About Us

History of M.O.V.E. in Oregon

Early in the 21st century, a small group of nurses, gerontologists, and others involved in long-term care began talking about the need to adopt the principles of culture change championed by the Pioneer Network. Inspired by Oregon’s history of partnerships, including those developed through the Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence Best Practices Initiative, the Better Jobs Better Care Demonstration Project, the Leading Edge, and many others, the group decided to pursue expanding and formalizing the coalition.

In April 2005, 40 people representing providers, educators, advocates, consultants, state agencies, and many other constituencies met to explore developing a culture change coalition. The response was enthusiastic and lead to a strategic planning meeting that June, where an even larger group began development of vision and mission statements and identified short and long-term goals. Both of these meetings were skillfully led by Charla Hayden, an organizational development specialist. “Making Oregon Vital for Elders” (M.O.V.E.) was suggested for the coalition name and adopted later that year.

The Pioneer Network held one of four regional Institutes in Oregon during the summer of 2005 and M.O.V.E was a strong presence. We were on the way! The Pioneer Institute also inspired development of teams comprised of nursing homes and state surveyors dedicated to culture change. Using civil penalty funds, these organizations developed a range of culture change activities, including changing dining services, and bathing practices. In 2008, another six culture change partnerships were formed between nursing facilities and state surveyors. M.O.V.E. members are involved in many other culture change activities as well.

M.O.V.E. is committed to supporting culture change in all long-term care settings. Since 2005, M.O.V.E has sponsored a series of quarterly education meetings addressing a wide range of topics, often featuring nationally recognized leaders. Resource materials to assist organizations in their culture change journey have been shared and new resources developed. In 2007, M.O.V.E. received a grant from the Northwest Health Foundation to disseminate information featured at M.O.V.E. meetings. The result in 2008 and 2009 was a DVD highlighting why and how four Oregon facilities changed dining practices, a CD on best practices for reducing absenteeism, and development of the M.O.V.E. website.