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Parker Jewish Institute is among the vanguard of nursing homes that are embracing the philosophy and values of "culture change". Consistent with the Institute's history as an innovator and its commitment to facilitate the lifestyle desired by today's seniors, culture change seeks to transform traditional medical-model nursing homes into places that reflect the security, comfort and pleasures of home. This initiative places Parker at the forefront of a movement that envisions long term care environments in which older adults not only survive, but thrive. Michael N. Rosenblut, President and CEO of Parker, explained: "The traditional nursing home "culture", or way of living, is antithetic to the way that older adults function in today's communities. Despite the best of intentions, for example, traditional nursing home environments accord residents very little control over their lives. This tends to undermine quality of life. Culture change also implies staff empowerment with greater input into methods of care. Creating a person-centered culture is a long term transformation that requires carefully considered fundamental changes in values, structures and practices." The Institute has already made some important strides, and among them is the introduction of buffet dining. Including recreational therapy and social work staff, residents held community meetings to decide who they would like to dine with, where, and what they would like to call their new dining area. The results were the "Bistro Café" and "Parker on the Green", new restaurant style dining areas where those who require similar levels of assistance are able to dine together and select entrees and side dishes based on their preference --at meal time. This custom tailored buffet dining reflects the home away from home environment that is one of the core differences between an institution-centered and a person-centered culture. It allows patients and residents to make on the spot decisions, eliminating the typical institutional procedure of making menu selections well in advance of dining. Buffet dining fits the independent lifestyle preferred by today's seniors, and is one step in creating progressive culture change in long term care.