Aging services professionals from across Texas gathered for three days of learning, collaboration, celebration, and leadership development centered around the future of aging services and the people who make this work possible every day.

Throughout the conference, attendees participated in educational sessions exploring timely industry topics, engaged in meaningful keynote conversations, connected with peers and business members, and celebrated the individuals and organizations making a lasting impact across Texas.

One of this year’s highlights was The Showcase, featuring Propel Projects from the 2025–2026 Leadership Collective Cohort. The interactive experience created opportunities for attendees to engage directly with emerging leaders addressing real-world challenges and opportunities impacting aging services across the state.

During the Awards portion, LeadingAge Texas was honored to recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership, innovation, advocacy, compassion, and service continue to shape aging services across Texas.

2026 award recipients included:

• Doyle Antle — Award of Honor
• Dan Nixon — Dr. Herbert Shore Outstanding Mentor Award
• Buckner Retirement Services — Excellence in Advocacy Award
• Jan Olsen — Excellence in Board Governance Award
• Westminster — Excellence in Community Impact Award
• Deborah Littles — Excellence in Direct-Care Award
• Blue Skies of Texas — Excellence in Innovation Award
• Wendy Carpenter — Excellence in Leadership Award
• Tillie Frederick — Outstanding Young Professional Award
• Joe Arrington — Distinguished Contribution to Aging Services Award

With gratitude and remembrance, LeadingAge Texas honored Joe Arrington for the lasting impact he made on aging services professionals across Texas.

The conference also included a special moment of recognition celebrating George Linial, President & CEO of LeadingAge Texas, for 25 years of transformational leadership and dedication to advancing aging services across Texas.

The Solutions EXPO once again served as a vibrant hub for networking, innovation, and collaboration, bringing providers and business members together through conversations, activations, and shared ideas focused on strengthening mission-driven aging services organizations.

Attendees also voted throughout the conference for this year’s EXPO Choice Awards

Many exhibitors received votes throughout the conference, helping create such an engaging and welcoming EXPO environment.

The conference also featured moments of celebration, networking, storytelling, and community-building — including the Stories on the Rocks Changemaker Cocktail experience in the Solutions EXPO, highlighting the partnerships and relationships that continue to strengthen aging services organizations throughout the year.

While #LATX26 may be over, the conversations and momentum continue through upcoming Professional Network Meet-ups, Leadership Collective opportunities, advocacy engagement, webinars, and ongoing collaboration across the LeadingAge Texas community.

Watch the Recap Video

It is with great enthusiasm that we introduce Noah Jones, our new Director of Advocacy & Public Policy.

Noah brings four years of experience in public policy and government affairs with a strong focus on healthcare, particularly for rural Texans. Their depth of knowledge and strategic approach to policy make them a valuable addition to our team and to the members we serve. Noah’s professional journey includes serving as an aide to Texas Senator Royce West (D-Dallas), where they supported efforts to improve the Mental Health Professionals Loan Repayment Program. Most recently, they served as Public Policy Analyst for the Texas Counseling Association, focusing on protecting the roles of licensed professional counselors and school counselors.

Their background includes work in health and human services policy, workforce incentives and retention, and program management—positioning them to effectively support and advocate for mission-driven aging services providers across Texas.

In their free time, Noah is an avid fan of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs and often attends games.

Join us in welcoming Noah to LeadingAge Texas. Their dedication to thoughtful, effective advocacy will help advance our mission as we continue to champion the needs of older Texans.

A heartfelt thank you to all who took the time to submit nominations. Your efforts have truly enriched this year's Awards, showcasing the incredible talents and commitment within our community.

Without further ado, let's give a round of applause to our deserving 2024 Award Winners:

Excellence in Advocacy:
Cathy Neece Brown, Chief Strategy Officer/VP Mission Support, James L. West Center for Dementia Care

Excellence in Board Governance:
Dana Terracina, Pediatric Registered Nurse, Retired, The Village at Incarnate Word

Excellence in Direct-Care:
Linda Mayfield, Assistant Director of Nursing, James L. West Center for Dementia Care

Excellence in Leadership:
Chuck Borst, Executive Director, Westminster

Outstanding Young Professional:
Heidi Molinet, Executive Assistant, EdenHill Communities

Excellence in Community Impact:
James L. West Center for Dementia Care | Cerebro Sano

Excellence in Innovation:
CC Young | The Point at CC Young

Join us at the 2024 Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO, May 20-22 at Kalahari Resorts Texas where we will honor these inspiring award winners. Don't miss out on the chance to celebrate with us and connect with other thought leaders in our field through insightful presentations, engaging workshops, and valuable networking opportunities.

Save when you register soon-discounted rates end April 17!

Many thanks to our Gold+ Sponsors for their support

The LeadingAge Texas 2023 Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO, held from May 21-24, 2023, at Kalahari Resorts Texas in Round Rock, exceeded all expectations and left an indelible mark on the aging services industry. With nearly 500 dedicated attendees hailing from over 60 cities across Texas, the event truly epitomized the spirit of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and meaningful connections.

As the echoes of applause and the buzz of conversations fade, it's time to reflect on the journey we embarked upon at the recent conference. The event brought together passionate individuals from the aging services industry, sparking inspiration, fostering connections, and igniting a collective drive for innovation.

Let's dive into the highlights and key takeaways from the 2023 Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO:

Empowering Keynotes:

The conference kicked off with an empowering keynote by Kathryn Clark Childers, who shared her life-long mantra of "do it scared!" Her captivating storytelling and unique experiences left the audience inspired and motivated to embrace challenges fearlessly.

Tara E Godby's workshop on unconscious bias shed light on the importance of awareness, consciousness, and action in combating biases, offering invaluable insights for personal and professional growth.

Jack York's closing keynote, "Taking it To The Streets, a 45,000-Mile Journey of Celebration," took us on a remarkable journey, reminding us of the lives we nurture every day and leaving us with laughter, tears, and reflections on our own journey into elderhood.

