As we approach the 2023 festive season, I find myself reflecting on the incredible dedication and compassion that defines our LeadingAge Texas family. This time of joy, reflection, and togetherness is marked by immense gratitude I extend to each and every one of you.

Amidst our daily responsibilities and the challenges we face, let's pause to appreciate the profound impact of the care and support we offer to individuals and families in our communities. Your unwavering commitment to enhancing their quality of life serves as a beacon of light during these special times.

This season also marks a moment of reflection on the strides we've made together. As we look forward, it's an opportune time to explore new ways to get involved . The LeadingAge Texas board and staff have been hard at work refining member programs and shaping opportunities for your development. Through education,  leadership programs , and networking initiatives, we aim to foster growth and empowerment within our membership, inviting each of you to actively engage and participate in our shared journey.

In this time of gratitude, it's essential to acknowledge our 2023 Partners & Sponsors . Their support has been instrumental in elevating our programs, events, and resources throughout the year. If you have the chance to connect with any of our sponsoring organizations, please convey your heartfelt appreciation for their invaluable support.

As we celebrate with our loved ones, let's also celebrate the growth and opportunities awaiting us in 2024. Together, we possess the power to make a lasting impact on the lives entrusted to our care.

I encourage you to leverage the resources, camaraderie, and support our association offers. Our lineup for the coming year is exceptional, including the highly anticipated Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO  in May, the Leadership Conference in September, and a series of engaging webinars scheduled almost every month. Stay connected, engaged, and informed through our Member Community to make the most of these opportunities.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season filled with warmth, love, and the fulfillment that comes from knowing your efforts make a meaningful difference.

Happy Holidays, LeadingAge Texas! Here's to a season of celebration, reflection, and renewed determination.

Warm regards,

George Linial, CAE
President/CEO

While the holidays represent different things for us all, they are often a time for reflection and remembrance, gathering with loved ones, and embracing and celebrating tradition. We honor the rich diversity of backgrounds at all our member communities, where we value and respect each other's uniqueness while recognizing the similarities of our respective missions–caring for and advocating for seniors across Texas. It is this commonality that drew each of us to LeadingAge Texas in the first place.

I would like to acknowledge the tremendous strain we've all been under: ongoing pandemic struggles, national political and societal conflict, and the anxiety of returning to what many term "the new normal."

Despite these challenges, the noble work you do, and the work your association does to support you, never stops. The LeadingAge Texas board and staff are already diving into the new year–finalizing a strategic plan, preparing for the Texas Legislative Session, refining member programs, and creating opportunities to develop members through education, leadership programs, and networking.

With cooperation, input, and support from you, our dedicated members, LeadingAge Texas has served as a place to learn and grow, to seek and find solutions, and to serve as a sounding board and collaboration center.

During this season of gratitude, we also thank our 2022 Partners & Sponsors for their support this year. LeadingAge Texas' programs, events, and resources are elevated because of their involvement in our industry. If you speak to members of any of our sponsoring organizations, please take a moment to let them know you appreciate their support. 

We express our sincere thanks for all you do. Here’s to a bright and vibrant future–we will get there together!

Wishing you and all you love and serve a Happy Thanksgiving and a joyous holiday season.

Sincerely,

George Linial, CAE
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas

News began circulating about a nursing facility in Washington state that had some mysterious deaths due to a virus. We paid attention, but we could not fathom what was to come. After all, there had been somewhat similar stories about serious viruses in the past – H1N1, Ebola and others. While they were concerning, and public health officials warned us, they largely became contained; never becoming full-blown pandemics. This COVID-19 virus was going to be contained – much like those other viruses… or so we thought. 

The staff returned to our office in Austin and members went back to their campuses across the state. The stories about the virus became more dire in the following days and weeks. On March 6, 2020, the South by Southwest Festival in Austin was cancelled. NBA basketball suspended their season a few days later. Businesses shut down. Schools cancelled. The final meeting of the 2019-2020 Leadership Institute was cancelled. People were instructed to social distance, disinfect surfaces, avoid large gatherings, and even reminded how to properly wash their hands to the tunes of various 20-second songs. 

As cases continued to surge, countries closed their borders. College students went home. States went into lockdown, including Texas. If we could contain the virus, things could get better. But as things reopened in a phased approach, cases surged. “Stop the spread” became “slow the spread.” Scientists were racing to find a vaccine.

Long-term care facilities fared the worst. Campuses locked down. No visitors allowed. Residents were isolated. Staff were afraid. There was not nearly enough protective equipment to go around. Of course, the media focused on deaths in nursing homes. What were long term care facilities doing to protect residents and staff?

The truth was, we were all doing the best we could given these ‘unprecedented’ circumstances. We improvised PPE, sometimes sterilizing and reusing equipment meant for one-time use. Campuses disinfected everything including mailed packages and grocery items. We were hearing ever-changing guidance daily about the best ways to protect residents and staff.

We made it through 2020 – and miraculously, a vaccine was developed that was going to quickly end the pandemic. Like many of you, I felt a profound sense of relief early in 2021 when I got my doses of the vaccine. There was a sense of hope in the air. Cases continued to trend down until a new variant (Delta) surfaced and issues like vaccine hesitancy increased.  

At this point it seemed we were facing a whole new set of issues. Many communities struggled with vaccination mandates while suffering an acute workforce shortage. Then, most recently, the Omicron surge happened. While senior living communities were much better prepared this time and had most, if not all, residents vaccinated, the challenges remained. The roller coaster ride that we have been on for two years has been taxing on the body, mind, and soul.

Yet, we continue to be hopeful that this will be the last significant surge of COVID. Signs point in that direction, but as we’ve learned, we must stay vigilant and be ready. 

There are many lessons that we’ve learned over the past two years. Here are a few:

We are resilient! I know this term has been overused lately but, – taking care of seniors has never been easy, and this pandemic took it to another level. We adapted and we survived. Even when we thought we couldn’t go on and deal with all the changing guidelines and protocols, we somehow managed to find energy reserves to carry on our mission.

We are innovative! We created solutions to problems we never thought we’d experience. Certainly, in the regulated parts of our campuses, we are very rule-driven. But this pandemic caused many of those rules to be tossed at least temporarily. We also have had to adapt to workforce demands. Things like flexible work schedules, job sharing, and other job variations have been instituted. We have had to adjust our thinking about issues we once thought were etched in stone.

