LeadingAge Texas Connection https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&rss=SblGz690 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 08:40:42 GMT Thu, 21 Dec 2017 20:08:59 GMT Copyright © 2017 LeadingAge Texas LeadingAge Texas Connection for December 21, 2017 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=291766 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=291766

CONTENTS

Association News

Advocacy Update

Regulatory Affairs

Member Highlights

Events · Education

Group Purchasing

In the News

Career Center

• • • • • •
CONNECT

• • • • • •
DIAMOND
PARTNERS
— 'TIS THE SEASON —
2017 Holiday Message from George

A Time for Reflection

As another year draws to a close, most of you are in the midst of preparations for this festive season. This is a very special time of the year as it gives people a break from the hustle and bustle of our everyday work schedules, providing many of us with time to enjoy the company of family and friends that is all too often missed during the rest of the year. I urge each and every one of you to reflect on these special moments and savor the relationships you hold most dear. At that same time, while keeping with the spirit of this joyous season, it is equally important to consider those who are struggling with health and other issues and keep them in our thoughts and our prayers.

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— HAPPENING NOW —
LeadingAge Texas Awards

EXTENDED NOMINATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 3 leadingagetexas.org/awards

Has the hustle and bustle of this holiday season got your to-do list a bit backed up? Not to worry! You'll be relieved to hear that the 2018 LeadingAge Texas Awards nomination deadline has been extended to Wednesday, January 3!

This extension gives you a couple additional weeks to reflect upon all the successes and milestones within your organization—are you thankful for the people, the programs, the ideas, the facilities, and the organizations that made these successes possible? Tell us all about it by submitting nominations for our 2018 Awards!

Learn more and nominate for the following categories:

Individual:
• Award of Honor
• Dr. Herbert Shore Outstanding Mentor
• Excellence in Governance

 Organization/Group:
• Excellence in Not-For-Profit Leadership
• Innovation in Care & Services

 Nominate an Organization/Group or Individual:
• Diversity
• Excellence in Advocacy
• Excellence in Research & Education
• Public Trust

LEARN MORE + NOMINATE TODAY
— HARVEY RELIEF: APPLY BY DEC 27 —
Additional Disaster Relief Funds Available

LeadingAge's Disaster Relief Fund has additional relief aid available to members in need. If your community's staff, residents, and/or building(s) are in need of financial aid, please fill out this quick survey form by December 27 to apply for funding.

— SUPPORT CONTINUING EDUCATION —
EIA's New AmazonSmile Account

Have a bit of last-minute shopping to do this Holiday Season? We encourage you to help member employees advance their education. We have made it super-easy for you to support our Scholarship Fund through your normal, everyday purchases through Amazon!

TELL ME MORE

You must designate us as your preferred charity before the dollars will come to us.

  • Visit the AmazonSmile page and designate "Educational Institute On Aging" as your preferred charity.
  • Remember to go to smile.amazon.com each time you purchase through Amazon. We recommend you bookmark it so you don’t forget.

Still got a list to check off? Don't stress — there are 2 days left to receive free, two-day, shipping from Amazon!

Thank you for supporting our mission and helping someone advance their education this holiday season.

— CAN'T-MISS WEBINAR —
MAINTAINING OCCUPANCY &
CENSUS THROUGH DIGITAL MARKETING

JANUARY 17 • 12 - 1 pm

Gather your team & join in on this can't-miss webinar! Seniors and their family members have become digitally savvy, meaning organizations need to up their game when it comes to marketing in the social media sphere. This program is designed to help you get the most out of your digital investment so you can enhance your online presence and maintain your occupancy and census.

GATHER YOUR TEAM // NOT EXCLUSIVE TO MARKETERS
The registration rate is for per line/connection, meaning for the price of one registration you can gather your team together from your community/campus to join in on this training!

LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

February 21–23 | Horseshoe Bay

EARLY-BIRD RATES THRU JAN 27 | leadingagetexas.org/leadercon

🎁 GIFT LEADERCON REGISTRATION
TO (YOURSELF AND) YOUR TEAM 🎁
+
EARLY-BIRD RATES THRU JAN 27!
+
Member-Exclusive Group Rates:
teams of 5+ get a $30 discount each
+
Surprise your Sweetie with a relaxing getaway when you
extend your hotel stay at our discounted rate

The annual three-day leadership retreat is back & you won't want to miss this conference! Leadership Conference is...

  • an all-inclusive retreat tailored to current and rising aging services leaders
  • a three-day conference full of engaging sessions in a peer-centered environment
  • the ideal environment for you & your leadership team to relax, relate, and recharge
  • a chance to renew your sense of purpose & passion for the aging services field

Get ready to join LeadingAge Texas at the beautiful Horseshoe Bay Resort! With leadership coach & speaker Kristian Jaloway as this year’s conference facilitator focusing on Organizational Health, this unique, retreat-style conference will be the perfect combination of team building & education + a little relaxation thrown in for good measure.

VIEW THE FULL AGENDA + REGISTER TODAY

— Spring 2018 Networking Events —
Call for Proposals & Hosts

Presentation Proposal Deadline: January 26

We are currently seeking participants to be involved in the next round of Networking Meetings – Spring 2018!

— ATTENTION VENDORS & SPONSORS —
 Upcoming Deadlines - Don't Miss Out!

Make sure you're planning accordingly for
January 26 - a "Day of Deadlines" for
the Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO
SECURE YOUR ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE

Become a 2018 Annual Sponsor and enhance your exposure to over 200 LeadingAge Texas providers and beyond. Our Annual Sponsorship package puts all the LeadingAge Texas promotional opportunities in one place, allowing you to budget and customize your visibility for the entire year. The higher the value, the more visibility and prestige you will receive. Marketing your way to success has never been easier!

Customized Packages
Now, the fun part! After you've determined your budget, select your Annual Sponsorship level & design your customized marketing program by selecting specific events and activities from the sponsorship menu.

LEARN MORE + SECURE SPONSORSHIP TODAY

RESERVE YOUR BOOTH TODAY
Register by January 26 to SAVE $200

Make plans to join LeadingAge Texas in San Antonio at the 59th Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO! The Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO is our most attended event for the year and draws around 400 attendees representing our over 200 members from all over the state. This is a great opportunity to reach the leaders and decision makers of the Texas aging services industry.

WHY EXHIBIT?
Exposure! Prime contacts! Participation in this one event will give your company access to your target market and the visibility you need to stand out from the competition.

LEARN MORE + SECURE YOUR BOOTH TODAY
— FROM LEADINGAGE —
Top-notch Resources

NEW! LeadingAge Podcast - Aging Unmasked
leadingage.org/aging-unmasked-podcast 

First Episode
After a month and a half of development, LeadingAge is proud to debut a new Podcast series: Aging Unmasked, a show to normalize, humanize, and unmask taboos and aging.

For their first episode, they explore sex in aging. Guests include sex expert Dr. Ruth Westheimer, nursing home sex policy innovator Dr. Cheryl Phillips, and CEO of the Hebrew Home at Riverdale Dan Reingold.

Download the first episode wherever you get your podcasts:

Social Connectedness & Engagement Technology Selection Tool

Reduce Social Isolation in Your Community
Social isolation is consistently associated with depression and reduced well-being, health, and quality of life. It can increase the risk of death by as much as 45%. Unfortunately, social isolation is common, with rates as high as 43% in community-dwelling older adults.

Technology can help elders maintain and enhance relationships with peers, family, friends, and caregivers.

LeadingAge’s Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) has released a new Social Connectedness and Engagement Technology Selection Tool to help you plan for, select, and implement the best solution for your organization to address this challenge.
--
This tool is the latest in the series of LeadingAge CAST Technology Selection Tools - check out the full set of tools available!

Emergency Preparedness Regulation Dashboard

CMS issued the Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers Final Rule to establish consistent emergency preparedness requirements for healthcare providers participating in Medicare and Medicaid, increase patient safety during emergencies, and establish a more coordinated response to natural and human-caused disasters. It is critical for Home Health, Hospice, Skilled nursing Facilities and PACE organizations to develop effective and robust emergency plans and responses.

The final Emergency Preparedness Rule released by CMS published in the 9/16/16 Federal Register and effective 11/15/16 states nursing homes, home health, hospice, and PACE have until 11/15/17 to implement the new Emergency preparedness requirements.

LeadingAge has provided a helpful Dashboard with toolkits, resources, and guides.

ACCESS THE DASHBOARD

Rate Calculator: Home Health Medicare Rates for CY 2018

LeadingAge has updated the popular Home Health Agency (HHA) Medicare Rate Calculator to incorporate changes becoming effective Jan. 1, 2018. The calculator is based on the Home Health Final Rule released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
NOTE: You will need to sign into My.LeadingAge to access the file, which is a Microsoft Excel document.

Other Member-Exclusive Tools & Resources

Tools and resources are available for members only, including tools formerly available only on LeadingAge Insights, under the Member-Exclusive Tools & Resources on the LeadingAge website.

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Advocacy Update

— FROM THE DESK OF ALYSE MEYER —
Schedule a Legislative Visit to Your Community

Now is the time to reach out and invite legislators to visit your community and provide an update to your residents on the 85th session.To coordinate, please contact me at alyse@leadingagetexas.org or (512) 467-2242.

LeadingAge Texas Testifies at Texas House Committee on Human Services

George Linial Testifies on the Future of Aging Services in Texas

Click here to view Geroge Linial's testimony on the nursing facility survey process from Wednesday, December 13. The informational PowerPoint is available here.

— ATTENTION NURSING PROVIDERS —
5-Star Quality Reports: New Update

Community-Specific 5-Star Analysis Reports Available Upon Request

To request your community’s most recent 5-Star Analysis Reports email Alyse Meyer & click here to view the PowerPoint slides from an informational webinar.

Not yet using LeadingAge Quality Improvement Resources? Click here to learn more & get on board with interactive data tools to assist you analyze how your organization measures up to peers and how you can work to demonstrate value & improve your organization's performance.

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
Tax Legislation Enacted: LeadingAge Update on Tax Legislation, H.R. 1

Although LeadingAge remains concerned about the impact H.R. 1 will have on aging services resources in the coming years, your advocacy succeeded in preserving important tax provisions for older people and aging services providers.

On December 20, the House voted to pass H.R. 1. The measure is on its way to the White House for the President's signature.

The nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation projects a $1.4 trillion increase in the federal budget deficit resulting from H.R. 1 over the next decade. Even more generous estimates using so-called “dynamic scoring” still predict a ten-year budget deficit increase of over $1 trillion resulting from the legislation.

We already have heard members of the congressional leadership calling for deep cuts in aging services programs – Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, senior housing, nutrition assistance - which these legislators see as unaffordable in view of the budget deficit projections resulting from the tax legislation.

Nevertheless, the final version of H.R. 1 ameliorated some of the worst provisions of the original House legislation. These are provisions on which we, our members, residents and clients advocated heavily over the last two months, and the preservation of these tax provisions is a huge achievement for all of us:

  • Medical expense deduction - The final version of the tax bill not only preserves the deduction but also keeps the threshold for it at 7.5% of adjusted gross income for 2017 and 2018 before letting it rise to 10% in 2019.
  • Private activity bonds - The final version of the tax legislation continues the present tax exemption for interest income on these bonds. This is a major correction in the legislation for our members, who rely on private activity bonds extensively to finance new projects and improvements to existing properties. In addition, the 4% low-income housing tax credit can only be used on properties financed with private activity bonds; the loss of the tax exemption would have made this tax credit unavailable.continue reading

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Integrated Service Delivery: A LeadingAge Vision for America's Aging Population

Addressing the needs of a rapidly growing older population could be considered one of the major challenges facing the United States over the next few decades. Roughly 80% of these older Americans will live with multiple chronic conditions that require interaction with multiple health care providers. About 50% of the 65+ population will need help with many of life’s basic activities sometime during their lifetimes.

We envision a new system that will be far more efficient, and will take a far more comprehensive view of each older adult’s need for medical care, housing, social supports and financial security. Our members are well-positioned to play a central role in this new system.

Last week, LeadingAge announced a proposal for reforming the American health care system in a new report. Integrated Service Delivery: A LeadingAge Vision for America's Aging Population offers 2 recommendations for reform that focus on improving the aging experience in America for all.

READ THE REPORT NOW

Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults

We invite you to take just a few minutes to view the latest LeadingAge QuickCast: Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults. During this short educational video, Linda Couch, LeadingAge’s Vice President of Housing Policy, provides the latest on fiscal 2018 funding by both the House & Senate for housing assistance programs, their expansion of preservation tools for Section 202 communities, when we may see a final funding bill as well as the latest data on the housing needs of older adults.

VIEW THE VIDEO

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Regulatory Affairs

— RECENTLY PUBLISHED —
Communications & Resources
— ATTENTION NURSING FACILITIES —
Central Texas NFs Needed for Night Rest Sleep Study

The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing Center of Excellence in Long-Term Care is seeking nursing facilities in the Central Texas area to participate in an eight-week study of residents with dementia. The goal of the study is to determine if restless leg syndrome (RLS) could be the underlying cause of nighttime agitation that these residents may experience.

The benefits of participation include:

  • Reduce the use of antipsychotics and improve your residents’ quality of life and well-being.
  • Residents receive diagnosis of RLS, a treatable condition that causes discomfort using a new tool that is not currently available to doctors.
  • Residents receive a tailored treatment to reduce nighttime agitation behaviors developed by our multidisciplinary team of experts and shared with your facility and residents’ physicians.

LEARN MORE

Prepare for 2018 SNF Part B Payment Changes

Skilled nursing facilities will experience a change in Part B rates beginning in 2018. Click here to review a chart provided by BKD of the new rates (just select your location at the top of the chart) and read more about what to expect. Visit BKD's website for more insight regarding the Part B Payment Changes.

CMS Trainings & Resources via TMF
— ATTENTION ASSISTED LIVING PROVIDERS —
Helpful Directory Resource on Providing Medicaid Services
Interested in contracting with MCOs to provide Medicaid services? View HHS's helpful directory list featuring:
  • STAR+PLUS MCO Contacts
  • Information on how to enroll in Texas Medicaid for service through managed care
  • Information on contracting with HHS to provide Assisted Living Services
— UPCOMING GATHERINGS —
Upcoming Provider Meetings & Training

From CMS, DADS, & HHS

Online Resources/Calls:

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
Nursing Home RoP Tools & Resources
RoPs Phase 2 Tools and Resources

The final set of tools for Phase 2 have been updated for members on the LeadingAge Website. Login to the members section to gain access to QuickPath resources on:

  • Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
  • Staff Competency
  • Transfer, Notice, and Discharge
  • Medication Management
  • QAPI
  • Resident Rights

LEARN MORE

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 SPONSORED AD 

Around the Association

Buckner Retirement Services Promotes Susan Phelps to Executive Director of Parkway Place

Buckner Retirement Services is pleased to announce the promotion of Susan Phelps to executive director of Parkway Place, a faith-based senior living community in Houston. The announcement was made by Charlie Wilson, senior vice president of Buckner Retirement Services (BRS). Phelps started with the nonprofit in 2003, serving first at BRS sister community Calder Woods in Beaumont. After five years, she transferred to her hometown of Houston and began working at Parkway Place. Phelps held multiple positions at both communities, including activity assistant, business office manager and marketing director. Before her promotion, Phelps served as the director of administrative services. As executive director, she will oversee the daily operations and future direction of the senior living community.

“Susan is a dedicated Buckner team member with a passion for serving seniors, and we couldn’t think of a better person to lead our community in Houston,” said Wilson. “Her desire to enrich the lives of seniors is inspiring. She has worked in several positions at multiple communities and truly understands how to execute our mission. We know that with her leading the community, Parkway Place will continue to be the premier senior living community in the Houston area. We are thankful for her commitment, and we look forward to seeing her accomplish each goal she sets for herself, team members and residents.”

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Cafe Renovations Transition Cafeteria-Style Casual Dining Spaces into Bistros with Decorative Food Stations


Older casual dining spaces in senior communities often resemble a fusion of a school cafeteria and the game room of a 1950s nursing home. The days of this style of dining, with wicker chairs, floral upholstery and carpeted areas are fading away. Today’s seniors desire a bistro ambiance, with decorative chef stations, grab-and-go selections featuring wraps, salads and sandwiches, in addition to display cooking counters with freshly grilled menu items. Austin-based interior design firm studioSIX5 has been working with several older communities to give a facelift to tired looking casual dining spaces that need a fresh and brightened look. Leslie McVey Hicks, project design manager for studioSIX5, has been working on several casual dining renovations, and she has insight to share about timing, changing expectations of residents, as well as the latest trends in design for these spaces. She has successfully redesigned several cafés for Erickson Living, whose campuses are identical across the nation.

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eBook from mmLearn.org: Caregiver's Guide to Dementia - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Medication, & More

Free eBook for Caregivers

Dementia can add major challenges to everyday life, from memory loss to impaired motor skills. If your patient or loved one shows signs of dementia or has been diagnosed, understanding their condition can help.

In this free 16-page ebook based on a presentation by geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Jason Schillerstrom, you'll learn about:

  • Symptoms of dementia
  • The differences between Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, & Lewy body dementia
  • Medications used to treat dementia

DOWNLOAD THE EBOOK

What's Happening in Your Community?

Tell us what's going on in your community! From an event spotlight to a board appointment, share the triumphs of your organization with your fellow LeadingAge Texas members! Email amanda@leadingagetexas.org for consideration of a newsletter article.

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  Event & Education Calendar

January 10-11 Leadership Institute Class 4 | Austin
January 17
 REGISTER YOURSELF + YOUR TEAM
WEBINAR: Maintaining Occupancy & Census Through Digital Marketing
February 6 JOIN US IN AUSTIN - REGISTER TODAY
2018 Aging in Texas Summit | Austin
 February 8  Peer Group Meeting: Marketing | The Wesleyan at Estrella • Georgetown
February 21-23 REGISTER AT THE EARLY-BIRD RATE THRU JAN 27
2018 Leadership Conference | Horseshoe Bay
February 28
 Peer Group Meeting: Administrators | Blue Skies East • San Antonio
March 12-13 QAPI Certified Professional Program | MRC Crestview • Bryan
May 20-23

ATTENTION VENDORS!
REGISTER NOW TO EXHIBIT at the Solutions EXPO (May 21-22)

ATTENDEES, SAVE THE DATE!
2018 Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO | Grand Hyatt • San Antonio
July 17-19 SAVE THE DATE
Medicare University | Buckner Villas • Austin
October 16-18 SAVE THE DATE
RAC-CT® Certification Course | Blue Skies of Texas • San Antonio
SELF-PACED ONLINE COURSE
MANAGING THE MILLENNIAL MINDSET

www.leadingagetexas.org/millennialmindset
DISCOUNTED RATES FOR LEADINGAGE TEXAS MEMBERS

Having trouble retaining young workers? Do your managers struggle to understand Millennials? We've got the course for you!

TELL ME MORE!
LeadingAge Texas has partnered with Crescendo Strategies to bring this 90-minute, self-paced online course to our members! Renowned millennial workforce thought leader, Cara Silletto, MBA will show leaders a Millennial speaker’s first-hand stories about the real generational issues on the T.A.B.L.E. (technology, authority, balance, loyalty, entitlement).

IS THIS RELATED TO THE 2017 WORKFORCE SUMMIT?
The short answer is yes!

  • Missed our 2017 Workforce Summit?
    We missed you, but are happy to offer this great catch-up session!
  • Attended our 2017 Workforce Summit?
    What a great way to share key insights with your team!

HOW EXACTLY CAN MY TEAM & I USE THIS COURSE?
It's multi-purposed:

  • Consistent training across multiple locations
  • New supervisor & manager orientation
  • Prep for strategic planning or leadership retreats
  • Deep-dive diversity training beyond the basics

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT?
You've got it! 1.5 NAB-approved credits (via Crescendo)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
LEARN MORE + VIEW PRICING*
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

*DISCOUNTED RATES FOR LEADINGAGE TEXAS MEMBERS!

Order the course for you & your team today to learn critical insights about all of today’s workers in order to bridge the widening generational gaps and reduce unnecessary employee turnover costing your organization precious dollars!

Member-Hosted Events + Educational Opportunities

C. C. Young Announces January 2018 Community Events

Meet the Artist Reception: Abstract Artist Brett Dyer | Thursday, January 4 • 3:30 pm
Stop by The Point at C. C. Young to mix and mingle with abstract artist Brett Dyer. Brett’s exhibit, “Spiritual Vessels” will be on display in the Art Gallery at C. C. Young through January 26, so stop in to get your take on his and work and stay to meet the artist himself! The Art Gallery is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m

Ranking the Best & Worst Presidents | Thursday, January 11 & 18 • 3 - 4:30 pm
The University at C. C. Young presents Mike Noble, Professor of History at Eastfield College, “Ranking the Best & Worst Presidents.” There has never been a better time to get educated and also voice your opinion. Join us in The Point at C. C. Young as we take it back to school with Professor Noble and see what we can learn!
SEATING IS LIMITED | RSVP by calling C. C. Young at (214) 841-2831

Click here for the full list of events at C. C. Young in January 2018

James L. West Provides Free Training Resources for Healthcare Professionals & Family Caregivers

Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Partner Podcasts Series
This free podcast series is for Alzheimer's and dementia care partners. Each 20 minute podcast addresses important topics for providing the best care to those living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
LEARN MORE + ACCESS PODCASTS

Understanding Dementia and the Role of the Healthcare Professional
Interdisciplinary training video for healthcare professionals, including nursing, social work, counselors, facility-based staff, home health caregivers, primary care physician office staff and family care partners.
ACCESS VIDEOS

LeadingAge Workforce Innovators Podcast Series

Episode 3 Now Available
Listen to Episode 3 of the Leadingage Workforce Innovators Podcast today! From the comfort of your desk, you can listen to LeadingAge members talking about what’s worked in their communities. This is just one of the many Workforce tools LeadingAge has made available to members to solve pervasive recruitment & retention issues.
LEARN MORE

Outside Educational Opportunities

New Series: Transition to Practice for Nurses in the Nursing Facility Setting
FREE 3-day Training for RNs & LVNs | Various Dates/Locations (October thru March)
LEARN MORE + REGISTER

CMS Releases Training Videos
Free Long Term Care Survey Process training videos available
LEARN MORE +LAUNCH THE COURSE

Extended Educational Opportunities:

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  Group Purchasing Spotlight

Take
Advantage of
Savings on
GP PRO

 Check out the informational brochure for more details!

— STAFF DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING —
Healthcare Report & Toolkit

Earlier this year, Relias conducted a research study on how staff development and training programs impact business priorities and performance. They collected responses from nearly 6,000 professionals in the industry we serve. Click here to access the report, which provides you with an opportunity to benchmark your current practices, investments and beliefs against a national sample. Relias has also provided a toolkit that has both copy and graphics that you can use in emails, social media posts, and newsletters.

DOWNLOAD TOOLKIT

Kevin Simpson, Director of Business Development

  

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  Aging Services News

News from LeadingAge

Recent Publications from LeadingAge

Recent News Clips

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Career Center

LeadingAge Texas members receive a 25% discount
when posting a job with discount code LATX25
The discount code must be applied prior to completing the posting

Job Postings

Let the LeadingAge Texas Career Center help you make your next employment connection! Members who post jobs on the LeadingAge Texas Career Center will automatically receive postings of the position in the LeadingAge Texas Connection.