Engaging Sessions:
With a diverse lineup of sessions and speakers, the conference catered to attendees' needs across four comprehensive tracks: Clinical Excellence (Track A), Leadership & Operational Excellence (Track B), Strengthening Your Workforce (Track C), and Thriving Communities (Track D). Industry experts and thought leaders shared their expertise on a wide range of topics, including leadership development, cutting-edge technologies in aging services, person-centered care, and effective strategies for addressing the evolving needs of our aging population. Attendees left with a toolkit of ideas, strategies, and best practices to implement in their organizations.

Solutions EXPO:
One of the highlights of the conference was the Solutions EXPO, where attendees had the chance to explore a wide array of products and services designed to revolutionize the aging services landscape. From cutting-edge technologies to innovative care approaches, the EXPO showcased the transformative power of collaboration between industry leaders and passionate providers.

Meaningful Connections:
The conference served as a melting pot of ideas, perspectives, and experiences. Attendees seized the chance to connect with peers, share insights, and build meaningful relationships. The networking lounge, the Solutions EXPO, and the various breaks offered valuable moments for collaboration, problem-solving, and discovering innovative products and services. The connections forged during the conference will undoubtedly foster collaboration and spark new initiatives in the industry.

Celebration Luncheon:
An unforgettable highlight of the conference was the celebration luncheon, where we honored the 2023 Award winners who have made remarkable contributions to the field of aging services. It was a moment to express gratitude for their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of older adults. Additionally, the Annual Business Meeting and the installation of the new LeadingAge Texas board provided an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and set the course for future endeavors.

Unforgettable Events:
Beyond the enriching educational content, the conference was also filled with a series of exciting and memorable events that added an extra layer of enjoyment and camaraderie. The energetic Mixer, held at the beginning of the conference, set the tone for the entire event, allowing attendees to unwind and connect with their peers while enjoying live music and engaging in thrilling activities.

Throughout the conference, the Afternoon Breaks provided attendees with delightful opportunities to indulge in various activities. From the DIY essential oil station, hosted by Health Plan, Inc. (HPI), where participants could explore the world of essential oils and create their own personalized blends, to the custom Coffee Cart by Value First, where attendees could enjoy specially crafted coffee designs, there were plenty of options to satisfy different preferences. The mouthwatering Dessert Bar and the photo and video opportunities provided by Gold Sponsor Dash Media added an extra layer of enjoyment, allowing attendees to capture and share their conference experiences in unique and creative ways.

One of the highlights of the conference was undoubtedly The Social, a remarkable evening of celebration that brought together attendees for a night of pure enjoyment. With exquisite culinary delights served at food stations, handcrafted signature cocktails, and the captivating rhythm of the Intrinsic Groove Quartet, the atmosphere was electric. The excitement continued with the 360 photo booth, where attendees could capture unforgettable moments, and the thrilling "Deal or No Deal" game, where one lucky participant had the chance to win incredible prizes. The Social provided a perfect opportunity to relax, socialize, and create lasting memories with colleagues and friends.

As we wrap up this transformative conference, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and staff who made this event a resounding success.

Together, we have elevated the dialogue, exchanged ideas, and reignited our passion for advancing the field of aging services. Let's carry the inspiration, knowledge, and connections gained from this conference into our daily work, continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of older adults.

Here are just a few of the reasons to take advantage of our Member Group Rate and attend with your team:

• Shared learning and networking opportunities: When attending Annual Conference as a team, each member can attend different sessions and workshops, then share their learnings and insights with the rest of the team. This not only increases the amount of knowledge gained, but also facilitates better team collaboration and decision-making.
• Improved team morale: Attending together can create a sense of shared experience and camaraderie, which can lead to improved team morale and a greater sense of belonging.
• Increased productivity and motivation: Attending as a team can also increase productivity and motivation levels. As team members learn new skills and strategies, they can bring these back to the workplace and implement them together, leading to improved efficiency and better results.
• Enhanced team bonding: Attending as a team can also be a great opportunity for team bonding outside of the workplace. Social activities and team-building exercises can help team members get to know each other better and build stronger relationships.
• Cost savings: Attending as a team also results in cost savings, as group rates are available!

Ready to bring your team to the LeadingAge Texas 2023 Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO, May 21-24 at Kalahari Resorts Texas in Round Rock? We have a terrific deal for our aging services members! Receive a $50 discount per person if 5+ employees attend from the same campus.

Register today!

No promo code needed; group discount is automatically applied when the Member Group Rate ticket is selected at checkout.

Questions? Contact Dorothy Ferrick, Events & Member Engagement Manager.

Recognizing the need to lessen the number of email communications from your association, and to seamlessly connect the entire membership with each other, LeadingAge Texas' weekly newsletter—The Connection—will be discontinued and communications will shift to the LeadingAge Texas Member Community.

LeadingAge Texas is providing the Member Community to benefit you (our members!) personally, as well as your organizations and the industry at large. The opportunities to connect, communicate and collaborate with the Member Community are endless, and the more we engage, the more valuable this resource will be for all LeadingAge Texas members. 

We encourage you to take advantage of the LeadingAge Texas Member Community as we shift our communications to this new hub: community.leadingagetexas.org. 

• All-Member Exchange — Ask general questions, stay in-the-know about new resources & events, and connect with the entire membership from across the state
• Discussion Groups — Explore trending topics and benefit from featured content designed to provide quick access to impactful information
• Professional Networks — Join in discussions with a network of like-minded peers & leaders to collaborate, share best practices, and accelerate your growth

Because the new online Member Community is integrated with our membership database, you will be prompted to log into the platform at www.leadingagetexas.org using your LeadingAge Texas user ID and password. If you don’t know your username or password, use the “forgot username/password” tool to reset it. Once you’re logged in, you will be prompted to accept the Terms and Conditions. If you don’t immediately get the username/password reset email, please check your spam/junk folder. 

The Member Community has a robust discussion feature that allows you to communicate with your fellow members in real-time via email or opt for a daily or weekly digest. Discussions are archived and searchable. By default, you have been subscribed to receive a daily digest. 

You can change these settings by editing your community profile after logging in. And speaking of profiles, because of the database integration, your profile has already been populated with some basic information. We encourage you to add a photo or connect your profile to your LinkedIn account as a quick and easy means of populating any missing information. 

