Awakenings, Ecumen’s initiative to reduce or eliminate the use of unnecessary anti-psychotic medications among our nursing home residents, is getting a lot of attention. This week, Ecumen convened a panel of our experts and partners in this innovative program at a Mill City Commons community gathering. Mill City Commons residents had plenty of questions for our Awakenings experts, perhaps because they are active, independent, and engaged — and want to remain that way.

Unnecessary use of anti-psychotic medications may be one of the most overlooked practices in nursing homes. Ecumen is working to change that at our 16 care centers across Minnesota. It’s a Vision Thing. Without the Vision to make life better for our residents, we couldn’t achieve the culture change that Awakenings is generating. Residents are literally Waking Up. You can listen to our story on Minnesota Public Radio, and read more about Awakenings at our Duluth care center, Ecumen Bayshore. We are working hard through innovations like Awakenings to honor and empower the people we serve.