Coaching Supervision attendees participate in a communication exercise.
In this Issue
Inside Your Association -- Aging Services of Georgia
Business Connection
Updates from Our Associate Members
Center News
Organization/Board Development
News Throughout
the Continuum:
GIA Partners
Occupied
Renovations
Cornerstone
Senior Living
Moore Stephens Lovelace, P.A.
GIA Supporters
Ziegler Capital
Markets Group
Mauldin & Jenkins
LW Consulting, Inc.
Guest Services
Dixon Hughes
Pfizer
GIA Friends
The Law Offices of Williams & Edelstein
GIA Contributors
HVAC Services
Kings Bridge Retirement Center
Seth Strongin, CPA
Canterbury Court
Presbyterian Village
Presbyterian Homes of Georgia
THW Design
AAHSA
http://www.aahsa.org
Keep Up with the Quality First Program
Aging Services of Georgia is the statewide association of over 150 key not-for-profit and other mission-focused organizations dedicated to providing quality housing, health care, community-based and other related services for older Georgians. The mission of Aging Services of Georgia is to represent and promote the common interests of its members through leadership, advocacy, education and other services in order to enhance each member's ability to serve older Georgians
Inside Your Association -- Aging Services of Georgia
New Member
Sharing Love Adult Day Care
Leadership Roundtable Luncheon Thursday, June 11th
The Pathway to Greatness: Achieving Top Performance
This is a complimentary luncheon for CEOs, COOs, EDs, Administrators, and Board Leadership. Nancy E. Rehkamp, MPA, Principal, LarsonAllen LLP, Minneapolis recently spoke to the House of Delegates in DC and she beautifully articulated the big picture view of what is happening in our field. Please register soon – this is a great opportunity for your board leadership to hear from a national speaker, connect with the association, and network with some colleagues in our field.
The Center for Positive Aging, the consumer arm of Aging Services of Georgia ready for take off this August!
Following two years of task group work, Aging Services of Georgia members voted unanimously at the 2008 annual business meeting for the Center for Positive Aging to become the consumer arm of the association. The bylaws and mission were expanded and a new board was established the first of this year. THIS SUMMER, YOU will receive an invitation to become one of the founding Quality Providers of the Center for Positive, the consumer arm of the association. In the spirit of building public trust – with a focus on Quality, your organization must agree that you meet the criteria before you are listed on the site.
THEN, we need your assistance identifying:
- Other Quality Providers to which you refer consumers when you can not meet their needs
- Quality businesses that provide products and services to seniors, and
- Congregations in your community that have an interest in supporting their seniors.
Suzanne Economopoulos and Mary Harris (our new AmeriCorp VISTA Volunteer) will be taking the lead on this project.
NEW Chaplains Forum
Please contact Susan Watkins at swatkins@agingservicesga.org with the name and contact information of your chaplain. We will set up a conference call in August for this group.
New Listserv offers Outlet for Pastoral Care Professionals
AAHSA recently developed a new listserv for chaplains and other pastoral care professionals. This listserv is designed as a forum where members can share ideas, ask questions and find resources to serve their organization's unique spiritual care and service needs. Join today. smashburn@aahsa.org AAHSA Contact: Linda Bloxham lbloxham@aahsa.org, (916) 424-8721.
FREE Webinars Provide Information to Members Statewide
We have launched a new webinar series to provide information to members throughout the state. Watch for details to register. If you miss the live event, you can still connect to the webinar via the FOR MEMBERS section of the web site. Two webinars already posted for you are Bus Compliance and Safety ... nuts and bolts with Michael Nischan of the McCart Group and Financial Statements 101 with John Murphy from Cornerstone Senior Living.
Grant Provides Exceptional Training for Supervisors throughout Georgia
The Georgia Institute offers numerous educational opportunities to our members at reduced rates. The two day Coaching Supervisors course is an outstanding example of what we have been able to make available to members at a minimal expense. The information and experience offered will strengthen the team of any community that participates and change the way we look at working and living. The Institute strives to offer innovative approaches and current applications to education in the field of Heath care for Seniors. I encourage our members to make a point of finding the time to send one or more of their team to attend Coaching Supervision: Exceptional Skills for Supervisors in Aging Services.
The next training in metro Atlanta is August 20-21. For members in south and coastal Georgia, attend the training in Macon on September 24-25. Click here for more.
Antoinette Sturm, Chair, Georgia Institute on Aging
General Notes of Interest
Why Do Seniors Enter Independent Living Communities?
The American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) just released the Independent Living Report, which examines key factors that "push" seniors from where they were living and "pull" them to a particular independent living community. The report provides information about individuals who recently moved to an independent living community, including assisted living and continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), and compares and contrasts the residents of the various community types. It is available to AAHSA members at a nominal fee. Click here for more.
