AgingServicesNEXT
Class of 2009 at the Annual Business Meeting
In this Issue
Inside Your Association -- Aging Services of Georgia
Business Connection
Updates from Our Associate Members
Center News
Organization/Board Development
News Throughout
the Continuum:
GIA Partners
Occupied
Renovations
Cornerstone
Senior Living
Moore Stephens Lovelace, P.A.
GIA Supporters
Ziegler Capital
Markets Group
Mauldin & Jenkins
LW Consulting, Inc.
Guest Services
Dixon Hughes
Pfizer
GIA Friends
The Law Offices of Williams & Edelstein
GIA Contributors
HVAC Services
Kings Bridge Retirement Center
Canterbury Court
Presbyterian Village
Presbyterian Homes of Georgia
THW Design
AAHSA
http://www.aahsa.org
Keep Up with the Quality First Program
Aging Services of Georgia is the statewide association of over 150 key not-for-profit and other mission-focused organizations dedicated to providing quality housing, health care, community-based and other related services for older Georgians. The mission of Aging Services of Georgia is to represent and promote the common interests of its members through leadership, advocacy, education and other services in order to enhance each member's ability to serve older Georgians
Inside Your Association -- Aging Services of Georgia
The Board of Directors of Aging Services of Georgia, the Georgia Institute on Aging and the Center for Positive Aging
along with staff, wish each of you a joyful and peaceful holiday season –
Annual Business Meeting
Over 100 members gathered at Lenbrook for our 2009 Annual Business Meeting. Thanks to Lenbrook for hosting the event and for Morrison Senior Dining for sponsoring the lunch. It was a great meeting!
While arriving and during lunch, members saw a slide show of events throughout the year – approximately 1832 participants attended events through the Institute this year! Almost 100 speakers provided leading edge information for these events! Chairs of the Association, Institute and Center reviewed the many accomplishments of the year, businesses and member organizations that participated in the Institute sponsorship program were recognized (see the list in the margins of the Coffey Break).
Traditional business was handled (minutes approved, Treasurer’s reports presented 2010 budgets approved, new officers and board members were approved and installed), our policy issues for 2010 were reviewed, outgoing board members were recognized, and the new chairs encouraged continued member engagement. Kim McRae was awarded the Allison Cuba Champion Award for her outstanding services to members via culture change activities/development throughout the year!
AgingServicesNEXT 2009 participants were honored for completing the year.
Melissa Allbritton, Presbyterian Homes of Georgia
Glenda Anderson, Saint Anne's Terrace
Randy Black, King's Bridge
Janice Brooks, Decatur Christian Towers
Lauri Ann Brooks, Lanier Gardens
Elaine Cason, Lanier Village Estates
Dana.Chandler, Gwinnett Christian Terrace
Richard Evans, Lanier Village Estates
Jerome Greathouse, Calvin Court, Inc.
Beverly Hoke, The Hellenic Tower
Caron Kelly, Senior Connections
Andy Landrum, Clairmont Oaks
Megan Moulding, Senior Connections
Liz Ralston, Visiting Nurse Health System
Renita Redding, Presbyterian Homes of Georgia
Linda Shelles, Lutheran Towers
Lonnie Teague, Thomas Francis Williams Court
Donna Tyler, Senior Citizen Services
Registration for AgingServicesNEXT 2010 is now available on the Web site: click here.
Jocelyn Dorsey, WSB TV presented All Hazard Alert Radios to our members to distribute to seniors.
New Board Chairs
Antoinette Sturm, Georgia Institute on Aging
Debra Furtado, Aging Services of Georgia
Bruce Erickson, Center for Positive Aging
2010 Membership Investments Due January 31
Invoices for Aging Services of Georgia/AAHSA Organization and Aging Services of Georgia Business (Associate ) membership investments will be mailed in the next few weeks and are due by January 31, 2010. The investments cover the period January through December 2010. The timely payment of membership investments enables Aging Services of Georgia to continue providing uninterrupted membership services.