Click here for all current postings in Texas

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]]> Thu, 21 Dec 2017 21:08:59 GMT LeadingAge Texas Connection for December 14, 2017 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=291490 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=291490

CONTENTS

Association News

Advocacy Update

Regulatory Affairs

Member Highlights

Events · Education

Group Purchasing

In the News

Career Center

• • • • • •
CONNECT

• • • • • •
DIAMOND
PARTNERS
— TAKE ACTION NOW —
LAST CHANCE TO BE HEARD ON DANGEROUS TAX BILL

THE ISSUE

Call or email your lawmakers TODAY and urge them to oppose H.R. 1. Time is of the essence as negotiations have finished and they are going to be voting very soon on final passage. This legislation is bad for older adults and LeadingAge opposes the bill’s passage.

The tax changes would lead to huge deficits that could put programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid at risk.

HOW TO ACT NOW

• Call or email your lawmakers TODAY! All members of Congress need to hear from constituents on this critical issue.
• Share this information with the residents in your community and suggest that they call as well. The proposed changes will directly impact them.
• Forward this action alert to your network.

LEARN MORE & TAKE ACTION

— DON'T MISS OUT —
TOMORROW = ANNUAL AWARDS
NOMINATION DEADLINE

NOMINATE THRU TOMORROW | leadingagetexas.org/awards

In the spirit of gathering & giving this holiday season, we invite you to reflect upon all the successes & milestones within your organization—the people, the programs, the ideas, the facilities, & the organizations that made these successes possible—and tell us all about it by submitting nominations for our 2018 Awards!

We urge you to learn more about each category, then submit as many nominations as you see fit thru Friday, December 15.

LEARN MORE & NOMINATE TODAY

— CAN'T MISS WEBINAR —
MAINTAINING OCCUPANCY &
CENSUS THROUGH DIGITAL MARKETING

JANUARY 17 • 12 - 1 pm

Gather your team & join in on this can't-miss webinar! Seniors and their family members have become digitally savvy, meaning organizations need to up their game when it comes to marketing in the social media sphere. This program is designed to help you get the most out of your digital investment so you can enhance your online presence and maintain your occupancy and census.

GATHER YOUR TEAM // NOT EXCLUSIVE TO MARKETERS
The registration rate is for per line/connection, meaning for the price of one registration you can gather your team together from your community/campus to join in on this training!

LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

February 21–23 | Horseshoe Bay

EARLY-BIRD RATES THRU JAN 27 | leadingagetexas.org/leadercon

🎁 GIFT LEADERCON REGISTRATION
TO (YOURSELF AND) YOUR TEAM 🎁
+
EARLY-BIRD RATES THRU JAN 27!
+
Member-Exclusive Group Rates:
teams of 5+ get a $30 discount each
+
Surprise your Sweetie with a relaxing getaway when you
extend your hotel stay at our discounted rate

The annual three-day leadership retreat is back & you won't want to miss this conference! Leadership Conference is...

  • an all-inclusive retreat tailored to current and rising aging services leaders
  • a three-day conference full of engaging sessions in a peer-centered environment
  • the ideal environment for you & your leadership team to relax, relate, and recharge
  • a chance to renew your sense of purpose & passion for the aging services field

Get ready to join LeadingAge Texas at the beautiful Horseshoe Bay Resort! With leadership coach & speaker Kristian Jaloway as this year’s conference facilitator focusing on Organizational Health, this unique, retreat-style conference will be the perfect combination of team building & education + a little relaxation thrown in for good measure.

VIEW THE FULL AGENDA + REGISTER TODAY

— BUSINESS MEMBERS, DON'T MISS OUT! —

SECURE YOUR ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE

Become a 2018 Annual Sponsor and enhance your exposure to over 200 LeadingAge Texas providers and beyond. Our Annual Sponsorship package puts all the LeadingAge Texas promotional opportunities in one place, allowing you to budget and customize your visibility for the entire year. The higher the value, the more visibility and prestige you will receive. Marketing your way to success has never been easier!

Customized Packages
Now, the fun part! After you've determined your budget, select your Annual Sponsorship level & design your customized marketing program by selecting specific events and activities from the sponsorship menu.

LEARN MORE + SECURE SPONSORSHIP TODAY

RESERVE YOUR BOOTH TODAY

Make plans to join LeadingAge Texas in San Antonio at the 59th Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO! The Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO is our most attended event for the year and draws around 400 attendees representing our over 200 members from all over the state. This is a great opportunity to reach the leaders and decision makers of the Texas aging services industry.

WHY EXHIBIT?
Exposure! Prime contacts! Participation in this one event will give your company access to your target market and the visibility you need to stand out from the competition.

LEARN MORE + SECURE YOUR BOOTH TODAY
— FROM LEADINGAGE —
Top-notch Resources

NEW! LeadingAge Podcast - Aging Unmasked
leadingage.org/aging-unmasked-podcast 

First Episode
After a month and a half of development, LeadingAge is proud to debut a new Podcast series: Aging Unmasked, a show to normalize, humanize, and unmask taboos and aging.

For their first episode, they explore sex in aging. Guests include sex expert Dr. Ruth Westheimer, nursing home sex policy innovator Dr. Cheryl Phillips, and CEO of the Hebrew Home at Riverdale Dan Reingold.

Download the first episode wherever you get your podcasts:

Social Connectedness & Engagement Technology Selection Tool

Reduce Social Isolation in Your Community
Social isolation is consistently associated with depression and reduced well-being, health, and quality of life. It can increase the risk of death by as much as 45%. Unfortunately, social isolation is common, with rates as high as 43% in community-dwelling older adults.

Technology can help elders maintain and enhance relationships with peers, family, friends, and caregivers.

LeadingAge’s Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) has released a new Social Connectedness and Engagement Technology Selection Tool to help you plan for, select, and implement the best solution for your organization to address this challenge.
--
This tool is the latest in the series of LeadingAge CAST Technology Selection Tools - check out the full set of tools available!

Emergency Preparedness Regulation Dashboard

CMS issued the Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers Final Rule to establish consistent emergency preparedness requirements for healthcare providers participating in Medicare and Medicaid, increase patient safety during emergencies, and establish a more coordinated response to natural and human-caused disasters. It is critical for Home Health, Hospice, Skilled nursing Facilities and PACE organizations to develop effective and robust emergency plans and responses.

The final Emergency Preparedness Rule released by CMS published in the 9/16/16 Federal Register and effective 11/15/16 states nursing homes, home health, hospice, and PACE have until 11/15/17 to implement the new Emergency preparedness requirements.

LeadingAge has provided a helpful Dashboard with toolkits, resources, and guides.

ACCESS THE DASHBOARD

Rate Calculator: Home Health Medicare Rates for CY 2018

LeadingAge has updated the popular Home Health Agency (HHA) Medicare Rate Calculator to incorporate changes becoming effective Jan. 1, 2018. The calculator is based on the Home Health Final Rule released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
NOTE: You will need to sign into My.LeadingAge to access the file, which is a Microsoft Excel document.

Other Member-Exclusive Tools & Resources

Toolsand resources are available for members only, including tools formerly available only on LeadingAge Insights, under the Member-Exclusive Tools & Resources on the LeadingAge website.

RETURN TO TOP

Advocacy Update

LeadingAge Texas Testifies at Texas House Committee on Human Services

George Linial Testifies on the Future of Aging Services in Texas

Click here to view Geroge Linial's testimony on the nursing facility survey process from Wednesday, December 13. The informational PowerPoint is available here.

— FROM THE DESK OF ALYSE MEYER —
Schedule a Legislative Visit to Your Community

Now is the time to reach out and invite legislators to visit your community and provide an update to your residents on the 85th session.To coordinate, please contact me at alyse@leadingagetexas.org or (512) 467-2242.

— ATTENTION NURSING PROVIDERS —
5-Star Quality Reports: New Update

Community-Specific 5-Star Analysis Reports Available Upon Request

To request your community’s most recent 5-Star Analysis Reports email Alyse Meyer & click here to view the PowerPoint slides from an informational webinar.

Not yet using LeadingAge Quality Improvement Resources? Click here to learn more & get on board with interactive data tools to assist you analyze how your organization measures up to peers and how you can work to demonstrate value & improve your organization's performance.

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
LeadingAge Shares New Vision for Health Care System Reform

Addressing the needs of a rapidly growing older population could be considered one of the major challenges facing the United States over the next few decades. Roughly 80% of these older Americans will live with multiple chronic conditions that require interaction with multiple health care providers. About 50% of the 65+ population will need help with many of life’s basic activities sometime during their lifetimes.

We envision a new system that will be far more efficient, and will take a far more comprehensive view of each older adult’s need for medical care, housing, social supports and financial security. Our members are well-positioned to play a central role in this new system.

Today, LeadingAge announced a proposal for reforming the American health care system in a new report. Integrated Service Delivery: A LeadingAge Vision for America's Aging Population offers 2 recommendations for reform that focus on improving the aging experience in America for all.

READ THE REPORT NOW

Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults

We invite you to take just a few minutes to view the latest LeadingAge QuickCast: Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults. During this short educational video, Linda Couch, LeadingAge’s Vice President of Housing Policy, provides the latest on fiscal 2018 funding by both the House & Senate for housing assistance programs, their expansion of preservation tools for Section 202 communities, when we may see a final funding bill as well as the latest data on the housing needs of older adults.

VIEW THE VIDEO

Help Researchers Document the Health Benefits of Life Plan Communities

Dec. 15 is the deadline to volunteer for a study that aims to quantify the health benefits of life plan communities

Researchers at the Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging are looking for LeadingAge members willing to participate in a 5-year Age Well Study that will analyze the health benefits of living in a life plan community.

LEARN MORE

RETURN TO TOP

Regulatory Affairs

— RECENTLY PUBLISHED —
Communications & Resources
— ATTENTION NURSING FACILITIES —
Central Texas NFs Needed for Night Rest Sleep Study

The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing Center of Excellence in Long-Term Care is seeking nursing facilities in the Central Texas area to participate in an eight-week study of residents with dementia. The goal of the study is to determine if restless leg syndrome (RLS) could be the underlying cause of nighttime agitation that these residents may experience.

The benefits of participation include:

  • Reduce the use of antipsychotics and improve your residents’ quality of life and well-being.
  • Residents receive diagnosis of RLS, a treatable condition that causes discomfort using a new tool that is not currently available to doctors.
  • Residents receive a tailored treatment to reduce nighttime agitation behaviors developed by our multidisciplinary team of experts and shared with your facility and residents’ physicians.

LEARN MORE

Prepare for 2018 SNF Part B Payment Changes

Skilled nursing facilities will experience a change in Part B rates beginning in 2018. Click here to review a chart provided by BKD of the new rates (just select your location at the top of the chart) and read more about what to expect. Visit BKD's website for more insight regarding the Part B Payment Changes.

CMS Trainings & Resources via TMF
— ATTENTION ASSISTED LIVING PROVIDERS —
Helpful Directory Resource on Providing Medicaid Services
Interested in contracting with MCOs to provide Medicaid services? View HHS's helpful directory list featuring:
  • STAR+PLUS MCO Contacts
  • Information on how to enroll in Texas Medicaid for service through managed care
  • Information on contracting with HHS to provide Assisted Living Services
— UPCOMING GATHERINGS —
Upcoming Provider Meetings & Training

From CMS, DADS, & HHS

Online Resources/Calls:

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
Nursing Home RoP Tools & Resources
RoPs Phase 2 Tools and Resources

The final set of tools for Phase 2 have been updated for members on the LeadingAge Website. Login to the members section to gain access to QuickPath resources on:

  • Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
  • Staff Competency
  • Transfer, Notice, and Discharge
  • Medication Management
  • QAPI
  • Resident Rights

LEARN MORE

RETURN TO TOP

 SPONSORED AD 

Around the Association

Mirador Resident Reflects on Professional Ballet Career in Response to Nutcracker Performance

The holiday season is one filled with wonder, from the flickering of lights on a tree to the smell of seasonal treats filling the room, miracles and joy fill the air as families and friends gather. The enchantment of the season is captured yearly in The Nutcracker ballet, a tale filled with magic, hope and love in a land of fairies. The Nutcracker is a story which has captivated audiences for generations and inspires children around the world to become ballerinas. For Mirador resident Luwanna Isenogle, that dream was one that came true, and during the holiday season she often reflects on her career as a professional dance teacher and a dancer in the Chicago Opera Ballet.

At the age of eight, Isenogle began performing classical ballet under the tutelage of Martha Miller, spending her weekends in Chicago at the Ruth Page Studio strengthening her body to achieve the fluidity and grace required to perform on stage. She even remembers her first Nutcracker performance fondly, as she took to the stage as a deer when she was a little girl. Later, she would go on to spend three seasons performing with the Chicago Opera Ballet, exposing her to the knowledge and understanding she would need to follow her passion to teach and inspire future generations of dancers. After hanging up her own pointe shoes Isenogle opened her own studio, Ballet Arts of Auburn, where she taught classical ballet to over 200 students, including her own daughter.

continue reading

C. C. Young Selects Intercom to Provide Integrated Technology Solutions

C. C. Young, a premier, non-profit senior living community, has selected Intercom to provide numerous integrated resident and patient care technology solutions for its new transitional living building called “The Vista.” These technologies will pioneer a safer, more interactive and supported resident, patient and family experience when the building opens in fall 2018.

Among the technologies being deployed throughout The Vista are Ascom’s VoIP Telligence® nurse call system with integrated wireless phones. The phones will enable staff to stay in direct contact at all times with the residents assigned to their charge.

continue reading

eBook from mmLearn.org: Caregiver's Guide to Dementia - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Medication, & More

Free eBook for Caregivers

Dementia can add major challenges to everyday life, from memory loss to impaired motor skills. If your patient or loved one shows signs of dementia or has been diagnosed, understanding their condition can help.

In this free 16-page ebook based on a presentation by geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Jason Schillerstrom, you'll learn about:

  • Symptoms of dementia
  • The differences between Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, & Lewy body dementia
  • Medications used to treat dementia

DOWNLOAD THE EBOOK

What's Happening in Your Community?

Tell us what's going on in your community! From an event spotlight to a board appointment, share the triumphs of your organization with your fellow LeadingAge Texas members! Email amanda@leadingagetexas.org for consideration of a newsletter article.

RETURN TO TOP

  Event & Education Calendar

January 10-11 Leadership Institute Class 4 | Austin
January 17
 REGISTER YOURSELF + YOUR TEAM
WEBINAR: Maintaining Occupancy & Census Through Digital Marketing
February 6 JOIN US IN AUSTIN - REGISTER TODAY
2018 Aging in Texas Summit | Austin
February 21-23 REGISTER AT THE EARLY-BIRD RATE THRU JAN 27
2018 Leadership Conference | Horseshoe Bay
March 12-13 QAPI Certified Professional Program | MRC Crestview • Bryan
May 20-23

ATTENTION VENDORS!
REGISTER NOW TO EXHIBIT at the Solutions EXPO (May 21-22)

ATTENDEES, SAVE THE DATE!
2018 Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO | Grand Hyatt • San Antonio
July 17-19 SAVE THE DATE
Medicare University | Buckner Villas • Austin
October 16-18 SAVE THE DATE
RAC-CT® Certification Course | Blue Skies of Texas • San Antonio
SELF-PACED ONLINE COURSE
MANAGING THE MILLENNIAL MINDSET

www.leadingagetexas.org/millennialmindset
DISCOUNTED RATES FOR LEADINGAGE TEXAS MEMBERS

Having trouble retaining young workers? Do your managers struggle to understand Millennials? We've got the course for you!

TELL ME MORE!
LeadingAge Texas has partnered with Crescendo Strategies to bring this 90-minute, self-paced online course to our members! Renowned millennial workforce thought leader, Cara Silletto, MBA will show leaders a Millennial speaker’s first-hand stories about the real generational issues on the T.A.B.L.E. (technology, authority, balance, loyalty, entitlement).

IS THIS RELATED TO THE 2017 WORKFORCE SUMMIT?
The short answer is yes!

  • Missed our 2017 Workforce Summit?
    We missed you, but are happy to offer this great catch-up session!
  • Attended our 2017 Workforce Summit?
    What a great way to share key insights with your team!

HOW EXACTLY CAN MY TEAM & I USE THIS COURSE?
It's multi-purposed:

  • Consistent training across multiple locations
  • New supervisor & manager orientation
  • Prep for strategic planning or leadership retreats
  • Deep-dive diversity training beyond the basics

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT?
You've got it! 1.5 NAB-approved credits (via Crescendo)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
LEARN MORE + VIEW PRICING*
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

*DISCOUNTED RATES FOR LEADINGAGE TEXAS MEMBERS!

Order the course for you & your team today to learn critical insights about all of today’s workers in order to bridge the widening generational gaps and reduce unnecessary employee turnover costing your organization precious dollars!

Member-Hosted Events + Educational Opportunities

C. C. Young Shares Free December 2017 Community Event

Meet the Author: Mark Carroll | Thursday, December 21 • 10 am
Charismatic entertainer and speaker, Mark Carroll, author of “Reaching For The Moon,” will be at The Point at C. C. Young to speak on this collection of stories of the celebrities he’s rubbed elbows with including Raquel Welch, Rex Reed, Linda Ronstadt, Peggy Lee, Rock Hudson and many more.
LEARN MORE + Register today by calling C. C. Young at (214) 841-2831.

James L. West Provides Free Training Resources for Healthcare Professionals & Family Caregivers

Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Partner Podcasts Series
This free podcast series is for Alzheimer's and dementia care partners. Each 20 minute podcast addresses important topics for providing the best care to those living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
LEARN MORE + ACCESS PODCASTS

Understanding Dementia and the Role of the Healthcare Professional
Interdisciplinary training video for healthcare professionals, including nursing, social work, counselors, facility-based staff, home health caregivers, primary care physician office staff and family care partners.
ACCESS VIDEOS

LeadingAge Workforce Innovators Podcast Series

Episode 3 Now Available
Listen to Episode 3 of the Leadingage Workforce Innovators Podcast today! From the comfort of your desk, you can listen to LeadingAge members talking about what’s worked in their communities. This is just one of the many Workforce tools LeadingAge has made available to members to solve pervasive recruitment & retention issues.
LEARN MORE

Outside Educational Opportunities

New Series: Transition to Practice for Nurses in the Nursing Facility Setting
FREE 3-day Training for RNs & LVNs | Various Dates/Locations (October thru March)
LEARN MORE + REGISTER

CMS Releases Training Videos
Free Long Term Care Survey Process training videos available
LEARN MORE +LAUNCH THE COURSE

Extended Educational Opportunities:

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  Group Purchasing Spotlight

Take
Advantage of
Savings on
GP PRO

 Check out the informational brochure for more details!

— STAFF DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING —
Healthcare Report & Toolkit

Earlier this year, Relias conducted a research study on how staff development and training programs impact business priorities and performance. They collected responses from nearly 6,000 professionals in the industry we serve. Click here to access the report, which provides you with an opportunity to benchmark your current practices, investments and beliefs against a national sample. Relias has also provided a toolkit that has both copy and graphics that you can use in emails, social media posts, and newsletters.

DOWNLOAD TOOLKIT

Kevin Simpson, Director of Business Development

  

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  Aging Services News

News from LeadingAge

Recent Publications from LeadingAge

Recent News Clips

RETURN TO TOP

Career Center

LeadingAge Texas members receive a 25% discount
when posting a job with discount code LATX25
The discount code must be applied prior to completing the posting

Job Postings

Let the LeadingAge Texas Career Center help you make your next employment connection! Members who post jobs on the LeadingAge Texas Career Center will automatically receive postings of the position in the LeadingAge Texas Connection.

Click here for all current postings in Texas

RETURN TO TOP
 
 
]]> Thu, 14 Dec 2017 21:46:12 GMT LeadingAge Texas Connection for December 7, 2017 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=290992 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=290992

CONTENTS

Association News

Advocacy Update

Regulatory Affairs

Member Highlights

Events · Education

Group Purchasing

In the News

Career Center

• • • • • •
CONNECT

• • • • • •
DIAMOND
PARTNERS
— NOMINATION DEADLINE EXTENDED —
 SUBMIT ANNUAL LEADINGAGE TEXAS AWARDS NOMINATIONS THRU NEXT FRIDAY

NOMINATE THRU DECEMBER 15 | leadingagetexas.org/awards

The holiday season is now upon us! In the spirit of gathering & giving, we invite you to reflect upon all the successes & milestones within your organization—the people, the programs, the ideas, the facilities, & the organizations that made these successes possible—and tell us all about it by submitting nominations for our 2018 Awards!

We urge you to learn more about each category, then submit as many nominations as you see fit thru December 15.

LEARN MORE & NOMINATE TODAY

— NEWLY-ANNOUNCED WEBINAR —

MAINTAINING OCCUPANCY & CENSUS THROUGH DIGITAL MARKETING

JANUARY 17 • 12 - 1 pm

Gather your team & join in on this can't-miss webinar! Seniors and their family members have become digitally savvy, meaning organizations need to up their game when it comes to marketing in the social media sphere. This program is designed to help you get the most out of your digital investment so you can enhance your online presence and maintain your occupancy and census.

GATHER YOUR TEAM // The registration rate is for per line/connection, meaning for the price of one registration you can gather your team together from your community/campus to join in on this training!

LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY
February 21–23 | Horseshoe Bay

EARLY-BIRD RATES THRU JAN 27 | leadingagetexas.org/leadercon
+ Member-Exclusive Group Rates:
teams of 5+ get a $30 discount each

The annual three-day leadership retreat is back & you won't want to miss this conference! Leadership Conference is...

  • an all-inclusive retreat tailored to current and rising aging services leaders
  • a three-day conference full of engaging sessions in a peer-centered environment
  • the ideal environment for you & your leadership team to relax, relate, and recharge
  • a chance to renew your sense of purpose & passion for the aging services field

Get ready to join LeadingAge Texas at the beautiful Horseshoe Bay Resort! With leadership coach & speaker Kristian Jaloway as this year’s conference facilitator focusing on Organizational Health, this unique, retreat-style conference will be the perfect combination of team building & education + a little relaxation thrown in for good measure.

VIEW THE FULL AGENDA + REGISTER TODAY

— BUSINESS MEMBERS, DON'T MISS OUT! —

SECURE YOUR ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE

Become a 2018 Annual Sponsor and enhance your exposure to over 200 LeadingAge Texas providers and beyond. Our Annual Sponsorship package puts all the LeadingAge Texas promotional opportunities in one place, allowing you to budget and customize your visibility for the entire year. The higher the value, the more visibility and prestige you will receive. Marketing your way to success has never been easier!

Customized Packages
Now, the fun part! After you've determined your budget, select your Annual Sponsorship level & design your customized marketing program by selecting specific events and activities from the sponsorship menu.

LEARN MORE + SECURE SPONSORSHIP TODAY

RESERVE YOUR BOOTH TODAY

Make plans to join LeadingAge Texas in San Antonio at the 59th Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO! The Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO is our most attended event for the year and draws around 400 attendees representing our over 200 members from all over the state. This is a great opportunity to reach the leaders and decision makers of the Texas aging services industry.