No Social Security COLA Predicted for 2010
In a report issued May 12, the Social Security Board of Trustees estimated that no cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) would be made in Social Security benefits in 2010 because the economic downturn held down price increases in the nation's economy. COLA is figured according to a statutory formula based on the increase in the consumer price index. If no COLA is paid, it will be the first year since 1975 that no inflation adjustment has been made in benefits. View the report.
(Barbara Gay, AAHSA (202) 508-9489)
5 Next-Generation Retirement Communities
Many members of the baby boom generation—who are quite unique in many respects—may not opt for the traditional retirement community. In the May 7, 2009 issue of U.S. News and World Report, reporter Emily Brandon writes of her conversation with Andrew Carle, director of the assisted living/senior housing administration program at George Mason University on the future trends of retirement communities. full article
Retirement Community Adapts IPod Technology for Older Residents
An easy to use, high-tech kiosk at Vinson Hall Retirement Community in McLean, Va., allows residents to download music, news and audio entertainment from a menu tailored to their interests. Residents plug their small MP3 players into the kiosk and
choose their selections on a large, high-contrast touch-screen. No log-in or passwords are
required. The system costs $15 to $20 per bed per month. Read more.
Co-housing Alternative for Seniors
This article in USA Today explores a new concept in retirement housing in the United States called co-housing.
Home Oxygen Legislation Introduced
On May 12, 2009, Reps. Tom Price (R-GA) and Heath Shuler (D-NC) introduced Home Oxygen Patient Protection (HOPP) Act of 2009 (H.R. 2373), which would repeal the 36-month rental cap on home oxygen therapy enacted by the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005. The HOPP Act would restore payments for the period of medical need.
Prior to the DRA of 2005, Medicare paid for home oxygen therapy through a bundled rental and service payment that included the cost of equipment, services, repairs, and supplies as long as the therapy was medically necessary. A provision in the DRA limited rental payments for home oxygen therapy to 36 months of continuous use. After the 36th month, Congress instructed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish adequate payments for the continued care of home oxygen patients.
“The 36-month cap seriously jeopardizes the quality of care that oxygen patients receive by cutting Medicare funding to oxygen providers after the initial three-year coverage period,” Price said. “Oxygen is essentially a prescription drug and should be administered by a trained professional, but [providers] have little incentive to do so, though they’re still required to, since there is no funding in place after 36 months.” The full text of the HOPP Act is available at thomas.loc.gov.
HIT Opportunities for States
AAHSA and its Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) worked to ensure that long-term care services and aging services and support were included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. One of the victories for long-term care and aging services providers was the inclusion of Health Information Technology (HIT) provisions. full article
A "Light Bulb" Moment for People with Dementia
Change the lighting; improve your health. It's a strategy researchers from Case Western Reserve University's Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing and the School of Medicine, the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center (GRECC), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Lighting Research Center and GE Consumer& Industrial have begun to test in a long-term care facility where daylight, which has proven health benefits, is not readily available. full article
CDC’s Healthy Aging Program At-A-Glance 2009
The CDC Healthy Aging Program has released its annual “At-A-Glance” document entitled HEALTHY AGING:Improving and Extending Quality of Life Among Older Americans. This document addresses critical opportunities to improve older adults’ health and quality of life, as well as what CDC is doing to promote healthy aging. A few CDC-funded programs are also highlighted. Learn more
Public Policy Update
Summer Research on Pending Issues Begins
As reported last month, the 2009 General Assembly was absorbed with reconciling the state budget with the loss of revenues attributable to the current recession. Both the current budget and the FY ’10 (beginning on July 1, 2009) were somewhat “saved” by the inclusion of federal stimulus funds ($1.7 billion in ’10). Much of this amount went to cover deficits in the Medicaid budget. Future state budgets will be required to replace federal stimulus funds; otherwise more reductions in services will ensue.
Since the session concluded, financial pressure on the state has increased with the news that revenue collections for April were 25% less than those of a year ago. As a result, it is rumored that Governor Perdue may call a special session to deal with the budget further. Such a session would likely be in late August or early September. It is also possible that the governor is still interested in the tax he had originally proposed (but the General Assembly rejected) for imposition on HMOs and hospitals in the FY ’10 budget. Hospitals would have been assessed a 10% fee which would be used to support the Medicaid program.
Since the two months following General assembly sessions is traditionally slow, Aging Services has taken that time to hold a Public Policy committee meeting to plan for the coming months (details below). In addition, Walter Coffey and Tom Bauer met with Mary Eleanor Wickersham, the governor’ health policy advisor, for the purpose of briefing her on CCRCs in general; HB 843, Aging Services’ CCRC legislation; and other issues dealing with seniors. The Aging Services CCRC task force will be working this summer to fine tune the legislation with an eye toward finalizing it at its October 1 CCRC forum.