So, get started today and bookmark your new virtual home for connecting with fellow members: community.leadingagetexas.org. To acquaint you with the new platform, we’ve created a QuickStart Guide. There is also a comprehensive FAQ section if you get stuck. 

We hope you enjoy this new member benefit and take the opportunity to connect and engage with your fellow members. If you have any questions, please contact us.

November 15, 2022 - Texas’ nursing homes are missing something: nurses

August 13, 2022 - 'ArtsInspire' contest showcases the artistic talents of older Texans

June 28, 2022 - Texas lawmakers consider ‘workforce challenges’ in nursing homes, assisted living

January 27, 2022 - A Bezos Academy Preschool Is Coming to a Senior Living Community in Dallas

December 7, 2021 - With the federal vaccine mandate for health care workers halted, Texas nursing homes dodge furloughs and fines

November 1, 2021 - With mandates and more, is an LTC exodus still in store?

October 29, 2021 - Long-Term Care’s Employment Crisis

October 24, 2021 - State of Texas: ‘Fasten your seat belt’ — Redistricting battle moves from the Capitol to the courtroom

October 21, 2021 - Pleas answered: Texas providers set to receive nearly $400 million for staffing

October 19, 2021 - Texas lawmakers set aside millions of dollars to fill nursing home staffing shortages

October 12, 2021 - Abbott vaccine mandate ban creating confusion for short-staffed nursing homes

October 12, 2012 - Nursing Home Essential Caregiver Protection on the November Ballot as Constitutional Amendment

October 5, 2021 - Texas nursing homes ask the state for $400 million from American Rescue Plan Act

October 1, 2021 - Texas nursing homes turn to state for help with staffing woes as vaccine mandate looms

September 30, 2021 - Survey highlights ‘urgent need’ for staffing in assisted living, skilled nursing

September 15, 2021 - Leaders Urge Texas to Allocate $400M to Bolster SNF Staffing as 30% of Facilities Have Restricted Admissions

September 1, 2021 - ‘Most important moment in decades’ for older adults, families’: LeadingAge

August 31, 2021 - Staffing Shortages Force Home Health Giant Bayada to Deny 64% of Referrals in Key Markets

August 31, 2021 - Long-Term Care Workforce Investment, Medicaid Boost, Could Pay ‘Huge Dividends’

August 19, 2021 - North Texas long-term care facilities working on plan to get residents, staff COVID-19 booster shot

March 22, 2021 - Gulf in data paints conflicting picture of Texas' vaccine rollout in nursing homes

March 17, 2021 - After COVID-19 closed nursing homes to visitors, bill to ensure access clears Texas Senate

March 8, 2021 - Lawmakers must address nursing home workforce crisis to ensure quality care

March 2, 2021 - ‘Alarming’ nurse turnover rates linked to quality, payment woes in major new nursing home study

January 2, 2021 - Likely thousands of nursing home residents still waiting on vaccines as distribution expands across Texas

December 4, 2020 - Nursing home residents added to first wave of Texans eligible for COVID-19 vaccine

November 13, 2020 - Supply chain management challenges continue to plague senior living providers: LeadingAge panel

Sept 9, 2020 - ‘This Isn’t Sustainable’: Covid-19 Testing Pushes Senior Living Providers Closer to Financial Crises

Sept 3, 2020 - Texas nursing homes must routinely test staff for COVID-19 or face fines

Aug 24, 2020 - Combatting ‘another pandemic’ related to COVID-19

Aug 24, 2020 - Nearly 12k nursing homes receiving point-of-care testing in second distribution wave

Aug 21, 2020 - Only 12 Texas nursing homes approved to restart family visits

Aug 17, 2020 - Editorial: Texas must fight the other outbreak plaguing nursing homes — loneliness

Aug 10, 2020 - Long-term care groups, 490 others, call for enactment of COVID-related legal protections ‘as soon as possible’

Aug 5, 2020 - Group fears snags in nursing-home testing plan

Aug 5, 2020 - Test supplies sent to eldercare facilities by feds will last only a couple rounds

Aug 4, 2020 - No Brazos County nursing homes selected to receive point-of-care device promised by Trump administration

Aug 3, 2020 - Trump nursing home plan limits supply of free COVID-19 tests

Aug 3, 2020 - Proposed bill would protect employers from COVID-19-related lawsuits — is it safe to work?

July 30, 2020 - Isolating our seniors is no longer an option

July 29, 2020 - George Linial, Diana Martinez & Kevin Warren: Time to break the isolation for nursing home residents

July 29, 2020 - Aging services leaders plead with Congress to consider nursing homes in next relief bill

July 29, 2020 - As COVID-19 Testing Devices Ship Out to Nursing Homes, Securing Adequate Supplies Could Take Six Months

July 29, 2002 - Errors, discrepancies found between state and federal COVID-19 data for Texas nursing homes

July 15, 2020 - Coronavirus is rapidly spreading in Texas nursing homes, state figures show

The LeadingAge Texas 2022 Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO, held May 22-25, 2022 in Addison, TX was a huge success! Nearly 500 attendees from 60+ cities across Texas joined us in-person to glean inspiration, attend informative sessions, and meet others face-to-face, such as peers, sponsors, exhibitors, and subject matter experts. They participated in lively discussions with other senior living professionals, tried out new products and services, and enjoyed spontaneous networking throughout the conference.

The LeadingAge Texas Event of the Year!

The LeadingAge Texas Staff and Board of Directors extend their sincere thanks to everyone that played a part in making our first in-person conference since 2019 a success! We especially want to thank all our speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and exhibitors. Most of all we wish to thank the LeadingAge Texas members who attended the conference, without whom, the conference would not have been successful.

LeadingAge Texas members and other senior living professionals enjoyed being back together in person and spent the week learning from leaders in the industry and making connections to last a lifetime. Attendees enjoyed a Workforce Town Hall; concurrent sessions, two robust Keynote Sessions, awards recognitions, making connections in the Solutions EXPO, reuniting at our Homecoming Social and many more opportunities to network!

