Sharon Allred, LW Consulting kick off Personal Action Plans with new AgingServicesNEXT group
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
Who Decides?
2010 Aging Services of Georgia
Annual Conference & Trade Exposition
March 22-24, 2010
Dolcé Resort & Conference Center
Peachtree City, GA
Attendee Brochure and Registration Form
Now Available
Exhibitor/Sponsor Prospectus
Reservations
Award Nominations Information and Form
See detailed information under Institute section of this newsletter
Creativity & Innovation – DON’T Miss the Winter Luncheon February 11th!
We know mission-driven organizations as KEY to the future of aging services. Organizations focused on living their missions are the places where innovation occurs. This is directly tied to setting the standards in our field. Our winter luncheon, Creating an Environment for Creativity & Innovation in Your Organization, will be held on February 11th. It’s designed for staff throughout your organization. Don’t miss the kick-off event of the year!
Wonder what makes some organizations consistently creative while others are stuck in a rut, doing business as usual, the same old way? This interactive session will teach you and your entire staff how to improve the environment—yes your organization’s culture—for creativity and innovation. Learn what Fortune 500 companies are doing to remain successful (over 70% of them agree that innovation is among their top priority). Not-for-profits and other mission-drive organizations have extensive history in the area of innovation. So ready, set, and let’s go again-- advancing the future of aging services with renewed foresight.
The SHAREpoint Member Connection - NOW ON-LINE
Many of you are getting connected to SHAREpoint! Now is the time to make sure your user name and password work as much information from the association as well as your communication with peers will be through this new member benefit. You should have received an email from the association office with your user name and password. If you experience any problems, contact Susan
NOTE: You must have an individual email address to participate. Please contact Susan Watkins 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 is very 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. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO TRY IT OUT – much of our future communication as well as your connection to your colleagues will be through SHAREpont.
2010 Association Nomination for Awards brochure NOW POSTED
Each spring, the Aging Services of Georgia membership comes together to participate in quality educational programming, to meet new vendors, renew old friendships and to honor those who provide excellence in service to the Association, their organization, and the community they serve. You are invited to participate by nominating individuals who enhance our collective reputation by their involvement, innovation, leadership, advocacy, as well as personal and organizational generosity.
The Awards Committee is comprised of a cross-section of Aging Services of Georgia members, who represent the continuum of aging services. The Committee reviews the nominations and selects the winners. Nominations may be submitted by individuals, organizations or groups. Use a separate form for each nomination. Please notice the newest award (The Caring Heart award). 2009 was the inaugural year of its issuance.
Be There 4 Seniors
Aging Services of Georgia is working with the Area Agencies on Aging or other consumer-focused organizations to support this initiative. This is an opportunity to engage your staff, families, residents and clients by asking them to contact their state legislators. Simply ask legislators NOT to cut funding that supports programs for older Georgians. They will recognize the “Be There 4 Seniors” so it would be good to mention. Contact information for legislators.
A Flyer, a list of current cuts to the state budget, and a postcard are posted on the FOR MEMBERS section of the Web site.
The main idea is that HEALTHY PEOPLE COST LESS – BUDGET CUTS HURT SENIORS AND HURT GEORGIA! Eliminating vital supports that keep older adults active and healthy costs Georgia more money. Georgia must find the way to stop cuts to essential services, restore those that provide a safety net for seniors and control future spending with proven measures. Vulnerable seniors are at the center of a perfect storm. Losses are four-fold for both Georgia and its older adults: More People; Less Money; Skyrocketing Costs, Overburdened Caregivers.
AgingServicesNOW – last call – groups forming
Last Call – to participate in this new program – we will be forming groups in the next few weeks!
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 reviewing the books listed below. The Institute will provide the books for you. To register for this project, please see registration information.