Georgia For A Lifetime – Preliminary Report
Georgia is among a handful of states aggressively planning for a demographic shift of unprecedented scale, as retiring baby boomers tilt the population. The name of this effort is Georgia for a Lifetime, and it is an initiative of the Georgia Council on Aging.
The fundamental premise is two-fold. First, as a pioneer in this work, Georgia can lead in shaping 21st Century communities that serve older adults as well as all other age groups. Second, unless we plan now for a surge in our older population, critical elements of infrastructure - social, physical, service and others – could break down.
In 2020, more than 1.5 million Georgians will be 65 or older – nearly double the number in 2002. Over the next decade, growth in the 65+ segment will outstrip general population growth by 250 percent.
State leaders view this change as a major opportunity as well as a significant challenge. Georgia is in the vanguard of a movement to plan for community design, services and infrastructure that will meet the needs of older adults along with all other age groups. We will be a state where citizens can age in place, to the benefit of our whole society.
The consequences will be serious if we do not act boldly. The “aging boom” poses difficulties for virtually every aspect of community life. Georgia for a Lifetime lays essential groundwork for a successful transition. Click here for full preliminary report:
Board Series for Provider Boards
So far, the following new materials for provider board meeting is now available for you in Organizational/Board Development located in the For Members section of the website (click here). We strongly encourage you to use these materials (10-15 minute presentations) at each board meeting to continue developing your boards.
- Introduction to Governing Body Roles
- The Executive/Governing Body Relationship
- Your Fiduciary Responsibility
- Trends in Aging Services
The next group of materials under development include:
- Strategic Planning
- Social Accountability
- Employees Your Most Valuable Asset
NEW for 2010
Watch Web site and Coffey Break for 2010 events. We will begin posting them as dates/locations are determined.
Expansion of FREE Webinar Series (watch for registration information in UPCOMING EVENTS on the Web site). Also watch for more tools for organizations and boards.
SHAREpoint
We will begin rolling this new program out throughout December and January. You must have an individual email address to participate. Please contact Susan Watkins at swatkins@agingservicesga.org and provide her your organization name and your individual email address. When you access the FOR MEMBERS section of the Web site (www.agingservcesga.org), you will be connected into SHAREpoint. It will be similar to the current FOR MEMBERS section of the Web site – now, you will just be able to post documents and communicate (post questions, etc.) with your colleagues.
AgingServicesNOW
This new initiative will engage groups of interested members in reviewing resources and presenting them to the membership at large via webinars and posting information on the new SHAREpoint member communication tool.
We will begin in 2010, with the leadership of NEXT grads taking the lead on this project. They (and any other members) will review various books that provide vital information for our members. Please let Walter know if you would like to participate (wcoffey@agingservicesga.org).
Aging 101 for Georgia – A DVD for Seniors in Georgia
All members will receive a copy of this DVD this month. Aging 101 for Georgia, produced in 2009, contains essential information older Georgians need to know about aging in Georgia. Topics covered include healthy aging, lifelong learning, planning ahead, caregiving, the aging network, and adjusting to change. For your convenience, this 90-minute video has been arranged in chapters.
This project was developed through the University of Georgia Institute of Gerontology on behalf of the Gerontology Education and Training Alliance of Georgia (GET-AGE), with funding provided by the Healthcare Georgia Foundation. Aging Services of Georgia was one of the advisory partners for this project.
The Center for Positive Aging (the consumer arm) and Georgia Institute on Aging (the education arm) of Aging Services of Georgia may be accessed as additional resources. Visit ww.centerforpositiveaging.org for additional consumer information and resources including Quality Providers of Housing, Care at Home, Business Services & Products and affiliate congregations throughout the state of Georgia.
Likewise, professionals in the field of aging may visit www.georgiainstituteonaging.org for information of training events.
Something New
To assist with you planning, we will forward you information on special holidays and observances for each month 2 months early.
