Pioneer Network

Abstract

SUMMARY The Pioneer Network is a national grass roots network of individuals in the field of aging, working for deep systemic change through both evolutionary and revolutionary means, using Pioneer values and principles as the foundations for change. Pioneers are individuals who work in residential long-term care settings and community based settings, in government, research, advocacy and education whose goal is to seed and cultivate a new culture of aging. In-depth change in systems requires transformation of individual and societal attitudes toward aging and elders, transformation of elders' attitudes toward themselves and their aging, changes in the attitudes and behavior of caregivers toward those for whom they care and changes in governmental policy and regulation. Pioneers refer to this work as culture change. While maintaining its work to recreate nursing homes, the Pioneer Network has expanded its vision, mission and focus to encourage and facilitate culture change values, principles and person-centered approaches across the whole continuum of aging services and elder living, from independent living at home to more traditional long-term care options. In its first six years, without a formal infrastructure and largely fueled by the Pioneers' volunteer activities, the Network has been a catalyst for positive change and outcomes in the aging field across the country.