THE CEDARS LEARNING COMMUNITY™:
A Catalyst for Change
The Cedars has a long history of forging partnerships with the goals of educating the caregivers of tomorrow and aligning ourselves with like-minded innovators in programs and approaches to care. Maine is facing a growing proportion of older adults and a shrinking workforce. By 2020, Maine will be the second oldest state in our nation, 25% percent of Mainers will have cognitive difficulties, and 34% will require assisted living. Approximately 80 percent of older Americans are living with at least one chronic condition. Many of the elderly who require long-term nursing care have multiple medical conditions and have functional limitations. To meet these challenges, The Cedars has developed the Learning Community. Our four-pronged approach will address:
- Education
- Workforce Development
- Research and Product Development
- Advocacy
Effective Partnerships Drive Innovation
We are currently collaborating with over 35 organizations who approach education, research, workforce development or advocacy with the same vigor as we do, including:
- The University of Maine system
- University of Maine Center on Aging
- University of Southern Maine
- The Muskie School of Public Service
- University of New England
- Southern Maine Community College
- Joseph’s College
- Maine College of Art
- Maine Medical Center
- Mercy Hospital
- Maine Partnership to Improve Dementia Care
- Southern Maine Agency on Aging