WHY EXHIBIT?
Exposure! Prime contacts! Participation in this one event will give your company access to your target market and the visibility you need to stand out from the competition.

LEARN MORE + SECURE YOUR BOOTH TODAY
— FROM LEADINGAGE —
Top-notch Resources

NEW!
Social Connectedness & Engagement Technology Selection Tool

Reduce Social Isolation in Your Community
Social isolation is consistently associated with depression and reduced well-being, health, and quality of life. It can increase the risk of death by as much as 45%. Unfortunately, social isolation is common, with rates as high as 43% in community-dwelling older adults.

Technology can help elders maintain and enhance relationships with peers, family, friends, and caregivers.

LeadingAge’s Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) has released a new Social Connectedness and Engagement Technology Selection Tool to help you plan for, select, and implement the best solution for your organization to address this challenge.
--
This tool is the latest in the series of LeadingAge CAST Technology Selection Tools - check out the full set of tools available!

Emergency Preparedness Regulation Dashboard

CMS issued the Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers Final Rule to establish consistent emergency preparedness requirements for healthcare providers participating in Medicare and Medicaid, increase patient safety during emergencies, and establish a more coordinated response to natural and human-caused disasters. It is critical for Home Health, Hospice, Skilled nursing Facilities and PACE organizations to develop effective and robust emergency plans and responses.

The final Emergency Preparedness Rule released by CMS published in the 9/16/16 Federal Register and effective 11/15/16 states nursing homes, home health, hospice, and PACE have until 11/15/17 to implement the new Emergency preparedness requirements.

LeadingAge has provided a helpful Dashboard with toolkits, resources, and guides.

ACCESS THE DASHBOARD

Rate Calculator: Home Health Medicare Rates for CY 2018

LeadingAge has updated the popular Home Health Agency (HHA) Medicare Rate Calculator to incorporate changes becoming effective Jan. 1, 2018. The calculator is based on the Home Health Final Rule released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
NOTE: You will need to sign into My.LeadingAge to access the file, which is a Microsoft Excel document.

Other Member-Exclusive Tools & Resources

Toolsand resources are available for members only, including tools formerly available only on LeadingAge Insights, under the Member-Exclusive Tools & Resources on the LeadingAge website.

RETURN TO TOP

Advocacy Update

— FROM THE DESK OF ALYSE MEYER —
It's Time to Schedule a Legislative Visit to Your Community

Now is the time to reach out and invite legislators to visit your community and provide an update to your residents on the 85th session.To coordinate, please contact me at alyse@leadingagetexas.org or (512) 467-2242.

— ATTENTION NURSING PROVIDERS —
5-Star Quality Reports: New Update

Community-Specific 5-Star Analysis Reports Available Upon Request

To request your community’s most recent 5-Star Analysis Reports email Alyse Meyer & click here to view the PowerPoint slides from an informational webinar.

Not yet using LeadingAge Quality Improvement Resources? Click here to learn more & get on board with interactive data tools to assist you analyze how your organization measures up to peers and how you can work to demonstrate value & improve your organization's performance.

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
EMERGENCY ACTION ALERT: CALL YOUR SENATORS & REPRESENTATIVES TO OPPOSE THIS BILL!

Congress is in the finals stages of passing major tax legislation, H.R. 1, that has serious negative implications for older adults and aging services providers

The House and Senate have each passed their own version of H.R. 1 and are now starting a House/Senate Conference Committee to iron out their differences. Both bills are bad for older adults. At risk are the medical expense tax deduction, private activity bonds and advance refunding, and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program.

In addition, the bill could pave the way for big cuts to Medicare and Medicaid resulting from the $1.5 trillion cost of the bill. Congress should stop this bill and start anew to find solutions that will work for older adults.

This radical legislation would disproportionately affect older adults, many of whom have higher than average medical costs and/or live in affordable housing.

THERE IS STILL TIME TO DEFEAT THIS LEGISLATION, Congress needs to hear from you today. Tell your lawmakers to protect the medical expense deduction and tax-exempt financing for senior housing and life plan communities/CCRCs.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Breaking Advocacy News - Week of December 4

Click here for a weekly recap of LeadingAge advocacy activities and updates in the nation's capital.

Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults

We invite you to take just a few minutes to view the latest LeadingAge QuickCast: Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults. During this short educational video, Linda Couch, LeadingAge’s Vice President of Housing Policy, provides the latest on fiscal 2018 funding by both the House & Senate for housing assistance programs, their expansion of preservation tools for Section 202 communities, when we may see a final funding bill as well as the latest data on the housing needs of older adults.

VIEW THE VIDEO

RETURN TO TOP

Regulatory Affairs

— RECENTLY PUBLISHED —
Communications & Resources
— ATTENTION NURSING FACILITIES —
CMS Trainings & Resources via TMF
— ATTENTION ASSISTED LIVING PROVIDERS —
Helpful Directory Resource on Providing Medicaid Services
Interested in contracting with MCOs to provide Medicaid services? View HHS's helpful directory list featuring:
  • STAR+PLUS MCO Contacts
  • Information on how to enroll in Texas Medicaid for service through managed care
  • Information on contracting with HHS to provide Assisted Living Services
— UPCOMING GATHERINGS —
Upcoming Provider Meetings & Training

From CMS, DADS, & HHS

Online Resources/Calls:

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
Nursing Home RoP Tools & Resources
RoPs Phase 2 Tools and Resources

The final set of tools for Phase 2 have been updated for members on the LeadingAge Website. Login to the members section to gain access to QuickPath resources on:

  • Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
  • Staff Competency
  • Transfer, Notice, and Discharge
  • Medication Management
  • QAPI
  • Resident Rights

LEARN MORE

RETURN TO TOP

 SPONSORED AD 

Around the Association

Baptist Retirement Community Names Aaron Hargett Executive Director

Baptist Retirement Community is delighted to announce Aaron Hargett as the new executive director of the senior living community. Charlie Wilson, senior vice president of Buckner Retirement Services, made the announcement. Hargett has been with the senior living community since 2007 and was recently promoted from the position of director of independent living. In his new role as executive director, Hargett will be responsible for overseeing the 100-acre community’s operations, administration, programs and strategic planning. He will also manage marketing, community outreach and financial planning. Hargett’s goal is to enrich the lives of the seniors who live in the community or use its services.

“I am thrilled to bring Aaron onto our executive leadership team,” said Wilson. “Over the last 10 years we’ve seen that he is servant-hearted, passion-driven and more than capable of managing such a large community. There’s really no one better for the job.”

continue reading

Ricky Van Twest Named Director of Dining Services at The Buckingham

The Buckingham, Houston’s premier senior living community, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ricky Van Twest as director of dining services. The announcement was made by Darrell Sheaffer, executive director of The Buckingham. Van Twest comes to The Buckingham with two decades of experience in the hospitality industry working in fine dining with luxury properties around the world.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ricky to our community as director of dining services,” said Sheaffer. “Ricky’s culinary background includes working with three of our sister communities – The Barrington of Carmel in Indianapolis; Mirador in Corpus Christi; and, most recently, responsible for opening the newest restaurant at Edgemere in Dallas. He absolutely understands the expectations of our residents and their guests, and we know that he will exceed the already high standards of dining experience excellence for which The Buckingham is known.”

continue reading

eBook from mmLearn.org: Caregiver's Guide to Dementia - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Medication, & More 

Free eBook for Caregivers

Dementia can add major challenges to everyday life, from memory loss to impaired motor skills. If your patient or loved one shows signs of dementia or has been diagnosed, understanding their condition can help.

In this free 16-page ebook based on a presentation by geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Jason Schillerstrom, you'll learn about:

  • Symptoms of dementia
  • The differences between Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, & Lewy body dementia
  • Medications used to treat dementia

DOWNLOAD THE EBOOK

What's Happening in Your Community?

Tell us what's going on in your community! From an event spotlight to a board appointment, share the triumphs of your organization with your fellow LeadingAge Texas members! Email amanda@leadingagetexas.org for consideration of a newsletter article.

RETURN TO TOP

  Event & Education Calendar

January 10-11 Leadership Institute Class 4 | Austin
 January 17
 REGISTER YOURSELF + YOUR TEAM
WEBINAR: Maintaining Occupancy & Census Through Digital Marketing
February 6 JOIN US IN AUSTIN - REGISTER TODAY
2018 Aging in Texas Summit | Austin
February 21-23 REGISTER AT THE EARLY-BIRD RATE THRU JAN 27
2018 Leadership Conference | Horseshoe Bay
March 12-13 QAPI Certified Professional Program | MRC Crestview • Bryan
May 20-23

ATTENTION VENDORS!
REGISTER NOW TO EXHIBIT at the Solutions EXPO (May 21-22)

ATTENDEES, SAVE THE DATE!
2018 Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO | Grand Hyatt • San Antonio
July 17-19 SAVE THE DATE
Medicare University | Buckner Villas • Austin
October 16-18 SAVE THE DATE
RAC-CT® Certification Course | Blue Skies of Texas • San Antonio
SELF-PACED ONLINE COURSE
MANAGING THE MILLENNIAL MINDSET

www.leadingagetexas.org/millennialmindset
DISCOUNTED RATES FOR LEADINGAGE TEXAS MEMBERS

Having trouble retaining young workers? Do your managers struggle to understand Millennials? We've got the course for you!

TELL ME MORE!
LeadingAge Texas has partnered with Crescendo Strategies to bring this 90-minute, self-paced online course to our members! Renowned millennial workforce thought leader, Cara Silletto, MBA will show leaders a Millennial speaker’s first-hand stories about the real generational issues on the T.A.B.L.E. (technology, authority, balance, loyalty, entitlement).

IS THIS RELATED TO THE 2017 WORKFORCE SUMMIT?
The short answer is yes!

  • Missed our 2017 Workforce Summit?
    We missed you, but are happy to offer this great catch-up session!
  • Attended our 2017 Workforce Summit?
    What a great way to share key insights with your team!

HOW EXACTLY CAN MY TEAM & I USE THIS COURSE?
It's multi-purposed:

  • Consistent training across multiple locations
  • New supervisor & manager orientation
  • Prep for strategic planning or leadership retreats
  • Deep-dive diversity training beyond the basics

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT?
You've got it! 1.5 NAB-approved credits (via Crescendo)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
LEARN MORE + VIEW PRICING*
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

*DISCOUNTED RATES FOR LEADINGAGE TEXAS MEMBERS!

Order the course for you & your team today to learn critical insights about all of today’s workers in order to bridge the widening generational gaps and reduce unnecessary employee turnover costing your organization precious dollars!

Member-Hosted Events + Educational Opportunities

C. C. Young Shares Free December 2017 Community Events

City of Dallas Community Preparedness | Monday, December 11 • 9:30  – 11 am
Join the City of Dallas Office of Emergency Management Community Preparedness to learn a few simple steps to be better prepared for a disaster. This interactive, hands-on workshop will teach you how to build a kit, make a plan and be informed. Receive a FREE kit when attending the class at The Point at C. C. Young.
LEARN MORE + Register today by calling C. C. Young at (214) 841-2831.

Meet the Author: Mark Carroll | Thursday, December 21 • 10 am
Charismatic entertainer and speaker, Mark Carroll, author of “Reaching For The Moon,” will be at The Point at C. C. Young to speak on this collection of stories of the celebrities he’s rubbed elbows with including Raquel Welch, Rex Reed, Linda Ronstadt, Peggy Lee, Rock Hudson and many more.
LEARN MORE + Register today by calling C. C. Young at (214) 841-2831.

James L. West Provides Free Training Resources for Healthcare Professionals & Family Caregivers

Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Partner Podcasts Series
This free podcast series is for Alzheimer's and dementia care partners. Each 20 minute podcast addresses important topics for providing the best care to those living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
LEARN MORE + ACCESS PODCASTS

Understanding Dementia and the Role of the Healthcare Professional
Interdisciplinary training video for healthcare professionals, including nursing, social work, counselors, facility-based staff, home health caregivers, primary care physician office staff and family care partners.
ACCESS VIDEOS

LeadingAge Workforce Innovators Podcast Series

Episode 3 Now Available
Listen to Episode 3 of the Leadingage Workforce Innovators Podcast today! From the comfort of your desk, you can listen to LeadingAge members talking about what’s worked in their communities. This is just one of the many Workforce tools LeadingAge has made available to members to solve pervasive recruitment & retention issues.
LEARN MORE

Outside Educational Opportunities

New Series: Transition to Practice for Nurses in the Nursing Facility Setting
FREE 3-day Training for RNs & LVNs | Various Dates/Locations (October thru March)
LEARN MORE + REGISTER

Extended Educational Opportunities:

RETURN TO TOP

  Group Purchasing Spotlight

Take
Advantage of
Savings on
GP PRO

 Check out the informational brochure for more details!

— STAFF DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING —
Healthcare Report & Toolkit

Earlier this year, Relias conducted a research study on how staff development and training programs impact business priorities and performance. They collected responses from nearly 6,000 professionals in the industry we serve. Click here to access the report, which provides you with an opportunity to benchmark your current practices, investments and beliefs against a national sample. Relias has also provided a toolkit that has both copy and graphics that you can use in emails, social media posts, and newsletters.

DOWNLOAD TOOLKIT

Kevin Simpson, Director of Business Development

  

RETURN TO TOP

  Aging Services News

News from LeadingAge

Recent Publications from LeadingAge

Recent News Clips

RETURN TO TOP

Career Center

LeadingAge Texas members receive a 25% discount
when posting a job with discount code LATX25
The discount code must be applied prior to completing the posting

Job Postings

Let the LeadingAge Texas Career Center help you make your next employment connection! Members who post jobs on the LeadingAge Texas Career Center will automatically receive postings of the position in the LeadingAge Texas Connection.

Click here for all current postings in Texas

RETURN TO TOP
 
 
]]> Thu, 7 Dec 2017 21:21:17 GMT LeadingAge Texas Connection for November 30, 2017 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=290516 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=290516

CONTENTS

Association News

Advocacy Update

Regulatory Affairs

Member Highlights

Events · Education

Group Purchasing

In the News

Career Center

• • • • • •
CONNECT

• • • • • •
DIAMOND
PARTNERS
NOMINATE THRU DECEMBER 9
Annual LeadingAge Texas Awards

NOMINATE THRU DECEMBER 9 | leadingagetexas.org/awards

The holiday season is now upon us! In the spirit of gathering & giving, we invite you to reflect upon all the successes & milestones within your organization—the people, the programs, the ideas, the facilities, & the organizations that made these successes possible—and tell us all about it by submitting nominations for our 2018 Awards!

We urge you to learn more about each category, then submit as many nominations as you see fit thru December 9.

LEARN MORE & NOMINATE TODAY


February 21–23 | Horseshoe Bay

EARLY-BIRD RATES THRU JAN 27 | leadingagetexas.org/leadercon
+ Member-Exclusive Group Rates:
teams of 5+ get a $30 discount each

The annual three-day leadership retreat is back & you won't want to miss this conference! Leadership Conference is...

  • • an all-inclusive retreat tailored to current and rising aging services leaders
  • • a three-day conference full of engaging sessions in a peer-centered environment
  • • the ideal environment for you & your leadership team to relax, relate, and recharge
  • • a chance to renew your sense of purpose & passion for the aging services field

Get ready to join LeadingAge Texas at the beautiful Horseshoe Bay Resort! With leadership coach & speaker Kristian Jaloway as this year’s conference facilitator focusing on Organizational Health, this unique, retreat-style conference will be the perfect combination of team building & education + a little relaxation thrown in for good measure.

VIEW THE FULL AGENDA + REGISTER TODAY

- BUSINESS MEMBERS, DON'T MISS OUT! -

SECURE YOUR ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE

Become a 2018 Annual Sponsor and enhance your exposure to over 200 LeadingAge Texas providers and beyond. Our Annual Sponsorship package puts all the LeadingAge Texas promotional opportunities in one place, allowing you to budget and customize your visibility for the entire year. The higher the value, the more visibility and prestige you will receive. Marketing your way to success has never been easier!

Customized Packages
Now, the fun part! After you've determined your budget, select your Annual Sponsorship level & design your customized marketing program by selecting specific events and activities from the sponsorship menu.

LEARN MORE + SECURE SPONSORSHIP TODAY

RESERVE YOUR BOOTH TODAY

Make plans to join LeadingAge Texas in San Antonio at the 59th Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO! The Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO is our most attended event for the year and draws around 400 attendees representing our over 200 members from all over the state. This is a great opportunity to reach the leaders and decision makers of the Texas aging services industry.

WHY EXHIBIT?
Exposure! Prime contacts! Participation in this one event will give your company access to your target market and the visibility you need to stand out from the competition.

LEARN MORE + SECURE YOUR BOOTH TODAY
— FROM LEADINGAGE —
Top-notch Resources

NEW!
Social Connectedness & Engagement Technology Selection Tool

Reduce Social Isolation in Your Community
Social isolation is consistently associated with depression and reduced well-being, health, and quality of life. It can increase the risk of death by as much as 45%. Unfortunately, social isolation is common, with rates as high as 43% in community-dwelling older adults.

Technology can help elders maintain and enhance relationships with peers, family, friends, and caregivers.

LeadingAge’s Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) has released a new Social Connectedness and Engagement Technology Selection Tool to help you plan for, select, and implement the best solution for your organization to address this challenge.
--
This tool is the latest in the series of LeadingAge CAST Technology Selection Tools - check out the full set of tools available!

Emergency Preparedness Regulation Dashboard

CMS issued the Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers Final Rule to establish consistent emergency preparedness requirements for healthcare providers participating in Medicare and Medicaid, increase patient safety during emergencies, and establish a more coordinated response to natural and human-caused disasters. It is critical for Home Health, Hospice, Skilled nursing Facilities and PACE organizations to develop effective and robust emergency plans and responses.

The final Emergency Preparedness Rule released by CMS published in the 9/16/16 Federal Register and effective 11/15/16 states nursing homes, home health, hospice, and PACE have until 11/15/17 to implement the new Emergency preparedness requirements.

LeadingAge has provided a helpful Dashboard with toolkits, resources, and guides.

ACCESS THE DASHBOARD

Rate Calculator: Home Health Medicare Rates for CY 2018

LeadingAge has updated the popular Home Health Agency (HHA) Medicare Rate Calculator to incorporate changes becoming effective Jan. 1, 2018. The calculator is based on the Home Health Final Rule released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
NOTE: You will need to sign into My.LeadingAge to access the file, which is a Microsoft Excel document.

Other Member-Exclusive Tools & Resources

Toolsand resources are available for members only, including tools formerly available only on LeadingAge Insights, under the Member-Exclusive Tools & Resources on the LeadingAge website.

RETURN TO TOP

Advocacy Update

— FROM THE DESK OF ALYSE MEYER —
It's Time to Schedule a Legislative Visit to Your Community

Now is the time to reach out and invite legislators to visit your community and provide an update to your residents on the 85th session.To coordinate, please contact me at alyse@leadingagetexas.org or (512) 467-2242.

— ATTENTION NURSING PROVIDERS —
5-Star Quality Reports: New Update

Community-Specific 5-Star Analysis Reports Available Upon Request

To request your community’s most recent 5-Star Analysis Reports email Alyse Meyer & click here to view the PowerPoint slides from an informational webinar.

Not yet using LeadingAge Quality Improvement Resources? Click here to learn more & get on board with interactive data tools to assist you analyze how your organization measures up to peers and how you can work to demonstrate value & improve your organization's performance.

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
ACTION ALERTS: CALL YOUR SENATORS & REPRESENTATIVES!

The Current Tax Reform Bill is a Threat to Seniors and Nonprofit Providers

Major tax reform legislation, H.R. 1, has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and will soon come to a vote.

The bill contains 2 provisions of serious concern to aging services providers and the elders they serve:

1.  Elimination of the tax deduction for medical expenses.
2.  Elimination of tax-exempt financing for the development and preservation of affordable senior housing and life plan communities/CCRCs.

This radical legislation would disproportionately affect older adults, many of whom have higher than average medical costs and/or live in affordable housing.

Congress needs to hear from you today. Tell your lawmakers to protect the medical expense deduction and tax-exempt financing for senior housing and life plan communities/CCRCs. Tell them older adults need this. Tell them protecting these tax provisions is the right thing to do.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Tell Congress: Support Tax Credits & Housing Funding

Congress has less than a month left in 2017 to determine the fate of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program and the funding levels for HUD programs in fiscal year 2018 (FY18).

  • Low Income Housing Tax Credits
    The House tax bill terminates the 4% LIHTC program by eliminating tax exemption for PABs. The Senate and House bills reduce the value of the LIHTCs by reducing the corporate tax rate from 35% to 20%. Congress must modify the LIHTC program to account for this rate reduction and protect the LIHTC from losing value.
  • HUD FY18 Funding
    The budget caps must be raised to fully fund Section 202 PRAC and Section 8 Project Based Rental Assistance renewals, Service Coordinators, the HOME program, Homeless Assistance, Housing Choice Vouchers, and other HUD programs that provide affordable housing for older adults with low incomes. The RAD for PRAC expansion, which is in both the House and Senate FY18 HUD bills, must be enacted to preserve affordable senior housing.

LEARN MORE + TAKE ACTION

Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults

We invite you to take just a few minutes to view the latest LeadingAge QuickCast: Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults. During this short educational video, Linda Couch, LeadingAge’s Vice President of Housing Policy, provides the latest on fiscal 2018 funding by both the House & Senate for housing assistance programs, their expansion of preservation tools for Section 202 communities, when we may see a final funding bill as well as the latest data on the housing needs of older adults.

VIEW THE VIDEO

— NEED TO KNOW —
Current Provisions of House Tax Bill & Potential Impact on Borrowing 501(c)3 Organizations

On Thursday, November 2, 2017, The House Committee on Ways and Means released its initial draft of the tax reform bill. The Bill, as currently written, has significant implications on the Municipal Bond Market in general, and on 501(c)3 organizations in particular.

LEARN MORE + ACT TODAY

RETURN TO TOP

Regulatory Affairs

— RECENTLY PUBLISHED —
Communications & Resources
— ATTENTION NURSING FACILITIES —
CMS Trainings & Resources via TMF
— ATTENTION ASSISTED LIVING PROVIDERS —
Helpful Directory Resource on Providing Medicaid Services
Interested in contracting with MCOs to provide Medicaid services? View HHS's helpful directory list featuring:
  • STAR+PLUS MCO Contacts
  • Information on how to enroll in Texas Medicaid for service through managed care
  • Information on contracting with HHS to provide Assisted Living Services
— UPCOMING GATHERINGS —
Upcoming Provider Meetings & Training

From CMS, DADS, & HHS

Online Resources/Calls:

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
Nursing Home RoP Tools & Resources
RoPs Phase 2 Tools and Resources

The final set of tools for Phase 2 have been updated for members on the LeadingAge Website. Login to the members section to gain access to QuickPath resources on:

  • Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
  • Staff Competency
  • Transfer, Notice, and Discharge
  • Medication Management
  • QAPI
  • Resident Rights

LEARN MORE

RETURN TO TOP

 SPONSORED AD 

Around the Association

Orphan Retires with the Same Faith-Based Organization that Raised Her

Many people will soon be gathering around the table for the holidays to share the reasons they’re thankful. For Mrs. Billie Selke, 87, she’s forever indebted to the Buckner International organization. She recently moved to Parkway Place, a Buckner Retirement Services community in Houston, but this isn’t the first time she’s lived under a Buckner roof. At the age of eight, Selke became an orphan and lived at the Buckner Orphans Home. Dr. Robert Cooke “Father” Buckner founded the home in Dallas after seeing the needs of hurting and orphaned children in post-Civil War Texas. In the first years, Buckner Orphans Home, later Buckner Children’s Home, was filled with children who were left parentless due to disease and hardship, including Mrs. Selke. The Houston native was one of 600 children who grew up in the home. At the time, Father Buckner didn’t permit adoptions, so she stayed at the home until she graduated from high school in 1947.