May 26th Public Policy Committee Meeting
At the Public Policy Committee meeting May 26th the following items were reviewed:
- 2009 General Assembly Review
- Change in Departments at the state level
- 2010 General Assembly Preparation
- CCRC Reform: House Bill 843
- Assisted Living legislation: House Bill 850
- Med Tech in Assisted Living
- The Alzheimer’s Disclosure Form
- Adult Day Center Licensure
- National Issues – through AAHSA
Highlights included: CCRC Reform legislation – Association members have been working for several years to reform the state statute for the licensure of CCRCs. We have invested in a national study, reviewed the statute in other states, talked with our sister associations, and participated in ongoing communication with Steve Maag, CCRC Policy Director at AAHSA. Major changes proposed by HB 843 include:
- Redefinition of the concept of “continuing care” to clarify the concept for consumers (prospective residents)
- Provision of a standardized contract format with increased information for the prospective resident
- Provision of additional information to prospective residents and residents, such as:
- Business background of the owner(s) and principal investors of the CCRC;
- Experience in providing senior services; and
- Criminal background
- Disclosure of the information “up front” (at or before the time of contracting), rather than just in the annual report;
- New provisions to ensure the financial viability (in lieu of posting of a bond in the minimum of $10,000) of the CCRC such as:
- “Escrow” accounts during the pre-sale and construction stage with requirements to be met prior to the owner of the CCRC using the funds for construction or operation of the facility; and
- Maintenance of operating reserves
- New provisions of potential enforcement for DOI, such as petitioning the superior court to liquidate and/or place a CCRC in receivership
CCRC members will meet August 5th to continue the dialogue on this legislation.
Assisted Living Legislation
On the last day of the session, ALFA (national) introduced legislation to reform assisted living law in Georgia (HB 850). The language is somewhat unclear and often confusing. We have been invited to meet with national ALFA policy staff and other stakeholders to gain a better understanding of their intent. Overall, it appears that assisted living providers would be given more leverage to allow resident’s to age in place. Even though the proposed legislation is unclear, it will definitely launch us into a new dialogue regarding assisted living in Georgia.
The policy committee discussed possible legislation regarding a pilot project using Med Techs in assisted living. Med Techs have been used successfully in Community Living Arrangement settings in Georgia. Likewise, several states have been successful in using Med Techs in assisted living settings. As we learned in the Assisted Living Symposium in April, The Center for Excellence in Assisted Living (www.theceal.org) is completing a study regarding this issue.
Alzheimer's Disclosure Form
We have started a dialogue regarding the Alzheimer’s Disclosure Form, which was the outcome of legislation in the 90s that requires providers to disclosure how they provide special care and services for residents with dementia. We would like to make sure that providers provide this form to consumers when consumers are searching for housing, so they will have clear information regarding services offered and if there are additional fees related to additional care and services. Likewise, especially in assisted living, we would like state surveyors to make sure providers have a policy to distribute to all consumers inquiring about the programs and services they offer for residents with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association and other advocate groups are interested in this issue as well. We will post the form and other information in the assisted living section of FOR MEMBERS by June 11th.
State Government
As changes are made this summer, we will be tracking to learn about staff changes as well. As a reminder, HB 228, the governor’s legislation to reorganize state government in the delivery of human services was approved by the 2009 General Assembly. The basics of HB 228 are:
- Retention of the Department of Community Health (including Medicaid) with the addition of the DHR Division of Public Health and Office of Regulatory Services;
- Creation of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DD), to include mental health, substance abuse, and DD; and
- Establishment of a Department of Human Services, to contain the remaining DHR services (Aging, Family and Children Services, and Child Support).
We will continue to keep the licensure of Adult Day Services on the table, waiting for the right time to continue moving forward with encouraging the adoption of the rules and regulations and the funding to implement the program.
There are many national issues that need the attention and support of members throughout the US. Please visit “Contact Congress” and take only a couple of minutes to respond regularly to requests from AAHSA. The main message: It is vital that long term services and support is included in national health care reform. It is all happening right now – so please pay attention to these issues.
Business Connection
Updates from our Associate Members
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
The Georgia Medical Directors Association (GMDA)
The Georgia Medical Care Foundation (GMCF)
The Georgia Health Care Association (GHCA)
The annual Medical Director Quality Award will be presented at the GMDA Summer 2009 Symposium, July 11 at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort. This Award will recognize a Medical Director who demonstrates knowledge, leadership, and involvement in his or her facilities’ educational and quality improvement initiatives.
Nominees will be reviewed by a committee composed of representatives of GMDA, the Nursing Home Quality Initiative of GMCF (the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for the state of Georgia), and GHCA. Nominees must be:
- A physician in good standing with the community and the profession
- A GMDA member in good standing
- A proven team leader
- A proven clinical leader
- An effective educator
- Involved in quality improvement activities that promote the national Nursing Home Quality Campaign. (note: this is not a Medical Director of the Year award)
The winner of the Medical Director Quality Award will receive a stipend award to attend the next GMDA meeting, and an honorary plaque.