Christopher Ridenhour, GFN, Trainer/Educator, Inspired2Results

Christopher Ridenhour, GFN, Trainer/Educator, Inspired2Results provided two emerging and engaging Keynote Sessions that had attendees nodding their heads in agreement, experiencing goosebumps from the sense of being understood, and laughing at humorous interpersonal experiences.

Conference attendees had the opportunity to choose from over 30 concurrent sessions in four different tracks: Clinical Excellence, Operations & Finance, Ethics & Leadership, and Thriving Communities. See the conference schedule and educational sessions for more details.

George Linial, President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas

The conference theme, "Momentum," proved to be of considerable interest to attendees, who said they really enjoyed the variety of topics and passion of the speakers. Conference participants come away re-energized from an unforgettable four days of learning, inspiration and fun, with knowledge, connections and tools to help them achieve their goals and maximize their teams' full potential.

Attendees expressed that they appreciated the “community feeling” of the event and the lively participation of the audience. The energy at the conference was palpable and the session speakers inspired many conversations and the exchanging of ideas on what needs to be done to continue propelling our field forward. We hope the enthusiasm continues!

Attendees participate in the ever popular Wine Toss - a fundraiser for EIA Scholarships.

The conference also included an Awards Celebration to honor those who are committed to enhancing the field of aging services and who excel in leadership and advocacy. You can learn more about the amazing efforts of our 2022 Award winners by watching these videos.

2022 LeadingAge Texas Awards

Join LeadingAge Texas in congratulating the following 2022 LeadingAge Texas Award Winners:

Award of Honor: Roqué Christensen, Executive Vice President, Plano Community Home, Inc.

Diversity: Jessica Moore, Manager of Program Administration, Buckner Retirement Services, Inc.

Emerging Leader: Natalie Schutz, Director of Nursing, MRC The Crossings

Excellence in Governance: Ben Brooks, Attorney, Juliette Fowler Communities

Excellence in Leadership: Derone Martin, Executive Chef, Buckner Parkway Place 

Innovation in Care and Services: James L. West Center for Dementia Care

Service Excellence: Ruth Sunil, Director of Community Life Services, Westminster

Special Recognition

2022 Life Membership Award: Alan Hale, former Executive Director of Manor Park

2021 Legislative Leadership Award: Senator Beverly Powell

2021 Legislative Leadership Award: Representative Jeff Leach

We're very grateful to all who made this event so exciting, enriching, and educational, and we look forward to hosting members again this fall at the 2022 Leadership Conference (registration opening this summer), and at next year's Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO, May 21-24 at Kalahari Resorts Texas in Round Rock, TX.

Be sure to share your thoughts and photos from the conference on social media to spread the word about the Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO! Be sure to tag @LeadingAgeTexas and use #LATX22 in your posts.

We look forward to staying connected throughout the year. Be sure to look out for more information coming soon on our upcoming Leadership Conference, Leadership Collective, Call for Proposals, and Webinar opportunities.

Thank you again for your active involvement in LeadingAge Texas!

The Member Exchange is a secure group for members to share ideas, ask questions, lend expertise, and network with peers. The community features a discussion forum as well as a library for sharing documents, resources, links, and more. Now, you can interact with fellow members around the state wherever and whenever you need to. The more you participate, the stronger our new community will be!

The COVID-19 Discussion group will serve as a place to connect with your peers to share and discuss everyday practices related to the coronavirus.

In addition to these two discussion groups, the Member Community also supports LeadingAge Texas' many peer groups, committees, task forces, and other volunteer groups. Each group has a community workspace for communicating, collaborating, and sharing resources.

Because the new online Member Community is integrated with our membership database, you will be prompted to log into the platform at www.leadingagetexas.org using your LeadingAge Texas user ID and password. If you don’t know your username or password, use the “forgot username/password” tool to reset it. Once you’re logged in, you will be prompted to accept the Terms and Conditions. If you don’t immediately get the username/password reset email, please check your spam/junk folder.

The Member Community has a robust discussion feature that allows you to communicate with your fellow members in real-time via email or opt for a daily or weekly digest. Discussions are archived and searchable. By default, you have been subscribed to receive a daily digest.

You can change these settings by editing your community profile after logging in. And speaking of profiles, because of the database integration, your profile has already been populated with some basic information. We encourage you to add a photo or connect your profile to your LinkedIn account as a quick and easy means of populating any missing information.

So, get started today and bookmark your new virtual home for connecting with fellow members: community.leadingagetexas.org. To acquaint you with the new platform, we’ve created a QuickStart Guide. There is also a comprehensive FAQ section if you get stuck.

We hope you enjoy this new member benefit and take the opportunity to connect and engage with your fellow members. If you have any questions, please contact us.

We are thrilled to introduce Rodney Rueter, President & CEO of Lutheran Sunset Ministries as the newly elected Chair of LeadingAge Texas. For more than fifteen years, he has served in multiple capacities for the association and is always seeking ways to improve care and services for seniors across the state. We are honored to have him leading our association!

Rodney Rueter began his career in senior living with Lutheran Sunset Ministries in 1997. He worked in accounting eventually becoming the CFO. In 2008 he was named President/CEO. He graduated in 1993 from Baylor University with a BBA in Accounting.

After beginning his work at Lutheran Sunset Ministries, he was introduced to LeadingAge Texas and has been an advocate of the association’s work ever since. He has been active in attending Capitol Days, Leadership Conferences, and the state and national Annual Conferences. He has also served as a Network Representative, on the EIA Board, Finance and Public Policy Committees, and on the Board of Directors. Rodney says, “For a single site ministry such as us, the resources provide by LeadingAge Texas are invaluable. I definitely believe our ministry has benefited and will continue to benefit by being an active participant in LeadingAge Texas.”

George Linial, President & CEO of LeadingAge Texas, added: “Rodney is exactly the right person to lead our association at this time. His dedication to the association and to our field of aging services has been evident throughout his over 15 years of service to LeadingAge Texas.”

