wanted to move away from their institutional appearance and create the reality of home. Initially, they invited residents to meetings related to paint colors and décor. The residents offered ideas for colors and decorating themes but wanted to see paint swatches so they could pick exact colors. After these initial meetings, the residents began to get very involved in the daily developments for the changes they planned. Once the excitement was there, they had little patience for delays and excuses. They were ready for change and could hardly wait for their vision to become a reality.

As the residents’ excitement was building, the Institute for Caregiver Education initiated education for Neighborhood Development, Neighborhood Teams and Neighborhood Meetings. The residents were very involved and liked what they were hearing. As the physical changes began to happen, the residents were right there inspecting and offering their comments throughout the process. During this time, the home’s administrator, Steve Kelly, was involving the residents in a Food Committee and having frequent meetings to learn more about what they wanted and desired. The residents responded and change began to happen. The transformation of the residents’ demeanor was obvious. They would greet people at the door and offer to show them around their home. When entering the home, visitors would be greeted by multiple smiling residents. During the home’s open house, many residents volunteered to be part of the groups giving tours. The residents mingled with the guests and discussed their experiences and excitement.

Steve Kelly shared the following story:

“After all the painting and decorating was completed on each neighborhood, a female resident approached the Social Service Director. She told the Social Worker that she needed some things from Wal-Mart. The Social Worker told her she would be happy to take her the following week. The resident insisted that she needed to go that day. The Social Worker was curious about the sudden urgency and asked the resident why she needed to go that day. The resident told her that since her home looked so pretty, she wanted to start looking good too. She wanted to go to Wal-Mart to buy make-up and nice things for her hair. She told the Social Worker that she wanted to start doing her hair and putting on makeup every day when she got up.”

Does a change from institutional appearance to one more reflective of a home really make a difference to our residents? It certainly made a difference in the lives of the residents of Clearwater Center!

Institute Announces Release of Momentum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2008

Quarterly Newsletter Designed for Nursing Home Employees Focuses on Person-Centered Care Practices

Chambersburg, PA — As part of the Institute for Caregiver Education’s ongoing effort to offer Person-Centered Care resources to eldercare professionals and caregivers, the organization has announced the release of a quarterly newsletter titled Momentum. The four-page newsletter is written specifically for caregivers on the frontlines of nursing home care, and includes motivating “Tales of Transformation” from homes that are engaged in Person-Centered Care approaches.

“We know that one of the most difficult aspects of the person-centered care journey is ensuring constant and consistent communication with your team about the initiatives and concepts associated with change,” says Jim Kinsey, Senior Consultant and Director of Development for the Institute. “For change to truly ‘take root’ we must do all that we can to communicate clearly with our team members about the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ behind what we are trying to implement. Momentum was created to specifically provide that communication.”

Momentum is written in a style that easily accessible to team members at all levels of their careers. The topics that the newsletter covers are in line with the concepts that homes are introducing to their teams as they move forward on the person-centered care journey.

Each issue features a column called “Implementing the Vision” which gives real world advice on how to create and sustain initiatives. Also included is a regular column called “The Tool Box” which offers caregivers quick Culture Change tips that they can put into practice immediately. At the close of each issue is a self-test, designed to offer 15 minutes of in-service credit to team members. Learn more>>

Momentum Volume I is nearly complete with three issues available to purchase. Issue 4 is in pre-production and will be available in April. The newsletter is available for purchase for $24.95 per pack of 50 copies.

Click here for the Institute Products Order Form

The Institute for Caregiver Education is a nationally-recognized leader in Culture Change education. For more than 15 years the organization has provided quality caregiver education to nursing homes from California to Maine. Over the last seven years the IfCE team has educated hundreds of long-term care professionals on a myriad of Culture Change topics at such national conferences as ASA, NADONA, AAHSA, AHCA, ACHCA, The Pioneer Network, the VA Summit and numerous state associations. The Institute for Caregiver Education is currently a leading Culture Change educator for a number of state QIO organizations as they work with the 8th Scope of Work and CMS.