Getting Started:
Understanding the Early Phase of Culture Change
Mary Tess Crotty & Sulaimen Sangarie
Thursday, August 3
1:15pm-2:45pm

Once you know you want to begin the revolutionary work of culture change, where do you start? This session will provide a framework for how to begin wherever you are, and will offer examples from the “getting started” experience of a multi-site company. Discussion will include: How to link culture change to quality improvement and survey performance, and how to create engagement and participation from the very start. Guides will involve audience in a discussion of lessons learned in order to minimize resistance and maximize positive impact.

Sometimes Ya Gotta Laugh
Karen Stobbe
Thursday, August 3
3:15pm-4:45pm

This unique session will feature various dramatic vignettes that highlight lessons from stories of cultural transformation through offbeat humor and poignant observance. It will include a scene in a double monologue style speaking from the view of a family member and a CNA in a long-term care setting, both telling about a typical day and how they find their laughter. Another scene will feature a doctor and a nurse trying to help a resident who has lost his sense of humor. Another will portray a woman with signs/labels placed on her as we see how these labels affect her body and spirit. And lastly, you will meet Henry & Betsy, an older couple driving home from meeting two friends who through a simple scene show the joy and laughter of being older.

Healing Begins Where Wellbeing Exists
Marco Kowalksi
Friday, August 4
8:00am-9:30am

Marco is back! Marco has been a popular guide at Pioneer events, helping us heal ourselves so that we can be in healing relationships with others. In this session you will learn techniques that will regenerate the body, enliven the mind, and lighten the heart. Being a pioneer for long-term care requires an enormous amount of courage, strength and flexibility – courage to continue to break new ground, strength and flexibility to persevere through the many twists, turns and challenges life creates. Fitness of the body creates fitness of the mind. This coupled with an appreciation for the beauty and miracle of life unifies the body, mind, and heart. When we keep all three tuned up and aligned we experience freedom from stress, joy, and power in our lives.

Lighten up! A Stress Recess
Mary Pebley
Friday, August 4
11:00am-12:30pm

We hold this truth to be self-evident; we cannot take care of others if we do not take care of ourselves. Caring for elders can be stressful. Constant stress causes osteoporosis of the funny bone and constipation of the personality. You need a stress recess! Get some playful practice as you learn how to use playfulness and humor to beat burnout and manage the stress in your organization and in your life.