| National Skilled Nursing Care Week Starts Sunday, May 8 | <p>National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW) kicks off this Sunday, May 8 through Saturday, May 14. The annual observance calls attention to the essential role of skilled nursing centers in caring for America’s elderly and individuals with disabilities. This year’s theme is, “Creating and Nurturing Connections.” </p><p>“Skilled nursing caregivers and staff at all levels work hard every day to keep our most vulnerable population safe, healthy and socially engaged under incredible challenges,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA. “These individuals are the backbone of our communities. This week is a time to celebrate them by sharing our appreciation for all that they do for our loved ones.”</p><p>Skilled nursing care centers and their staff provide a steadfast commitment to <a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/AHCANCAL-Highlights-Nursing-Home-Quality-Improvements-During-COVID-19-Pandemic.aspx" target="_blank">providing a high-level of person-centered care</a> for their residents. This has never been more evident than the last two years of the pandemic. In addition to protecting and caring for their residents around the clock during a time of limited visitation and social distancing, staff stepped in and served as family members and friends to ensure that residents had the essential social connections they needed.</p><p>Celebrate this NSNCW by sharing your <a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Pages/Share-Your-Story.aspx" target="_blank">stories</a> and messages of gratitude on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NationalSkilledNursingCareWeek/" target="_blank" title="https://www.facebook.com/nationalskillednursingcareweek/">Facebook</a> using the hashtag #NSNCW.  </p><span style="color:#000000;font-family:-webkit-standard;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:start;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:0px;text-decoration:none;"></span><p>TENA, an Essity brand, is the official 2022 NSNCW sponsor. “Our vision is dedicated to improving well-being through leading hygiene and health solutions,” said Tony Forsberg, RN, BSBA, WCC, CSPHA, national clinical director of Essity. “We are committed to being a care partner that fully supports our customers to provide innovative products and best practice care routines that allow skilled care nursing facilities to deliver better and more efficient care to our most vulnerable and valued residents.”</p><p>Created by AHCA in 1967, NSNCW starts each year on Mother’s Day and is celebrated through the following Saturday.</p><p>For more information on the annual observance, please visit <a href="http://www.ahcancal.org/NSNCW" target="_blank">NSNCW.org</a>.</p><p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://ahcancal.org/"><img src="/SiteCollectionImages/logos/ahca_ncal_cobrand.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:250px;height:30px;" /></a><br></p> | 2022-05-06T04:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/SiteCollectionImages/logos/NSNCW_22.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Caregiving;Quality | Staff stepped in and served as family members and friends to ensure that residents had the essential social connections they needed. |
| ‘Joyful Moments’ Revealed as Theme for National Assisted Living Week 2022 | <p>The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) today revealed “Joyful Moments” as this year’s theme for National Assisted Living Week<sup>®</sup>. The annual, national observance – officially sponsored by First Quality in 2022 – provides a unique opportunity for residents, their loved ones, staff, volunteers, and local communities to celebrate the individuals who live and work in assisted living and learn more about this sector of long term care.  </p><p>“We are excited to highlight the truly ‘joyful moments’ in life during this year’s National Assisted Living Week,” said NCAL Executive Director LaShuan Bethea. “The communities where our residents live are so much more than just that. They are places where caregivers, residents, family members, and so many more come together as an extended family and create joyful, happy memories. After the challenges of the past few years, this theme is the perfect way to honor those relationships and celebrate every special moment.” </p><p>Established by NCAL in 1995, National Assisted Living Week (NALW) will be held Sept. 11-17, 2022. “Joyful Moments” encourages assisted living communities around the country to host a variety of events that honor the individuals who reside, work, and volunteer in these communities while adhering to infection control requirements and precautions in place for COVID-19. </p><p>“First Quality is honored to be the official sponsor of National Assisted Living Week again in 2022,” said Shelley Bache, First Quality Healthcare Leader. “This year’s theme encourages everyone to go beyond sharing happy memories and to create new moments that will be treasured for many years to come. I am thrilled we get to be part of this extraordinary week.” </p><p>The “Joyful Moments” logo is available for download to assisted living communities, stakeholders, and members of the public on the NALW website. In the coming months, NCAL will issue a planning guide and products centered on ways to celebrate “Joyful Moments.” Participants are asked to share their celebrations throughout the week on social media with the hashtag #NALW. Visit <a href="http://www.nalw.org/" target="_blank">www.nalw.org</a> for updated information and resources.