Our Purpose
The NJACC promotes Culture Change in care settings to improve the lives of individuals, their families and their caregivers. We uphold individualized care and services that reflect the choices and preferences of elders as opposed to care driven by institutional systems and routines. We also recognize the importance of warm and caring communities which offer opportunities for purpose and meaningful relationships.
The movement for person-centered care began more than 30 years ago. A number of long-term care communities in New Jersey, the United States, and around the world are actively engaged in changing their organizational cultures to reflect these values.
Much work remains to be done. The transformation from an institutional culture to person-centered care involves change on many levels: aligning federal and state policies and regulations; broadening the commitment of long-term care leaders and staff; and helping the public understand how person-centered care can dramatically improve quality of life and clinical care in residential and non-residential settings.
The NJACC plays a unique role in educating stakeholders about the importance of person-centered care and sharing information about how to implement these approaches. We seek to:
- Create a presence for Culture Change in New Jersey through mediums such as social media, our website, and an e-newsletter.
- The NJACC will focus on education for the masses.
- Host forums for stakeholders to share with each other, including best practices, success stories, and more.
- Connect with direct care workers and organizations that support them and honor their voices. We will work with established groups to determine their needs.
- Promote culture change theories and practices to the future leaders of long-term care, utilizing support networks, education, and more.
The NJACC is one of twenty-one state organizations affiliated with Pioneer Network, the national voice of culture change. We share its values and principles:
- Know each person
- Each person can and does make a difference
- Relationship is the fundamental building block of a transformed culture
- Respond to spirit, as well as mind and body
- Risk taking is a normal part of life
- Put person before task
- All elders are entitled to self-determination wherever they live
- Community is the antidote to institutionalization
- Do unto other as you would have them do unto you
- Promote the growth and development of all
- Shape and use the potential of the environment in all its aspects: physical, organizational, psycho/social/spiritual
- Practice self-examination, searching for new creativity and opportunities for doing better
- Recognize that culture change and transformation are not destinations but a journey; always a work in progress