“I am thankful for the experiences I had at the Children’s Home, and I look forward to my future at Parkway Place,” said Mrs. Selke. “My experience at Buckner was a pleasant one. I had a lot of friends while I was at the home, and I still keep in contact with some of them today. The Buckner family did a lot of good for children, especially during those hard times. I never knew I would come back and live at a Buckner community again, but I am grateful for this opportunity. When I came to visit friends, I was impressed with Parkway Place. I remember when it was Buckner Haven on Memorial, I have officially come full circle. I can now say I grew up and retired at Buckner.”

continue reading

Westminster’s Arbour Health Center Earns U.S. News & World Report Recognition For Ninth Consecutive Year

For the ninth consecutive year the Arbour Health Center at Westminster has been named as a “Top Performing” institution by U.S. News and World Report. Only 15 percent of the facilities that U.S. News & World Report rated achieved the prestigious “Top Performing Nursing Home” status. Quality measures rated to examine performance include health inspection, staffing, fire safety, and quality of care.

While Westminster achieved strong ratings across the board, measures taken to ensure quality care for their residents was recognized as the Arbour Health Center’s top achievement, earning a perfect five out of five rating.

Charles Borst, Westminster’s executive director which includes the Arbour Health Care Center says, “this respected annual recognition is a testament to the high priority Westminster places on its healthcare offerings for our residents.” Westminster was also recently recognized as a “Top Workplace” in Austin by The Austin American Statesman. Borst credits his talented and dedicated team of nurses and support staff for the professionalism and respect they provide for residents who receive the very best health care in nation.

continue reading

Bringing the Boutique Experience to Skilled Nursing

Owners of senior living communities are looking to distinguish themselves by offering the same chic designs found in “boutique” hotels. Boutique hotels celebrate local flavor and feature stylish décor with a fashionable personality. Despite this trend of providing intimate and luxurious experiences, there is an area in senior living that generally lacks the upscale, thoughtful and hotel-like design. These hospitality touches are typically lacking in long-term skilled care communities and short-term rehabilitation centers, commonly known as skilled nursing centers. Austin-based interior design firm studioSIX5 is going against the norm by infusing progressive design into skilled nursing residences. One of its latest projects is setting new benchmarks for skilled nursing design—Heron’s Key, located in a small fishing village, is a $145 million CCRC in Gig Harbor, Wash. Jessica Willms, project design manager for studioSIX5, assisted this community in adhering to strict codes and regulations while creating boutique-designed environments which are far from the stereotypical institutional feel.

continue reading

Texas Lutheran University Students Visit Residents at EdenCross

Residents of Eden Cross Apartments, a National Church Residences community, are joined by students from Texas Lutheran University once a month to engage in a friendly & fun game of BUNCO. Click here to view photos of the most recent event!

C. C. Young Engages Greystone for Marketing Advisory & Strategic Planning Services

For nearly 100 years, C. C. Young has provided community and care to seniors in the Dallas area. Today, the non-profit organization is preparing for The Vista, a new transitional living center, and The Terraces, the new Independent Living residences. The organization is also working on a strategic path for future service to seniors in the Dallas area and beyond.

With these projects in progress and upcoming, C. C. Young is pleased to announce the retention of Greystone as a strategic consultant. Greystone will provide advisory services in 3 specific areas:

1. The Vista: Healthcare Marketing Advisory Services
Greystone will support C. C. Young’s marketing team as it prepares for the opening of The Vista, a state-of-the-art transitional living center currently under construction on the C. C. Young campus. The Vista will include skilled nursing, memory care, assisted living, rehabilitation, and more services for local seniors.

continue reading

eBook from mmLearn.org: Caregiver's Guide to Dementia - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Medication, & More 

Free eBook for Caregivers

Dementia can add major challenges to everyday life, from memory loss to impaired motor skills. If your patient or loved one shows signs of dementia or has been diagnosed, understanding their condition can help.

In this free 16-page ebook based on a presentation by geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Jason Schillerstrom, you'll learn about:

  • Symptoms of dementia
  • The differences between Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, & Lewy body dementia
  • Medications used to treat dementia

DOWNLOAD THE EBOOK

What's Happening in Your Community?

Tell us what's going on in your community! From an event spotlight to a board appointment, share the triumphs of your organization with your fellow LeadingAge Texas members! Email amanda@leadingagetexas.org for consideration of a newsletter article.

RETURN TO TOP

  Event & Education Calendar

December 1 & 8 Two-Part Webinar: Home Health Conditions of Participation
January 10-11 Leadership Institute Class 4 | Austin
February 6 Registration Opens TOMORROW
2018 Aging in Texas Summit | Austin
February 21-23 REGISTER TODAY
2018 Leadership Conference | Horseshoe Bay
March 12-13 SAVE THE DATE
QAPI Certified Professional Program | MRC Crestview • Bryan
May 20-23

ATTENDEES, SAVE THE DATE!
2018 Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO | Grand Hyatt • San Antonio

ATTENTION VENDORS!
REGISTER NOW TO EXHIBIT at the Solutions EXPO (May 21-22)

July 17-19 SAVE THE DATE
Medicare University | Buckner Villas • Austin
October 16-18 SAVE THE DATE
RAC-CT® Certification Course | Blue Skies of Texas • San Antonio
SELF-PACED ONLINE COURSE
MANAGING THE MILLENNIAL MINDSET

www.leadingagetexas.org/millennialmindset
DISCOUNTED RATES FOR LEADINGAGE TEXAS MEMBERS

Having trouble retaining young workers? Do your managers struggle to understand Millennials? We've got the course for you!

TELL ME MORE!
LeadingAge Texas has partnered with Crescendo Strategies to bring this 90-minute, self-paced online course to our members! Renowned millennial workforce thought leader, Cara Silletto, MBA will show leaders a Millennial speaker’s first-hand stories about the real generational issues on the T.A.B.L.E. (technology, authority, balance, loyalty, entitlement).

IS THIS RELATED TO THE 2017 WORKFORCE SUMMIT?
The short answer is yes!

  • Missed our 2017 Workforce Summit?
    We missed you, but are happy to offer this great catch-up session!
  • Attended our 2017 Workforce Summit?
    What a great way to share key insights with your team!

HOW EXACTLY CAN MY TEAM & I USE THIS COURSE?
It's multi-purposed:

  • Consistent training across multiple locations
  • New supervisor & manager orientation
  • Prep for strategic planning or leadership retreats
  • Deep-dive diversity training beyond the basics

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT?
You've got it! 1.5 NAB-approved credits (via Crescendo)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
LEARN MORE + VIEW PRICING*
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

*DISCOUNTED RATES FOR LEADINGAGE TEXAS MEMBERS!

Order the course for you & your team today to learn critical insights about all of today’s workers in order to bridge the widening generational gaps and reduce unnecessary employee turnover costing your organization precious dollars!

Member-Hosted Events + Educational Opportunities

C. C. Young Piano Concert at The Point by Gustavo Romero

Sunday, December 3, 2017 • 3:30 pm
International Concert Pianist Gustavo Romero returns to C. C. Young! This is an event you do not want to miss. Gustavo will be performing at The Point & Pavilion at C. C. Young giving you a chance to enjoy his award-winning classical and international music. This inter-generational event is free for the public.
Contact Angela Castillo, (214) 841-2831 for more information

Mirador to Host Inaugural Festival of Wreaths, Benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Corpus Christi

Wednesday, December 6 • 4 - 6 pm
With the holiday season in full swing, Mirador will soon host the senior living community’s inaugural Festival of Wreaths featuring 24 one-of-a-kind holiday wreaths designed by local businesses and members of Corpus Christi community. During the holiday celebration, guests can enjoy live entertainment, delicious treats & refreshments, and will have the opportunity to bid on the wreaths during a silent This special occasion is free and open to the public.
RSVP by calling Mirador at (361) 994-0905

James L. West Provides Free Training Resources for Healthcare Professionals & Family Caregivers

Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Partner Podcasts Series
This free podcast series is for Alzheimer's and dementia care partners. Each 20 minute podcast addresses important topics for providing the best care to those living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
LEARN MORE + ACCESS PODCASTS


Understanding Dementia and the Role of the Healthcare Professional
Interdisciplinary training video for healthcare professionals, including nursing, social work, counselors, facility-based staff, home health caregivers, primary care physician office staff and family care partners.
ACCESS VIDEOS

LeadingAge Workforce Innovators Podcast Series

Episode 3 Now Available
Listen to Episode 3 of the Leadingage Workforce Innovators Podcast today! From the comfort of your desk, you can listen to LeadingAge members talking about what’s worked in their communities. This is just one of the many Workforce tools LeadingAge has made available to members to solve pervasive recruitment & retention issues.
LEARN MORE

Outside Educational Opportunities

New Series: Transition to Practice for Nurses in the Nursing Facility Setting
FREE 3-day Training for RNs & LVNs | Various Dates/Locations (October thru March)
LEARN MORE + REGISTER

Extended Educational Opportunities:

RETURN TO TOP

  Group Purchasing Spotlight

Take
Advantage of
Savings on
GP PRO

 Check out the informational brochure for more details!

— STAFF DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING —
Healthcare Report & Toolkit

Earlier this year, Relias conducted a research study on how staff development and training programs impact business priorities and performance. They collected responses from nearly 6,000 professionals in the industry we serve. Click here to access the report, which provides you with an opportunity to benchmark your current practices, investments and beliefs against a national sample. Relias has also provided a toolkit that has both copy and graphics that you can use in emails, social media posts, and newsletters.

DOWNLOAD TOOLKIT

Kevin Simpson, Director of Business Development

  

RETURN TO TOP

  Aging Services News

News from LeadingAge

Recent Publications from LeadingAge

Recent News Clips

RETURN TO TOP

Career Center

LeadingAge Texas members receive a 25% discount
when posting a job with discount code LATX25
The discount code must be applied prior to completing the posting

Job Postings

Let the LeadingAge Texas Career Center help you make your next employment connection! Members who post jobs on the LeadingAge Texas Career Center will automatically receive postings of the position in the LeadingAge Texas Connection.

Click here for all current postings in Texas

RETURN TO TOP
 
 
]]> Thu, 30 Nov 2017 21:26:24 GMT LeadingAge Texas Connection | November 16, 2017 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=289664 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=289664

CONTENTS

Association News

Advocacy Update

Regulatory Affairs

Member Highlights

Events · Education

Group Purchasing

In the News

Career Center

• • • • • •
CONNECT

• • • • • •
DIAMOND
PARTNERS
NOMINATE TODAY
Annual LeadingAge Texas Awards

NOMINATE THRU DECEMBER 9 | leadingagetexas.org/awards

The holiday season is now upon us! In the spirit of gathering & giving, we invite you to reflect upon all the successes & milestones within your organization—the people, the programs, the ideas, the facilities, & the organizations that made these successes possible—and tell us all about it by submitting nominations for our 2018 Awards!

We urge you to learn more about each category, then submit as many nominations as you see fit thru December 9.

LEARN MORE & NOMINATE TODAY

NEW TWO-PART WEBINAR
Home Health Conditions of Participation

Part 1: December 1 • 1:30 - 3 pm
Part 2: December 8 • 1:30 - 3 pm

On January 13, 2018, it is expected that all Home Health agencies will be compliant with the new rules. CMS has recently released the draft of the details of these rules- so our expectations have just become a bit clearer. We have all read articles, attended webinars, listened to opinions—but now it is time to apply this and get to work.

Annette Lee, RN, HCS-D, COS-C, Provider Insights, Inc. will guide attendees with worksheets and tools, incorporating the surveyors' Interpretive Guidelines to ensure all attendees can "Check it off" and be ready to usher in this new year- with these new rules confidently.

Simply gather your team & join in on this can't-miss, timely webinar! You & your team will be able to:

  • • Discuss the philosophical shift CMS is encouraging in home health
  • • Identify all components of the plan of care, which the agency must provide to the patient in writing
  • • List all components of patient rights, mandated by new COPs
  • • Verbalize the steps in a QAPI process, and develop their own plan

Register for this webinar to educate your entire staff in a short period of time without incurring multiple registration fees or travel expenses.

LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

JOIN US IN FEBRUARY

February 21–23 | Horseshoe Bay

EARLY-BIRD RATES THRU JAN 27 | leadingagetexas.org/leadercon
+ Member-Exclusive Group Rates:
teams of 5+ get a $30 discount each

The annual all-inclusive, three-day leadership retreat is back & you won't want to miss this conference! Leadership Conference is...

  • • an all-inclusive retreat tailored to current and rising aging services leaders
  • • a three-day conference full of engaging sessions in a peer-centered environment
  • • the ideal environment for you & your leadership team to relax, relate, and recharge
  • • a chance to renew your sense of purpose & passion for the aging services field

Get ready to join LeadingAge Texas at the beautiful Horseshoe Bay Resort! With leadership coach & speaker Kristian Jaloway as this year’s conference facilitator focusing on Organizational Health, this unique, retreat-style conference will be the perfect combination of team building & education + a little relaxation thrown in for good measure.

REGISTER TODAY

- BUSINESS MEMBERS, DON'T MISS OUT! -

SECURE YOUR ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE

Become a 2018 Annual Sponsor and enhance your exposure to over 200 LeadingAge Texas providers and beyond. Our Annual Sponsorship package puts all the LeadingAge Texas promotional opportunities in one place, allowing you to budget and customize your visibility for the entire year. The higher the value, the more visibility and prestige you will receive. Marketing your way to success has never been easier!

Customized Packages
Now, the fun part! After you've determined your budget, select your Annual Sponsorship level & design your customized marketing program by selecting specific events and activities from the sponsorship menu.

LEARN MORE + SECURE SPONSORSHIP TODAY

RESERVE YOUR BOOTH TODAY

Make plans to join LeadingAge Texas in San Antonio at the 59th Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO! The Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO is our most attended event for the year and draws around 400 attendees representing our over 200 members from all over the state. This is a great opportunity to reach the leaders and decision makers of the Texas aging services industry.

WHY EXHIBIT?
Exposure! Prime contacts! Participation in this one event will give your company access to your target market and the visibility you need to stand out from the competition.

LEARN MORE + SECURE YOUR BOOTH TODAY
— FROM LEADINGAGE —
Top-notch Resources

NEW!
Social Connectedness & Engagement Technology Selection Tool

Reduce Social Isolation in Your Community
Social isolation is consistently associated with depression and reduced well-being, health, and quality of life. It can increase the risk of death by as much as 45%. Unfortunately, social isolation is common, with rates as high as 43% in community-dwelling older adults.

Technology can help elders maintain and enhance relationships with peers, family, friends, and caregivers.

LeadingAge’s Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) has released a new Social Connectedness and Engagement Technology Selection Tool to help you plan for, select, and implement the best solution for your organization to address this challenge.
--
This tool is the latest in the series of LeadingAge CAST Technology Selection Tools - check out the full set of tools available!

Emergency Preparedness Regulation Dashboard

CMS issued the Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers Final Rule to establish consistent emergency preparedness requirements for healthcare providers participating in Medicare and Medicaid, increase patient safety during emergencies, and establish a more coordinated response to natural and human-caused disasters. It is critical for Home Health, Hospice, Skilled nursing Facilities and PACE organizations to develop effective and robust emergency plans and responses.

The final Emergency Preparedness Rule released by CMS published in the 9/16/16 Federal Register and effective 11/15/16 states nursing homes, home health, hospice, and PACE have until 11/15/17 to implement the new Emergency preparedness requirements.

LeadingAge has provided a helpful Dashboard with toolkits, resources, and guides.

ACCESS THE DASHBOARD

Rate Calculator: Home Health Medicare Rates for CY 2018

LeadingAge has updated the popular Home Health Agency (HHA) Medicare Rate Calculator to incorporate changes becoming effective Jan. 1, 2018. The calculator is based on the Home Health Final Rule released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
NOTE: You will need to sign into My.LeadingAge to access the file, which is a Microsoft Excel document.

Other Member-Exclusive Tools & Resources

Toolsand resources are available for members only, including tools formerly available only on LeadingAge Insights, under the Member-Exclusive Tools & Resources on the LeadingAge website.

RETURN TO TOP

Advocacy Update

— FROM THE DESK OF ALYSE MEYER —
It's Time to Schedule a Legislative Visit to Your Community

Now is the time to reach out and invite legislators to visit your community and provide an update to your residents on the 85th session.To coordinate, please contact me at alyse@leadingagetexas.org or (512) 467-2242.

— ATTENTION NURSING PROVIDERS —
5-Star Quality Reports: New Update

Community-Specific 5-Star Analysis Reports Available Upon Request

To request your community’s most recent 5-Star Analysis Reports email Alyse Meyer & click here to view the PowerPoint slides from an informational webinar.

Not yet using LeadingAge Quality Improvement Resources? Click here to learn more & get on board with interactive data tools to assist you analyze how your organization measures up to peers and how you can work to demonstrate value & improve your organization's performance.

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
ACTION ALERT: Medical Expense Deduction and Tax-Exempt Financing on the Chopping Block

Major tax reform legislation, H.R. 1, has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and will soon come to a vote.

The bill contains 2 provisions of serious concern to aging services providers and the elders they serve:

1.  Elimination of the tax deduction for medical expenses.
2.  Elimination of tax-exempt financing for the development and preservation of affordable senior housing and life plan communities/CCRCs.

This radical legislation would disproportionately affect older adults, many of whom have higher than average medical costs and/or live in affordable housing.

Congress needs to hear from you today. Tell your lawmakers to protect the medical expense deduction and tax-exempt financing for senior housing and life plan communities/CCRCs. Tell them older adults need this. Tell them protecting these tax provisions is the right thing to do.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults

We invite you to take just a few minutes to view the latest LeadingAge QuickCast: Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults. During this short educational video, Linda Couch, LeadingAge’s Vice President of Housing Policy, provides the latest on fiscal 2018 funding by both the House & Senate for housing assistance programs, their expansion of preservation tools for Section 202 communities, when we may see a final funding bill as well as the latest data on the housing needs of older adults.

VIEW THE VIDEO

— NEED TO KNOW —
Current Provisions of House Tax Bill & Potential Impact on Borrowing 501(c)3 Organizations

On Thursday, November 2, 2017, The House Committee on Ways and Means released its initial draft of the tax reform bill. The Bill, as currently written, has significant implications on the Municipal Bond Market in general, and on 501(c)3 organizations in particular.

LEARN MORE + ACT TODAY

RETURN TO TOP

Regulatory Affairs

— RECENTLY PUBLISHED —
Communications & Resources
— ATTENTION NURSING FACILITIES —
CMS Trainings & Resources via TMF
— ATTENTION ASSISTED LIVING PROVIDERS —
Helpful Directory Resource on Providing Medicaid Services
Interested in contracting with MCOs to provide Medicaid services? View HHS's helpful directory list featuring:
  • STAR+PLUS MCO Contacts
  • Information on how to enroll in Texas Medicaid for service through managed care
  • Information on contracting with HHS to provide Assisted Living Services
— UPCOMING GATHERINGS —
APPLY for FREE Training
Nomination process ends this month

Training Opportunity for NFs with Residents with Dementia

HHS is providing the NOSH Texas train-the-trainer program for 40 nursing facilities. A minimum of five members from each of the selected NFs will be trained to become master trainers who will then provide training to the remaining NF staff. This free training will take place between April 2018 and July 2018, at four regional locations between Monday and Friday for three consecutive days.

LEARN MORE + APPLY

Upcoming Provider Meetings & Training

From CMS, DADS, & HHS

Online Resources/Calls:

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
Nursing Home RoP Tools & Resources
RoPs Phase 2 Tools and Resources

Another set of QuickPaths & Tools for Phase 2 have been updated for members on the LeadingAge Website. Login to the members section to gain access to QuickPath resources on:

  • Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
  • Staff Competency
  • Transfer, Notice, and Discharge
  • Medication Management
  • QAPI
  • Resident Rights

LEARN MORE

RETURN TO TOP

 SPONSORED AD 

Around the Association

The Buckingham Honors Resident Dr. Jan van Sant at Dining Venue Sneak Peek

Within a matter of weeks, The Buckingham will unveil The Rosewood Grill, the newest casual dining venue at Houston’s premier senior living community. But residents had a sneak peek during a pre-opening reception honoring resident Dr. Jan van Sant, for whom a private dining and wine room in the new space are named.

Dr. van Sant, a wine connoisseur, is a former president of The Buckingham Resident Council, as well as the first resident to hold a full voting membership on the Board of Directors of Senior Quality Lifestyles Corporation (SQLC). Stocked with bottles of fine wines, the space offers a private dining experience. The Rosewood Grill is part of the Tower at The Buckingham expansion project. The Tower is scheduled for move-ins by mid-November, shortly before the Thanksgiving holiday.

“Dr. van Sant is a fitting namesake for The Rosewood Grill’s private dining and wine room,” said Joe
Anderson, president and CEO of SQLC. “As a beloved resident and board member, he has selflessly served The Buckingham and its sister communities, and he embodies the spirit of welcoming we feel in each of our communities. The Rosewood Grill and its private dining and wine room will be a special place where residents and their loved ones can spend time together for years to come. We couldn’t think of a more appropriate space to carry Dr. van Sant’s name and commemorate his legacy of service to The Buckingham and our organization.”

continue reading

Purple Heart Recipient Shares Story of Survival During World War II 

Imagine waking up cold, bloodied and alone after just withstanding a German attack during WWII. That’s exactly what happened to Donald Morrison, 91, a resident of Buckner Villas, a senior living community in North Austin. He served in the Army from 1944 until 1946 and was injured during his service when the Germans attacked his division. Morrison was struck by shrapnel from an enemy artillery shell, grazing his face – which bled profusely – and striking him in the chest, knocking him unconscious. With the amount of blood from his head wound and the tear in his chest, he was presumed dead and left behind. When he eventually came to and reunited with his division hours later, he began receiving treatment, and that was when he realized it was the small Bible in his pocket that had saved his life. The Bible stopped a piece of the shrapnel from piercing his heart. After the accident, Morrison was awarded the Purple Heart, a military decoration awarded to those wounded or killed while serving.

continue reading

eBook from mmLearn.org: Caregiver's Guide to Dementia - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Medication, & More 

Free eBook for Caregivers

Dementia can add major challenges to everyday life, from memory loss to impaired motor skills. If your patient or loved one shows signs of dementia or has been diagnosed, understanding their condition can help.