Fierce Leadership by Susan Scott
The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwaratz
The Inner Game of Stress by W. Timothy Gallwey
A Sense of Urgency by John P. Kotter
New Associate Business Firm Members
Lewis & Clark LTC RRG (Insurance/Health Plans)
Nadeene Wood-Clater
500 Northridge Road; Suite 330
Atlanta, GA 30350
(678) 781-2400
nwood-clater@lewisandclarkrrg.com
EnduraCare (Therapy Management)
Elaine Clark
403 EH Court
Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 264-4341
eclark@enduracare.com
Midtown Bank
Colleen Conaty
712 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 969-4406
cconaty@midtownbank.com
SunDance Rehabilitation
Helen Jones or Chris Parrish
200 Northpointe Circle, Suite 302
Seven Fields, PA 16046
724-779-6440 ext. 218
Helen.jones@sunh.com
Shaw Contract Group - A Berkshire Hathaway Co
(Carpet/Flooring)
Jon McEntyre
(770) 878-0489
jon.mcentyre@shawinc.com
Veridiansystems.net
Roy Weidman
10194 Big Canoe
Jasper, GA 30143
404-513-3500
rweidman@viridiansytems.net
Calendar Information
To assist with you planning, we are forwarding you information on special holidays and observances for each month 2 months early. The December issue of Coffey Break had information for February.
This month, we are sending you information for April, 2010
April is:
African American Women's Fitness Month
Atlanta Food and Wine Month
Alcohol Awareness Month
Cancer Control Month
Car Care Month
Confederate History Month
Fair Housing Month
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Month
National Card and Letter Writing Month
National Garden Month
National Parkinson's Awareness Month
Rosacea Awareness Month
Thursday, April 1 April Fool's Day
Thursday, April 1 Maundy Thursday
Friday, April 2 Good Friday
Sunday, April 4 Easter
Thursday, April 15 Income Tax Pay Day
Thursday, April 22 Earth Day
Saturday, April 24 Arbor Day
Sunday, April 25 Red Hat Society Day
General Notes of Interest
Older Americans Month 2010 Materials Now Available
The Older Americans Month 2010 theme is "Age Strong! Live Long!" The theme recognizes
and celebrates the diversity and vitality of today's older Americans. The Administration on
Aging is pleased to provide materials to assist providers at the national, state, and local levels
plan for activities in commemoration of Older Americans Month.View and download the Older Americans Month 2010 logo, poster and other materials.
USFA Offers Home Heating Safety Tip
Promoting Older Driver Safety
Georgia wins nation in Phase Two of the National Advancing Excellence Quality Campaign
Proper Disposal of Household Pharmaceuticals
Are Boomers Less Healthy than Their Parents
CMS Announces New Director for Disabled and Elderly Health
Programs Group
Technology’s Role in Caregiving Featured in New Study
Revised Medicare Physician Guide
Honor Society of Nursing Launches Resourceful Geriatric Pain
Web Site
Baby Boomers More Likely to Need Senior Drug Abuse Treatment
Public Policy Update
See “Be There 4 Seniors” information at the beginning of this newsletter
AAHSA’s third annual Homecoming week celebration will be held from May 31 - June 4. The 2010 theme is Who Decides?. We’re asking members to host a roundtable discussion at their organization where consumers, business leaders, policy makers and other community members can come together and discuss the challenges and opportunities that come as our population ages. Be sure to check AAHSA Homecoming for an upcoming guide featuring program ideas, media relations tips and other suggestions for hosting a successful event. Contact: Lauren Shaham, (202) 508-1219.
From Tom Bauer:
2010 GEORGIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEGINS JANUARY 11
The 2010 session of the Georgia General Assembly will convene on Monday, January 11. Last month’s public policy report summarized the upcoming session, highlighting Aging Services’ 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. Since December is traditionally a slow month, the details of that article remain current.
However, December was a very politically explosive month. Speaker Glenn Richardson has resigned and will be replaced by Rep. David Ralston, from Blue Ridge, Georgia. Rep. Jan Jones of Alpharetta will assume the duties of speaker pro tem. In addition, Secretary of State Karen Handel, a candidate for governor, has resigned in order to concentrate on that campaign.
With regard to CCRCs, the Aging Services CCRC Task Force has 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. Hopefully, it is anticipated that HB 843 will be considered by the House Insurance Committee early in the session.