Senior living is also personal for Rodney. In the last year his Mom, Dad, and Father-in-law have all been residents. “I always kid that my goal is to have everything just like I would like it if I ever have to be a resident here when in fact my family is testing it out for me. Our residents deserve our best effort.” 

In his spare time Rodney enjoys road trips with his family, gardening, fishing, and kayaking.

Christine Nguyen has been supporting quality of living for Morningside Ministries team members for 10 years in the Human Resources discipline.  She spent some time working in a for-profit organization, Sava Senior Care, as a Division HR Director, managing HR services for 14 skilled nursing communities. The experiences in both for-profit and not-for-profit has influenced her mission to create an enriching quality of living for both team members and older adults that is meaningful and engaging.  As a servant leader and Director of Human Resources, she’s guided by Morningside’s faith-based mission and core values of People First, Compassionate Action, and Respectful Communication.

Christine Nguyen’s credentials include: Bachelor Degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). On the weekends you’ll find her riding her bike with her chiweenie, Molly, in tow or on the trails prepping for her next half marathon..

We are confident Christine will do an exceptional job representing the Central Texas Network. Her term will begin May 2021.

Larry was our Accounting Manager and was responsible for keeping our books for LeadingAge Texas, EIA, SCPC, LeadingAge Texas PAC, and most recently the LeadingAge Texas Health Plan. Larry took great pride in his accounting work evidenced by the fact that every auditor we worked with heaped praises on how well our books were organized.

Larry also served as our office manager and made sure our office environment was conducive to good work. Larry also related to each of our communities in that he took care of his now 95 year old mother for the majority of his tenure and will continue to do so in retirement. We thank him for his dedicated service to our association.

This document contains the rates for adult day services (procedure codes S5100, S5101, S5102) by state and by VAMC. Rates are available at 15 minute, half day and/or full day intervals, depending on the VA Medical Center (VAMC).

The FY 2019 Fee Schedule can be downloaded in full at this link. The Fee Schedule contains the rates providers will be paid under the Community Care Networks that Optum and TriWest are operating. TriWest is the health plan operating in Texas. Click here to view the rates for all VAMCs for adult day services.

Per the Fee Schedule Document, these rates are “effective for dates of service beginning October 1, 2019 for claims processed after November 7, 2019 and will be updated by the VA annually.  Claims processed prior to November 8, 2019 will not be re-adjudicated.”

As the Mission Act rolls out we will be bringing more information to members. In addition to previously covered benefits, non-skilled home health, respite, adult day and more are rolling into the TriWest CCN presenting more opportunity for our members. 

For more information, please click here. 

Last week, LeadingAge Texas presented Senator Beverly Powell (D - Ft. Worth) and Representative Stephanie Klick (R - North Richland Hills) with the Partners in Quality Award to recognize their commitment to aging services and efforts to strengthen the long term care workforce during the 86th Texas Legislative Session. In 2019, Senator Powell and Representative Klick filed legislation (SB 2300 and HB 3111) that would have created a student loan repayment assistance program for nurses working in Texas nursing homes.

James L. West Center for Dementia Care in Ft. Worth hosted the event and were joined by leadership from Trinity Terrace, Christian Care Senior Living, LeadingAge Texas, and other stakeholders from the local community. The group continued discussing ways to improve the workforce crisis in aging services and looks forward to collaborating with Senator Powell and Representative Klick to develop legislation for the next session in 2021.    

Senator Beverly Powell (D - Ft. Worth) is presented with the Partners in Quality Award. Pictured: Rick Svatora, Deputy Chief of Staff to Senator Powell; Troy McKnight, Christian Care Senior Living; Doug Harrison, Christian Care Senior Living; Cheryl Harding, James L West; Senator Powell; Alyse Meyer, LeadingAge Texas; David Thomason; David Henton, Trinity Terrace.

Representative Stephanie Klick (R - North Richland Hills) is presented with the Partners in Quality Award. Pictured: Troy McKnight, Christian Care Senior Living; Doug Harrison, Christian Care Senior Living; Cheryl Harding, James L West; Representative Stephanie Klick; Alyse Meyer, LeadingAge Texas; David Thomason; David Henton, Trinity Terrace.

Crystal Laza has been promoted from Vice President of Member Services & Operations to Chief Operating Officer. Crystal started at LeadingAge Texas (then TAHSA) nearly 20 years ago. She has had a hand in nearly every aspect of operations of the association over the years and has always excelled in achieving her goals and motivating others. This past year, she was instrumental in getting two major initiatives off the ground – LeadingAge Texas Health Plan, Inc. (HPI) and LeadingCare Network Texas... but her list of achievements goes far beyond this past year!

WEEK 1

We are kicking off the series with the newly elected Chair of LeadingAge Texas, Marsha Cayton. Over the past three decades, she has served in multiple capacities for the association always seeking ways to improve care and services for seniors across the state.  We are honored to have her leading our association.

The best advice I could give…
1. Golden Rule: Treat others as you want to be treated.
2. Team work and high level collaboration.
3. Exercise the power of forgiveness.

The best advice I’ve ever received…
Came from my Mom - When you are overwhelmed or stressed, try this: Take a moment, consciously take a few slow deep breaths and reflect. This simple 1 minute break will deliver a powerful restart.

What is the best article or book you've read recently?
7 Men and 7 Women and the Secret of Their Greatness by Eric Metaxas. He explores the question of what makes a person great. I found it an enlightening read! Some of the men and women were unknown to me and I am glad that I read their story.

WEEK 2

The best advice I could give…
Give grace and receive grace, to others and yourself.  Mistakes and failure are part of the process. Good people make mistakes and fail, and use those experiences to grow and expand forward. Let go of the ideal of “perfection” and embrace the journey – there will be bumps in the road.  

What do you wish other people knew about aging services?
The rewards of serving this population will impact and enrich you in ways you could never imagine. You are inspired daily with reflections and life experiences of our seniors, and reminded, regardless of your chronological years, youthfulness and living are a state of mind

What is the best article or book you've read recently? 
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande. Should be required reading for anyone serving in healthcare, as well as all of us as we face aging and struggle with quality of life versus quantity of life. Superior writing and insight into the aging, illness and medical approaches currently in America and how often they work in opposition versus in unison. 