In this free 16-page ebook based on a presentation by geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Jason Schillerstrom, you'll learn about:

  • Symptoms of dementia
  • The differences between Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, & Lewy body dementia
  • Medications used to treat dementia

DOWNLOAD THE EBOOK

What's Happening in Your Community?

Tell us what's going on in your community! From an event spotlight to a board appointment, share the triumphs of your organization with your fellow LeadingAge Texas members! Email amanda@leadingagetexas.org for consideration of a newsletter article.

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  Event & Education Calendar

December 1 & 8 REGISTER TODAY
Two-Part Webinar: Home Health Conditions of Participation
January 10-11 Leadership Institute Class 4 | Austin
February 6 SAVE THE DATE
2018 Aging in Texas Summit | Austin
February 21-23 REGISTER TODAY
2018 Leadership Conference | Horseshoe Bay
March 14-15 SAVE THE DATE
QAPI Certified Professional Program | MRC Crestview • Bryan
May 20-23

ATTENDEES, SAVE THE DATE!
2018 Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO | Grand Hyatt • San Antonio

ATTENTION VENDORS!
REGISTER NOW TO EXHIBIT at the Solutions EXPO (May 21-22)

July 17-19 SAVE THE DATE
Medicare University | Location TBA
October 16-18 SAVE THE DATE
RAC-CT® Certification Course | Location TBA
SELF-PACED ONLINE COURSE
MANAGING THE MILLENNIAL MINDSET

www.leadingagetexas.org/millennialmindset
DISCOUNTED RATES FOR LEADINGAGE TEXAS MEMBERS

Having trouble retaining young workers? Do your managers struggle to understand Millennials? We've got the course for you!

TELL ME MORE!
LeadingAge Texas has partnered with Crescendo Strategies to bring this 90-minute, self-paced online course to our members! Renowned millennial workforce thought leader, Cara Silletto, MBA will show leaders a Millennial speaker’s first-hand stories about the real generational issues on the T.A.B.L.E. (technology, authority, balance, loyalty, entitlement).

IS THIS RELATED TO THE 2017 WORKFORCE SUMMIT?
The short answer is yes!

  • Missed our 2017 Workforce Summit?
    We missed you, but are happy to offer this great catch-up session!
  • Attended our 2017 Workforce Summit?
    What a great way to share key insights with your team!

HOW EXACTLY CAN MY TEAM & I USE THIS COURSE?
It's multi-purposed:

  • Consistent training across multiple locations
  • New supervisor & manager orientation
  • Prep for strategic planning or leadership retreats
  • Deep-dive diversity training beyond the basics

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT?
You've got it! 1.5 NAB-approved credits (via Crescendo)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
LEARN MORE + VIEW PRICING*
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

*DISCOUNTED RATES FOR LEADINGAGE TEXAS MEMBERS!

Order the course for you & your team today to learn critical insights about all of today’s workers in order to bridge the widening generational gaps and reduce unnecessary employee turnover costing your organization precious dollars!

Member-Hosted Events + Educational Opportunities

James L. West Provides Free Training Resources for Healthcare Professionals & Family Caregivers

Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Partner Podcasts Series
This free podcast series is for Alzheimer's and dementia care partners. Each 20 minute podcast addresses important topics for providing the best care to those living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
LEARN MORE + ACCESS PODCASTS


Understanding Dementia and the Role of the Healthcare Professional
Interdisciplinary training video for healthcare professionals, including nursing, social work, counselors, facility-based staff, home health caregivers, primary care physician office staff and family care partners. ACCESS VIDEOS

Outside Educational Opportunities

New Series: Transition to Practice for Nurses in the Nursing Facility Setting
FREE 3-day Training for RNs & LVNs | Various Dates/Locations (October thru March)
LEARN MORE + REGISTER

Extended Educational Opportunities:

RETURN TO TOP

  Group Purchasing Spotlight

Take
Advantage of
Savings on
GP PRO

 Check out the informational brochure for more details!

— STAFF DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING —
Healthcare Report & Toolkit

Earlier this year, Relias conducted a research study on how staff development and training programs impact business priorities and performance. They collected responses from nearly 6,000 professionals in the industry we serve. Click here to access the report, which provides you with an opportunity to benchmark your current practices, investments and beliefs against a national sample. Relias has also provided a toolkit that has both copy and graphics that you can use in emails, social media posts, and newsletters.

DOWNLOAD TOOLKIT

Kevin Simpson, Director of Business Development

  

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  Aging Services News

News from LeadingAge

Recent Publications from LeadingAge

Recent News Clips

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Career Center

LeadingAge Texas members receive a 25% discount
when posting a job with discount code LATX25
The discount code must be applied prior to completing the posting

Job Postings

Let the LeadingAge Texas Career Center help you make your next employment connection! Members who post jobs on the LeadingAge Texas Career Center will automatically receive postings of the position in the LeadingAge Texas Connection.

Click here for all current postings in Texas

RETURN TO TOP
 
 
]]> Thu, 16 Nov 2017 21:42:43 GMT LeadingAge Texas Connection for November 9, 2017 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=289161 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=289161

CONTENTS

Association News

Advocacy Update

Regulatory Affairs

Member Highlights

Events · Education

Group Purchasing

In the News

Career Center

• • • • • •
CONNECT

• • • • • •
DIAMOND
PARTNERS
NOW OPEN FOR NOMINATIONS
LeadingAge Texas Awards

NOMINATE THRU DECEMBER 9 | www.leadingagetexas.org/awards

The holiday season is now upon us! In the spirit of gathering & giving, we invite you to reflect upon all the successes & milestones within your organization—the people, the programs, the ideas, the facilities, & the organizations that made these successes possible—and tell us all about it by submitting nominations for our 2018 Awards!

The LeadingAge Texas Awards Program aims to celebrate the remarkable service that brings us together in shared commitment to provide quality aging services to our Senior Texans. It's about celebrating those who put quality first, deliver excellence, & inspire others to do the same.

With that in mind, we urge you to learn more about each category, then submit as many nominations as you see fit by December 9.

LEARN MORE & NOMINATE TODAY

- REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! -

February 21–23 | Horseshoe Bay
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The annual all-inclusive, three-day leadership retreat is back & you wont want to miss this conference tailored to current & rising aging services leaders!

Get ready to join LeadingAge Texas at the beautiful Horseshoe Bay Resort for the 2018 Leadership Conference! With experienced leadership coach & speaker Kristian Jaloway as this year’s conference facilitator focusing on Organizational Health, and with engaging sessions in a peer-centered environment, this unique, retreat-style conference will be the perfect combination of entertainment and education, with a little relaxation thrown in for good measure.

Leadership Conference is...

  • • an all-inclusive retreat tailored to current and rising aging services leaders
  • • a three-day conference full of engaging sessions in a peer-centered environment
  • • the ideal environment for you and your leadership team to relax, relate, and recharge
  • • a chance to renew your sense of purpose and passion for the aging services field

Get ready to kick back at the picturesque lakeside retreat in Horseshoe Bay featuring panoramic views, a luxurious full-service spa, and award-winning golf courses. You'll want to pack up your golf clubs or tennis rackets and get ready to toast your team at the Hill Country wineries surrounding Lake LBJ. Register now to take advantage of the early-bird pricing, and mark your calendar to join LeadingAge Texas February 21 - 23 to take your leadership to the next level!

SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY

REGISTRATION CLOSES SUNDAY
READY FOR NOV 28?
PREP YOU & YOUR STAFF FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
PHASE 2 OF THE CMS FINAL RULE

• • • • • • • • • • •
ONE-DAY TRAINING
Implement Effective Nursing Systems via Infection Prevention & Antibiotic Stewardship Practices
Nov 14 • EdenHill Communities • New Braunfels
LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

Are you & your nursing staff ready for the new compliance rules and regulations? We're here to help! Join us in New Braunfels for an in-depth day of training on:

Section 1: Discuss Objectives of Infection Prevention and Control in a Long-Term Care Setting (Nursing Home)
Section 2: Define Antibiotic Stewardship-Ordering, Tracking, Monitoring, And Evaluating Antibiotic Use & Outcomes
Section 3: Day-to Day-Facility Infection Control Practices
Section 4: Influenza-Immunizations
Section 5: Environmental-Linen-Biohazard Waste Storage-Disposal

NOTE: at the end of each section, attendees will have three questions to complete; at the end of the program, a 15-question test will be held (scheduled for 45 minutes)

Don't miss this timely training!

LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

- BUSINESS MEMBERS, DON'T MISS OUT! -
SECURE YOUR ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE

Become a 2018 Annual Sponsor and enhance your exposure to over 200 LeadingAge Texas providers and beyond. Our Annual Sponsorship package puts all the LeadingAge Texas promotional opportunities in one place, allowing you to budget and customize your visibility for the entire year. The higher the value, the more visibility and prestige you will receive. Marketing your way to success has never been easier!

Customized Packages
Now, the fun part! After you've determined your budget, select your Annual Sponsorship level & design your customized marketing program by selecting specific events and activities from the sponsorship menu.

LEARN MORE + SECURE SPONSORSHIP TODAY

RESERVE YOUR BOOTH TODAY

Make plans to join LeadingAge Texas in San Antonio at the 59th Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO! The Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO is our most attended event for the year and draws around 400 attendees representing our over 200 members from all over the state. This is a great opportunity to reach the leaders and decision makers of the Texas aging services industry.

Why Exhibit?
Exposure! Prime contacts! Participation in this one event will give your company access to your target market and the visibility you need to stand out from the competition.

LEARN MORE + SECURE YOUR BOOTH TODAY
— CALL TO ACTION: ADMINISTRATORS —
Join the Administrators Peer Group
RSVP Today - First Meeting November 16

Administrators! Interested in sharing & learning best practices with other LeadingAge
Texas members? Well, NOW is the time to join the Administrators Peer Group! Members of the Administrator Peer Group will gather at Good Samaritan Society-Denton Village next Thursday, November 16 for their fall networking and planning meeting.

If you are interested in attending, but are not yet a member of the Administrator Peer Group, please contact Crystal to discuss involvement.

JOIN TODAY

— CALL TO ACTION: CCRC LEADERSHIP —
Chaplaincy in CCRCs Survey

We would like to get a better idea about how your community's chaplain(s) function withing each level of care at CCRCs. By taking  2 minutes out of your day, you'll provide us with valuable information to better serve you!

TAKE THE QUICK SURVEY

— FALL 2017 NETWORKING EVENTS —
That's a Wrap!

Our fall Networking Events have come to a close! We hope you enjoyed connecting with your peers & engaging in hot-topics. A special Thank You to all of our hosts as well as our Network Representatives!

+ Visit our Facebook page to view photos from the Fall 2017 Networking Events!

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
Top-notch Resources

NEW!
Social Connectedness & Engagement Technology Selection Tool

Reduce Social Isolation in Your Community
Social isolation is consistently associated with depression and reduced well-being, health, and quality of life. It can increase the risk of death by as much as 45%. Unfortunately, social isolation is common, with rates as high as 43% in community-dwelling older adults.

Technology can help elders maintain and enhance relationships with peers, family, friends, and caregivers.

LeadingAge’s Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) has released a new Social Connectedness and Engagement Technology Selection Tool to help you plan for, select, and implement the best solution for your organization to address this challenge.
--
This tool is the latest in the series of LeadingAge CAST Technology Selection Tools - check out the full set of tools available!

Member-Exclusive Tools & Resources

Tools and resources are available for members only, including tools formerly available only on LeadingAge Insights, under the Member-Exclusive Tools & Resources on the LeadingAge website.

RETURN TO TOP

Advocacy Update

— FROM THE DESK OF ALYSE MEYER —
It's Time to Schedule a Legislative Visit to Your Community

Governor Abbott's first-called special session of the 85th Legislature has adjourned, members are back in their districts. Now is the time to reach out and invite legislators to visit your community and provide an update to your residents on the 85th session.Take advantage of members being back in their districts now that Governor Abbott's first-called special session of the 85th Legislature has adjourned. To coordinate, please contact me at alyse@leadingagetexas.org or (512) 467-2242.

— ATTENTION NURSING PROVIDERS —
5-Star Quality Reports: New Update

Community-Specific 5-Star Analysis Reports Available Upon Request

To request your community’s most recent 5-Star Analysis Reports email Alyse Meyer & click here to view the PowerPoint slides from an informational webinar.

Not yet using LeadingAge Quality Improvement Resources? Click here to learn more & get on board with interactive data tools to assist you analyze how your organization measures up to peers and how you can work to demonstrate value & improve your organization's performance.

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
ACTION ALERT: Medical Expense Deduction and Tax-Exempt Financing on the Chopping Block

Major tax reform legislation, H.R. 1, has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and will soon come to a vote.

The bill contains 2 provisions of serious concern to aging services providers and the elders they serve:

1.  Elimination of the tax deduction for medical expenses.
2.  Elimination of tax-exempt financing for the development and preservation of affordable senior housing and life plan communities/CCRCs.

This radical legislation would disproportionately affect older adults, many of whom have higher than average medical costs and/or live in affordable housing.

Congress needs to hear from you today. Tell your lawmakers to protect the medical expense deduction and tax-exempt financing for senior housing and life plan communities/CCRCs. Tell them older adults need this. Tell them protecting these tax provisions is the right thing to do.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults

We invite you to take just a few minutes to view the latest LeadingAge QuickCast: Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults. During this short educational video, Linda Couch, LeadingAge’s Vice President of Housing Policy, provides the latest on fiscal 2018 funding by both the House & Senate for housing assistance programs, their expansion of preservation tools for Section 202 communities, when we may see a final funding bill as well as the latest data on the housing needs of older adults.

VIEW THE VIDEO

— NEED TO KNOW —
Current Provisions of House Tax Bill & Potential Impact on Borrowing 501(c)3 Organizations

On Thursday, November 2, 2017, The House Committee on Ways and Means released its initial draft of the tax reform bill. The Bill, as currently written, has significant implications on the Municipal Bond Market in general, and on 501(c)3 organizations in particular.

LEARN MORE + ACT TODAY

RETURN TO TOP

Regulatory Affairs

— RECENTLY PUBLISHED —
Communications & Resources
— ATTENTION NURSING FACILITIES —
QIPP Webinar and Resources Now Available

Nursing facilities participating in QIPP can now access the PowerPoint used during the Oct. 25, 2017, webinar. The webinar can be accessed here. Also available on the QIPP webpage are:

  • A Q&A document that was developed as a result of the questions asked during the webinar

Planning for QIPP Year 2
Planning for QIPP year 2 has begun, and a draft timeline is now available on the QIPP webpage. Please email questions to QIPP@hhsc.state.tx.us

— ATTENTION ASSISTED LIVING PROVIDERS —
Helpful Directory Resource on Providing Medicaid Services
Interested in contracting with MCOs to provide Medicaid services? View HHS's helpful directory list featuring:
  • STAR+PLUS MCO Contacts
  • Information on how to enroll in Texas Medicaid for service through managed care
  • Information on contracting with HHS to provide Assisted Living Services
— UPCOMING GATHERINGS —
APPLY IN NOVEMBER for these FREE Trainings

December Training Opportunity for NFs with Residents with Dementia

HHS is providing the NOSH Texas train-the-trainer program for 40 nursing facilities. A minimum of five members from each of the selected NFs will be trained to become master trainers who will then provide training to the remaining NF staff. This free training will take place between April 2018 and July 2018, at four regional locations between Monday and Friday for three consecutive days.

LEARN MORE + APPLY

Upcoming Provider Meetings & Training

From CMS, DADS, & HHS

Online Resources/Calls:

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
Nursing Home RoP Tools & Resources
RoPs Phase 2 Tools and Resources

Another set of QuickPaths & Tools for Phase 2 have been updated for members on the LeadingAge Website. Login to the members section to gain access to QuickPath resources on:

  • Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
  • Staff Competency
  • Transfer, Notice, and Discharge
  • Medication Management
  • QAPI
  • Resident Rights

LEARN MORE

RETURN TO TOP

 SPONSORED AD 

Around the Association

Family Eldercare Celebrates 27th Annual Summer Fan Drive

The Family Eldercare Summer Fan Drive just completed their 27th year of supplying new box and oscillating fans to seniors, adults with disabilities, and families with children in Central Texas. While a fan is a simple object, the impact of this program is monumental on the health and well-being of recipients. In 2017 alone, the Summer Fan Drive distributed 6,740 fans to over 3,200 households, impacting a total of 9,002 people, including 3,905 Central Texas children. These fans provide heat relief from dangerous Texas Summer heat, a service that is critical to vulnerable clients, especially the medically fragile, very old, or very young. The Summer Fan Drive goes beyond just fans, and “opens doors,” for the lives it impacts. In 2017, thanks to a partnership with Austin Energy, the Summer Fan Drive also provided 973 home weatherization information packets containing energy efficient lightbulbs. Clients also interact with Summer Fan Drive volunteers, who are trained to check on the client’s welfare and learn about their needs. Thanks to volunteers, the Summer Fan Drive also made referrals to additional social service resources for 606 individuals. These referrals came from Family Eldercare volunteers, as well as the over 40 partner nonprofits that participate in the Summer Fan Drive, helping the reach of the program spread across 14 counties!

As the Summer Fan Drive enters its 28th year in 2018, Family Eldercare anticipates the need for this service to continue growing as the population around Austin continues to boom, including evacuees from recent natural disasters that set up residency and need services and relief. What began as a simple idea, a few fans, and a mission to make the heat safer for seniors back in 1990 has transformed thousands of lives with thousands of fans annually, and with the help of our community, will continue to do so in the future!

Source: Kent Herring, CEO | Family Eldercare

eBook from mmLearn.org: Caregiver's Guide to Dementia - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Medication, & More 

Free eBook for Caregivers

Dementia can add major challenges to everyday life, from memory loss to impaired motor skills. If your patient or loved one shows signs of dementia or has been diagnosed, understanding their condition can help.

In this free 16-page ebook based on a presentation by geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Jason Schillerstrom, you'll learn about:

  • Symptoms of dementia
  • The differences between Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, & Lewy body dementia
  • Medications used to treat dementia

DOWNLOAD THE EBOOK

What's Happening in Your Community?

Tell us what's going on in your community! From an event spotlight to a board appointment, share the triumphs of your organization with your fellow LeadingAge Texas members! Contact Kristal Butler for consideration of a newsletter article.

RETURN TO TOP

  Event & Education Calendar

 November 14
 REGISTER BY SUNDAY
Effective Nursing Systems via Infection Prevention & Antibiotic Stewardship | EdenHill Communities • New Braunfels
 November 16
  Peer Group Meeting: Administrators | Good Samaritan Society-Denton Village • Denton
January 10-11 Leadership Institute Class 4 | Austin
February 21-23 REGISTER TODAY!
2018 Leadership Conference | Horseshoe Bay
May
21-22		  EXHIBITORS - REGISTRATION OPEN
2018 Solutions EXPO | Grand Hyatt • San Antonio
*NEW* SELF-PACED ONLINE COURSE
MANAGING THE MILLENNIAL MINDSET

www.leadingagetexas.org/millennialmindset
DISCOUNTED RATES FOR LEADINGAGE TEXAS MEMBERS

Having trouble retaining young workers? Do your managers struggle to understand Millennials? We've got the course for you!

TELL ME MORE!
LeadingAge Texas has partnered with Crescendo Strategies to bring this 90-minute, self-paced online course to our members! Renowned millennial workforce thought leader, Cara Silletto, MBA will show leaders a Millennial speaker’s first-hand stories about the real generational issues on the T.A.B.L.E. (technology, authority, balance, loyalty, entitlement).

IS THIS RELATED TO THE 2017 WORKFORCE SUMMIT?
The short answer is yes!

  • Missed our 2017 Workforce Summit?
    We missed you, but are happy to offer this great catch-up session!
  • Attended our 2017 Workforce Summit?
    What a great way to share key insights with your team!

HOW EXACTLY CAN MY TEAM & I USE THIS COURSE?
It's multi-purposed:

  • Consistent training across multiple locations
  • New supervisor & manager orientation
  • Prep for strategic planning or leadership retreats
  • Deep-dive diversity training beyond the basics

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT?
You've got it! 1.5 NAB-approved credits (via Crescendo)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
LEARN MORE + VIEW PRICING*
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

*DISCOUNTED RATES FOR LEADINGAGE TEXAS MEMBERS!

Order the course for you & your team today to learn critical insights about all of today’s workers in order to bridge the widening generational gaps and reduce unnecessary employee turnover costing your organization precious dollars!

Member-Hosted Events + Educational Opportunities

James L. West Provides Free Training Resources for Healthcare Professionals & Family Caregivers

Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Partner Podcasts Series
This free podcast series is for Alzheimer's and dementia care partners. Each 20 minute podcast addresses important topics for providing the best care to those living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
LEARN MORE + ACCESS PODCASTS


Understanding Dementia and the Role of the Healthcare Professional
Interdisciplinary training video for healthcare professionals, including nursing, social work, counselors, facility-based staff, home health caregivers, primary care physician office staff and family care partners. ACCESS VIDEOS

LeadingAge Distance Learning
Webinar: Preparing for the New Survey Process | November 16
LEARN MORE + REGISTER

Outside Educational Opportunities

New Series: Transition to Practice for Nurses in the Nursing Facility Setting
FREE 3-day Training for RNs & LVNs | Various Dates/Locations (October thru March)
LEARN MORE + REGISTER

Extended Educational Opportunities:

RETURN TO TOP

  Group Purchasing Spotlight

Take
Advantage of
Savings on
GP PRO

 <-- Check out the informational brochure for more details!

— STAFF DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING —
Healthcare Report & Toolkit

Earlier this year, Relias conducted a research study on how staff development and training programs impact business priorities and performance. They collected responses from nearly 6,000 professionals in the industry we serve. Click here to access the report, which provides you with an opportunity to benchmark your current practices, investments and beliefs against a national sample. Relias has also provided a toolkit that has both copy and graphics that you can use in emails, social media posts, and newsletters.

DOWNLOAD TOOLKIT

Kevin Simpson, Director of Business Development

  

RETURN TO TOP

  Aging Services News

News from LeadingAge

Recent Publications from LeadingAge

Recent News Clips

RETURN TO TOP

Career Center

LeadingAge Texas members receive a 25% discount
when posting a job with discount code LATX25
The discount code must be applied prior to completing the posting

Job Postings

Let the LeadingAge Texas Career Center help you make your next employment connection! Members who post jobs on the LeadingAge Texas Career Center will automatically receive postings of the position in the LeadingAge Texas Connection.

Click here for all current postings in Texas

RETURN TO TOP
 
 
]]> Thu, 9 Nov 2017 20:46:30 GMT LeadingAge Texas Connection for November 2, 2017 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=288658 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=288658

CONTENTS

Association News

Advocacy Update

Regulatory Affairs

Member Highlights

Events · Education

Group Purchasing

In the News

Career Center

• • • • • •
CONNECT

• • • • • •
DIAMOND
PARTNERS
READY FOR NOV 28?
2 OPPORTUNITIES TO PREP YOU & YOUR STAFF FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
PHASE 2 OF THE CMS FINAL RULE

• • • • • •
WEBINAR
Are You Ready for the Long-Awaited Facility Assessment?
Nov 9 • 12 - 1:15 pm
LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

Gather your team & join in on this can't-miss, timely webinar! You & your team will:

- Explore the components of the facility assessment and be offered a review of the regulations related to the facility assessment.
- Learn about the facility assessment tool to help identify resource utilization in their facility.
- Analyze the link between the facility assessment and the QAPI plan including regulatory requirements.