The nomination deadline for the 2009 award is June 15, 2009. Please email, fax, or mail the nomination form to:
Nursing Home Quality Improvement Organization
Attn: Medical Director Quality Award
Georgia Medical Care Foundation
1455 Lincoln Parkway Suite 800
Atlanta, GA 30346
croper@gmcf.org
678-527-3030 fax
Questions? Call GMCF (Carolyn Roper) 678-527-3681 or GMDA (Perry Kemp) 770-974-3231
Pfizer Launches Free Medicines Program
for Newly Unemployed Americans
Employees Inspire Plan to Help People
Continue Pfizer Therapy During Unprecedented Economic Times
NEW YORK – May 14, 2009 – Pfizer Inc announced today that it will launch an innovative program to help eligible unemployed Americans and their families who have lost their health insurance maintain access to their Pfizer medicines for free. The inspiration for the new program, called MAINTAIN™ (Medicines Assistance for Those who Are in Need), was generated by Pfizer employees who were witnessing friends, family and neighbors struggle to make ends meet after losing their jobs.
full article
Safety Alerts
from the McCart Group
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc., announced a voluntary recall of Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
- Name of product: Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers
- Units: About 167,000
- Distributor: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc., of Mebane, NC
- Hazard: The pressurized cylinders in the recalled fire extinguishers could lose pressure and fail to operate. In the event of a fire, this failure could put consumers and property at risk.
- Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
- Description: This recall involves Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers with model numbers FX340SC, FX340H, FX340GW, XL5MR, FX210R, FX340SC-2, FX210W, XL2.5TCZ-4, E-340-3 and with manufacture dates between October 2007 and April 2008. “Kidde” and the model number can be found on the label on the front of the extinguisher.
- The manufacture year is on the bottom of the extinguisher. If your extinguisher is one of the listed model numbers and is marked with the year 2007 or 2008, contact Kidde to determine if you have a recalled extinguisher.
- Sold at: Department, home and hardware stores nationwide from October 2007 through April 2008 for about $35.
- Manufactured in: Mexico
- Remedy: Consumers should immediately inspect the pressure gauge. If it points to the red zone, contact Kidde to receive a free replacement extinguisher. If the gauge is not in the red zone, but you have questions about an extinguisher within the listed model numbers, contact Kidde for additional information
- Consumer Contact: Contact Kidde at (888) 345-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit http://www.kidde.com.
The Hazards of Driving in the Rain with Cruise Control Activated
If used properly, cruise control can provide benefits that will help you operate more efficiently and profitably. You can reduce fuel consumption, reduce maintenance costs, and comply with speed limits – and realize significant savings along the way. However, there are two traction-related hazards of driving in the rain. First, during the initial minutes after it begins raining, the oil, grease, and dirt on the road can create slippery conditions, so reducing speed during this time is important. Drivers who aren’t paying attention will forget that cruise control is maintaining a constant speed, and as a result, speed will not be reduced as needed, increasing your chances of losing control and getting into a crash. full article
Michael Nischan, CDS
Loss Control & Safety Consultant
NATMI Instructor
michael.nischan@mccart.com
678.475.5720 office
678.938.2012 cellular
678.475.3852 fax
Georgia Institute on Aging News
Who Decides?
2010 Annual Conference
SAVE THE DATES!-- March 22-24, 2010
Dolcé Resort & Conference Center
Peachtree City
Aging Services & YOU
(Information for YOUR continued Professional Development)
This tool is a follow-up to personal action plan distributed at the spring luncheon, “TRUST: The Thing that Changes Everything”.
Achieving Excellence through Action
By Tom Coffey, SPHR, CBM, CPLP
“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence.” -Vincent T. Lombardi
Following up on your “Action Plan” is one of the best ways to move toward “excellence” in your personal and/or professional development. Click here for an Action Plan Form. After you have identified no more than 2 action items, you need to establish a personal plan specifically for you.
Incorporate the following elements to keep yourself on track:
- Break the plan into smaller steps
- Determine what you will measure to determine your progress toward the goal; is it feedback from others, a checklist of accomplishments, behavior change, learning/applying new knowledge or skill?
- Determine how often will you monitor your progress; will you look at your progress daily, chart it weekly, use a graph? The key to success is to set up a regular interval and schedule it in your planner to insure consistency!
- Identify possible resources you will use as “subject matter experts” to guide your development in the expertise you are seeking; this can be written material, audio or video components, or people with specialized skills.
- Identify possible resources to assist you or help with accountability; consider a co-worker, manager, mentor, or friend.
- Use the established time you identified in your planner to monitor your progress, then modify your plan as needed to continue to improve in the identified area(s). You may find it helpful to revisit the items above to “fine tune” your plan
Book Your Summer Cruise Vacation
Book your summer cruise vacation on our website now and help raise funds for the Georgia Institute on Aging (click here for seasonal summer campaign detains or go to our website.