Why do I belong to LeadingAge Texas?
I belong to LeadingAge Texas for multiple reasons but the biggest one is the networking that is available with all of the experts in our association. As a stand-alone ministry, we do not have a corporate office to inform us of all the changes in our field. LeadingAge Texas and the networking opportunities it provides, helps fulfill that role for us.

What have I done for fun lately?
I grew up on a farm loving the outdoors. Now in an office most of the time, outdoor time is limited. I always try to work some outdoor time in the form of fishing and kayaking into my schedule.

What is the best article or book you've read recently?
Although not so recent, I believe one of the best books I have read is Being Mortal by Atul Gawande. In it, he talks a great deal about aging and end of life issues and how to improve those experiences. I thought it was so relevant, I gave copies to all of our executive team as well as Board members and we discussed it at our Board meeting.

WEEK 4

Why do you belong to LeadingAge Texas?
I belong to LeadingAge Texas because of the incredible network of similar, mission-driven organizations and colleagues from which to learn and with whom we can collaborate. The association looks out not only for the best interests of its members, but also for the population we serve. It is important for members to take an active role in the association because we are stronger influencers by our engagement in obtaining and promoting public policy favorable to the people we serve.

The best advice I’ve ever received…
“Always hire people far smarter than you are and support them in their drive for success.”

Why do you love your job?
There are few careers today that allow you to be involved in such a diverse number of business practices, all at the same time – healthcare and financial management, event planning, culinary services, social and spiritual wellness, property management – and the list goes on. At the same time, we get the honor of working in peoples’ homes. It is a sacred responsibility and gift. It gives me great joy to do what I love and share in the lives of the people we are here to serve.

WEEK 5

Why do you belong to LeadingAge Texas?
I belong to Leading Age Texas because I have a strong commitment to the aging individual.  I want to help people and improve the quality of life for all of us as we age.

The best advice I’ve ever received…
The best advice I have ever received is to just take one day at a time when I am feeling overwhelmed. It is best to just take a deep breath and realize everything is not an emergency and step back and look at things differently.

How I got into aging services…
I got into aging services because of an experience I had with my Grandmother. It was a horrible Nursing Home and she had bedsores so bad they had to do a surgical procedure to close the site. I knew there had to be a better way to take care of the aging person so I was excited about delving into this field while I was in Nursing School. I love Leading Age Texas and working with the committed individuals that have the same goal of improving quality of care and quality of life!!

WEEK 6

How I got into aging services…
My parents owned a small grocery store that provided home delivery. The majority of our customers were elderly and many were shut-ins. While our customers where thankful for our delivery service, seeing how they were living so isolated and declining conditions, I felt there had to be a better alternative for them.

If I could change one thing about our field it would be…
I wish the survey process with our licensing/regulatory agency was collaborative rather than punitive. I believe our field would have much better outcomes if we worked together rather against each other.

Why do you love your job?
I have the opportunity to work with veterans across the State of Texas. There is no higher honor than to serve these heroes on a daily basis. Less than 1% of the US population has served in the US military and as a veteran myself, it is especially important to see that the veterans receive the benefits they have earned with their service.

WEEK 7

Why do you belong to LeadingAge Texas?
I find the relationships and networking opportunities to be priceless. There are so many professionals that are great for peer to peer growth, as well as, opportunities to mentor the newer members. The educational opportunities and support from the advocacy is also a huge benefit.

How I got into aging services…  
I was in school at TWU in Denton where I was helping on a needs assessment for the City of Denton. I met the CEO of the local housing authority and she asked me if I had an interest in managing an affordable senior living apartment complex. I had never worked directly with older adults, but I found my passion!  I loved each of the residents and went home every day knowing I had made a difference in their lives and they in mine.

What have you done for fun lately?
I have fun each and every day when I go to work! My husband and I are empty nesters now and we are enjoying our weekends with our grands; junking in the small towns around us; we bike and hike; we cook together and sometimes we binge watch movies.

WEEK 8

What inspires you?
A compelling mission, vision and values.  Many companies proudly post mission-vision-and -value statements, but only in not-for-profit communities can these things come together for a greater good.  A good which benefits residents, staff, and the greater community.  Not-for-profit history and tradition is to do the right thing, especially in tough times and when money is tight; a social footprint is important. 
 
Why do you love your job?
I have never thought of my 35 years in senior living as” a job”.  I feel privileged to serve mature adults and their families as they navigate the complexities of aging while managing limited resources.
 
What do you wish other people knew about aging services?
The outstanding job that hundreds of not-for-profit providers (across the spectrum), provide each day and the difference in the quality of life these providers make possible for so many.  I tell everyone who will listen that the 1970’s memories they have of “nursing” or “rest” homes are non-existent in our (LeadingAge) world and that the future of Aging Services is bright!

WEEK 9

How I got into aging services…
I got into aging services rather by chance. I simply applied to a job ad in the local newspaper and got the job not knowing how much I would love working with older people and their families and would make a career of it.  Working in this field has been a wonderful fit for me. I have found so many blessings being a part of the lives of residents, learning from their vast experience and wisdom and feeling like I’m making a difference for them as we all navigate the path of getting older.

The best advice I could give...
To be honest and to be kind. People deserve to hear the truth even if it isn’t pleasant to say or to hear. They also deserve to be respected, so give them the honest truth with as much kindness and love as you can muster.

My favorite moment so far in my career...
The day I was blessed to perform a wedding ceremony for an 85 year old man and 92 year old woman. Their relationship had been the buzz around the community for months and it was such a blessing to get to celebrate that special moment in their lives with them, their families and their community friends.

WEEK 10

Why do you belong to LeadingAge Texas?
The Bivins Foundation has been involved with LeadingAge Texas for many years. When I joined Bivins in 2018, Judy Day told me that being involved in LeadingAge Texas would provide valuable education and networking opportunities. She was absolutely correct.

The best advice I’ve ever received…
Listen more than you talk. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes before you respond to a situation. Always be kind.

