Sonja+Wood+-+Opportunity+for+Change

= Sonja Wood = = Opportunity for Change Summary =

= Managing Technology for Change = = Melissa Anderson = = Online Master in Educational Technology = = Pepperdine University =

= EDC 668 =

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Often people who require assisted living must move to an assisted living/nursing home facility and leave their family, loved ones and familiar environment behind. Studies show that separation from family, support groups and familiar surroundings have a negative impact on the health of seniors, the infirmed and the family at large. (Smith, 1998) The holistic residential community would provide both assisted living and skilled nursing care.=====

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Studies show that moving is a stress factor that exacerbates health deterioration in the elderly (Choi, 1996) Providing families the option of living in a transitional residential community where assisted living can be provided if and when needed, helps eliminate worry, as well as the stress caused by moving to access assisted living/nursing home services.=====

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There is a beneficial correlation between social relationships and family interaction. Mental and emotional health can benefit from social and family relationships. (Franks, Campbell & Shields, 1992) According to House, Landis and Umberson (1988), those in social isolation or those with poor quality social relations have an increased risk of death. Family members that have a desire to live near each other are more like to have good quality social relationships. These good quality relationships enhance the sense of well being and help foster better health. Smith’s, (1998) studies support the idea that familial separation is not a beneficial occurrence.=====

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Start a Learning Community to collaboratively investigate and share knowledge about how to establish a more holistic residential community for families with members who need assisted living or skilled nursing care. As a learning community we will conduct shared investigation and learning about what is required to establish residential a community that incorporates assisted living/nursing home care without having to separate family members. This more holistic residential community will provide the opportunity for whole families to relocate, if desired, with family and loved ones that need assisted living/nursing home care.=====

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In 1956 when Vernon L Smith decided to use a classroom experiment his approach was deemed radical. However, Smith’s data pointed out that people may be "naive and or unsophisticated but together people have and uncanny ability to coordinate complex, beneficial projects fast." (Surowiecki, p 107)=====