This month, we are sending you information for February, 2010
February is:
Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month
American Heart Month
Bake for Family Fun Month
Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month
Grapefruit Month
International Boost Self-Esteem Month
International Expect Success Month
Library Lovers Month
National Black History MonthNational Bird Feeding Month
National Care About Your Indoor Air Month
National Cherry Month
National Laught-Friendly Month
National Mend a Broken Heart Month
National Senior Independence Month
National Time Management Month
National Weddings Month
Plant the Seeds of Greatness Month
Relationship Wellness Month
Responsible Pet Owners Month
Spiritual Teachers Month
Sweet Potato Month
Wise Health Care Consumer Month
Worldwide Renaissance of the Heart Month
Tuesday, February 2 Groundhog Day
Sunday, February 7 Super Bowl XLIV (44)
Wednesday, February 10 Chinese New Year
Friday, February 12 Lincoln's Birthday
Sunday, February 14 St. Valentines Day
Monday, February 15 Presidents Day and Washington's Birthday (observed)
Tuesday, February 16 Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras)
Wednesday, February 17 Ash Wednesday
Sunday, February 28 Purim
General Notes of Interest
Get Answers from COMPASS
Weatherization Assistance Available
National Hand Washing Awareness Week Campaign
Improper 2009 Medicare Payment Rates
It Takes All Kinds of Robots to Serve the Elderly
HHS Launches New Health IT Blog
Medicare Part D Earns Strong Marks from Seniors
Electronic Health Records Have a Down-Side, Say Experts
New CMS S and C Letter: H1N1 Influenza Pandemic - 1135 Waiver
Authorization
CMS Mini-Poster about Flu Vaccines for Medicare Beneficiaries
Wii Video Game Turns Suburban Seniors Into Bowling Champs
Baby Boomers Likely to Have More Disabilities
New PBS Series Addresses Issues in Aging.
How are Older Americans Faring in the Recession
Public Policy Update
PREPARING FOR THE
2010 GEORGIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The 2010 session of the Georgia General Assembly will convene on Monday, January 11. In preparation Aging Services of Georgia, Inc. has adopted the agenda listed later in this report. It is anticipated that most of Aging Services’ efforts will focus on passage of legislation (HB 843) to update the regulation of Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) and potential changes to create and enhance the opportunities for seniors to age in place.
With regard to CCRCs, Aging Services CCRC members have perfected changes to HB 843 to clarify the definition of “continuing care”, to require the disclosure of far more information to consumers and CCRC residents about the background of CCRCs and their owners and operators, and to provide for sufficient financial reserves to ensure the financial viability of the CCRC..
With respect to the second bullet below (Assisted Living), Aging Services has formed a new Assisted Living Task Force. Its first tasks are threefold. First the Task Force will continue to review HB 850, legislation (introduced the last day of the 2009 General Assembly) to ensure that if such legislation passes, it will contain more protection for residents and be administratively viable. Second, the task force is asking its members to analyze the current Department of Community Health (DCH) rules on personal care homes in anticipation of the Department’s efforts to overhaul the rules. Third, Aging Services will be monitoring efforts by a gubernatorial task force to facilitate the provision of services to seniors and persons with disabilities in a less medical (institutional) setting by allowing more flexibility in the administration of medications to residents by healthcare personnel who may not be currently acting in that capacity.
In fact, DCH has already passed rules requiring that licensed personnel administer medications to certain residents of personal care homes (who are at risk of wandering from the residence) receiving memory care services. Aging Services, along with other providers, asked DCH to delay the promulgation of the rules until they could be further clarified; however the DCH board opted to approve the rules and to provide clarification in guidelines. We expect more clarification and a timeline for implementation from DCH some time this month.
Finally, with regard to the state budget, Georgia continues to struggle with the declining revenues accompanying the current economic downturn. As a result, currently there are projected reduction in senior services programs in excess $3.1 million in the current (FY ’10) and FY ’11 state budgets. These figures may increase pending further developments.
The information below presents the 2010 legislative and budget priorities for Aging Services of Georgia.
