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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.”&#160;</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&#160;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​&#160;steadfast commitment to&#160;<a href="https&#58;//www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/AHCANCAL-Highlights-Nursing-Home-Quality-Improvements-During-COVID-19-Pandemic.aspx" target="_blank">providing a&#160;high-level of&#160;person-centered care</a>&#160;for their residents.&#160;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&#160;​as family members and friends to ensure that residents had the essential social connections they needed.</p><p>Celebrate this NSNCW by sharing your&#160;<a href="https&#58;//www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Pages/Share-Your-Story.aspx" target="_blank">stories</a>&#160;and messages of gratitude on&#160;<a href="https&#58;//www.facebook.com/NationalSkilledNursingCareWeek/" target="_blank" title="https&#58;//www.facebook.com/nationalskillednursingcareweek/">Facebook</a>&#160;using the hashtag #NSNCW.&#160;&#160;</p><span style="color&#58;#000000;font-family&#58;-webkit-standard;font-style&#58;normal;font-weight&#58;normal;letter-spacing&#58;normal;text-align&#58;start;text-indent&#58;0px;text-transform&#58;none;white-space&#58;normal;word-spacing&#58;0px;text-decoration&#58;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&#160;<a href="http&#58;//www.ahcancal.org/NSNCW" target="_blank">NSNCW.org</a>.</p><p>​</p><p style="text-align&#58;center;"><a href="http&#58;//ahcancal.org/"><img src="/SiteCollectionImages/logos/ahca_ncal_cobrand.jpg" alt="" style="margin&#58;5px;width&#58;250px;height&#58;30px;" /></a><br></p>2022-05-06T04:00:00Z<img alt="" src="/SiteCollectionImages/logos/NSNCW_22.jpg" style="BORDER&#58;0px solid;" />Caregiving;QualityAHCA/NCAL StaffStaff 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. ​​​​​&#160;</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.”&#160;</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.&#160;</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.”&#160;</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&#160;<a href="http&#58;//www.nalw.org/" target="_blank">www.nalw.org</a>&#160;for updated information and resources.</p><p style="text-align&#58;center;"><img src="/SiteCollectionImages/logos/ncal_large_color.jpg" alt="" style="margin&#58;5px;width&#58;250px;height&#58;167px;" /><br></p>2022-05-05T04:00:00Z<img alt="" src="/Breaking-News/PublishingImages/2022/NALW_2022.jpg" style="BORDER&#58;0px solid;" />QualityAHCA/NCAL Staff"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.
Cultivating Continuous Improvement in Senior Care and in Leadership<p>​<em><img src="/Topics/Guest-Columns/PublishingImages/2022/JeraldCosey.jpg" alt="Jerald Cosey" class="ms-rtePosition-2" style="margin&#58;5px 15px;width&#58;175px;height&#58;175px;" />Jerald Cosey is the Operational Leadership Development Director for American Senior Communities (ASC), the largest senior living and senior healthcare company in Indiana.</em></p><p><em>&#160;</em><em>His goal is to help develop leaders for the organization in three ways&#58;</em><br></p><ol><li><em>Oversee the administrator-in-training cohort program that accepts both internal and external candidates.</em></li><li><em>Coach 10 emerging operational leaders from a non-reporting position.</em></li><li><em>Teach behavioral science for leaders, workforce behavior, and maximizing stakeholder communication and engagement.</em><br></li></ol><em>He also serves as an industry advocate outside of Indiana as a speaker, thought leader, and senior advocate. Cosey is passionate about communicating </em><a href="http&#58;//jeraldcosey.com/2020/05/senior-healthcare-workers-are-the-forgotten-frontline/" target="_blank"><em>the lessons learned</em></a><em> by leaders and frontline senior health care workers throughout the pandemic.</em><p></p><p><strong><em>Provider</em></strong><strong> magazine&#58; How did you become interested in the health care industry, and specifically senior care?</strong></p><p><strong></strong><strong>Jerald Cosey&#58;</strong> I started as a volunteer while I was a pharmaceutical sales manager. I was part of that industry for 18 years. I started a <a href="http&#58;//jeraldcosey.com/2019/03/senior-isolation-grace-church/" target="_blank">senior ministry focused on minimizing isolation</a>, named Graceful Moments, when I was downsized for the first time. The mission of Graceful Moments is to minimize isolation and listen, love, and learn from our revered elders.</p><p><strong><em>PM</em></strong><strong>&#58; You previously served as Executive Director at Greenwood Meadows, with the organization winning a 2019 American Health Care Association's Silver Quality Award. What helped you the most on the journey to improve quality at Greenwood Meadows?</strong></p><p><strong></strong><strong>JC&#58;</strong> My father often said nothing worthwhile in life is ever easy. During the process of applying for the award, I learned five lessons.<br></p><ol><li><em>The value of continuous improvement.</em> In such a highly regulated industry, it's easy to get overly concerned about documentation, root cause interventions, and the possibility of missing something important. The consequences can be unforgiving. It's imperative to always evaluate and audit systems used to maximize the care for others. A common trend throughout the application process requires providing details of how your facility captures, evaluates, and improves performance/outcomes. For every level of leadership and operational processes within an organization, continuous improvement and development is necessary and expected.</li><li><em>Just start.</em> In the beginning, I found the award application process intimidating. As operational and clinical leaders, our days are packed, leaving little time for non-mandatory tasks. I acknowledged that this application process would require time and effort. The action and effort slowly defeated the intimidation and sparked enthusiasm for capabilities of our facility.