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="/SiteCollectionImages/logos/ncal_large_color.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:250px;height:167px;" /><br></p> | 2022-05-05T04:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Breaking-News/PublishingImages/2022/NALW_2022.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Quality | "Joyful Moments” encourages assisted living communities around the country to host a variety of events that honor the individuals who reside, work, and volunteer in these communities. |
| Apply Now: AHCA/NCAL Diversity Executive Leadership Program | <p>American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) <span>has announced the inaugural</span> provider member Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) will accept applications Monday, May 2 through Thursday, June 9. </p><p>Ten individuals will be selected to participate in the two-year program. Additional information including eligibility and program requirements is available on our <a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/About/Pages/Diversity-Executive-Leadership-Program.aspx" target="_blank">website.<br></a></p><p>DELP has two objectives:</p><ul><ol type="1" start="1" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-top:0in;"><li><p>To provide individuals from under-represented groups in AHCA/NCAL, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability and religion, support, access and opportunities for leadership. </p></li><li><p>To provide AHCA/NCAL with increased access to a diverse pool of talented, engaged members and/or leaders such as committee members and chairs, board members, AHCA Council of States representatives and NCAL State Leaders.</p></li></ol></ul><p>Contact any member of the DELP team for more information: <span><a href="mailto:%20lbethea@ncal.org" target="_blank">LaShuan Bethea</a>, <a href="mailto:jhahs@ahca.org" target="_blank">Jennifer Hahs</a>, <a href="mailto:upatel@AHCA.org" target="_blank">Urvi Patel</a>, <a href="mailto:kpreede@ncal.org" target="_blank">Katherine Preede</a>, or <a href="mailto:cherle@ahca.org" target="_blank">Christy Herle</a>.</span></p><p><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank"><img src="/SiteCollectionImages/logos/ahca_ncal_cobrand.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:250px;height:30px;" /></a><br></p> | 2022-05-03T04:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Breaking-News/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/diversity.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Quality | AHCA/NCAL provider member Diversity Executive Leadership Program will accept applications Monday, May 2 through Thursday, June 9. |
| Provider Hosts Careers in Aging Week Virtual Roundtable | <p>In honor of the 2022 Careers in Aging Week, <em>Provider</em> hosted a virtual roundtable with four long term and post-acute care professionals willing to share their stories. Careers in Aging Week is dedicated to bringing greater awareness and visibility to the wide-ranging career opportunities in long term care and aging services, and to celebrate current employees in the profession. </p><p>The demand for professionals with expertise in long term care is growing rapidly. The U.S. will need between 5.7 million and 6.5 million nurses, nurse aides, home health, and personal care workers to care for the 27 million Americans who will require long term care by 2050.</p><p><br></p><p></p><center> <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YV13zVVmWWU?enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.providermagazine.com" title="YouTube video player" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-32388671_20="true" id="335950965" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0">&amp;amp;amp;lt;/center&amp;amp;amp;gt;</iframe>
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<em><br></em></p><p style="text-align:left;"><em>Provider</em> Virtual Roundtable Participants:</p><ul style="text-align:left;"><li><p>Gerald Bishop, Chef Manager at Forest Hills of DC</p></li></ul><ul style="text-align:left;"><li><p>Chrissy Davis, Unit Manager at Sayre Christian Village</p></li><li><p>Amanda Woods, Activities Director at Coffey Health</p></li><li><p>Mary Watkins, Director Of Nursing at Wolfe County Health and Rehab</p></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;">Join <em>Provider</em> in sharing our appreciation for all long term and post-acute care professionals all year long.</p></center> | 2022-04-22T04:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Breaking-News/PublishingImages/2022/2022CIAW_speakers.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Caregiving;Workforce | Provider hosted a virtual roundtable with four long term and post-acute care professionals willing to share their stories |