2010 Legislative Issues
Position and Involvement:
- Achieve necessary Laws and Rules to develop Quality CCRCs (HB 843)
- Consumer protection
- Provider definition, reporting & protection
- Department of Insurance involvement
- Provide strong leadership in Assisted Living reform
- HB 850
- Administration of medications in licensed residential settings
- Strengthen the implementation of the Long-term Care Facility Alzheimer’s/Dementia Services Disclosure Law
Position and Monitor:
- Nursing Home Provider tax implementation
- CCRC CON Exemption
- Implementation of Adult Day Center licensure
Monitor:
- Provide strong leadership in Medicaid-related issues for Georgia
(Money Follows the Person, Managed Care for Aged, Blind, & Disabled) - Reorganization of the Executive Branch regarding delivery of Human Services
2010 Budget Issues
Position and Involvement:
- Expand/Protect Home and Community-Based Services Medicaid (CCSP) and Non-Medicaid
Monitor
- Implementation of Adult Day program Licensure
Business Connection
Updates from our Associate Members
Re-enrollment Campaign Underway
The Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Home Campaign started in 2006 as a grassroots effort to improve the quality of care and quality of life for the millions of Americans who live in nursing homes. Many successes were seen in the first phase including a reduction nationally in the restraint rate to below 5% and reducing symptoms of pain to below 4% nationally. In Georgia, 96% of the state’s nursing homes committed to this quality campaign. We can do more – our goal for the second phase is 100% of all Georgia nursing homes committed to improving quality measures within their building.
Phase 2 is underway. What should you do?
- If you enrolled in Advancing Excellence in the past, re-enroll now! Please go to www.nhqualitycampaign.org and click on the re-enroll link. If you need help, staff at the QIO are available to assist you. Please email dkennedy@gmcf.org for assistance. Remember, to select your goals and targets to complete the registration process.
- If you have never enrolled, please enroll for the first time. Visit the campaign website at www.nhqualitycampaign.org for more details.
Anne Hernandez, LCSW
Manager, Patient Safety
GMCF, Georgia's Medicare Quality Improvement Organization
(678) 527-3444
ahernandez@gmcf.org
Georgia Institute on Aging News
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GET READY FOR AgingServicesNEXT 2010
Dear Aging Services of Georgia Leadership–
We are excited to just be completing the third year of the AgingServicesNEXT (formerly gahsaNEXT) program. AgingServicesNEXT is designed to identify and develop current and emerging leaders in our field. I know many members have deserving staff that could benefit greatly from participating in this program. We have already been contacted by several members asking to participate in the next group – AgingServicesNEXT 2010 will begin February 3, 2010. Letter and Application
24/7 On-Line Training
One of the quickest, most convenient and affordable ways to earn additional CEUs is through INHUniversity.com. The IHN/PDN Distance Learning Series provides high-quality educational courses on vital topics for healthcare professionals, presented by nationally recognized speakers and consultants. Since all of the courses are "web-based" and not "live" you can take courses when the time is convenient for you and your busy schedule! New courses are constantly being added throughout the year, so check the course catalog often. Current courses include:
- Dehydration: Elderly at Risk in Nursing Facilities
- OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard: What is it and how to Reduce Occupational Exposure
- Medicare: Nursing Responsibilities in Skilled Nursing Facilities
To register or for more information, please go to the IHN/PDN website http://www.IHNUniversity.com.
Who Decides?
2010 Aging Services of Georgia
Annual Conference
SAVE THE DATES!-- March 22-24, 2010
Dolcé Resort & Conference Center
Peachtree City, GA
Last Month's Events
November 4
Positive Aging Lifestyles (PALS)
Facililtator Training
Upcoming Events
February 3
Positive Aging Lifestyles (PALS)
Facilitator Training
Association Office
9:00 - 3:00 pm
February 11 (Tentative Date)
Winter Luncheon
Forums Meetings
February 26
Adult Day Symposium
February 18
Elderly Housing Symposium
Association Office
March 22-24
Who Decides
Annual Conference
Dolce Conference Center
Peachtree City, GA
Culture Change Network
National Symposium on Culture Change and the Food and Dining Requirements:
Creating Home in the Nursing Home II Pioneer Network along with CMS offer National Symposium on Culture Change and the Food and Dining Requirements, February 11, 2010 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront. Some of the highlights of the conference include Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be participating in a keynote to offer perspective on integration of Culture Change, dining innovation and OBRA '87.
