Consumer Advocacy

By becoming involved in the culture change movement, we have an opportunity to make the world a better place for today's elders—and at the same time we can create a new way to age for ourselves.

When it comes to nursing home care, what we have seen for our parents and grandparents will be what is waiting for us, unless we begin to demand change now! Now that new ways are starting to be known, consumers have to demand it. We have to become involved in shaping our own futures.

We are aging from birth and we do not have to live in fear of old age. When we need long-term care – whether we are living in our own home, in assisted living or a nursing home - we all have an opportunity to grow and thrive, have meaningful relationships and direct our own lives. It is up to us to demand a new culture of aging that is life affirming, humane and meaningful.

Pioneer Network is committed to conducting an aggressive outreach campaign to create knowledgeable consumer promoters of culture change.  The first step in the campaign was to produce the video, "Advocating for a New Old Age: A Pioneer Network Call to Action."  The second step was to send e-mails, explaining the culture change movement with a link to the video (that can be viewed on this web site here), to more than one million AARP members. 

The video distribution and email blasts are setting the foundation for the real work to be done in communities and neighborhoods across the country. Pioneer Network is planning to partner with NCCNHR: The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care and other interested organizations and individuals to raise awareness among consumers (elders and their families) about person directed care and culture change and empower them to be leaders in affecting such change for themselves, their loved ones and their neighbors. 

Working together, consumers and professionals will change the culture of aging in America for ourselves, our children, our grandchildren and for future generations. If you are interested in becoming involved in this movement, sign up for our e-mail list. To share your story of Consumer Advocacy, submit a "Stories from the Field" form.