Don't miss this easily-accessible session!

LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

• • • • • • • • • • •
ONE-DAY TRAINING
Implement Effective Nursing Systems via Infection Prevention & Antibiotic Stewardship Practices
Nov 14 • EdenHill Communities • New Braunfels
LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

Are you & your nursing staff ready for the new compliance rules and regulations? We're here to help! Join us in New Braunfels for an in-depth day of training on:

Section 1: Discuss Objectives of Infection Prevention and Control in a Long-Term Care Setting (Nursing Home)
Section 2: Define Antibiotic Stewardship-Ordering, Tracking, Monitoring, And Evaluating Antibiotic Use & Outcomes
Section 3: Day-to Day-Facility Infection Control Practices
Section 4: Influenza-Immunizations
Section 5: Environmental-Linen-Biohazard Waste Storage-Disposal

NOTE: at the end of each section, attendees will have three questions to complete; at the end of the program, a 15-question test will be held (scheduled for 45 minutes)

Don't miss this timely training!

LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

*NEW* SELF-PACED ONLINE COURSE
MANAGING THE MILLENNIAL MINDSET

www.leadingagetexas.org/millennialmindset
DISCOUNTED RATES FOR LEADINGAGE TEXAS MEMBERS

Having trouble retaining young workers? Do your managers struggle to understand Millennials? We've got the course for you!

TELL ME MORE!
LeadingAge Texas has partnered with Crescendo Strategies to bring this 90-minute, self-paced online course to our members! Renowned millennial workforce thought leader, Cara Silletto, MBA will show leaders a Millennial speaker’s first-hand stories about the real generational issues on the T.A.B.L.E. (technology, authority, balance, loyalty, entitlement).

IS THIS RELATED TO THE 2017 WORKFORCE SUMMIT?
The short answer is yes!

  • Missed our 2017 Workforce Summit?
    We missed you, but are happy to offer this great catch-up session!
  • Attended our 2017 Workforce Summit?
    What a great way to share key insights with your team!

HOW EXACTLY CAN MY TEAM & I USE THIS COURSE?
It's multi-purposed:

  • Consistent training across multiple locations
  • New supervisor & manager orientation
  • Prep for strategic planning or leadership retreats
  • Deep-dive diversity training beyond the basics

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT?
You've got it! 1.5 NAB-approved credits (via Crescendo)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
LEARN MORE + VIEW PRICING*
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

*DISCOUNTED RATES FOR LEADINGAGE TEXAS MEMBERS!

Order the course for you & your team today to learn critical insights about all of today’s workers in order to bridge the widening generational gaps and reduce unnecessary employee turnover costing your organization precious dollars!

REGISTRATION OPENS MID-NOVEMBER!
2018 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

February 21–23 | Horseshoe Bay

Make plans to join LeadingAge Texas at the beautiful Horseshoe Bay Resort for the 2018 Leadership Conference! With experienced leadership coach & speaker Kristian Jaloway as this year’s conference facilitator focusing on Organizational Health, and with engaging sessions in a peer-centered environment, this all-inclusive, three-day leadership retreat is tailored to current & rising aging services leaders.

Leadership Conference is...

  • an all-inclusive retreat tailored to current and rising aging services leaders
  • a three-day conference full of engaging sessions in a peer-centered environment
  • the ideal environment for you and your leadership team to relax, relate, and recharge
  • a chance to renew your sense of purpose and passion for the aging services field

In addition to the programming, get ready to kick back at the picturesque lakeside retreat in Horseshoe Bay featuring panoramic views, a luxurious full-service spa, and award-winning golf courses. You'll want to pack up your golf clubs or tennis rackets and get ready to toast your team at the Hill Country wineries surrounding Lake LBJ.


FINAL FALL 2017 NETWORKING EVENT
CALLING ALL SOUTHEAST TEXANS!
MEET UP WITH YOUR
FELLOW LOCAL MEMBERS NEXT WEEK

Our fall Networking Events will wrap up with:

So, Southeast Texans - be sure to get yourself (+ your team) registered!

 + Visit our Facebook page to view photos from this month's Networking Events!

THANK YOU!
LEADINGAGE ANNUAL MEETING & EXPO

LeadingAge Annual Meeting & EXPO was a great experience! With thousands of attendees coming together in NOLA to network, learn, & engage, we all returned home feeling inspired & recharged.

Thanks to everyone who joined us at the Texas Night Out, and to CliftonLarsonAllen for sponsoring the event! Check out event photos via Twitter!

— CALL TO ACTION: ADMINISTRATORS —
Join the Administrators Peer Group

Administrators! Interested in sharing & learning best practices with other LeadingAge Texas members? Join the Administrators Peer Group, where we aim to increase member value on matters pertaining to administrators in long-term care.

JOIN TODAY

— CALL TO ACTION: CCRC LEADERSHIP —
Chaplaincy in CCRCs Survey

We would like to get a better idea about how your community's chaplain(s) function withing each level of care at CCRCs. By taking  2 minutes out of your day, you'll provide us with valuable information to better serve you!

TAKE THE QUICK SURVEY

Top-notch Resources from LeadingAge

NEW!
Social Connectedness & Engagement Technology Selection Tool

Reduce Social Isolation in Your Community
Social isolation is consistently associated with depression and reduced well-being, health, and quality of life. It can increase the risk of death by as much as 45%. Unfortunately, social isolation is common, with rates as high as 43% in community-dwelling older adults.

Technology can help elders maintain and enhance relationships with peers, family, friends, and caregivers.

LeadingAge’s Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) has released a new Social Connectedness and Engagement Technology Selection Tool to help you plan for, select, and implement the best solution for your organization to address this challenge.
--
This tool is the latest in the series of LeadingAge CAST Technology Selection Tools - check out the full set of tools available!

RoPs RESOURCES

RoP Facility Assessment Toolkit §483.70(e) 
LeadingAge's RoP Facility Assessment Toolkit© is designed to provide practical, step-by-step guidance for organizations as they evaluate their individual facility resident population, resource availability and allocation in accordance with resident care and service needs and other required elements in developing their written facility assessment. Access the member-exclusive toolkit - it's the perfect resource for insight on implementation, importance of data, policy & procedure, and more!

WORKFORCE RESOURCES

LeadingAge Workforce Innovators Podcast
leadingage.org/workforce-podcasts

LeadingAge’s Center for Workforce Solutions has announce a brand-new podcast, LeadingAge Workforce Innovators. During each episode, Gene Mitchell of LeadingAge Magazine interviews extraordinary LeadingAge members who share their promising practices. The podcast also strives to explain how those solutions might be replicable for your organization’s workforce.

Subscribe to LeadingAge Workforce Innovators now wherever you get your podcasts:

Center for Workforce Solutions
leadingage.org/workforce

Check out the new LeadingAge Center for Workforce Solutions, a brand-new center featuring workforce resources. This new center contains promising practices, ideas for key partnerships, tools to calculate turnover, presentation materials, fact sheets, LeadingAge member testimonials, podcasts, policy news, and other relevant articles.

Download OnShift's Whitepaper
Engaging employees is the key to boosting quality, productivity and profitability in long-term care. In this white paper from LeadingAge Silver Partner, OnShift, you’ll find the tools you need to supercharge your retention initiatives. Make 2017 the “Year of the Employee” and build an awesome workforce that stays long-term!

In Need of Rural Best Practices
Are you a rural community? LeadingAge is hoping to collect promising practices & key partnership information for rural communities. Please take a few moments to answer/comment on LeadingAge's survey, then submit them to Susan Hildebrandt at shildebrandt@leadingage.org.

RETURN TO TOP

Advocacy Update

— DEMENTIA SERVICE PROVIDERS —
Alzheimer's Association Community Resource Finder

Alzheimer’s Association manages a website for caregivers which provides a comprehensive listing of programs and services, making it easy to search, find and access the support caregivers need quickly. Those who provide dementia specific services can advertise on the website for free.

LEARN MORE

— FROM THE DESK OF ALYSE MEYER —
It's Time to Schedule a Legislative Visit to Your Community

Governor Abbott's first-called special session of the 85th Legislature has adjourned, members are back in their districts. Now is the time to reach out and invite legislators to visit your community and provide an update to your residents on the 85th session.Take advantage of members being back in their districts now that Governor Abbott's first-called special session of the 85th Legislature has adjourned. To coordinate, please contact me at alyse@leadingagetexas.org or (512) 467-2242.

— NURSING HOME MEMBERS —
Have You Joined Our QIPP Interest Group?

Want to receive updates on QIPP? Simply join the newly formed QIPP interest group (simply select the "Join Group" button) to stay informed. PLUS: Materials used during HHS' August 17 QIPP webinar are now available on their QIPP page & include:

  • A PDF version of the PowerPoint presentation
  • Answers to question asked during the webinar
  • Scorecard with targets
  • Lapsed funds example
— ATTENTION NURSING PROVIDERS —
5-Star Quality Reports: New Update

Community-Specific 5-Star Analysis Reports Available Upon Request

To request your community’s most recent 5-Star Analysis Reports email Alyse Meyer & click here to view the PowerPoint slides from an informational webinar.

Not yet using LeadingAge Quality Improvement Resources? Click here to learn more & get on board with interactive data tools to assist you analyze how your organization measures up to peers and how you can work to demonstrate value & improve your organization's performance.

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
Preserve Tax Incentives for Housing and Charitable Giving

Congress is about to consider major tax legislation that could include changes to tax provisions particularly important to older adults. These essential tax issues include: medical and long-term care expense deductions, the low income housing tax credit, and the charitable contribution deduction.

LEARN MORE

Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults

We invite you to take just a few minutes to view the latest LeadingAge QuickCast: Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults. During this short educational video, Linda Couch, LeadingAge’s Vice President of Housing Policy, provides the latest on fiscal 2018 funding by both the House & Senate for housing assistance programs, their expansion of preservation tools for Section 202 communities, when we may see a final funding bill as well as the latest data on the housing needs of older adults.

VIEW THE VIDEO

RETURN TO TOP

Regulatory Affairs

— RECENTLY PUBLISHED —
Communications & Resources
— ATTENTION ASSISTED LIVING PROVIDERS —
Helpful Directory Resource on Providing Medicaid Services
Interested in contracting with MCOs to provide Medicaid services? View HHS's helpful directory list featuring:
  • STAR+PLUS MCO Contacts
  • Information on how to enroll in Texas Medicaid for service through managed care
  • Information on contracting with HHS to provide Assisted Living Services
— UPCOMING GATHERINGS —
APPLY IN NOVEMBER for these FREE Trainings

BY TOMORROW, NOV 3
December Training Opportunity for NFs with Residents with Dementia

HHSC is receiving funding to provide Advanced Person-Centered Behavior Training for 20 nursing facilities that have residents with dementia. This free training will take place in November at selected NFs between Monday and Saturday, for 3 consecutive days.

NF staff will understand the most effective methods of care for residents with dementia, including those who display challenging behaviors. They will also learn how to provide residents diagnosed with dementia with an individualized care plan to address their specific challenging behaviors.

LEARN MORE + APPLY TODAY

December Training Opportunity for NFs with Residents with Dementia

HHS is providing the NOSH Texas train-the-trainer program for 40 nursing facilities. A minimum of five members from each of the selected NFs will be trained to become master trainers who will then provide training to the remaining NF staff. This free training will take place between April 2018 and July 2018, at four regional locations between Monday and Friday for three consecutive days.

LEARN MORE + APPLY

Upcoming Provider Meetings & Training

From CMS, DADS, & HHS

Online Resources/Calls:

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
Nursing Home RoP Tools & Resources
RoPs Phase 2 Tools and Resources

Another set of QuickPaths & Tools for Phase 2 have been updated for members on the LeadingAge Website. Login to the members section to gain access to QuickPath resources on:

  • Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
  • Staff Competency
  • Transfer, Notice, and Discharge
  • Medication Management
  • QAPI
  • Resident Rights

LEARN MORE

Reduce Social Isolation With the Newest CAST Tool
Technology Solutions Can Decrease Threat of Loneliness and Improve Quality of Life

Social isolation is consistently associated with depression and reduced well-being, health, and quality of life. It can increase the risk of death by as much as 45%. Unfortunately, social isolation is common, with rates as high as 43% in community-dwelling older adults.

Technology can help elders maintain and enhance relationships with peers, family, friends, and caregivers.

LeadingAge’s Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) has released a new Social Connectedness and Engagement Technology Selection Tool to help you plan for, select, and implement the best solution for your organization to address this challenge.

This tool is the latest in the series of LeadingAge CAST Technology Selection Tools to help members increase engagement and satisfaction in their communities.

VIEW THE FULL PORTFOLIO

RETURN TO TOP

 SPONSORED AD 

Around the Association

Houston Teen Earns Eagle Scout Status Through His Service to Seniors 

In the northwest corner at Parkway Place, a faith-based senior living community in Houston, there is a new prayer garden with two benches featuring hand painted tiles. It’s a quiet place where residents can sit and enjoy themselves, and it’s all thanks to Peyton Price. The high school senior did this project to become an Eagle Scout, the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America. It’s an idea he came up with on his own after visiting the senior living community. He enlisted help from a few friends to clear the area, but on his own he pressure washed it, brought the benches and planted palms on each side. In addition, more than 30 residents volunteered their time to decorate the tiles on the benches with things such as crosses, animals and scriptures. If all of that wasn’t enough, Price also made a cross which hangs on the brick wall between the benches. The blue cross features the passage from Romans chapter 12, verse 12: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Price also dedicated the prayer garden to his grandparents, who call Parkway Place home.

CONTINUE READING

eBook from mmLearn.org: Caregiver's Guide to Dementia - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Medication, & More 

Free eBook for Caregivers

Dementia can add major challenges to everyday life, from memory loss to impaired motor skills. If your patient or loved one shows signs of dementia or has been diagnosed, understanding their condition can help.

In this free 16-page ebook based on a presentation by geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Jason Schillerstrom, you'll learn about:

  • Symptoms of dementia
  • The differences between Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, & Lewy body dementia
  • Medications used to treat dementia

DOWNLOAD THE EBOOK

What's Happening in Your Community?

Tell us what's going on in your community! From an event spotlight to a board appointment, share the triumphs of your organization with your fellow LeadingAge Texas members! Contact Amanda for consideration of a newsletter article.

RETURN TO TOP

  Event & Education Calendar

November 9  Networking Event: Southeast Texas | Houston
   WEBINAR: Are You Ready for the Long-Awaited Facility Assessment?
November 8-9 Leadership Institute Class 3 | Dallas
 November 14
  Effective Nursing Systems via Infection Prevention & Antibiotic Stewardship | EdenHill Communities • New Braunfels
 November 16
  Peer Group Meeting: Administrators | Good Samaritan Society-Denton Village • Denton
January 10-11 Leadership Institute Class 4 | Austin
February 21-23 REGISTRATION OPENS NEXT WEEK
2018 Leadership Conference | Horseshoe Bay
Member-Hosted Events + Educational Opportunities

James L. West Provides Free Training Resources for Healthcare Professionals & Family Caregivers

Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Partner Podcasts Series
This free podcast series is for Alzheimer's and dementia care partners. Each 20 minute podcast addresses important topics for providing the best care to those living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
LEARN MORE + ACCESS PODCASTS


Understanding Dementia and the Role of the Healthcare Professional
Interdisciplinary training video for healthcare professionals, including nursing, social work, counselors, facility-based staff, home health caregivers, primary care physician office staff and family care partners. ACCESS VIDEOS

LeadingAge Distance Learning
Webinar: Preparing for the New Survey Process | November 16
LEARN MORE + REGISTER

Outside Educational Opportunities

New Series: Transition to Practice for Nurses in the Nursing Facility Setting
FREE 3-day Training for RNs & LVNs | Various Dates/Locations (October thru March)
LEARN MORE + REGISTER

Extended Educational Opportunities:

RETURN TO TOP

  Group Purchasing Spotlight

Take
Advantage of
Savings on
GP PRO

 <-- Check out the informational brochure for more details!

— STAFF DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING —
Healthcare Report & Toolkit

Earlier this year, Relias conducted a research study on how staff development and training programs impact business priorities and performance. They collected responses from nearly 6,000 professionals in the industry we serve. Click here to access the report, which provides you with an opportunity to benchmark your current practices, investments and beliefs against a national sample. Relias has also provided a toolkit that has both copy and graphics that you can use in emails, social media posts, and newsletters.

DOWNLOAD TOOLKIT

Kevin Simpson, Director of Business Development

  

RETURN TO TOP

  Aging Services News

News from LeadingAge

Recent Publications from LeadingAge

Recent News Clips

RETURN TO TOP

Career Center

LeadingAge Texas members receive a 25% discount
when posting a job with discount code LATX25
The discount code must be applied prior to completing the posting

Job Postings

Let the LeadingAge Texas Career Center help you make your next employment connection! Members who post jobs on the LeadingAge Texas Career Center will automatically receive postings of the position in the LeadingAge Texas Connection.

Click here for all current postings in Texas

RETURN TO TOP
 
 
]]> Thu, 2 Nov 2017 19:41:02 GMT LeadingAge Texas Connection for October 26, 2017 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=288055 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=288055

CONTENTS

Association News

Advocacy Update

Regulatory Affairs

Member Highlights

Events · Education

Group Purchasing

In the News

Career Center

• • • • • •
CONNECT

• • • • • •
DIAMOND
PARTNERS
READY FOR NOV 28?
CHECK OUT THESE OPPORTUNITIES
TO PREP YOU & YOUR STAFF
FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
PHASE 2 OF THE CMS FINAL RULE

• • • • • •
WEBINAR: Are You Ready for the Long-Awaited Facility Assessment?
Nov 9 • 12 - 1:15 pm | LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

Gather your team & join in on this can't-miss, timely webinar! You & your team will:

- Explore the components of the facility assessment and be offered a review of the regulations related to the facility assessment.
- Learn about the facility assessment tool to help identify resource utilization in their facility.
- Analyze the link between the facility assessment and the QAPI plan including regulatory requirements.

Don't miss this easily-accessible session!

LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

• • • • • • • • • • •
Implement Effective Nursing Systems via Infection Prevention & Antibiotic Stewardship Practices
Nov 14 • EdenHill Communities • New Braunfels
LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

Are you & your nursing staff ready for the new compliance rules and regulations? We're here to help! Join us in New Braunfels for an in-depth day of training on:

Section 1: Discuss Objectives of Infection Prevention and Control in a Long-Term Care Setting (Nursing Home)
Section 2: Define Antibiotic Stewardship-Ordering, Tracking, Monitoring, And Evaluating Antibiotic Use & Outcomes
Section 3: Day-to Day-Facility Infection Control Practices
Section 4: Influenza-Immunizations
Section 5: Environmental-Linen-Biohazard Waste Storage-Disposal

NOTE: at the end of each section, attendees will have three questions to complete; at the end of the program, a 15-question test will be held (scheduled for 45 minutes)

Don't miss this timely training!

LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

SEE Y'ALL IN NOLA
LEADINGAGE ANNUAL MEETING & EXPO

October 29 - November 1 • New Orleans, LA

LeadingAge Annual Meeting & EXPO is the can't-miss annual gathering of our nation's not-for-profit aging services professionals. In education sessions, during general sessions, and through eye-opening, one-of-a-kind experiences, you and your team will be immersed in our shared mission of helping older adults thrive.

Don't forget to show off your #Leadingage17Pics for a change to win a $300 VISA gift card. Read all about the rules & how to enter, here!

• • • • • • • • • • • •
CHECK IT OUT!
RURAL NETWORKING & LISTENING SESSION - LEARN MORE
LeadingAge staff are hosting a Rural Networking and Listening session at the 2017 Annual Meeting & Expo in New Orleans. They want to hear from you about how workforce, regulatory & payment reform and other issues uniquely impact our members in rural and frontier communities.

Can't make it to New Orleans? No Problem! You can participate remotely by calling their conference call line.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
2017 TEXAS NIGHT OUT IN NOLA - REGISTER TODAY
Sunday, October 29 • 6 - 7:30 pm | Tomas Bistro 

Once you register to attend the national LeadingAge Annual Meeting & EXPO, be sure to REGISTER for the 2017 Texas Night Out. At this year's Texas Membership Reception you'll enjoy a unique venue in NOLA's Warehouse District & experience live music, delish eats, drinks, and networking (or just catch up with your conference cohorts!).

Special thanks to our Texas Night Out sponsor, CliftonLarsonAllen! 

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
VISIT FUNCTIONAL PATHWAY'S BOOTH (# 844)
LeadingAge Texas is excited to announce our new partnership with Functional Pathways. They are now our exclusive therapy provider through SCPC.

If you'll be in NOLA, come meet their team at
the LeadingAge Conference Exhibit Hall, booth #844

Can't stop by in NOLA?
Reach out to Kevin Simpson or Linda Morse
to set up a meeting or call in the near future!

FINAL FALL 2017 NETWORKING EVENT
CALLING ALL SOUTHEAST TEXANS!
MEET UP WITH YOUR FELLOW
LOCAL MEMBERS NEXT MONTH

Our fall Networking Events will wrap up with:

So, Southeast Texans - be sure to get yourself (+ your team) registered!

 + Visit our Facebook page to view photos from this month's Networking Events!

HURRICANE RELIEF

LOOKING FOR RESOURCES?
LeadingAge Texas is continually updating post helpful sites & resources at www.leadingagetexas.org/harvey.
Recently added resources include:
National Church Residences Hurricane Support Hotline.

Check out LeadingAge's Disaster Resources Page, a guide with helpful response & recovery information.

FEELING PHILANTHROPIC?
DONATE TODAY to help LeadingAge reach its $1 Million donation goal for Hurricane Relief! Read "A Hurricane Update From Katie Smith Sloan" from LeadingAge to hear Katie's call-to-action!

— CALL TO ACTION: CCRC LEADERSHIP —
Chaplaincy in CCRCs Survey

We would like to get a better idea about how your community's chaplain(s) function withing each level of care at CCRCs. By taking  2 minutes out of your day, you'll provide us with valuable information to better serve you!

TAKE THE QUICK SURVEY

Top-notch Resources from LeadingAge

RoPs RESOURCES

RoP Facility Assessment Toolkit §483.70(e) 
LeadingAge's RoP Facility Assessment Toolkit© is designed to provide practical, step-by-step guidance for organizations as they evaluate their individual facility resident population, resource availability and allocation in accordance with resident care and service needs and other required elements in developing their written facility assessment. Access the member-exclusive toolkit - it's the perfect resource for insight on implementation, importance of data, policy & procedure, and more!