The state budget will be the major issue in the 2010 General Assembly. The governor has already proposed expenditure reductions $900 million in the current (FY ’10) budget, and with state revenues still in decline another $125 million may be cut. According to Senate Appropriations chairman Jack Hill, the budget shortfall for FY ’11 may be an even more challenging $2 billion. We will participate again this year in the 2010 “Be There 4 Seniors” initiative with groups throughout Georgia. The idea is that Health People Cost Less! This is a good opportunity for your residents and clients to participate - watch for details. The association, along with many other groups, will be tracking funding for both Medicaid and non-Medicaid home and community-based services funding. These funds are not only critical for our home and community-based services members BUT also provide needed support to residents living in affordable housing communities throughout the state.
These figures will, of course, require further reductions in services to seniors. Aging Services hopes to have a better session with legislation, and we will be asking members to contact their legislators in the coming months. It is especially important that CCRC members contact legislators in their districts, especially those on the House Insurance committee. Additionally, Aging Services will be promoting a very positive approach to any legislation related to assisted living. Two assisted living member task groups are paying attention to current rules/regs and HB 850.
Business Connection
Updates from our Associate Members
Georgia Council on Aging Survey
Researchers at CATEA (Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access), Georgia Tech are recruiting individuals who live in Georgia, are 60 and older and have lived in their current community for more than 1 year to participate in a survey. The survey is about participation in activities in their homes and communities. It will take approx. 20-30 minutes to complete. Results are intended to help both researchers and social policy experts better understand seniors’ needs for environmental modifications (including accessibility features, assistive devices and communication technologies) and social support services in home and community settings.
The survey is available here or if an individual is unable to complete an online survey, it may also be completed in writing or by telephone – please contact Traci Swartz or Claire Yang at CATEA for more information. Online survey: For more information: Phone: 404-894-4960 Email: traci.swartz@coa.gatech.edu or hsiang-yu.yang@coa.gatech.edu
A flyer with all the information is here. Please forward this to anyone you know who may be interested or who may be able to reach eligible participants.
Georgia Institute on Aging News
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Who Decides? 2010 Aging Services of Georgia Annual Conference
Dolcé Resort & Conference Center
Peachtree City, GA
Attendee Brochure and Registration Form
Now Available
Exhibitor/Sponsor Prospectus
Reservations
Award Nominations Information and Form
SOMETHING NEW This Year
The committee has developed special one-day tracks for a full day of training on Tuesday, March 23rd. The idea is to provide an opportunity for staff that usually may not be able to attend the conference. On Tuesday alone, you will notice an incredible group of 20 workshops with innovative presenters! The Tuesday tracks include topics such as Mental Health & Dementia Issues, Wellness, Dining, Maintenance & Housekeeping, Professional & Self Development, Operation, IT & Clinical Issues.
PLEASE – reserve your rooms ASAP.
There will be rooms at the Dolce conference center and other area hotels just outside the conference center.
The attendee registration form is now available. We trust you will continue accessing this significant educational event. SOMETHING NEW: This year, the committee has developed special one-day tracks for a full day of training on Tuesday, March 23rd. The idea is to provide an opportunity for staff that usually may not be able to attend the conference. On Tuesday alone, you will notice an incredible group of 20 workshops with innovative presenters!
The Tuesday tracks include topics such as Mental Health & Dementia Issues, Wellness, Dining, Maintenance & Housekeeping, Professional & Self Development, Operation, IT & Clinical Issues.
PLEASE – reserve your rooms ASAP. There will be rooms at the Dolce conference center and other area hotels just outside the conference center.
Last Month's Events
January 26
Culture Change Webinar
Introduction to Culture Change
Kim McRae
January 27
Culture Change Webinar
Dementia and Communication
Karen Stobbe
January 28
Board Retreat
Upcoming Events
IHN University (available 24/7)
Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Disorders
Audio Conference/Webinar
Information
February 3
Positive Aging Lifestyles (PALS)
Facilitator Training
Association Office
9:00 - 3:00 pm
February 3
AgingServicesNEXT
First Event
9 am - 4 pm
Association Office
Wednesday, February 3
Culture Change Webinar Series
Session 3: Steve Shields
Vision and Leadership
Information & Registration
Tuesday, February 9
Webinar: Overview of Mental Health Issues
in Affordable Housing Setting
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, February 11
Winter Luncheon
Brochure and Registration
Tuesday, February 16
Webinar: Preparing for a HUD Service Coordinator Review
Information and Registration
Thursday, February 18
Elderly Housing Symposium
Association Offices
Brochure and Registration
February 26 SAVE THE DATE
Adult Day Symposium
Monday, March 15
Health Law and Policy Forum
Aging Services of Georgia is co-sponsor with King & Spaulding
Four Seasons Hotel
(some comp registrations available)
Monday - Wednesday, March 22-24
2010 Annual Conference and Trade Exposition
Dolce Atlanta-Peachtree; Peachtree City, Georgia
Exhibitor/Sponsor Prospectus
Reservations
Award Nominations Information and Form
Culture Change Network
Culture Change Is Getting National Attention
More Home, Less Nursing: Advocates want to make nursing homes more comfortable..
