There is a group working behind the scenes (and in front too) helping advocate for all those aging, including those with dementia. You may have never heard about them, but you need to know about them. The group is called The Pioneer Network.
This wonderful advocacy group started in 1997 and took official form in 2000 with volunteer groups working together on the mission of "...advocate and facilitate a deep system of changes and transformation on our culture of aging".
For many of us working in health care and trying to make cultural change happen, the Pioneer Network has given us a big push to create homey, friendlier environments that home caregivers are in every day. To give you an idea of the direction of the Pioneer Network, here are some of their goals:
- Know each person
- Each person can and does make a difference
- –• Relationship is the fundamental building block of a transformed culture
- –• Respond to spirit, as well as mind and body
- –• Put person before task
Don't you just love those ideas? So simple, yet often forgotten as paid caregivers go through their day working with those with dementia.
There are many good videos on the website about culture change and the way we treat our aging population. Check it out at www.pioneernetwork.net.
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