Leadership matters! During critical times such as these, leaders emerge from the ranks. We often talk about leadership at conferences and workshops, and rightly so -- in the crisis we experienced over the past two years, our membership’s leaders produced extraordinary results. And they did it by creating amazing teams. To put it another way, where there is a great team, you can bet there is likely an inspiring leader. 

Sticking Together

Related to great leadership, is the recognition that we are part of a larger community of leaders within our association. If nothing else, the past two years proved that we cannot function effectively on our own. Communication channels among LeadingAge Texas members were never more utilized. One positive thing to note about the pandemic is that members realized the power of synergy.

Work Must Carry On  

While some businesses shut down or went remote, senior living did not have that option. All the things that senior living does – providing meals, social activities, health care, maintenance of physical plants, and much more – had to continue. Our members stepped up to the plate to serve our seniors throughout the pandemic, while navigating all the changing rules and guidance, and with a limited workforce.

No Longer Taking Things for Granted

The pandemic and its related issues (supply chain issues, workforce, etc.) made us value things that maybe we hadn’t before. One thing that stood out is the basic needs of human-to-human contact. Even within our association, virtual meetings were welcomed and embraced. Thankfully, last October during a lull in COVID cases, we were able to gather again in person. Remarkably, it was the Leadership Conference – the same event as our last gathering in 2020. There is a certain magic that happens when people are around other people. We certainly won’t take the simplicity of togetherness for granted any longer.

Work-Life Balance Took on a Greater Meaning

The pressures faced by all senior living providers during the past two years were self-evident. With a tight workforce situation, it became even more difficult to take time off. But, as the world changed and the idea of self-care was reinforced, the need for some balance between work and home life was never more necessary. When travel restrictions were in place, the need to get away from the day-to-day grind of work, even for short periods of time provided an essential respite. There continues to be a growing recognition of mental health issues related to working on the front lines of a deadly virus, and similar recognition to the importance of preventing pandemic-induced burnout.

Isolation Came at a Price – But Staff Provided Amazing Care 

While our immediate focus was on keeping residents safe, it came with the consequences of keeping people isolated from their families and friends. As the months of the pandemic carried on, so did the aftermath of the isolation. The health of many residents declined – not from the virus, but from the isolation from loved ones. It was a difficult thing for providers to navigate. State and Federal rules very much limited access to residents. Even outdoor visits were restricted. So, risking citations and fines came at the expense of breaking rules that were supposedly meant to protect residents, but at times had the opposite effect.

One of the bright spots of this crisis was the importance of the role that senior living staff plays in providing the human interaction necessary for residents’ well-being. Staff who were truly committed to taking care of seniors rose from the ranks. These were indeed tumultuous times when everyone’s lives were upended in some form or fashion. When schools and daycare centers were on lockdown, it created severe pressures on parents for childcare. Some companies were able to adapt to these pressures on their workforce by changing to remote work, but senior living communities and frontline workers did not have that luxury. For the direct-care workers, and particularly for those who viewed their jobs as a calling or mission, they stuck around and continued providing quality care to our senior Texans. This month’s #CareIsLove social media campaign, part of our 2022 Bright Spots calendar, is truly special as we highlight the extraordinary bonds that develop between older adults and aging services professionals who provide them care.

Reimaging Our Field

While this historic pandemic caused many to temporarily put their future strategic plans on hold, it also provided a (necessary) pause to really evaluate what the future of our field will be. And there are lots of questions to be answered. There are many who are looking at the future of the field. In fact, the entire February 2022 issue of the Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine is devoted to research and recommendation on issues such as the long-term care workforce, societal issues, models of care, financing, payment, regulation, and services.

Where Do We Go from Here?

I’m sure most of you have inspiring stories to tell about how you and your teams coped during the past two years, and we’d love for you to share them in the Member Exchange in our new online LeadingAge Texas Member Community: community.leadingagetexas.org. We’d also like for you to share some of the innovations developed at your community and how you are moving forward from this pandemic.

One thing I know that separates LeadingAge Texas members from the pack is that our organizations are in it for the long haul. According to our calculations, we have had at least two communities who have now survived through two global pandemics! Many others have survived war time periods and other major historic events. What keeps our communities going is our continued focus on our mission to take care of senior Texans. Our many “long haulers” have continued to reimagine and refocus their organizations through good times and challenging times.

Our leadership in this field must continue to drive us to a better future for the people we serve.

George Linial, CAE
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas

The experience of working in the senior living field over the last two years has proven to be undoubtedly challenging, yet you can all take immense pride in the fact that even in the midst of a pandemic, you continually pivoted, adapted, and kept doing your mission-driven work.

There are some hopeful signs for the future. A couple of weeks ago, we held our first in-person conference in Austin for over 100 participants. It was inspiring to be among members interacting, learning, connecting – in a way that cannot be replicated via Zoom. There was a palpable energy in the room. We are planning on truly celebrating getting back together at our 2022 Annual Conference in Addison next May.

To say my staff and I admire the heart and dedication within the LeadingAge Texas membership is an understatement. We thank you all for the hard work and commitment you continue to show. Our combined strength in this work is what makes us successful as an association.

I hope that when you’re celebrating the holidays with friends and family, you look back on the year with the same sense of accomplishment that we all should feel.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy holiday season.
 
Sincerely,

George Linial, CAE
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas

Guidance, regulations and safety protocols are continually changing and we have reassessed our exemption process for the Leadership Conference. We have decided to approve all exemption requests for the Leadership Conference. Those with exemptions will be required to provide a negative COVID test done within 48-hours of the start of the Leadership Conference. With the everchanging guidance and regulations (which I’m sure you’ve been dealing with for the past 18 months), we will have to reassess our safety protocols and exemption request processes for all LeadingAge Texas events moving forward.

Thank you for your continued support and flexibility surrounding the current COVID-19 situation.

September 7, 2021 — IMPORTANT - Proof of Vaccination Required to Attend

We are committed to meeting safely. Learn more about our health & safety plans here.

All attendees, speakers, and sponsors will be required to submit proof of full vaccination, wear a mask, and follow other health and safety protocols posted on site. 

Vaccine Verification*

• Now that you've registered, please submit your agreement and upload your proof of vaccination through this form before September 13.

