Pioneer Network began 23 years ago when a group of committed, innovative and creative disruptors got together and began spreading the word that the world of aging, care and support needs to be focused on people and not the institution. They decided on the name Pioneer Network so all people and organizations of the same like-mind could be involved, disseminate best practices, share information and have a place to go when they needed resources and assistance.
During this challenging time we are facing with COVID-19, we are committed to continuing the work of our founders, being a resource as you navigate this changing world. To that end, we have been gathering resources from our fellow Pioneers on different ways to engage and connect residents and elders with their family, friends and communities. We empathize and want to support all the amazing team members working in care communities right now, so we are sharing everything we have received from our network. We know there is more happening so please keep adding. If you’re doing something you want included, please contact us and we’ll add it to the page.
This is the time for us come together, as people, as organizations and most of all as a community. Thanks to all of you for the work you’re doing every day, for the care and support you’re providing to residents and elders and for your kindness, compassion and love.
Do you have great idea for how to support quality of life for the residents and staff in your community during these challenging times, we invite you to share these ideas with us – helping us to share with others. (e.g., Do you have a good process for keeping families and residents connected?)
A coalition of Ohio music therapists and other creative arts therapists, led by Erin Spring, Executive Director of Central Ohio Music Therapy, LLC (a seasoned Pioneer Network conference presenter) has done the impossible in response to the sudden and significant isolation our most vulnerable citizens are experiencing due to the COVID-19 outbreak– they have just launched, Ohio Creative Arts Telehealth (OCAT) and are ready to provide services both here in Ohio and, when possible, in other regions of the country.
Through a broad network of certified and licensed art and music creative arts therapists, OCAT is now providing telehealth services through an easy to use, HIPAA/HITECH compliant platform for registering, training, requesting services, conducting telehealth services, documenting sessions and paying and/or applying for support funding. Their mission is to bring safe and effective interaction and stimulation through research-supported creative arts therapies to Ohio’s most vulnerable and isolated citizens. Even if you are outside of Ohio you can join us in bringing creative arts therapies to those most in need during the COVID-19 outbreak. Please spread the word about OCAT and visit us at ocatservices.org or follow us on Facebook.
Thank you, Bonnie and Erin!
Makes me very proud to have started my career as a Music Therapist. Thank you Erin and all those who put this together.