From 1999 – 2001, the New York City Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association participated in a grant from the New York State Department of Health to determine if an indigenous in-house catalyst to culture change could be identified in a nursing home facility, whether this individual could be trained in the precepts of a new culture of change and whether this individual could be prepared to produce a series of innovative dementia programs at his or her facility.

Further the study wanted to develop a profile of the individual who steps forward as a catalyst for culture change in the nursing home.

Culture change programs were introduced in four New York City area facilities: Dumont Masonic Home, St. Patrick's Nursing Home, Augustana Lutheran Home and Cabrini Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

The co-principal investigators were: Lorrie Fetonti, Dumont Masonic Home, William Senders, New York City Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, Judah Ronch, Ph.D., Principal Researcher and Pat Tomasso, Ph.D., Training Consultant.

The study objectives were accomplished. In each of the four facilities, culture change catalysts were identified and trained. In conjunction with their staff, catalysts for change in three of the four facilities prepared and established dementia group programs that resulted in a demonstrable improvement in the quality of participating residents' lives. In the fourth facility, a dementia group program was created with less than optimum results. This program contributed important insights into the catalyst for culture change's role in producing a successful dementia group program. In addition, the study sharpened our understanding of the personality traits that characterize the catalyst for change.

For the complete text of the results of the study, please click on the article below.

Leading the Way to Culture Change

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