WORKFORCE RESOURCES

NEW! LeadingAge Workforce Innovators Podcast
leadingage.org/workforce-podcasts

LeadingAge’s Center for Workforce Solutions has announce a brand-new podcast, LeadingAge Workforce Innovators. During each episode, Gene Mitchell of LeadingAge Magazine interviews extraordinary LeadingAge members who share their promising practices. The podcast also strives to explain how those solutions might be replicable for your organization’s workforce.

Subscribe to LeadingAge Workforce Innovators now wherever you get your podcasts:

Center for Workforce Solutions
leadingage.org/workforce

Check out the new LeadingAge Center for Workforce Solutions, a brand-new center featuring workforce resources. This new center contains promising practices, ideas for key partnerships, tools to calculate turnover, presentation materials, fact sheets, LeadingAge member testimonials, podcasts, policy news, and other relevant articles.

Download OnShift's Whitepaper
Engaging employees is the key to boosting quality, productivity and profitability in long-term care. In this white paper from LeadingAge Silver Partner, OnShift, you’ll find the tools you need to supercharge your retention initiatives. Make 2017 the “Year of the Employee” and build an awesome workforce that stays long-term!

In Need of Rural Best Practices
Are you a rural community? LeadingAge is hoping to collect promising practices & key partnership information for rural communities. Please take a few moments to answer/comment on LeadingAge's survey, then submit them to Susan Hildebrandt at shildebrandt@leadingage.org.

RETURN TO TOP

Advocacy Update

— DEMENTIA SERVICE PROVIDERS —
Alzheimer's Association Community Resource Finder

Alzheimer’s Association manages a website for caregivers which provides a comprehensive listing of programs and services, making it easy to search, find and access the support caregivers need quickly. Those who provide dementia specific services can advertise on the website for free.

LEARN MORE

— FROM THE DESK OF ALYSE MEYER —
It's Time to Schedule a Legislative Visit to Your Community

Governor Abbott's first-called special session of the 85th Legislature has adjourned, members are back in their districts. Now is the time to reach out and invite legislators to visit your community and provide an update to your residents on the 85th session.Take advantage of members being back in their districts now that Governor Abbott's first-called special session of the 85th Legislature has adjourned. To coordinate, please contact me at alyse@leadingagetexas.org or (512) 467-2242.

— FOR OUR NURSING HOME MEMBERS —
Have You Joined Our QIPP Interest Group?

Want to receive updates on QIPP? Simply join the newly formed QIPP interest group (simply select the "Join Group" button) to stay informed. PLUS: Materials used during HHS' August 17 QIPP webinar are now available on their QIPP page & include:

  • A PDF version of the PowerPoint presentation
  • Answers to question asked during the webinar
  • Scorecard with targets
  • Lapsed funds example

Administrators! Interested in sharing & learning best practices with other LeadingAge Texas members? Join the Administrators Peer Group, where we aim to increase member value on matters pertaining to administrators in long-term care.

JOIN TODAY

— ATTENTION NURSING PROVIDERS —
5-Star Quality Reports: New Update

Community-Specific 5-Star Analysis Reports Available Upon Request

To request your community’s most recent 5-Star Analysis Reports email Alyse Meyer & click here to view the PowerPoint slides from an informational webinar.

Not yet using LeadingAge Quality Improvement Resources? Click here to learn more & get on board with interactive data tools to assist you analyze how your organization measures up to peers and how you can work to demonstrate value & improve your organization's performance.

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
Preserve Tax Incentives for Housing and Charitable Giving

Congress is about to consider major tax legislation that could include changes to tax provisions particularly important to older adults. These essential tax issues include: medical and long-term care expense deductions, the low income housing tax credit, and the charitable contribution deduction.

LEARN MORE

Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults

We invite you to take just a few minutes to view the latest LeadingAge QuickCast: Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults. During this short educational video, Linda Couch, LeadingAge’s Vice President of Housing Policy, provides the latest on fiscal 2018 funding by both the House & Senate for housing assistance programs, their expansion of preservation tools for Section 202 communities, when we may see a final funding bill as well as the latest data on the housing needs of older adults.

VIEW THE VIDEO

Capitol Reflections - BREAKING ADVOCACY NEWS -
Week of October 23, 2017

Click here for a weekly recap of LeadingAge advocacy activities and updates in the nation's capital.

RETURN TO TOP

Regulatory Affairs

— RECENTLY PUBLISHED —
Communications & Resources
— ATTENTION ASSISTED LIVING PROVIDERS —
Helpful Directory Resource on Providing Medicaid Services
Interested in contracting with MCOs to provide Medicaid services? View HHS's helpful directory list featuring:
  • STAR+PLUS MCO Contacts
  • Information on how to enroll in Texas Medicaid for service through managed care
  • Information on contracting with HHS to provide Assisted Living Services
— UPCOMING GATHERINGS —
APPLY IN NOVEMBER for these FREE Trainings

BY NOV. 3: December Training Opportunity for NFs with Residents with Dementia

HHSC is receiving funding to provide Advanced Person-Centered Behavior Training for 20 nursing facilities that have residents with dementia. This free training will take place in November at selected NFs between Monday and Saturday, for 3 consecutive days.

NF staff will understand the most effective methods of care for residents with dementia, including those who display challenging behaviors. They will also learn how to provide residents diagnosed with dementia with an individualized care plan to address their specific challenging behaviors.

LEARN MORE + APPLY TODAY

December Training Opportunity for NFs with Residents with Dementia

HHS is providing the NOSH Texas train-the-trainer program for 40 nursing facilities. A minimum of five members from each of the selected NFs will be trained to become master trainers who will then provide training to the remaining NF staff. This free training will take place between April 2018 and July 2018, at four regional locations between Monday and Friday for three consecutive days.

LEARN MORE + APPLY

Upcoming Provider Meetings & Training

From CMS, DADS, & HHS

Online Resources/Calls:

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
Nursing Home RoP Tools & Resources
RoPs Phase 2 Tools and Resources

Another set of QuickPaths & Tools for Phase 2 have been updated for members on the LeadingAge Website. Login to the members section to gain access to QuickPath resources on:

  • Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
  • Staff Competency
  • Transfer, Notice, and Discharge
  • Medication Management
  • QAPI
  • Resident Rights

LEARN MORE

Reduce Social Isolation With the Newest CAST Tool
Technology Solutions Can Decrease Threat of Loneliness and Improve Quality of Life

Social isolation is consistently associated with depression and reduced well-being, health, and quality of life. It can increase the risk of death by as much as 45%. Unfortunately, social isolation is common, with rates as high as 43% in community-dwelling older adults.

Technology can help elders maintain and enhance relationships with peers, family, friends, and caregivers.

LeadingAge’s Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) has released a new Social Connectedness and Engagement Technology Selection Tool to help you plan for, select, and implement the best solution for your organization to address this challenge.

This tool is the latest in the series of LeadingAge CAST Technology Selection Tools to help members increase engagement and satisfaction in their communities.

VIEW THE FULL PORTFOLIO

RETURN TO TOP

 SPONSORED AD 

Around the Association

New Senior Living Community to be Developed in Southwest Fort Worth

MRC Announces Plans to Build Stevenson Oaks Featuring Independent Living, Various Amenities and Full Complement of Care Options in New Tavolo Park

Methodist Retirement Communities (MRC), a not-for-profit senior living organization based in The Woodlands, has announced development plans for a new senior living community in Fort Worth. The 19-acre site is just off Chisholm Trail Parkway at Bryant Irvin and Altamesa boulevards. It’s located in the new Tavolo Park master-planned community – a development featuring new homes, parks, restaurants, offices and retail shops. Stevenson Oaks has been selected as the name for the senior living community. Plans initially include 159 independent living apartment homes with various amenities, as well as 36 assisted living apartments, 24 memory support suites, 24 rehab suites and 16 skilled nursing suites on the campus.

continue reading

Senior Quality Lifestyles Corporation Announces Organizational Changes

Addison-based Senior Quality Lifestyles Corporation (SQLC), a nonprofit organization that sponsors and operates life care retirement communities, is pleased to announce several organizational changes which will further its mission to provide five-star hospitality and health care.

Joe Anderson has been appointed president and CEO of the company by the SQLC board of directors. In his new position, Anderson will represent the board to its six communities, including Edgemere (Dallas), The Buckingham (Houston), Querencia at Barton Creek (Austin), Mirador (Corpus Christi), The Stayton at Museum Way (Fort Worth), and The Barrington of Carmel (Indianapolis). In addition, Anderson will oversee Seniority, Inc., the company's wholly-owned management subsidiary, which will perform the day-to-day management for the communities. Anderson continues as chairman of the SQLC Foundation, the company's charitable subsidiary.

continue reading

eBook from mmLearn.org: Caregiver's Guide to Dementia - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Medication, & More 

Free eBook for Caregivers

Dementia can add major challenges to everyday life, from memory loss to impaired motor skills. If your patient or loved one shows signs of dementia or has been diagnosed, understanding their condition can help.

In this free 16-page ebook based on a presentation by geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Jason Schillerstrom, you'll learn about:

  • Symptoms of dementia
  • The differences between Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, & Lewy body dementia
  • Medications used to treat dementia

DOWNLOAD THE EBOOK

What's Happening in Your Community?

Tell us what's going on in your community! From an event spotlight to a board appointment, share the triumphs of your organization with your fellow LeadingAge Texas members! Contact Amanda for consideration of a newsletter article.

RETURN TO TOP

  Event & Education Calendar

October 29 2017 Texas Night Out | New Orleans 
November 9  Networking Event: Southeast Texas | Houston
   WEBINAR: Are You Ready for the Long-Awaited Facility Assessment?
November 8-9 Leadership Institute Class 3 | Dallas
 November 14
  Effective Nursing Systems via Infection Prevention & Antibiotic Stewardship | EdenHill Communities • New Braunfels
 November 16
  Peer Group Meeting: Administrators | Good Samaritan Society-Denton Village • Denton
January 10-11 Leadership Institute Class 4 | Austin
February 21-23 SAVE THE DATE: 2018 Leadership Conference | Horseshoe Bay
Member-Hosted Events + Educational Opportunities

James L. West Provides Free Training Resources for Healthcare Professionals & Family Caregivers

Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Partner Podcasts Series
This free podcast series is for Alzheimer's and dementia care partners. Each 20 minute podcast addresses important topics for providing the best care to those living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
LEARN MORE + ACCESS PODCASTS


Understanding Dementia and the Role of the Healthcare Professional
Interdisciplinary training video for healthcare professionals, including nursing, social work, counselors, facility-based staff, home health caregivers, primary care physician office staff and family care partners. ACCESS VIDEOS

LeadingAge Distance Learning
Webinar: Preparing for the New Survey Process | November 16
LEARN MORE + REGISTER

Outside Educational Opportunities

New Series: Transition to Practice for Nurses in the Nursing Facility Setting
FREE 3-day Training for RNs & LVNs | Various Dates/Locations (October thru March)
LEARN MORE + REGISTER

Trends in 1115 Waiver Activity Impacting Seniors & People with Disabilities
FREE Webinar hosted by the Disability and Aging Collaborative | October 13
LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

Building a Road Map for Patient Navigation: What to do when the mountains and oceans are constantly moving
FREE Learning Session Webinar from TMF | November 2
REGISTER TODAY

Extended Educational Opportunities:

RETURN TO TOP

  Group Purchasing Spotlight

Take
Advantage of
Savings on
GP PRO

 <-- Check out the informational brochure for more details!

 

Save this Fall with HD Supply

Valid thru October

Use code FB3 to take advantage of savings of $50 off on all orders of $500 or more in addition to our already low prices!

HD Supply is your go-to source for quality maintenance, repair, and operations products, property improvement services, and more! Don't miss out on this great way to save on any large capital expense (such as a PTAC, refrigerator, or other appliance).

Sherwin-Williams GroupBuy Savings

Valid thru October

Click here to view these GroupBuy deals & paint like a pro with Sherwin-Williams monthly Healthcare Savings on applicators, tools and equipment. Sherwin-Williams offers a wide range of high-performance coating systems for walls, floors, roofs, & concrete surfaces in an assortment of popular styles and colors ideally suited for long-term care communities.

— STAFF DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING —
Healthcare Report & Toolkit

Earlier this year, Relias conducted a research study on how staff development and training programs impact business priorities and performance. They collected responses from nearly 6,000 professionals in the industry we serve. Click here to access the report, which provides you with an opportunity to benchmark your current practices, investments and beliefs against a national sample. Relias has also provided a toolkit that has both copy and graphics that you can use in emails, social media posts, and newsletters.

DOWNLOAD TOOLKIT

Kevin Simpson, Director of Business Development

  

RETURN TO TOP

  Aging Services News

News from LeadingAge

Recent Publications from LeadingAge

Recent News Clips

RETURN TO TOP

Career Center

LeadingAge Texas members receive a 25% discount
when posting a job with discount code LATX25
The discount code must be applied prior to completing the posting

Job Postings

Let the LeadingAge Texas Career Center help you make your next employment connection! Members who post jobs on the LeadingAge Texas Career Center will automatically receive postings of the position in the LeadingAge Texas Connection.

Click here for all current postings in Texas

RETURN TO TOP
 
 
]]> Thu, 26 Oct 2017 23:06:18 GMT LeadingAge Texas Connection for October 19, 2017 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=287526 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=287526

CONTENTS

Association News

Advocacy Update

Regulatory Affairs

Member Highlights

Events · Education

Group Purchasing

In the News

Career Center

• • • • • •
CONNECT

• • • • • •
DIAMOND
PARTNERS
READY FOR NOV 28?
CHECK OUT THESE OPPORTUNITIES
TO PREP YOU & YOUR STAFF
FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
PHASE 2 OF THE CMS FINAL RULE

• • • • • •
WEBINAR: Are You Ready for the Long-Awaited Facility Assessment?
Nov 9 • 12 - 1:15 pm | LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

Gather your team & join in on this can't-miss, timely webinar! You & your team will:

- Explore the components of the facility assessment and be offered a review of the regulations related to the facility assessment.
- Learn about the facility assessment tool to help identify resource utilization in their facility.
- Analyze the link between the facility assessment and the QAPI plan including regulatory requirements.

Don't miss this easily-accessible session!

LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

• • • • • • • • • • •
Implement Effective Nursing Systems via Infection Prevention & Antibiotic Stewardship Practices
Nov 14 • EdenHill Communities • New Braunfels
LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

Are you & your nursing staff ready for the new compliance rules and regulations? We're here to help! Join us in New Braunfels for an in-depth day of training on:

Section 1: Discuss Objectives of Infection Prevention and Control in a Long-Term Care Setting (Nursing Home)
Section 2: Define Antibiotic Stewardship-Ordering, Tracking, Monitoring, And Evaluating Antibiotic Use & Outcomes
Section 3: Day-to Day-Facility Infection Control Practices
Section 4: Influenza-Immunizations
Section 5: Environmental-Linen-Biohazard Waste Storage-Disposal

NOTE: at the end of each section, attendees will have three questions to complete; at the end of the program, a 15-question test will be held (scheduled for 45 minutes)

Don't miss this timely training!

LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

SEE Y'ALL IN NOLA
LEADINGAGE ANNUAL MEETING & EXPO

October 29 - November 1 • New Orleans, LA
REGISTER TODAY

LeadingAge Annual Meeting & EXPO is the can't-miss annual gathering of our nation's not-for-profit aging services professionals. In education sessions, during general sessions, and through eye-opening, one-of-a-kind experiences, you and your team will be immersed in our shared mission of helping older adults thrive.

• • • • • • • • • • • •
CHECK IT OUT!
RURAL NETWORKING & LISTENING SESSION - LEARN MORE
LeadingAge staff are hosting a Rural Networking and Listening session at the 2017 Annual Meeting & Expo in New Orleans. They want to hear from you about how workforce, regulatory & payment reform and other issues uniquely impact our members in rural and frontier communities.

Can't make it to New Orleans? No Problem! You can participate remotely by calling their conference call line.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
2017 TEXAS NIGHT OUT IN NOLA - REGISTER TODAY
Sunday, October 29 • 6 - 7:30 pm | Tomas Bistro 

Once you register to attend the national LeadingAge Annual Meeting & EXPO, be sure to REGISTER for the 2017 Texas Night Out. At this year's Texas Membership Reception you'll enjoy a unique venue in NOLA's Warehouse District and experience live music, delish eats, drinks, and networking (or just catching up with your conference cohorts!).

TEXAS NIGHT OUT SPONSORS
Special thanks to our event sponsor, CliftonLarsonAllen! 

NETWORKING EVENTS
MEET UP WITH YOUR FELLOW
LOCAL MEMBERS THIS FALL

Our fall Networking Events will wrap up with:

So, Southeast Texans - be sure to get yourself (+ your team) registered!

 + Visit our Facebook page to view photos from this month's Networking Events!

HURRICANE RELIEF

LOOKING FOR RESOURCES?
LeadingAge Texas is continually updating post helpful sites & resources at www.leadingagetexas.org/harvey.
Recently added resources include information on SBA disaster loans & more.

Check out LeadingAge's Disaster Resources Page, a guide with helpful response & recovery information.

FEELING PHILANTHROPIC?
DONATE TODAY to help LeadingAge reach its $1 Million donation goal for Hurricane Relief! Read "A Hurricane Update From Katie Smith Sloan" from LeadingAge to hear Katie's call-to-action!

— CALL TO ACTION: CCRC LEADERSHIP —
Chaplaincy in CCRCs Survey

We would like to get a better idea about how your community's chaplain(s) function withing each level of care at CCRCs. By taking  2 minutes out of your day, you'll provide us with valuable information to better serve you!

TAKE THE QUICK SURVEY

Top-notch Resources from LeadingAge

RoPs RESOURCES

RoP Facility Assessment Toolkit §483.70(e) 
LeadingAge's RoP Facility Assessment Toolkit© is designed to provide practical, step-by-step guidance for organizations as they evaluate their individual facility resident population, resource availability and allocation in accordance with resident care and service needs and other required elements in developing their written facility assessment. Access the member-exclusive toolkit - it's the perfect resource for insight on implementation, importance of data, policy & procedure, and more!

WORKFORCE RESOURCES

NEW! LeadingAge Workforce Innovators Podcast
leadingage.org/workforce-podcasts

LeadingAge’s Center for Workforce Solutions has announce a brand-new podcast, LeadingAge Workforce Innovators. During each episode, Gene Mitchell of LeadingAge Magazine interviews extraordinary LeadingAge members who share their promising practices. The podcast also strives to explain how those solutions might be replicable for your organization’s workforce.

Subscribe to LeadingAge Workforce Innovators now wherever you get your podcasts:

Center for Workforce Solutions
leadingage.org/workforce

Check out the new LeadingAge Center for Workforce Solutions, a brand-new center featuring workforce resources. This new center contains promising practices, ideas for key partnerships, tools to calculate turnover, presentation materials, fact sheets, LeadingAge member testimonials, podcasts, policy news, and other relevant articles.

Download OnShift's Whitepaper
Engaging employees is the key to boosting quality, productivity and profitability in long-term care. In this white paper from LeadingAge Silver Partner, OnShift, you’ll find the tools you need to supercharge your retention initiatives. Make 2017 the “Year of the Employee” and build an awesome workforce that stays long-term!

In Need of Rural Best Practices
Are you a rural community? LeadingAge is hoping to collect promising practices & key partnership information for rural communities. Please take a few moments to answer/comment on LeadingAge's survey, then submit them to Susan Hildebrandt at shildebrandt@leadingage.org.

RETURN TO TOP

Advocacy Update

— DEMENTIA SERVICE PROVIDERS —
Alzheimer's Association Community Resource Finder

Alzheimer’s Association manages a website for caregivers which provides a comprehensive listing of programs and services, making it easy to search, find and access the support caregivers need quickly. Those who provide dementia specific services can advertise on the website for free.

LEARN MORE

— FROM THE DESK OF ALYSE MEYER —
It's Time to Schedule a Legislative Visit to Your Community

Governor Abbott's first-called special session of the 85th Legislature has adjourned, members are back in their districts. Now is the time to reach out and invite legislators to visit your community and provide an update to your residents on the 85th session.Take advantage of members being back in their districts now that Governor Abbott's first-called special session of the 85th Legislature has adjourned. To coordinate, please contact me at alyse@leadingagetexas.org or (512) 467-2242.

— FOR OUR NURSING HOME MEMBERS —
Have You Joined Our QIPP Interest Group?

Want to receive updates on QIPP? Simply join the newly formed QIPP interest group (simply select the "Join Group" button) to stay informed. PLUS: Materials used during HHS' August 17 QIPP webinar are now available on their QIPP page & include:

  • A PDF version of the PowerPoint presentation
  • Answers to question asked during the webinar
  • Scorecard with targets
  • Lapsed funds example

Administrators! Interested in sharing & learning best practices with other LeadingAge Texas members? Join the Administrators Peer Group, where we aim to increase member value on matters pertaining to administrators in long-term care.

JOIN TODAY

— ATTENTION MEDICAID PROVIDERS —
5-Star Quality Rating System: Updated Tools & Reports

Community-Specific 5-Star Analysis Reports Available Upon Request

To request your community’s most recent 5-Star Analysis Reports email Alyse Meyer & click here to view the PowerPoint slides from an informational webinar.

Not yet using LeadingAge Quality Improvement Resources? Click here to learn more & get on board with interactive data tools to assist you analyze how your organization measures up to peers and how you can work to demonstrate value & improve your organization's performance.

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults

We invite you to take just a few minutes to view the latest LeadingAge QuickCast: Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults. During this short educational video, Linda Couch, LeadingAge’s Vice President of Housing Policy, provides the latest on fiscal 2018 funding by both the House & Senate for housing assistance programs, their expansion of preservation tools for Section 202 communities, when we may see a final funding bill as well as the latest data on the housing needs of older adults.

VIEW THE VIDEO

RETURN TO TOP

Regulatory Affairs

— RECENTLY PUBLISHED —
Communications & Resources
— ATTENTION NURSING FACILITIES —
QIPP Update

The first round of the QAPI Component One transmissions has occurred, but many facilities still have questions. Below are questions that have been received, and the answers to those questions.

QIPP QAPI Validation Report Forms

Q: What should the title of my QAPI Validation Report form include?
A: The title of the QAPI Validation Report form file must include:
• Facility name
• Date of the QAPI meeting
• Example: Stoneybrook Manor, September 2017

Q: Where should I send my QAPI Validation report form?
A: MCS_QIPP_QAPI@hhsc.state.tx.us.

Q: Where should I send my QAPI and QIPP questions?
A: Send them to QIPP@hhsc.state.tx.us.

Q: What should I include in the subject line of my email?
A: The subject line must include:
• Date and time of the QAPI meeting
• Facility ID number formatted as shown below:
• October 2017 QAPI meeting report 10-5-17 at 3 p.m. 4016

Q: When is my monthly QAPI validation report form due?
A: It’s due by close of business on the first business day following the end of the month being reported. For example, September 2017 QAPI Validation Report forms are due no later than COB Oct. 2, 2017.

Q: What happens if my report is late?
A: Being late will result in a forfeiture of that month’s QIPP Component One payment.