Last Month's Events
May 12
Activity Professionals Symposium
The NEW Activity Professionals Forum came together for a one-day Symposium. Nancy Kriseman, talked about why self care matters and explained the essence of being "Self-full." She presented ways to have successful with residents while working in groups, especially in challenging situations. During their networking luncheon, Tee Nearman shared with group how to market activity programs. Breakout sessions on photography, activity planning, and programming with residents who have dementia were all well received. The day was ended with highlights of ways to communicate effectively using active listening skills and becoming more aware of listening blocks.
Nancy Kriseman
Taking Care of Ourselves: Why Self Care Matters
How to Work with the More Challenging Residents.
Tee Nearman
Marketing Your Department, Yourself, and Programs to Your Residents
Jacque Thornton
Successful Activity Planning -- Shared Learning Panel
Melany Sattler
Activities with Residents who have Alzheimer's
Jolene Freeman
Photography Enhancements
Walter Coffey
Positive Communication
May 19
Spring Luncheon
The spring luncheon on TRUST: The thing that changes everything focused on Covey’s book, “The Speed of Trust”. Tom Coffey worked with Stan Elms and Tom Rockenbach as Tom TRUSTS Stan to direct him in placing his hand on a mouse trap.
Groups work at tables to discuss the 13 behaviors tied to TRUST. The top 4 listed by attendees as key to our field included:
- Practice Accountability
- Demonstrate Respect
- Listen and
- Keep Commitments.
May 27-28
Coaching Supervision: Skills of Supervisors in Aging Services
This first of several training was a huge success!
The next training in metro Atlanta is August 20-21. For members south and coastal Georgia, attend the training in Macon on September 24-25. Brochure & Registration
May 20
AgingServicesNEXT
The 3rd event of five was held in May. Sharon Allred worked with participants on their personal action plans and ways to successfully manage time. Kim McRae presented an overview of Culture Change where there was animated dialogue regarding life’s pleasures and the group caught a glimpse of how our residents/clients may see things (see photos with special "crazy" glasses).
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, June 9
Maintaining Your Life's Purpose with Richard Taylor
12:30 - 3:30
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
June 10, 2009 (Part I) SAVE THE DATE
June 17, 2009 (Part II) SAVE THE DATE
Creating Home Webinar Series
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently issued a new survey and certification letter that revises guidance to surveyors for several requirements related to quality of life and environment. As a result, surveys after June 17, 2009 will be conducted with a sharpened focus on elements of quality of life. These revisions were developed from last year's symposium on person-centered living environments, co-sponsored by CMS and Pioneer Network.
FREE Viewing at the association office June 10 and 17, noon to 1:30pm. Bring your lunch – we will provide drinks and desserts. Please register if you would like to attend. Flyer and Registration Form
Thursday, June 11
Leadership Roundtable Luncheon
The Pathway to Greatness: Achieving Top Performance
Nancy Rehkamp
Brochure and Registration Form
Wednesday, June 16
Georgia Institute on Aging Professional/Educational Development Committee Meeting
11:30 am - 2 pm
Aging Services of Georgia Offices
Wednesday, July 29 SAVE THE DATE
Fair Housing Symposium
Wednesday, August 5
10 am PR Marketing Communications Webinar
Wedneday, August 5
1:30 pm CCRC Policy Meeting
August 26-27 SAVE THE DATE
Annual Service Coordinator Conference
August 26-27 SAVE THE DATE
Nursing Leadership Conference
September 9 SAVE THE DATE
OSHA 10 Hour General Industry Standards Training
The McCart Group Offices
8:30 - 5:00
Registration Form and Brochure
September 16 SAVE THE DATE
Summer Luncheon and Professional Forums
Topic: Creativity on Demand (What's your organization's report card on innovation) presented by Harry Varis, KSU and Jim McDonald, KSU
September 21-25, 2009. SAVE THE DATE
Aging Services of Georgia will host the 2009 Fall Certified Aging Services Professional (CASP) Institute in Atlanta
This is the old RHP program – a national professional certification program for aging services. We will be working through the Georgia Institute on Aging and our Georgia-Based business members to provide scholarships for this training – watch for details!
We hope to have some scholarships to support the registration for this training. The registration form will be available later this month.
September 26 SAVE THE DATE
Las Vegas Night
Helene Mills Multi-purpose Senior Center
Prepare for a sensational networking event with your colleagues as we embark upon our first Las Vegas Night benefit fundraiser (all proceeds to fund the Georgia Institute on Aging educational events and scholarship program).
The center will be transformed with a chasing lighted archway for you, your friends and colleagues to come and play all the traditional games from your favorite Casino. All this is in an effort to make a difference for the Georgia Institute on Aging future programming. The prizes are going to be fantastic and we will host our Annual Silent Auction for all those that prefer watching the games being played. Tickets for the evening affair includes: chips to play games, tapas & spirits, and entry to the silent auction—all for only $25 per person.