*If you do not accept the terms, please select the option “I do not accept the terms...” on the form, upload a blank word document/pdf in the vaccination verification section, click submit, and then contact dorothy@leadingagetexas.org to discuss your options.

The LeadingAge Texas staff and Board of Directors are committed to making all association events safe. We look forward to hosting you in November!

August 16, 2021 —

***Please save our NEW dates of November 8 - 10, 2021 at our same venue, The Renaissance Austin Hotel, in Austin, Texas***

The safety of our members and the elders we serve is at the heart of our decision to reschedule, and we ensure that as we approach the conference, safety measures and decisions will continue to be informed by CDC guidelines, as well as local rules and recommendations.

Measures may be adjusted between now and the event so please check our Leadership Conference Safety Plan regularly for the most up-to-date information. Significant updates and requirements will be communicated to attendees and the final plan will be distributed prior to the event.

YOUR REGISTRATION

What do you need to do with your existing conference registration? Absolutely nothing! We have transferred all registrations to our rescheduled program: November 8 - 10 at The Renaissance Austin Hotel. If for some reason you are unable to make these dates, please contact Dorothy Ferrick by August 27th and we will work with you.

Did you originally have additional hotel nights booked that you coordinated with LeadingAge Texas? If yes, Dorothy will be in touch with you soon.

Conference partners, sponsors, and speakers will continue to be contacted directly with further information. Updates will also be published at www.leadingagetexas.org/leadercon as they become available. 

We know these are challenging times for our members. LeadingAge Texas stands ready to assist in any way possible. LeadingAge Texas, in conjunction with LeadingAge, will continue to assist with information and resources to help you plan for and respond to COVID-19.  You’ll find a clearinghouse of resources—updated daily—on our COVID-19 Resources page.

With appreciation for all you do,

Your LeadingAge Texas Team

August 10, 2021 — In response to COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations continuing to surge to pre-vaccine levels in Travis County and surrounding areas affecting members, the LeadingAge Texas Executive Committee and staff have made the decision to reschedule our 2021 Leadership Conference (originally slated for August 25 – 27, 2021). This most recent surge put Austin/Travis County in Stage 5 restrictions.

We are working to determine alternate dates for later this fall with our host hotel, so please stay tuned for details as they become available.

To everyone who has been involved in the planning of our conference—our partners, sponsors, and speakers—the Board of Directors, my staff, and I sincerely thank you for your contributions and we look forward to working with you to ensure the postponed conference is a success. 

To the attendees — we are so disappointed that we have had to postpone the conference. At this time, there is nothing you need to do. LeadingAge Texas will manage transferring your conference registration and full hotel reservation to the rescheduled dates. We will follow up via email with updated confirmation information when the new dates and details are available. Updates will also be published at www.leadingagetexas.org/leadercon as they become available.

COVID-19 Updates & Resources:
LeadingAge Texas, along with LeadingAge national, will continue to prioritize sharing timely, relevant information to help you respond to COVID-19. Please be sure to check the LeadingAge Texas COVID-19 resources page and the LeadingAge national COVID-19 resources page for further updates in all areas, and submit any questions you have here.

Stay strong,

George Linial
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas

HHSC: LTC Provider Resources During an Emergency

Long-term care providers impacted by the current severe weather event should be implementing emergency management plans. LTC providers in need of resources or assistance during an emergency, such as the current severe weather, are reminded that you can:

• Contact your LTCR regional office regarding events that are affecting residents (such as no heat, evacuation, frozen fire sprinkler systems, etc.). They can initiate an emergency request.

• Contact your local emergency management or Regional Advisory Council, who can initiate a STAR request.

• Contact your local power company if you are having power issues. Nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and inpatient hospices should inform the power company that you are a LTC provider, as those providers are prioritized for service restoration per the Public Utility Commission rules.

• Contact your Texas Department of Emergency Management District Coordinator if you are having challenges getting generator fuel.

If you need guidance or assistance in relocating residents, work with your LTCR Regional Director. All requests to exceed licensed capacity must be approved by the Director of Survey Operations. If your facility is projected to exceed its licensed capacity because it is accepting residents who have been evacuated from another facility, email Renee Blanch-Haley and include State Capacity Increase Request in the subject line.

Please refer to Provider Letter 2018-19 (PDF) as applicable and to your program’s rules for additional important information regarding emergency preparedness. If you have any questions, contact your LTCR regional office, email LTCR Policy Rules and Training or call 512-438-3161.

Additionally,

• Direct Supply has a network of service providers that can help with plumbing repair as a result that the weather challenges within Texas this week. Their providers prioritize our senior living customers first, but it is still dependent on availability. Members would be able to submit requests to their TELS Building Services providers at (800) 634-7328. As you can imagine, this team is working 24/7 to meet the current demand.

• USI Southwest hasprovided advice for filing insurance claimsregarding to property damage from frozen pipes. 

Lastly and always, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team.

70+% of deaths in the US have been in ages 65+ and nearly 40% of deaths have been inside nursing homes or assisted living communities. The toll it has taken on our members is profound. Not only did members have to deal with well over 300 different pieces of guidance from the federal government (not including Texas or local government entities), they also had to deal with a lot of unknowns particularly in the early months of the year.

Yet, when I think of our members – one word comes to mind. That word is “resilience.” Throughout the entirety of the year, our members literally fought tooth and nail for PPE supplies, testing supplies, visitation policies, better staff pay and morale, reducing regulatory barriers, and much more – all while providing the best possible care to their residents. Housing members also had to adapt and provide safety and comfort to their residents, many of whom need that personal contact for their well-being.

Our members adapted to this new world of increased PPE, regular testing, virtual meetings, virtual religious experiences, meal delivery, flexible scheduling, and more things than I can think of to mention.

We are now hopefully entering a new phase of the pandemic. It is still a waiting game, but it is encouraging that our residents and staff will be amongst the first to receive the vaccine. We will still have to adhere to strict infection control guidelines for some time, but there is hope that life can get back to some sense of normalcy later in 2021.

The association has had to adapt as well; our annual conference, meetings, and educational programs all turned virtual. We expect this emphasis on virtual experiences to continue at least for the first half of 2021. Looking forward, we are excited to come together in person later in the year.

