We are perhaps the biggest supporters and promoters of Culture Change.  To continue that support, we need an equal place at the table.  Not only do we also have legitimate needs that must be recognized and addressed, we bring a point of view to any deliberations of this sort that is both necessary for a successful outcome and is not available elsewhere. We are, when all is said and done, the folks who make the ultimate decision as to just where our loved ones will reside.  If we are not welcomed as equal partners into the unfolding culture change "journey", the probability is high that we'll get off the train.

Our schools faced this issue of "what do we do with families?" years ago.  In schools we generally call them Parents.  There was a time when no Parent ever entered a classroom during the school day.  The very thought was terrifying to both administration and staff. Parent Groups were viewed with suspicion.  Now, not only do we welcome parents in our classrooms, we even like them.  We know that the more parent involvement in a school, the better the school.   In long-term care facilities, we often call these same folks Responsible Persons.  The time for long-term care facilities to follow the path our schools followed regarding Responsible Persons and Responsible Person Groups is now.   The reason is the success or failure of this very promising new direction. This time, let's walk together.