Definition of Culture Change
"Culture change" is the common name given to the national movement for
the transformation of older adult services, based on person-directed
values and practices where the voices of elders and those working with
them are considered and respected. Core person-directed values are
choice, dignity, respect, self-determination and purposeful living.
Culture change transformation supports the creation of both long and
short-term living environments as well as community-based settings where
both older adults and their caregivers are able to express choice and
practice self-determination in meaningful ways at every level of daily
life.
Culture change transformation may require changes in organization
practices, physical environments, relationships at all levels and
workforce models - leading to better outcomes for consumers and direct
care workers without inflicting detrimental costs on providers.