All that being said, we are still blessed to have each other as support. I don’t know if I have ever witnessed as much sharing of information and resources as this past year. The value each and every one of you has brought to others has been profound. Never has the concept of an association been stronger!

We must build on that strength of our association into the new year. With an intense legislative session ahead of us, continued challenges with COVID-19, and other “regular” ordeals to deal with, we can do much better with each other’s support along the way.

On behalf of the board and staff, we wish you all a very safe and healthy holiday season. May 2021 bring us more positivity!

Now, more than ever, aging services professionals must come  together. 

For those of you who are veterans to our conferences, going virtual doesn’t mean that we’ll lose the conference components you’re looking forward to! We’ll still have inspiring keynote and breakout sessions, an interactive EXPO experience, and numerous networking opportunities! Things will be different, of course, but we are excited to offer a virtual gathering for us to be together  in these unprecedented circumstances .

And for those who haven’t been able to attend the in-person event due to the commitment that travel and time out of the office require, we are thrilled about the opportunity to provide our conference experience to you!

So, come one, come all! Let’s gather together virtually this fall! More details to come—Registration will be launched in July. 

[Save these dates to your calendar]

Conference partners, sponsors, and exhibitors will be contacted directly with further information. Updates will be published at www.leadingagetexas.org/conference as they become available.

COVID-19 Updates & Resources:

LeadingAge Texas, along with LeadingAge national, will continue to prioritize sharing timely, relevant information to help you respond to COVID-19. Please be sure to check the  LeadingAge Texas COVID-19 resources page and the LeadingAge national COVID-19 resources page for further updates in all areas, and submit any questions you have here.

My staff and I applaud you for all your heroic efforts during this COVID-19 crisis. 

Stay strong,



George Linial, CAE, CASP
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas

Sincerely,

George Linial, CAE, CASP
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas

Families, friends, and aging Texans are relying on mission-driven aging services organizations to provide the highest quality care and support during this difficult time. LeadingAge Texas, an association of not-for-profit aging services providers and senior living communities, is dedicated to the health and safety of the people they serve as they focus on preventing the spread of COVID-19.   

In the fight against the virus, frontline staff are stepping up to provide emotional and social support while protecting our most vulnerable in nursing homes and other senior living settings. We will succeed in this effort to defeat the virus, but we face significant challenges ahead.

In Texas, over 11,500 direct-care staff are working in long-term care facilities. The majority of these direct-care staff are Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs). Along with licensed nurses, they are responsible for providing 24/7 care to older Texans with complicated medical needs.   

I recently spoke to an RN from The Wesleyan organization in Georgetown. As a veteran of nursing, Kelly Goetz understands the vital role nurses play from both a medical and emotional standpoint. “This is my family,” said Kelly. “When I take care of someone, I am taking care of a person that I know and care about. The same is true of the staff working at The Wesleyan. Some employees have been working here for over 40 years. The residents, staff and families here are part of our community and it is my duty to provide the best care possible.”

For long-term care providers, the challenges of this pandemic are unprecedented. The preparation and response I’ve seen over the last few weeks demonstrates many are up to the task, but they need support; support from the community, state and local health agencies, local and national businesses, and our elected officials. To protect the older Texans we serve and the people who care for them we must prioritize access to the basics when combatting COVID-19 - personal protective equipment (PPE), rapid testing for residents and staff, and transparent reporting of confirmed cases across healthcare settings so we can best respond. These tools are necessary to save lives. 

Lutheran Sunset Ministries has been serving the people of Clifton for 66 years. Rodney Rueter is CEO of Lutheran Sunset and gave me this insight: “Our direct-care staff are the backbone of our community. We are doing everything we can to protect our residents, but in order to do that we need the right equipment to protect our staff.” Rodney is one of many who understands the critical role nursing homes will play during this crisis. “Without adequate support for caregivers, we are risking the lives of seniors and healthcare workers. Residents and families have placed their trust in us and we cannot let them down.” These sentiments are shared in communities across Texas.

As aging services providers go to battle with COVID-19, it is essential to support those protecting such a high-risk population. We are all in this fight together, but we must acknowledge what it takes to be successful, and the sacrifices caregivers are making every day to serve older adults. These frontline staff are the unsung heroes and they deserve our full support as they continue fighting to protect our loved ones.

George Linial, CAE, CASP
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas

My staff and I look forward to our association coming together in the fall for an alternative educational and networking conference experience; please stay tuned for details as they become available.

To everyone who has been involved in the planning of our conference—our partners and sponsors, exhibitors, and speakers—the Board of Directors, my staff, and I sincerely thank you for your contributions and we look forward to working with you to ensure our fall conference is a success!

What’s Next?

Conference attendees, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors will be contacted within the coming days with further information. Updates will be published at www.leadingagetexas.org/conference as they become available. 

We are excited to offer a live virtual session on May 21 featuring our conference closing session speaker Karith Foster who will present on “Pivoting to Our Purpose,” a timely topic for how the field of aging services is in the midst of transition. This program is complimentary for all association members.

COVID-19 Updates & Resources:

LeadingAge Texas, along with LeadingAge national, will continue to prioritize sharing timely, relevant information to help you respond to COVID-19. Please be sure to check the  LeadingAge Texas COVID-19 resources page and the LeadingAge national COVID-19 resources page for further updates in all areas, and submit any questions you have here.

My staff and I applaud you for all your heroic efforts during this COVID-19 crisis. 

Stay strong,

George Linial, CAE, CASP
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas

On Sunday, the U.S. Department of Labor added 20 new questions to their document on the Families First Response Act (FFCRA). Especially critical for members is the question below:

#56: Who is a “health care provider” who may be excluded by their employer from paid sick leave and/or expanded family and medical leave?

For the purposes of employees who may be exempted from paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave by their employer under the FFCRA, a health care provider is anyone employed at any doctor’s office, hospital, health care center, clinic, post-secondary educational institution offering health care instruction, medical school, local health department or agency, nursing facility, retirement facility, nursing home, home health care provider, any facility that performs laboratory or medical testing, pharmacy, or any similar institution, employer, or entity. This includes any permanent or temporary institution, facility, location, or site where medical services are provided that are similar to such institutions.

