The catastrophe of COVID-19 deaths of long-term care residents has made clear what many of us have long known: The whole system is broken. Piecemeal fixes added on to a dysfunctional system have not worked in the past and they are less likely to solve the problems of a post COVID-19 future. The long-term care universe needs to be reimagined and rebuilt from top to bottom and from inside out.

Pioneer Network, our Council of Elders, and Live Oak Institute have organized the Live Oak Project as an unprecedented, multi-level initiative to transform the long-term care system–from what happens in the halls of Washington to what happens in each person’s room.

In a few years, the first of the post-World War 2 generation will turn 80.  It is our intent to build on the energy and clout generated by the demands of this booming population of elders to finally fuel the profound, multi-dimensional change for the entire long-term care delivery system.

The culture change advocates and innovators who make up the Live Oak Project, in collaboration with Pioneer Network, are working “to re-imagine, redesign, and transform long-term services and supports in America so each person can thrive.”  They have issued a Call to Action which has been shared with legislators, and signed by 122 advocates.

For a copy of the Call to Action and to find out how you can get involved, send an email to info@pioneernetwork.net