This is a great way to treat your staff to a nice evening affair and to build your professional network. In addition, you will make a difference in the advancement of quality care for older Georgians by ensuring the delivery of quality education for professional and paraprofessionals in the field of aging. For information about tickets and sponsoring a game table for the event, please phone Jacque Thornton at 404-872-9191 ext. 19 or jthornton@agingservicesga.org.
Hope to see everyone there!!!
October 1 SAVE THE DATE
CCRC Symposium
October 1
Leadership Summit
Back by popular demand -- Clint Maun
October 15 SAVE THE DATE
2nd Annual Culture Change Summit
Center for Positive Aging
New Things are Happening
The Center will BLAST OFF this August. The web site (under construction) is. Please begin to visit and review the information. now available
The site is designed with 3 main focus areas for consumers.
- Where Do I Begin?
- Quick Search for Quality Providers
- Educational Information
Annual Golf Fundraiser
The annual golf fundraiser for the Center will be held Monday, October 12th at the Charles Yates Golf Course in East Lake (close to Decatur). We need your assistance if finding
- hole sponsors
- golfers, and
- non-golfers that will provide scholarships for seniors to play.
See the full brochure.
Culture Change Network of Georgia
Missouri promoting Culture Change in Adult Day settings
Culture change and person-centered care are concepts being implemented throughout the care continuum. Individuals working and living/participating in hospice, assisted living, independent living, adult day care and even home care can benefit from many of the transformational change ideas being taught across the country. This year’s culture change conference features many dynamic sessions.
Resources for the Survey Process Related to Person-Centered Care
The State Survey Agency for Rhode Island, a program in the Rhode Island Department of Health’s Office of Facilities Regulation, conducted an Individualized Care Pilot (ICP) as part of the standard federal and state recertification survey at 51 Rhode Island nursing homes between November 1, 2007 and April 30, 2008. This website presents the tools and educational products developed by the project, as well as resulting recommendations and dilemmas.
The Individualized Care Pilot project was developed with support from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and with funding in part from The Commonwealth Fund. HEALTH’s educational partner for the project was Quality Partners of Rhode Island. The purpose of the project was to “use the mandated regulatory process to motivate and enable all nursing homes to fully realize the potential for resident-centered care inherent in the Nursing Home Reform Law…(OBRA’87).” It sought to promote individualized, resident-centered quality of care and quality of life for nursing home residents. Click here for more.
Watch http://www.culturechangega.org for more information.
Organizational/
Board Development
Tools for Ethical Decision Making
The tools and guides below can help your organization examine its decision making processes.
Obedience to the Unenforceable
The Independent Sector produced this publication to provide nonprofits with some ethical guidance.
How Ethical Is Your Nonprofit Organization?
This Guidestar article discusses how to keep your organization ethical.
Ethical Guidelines for Board Members of Not-for-Profit Organizations
The Canadian Association offers information on ethics guidelines for boards.
News Throughout the Continuum
Affordable Housing
REAC Electrical Panel Inspections Update
The Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) has recently posted a comprehensive guide for inspectors. The 10-page document has full color photos and detailed scenario guidance for the inspection of various kinds of panels and situations. Many communities throughout the country have lost a number of points on their inspections due to the misinterpretation of inspectors. Many thanks to the AAHSA housing staff who played a significant role in the on-going dialogue regarding the inspection issues.
The guidance is posted here. It is for inspectors as well as owners/agents. There is also a REAC “inspector alert” posted on the same page, which explains the issues related to secured covered and “bare” wires. At this point, it is not expected that significant points lost on prior inspection will be restored, but AAHSA is hopeful that going forward there will be fewer significant and disputable hits and that the protocol has been effectively improved to ensure focus on real issues of safety.
HUD Implements Green Retrofit Program for Multifamily Housing
Owners of properties with Section 202 or 811 funding or project-based Section 8 (including Section 515/8 properties with at least 20 units) funding, can apply beginning June 15 for grants or loans to reduce utility consumption, benefit resident health, or benefit the environment. Click here for more information.
HUD SSN Resident Disclosure Requirement
On January 27, 2009, a Final Rule was published in the Federal Register, the effective date of which was subsequently delayed to September 30, 2009, made a revision to HUD’s regulations at 24 C.F.R. 5.216 covering the requirements for disclosure of social security numbers. The revision to the regulation requires disclosure of social security numbers by all individuals applying for or participating in HUD’s rental assistance programs. Once the Final Rule is in effect, applicants will be required to disclose and provide verification of the social security number for all members of their household before they can be admitted.