This definition includes any individual employed by an entity that contracts with any of the above institutions, employers, or entities institutions to provide services or to maintain the operation of the facility. This also includes anyone employed by any entity that provides medical services, produces medical products, or is otherwise involved in the making of COVID-19 related medical equipment, tests, drugs, vaccines, diagnostic vehicles, or treatments. This also includes any individual that the highest official of a state or territory, including the District of Columbia, determines is a health care provider necessary for that state’s or territory’s or the District of Columbia’s response to COVID-19.

To minimize the spread of the virus associated with COVID-19, the Department encourages employers to be judicious when using this definition to exempt health care providers from the provisions of the FFCRA.

This is some relatively good news in that most of your nursing facility staff, assisted living staff, and possibly others will be exempt from this requirement. LeadingAge updated their FAQ on New Paid Sick Leave and FMLA Leave in FFCRA document accordingly.

I’d also like to alert you to a few more important things: 

• LeadingAge Texas has prepared a statement on Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins' Order Regarding Long Term Care Facilities. We encourage you to utilize this document to respond to media inquiries.

•Governor Abbott announced Approval of 1135 Medicaid Waiver.

•As a 501c3 Health Care Institution your organization is eligible for FEMA recovery grant assistance in response to COVID-19; review the next steps on applying for FEMA assistance.

We continue to provide input and monitor state and federal authorities in response to our members’ concerns. Please continue to check our COVID-19 Resources page, stay connected, ask questions, and let us know how we can be of further assistance.

George Linial, CAE, CASP
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas

Kristopher J. Prickett, MS, PMP
Director of Healthcare Services
Tidal Basin Group
(706) 767-2340
kprickett@tidalbasin.rphc.com

As the PPE supply shortage has escalated,Value First has been actively researching and vetting alternative suppliers to supply critical PPE products. Phoenix Textile has been a trusted supplier to LeadingAge members for many years and has identified a potential solution for masks and isolation gowns. Phoenix Textile is sourcing products for some larger health systems and federal facilities in the US. Given our longstanding relationship with Phoenix Textile, I have confidence that we have identified a viable solution. However, it will require aggregating volume across the LeadingAge Texas membership.

Phoenix Textile can source N95 masks to be shipped via air freight for approximately $2.75 each. The price includes freight to a distribution center in the US and products would ship approximately 1 week after the order is placed. A 50% down payment is required and can only be ordered in full containers. This means we would be ordering in intervals of 338,000 masks, with 338,000 being the minimum number to make this a viable option.

The isolation gowns would cost approximately $9.75 each and have a minimum order of 10,000 gowns. The air freight option would take approximately 10 days to get to our distribution center.

We have been working with a local distributor to accept the bulk delivery, then break down the orders and drop ship to individual member locations. The distributor will charge a small mark-up as well as the cost of the shipping via FedEx, which will slightly increase the proposed prices.

It is important to note that the pricing and timing of delivery is changing daily, so we are looking to pull this together in 1-2 days. The price of the masks is the most volatile, while the isolation gown pricing has been relatively consistent.

If you are interested in pursuing this option, click and complete the short survey below as soon as possible. We may be submitting an order as soon as this Friday, March 27th. The survey is not a commitment to purchase, just a way for us to determine if there is enough interest to move forward. If there is critical mass, we will reach out to you to fill out a commitment form and coordinate the deposit.

TAKE SHORT SURVEY

If you have questions, please reach out to Ann Castro, Director of Business Development, at (817) 680-5471.

1) Access to FEMA resources— Please be sure to join us for our Zoom Popup: Guidance on Applying for FEMA Assistance this Thursday at 11 am to learn about steps you need to take to get access to FEMA funds. I know all of you have spent extra resources to both prepare and deal with COVID-19. FEMA funds are available to reimburse you for those costs. There is obviously no requirement to apply for these funds, but I urge you to join Thursday’s Zoom Popup to be well-informed about the process. This call is meant for C-Suites or financial people in each organization.Please register here: Guidance on Applying for FEMA Assistance.

2) Weekly Call– All members are welcome to join our weekly call about COVID-19. Last week we had over 200 members call in! Join us tomorrow at 1 pm for a short presentation by an epidemiologist, Dr. Mark Stibich, and plenty of time for member questions and sharing.Please RSVP here: Provider Member Weekly Call: COVID-19 Discussion.

3) For those struggling with childcare for employees— I had a conversation late last week with Stuart Dupuy who runs the MBF (Mom’s Best Friend) Agency that sets up and staffs child care. His company operates statewide, so please contact him if you are having childcare issues for your staff. He may be able to set up a pop up child care center in your area.

Stuart Dupuy, Principal, MBF Agency
512-879-7509
www.mbfagency.com | www.linkedin.com/in/stuartdupuy/

4) Health Care Industry COVID Strike Force— LeadingAge Texas is part of this group of Hospitals, Doctors and other healthcare groups that sent the following medical surge framework outline to the Governor. We met on Saturday morning. As you can see, prevention of COVID-19 in nursing facilities is a high priority. At the same time, there is an urgency to free up hospital beds, so you may experience calls from local hospitals asking about transferring their patients to your nursing home. Please refer to the latest Long Term Care Regulatory Provider Letter.

5) Guidance for Independent Living, CCRCs and HUD Housing— There is finally guidance from the CDC on these major areas that serve seniors. Included within the CDC guidance are links to other information relevant to long term care providers, including guidance for long term care facilities that offer medical services (i.e. nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and adult day care programs), a checklist for such provider types which the CDC notes can be adapted to meet the needs of retirement communities and ILFs, as well as other information relevant to older adults with serious chronic medical conditions and community-based organizations. There are also two new housing docs – an article by Linda Couch, LeadingAge“HUD Official: Let’s All Get Through This Together” and a tool from the Corporation for Supportive Housing,“CSH Guidance for Supportive Housing Providers."

Finally, some metropolitan areas in the state (i.e. Dallas) have issued Shelter in Place orders. I expect more to follow suit. Some other states (i.e. Ohio, Michigan, NY, Mass., Connecticut) have also issued statewide shelter in place orders. We will work with the Governor’s office to make sure that your workers are exempt and can continue to come to work to take care of residents.

Please be sure to check the LeadingAge national Coronavirus Resources page and the LeadingAge Texas COVID-19 page for further updates in all areas, and submit any questions you have here.