| AHCA/NCAL Highlights Growing Nursing Home Closures | <p>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) released a new <a href="http://links.ahca.org/u/click?_t=3abc5280edfa42b5905fbea7c0fff5c2&_m=72f86f1cf85343bbaf655561ff82595d&_e=CR2MmBSPcgZoBH6XmtCso3eChp7RSqlViRQtyEXR_6kmsRZ6CHsqrbSX0FyJLrEuuydjE9EKuCLpBFucxFGs844Azadq-kPoqejcPeonxz7qZ6gsM2fYss5_giaQFFqUJfNS9rBpoS2pc0FY47UKTzgY0ePrIDh6yXlVvxZqCkyropXMvBhOTjr1vP_BSpSvlf0OsrLjFruyl3Fk6x5K6zZopZudOWTRjTwT0xajQopKNbYGVMw4iFcxbL6AeNWuTe7Q71LGGVZi8lKrn7v1WT0VFr0PQ0dydUujTLHmILovkCXCIcIVL7mxGy_TuqwhAbrHJTNMGgDUvh3kuukvofGrJzVQ9n92v1_UyXE0Afs%3D" target="_blank">report</a> today highlighting data that shows the growing number of nursing home closures since 2015, as well as projected closings in the months ahead. The report reinforces urgent calls for solutions to address the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and a historic workforce crisis. </p><p>Key findings from the report include:</p><ul><li><p>More than 1,000 nursing homes have closed since 2015, including 776 closures before the pandemic and 327 closures during the pandemic.</p></li><li><p>Since 2015, nearly 45,000 nursing home residents have been displaced due to closures.</p></li><li><p>More than 400 nursing homes are projected to close in 2022 based on current financials.</p></li></ul><p>Analyzing federal data, the AHCA/NCAL report found nursing homes that close tend to be smaller facilities in urban settings where the majority of residents rely on Medicaid. During the pandemic, nearly half of nursing homes that closed received 4 or 5-Star ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), more than one-quarter were in rural communities, and an increasing proportion were not-for-profit.</p><p>Federal policymakers are considering potential cuts to nursing homes in 2022, such as a reduction to Medicare payments and ending the public health emergency (PHE), which offers enhanced Medicaid funding. The report also includes highlights from a recent <a href="http://links.ahca.org/u/click?_t=3abc5280edfa42b5905fbea7c0fff5c2&_m=72f86f1cf85343bbaf655561ff82595d&_e=CR2MmBSPcgZoBH6XmtCso3eChp7RSqlViRQtyEXR_6kmsRZ6CHsqrbSX0FyJLrEuuydjE9EKuCLpBFucxFGs844Azadq-kPoqejcPeonxz5ibPyeCqNUhpdeMPT2KyLcpQeezg9ZWyigH9bpS-MLreZxSaUrsomWHBGomK69_Pxxn1-8303wr0TPKYvQ3pJYpr7GHnyp069yQLMIAvkMkQ75mEGp9PyAVi6cawsg65rcCjxi8EJVXtAFLcHR0v8QOPLJJ1p_o5mz0MNJYVyqzsI-7VSsQrNKaZWqlQGeRQU4wVMIeCDzsRyMgKk4PzLbyY06Y111E4XW9-8mUVM_oDmwJilyiMLdXDHKGgsxR0r9dk185Uq32LfoolHl57OdExt-zYcei3Q0WI8O8Za3fA%3D%3D" target="_blank">financial study</a> conducted by CLA (CliftonLarsenAllen), which forecasts what these cuts would mean for nursing homes, their residents, and their communities. </p><p>CLA projects that if Medicare is cut by five percent and Medicaid PHE funding ends in 2022:</p><ul><li><p>33-38 percent of nursing homes would be considered at financial risk.</p></li><li><p>32-40 percent of residents (as many as 417,000 residents) would be living in nursing homes considered at financial risk.</p></li><li><p>68 percent of U.S. counties would be home to nursing homes considered at financial risk. </p></li></ul><p>The pandemic has exacerbated longstanding financial and workforce challenges facing the long term care industry, pushing many facilities to the brink of closure. Nursing homes will continue to struggle and close for good unless policymakers prioritize long term care for meaningful resources and support. </p><p>“Every closure is like a family being broken apart, with the lives of residents, staff and their families impacted in the process,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “With hundreds of nursing home closures looming now and thousands more anticipated if government funding is cut, state and federal policymakers need to step up to support our social safety net. We need to do better than just keep nursing home doors open—we need to make significant investments to better support our frontline caregivers and transform facilities for a growing elderly population.”</p><p>The full Nursing Home Closures report is available <a href="http://links.ahca.org/u/click?_t=3abc5280edfa42b5905fbea7c0fff5c2&_m=72f86f1cf85343bbaf655561ff82595d&_e=CR2MmBSPcgZoBH6XmtCso3eChp7RSqlViRQtyEXR_6kmsRZ6CHsqrbSX0FyJLrEuuydjE9EKuCLpBFucxFGs844Azadq-kPoqejcPeonxz7qZ6gsM2fYss5_giaQFFqUJfNS9rBpoS2pc0FY47UKT7AhSIuVPz92C17hKJy5pkKDFo9A0BVyStYALRZnvwwFksOVim4DLS-AXIo6v27mTN5tta377x1Oq7QjJohf6F1B1hdXWw-QHapDqus7dJ6h6AJW1CI1y8zUcGQKVAS1BI9lCJqOfWh37LHXe701qd20Rbayrhs4DyMeQqiaemXdmlJNWwGVTtsNioZtVtIwTqkmcPD0Rn-CxvvRikahR8Y%3D" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://ahcancal.org/" target="_blank"><img src="/SiteCollectionImages/logos/ahca_ncal_cobrand.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:250px;height:33px;" /></a><br></p> | 2022-04-22T04:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Breaking-News/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/housing_2.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Management | The report reinforces urgent calls for solutions to address the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and a historic workforce crisis. |