National Symposium on Culture Change and the Food & Dining Requirements
Do The Elders You Serve Go Outside On A Regular Basis?
Creating Home: Access to Nature Webinar Series to be held in March
What a Great Idea! Linking First Graders and Retirees
USA Today Story Focuses on Culture Change and Updates List of
Best Nursing Homes
Center for Positive Aging
The Center receives approval for a second AmeriCorp VISTA Volunteer
Holly Beauchant will be joining us this February to support the work of developing resources and connecting consumers to our members. The database of Quality Providers continues to grow. Please visit the site and make sure your information is correct. Consumers are being referred to the new Website SO PLEASE make sure you have completed the registration information to be included. THIS IS FREE for members.
News Throughout the Continuum
Home and Community Based Services
(Adult Day Services, Hospice, Home Health)
CMS Issues Guidance on Home Health Billing and Ownership
Rules
Home Care Providers Brace for Tighter HIPAA Enforcement
Hospice in Nursing Homes Benefits Residents
Affordable Housing
Congress Takes Up Tax Credit Legislation
HUD Issues Operating Cost Standards Notice
Assisted Living
National AL Data Collection to Begin in April
AMDA AL Change of Condition Protocols
How Has the Economy Affected Salaries and Benefits in AL?
CCRC's
(See information in other continuum area)
Nursing Care
CMS Published Chapter 6 of RAI Manual
CMS Releases Proposed “Meaningful Use” Rules – and the
Industry Responds
“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 |
7 - Efficiency |
$558 |
|
Lutheran Towers |
7 – Efficiency |
|
Sec. 8 |
St. Joseph Place |
3 – One Bedroom |
|
HUD PRAC |
The Zaban Tower |
6 – Efficiency |
$2185 |
HUD PRAC HUD PRAC |
| Decatur Christian Towers | 3- One Bedroom 13 - Efficiency |
$626 $474 |
HUD PRAC HUD PRAC |
Career Opportunities
Bon Air Apartments; Augusta, GA
Service Coordinator AideCarlyle Place; Macon, GA
Controller
Florence Hand Home; Lagrange, GA
Director of Nursing
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
Four days. Three conferences. One location.
Register NOW for the Future of Aging Services Conference and Leadership Summit!
Top-notch speakers, leadership experts and advocacy insiders come together like never before at this year’s Future of Aging Services Conference and Leadership Summit. For three days, top aging services leaders will gather in Washington to engage experts, develop new skills, network with one another and tell their stories on Capitol Hill. Visit the event site for more information.
Help the Recovery Efforts in Haiti
AAHSA has been asked how we can best help. We urge you to donate money to one of the many credible organizations such as the American Red Cross, which are already involved in the rapid response. The White House has links to a variety of giving avenues, as does our blog. Your faith-based or community umbrella organizations no doubt have others. More information.
Elderly Housing Reform Urgently Needed
Under S.118, housing providers should be able to more easily obtain the refinancing necessary to rehabilitate and modernize their existing Section 202 elderly housing properties. In addition, this bill would enable owners to use any excess refinancing proceeds to develop additional affordable housing, increase accessibility and help residents age-in-place by expanding supportive services. More information.
AAHSA Member Benefit Spotlight: FutureAge
A Culture of Acceptance
The January-February issue of FutureAge considers the challenges of building “a culture of acceptance.” You’ll read about AAHSA-member providers who serve people of every ethnicity, and see how they build culturally competent organizations and bridge differences. You’ll also read about why civility matters, challenges facing inner-city nursing homes, and whether culture change and regulation can coexist. Read Full Issue.