Thank you for all you are doing and stay strong,

George Linial, CAE, CASP
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas

As things continue to evolve, LeadingAge Texas continues to update members on COVID-19. We encourage you to visit ourCOVID-19 page for the latest updates, resources, guidance, and more to help you best navigate this situation.

Additionally, we are planning weekly calls for members to get and share information. The first Provider Member COVID-19 Discussion Call will take place Tuesday, March 17 from 1-2 pm. You are encouraged to RSVP to join this discussion.

We spoke with Texas HHSC officials this afternoon to talk more about emergency response policies like visitation, PPE supplies, and staffing concerns. You can expect a provider letter from HHSC today prohibiting nonessential visitors to nursing facilities. We anticipate similar guidance for assisted living facilities released next week.

If you haven’t done so, please make sure you are in contact with your local health department. They will be involved in any outbreak situation and may expedite PPE supplies if necessary.

The Governor declared a State of Emergency today which will free up additional resources. You will also be hearing more about this in the coming days. Gov. Abbott directed state agencies to restrict visitation at nursing homes, state-sponsored living centers, hospitals and daycare centers. It allows limited exceptions for things like end-of-life visitations and requires all individuals to go through the proper screenings, he said.

We are working with THCA, TALA and others on advocacy efforts to access emergency funding for LTC organizations impacted by COVID-19.

The federal government has passed one specialized funding bill and will likely pass another to deal with the virus. We will continue to work with state officials on how to best allocate these funds to aging services.

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to talk about any of the above items.

Stay Strong,

George Linial, CAE, CASP
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas

Do you know the answer to the age-old question – “What if 60 Minutes shows up at your door?” We never think that would happen at our workplace. But we live in a world full of uncertainties.

Heaven forbid, what if one of your staff or residents acquired the Coronavirus? What if an employee was stealing from residents? What if one of the residents happened to be the mother of a local news anchor who decided to air a full-blown expose on the lack of safety in your community?   

Unfortunately, in the Dallas area, this became much too real when it was discovered that a serial killer preyed upon residents in senior living apartments and senior living communities. The story continues to evolve and while the alleged killer has been apprehended, the fears about safety continue. 
 
Are you prepared to address regional media, local media, local and state officials, residents, families, and the community at large if something unthinkable happens?

On April 2, LeadingAge Texas is hosting a day-long Crisis Communications Workshop in Austin. This training led by three public relations professionals will provide some practical lessons on dealing with the media when a crisis occurs. I urge all member communities to send staff, particularly those who would address the media if/when a crisis situation occurs. 

More than a century ago, Louis Pasteur said, “Chance favors only the prepared mind.” By this he meant that sudden flashes of insight don't just happen— they are the products of preparation. Preparation, therefore, is the key to a successful and fulfilling career. I would adapt this adage to any crisis situation. Dealing with a crisis favors the prepared organization – otherwise the crisis can become catastrophic.

We prepare for all kinds of events in our field like state surveys, construction projects, celebrations large and small, etc. We have disaster plans for weather occurrences like hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires. However, crisis communications is an area where we can all improve our preparations.

George Linial, CAE, CASP
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas

Kenneth Durand

A Message from CC Young

Friends, we are saddened to report that CC Young’s former President and CEO Kenneth T. Durand passed away Monday, December 23, 2019, after a long battle with cancer.  Through his 27-year tenure at CC Young, Ken left an indelible mark on this campus and on our industry as a whole.  He received multiple awards in his lifetime including the prestigious Award of Honor from TAHSA, the Texas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, which is now known as LeadingAge Texas.  He served as Chairman of the Board of LeadingAge Texas, during his years of leadership.  His contributions included numerous other industry and community boards.
 
Ken was a legend in the field of aging services, recognized nationally for his leadership and vision.  It was through his innovations in environment and services for seniors that he became instrumental in educating the current and next generation of leaders.  His personal qualities exceeded the highest standards of commitment and leadership to many senior citizens communities throughout the country. 
 
He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him; professionally and/or personally.  
 
A memorial service will be held in January at CC Young.

A Message from George Linial

The Passing of a Pioneer 

This past week we learned of the passing of one of the pioneers of our field who was very influential in the formation and continued success of LeadingAge Texas and CC Young. I met Ken Durand shortly after starting my position over 18 years ago. If I could describe Ken in one word – that word would be “passionate.” He was passionate about so many things – his work, our field, the development of new leaders, his team, and of course his family. 

Ken embraced the field of gerontology and was an enthusiastic advocate for developing leaders in aging services.  He worked diligently with the University of North Texas, with LeadingAge (than AAHSA) and with LeadingAge Texas (then TAHSA), to grow the number and quality of individuals entering the field.  (By the way, Ken also encouraged the use of the word “field” rather than “industry” because he said we weren’t making things – we were serving people.) 

Ken established a strong friendship with Dr. Herb Shore, one of the founders of AAHSA and TAHSA, and they worked together on a number of initiatives during the formative stages of the associations. He served on both the state and national boards with distinction and passion. 

His vision for creating a supportive and lifelong learning environment for seniors was embodied in his work at CC Young. He said he was fortunate to be able to retire in such a loving and supportive community.  His lasting legacy was that he was able to put into place a great leadership team before he retired – many of which are still at CC Young.  They have continued to build upon his vision for the model community for aging services.

My hope is that we will see others that can match Ken’s passion for our field.  

Attached below is a summary of his Award of Honor Nomination -- which Ken received in 2010: 

Ken Durand has spent a lifetime cultivating concepts that will live on forever.   His work on developing the aging services field to not only a concept, but a philosophy of valuing each individual and his/her own development throughout their lifetimes will have a lasting impact in the field. Ken has created a community that embodies this philosophy of lifelong learning, of taking a holistic view of residents to meet their physical, mental and spiritual needs, and of innovative programs and services that enhance the lives of his residents and staff. 

Over the years, he has not only led his organization’s growth and development, but has encouraged continuous personal growth among employees. His affiliation with the University of North Texas' gerontology program as an adjunct professor touched hundreds of students and his mentoring of scores of interns and interested individuals changed perceptions on aging. 