</li><li><em>It's not about winning.</em> With every advancement through the process, the pride for the facility, the care, and outcomes seem to bubble up daily. Early in the application process, we realized it was never about winning. The goal is to recognize the performance excellence of your facility; moreover, the performance excellence required to complete the application. When it's all said and done, we had already won by completing an application worthy of review.</li><li><em>You are part of a professional community.</em> The senior healthcare industry is loaded with resources and support. I will never forget being stumped by a question and calling a fellow administrator. She allowed me to vent, listened, and translated the question, helping me to understand. This industry is loaded with state health care associations and operational/clinical leaders, all of whom are committed to advancing quality healthcare and performance excellence.</li><li><em>The industry is honorable.</em> Professionally caring for people is a great responsibility and penetrates beyond business, careers, and professions. Honor comes from putting others' needs before your own. Moreover, caring for people who are held in high regard within a family can come with unreasonably high expectations. With that, continue doing your level best each day and performance excellence will follow.</li></ol><strong><em>PM</em></strong><strong>&#58; What trends do you see on the horizon for the senior health care sector?</strong><p></p><p><strong></strong><strong>JC&#58;</strong> Category or position excellence doesn't automatically translate to leadership excellence. I believe the number one trend or need in our industry is being intentional with the development of leaders. Senior healthcare is a very emotionally demanding industry, and the last thing we need to do is lose outstanding talent from a lack of investment in their leadership.</p><p>I see leadership evolving to maximize communication and effectiveness between stakeholders. For example, many leaders tend to lead as they like to be led. Understanding your key stakeholder drivers for work satisfaction is critical for it allows the leader additional tools to maximize communication, effectiveness, and job satisfaction.</p><p>At American Senior Communities, we have committed to using the Predictive Index as the source of gathering this insight and leveraging tools to maximize understanding. For me, I like independence and flexibility. It doesn't mean I can't accept direction or formalities. However, I want my key stakeholders to know I receive job satisfaction when I can meet these needs in the workplace.</p><p><strong><em>PM</em></strong><strong>&#58; How do you describe your leadership style? How do you build and refine those leadership skills?</strong></p><p><strong></strong><strong>JC&#58;</strong> My teachable point of view on leadership&#58; A leader separates themselves in the ability to embrace the philosophy of team—a team that is built upon respect for people, continuous improvement, and a high regard for results. All of which allow a leader to empower.</p><p>I always have a developmental plan. Every leader should have a developmental plan throughout every organization. I also have mentors and follow their guidance to grow my leadership skills.</p><p><strong><em>PM</em></strong><strong>&#58; What advice do you give to someone just beginning a career in health care?</strong></p><p><strong></strong><strong>JC&#58;</strong> Make time to document why you want to lead in this space. Senior healthcare is a very emotional and intimate career choice. You must know your why and embrace it to the core. It will prove to be your foundation on the day when your career choice comes into question.</p><p>You can't do everything by yourself so take the time to establish your vision and allow leaders to contribute to the development of the vision. I was never an expert in a specific department. I hired the best, built next-up talent, and leveraged departmental excellence.</p><p><em>Hear more from Jerald Cosey in a keynote session at the 2022 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit, May 16-18 in Kissimmee, FL. For more in​formation and to register, </em><a href="https&#58;//www.ahcancal.org/Education-Events/Quality-Summit/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank"><em>click here</em></a><em>.</em></p>2022-05-04T04:00:00Z<img alt="" src="/Topics/Guest-Columns/PublishingImages/2022/JeraldCosey.jpg" style="BORDER&#58;0px solid;" />Caregiving;QualityJerald CoseyI like independence and flexibility. It doesn't mean I can't accept direction or formalities. However, I want my key stakeholders to know I receive job satisfaction when I can meet these needs in the workplace.
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&#160;<a href="https&#58;//www.ahcancal.org/About/Pages/Diversity-Executive-Leadership-Program.aspx" target="_blank">website.<br></a></p><p>DELP has two objectives&#58;</p><ul><ol type="1" start="1" style="margin-bottom&#58;0in;margin-top&#58;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.&#160;</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&#58; <span>​<a href="mailto&#58;%20lbethea@ncal.org" target="_blank">LaShuan Bethea</a>, <a href="mailto&#58;jhahs@ahca.org" target="_blank">Jennifer Hahs</a>, <a href="mailto&#58;upatel@AHCA.org" target="_blank">Urvi Patel</a>, <a href="mailto&#58;kpreede@ncal.org" target="_blank">Katherine Preede</a>, or <a href="mailto&#58;cherle@ahca.org" target="_blank">Christy Herle</a>.</span></p><p><br></p><p style="text-align&#58;center;"><a href="https&#58;//www.ahcancal.org/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank"><img src="/SiteCollectionImages/logos/ahca_ncal_cobrand.jpg" alt="" style="margin&#58;5px;width&#58;250px;height&#58;30px;" /></a><br></p>2022-05-03T04:00:00Z<img alt="" src="/Breaking-News/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/diversity.jpg" style="BORDER&#58;0px solid;" />QualityAHCA/NCAL StaffAHCA/NCAL provider member Diversity Executive Leadership Program will accept applications Monday, May 2 through Thursday, June 9.