IGNITE Leadership Academy LeadingAge New York 2014-15 2014-15 | Page 4

Stacey Altman
Assistant Vice President
for Administration
Parker Jewish Institute for
Health Care and Rehabilitation

Dementia Unit Reimagined
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How would you describe your Action Learning Project and the difference you hope it will make
to advance your organization’s mission (or the field) and benefit the individuals you serve?

My Action Learning Project is designed to reimagine the Dementia Unit and program through physical changes to the space. The
residents who live on this unit will benefit by enhanced surroundings and more diversified areas on the unit.

2

How have the relationships you’ve developed as part of your project (with mentors, partners,
stakeholders, etc.) influenced this direction and you as a leader?

Change is difficult for any organization. What I have learned, is that the key to change is to surround yourself with people who
are knowledgeable. No one person can be “the expert” in every area, but together we can make a difference in the lives of the
residents we care for. Two key members of my team have been involved in nursing and therapeutic recreation. Using relationships
that have been formed over many years allows for a more open dialogue. These relationships allow each team member the ability
to express their true opinions without feeling threatened when their opinion differs from others. Many good ideas have come
from the team’s ability to disagree and then discuss. Another key element is to always involve the line staff. As management,
decisions can be made without a realization of the day-to-day impact they have. By involving members of the line staff, they
feel both empowered and valued. The perspective that is brought to the table by the staff that spends the most time with the
residents can be invaluable.

3

What have been important turning points for you, in your own learning, as you’ve engaged
with the action learning process (you might consider a surprise, insight, setback, or challenge?

Throughout the planning process, I have learned many things. I have found that when you find a team member that is passionate
about your cause, they can move mountains. It is important as a leader to know when to step back and allow someone else to
take the lead, enabling them to feel empowered to make decisions. This can be difficult at times, but will allow staff to feel valued
while helping to fuel their passion.

4

How do you hope your project might unfold in the months and years ahead and what impact
do you hope it will have on the field at large?

As the population continues to age and the over 90 populations grows, the prevalence of dementia will only increase. I hope that
Parker will be able to create an environment that provides not just the best care, but an environment that allows the residents
to flourish. Parker is undergoing a major renovation project, so changes to the unit will be made in stages. I envision the changes
starting off small, but having a major impact on the aesthetics of the unit by the time the renovation is complete.

5

How has the action learning process in the context of the Leadership Academy experience
contributed to your growth as a leader?

My Leadership Academy experience has allowed me to look at myself in a different way. I have learned to “pick my battles,” as
well as different strategies for dealing with the various personalities I encounter on a daily basis. I feel that I will be able to use
many of the strategies I have learned for years to come.

LeadingAge New York

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