His expertise and knowledge had international impact as he was requested to consult and lecture to Chinese aging agencies and universities as they expanded their care programs for the aged.  He is in every sense a teacher, challenging those around him to think and act creatively. He was the leading force as a member of the advisory committee that formed Retirement Housing Professionals program at the University of North Texas, which is known as the Coalition for Leadership in Aging Services.  He is also a board member on the College of Public Affairs and Community Service at the University of North Texas where he was recently presented with the Daniel M. Johnson Award of Distinction in recognition of extraordinary leadership, community values, and dedication to improving the quality of work and family life.    

George Linial, CAE, CASP
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas

Similar sentiments of support and shared best practices are seen within the LeadingAge Texas Leadership Institute. The Power of Togetherness shines through in this program as the small group of emerging leaders comes together to dive into self-improvement work, cultivate leadership skills, and learn from seasoned leaders in the field. By touring several communities, each slightly unique in their mission and approach, but all with a shared dedication to caring for older Texans, the group also gains insight into progressive models of caring for residents and strengthening workforce and community.

The Power of Togetherness has been fruitful in the creation of programs that provide benefits to members and their staff:

• The Communities of Faith Risk Retention Group was formed 16 years ago to provide professional and general liability coverage during the peak of the insurance crisis. The RRG remains successful in not only providing insurance coverage, but also in sharing best practices in risk management and holding one another accountable.

• In 2019, two additional programs were launched with similar aspiration to benefit members:
  • First, the LeadingAge Texas Health Plan, Inc. was formed and is set to launch on January 1, 2020. Modeled after a similar plan of LeadingAge Kansas’ (again, togetherness!), HPI will provide excellent, affordable employee health insurance and ancillary benefit options for LeadingAge Texas members and their employees.
  • Second, on October 1, 2019 the LeadingCare Network Texas was launched with the purpose of negotiating with managed care companies as a group. We know our members provide quality care and rather than each individual community negotiating contracts separately, this network provides more leverage for better terms.

Members within the same locale are capitalizing on The Power of Togetherness. For example, San Antonio-area members are exploring ways to save on goods and services through a regional arrangement with Value First. Members in other regions throughout the state have expressed interest exploring a similar venture.

Another area that requires The Power of Togetherness: Advocacy. United in our values, we made some positive strides this year during the 86th legislative session. The LeadingAge Texas legislative team focused on clearer rules for assisted living, strengthening Medicaid to focus on quality measures, and defeating a number of bills that would have made it more difficult for members to operate in Texas. Groundwork is being laid to address workforce issues in the next session.

Even outside of these notable association-related initiatives, there are countless examples of members living out The Power of Togetherness as they create & sustain collaborations with each other and other organizations, agencies, foundations, and community groups.

The message is simple: Nobody can do it alone and there is always space at the table. Although it may not always come easy – politics, personalities, and egos can get in the way – The Power of Togetherness is tangible and we are better together.

We at LeadingAge Texas wish you a very happy and joyous holiday season. And as we head into the New Year – with “together” as the theme for LeadingAge (state and national) conferences in 2020 – may we all embrace what we can do together.

George Linial, CAE, CASP
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas 

• Association Sponsored Health Plan | We are looking forward to creating a multiple employer group self-funded plan which would provide members better options for their employee health plans. The program would offer members ten health plans that are far less expensive than what they are currently paying on their own.

• Managed Care Network | We know our members provide great care and that negotiating with managed care as a single provider does not deliver the leverage needed to achieve better reimbursement. So, we are exploring an opportunity to create a network of member providers to undergo these negotiations together.

If you are interested in learning more about these collaborations and to see how your community might benefit positively from these endeavors, email crystal@leadingagetexas.org.

While the staff and I continue to explore these new opportunities, I encourage you to take advantage of some of the ongoing member benefits by:

• Tapping into knowledge and resources | Odds are that someone, somewhere, in our field has already discovered the solution to a vexing problem in your particular situation. Our education solutions, newsletter & blogs, and committees & peer groups create opportunities to share those best practices and learn fresh ideas. Additionally, by networking, you may spot emerging trends which could impact your operation or your future.

• Making personal connections | Networking Events & our committees & peer groups are perfect ways to make lifelong friendships with your peers, share best practices, help each other, and potentially collaborate.

• Gaining political clout and expertise | LeadingAge brings members together, turning each individual voice into an effective, collective shout calling attention to issues important to us. For a field as highly regulated and dependent on government funding as ours, advocacy is a key. Learn more & get involved.

• Increasing your purchasing power | Value First helps members receive better pricing on numerous products and services. Virtually anything you purchase for your community is a potential savings to you. So, contact chuck@leadingagetexas.org to learn more and to set up a free cost study.

• Collaborating with peers for liability insurance | The Communities of Faith Risk Retention Group was formed 15 years ago by LeadingAge Texas members to not only address health insurance rates, but to share best risk management practices. Contact me at george@leadingagetexas.org to learn more about eligibility & joining.

George Linial, CAE, CASP
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas

With deep sadness, we share the news that President Emeritus of Wesleyan Homes Chris G. Spence, died peacefully last night at The Wesleyan at Scenic.

Chris devoted 28 years to the ministry of Wesleyan Homes and never wavered in his call to serve the aging and their families.

Wesleyan Homes Board Chair Dr. Dale Schulz expressed both sadness and peaceful consolation for Chris and his family. He said, “His was a courageous battle with a vicious disease. We are blessed by the legacy that he left for Wesleyan Homes in the future that will unfold much in part to his efforts.”

Wesleyan President Mark Lenhard reflected, “Mere words cannot convey the deep feeling of loss at the death of Chris Spence. Not only did Chris have an incredible impact on the ministry of Wesleyan Homes, but he also was a staunch advocate for all seniors and those who serve seniors throughout the state of Texas and our nation. We are thankful every day for the calling that Chris accepted to be a steward of this very important ministry. His life’s work will continue to bless people for years to come.”

Please keep Chris’ family, friends and colleagues in your prayers. Plans to celebrate the life of Chris Spence have been set for 11:00 am Saturday, January 19, 2019 at First United Methodist Church, 410 East University Avenue, Georgetown, TX 78626. Memorials may be made to the Wesleyan Homes Benevolent Fund, or to the charity of your choice. To share memories and condolences with the family, please visit www.cookwaldendavisfuneralhome.com.

Chris G. Spence, President Emeritus of Wesleyan Homes, Inc.