| VOTE NOW! AHCA Documentary Honored as Telly Award Finalist | <p><span style="font-size:11pt;">AHCA’s documentary, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtK_RIIyMpA&t=2s" data-feathr-click-track="true" target="_blank">“Closed Doors, Open Hearts: Nursing Homes and COVID-19”</a> has been shortlisted as part of the 43rd Annual People’s Telly Awards! We need your help as the film moves to the next round. <br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br><strong>Please visit the </strong><a href="https://peoples.tellyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2022/peoples-telly/general/social-video/closed-doors-open-hearts-nursing-homes-and-covid-19" data-feathr-click-track="true" target="_blank"><strong>Telly Awards webpage</strong></a><strong> and vote for the documentary by rating it five stars.</strong>
Please note that you will need to register your email address and
create a password. Once you have rated the film, you will also need to
confirm your vote via an email sent from the program.<br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br><strong>Voting
closes on Friday, April 22, so please vote today. Feel free to share
this information with staff, residents, families, and anyone else who
may also be able to vote.   </strong><br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>Moving
to this stage of the Telly Awards is a big honor. This program
showcases the best work created within television and across video.
Receiving over 12,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents,
Telly Award <a href="https://www.tellyawards.com/winners/2021/branded-content/campaign-animation" data-feathr-click-track="true" target="_blank">winners</a>
represent work from some of the most respected advertising agencies,
television stations, production companies, and publishers from around
the world. <br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>Produced in
2021, AHCA’s documentary provides an inside look at how the COVID-19
pandemic impacted nursing home residents, staff, and families – and
honors those heroes who continued to serve through the most challenging
times. <br></span></p><p><br><span style="font-size:11pt;"></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://ahcancal.org/" target="_blank"><img src="/SiteCollectionImages/logos/ahca_ncal_cobrand.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:300px;height:36px;" /></a></p> | 2022-04-13T04:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Breaking-News/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/vote.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Quality;Caregiving | Produced in 2021, AHCA’s documentary provides an inside look at how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted nursing home residents, staff, and families – and honors those heroes who continued to serve through the most challenging times. |
| Statement on Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice Fact Sheet | <p>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) have released the following statement in regards to CMS’ release of the Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice <a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2023-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-advance-notice-fact-sheet" target="_blank">Fact Sheet</a>. The following statement is attributable to AHCA/NCAL:</p><p>“AHCA/NCAL appreciates CMS’ recognition and support of provider-led initiatives. Provider-led Medicare Advantage (MA) Special Needs Plans (I-SNPs) are essential tools in allowing providers to meaningfully participate in the full care experience of their residents and patients. Provider-led I-SNPs account for 36 percent of all I-SNP plans, and they provide residents and patients on-site enhanced primary care and help prevent hospitalizations, resulting in higher quality care, as well as improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.</p><p>Forty percent of all long term care plans serve rural populations. Through MA plans, patients have access to enhanced primary care in these underserved areas. We encourage CMS to take steps to expand beneficiary access to locally committed, specialized plans that meet the unique needs of a medically frail population.”</p><p><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.ahcancal.org/" target="_blank"><img src="/SiteCollectionImages/logos/ahca_ncal_cobrand.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:250px;height:30px;" /></a><br></p> | 2022-03-25T04:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Breaking-News/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/notes_2.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | CMS | AHCA/NCAL have released the following statement in regards to CMS’ release of the Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice Fact Sheet. |