Why do you love your job?
I love working for the Bivins Foundation because we serve those who have blazed the trails for others. It is important that we care for those who often cannot care for themselves any longer. One of my favorite activities is visiting one of our facilities to chat with a resident. Those visits confirm that I am where God intends for me to serve.

WEEK 11

Why do you belong to LeadingAge Texas? 
I belong to LeadingAge Texas because of the opportunities to network with mission driven colleagues and to become better educated, as well as for the benefits such as Value 1st and the new association Health Plan (HPI)!  Because my organization operates with federal funding, our membership to LeadingAge is critical for advocating with HUD and Congress to fund affordable housing with services for low income seniors.   

Why do you love your job? 
My job is all about serving our senior residents which brings me joy and personal satisfaction each day.  Serving with my teammates is a blessing and working with the most dedicated and caring people as I do, provides motivation & accomplishment that strengthens me to keep serving in Aging Services.  
 
What is the best article or book about our field you've read recently? 
It’s been a few years since I was a fellow in the LeadingAge Leadership Academy where I first read Sabbath, by Wayne Mueller.  We all know how stressful working in our field can be and this book reminds us of the importance of renewing our Spirits regularly. I refer back to Sabbath often. 

 WEEK 12

How I got into aging services…
I was drawn to aging services at the passing of my father.  He and my family endured a long struggle and I felt the necessity to be part of positive change for the elderly.  I left a career in hospitality and the beginnings of my pursuit of law to learn how I could bring positive change into aging services. 

What inspires you?
Highly engaged individuals dedicated to providing compassionate care inspire me.  I enjoy seeing passionate people interact with the elderly and I am inspired by leaders who cultivate employee enthusiasm for care of the aging population.

Why do you belong to LeadingAge Texas?
LeadingAge Texas focuses on the essential needs of both the elderly and providers of care through constant promotion of education, advocacy, and awareness.  I am driven to be part of an organization that understands the need for constant improvement in quality of services and care provided to those who need it most.  LeadingAge brings together dedicated not-for-profit providers towards a common goal of uncompromised excellence for the benefit of the elderly. 

WEEK 13

How I got into aging services...
26 years ago I was provided the opportunity to work as a caregiver while attending college. Initially honestly, aging services was the last field that I thought I wanted to join. After graduating from the LVN program, I was struck with disappointment when the only jobs offered were in the aging field. Needing a job, I accepted a charge nurse position in a non-profit community. The first week into my position, I never looked back or considered any other field in nursing and have continued my education and experiences in aging services. Every resident I have cared for has given me a heightened sense of purpose in providing quality services during this chapter in their life.

My favorite moment so far in my career…
There have been so many favorite moments and memories that I cherish. One in particular, that has stayed with me the last 24 years, was a resident that had provided quotes, bible verses and inspirational writings each day to share with teammates. He shared his purpose was to start each teammate’s day off in a positive manner and one full of gratefulness. The resident started and was able to complete a full year of daily notes. The teammates joined at his room every morning looking forward to what the new day would bring. I often look in the journal created to it provides continuous reminders of God’s plan for each of us.

What inspires you?
I am inspired by those that dedicate knowledge and time to make positive differences in people’s lives each and every day. I am inspired by those that provide guidance and direction and challenge me to find a way to make a change. I am inspired by my teammates that are always looking for ways to help those in our community. Most importantly I am inspired by those that truly care, are compassionate and remain committed to services our aging population.

WEEK 14

If I could change one thing about our field it would be…
That as an organization that represents and advocates for older adults we would provide resources (benefit support, case management, etc.) for those older adults that want to live at home or must live at home due to income.

The best advice I could give…
Is to be intentional because the difference between who we are and who we want to be is what we do; and, what we have to do to get where we want to be is defined by the work we are willing to do.

What are your current goals?
We are working on developing housing for older adults with very low incomes. Some of these older adults are spending 60-80% of their income on housing due to lack of affordable housing.

WEEK 15

The best advice I’ve ever received…
Because you manage and work with so many people, you will have conflicts.  You will have co-workers, residents, family members that have you wondering if should pack up the box under your desk and find another job.  Don’t do it!  This person/conflict presents an opportunity for you to grow.  If you leave you will only find that same person at your next employment with a different face and name.

How I got in aging services…
I worked in a hospital setting and for a therapy company my first 10 years in healthcare.  My husband was diagnosed with cancer at the tender age of 45.  After many complications, he was in skilled nursing before he passed.  He was basically treated like an object instead of a person, care plan was held for weeks without a nurse that knew him, he was taken for duplicate diagnostic services, etc. etc.  I determined then and there that things had to be better in the long term care industry, so I became an administrator.

What have you done for fun lately…
Went to the hill country with my husband and friends.  We went on a self-directed wine tasting tour on our bicycles! 

WEEK 16

If I could change one thing about our field...
It would be a collaborative relationship between the THHS Surveyors and the facility staff. We should all focus on the care provided to our residents and work together to make sure it is of the highest possible standards.

What are your current goals?
To learn as much as possible regarding Compliance and work with the facilities in educating the staff on the complex regulations we are under. Various audits should be seen as a part of what we do to ensure our residents receive the very best from each of us.

What have you done for fun lately?
On a recent vacation, I went to Williamstown, Kentucky and toured the Ark Encounter. The sight, size, and complexity of the Ark was both overwhelming and awe inspiring. I already knew that God is awesome but this just cements those feelings.

WEEK 17

Why do you belong to LeadingAge Texas?
It’s all about the connections.  We work in an industry that is extremely diverse, highly regulated, and sometimes overwhelmingly demanding. On a daily basis, we continue to rise to the challenge of accomplishing tasks that so many would consider impossible. But, at the end of each day, I’m always thankful for the many opportunities our industry gives us to help other people in need. I could not have survived in this industry for 20 years without the friendship and expertise of my peers that I have met through Leading Age Texas.

The best advice I’ve ever received…
Was from my Little League baseball coach named Perfecto Hernandez. After every practice he always reminded us to say to ourselves “The ball is coming to me. What am I going to do with it?”  It’s a pretty simple idea, but applies to most of life. It’s about doing everything you can to try to be prepared for what life is about to toss in your direction.