— ATTENTION ASSISTED LIVING PROVIDERS —
Helpful Directory Resource on Providing Medicaid Services
Interested in contracting with MCOs to provide Medicaid services? View HHS's helpful directory list featuring:
  • STAR+PLUS MCO Contacts
  • Information on how to enroll in Texas Medicaid for service through managed care
  • Information on contracting with HHS to provide Assisted Living Services
— UPCOMING GATHERINGS —
APPLY BY NOV. 3: FREE December Training Opportunity for NFs with Residents with Dementia

HHSC is receiving funding to provide Advanced Person-Centered Behavior Training for 20 nursing facilities that have residents with dementia. This free training will take place in November at selected NFs between Monday and Saturday, for 3 consecutive days.

NF staff will understand the most effective methods of care for residents with dementia, including those who display challenging behaviors. They will also learn how to provide residents diagnosed with dementia with an individualized care plan to address their specific challenging behaviors.

LEARN MORE + APPLY TODAY

Upcoming Provider Meetings & Training

From CMS, DADS, & HHS

Online Resources/Calls:

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule: Resources at Your Fingertips

Click here to access this recently updated Resources Guide!

RETURN TO TOP

 SPONSORED AD 

Around the Association

The Buckingham Receives National Quality Award for 2017

The Buckingham, Houston’s premier senior living community, has been recognized as 2017 recipient of the “Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award” by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the leading association for long-term and post-acute care.

The Buckingham was presented the award during the AHCA/NCAL 68th annual convention and exposition in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The award is one of three progressive award levels through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award program, which honors association members across the nation who have demonstrated their commitment to improving quality care for seniors and persons with disabilities.

continue reading

eBook from mmLearn.org: Caregiver's Guide to Dementia - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Medication, & More 

Free eBook for Caregivers

Dementia can add major challenges to everyday life, from memory loss to impaired motor skills. If your patient or loved one shows signs of dementia or has been diagnosed, understanding their condition can help.

In this free 16-page ebook based on a presentation by geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Jason Schillerstrom, you'll learn about:

  • Symptoms of dementia
  • The differences between Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, & Lewy body dementia
  • Medications used to treat dementia

DOWNLOAD THE EBOOK

What's Happening in Your Community?

Tell us what's going on in your community! From an event spotlight to a board appointment, share the triumphs of your organization with your fellow LeadingAge Texas members! Contact Amanda for consideration of a newsletter article.

RETURN TO TOP

  Event & Education Calendar

October 20  Committee Meeting: Senior Housing | Juliette Fowler Communities • Dallas
October 26 Peer Group Conference Call: Nurses
October 29 2017 Texas Night Out | New Orleans 
November 9  Networking Event: Southeast Texas | Houston
   WEBINAR: Are You Ready for the Long-Awaited Facility Assessment?
November 8-9 Leadership Institute Class 3 | Dallas
 November 14
  Effective Nursing Systems via Infection Prevention & Antibiotic Stewardship | EdenHill Communities • New Braunfels
 November 16
  Peer Group Meeting: Administrators | Good Samaritan Society-Denton Village • Denton
January 10-11 Leadership Institute Class 4 | Austin
February 21-23 SAVE THE DATE: 2018 Leadership Conference | Horseshoe Bay
Member-Hosted Events + Educational Opportunities

James L. West Provides Free Training Resources for Healthcare Professionals & Family Caregivers

Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Partner Podcasts Series
This free podcast series is for Alzheimer's and dementia care partners. Each 20 minute podcast addresses important topics for providing the best care to those living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
LEARN MORE + ACCESS PODCASTS


Understanding Dementia and the Role of the Healthcare Professional
Interdisciplinary training video for healthcare professionals, including nursing, social work, counselors, facility-based staff, home health caregivers, primary care physician office staff and family care partners. ACCESS VIDEOS

Outside Educational Opportunities

New Series: Transition to Practice for Nurses in the Nursing Facility Setting
FREE 3-day Training for RNs & LVNs | Various Dates/Locations (October thru March)
LEARN MORE + REGISTER

Trends in 1115 Waiver Activity Impacting Seniors & People with Disabilities
FREE Webinar hosted by the Disability and Aging Collaborative | October 13
LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

Building a Road Map for Patient Navigation: What to do when the mountains and oceans are constantly moving
FREE Learning Session Webinar from TMF | November 2
REGISTER TODAY

Extended Educational Opportunities:

RETURN TO TOP

  Group Purchasing Spotlight

Take
Advantage of
Savings on
GP PRO

 <-- Check out the informational brochure for more details!

 

Save this Fall with HD Supply

Valid thru October

Use code FB3 to take advantage of savings of $50 off on all orders of $500 or more in addition to our already low prices!

HD Supply is your go-to source for quality maintenance, repair, and operations products, property improvement services, and more! Don't miss out on this great way to save on any large capital expense (such as a PTAC, refrigerator, or other appliance).

Sherwin-Williams GroupBuy Savings

Valid thru October

Click here to view these GroupBuy deals & paint like a pro with Sherwin-Williams monthly Healthcare Savings on applicators, tools and equipment. Sherwin-Williams offers a wide range of high-performance coating systems for walls, floors, roofs, & concrete surfaces in an assortment of popular styles and colors ideally suited for long-term care communities.

— STAFF DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING —
Healthcare Report & Toolkit

Earlier this year, Relias conducted a research study on how staff development and training programs impact business priorities and performance. They collected responses from nearly 6,000 professionals in the industry we serve. Click here to access the report, which provides you with an opportunity to benchmark your current practices, investments and beliefs against a national sample. Relias has also provided a toolkit that has both copy and graphics that you can use in emails, social media posts, and newsletters.

DOWNLOAD TOOLKIT

Kevin Simpson, Director of Business Development

  

RETURN TO TOP

  Aging Services News

News from LeadingAge

Recent Publications from LeadingAge

Recent News Clips

RETURN TO TOP

Career Center

LeadingAge Texas members receive a 25% discount
when posting a job with discount code LATX25
The discount code must be applied prior to completing the posting

Job Postings

Let the LeadingAge Texas Career Center help you make your next employment connection! Members who post jobs on the LeadingAge Texas Career Center will automatically receive postings of the position in the LeadingAge Texas Connection.

Click here for all current postings in Texas

RETURN TO TOP
 
 
]]> Thu, 19 Oct 2017 21:09:42 GMT LeadingAge Texas Connection for October 12, 2017 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=286933 https://www.leadingagetexas.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1067460&post=286933 #sp-main { width: 119% !important; }

CONTENTS

Association News

Advocacy Update

Regulatory Affairs

Member Highlights

Events · Education

Group Purchasing

In the News

Career Center

• • • • • •
CONNECT

• • • • • •
DIAMOND
PARTNERS
NETWORKING EVENTS
DON'T MISS OUT! MEET UP WITH YOUR FELLOW LOCAL MEMBERS THIS FALL

October is in full swing, and so are our fall Networking Events! Be sure to get yourself (and your team) registered! 

SEE Y'ALL IN NOLA
LEADINGAGE ANNUAL MEETING & EXPO

October 29 - November 1 • New Orleans, LA
REGISTER TODAY

LeadingAge Annual Meeting & EXPO is the can't-miss annual gathering of our nation's not-for-profit aging services professionals. In education sessions, during general sessions, and through eye-opening, one-of-a-kind experiences, you and your team will be immersed in our shared mission of helping older adults thrive.

NEW! RURAL NETWORKING & LISTENING SESSION - LEARN MORE
LeadingAge staff are hosting a Rural Networking and Listening session at the 2017 Annual Meeting & Expo in New Orleans. They want to hear from you about how workforce, regulatory & payment reform and other issues uniquely impact our members in rural and frontier communities.

  • Can't make it to New Orleans? No Problem! You can participate remotely by calling their conference call line.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
2017 TEXAS NIGHT OUT IN NOLA - REGISTER TODAY
Sunday, October 29 • 6 - 7:30 pm | Tomas Bistro 

Once you register to attend the national LeadingAge Annual Meeting & EXPO, be sure to REGISTER for the 2017 Texas Night Out. At this year's Texas Membership Reception you'll enjoy a unique venue in NOLA's Warehouse District and experience live music, delish eats, drinks, and networking (or just catching up with your conference cohorts!).

TEXAS NIGHT OUT SPONSORS
Special thanks to our event sponsor, CliftonLarsonAllen! 

ATTENTION: STUDENT MEMBERS
check out LeadingAge's Student Program

HURRICANE RELIEF

LOOKING FOR RESOURCES?
LeadingAge Texas is continually updating post helpful sites & resources at www.leadingagetexas.org/harvey.
Recently added resources include information on SBA disaster loans & more.

Check out LeadingAge's Disaster Resources Page, a guide with helpful response & recovery information.

FEELING PHILANTHROPIC?
DONATE TODAY to support  LeadingAge's Disaster Relief Fund. 100% of all donations will go directly to members & their staff to cover a range of needs.

— LONG TERM CARE ADMINISTRATORS —
Have You Joined Our Administrators Peer Group?

Administrators! Interested in sharing & learning best practices with other LeadingAge Texas members? Join the Administrators Peer Group, where we aim to increase member value on matters pertaining to administrators in long-term care.

JOIN TODAY

— CALL TO ACTION: CCRC LEADERSHIP —
Chaplaincy in CCRCs Survey

We would like to get a better idea about how your community's chaplain(s) function withing each level of care at CCRCs. By taking 5 minutes out of your day, you'll provide us with valuable information to better serve you!

TAKE THE SURVEY

Top-notch Resources from LeadingAge

RoPs RESOURCES

RoP Facility Assessment Toolkit §483.70(e) 
LeadingAge's RoP Facility Assessment Toolkit© is designed to provide practical, step-by-step guidance for organizations as they evaluate their individual facility resident population, resource availability and allocation in accordance with resident care and service needs and other required elements in developing their written facility assessment. Access the member-exclusive toolkit - it's the perfect resource for insight on implementation, importance of data, policy & procedure, and more!

WORKFORCE RESOURCES

NEW! LeadingAge Workforce Innovators Podcast
leadingage.org/workforce-podcasts

LeadingAge’s Center for Workforce Solutions has announce a brand-new podcast, LeadingAge Workforce Innovators. During each episode, Gene Mitchell of LeadingAge Magazine interviews extraordinary LeadingAge members who share their promising practices. The podcast also strives to explain how those solutions might be replicable for your organization’s workforce.

Subscribe to LeadingAge Workforce Innovators now wherever you get your podcasts:

Center for Workforce Solutions
leadingage.org/workforce

Check out the new LeadingAge Center for Workforce Solutions, a brand-new center featuring workforce resources. This new center contains promising practices, ideas for key partnerships, tools to calculate turnover, presentation materials, fact sheets, LeadingAge member testimonials, podcasts, policy news, and other relevant articles.

Download OnShift's Whitepaper
Engaging employees is the key to boosting quality, productivity and profitability in long-term care. In this white paper from LeadingAge Silver Partner, OnShift, you’ll find the tools you need to supercharge your retention initiatives. Make 2017 the “Year of the Employee” and build an awesome workforce that stays long-term!

In Need of Rural Best Practices
Are you a rural community? LeadingAge is hoping to collect promising practices & key partnership information for rural communities. Please take a few moments to answer/comment on LeadingAge's survey, then submit them to Susan Hildebrandt at shildebrandt@leadingage.org.

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Advocacy Update

— DEMENTIA SERVICE PROVIDERS —
Alzheimer's Association Community Resource Finder

Alzheimer’s Association manages a website for caregivers which provides a comprehensive listing of programs and services, making it easy to search, find and access the support caregivers need quickly. Those who provide dementia specific services can advertise on the website for free. 

LEARN MORE 
— FROM THE DESK OF ALYSE MEYER —
It's Time to Schedule a Legislative Visit to Your Community

Governor Abbott's first-called special session of the 85th Legislature has adjourned, members are back in their districts. Now is the time to reach out and invite legislators to visit your community and provide an update to your residents on the 85th session. Take advantage of members being back in their districts now that Governor Abbott's first-called special session of the 85th Legislature has adjourned. To coordinate, please contact me at alyse@leadingagetexas.org or (512) 467-2242.

— FOR OUR NURSING HOME MEMBERS —
Have You Joined Our QIPP Interest Group?

Want to receive updates on QIPP? Simply join the newly formed QIPP interest group (simply select the "Join Group" button) to stay informed. PLUS: Materials used during HHS' August 17 QIPP webinar are now available on their QIPP page & include:

  • A PDF version of the PowerPoint presentation
  • Answers to question asked during the webinar
  • Scorecard with targets
  • Lapsed funds example
— ATTENTION MEDICAID PROVIDERS —
5-Star Quality Rating System: Updated Tools & Reports

Community-Specific 5-Star Analysis Reports Available Upon Request

To request your community’s most recent 5-Star Analysis Reports email Alyse Meyer & click here to view the PowerPoint slides from an informational webinar.

Not yet using LeadingAge Quality Improvement Resources? Click here to learn more & get on board with interactive data tools to assist you analyze how your organization measures up to peers and how you can work to demonstrate value & improve your organization's performance.

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
Action Alert: Contact Your Representatives and Make Your Voice Heard

Don’t Let Congress Take Away the Medical Expense Deduction

Congress is developing major tax reform. While few details have been released, one of the changes being considered is elimination of the deduction for medical expenses.

Losing this important deduction would hurt many older adults. Elders living in some life plan communities deduct a portion of their fees as pre-paid medical expenses in case they need nursing home care. They would lose this important deduction—as would many older adults living in other care settings. Others with high medical bills would be similarly affected. This radical proposal would disproportionately affect older adults, many of whom have higher than average medical costs.

Congress needs to hear from you today. Tell your lawmakers to protect the medical expense deduction. Tell them older adults need this important deduction. Tell them protecting it is the right thing to do.

 LEARN MORE + TAKE ACTION

Urge Congress to Preserve and Expand Housing for Older Adults

Congress has given itself until Dec. 8 to decide its next steps on housing funding for fiscal year 2018. We need Congress to enact a final HUD spending bill by Dec. 8 so affordable housing programs can continue to serve older adults with very low incomes without interruption.

Urge Congress to fully fund HUD programs because:

  • The need for affordable housing for older adults has exploded, with seniors representing 66% of the recent increase in “worst case housing needs” households.
  • HUD programs like the Section 202 and Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance programs are critical to providing currently-assisted seniors affordable housing.
  • Only 34% of very low income seniors receive the housing assistance they are eligible for because the programs are small compared to real need; new production funding is critical.

Contact your Representatives to Fund Senior Housing Today

Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults

We invite you to take just a few minutes to view the latest LeadingAge QuickCast: Update on Federal Funding for Housing Programs Serving Older Adults. During this short educational video, Linda Couch, LeadingAge’s Vice President of Housing Policy, provides the latest on fiscal 2018 funding by both the House & Senate for housing assistance programs, their expansion of preservation tools for Section 202 communities, when we may see a final funding bill as well as the latest data on the housing needs of older adults.

VIEW THE VIDEO

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Regulatory Affairs

— RECENTLY PUBLISHED —
Communications & Resources
— ATTENTION ASSISTED LIVING PROVIDERS —
Helpful Directory Resource on Providing Medicaid Services
Interested in contracting with MCOs to provide Medicaid services? View HHS's helpful directory list featuring:
  • STAR+PLUS MCO Contacts
  • Information on how to enroll in Texas Medicaid for service through managed care
  • Information on contracting with HHS to provide Assisted Living Services
— UPCOMING GATHERINGS —
Upcoming Provider Meetings & Training

From CMS, DADS, & HHS

Online Resources/Calls:

— FROM LEADINGAGE —
CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule: Resources at Your Fingertips

Click here to access this recently updated Resources Guide!

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 SPONSORED AD 

Around the Association

Residents of Buckner Villas Honor First Responders on Patriot Day

Patriot Day, observed as the National Day of Service and Remembrance, occurs on September 11 each year in memory of the first responders who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks in 2001. This year, residents of Buckner Villas honored first responders by delivering homemade baked goods and non-perishable snacks to the Austin Police Department located at 12425 Lamplight Village Avenue. Resident Julia Treadway made candy for the officers to enjoy. She has lived at the senior living community for six years and looks forward to participating in this tradition each year. The 90-year-old resident has a deep connection to first responders, as her son Mark Treadway is a volunteer firefighter in Hayes County. Treadway says first responders put their lives on the line each and every day, and delivering these treats is the least they can do to show their appreciation.

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Senority Inc. Names Jonathan Carrier Chief Development Officer

Seniority Inc., a national senior living management company headquartered in Dallas, is pleased to announce that Jonathan Carrier has been promoted to chief development officer. In this role, Carrier will lead all real estate development, operations and acquisition efforts for Seniority Inc., and Senior Quality Lifestyles Corporation (SQLC), a nationally recognized nonprofit organization which sponsors and operates life care communities. During his tenure with SQLC and Seniority Inc., Carrier successfully secured more than $250 million of financing and completed $150 million of development.

“Jonathan’s focus and forward-thinking leadership style is a tremendous asset to our team as we expand into new markets and lead the senior living industry,” said Stan Waterhouse, president and CEO of Seniority Inc. “He has proven himself over the years, and we look forward to seeing the new and creative ideas he brings to the table. He has an extensive background in construction management, and I couldn’t think of a better person for this role as we continue to grow as a company. This is a well-deserved promotion.”

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Residents of The Buckingham Host Oktoberfest Fundraiser Benefiting Staff Members Impacted by Hurricane Harvey

After the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey throughout Houston, residents of The Buckingham – Houston’s premier senior living community – are thankful for the support and dedication of the selfless team members who helped maintain a sense of normalcy during the storm. Many employees stayed at the community 24 hours a day to provide food, uplifting conversation and care to meet the residents’ needs, even as their own homes were flooded and their lives impacted significantly. To show their appreciation, the senior residents recently came together to help employees impacted by the storm during the community’s annual Oktoberfest fundraiser. The annual celebration began seven years ago when resident Inge Liesner began holding the event, in which she organizes the entire occasion and cooks for all in attendance, to raise money to support the Alzheimer’s Association. While coordinating the event for this year, Liesner decided that funds raised from the event would be put to best use by donating them to The Buckingham Relief Fund, which supports team members affected by Hurricane Harvey. In total, residents raised over $7,000 at this year’s event.

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Mirador to Receive National Quality Award for 2017

Mirador is proud to announce its recent recognition as a 2017 recipient of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award for the community’s dedication to improving the lives of its residents through quality care. In addition to independent living, Mirador offers assisted living, memory care, as well as long- and short-term skilled nursing residences. This special distinction is one of the three progressive award levels through the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the leading association for long-term and post-acute care. Mirador attributes its success to the dedication of team members and their desire to provide residents with exceptional care. To qualify for the award, Mirador had to identify an area of focus within the community the team wanted to improve and had to demonstrate measurable improvements. They chose fall prevention, and the community significantly lowered the risk of a fall for residents through the implementation of new processes.

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eBook from mmLearn.org: Caregiver's Guide to Dementia - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Medication, & More 

Free eBook for Caregivers

Dementia can add major challenges to everyday life, from memory loss to impaired motor skills. If your patient or loved one shows signs of dementia or has been diagnosed, understanding their condition can help.

In this free 16-page ebook based on a presentation by geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Jason Schillerstrom, you'll learn about:

  • Symptoms of dementia
  • The differences between Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, & Lewy body dementia
  • Medications used to treat dementia

DOWNLOAD THE EBOOK

mmLearn Caregiver Training Videos

Free online training videos are available though mmLearn.org. Click here to learn more!

What's Happening in Your Community?

Tell us what's going on in your community! From an event spotlight to a board appointment, share the triumphs of your organization with your fellow LeadingAge Texas members! Contact Amanda for consideration of a newsletter article.

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  Event & Education Calendar

October 17 Peer Group Conference Call: HR
  Networking Event: Central Texas | San Antonio 
October 18  Networking Event: Heart of Texas | Waco 
October 19 Peer Group Meeting: Marketing | MRC Crestview • Bryan

Committee Meeting: Finance | LeadingAge Texas • Austin  
October 20  Committee Meeting: Senior Housing | Juliette Fowler Communities • Dallas
October 26 Peer Group Conference Call: Nurses
October 29 2017 Texas Night Out | New Orleans 
November 9  Networking Event: Southeast Texas | Houston
November 8-9 Leadership Institute Class 3 | Dallas
 November 16
  Peer Group Meeting: Administrators | Good Samaritan Society-Denton Village • Denton
January 10-11 Leadership Institute Class 4 | Austin
February 21-23 SAVE THE DATE: 2018 Leadership Conference | Horseshoe Bay
Member-Hosted Events + Educational Opportunities

2017 Grief & Loss Symposium
Complimentary Event | Presented by Christian Care Hospice | October 13 • Mesquite 
LEARN MORE + REGISTER

LeadingAge Distance Learning
Webinar: Preparing for the New Survey Process| October 17
LEARN MORE + REGISTER

Outside Educational Opportunities

New Series: Transition to Practice for Nurses in the Nursing Facility Setting
FREE 3-day Training for RNs & LVNs | Various Dates/Locations (October thru March)
LEARN MORE + REGISTER

Trends in 1115 Waiver Activity Impacting Seniors & People with Disabilities
FREE Webinar hosted by the Disability and Aging Collaborative | October 13
LEARN MORE + REGISTER TODAY

Building a Road Map for Patient Navigation: What to do when the mountains and oceans are constantly moving
FREE Learning Session Webinar from TMF | November 2
REGISTER TODAY

Extended Educational Opportunities:

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  Group Purchasing Spotlight

Take
Advantage of
Savings on
GP PRO

 <-- Check out the informational brochure for more details!

 

Save this Fall with HD Supply

Valid thru October

Use code FB3 to take advantage of savings of $50 off on all orders of $500 or more in addition to our already low prices!

HD Supply is your go-to source for quality maintenance, repair, and operations products, property improvement services, and more! Don't miss out on this great way to save on any large capital expense (such as a PTAC, refrigerator, or other appliance).

Sherwin-Williams GroupBuy Savings

Valid thru October

Click here to view these GroupBuy deals & paint like a pro with Sherwin-Williams monthly Healthcare Savings on applicators, tools and equipment. Sherwin-Williams offers a wide range of high-performance coating systems for walls, floors, roofs, & concrete surfaces in an assortment of popular styles and colors ideally suited for long-term care communities.

— STAFF DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING —
Healthcare Report & Toolkit

Earlier this year, Relias conducted a research study on how staff development and training programs impact business priorities and performance. They collected responses from nearly 6,000 professionals in the industry we serve. Click here to access the report, which provides you with an opportunity to benchmark your current practices, investments and beliefs against a national sample. Relias has also provided a toolkit that has both copy and graphics that you can use in emails, social media posts, and newsletters.

DOWNLOAD TOOLKIT

Kevin Simpson, Director of Business Development

  

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  Aging Services News

News from LeadingAge

A Highlight on Workforce

 Recent Publications from LeadingAge

Recent News Clips

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Career Center

LeadingAge Texas members receive a 25% discount
when posting a job with discount code LATX25
The discount code must be applied prior to completing the posting

Job Postings

Let the LeadingAge Texas Career Center help you make your next employment connection! Members who post jobs on the LeadingAge Texas Career Center will automatically receive postings of the position in the LeadingAge Texas Connection.

Click here for all current postings in Texas

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