I have just completed a 10 page newsletter that addresses Cultural Change and the difference it has made in the lives of residents and staff at Clatsop Care Center in Astoria, Oregon. While sharing parts of this with the Board at a recent meeting, one of the members said "it is like everyone is waking up."  I shared with her that I had made the same analogy and had heard it from others as well.  The Board said it should be our theme - The Awakening of Clatsop Care... leadership is awakening to servantship;  line staff is awakening to leadership; residents are awakening to empowerment and the wake up pill is all about building relationship. And the 'ship' we are on?  It is called Cultural Change.

Staff go from resident to resident, clad in brightly colored aprons, with order pads in hand and ask 'what would you like?' The order goes into the server - might be the charge nurse, a housekeeper, a dietary aide - and soon a bell tones, order up. Another staff member assists with filling beverage requests and soon the Administrator or Maintenance Director comes with a tray laden with dessert choices. Lively music, laughter and conversation fill the room. Jesse the resident Cockatiel whistles off tune. Where are we?  Oh, yea right. A nursing home?