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"Becoming a Champion of Change"
Caregivers Corner - June 2002

The Pioneer Network will host its 3rd Annual Conference August 14 through 17 in Chicago. The theme of the 2002 National Conference is, �Becoming a Champion of Change� � Transforming Eldercare and Our Own Aging.

The event brings together individuals and organizations (visionaries, elders, researchers, regulators, practitioners, and other stakeholders) to explore and promote creative approaches to supporting aging in ways that are satisfying, humane and meaningful. The conference provides a forum to explore and advance transformation of existing structures within long-term care and elder support services to place the person first, create healthy, vital home environments and build effective, life-affirming communities.

More than 35 concurrent sessions offer a vast array of tried and tested approaches that have successfully achieved the goals of enhancing quality of later life and care for elders. As more and more stakeholders become convinced of the benefits of joining the culture change movement, they seek knowledge, tools, resources and support to assist them in implementing effective models of living and working within their own communities.

The conference provides numerous networking opportunities for individuals and organizations pursuing their own culture change journeys. From those just getting started to those setting the pace and leading the directions of culture change within their communities, the event offers a wealth of information and resources for promoting creative care and better options for our elders.

Focused small group work sessions will meet on a variety of special interests and topics including:

	Architecture and physical environments
	Involvement of direct care staff
	Leadership and management
	Economics of culture change
	Elders and families in culture change

	End of life issues in culture change
	Evaluation and research of new models
	Getting started as an organization
	Home and community services

Participants can select from among sessions dealing with all aspects of culture change, choosing themes that support their particular initiatives and vision.

Among them are:

	Exploring the power of relationships in providing opportunities, bringing meaning to elders� existence, and to advancing life goals
	Taking an inner look at our potential to be effective agents of culture change by working through an inventory of the skills and tools needed to develop technical, interpersonal and process characteristics for putting the person first
	Creating �home� through practical interior design and physical renovations; getting in touch with residents, their lifestyles and habits
	Providing solid guidelines to assure regulatory compliance within the household while implementing change; involving and empowering teams in developing your own models of change
	Evaluating outcomes and using data and analysis to identify trends, obstacles and successes along the culture change journey
	Implementing a �neighborhood� approach to successfully transition from a medical to social model of care; tracking and illustrating effects on residents, families and staff
	Dining enhancement programs that are successful in promoting a positive social atmosphere, effective nutrition and a process that effectively serves both person and staff needs
	Building networks and coalitions that can impact on policy and provider practices in long-term care to advance culture change

For a full description of the August 2002 Conference Agenda and for registration information visit the Pioneer Network�s Conference 2002 Home Page.

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"Becoming a Champion of Change" Caregivers Corner - June 2002

"Becoming a Champion of Change"
Caregivers Corner - June 2002