My favorite moment so far in my career…
Was providing shelter and care for 25 skilled nursing evacuees during Hurricane Ike.  It was one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences I have lived through as I got to witness our staff and volunteers work together to prepare for their arrival, welcome the evacuees, their families, and staff from the other facility, and then provide 24 hour care for the next seven days, all at the same time we sheltered in place as Hurricane Ike passed through.

The Educational Institute on Aging (EIA) is a 501(c)(3) subsidiary foundation of LeadingAge Texas that serves as a forum to promote accessible education opportunities and professional development to LeadingAge Texas members.

Dear Friends,

As a partner to not-for-profit organizations like ours, LeadingAge Texas works tirelessly to stay up-to-date on the most relevant issues confronting the field of Aging Services. In response to some of the current challenges many of us are facing, the LeadingAge Texas team has put together some excellent training opportunities on several very timely topics presented by subject-matter experts. We would like to urge you to look over the list below and then encourage those in your organization who might benefit from the information to register for and attend the various events.

WEBINAR: Operational Strategies for Success Under PDPM (with expert panel)
This webinar will review key operational strategies for successful implementation of the Patient Driven Payment Model through a panel presented by experts in SNF operations and clinical reimbursement. Emphasis of this session will be on processes involving a team approach.
When: Wednesday, August 7, 2019 - 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Where: Online Webinar - click HERE for more details

HOT TOPIC SEMINAR: PDPM Preparation
This day-long intensive is designed to ensure attendees are properly prepared and positioned to provide care in a better way under the upcoming Patient Driven Payment Model. Through a deeper understating of the critical elements of the MDS, attendees will learn critical implementation strategies to ensure the ability to capture accurate and audit-proof reimbursement.

→ [DFW Location]
When: Wednesday, August 28, 2019 - 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Where: Trinity Terrace, Fort Worth – click HERE for more details

→ [Central TX Location]
When: Thursday, September 5, 2019 - 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Where: EdenHill Communities, New Braunfels – click HERE for more details

WEBINAR: Phase 3: Trauma Informed and Culturally Competent Care
This session will assist SNF providers in understanding the new requirements related to trauma informed & culturally competent care. A review of regulatory requirements regarding trauma informed and culturally competent care with an analysis of the interpretive guidance related to this requirement will be emphasized.
When: Wednesday, September 4, 2019 - 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Where: Online Webinar – click HERE for more details

ICD-10 Coding Workshop
The ICD-10-CM and PDPM program will provide instruction in assigning the ICD-10-CM codes to diagnoses using the ICD-10-CM code book, including exercises and scenarios to assure the participants understand how to utilize the ICD-10-CM code book and guidelines.
When: Thursday, September 12, 2019 - 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Where: MRC Crestview, Bryan – click HERE for more details

Thank you,

George Linial
President & CEO
LeadingAge Texas
(512) 467-2242

• Initiatives that encourage health care professionals to enter geriatrics and long-term care settings. 

• Ongoing support for Medicaid reimbursement rates that reflect the actual cost of care and focus payments on quality outcomes and adequate direct-care staffing.

• Responsible solutions that will achieve more efficient and sustainable funding strategies for long-term services and supports.

• Preservation and new development of affordable senior housing options in both rural and urban areas of Texas.

• Greater access to routine services that promote independence and consumer choice.

• A regulatory framework that enables patient-centered care.

• Measures to help prevent financial abuse and exploitation of nursing facility residents by family and caregivers.

• Solutions to improve service delivery under STAR+PLUS Medicaid Managed Care.

To learn more about our public policy priorities, the issues impacting older adults and not-for-profit aging services please visit, www.leadingagetexas.org/LeadingAgeTexasAdvocacy.

Direct care workers are becoming critical to the health and well-being of American families. The U.S. Census forecasts that by 2050, 70 percent of the population aged 65 and older will require some form of long-term care. Today, providers face high turnover and difficulty attracting caregivers to the profession. By 2030, Texas is projected to have the largest increase in demand for overall long-term nursing care provided by Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses.

Current healthcare training lacks exposure to long-term care career opportunities. A survey of U.S. undergraduate nursing programs suggested that over 85 percent had no gerontological training. Studies show that exposure to aging populations generates interest in long-term care careers. 

The first week of October, LeadingAge Texas not-for-profit providers will host a “Careers in Aging Services Day.” Students from local high schools, community colleges, and universities will experience firsthand the rewarding aspects of a career working with older adults.

“Hosting a career day at our community will help to bring awareness and visibility to the wide-ranging career opportunities in our field. We look forward to sharing our stories and experiences with the students and making an impact on their career path,” said Tiffany Tello, Healthcare Administrator at Querencia at Barton Creek. Querencia will host their Careers in Aging Services Day on Tuesday, October 2, and will focus on healthcare and hospitality.

LeadingAge Texas partnerships with Texas academic institutions are exposing students to the exploding demand in aging services. A key partnership with the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center will result in a new online long-term care management certification program starting in 2019. Other local academic partnerships are on track to better equip students for careers in long-term care. Austin Community College will start exposing students to long-term care and begin offering a Bachelor of Science in nursing to help meet the increased demand.

LeadingAge Texas advocates for a high-quality workforce in aging services. “Direct-care staff is the backbone of our nursing home. By offering competitive wages and benefits we attract great staff and our investment has paid off when it comes to the level of quality we offer our residents,” says Rodney Rueter, president and CEO of Lutheran Sunset Ministries, a top-quality rural nursing home in Clifton.

”Given the growing need of aging services professionals, we must continue to show students that a career in long-term care is one that promises job security, unique opportunities, and growth,” said George Linial, president and CEO of LeadingAge Texas.

The recent LeadingAge Texas Workforce Summit held in Mesquite put this matter in the spotlight, offering employers new tools for attracting staff and improving the challenges of the aging population explosion. 

Source:
Julianna@leadingagetexas.org
LeadingAge Texas
(512) 467-2242