"We are so pleased that Secretary Greenlee will be setting the tone for this conference, Creating Home in the Nursing Home II. Food is a universal language, and far too often dining is an overlooked aspect of elder health care," said Pioneer Network Executive Director, Bonnie Kantor in an interview. "We have no doubt that our attendees will hear an inspiring message from Secretary Greenlee, and it is our hope that they will return to their healthcare environments and make innovative dining changes that will support choice."
The Time has Come Again… CMS/Pioneer Network Symposium History
CMS supports the principles of culture change and self-directed living as a fulfillment of OBRA ’87. In April of 2008, CMS and Pioneer Network partnered in their first-ever national symposium entitled Creating Home: A National Symposium on Culture Change and the Environment Requirements. Many recommendations came out of this symposium and many good things have resulted. For example, CMS released new interpretive guidance for 11 regulations regarding the environment and quality of life directly stemming from the symposium recommendations. Pioneer Network, thanks to the Hulda B. and Maurice L. Rothschild Foundation, also convened the National Long Term Care Life Safety Task Force and recently submitted five proposals to the National Fire Protection Association regarding the Life Safety Code®.
For an accompanying episode of New Directions in Health Care: The Commonwealth Fund Podcast, producer Sandy Hausman talked with regulatory staff at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Kansas Department on Aging about the partnerships they have established. At CMS, meetings between regulators and providers have led to changes in the Federal Interpretive Guidance for Surveyors that consider residents' rights, the physical environment, and other quality-of-life issues in a new light. In Kansas, a new division has created grants for education and awards for home that deliver "person-centered" care. Click Here
Supporting Culture Change: Working Toward Smarter State Nursing Home Regulation
DVD Offers Stunning Look Into What It’s Like to Have Alzheimer’s
Be With Me Today is a DVD that every person who interacts with someone who has Alzheimer's disease should own. Richard Taylor was diagnosed with dementia, probably of the Alzheimer's type, when he was 58 years old. Now 66, Richard speaks to the public about living with the disease. This DVD version allows all of us to hear and see Richard as he challenges Alzheimer's outsiders to learn more about the needs of those who have the disease. There is a person "in there" and Richard doesn't want us to forget it.
There are challenges Richard has yet to face. I know this man will continue to teach us all as he travels this road as a person with dementia, probably of the Alzheimer's type. This DVD is one of his most effective tools. It can be purchased (along with his book, if you choose) at www.HaveAGoodLife.com. The video costs $34.95, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Culture Change Network of Georgia (www.CultureChangeGA.org). This is one you don't want to miss.
CLICK HERE for a preview of Richard Taylor, PhD’s first video, “Be With Me Today.” Alzheimer's A preview of Richard Taylor PhD’s first video, “Be With Me Today” by Have A Good Life Media. Richard tells us what it’s like to live with Alzheimer’s and how people with dementia should be treated.
Center for Positive Aging
Positive Aging LifeStyles (PALS) Program
(Next Training February 3, 2010)
Several times a year, The Center for Positive Aging hosts a train-the trainer session, which trains individuals to facilitate PALS sessions with seniors in their community. The facilitator training covers all three modules, included in the PALS program - Ageless Mind, Ageless Spirit, and Ageless Body.
Through numerous exercises, which promote self-reflection and group discussion, the training allows facilitators to experience, firsthand, what the PALS program helps to achieve. The PALS Program is an educational program, designed to help seniors change their perception and attitude towards the aging process. The program, when covering all three modules, lasts a total of 14 weeks. Although the program is intended to include all three modules, PALS is flexible in application and allows facilitators to present all three modules, or even one module if they choose to do so, in any way they see fit.
Conservatively, the approximation of seniors served by this program could be projected by estimating 90-120 facilitators trained by the Center and 80% of these taking PALS into their own communities, either as a separate program or incorporated into existing activities.
The next PALS train-the-trainer session will be taking place in February 3, 2010. Please be sure to check the Center’s website for session information, as well as the registration form or you can click here. We look forward to seeing you at the next PALS train-thetrainer session!