Current residents will be required to disclose and provide verification of social security numbers for all members of their household, where disclosure and verification has not occurred, at the time of their next interim or annual recertification. Owners and management agents are encouraged to begin and continue informing applicants and residents who have not disclosed their social security number, or the social security number of a child under the age of 6, or who have certified they do not have a social security number, of this upcoming revision to the regulations and their need to begin the process of obtaining a social security number.
In addition to the above, owners and management agents who have access to the Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) system should be verifying and correcting social security numbers for individuals listed on the Failed EIV. Pre-screening and the Failed Verification Report as having invalid social security numbers.
Multifamily Housing Forms Available in Many Languages
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has posted the following documents on FHEO’s Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
Assisted Living
See article under Public Policy
Home and Community Based Services
(Adult Day Services, Hospice, Home Health)
Grant Opportunity for Aging in Place Initiative
The goal of the Community Innovations for Aging In Place (CIAIP) grant project will be to build on the success of AoA funded Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities and Administration on Aging Livable Communities award winners, while integrating additional innovative models that support aging in place. To learn more about the grant click here.
Hospice Cap Changes On Deck
If you’re wondering whether you’ll have trouble with exceeding the per beneficiary cap this year, you shouldn’t have to wonder much longer. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued the 2009 cap amount early “to assist the hospice industry in planning and budgeting,” it says on its Web site. The cap amount is $23,014.50.
CMS also includes its methodology for the cap calculation “so that hospices can compute the amount themselves in the future if they so desire.” That calculation methodology could be changing, however. In its proposed rule in the April 24 Federal Register, CMS floats the idea of revamping how it determines the cap amount. “Until recently, hospices rarely exceeded the aggregate cap,” CMS notes in the rule. But now hospices have more patients with longer lengths of stay and exceed the cap more often.
CMS is considering changes to how it counts
the unduplicated census number for the cap and requiring hospices to calculate and report their own cap. Comments on the rule are due June 22.
The 2009 cap notice is online. CMS will issue the amount officially in its 2010 rate notice this summer, it says.
The proposed rule is available here.
Accrediting Body Adds To Its Unannounced Survey Exemption List
The Joint Commission has allowed for more exemptions to its unannounced survey policy and has extended the advance notice timeframe. Home care providers that qualify for an exemption will now receive seven days’ notice instead of five, says the accrediting body (formerly JCAHO).
The Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.-based organization has added “small, non-deemed health and hospice organizations, if not part of a hospital” and “small home care organizations that provide only one service” to its exemption list.“We found that unannounced surveys can disrupt the delivery of patient care in very small home care organizations,” Debra Zak, former executive director of the Commission’s Home Care Accreditation Program, says on the accrediting body’s Web site.
Nursing Care
CMS Responds to AAHSA on 5-Star System Concerns
On March 27, AAHSA sent a letter to CMS regarding the Nursing Home 5-Star Rating System. Thomas Hamilton from CMS has responded. Included are his response(s) to AAHSA’s recommendations for those changes needed in the short-term, as well as the goals and objectives we identified for four CMS/Stakeholder workgroups to address longer-term issues and modifications. Click here for more.
CMS Issues S&C Letter on One-Time Cash Benefit to NH Residents
CMS has issued a Survey & Certification Letter that clarifies the purpose of the one-time cash benefit of $250 provided by The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 [Recovery Act] to certain eligible individuals who receive a Social Security benefit, Railroad Retirement pension, Veterans Administration disability pension, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
This Letter clarifies
- The payments will begin in May of 2009 and be distributed by check or electronic transfer to eligible beneficiaries by June 4, 2009.
- Many nursing facility residents will be eligible for this cash benefit (although some who receive SSI benefits at a reduced rate may not be eligible).
- The cash benefit is for residents’ personal use; not to pay the facility for the cost of care.
- Residents will receive the benefit check in the same manner they receive their usual benefit checks, i.e., mail or direct deposit.
- Facilities that receive the benefit directly on behalf of a resident must set the money aside in the resident’s personal needs account.
- The benefit check is not considered income and will not be counted as a resource for ten months in calculating eligibility for benefits under any federal or state program with federal funding, e.g., Medicaid.
- Surveyors are instructed “…to be mindful of this benefit check payment…” and to investigate any complaints related to access or management, etc., in the same manner as other complaints regarding mismanagement / misappropriation of resident funds.
Decision by Nursing Home to Reject Union is Supported
In a controversial decision, Laurel Baye Healthcare of Lake Lanier in Buford, GA, refused to accept a union organizing effort in 2008. The union, which was organized through the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), was denied approval because they lacked a three-member board to make legitimate decisions.
In what is considered a stunning verdict, the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington agreed with the provider for not recognizing them as a legitimate union. In contract, two similar cases in the 1st and 7th circuits were ruled in favor of the NLRB. Industry insiders feel that the mixed verdicts could predestine all similar cases to the U.S. Supreme Court, tying up the legal system and clouding the definition of a legitimate union.
