It’s a real pleasure to salute this week the dedicated work of Gloucester County native Carter Catlett Williams, who has worked tirelessly for "culture change" in nursing homes through the Pioneer Network (www.pioneernetwork.net).

What is culture change? The network describes the concept as "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."

The trend has caught on nationally and is being seen locally, where convalescent centers—the current usual term for nursing homes—have steadily created brighter and more inclusive atmospheres for their residents. These places are a far cry from their counterparts of 50 years ago.

Sanders Retirement Community is taking the concept to the next level in its pr...