News Throughout the Continuum
Home and Community Based Services
(Adult Day Services, Hospice, Home Health)
Implementing a Community-Based Program for Dementia
Caregivers: an Action Guide using REACH OUT
Adult Day-Care Center Lobbies for Medicare Funds
Affordable Housing
ARRA/Stimulus Reporting Update
2010 Operating Cost Adjustment Factors (OCAFs) Published
New Due Dates and Technical Corrections Posted for Section 202 and Section 811 NOFAs
Housing Providers: Get Ready for Mandatory EIV Requirement
Elevator Equipment Room Inspections
Assisted Living
Medication Administration Pocket Guide Available
Alzheimer's Association Releases Recommendations for Dementia
Care Practice for Professionals Working in a Home Setting
CCRC's
(review other sections of continuum information)
CCRC Residents Get Computer Training from 12-Year-Old Expert
Nursing Care
New Phase of Advancing Excellence Includes Additional Goals
November Five-Star Ratings Available
Analysis Uncovers Inconsistencies in Nursing Home Five-Star
Rating System
“LIFElines” email publication for Aging Services of Georgia Nursing
Home Members & Nursing Staff
AGING SERVICES VACANCY REPORT
Please assist your colleagues by sharing this information when you receive calls from consumers you cannot serve.
Facility |
Units |
Cost |
Type of Subsidy/Waiver |
Calvin Court |
4 - Efficiency |
$420 |
|
Lutheran Towers |
6 – Efficiency |
|
Sec. 8 |
Saint Anne’s Terrace |
2 – One Bedroom |
$2791 |
|
St. Joseph Place |
4 – One Bedroom |
|
HUD PRAC |
The Retreat at Marsh’s Edge |
8 - Assisted Living |
$3200 |
|
The Zaban Tower |
7 – Efficiency |
$2125 |
HUD PRAC HUD PRAC |
Career Opportunities
Lenbrook Retirement Community
Wellness Director
Alzheimer's Association
Regional Offices in Columbus and Macon
Program Director
Right at Home In Home Care and Assistance
Atlanta
Staffing Coordinator
Middle Flint Council on Aging
Americus
Nurse Supervisor/Care Coordinator
Athens Community Council on Aging
Athens
Activity Coordinator for Adult Day Care Programs
Senior Financial Manager
AAHSA Information
News from Melissa Sharp,
Vice President, Southeast Region, AAHSA
Please feel free to contact me with your questions or concerns at (202) 508-9456 or by e-mail at msharp@aahsa.org.
Tell Your Senators To Keep CLASS in Health Care Reform
Right now, the Senate is debating what provisions will remain in its health care reform bill. Because the floor debate is a period of time when the bill can be altered, we need you to tell your senators that the CLASS plan must remain in the final legislation.
We understand that Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) plans to submit an amendment to strike the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act provision from the bill. If submitted, we'll need 51 senators to vote against it and make sure CLASS is in the final bill. To get these votes, we need you to call or write your senators today and tell them to keep the CLASS Act in health care reform. This vote is critical to the survival of the CLASS Act.
It takes 3 minutes to Contact Congress. Please help!
Assistant Sec. of Aging Greenlee Addresses AAHSA Members
During the opening session of the 2009 AAHSA Annual Meeting in Chicago, Kathy Greenlee, the U.S. assistant secretary on aging, addressed AAHSA members about three major themes of her work at the Administration on Aging: keeping seniors healthy, increasing options for home and community-based services, and culture change in nursing homes. We're excited to continue our work with Greenlee toward these AoA goals. View the video.
AAHSA Member Benefit Spotlight:
Expanding Affordable Housing Plus Services Publications and Products
More older adults live in federally subsidized housing than in nursing homes. Yet, many are frail or disabled and have numerous chronic illnesses. Without support, many of these seniors end up in nursing homes despite their desire to stay independent.
Affordable housing plus services (AHPS) strategies enable low- and modest-income seniors to remain in their own apartments as long as possible by integrating independent, multi-unit, subsidized housing with health and supportive services.
IFAS and its partners are seeking to strengthen the evidence base on the role AHPS can play in cost-effectively meeting some of the nation's long-term care needs.
View the publications.