Mark Parkinson, president and chief executive officer of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), shared words of advice for attendees of the 69th Annual AHCA/NCAL Convention and Expo, which kicked off today.

“Long term care providers should focus on three areas to remain successful in this challenging environment,” Parkinson said. “It is vital to prepare for the Patient-Driven Payment Model, continue to improve quality in our buildings, and remain politically active.”

With over 2,500 long term and post-acute care providers in attendance at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, Calif., Parkinson said that providers can thrive in the face of an ever-changing long term care landscape. 

“By doing these things, we will continue to deliver solutions for quality care despite being one of the country’s most regulated professions,” he said.

Solutions play a big role in thriving, especially with demographic changes coming to the sector in the future, says AHCA Board Chair Michael Wylie. 

“We are on the cusp of a large senior population that will need our care,” says Wylie. “As leaders in the profession, it is our responsibility to stick together and offer solutions that will help protect the future for millions.

Attendees heard a keynote address from Scott Kelly, United States astronaut, on Monday. The event will continue through Wed., Oct. 10 with education sessions, networking events, and closing keynote speaker, author Dan Thurmon.