Source: (McKnight’s 5/3)
“LIFElines” email publication for Aging Services of Georgia Nursing
Home Members & Nursing Staff
Aging Services of Georgia healthcare/nursing home members remember to access the latest LIFElines publication. This publication is a partnership between Aging Services of Georgia and our Illinois Association (Life Services Network). LIFElines provides timely information regarding state and federal issues such as survey preparedness, risk management, immediate jeopardy, clinical issues, abuse investigation, recruitment and retention and a host of other vital information for Aging Services of Georgia nursing home members.
All Aging Services of Georgia nursing home members should now be automatically receiving LIFElines. Any other Aging Services of Georgia member is welcomed to receive this publication – just contact swatkins@agingservicesga.org.
Topics in the May21 Issue are:
- Pain Management Series Part I:
Revised Guidance to Surveyors: Pain Management
Topics in the May 6 Issue are:
- Risk: Probable, Possible, Unpredictable?
- Falls: Avoidable versus Unavoidable --
That is The Question!
(Part 2) - Surveyers ARE Citing F314 ...
CCRC
Fitch Ratings Teleconf Information: 2009 U.S. Continuing Care Retirement Community Outlook
The March 31 call was hosted by Jim Mitchell and Jim LeBuhn, both Senior Directors in Fitch's Public Finance Group. See the reports:
Fitch's rating definitions and the terms of use of such ratings are available on the agency's public site. Published ratings, criteria and methodologies are available from this site, at all times. Fitch's code of conduct, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, affiliate firewall, compliance and other relevant policies and procedures are also available from the 'Code of Conduct' section of this site.
AGING SERVICES VACANCY REPORT
Please assist your colleagues by sharing this information when you receive calls from consumers you cannot serve.
Facility |
Units |
Cost |
Type of Subsidy/Waiver |
Decatur Christian Towers |
5 - Efficiency |
$474 |
|
Lutheran Towers |
4 – Efficiency |
|
Sec. 8 |
Riverview Health & Rehab |
20- Nursing Care |
$150/day |
Medicaid, Medicare, VA |
The Zaban Tower |
5 – Efficiency |
$2100 |
HUD PRAC |
| Grosvenor Personal Care Home | 3 | $2000 |
Career Opportunities
Athens Community Council on Aging
Activity Coordinator for Adult Day Care Programs
Athens Community Council on Aging
King's Bridge Retirement Center
Alzheimer's Association, Dalton/Rome
Magnolia Manor, Buena Vista, GA
Peachtree Hills Place, Buckhead and Park Springs, Stone Mountain
CCRC Residency and Sales Counselor's
Riverview Health and Rehabilitation, Savannah
Brandon Wilde, Evans, GA
MobilexUSA
A.G. Rhodes Home
Director of Nursing
Admissions Manager
AAHSA Information
News from Melissa Sharp,
Vice President, Southeast Region, AAHSA
Please feel free to contact me with your questions or concerns at (202) 508-9456 or by e-mail at msharp@aahsa.org.
June 4 Call-In Day: 10,000 Callers (only include if newsletter goes by Thursday!)
You helped make over 7,000 calls during our last event. Now we need your assistance once again on June 4. Help us reach our goal of 10,000 calls to the U.S. Senate by organizing a Congressional Call-In Day event. Learn more.
Funds Available to Promote Aging in Place
5/28/2009 - Grants are now available from the Administration on Aging under the Community Innovations for Aging in Place program. Projects funded by the grants will develop and implement innovative, cost-effective, comprehensive and coordinated health and social services. More information.
AAHSA's 2008 Annual Report Goes Digital
Our 2008 Annual Report offers an interactive look at our association's work for you. You can hear interviews with your peers whose work embodies our mission, see photos from AAHSA events and conferences, and learn more about our programs and services -- all with the click of a mouse. More information.
AAHSA Member Benefit Spotlight: AAHSA’s New Consumer Research
Guess who’s coming to your organization? The aging baby boomers. How can you prepare to serve them? Find out in AAHSA’s new Consumer Research Digest. This resource, developed in part with AAHSA’s Consumer Cabinet, features summaries of research that highlights what our future consumers will want and need as they age. It paints a clear picture of future consumers as individuals, health care users and payers, family and community members and workers. Learn more.
Recognize Your Rising Nurse Leader
The Institute for the Future of Aging Services (IFAS) is pleased to announce a call for nominations for the 2009
Joan Anne McHugh Award for Leadership in Long-Term Care Nursing. This award recognizes nurses who provide excellent clinical care, while demonstrating leadership and a commitment to the field of long-term care
nursing. Nurses working for AAHSA member organizations and meeting other eligibility criteria may be nominated. The winner receives a $1,000 professional development award and national recognition at AAHSA's
2009 Annual Meeting in Chicago.
All entries must be postmarked by July 10, 2009. Download the Award Nomination Brochure for complete
details.