After graduating from the University of North Texas Center for Studies in Aging with a Master of Science degree in Long Term Care Administration, Chris G. Spence responded to his calling and entered the field of senior care in 1977.

Chris started his career as the Director of Social Services at the Golden Age Care Center in Amarillo, Texas. In 1980, Chris interned at Wesleyan Homes, Inc., and after earning his Nursing Home Administrator License, served as Assistant Administrator for Wesleyan’s 100-unit retirement home and 98-bed nursing home.

Just a year later, in 1981, Sears Memorial Methodist Center in Abilene, Texas, hired Chris to serve as Executive Director of a 55-unit retirement center and a 60-bed nursing center. At Sears, Chris led a 3.2 million dollar expansion, which increased capacity to 93 retirement units and 117 nursing beds.

Chris returned to Georgetown, Texas, in 1989 to become the Executive Director of Wesleyan Homes, Inc., and lead efforts to grow the ministry of serving the aging. He actively participated in professional associations such as LeadingAge Texas and The Communities of Faith Risk and Retention Group, serving in various leadership roles and through these collective efforts advanced care for the aging.

In his 28 years of leading Wesleyan Homes, Inc., Chris expanded Wesleyan’s ministry to senior adults to include independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, home health and hospice. Today, Wesleyan Homes receives 36 million dollars in revenue, employs 450 teammates and serves more than 2,163 seniors annually.

All of us at Wesleyan Homes give thanks for the life of Chris G. Spence, whose faithful service to this ministry inspired many to join in the sacred work of serving the oldest among us. The ministry of Wesleyan Homes is strong today and has a bright future because of Chris’ leadership and devoted service.

A Message from George Linial

I cannot let his passing go without mentioning his tremendous contributions to LeadingAge Texas. He devoted his career to long-term care and serving others and was an active member of the association for nearly 40 years, including serving on the Board of Directors as Chair, Treasurer, and Public Policy chair.

A strong advocate and supporter of LeadingAge Texas, he was instrumental in several initiatives over the years including the formation of a group purchasing program in 1989 and a risk retention group in 2003. In 2009 he received our highest award, the Award of Honor, and in 2018 he became a LeadingAge Texas Life Member.

Chris was a visionary force for Wesleyan Homes and was a beloved leader. But most of all, he was an exceptional family man, friend and mentor to many. We will greatly miss his advice, encouragement, vision… and self-deprecating sense of humor. 

George Linial, CAE, CASP
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas

I urge all of you to reflect on this past year and savor the special moments and relationships you hold most dear. Make sure those individuals (particularly those who don’t regularly get recognition), know how grateful you are for their service and commitment to our field.

LOOKING AHEAD
Many challenges lie ahead in 2019 inc­luding a major change in Medicare payment, changing consumer demands, workforce shortages, regulatory issues – you know the list. But we also know that we can deal with these challenges better together than we can individually. I encourage you to continue taking advantage of the resources, comradery, and support our association provides. We’ve got some outstanding programs already on the calendar including the Leadership Conference in February, our 60^th Annual Conference in May, and an array of webinars coming up almost every month. Plus, network meetings around the state will kick off in March.

MANY THANKS
To the LeadingAge Texas and EIA Board members, my staff and I thank you for your dedication in making sure that member needs are addressed through our programs and educational offerings. To the many members who serve on committees, task forces, peer groups, are involved in advocacy and involved in other ways, we are grateful for your involvement.

To all the other members, our sincere appreciation for your support of LeadingAge Texas and the pride you hold for the work you do in your communities.

Lastly, I would like to thank the LeadingAge Texas staff who continue to do a remarkable job in making those programs, products and services come to life and helping you deal with the many issues you face daily.

WISHING YOU THE BEST
On behalf of our board, our volunteers, and our staff we hope this holiday season is an exceptionally good and safe one and that the New Year brings you much health, happiness, and prosperity.

Sincerely,

George Linial, CAE, CASP
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas

The senior living field is currently in the midst of unprecedented change in the way business is being conducted. Across the country, customers of our services are redefining what their expectations are and if we are not ready with new models of care, housing, and services, then we will be left behind.

LeadingAge members across the country have a long history of developing new and better ways of taking care of seniors. Since the beginning, innovation has started here, with us. Our charge in the midst of this ever-changing landscape is to continue to be the pioneers.

6 PIONEERING PRINCIPLES

1) Listen and connect with each other. Get together, step outside your organizations, and explore underutilized connections within the association. Stand alone campuses will have a difficult time surviving when the competition has efficiency on their side. Joining a peer group, committee, or task force is a great way to meet fellow members and make meaningful connections.

2) Enlighten your boards. Many boards are not up to speed with the rapid change happening in our field. Is your board acting strategically and planning for a 10 or 20 year horizon or are they just looking to keep the status quo? If you want to see your mission sustained moving forward, work to keep your board educated and engaged. Check out these handy governance resources to help your board stay on track.

3) Develop your people. Strong leaders are needed more than ever to navigate the unforeseen future. Reports show that almost 40% of CEOs and EDs will retire in the next five years. Do you have a succession plan in place? Are you developing future leaders of the field? There are leaders in all parts of your organization pioneering day-to-day operations that make the resident's senior living experience great. Invite them to develop their skills by registering for our upcoming Medicare University Workshop and Workforce Summit. Next year, make plans for you & your leadership team to join us in February at the 2019 Leadership Conference, and encourage rising leaders to apply to our Leadership Institute - applications to open in late February 2019.

4) Remain true to your mission, but be business focused. Finding the balance between mission and margin is critical for our long-term success and will embolden you to better serve an ever-more-diverse and evolving population of older adults.

5) Keep your eye on the horizon while living in the present. It is important to stay present and address the immediate needs of your residents, but looking forward and preparing for the future success of your organization is critical. Are you prepared for the demands and needs of the next generation of residents who will have an entirely different set of expectations than your current residents? 

6) Celebrate your successes. In the very nature of being servant leaders, you are humble in demeanor; however, do not hesitate to be boastful of accomplishments. Celebrate newsworthy happenings in your community by submitting articles to be featured in The Connection and nominate deserving staff for LeadingAge Texas Awards - open for nominations Fall 2018. Always be thankful for those responsible for our successes and continue pioneering the way.

George Linial, CAE, CASP
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas