The Texas Long Term Care Institute, funded by the Texas State Legislature since September, 1993  operates with a mission “to provide research, service, and consultation and training to improve the quality of long term health care in Texas.”  Innovative research, model demonstration projects, scholarships, and outstanding educational offerings to practitioners have become its hallmarks.

The Institute has gained recognition as a national leader in the long term care culture change movement.  A glance at the list of completed and current projects provides an overview of the depth and variety of projects funded, supported, and managed over the past decade.  Notable among the projects are:

• Development of Validation Training Curriculum, authored by internationally known Naomi File
• Longitudinal study on The Eden Alternative® (remains the only multi-facility study regarding implementation of the Eden Alternative®)
• Development of the Alzheimer’s Diseases Education Program
• Publication of "Practitioner’s Guide to Culturally Sensitive Practice for Death and Dying"
• Ongoing analyses of Warmth Surveys from organizations throughout the US, Canada, and Australia
• Ongoing support of Safe at Home and Mutual Adoption Pact
• Current project studying the effects of using essential oils in nursing homes
  

Acknowledgement of the Institute’s work has led to:

• Training hundreds of people in Australia and the United States
• Invited testimony on several occasions to the Texas State Legislature
• Service by the Director with an Aged Care Delegation to Cuba
• Testimony to the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging
• Presentations at the U.S. Geriatric and Long Term Care Congress
• Service on Culture Change Survey Development Committee (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services)
• Many publications and presentations at national, state, and regional venues over the past 12 years.