Sherry Dey & Nancie Vito from the Fuqua Center for Late Life Depression with Carolyn Johnson, Administrator at Clairmont Oaks leading a two-day PEARLS workshop (Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives for Seniors )
see story below

In this Issue

Inside Your Association -- Aging Services of Georgia

General Notes of Interest

Public Policy Update

Business Connection
Updates from Our Associate Members

GIA News

Organization / Board Development

News Throughout
the Continuum:

Vacancy Report

Career Opportunities

AAHSA Information

GIA Partners

Ziegler Capital
Markets Group

Occupied
Renovations

Cornerstone
Senior Living

Moore Stephens Lovelace, P.A.

GIA Supporters

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

Seth Strongin, CPA

Canterbury Court

Presbyterian Village

Presbyterian Homes of Georgia

THW Designs

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

Get the most out of your membership
Use the updated www.agingservicesga.org

Make sure you are receiving information from the association and are able to access the “FOR MEMBERS” section of the website.  Then watch the site for upcoming events – all are listed with registration information.   We are planning to have a new membership-connection in place some time in March.  We are installing and preparing Share Point as our new tool to connect members and provide information.  WATCH for details.

Problems connecting to FOR MEMBERS? Most of the time this is because you have a pop-up blocker working or your security is set at too high a level. Here are some things to try:

• From the Internet Explorer Menu, select Tools / Pop-Up Blocker. Then select Turn Off Pop-Up Blocker
• Then try Tools / Internet Options. Click on the Security tab. Add www.agingservicesga.org as a Trusted Site.
• On the same Security tab select Custom Level and scroll down to the Use-Pop-up Blocker section and select Disable.

If you still have problems getting in, please call Barry Lastinger at 404-872-9191 ext. 14.

Association Office Systems will be down Feb. 18 & 19

Our offices will be without e-mail, internet, and server Wednesday and Thursday, February 18 and 19. Sorry for the inconvenience but you can still communicate with us by phone at 404-872-9191.

VACANCY REPORTS assist you in connecting with future residents

Aging Services of Georgia AS WELL AS your peers receive regular calls from consumers seeking housing and all kinds of aging services.  We use the vacancy information you provide us to pass along information to consumers.  Likewise, your peers pass along information to consumers whose needs they can not meet by using the Vacancy list posted in the coffey-break.  Someone on your staff should receive a report to complete each month from Susan Watkins.  If you do not receive the report request, please contact Susan at swatkins@agingservicesga.org so she can add you to the list. 

AgingServicesNEXT – Leadership Program to begin February 11 -– 3 spaces available

We have spaces for 3 more participants in the 3rd year of the Leadership Development program.  Please contact Walter Coffey at wcoffey@agingservicesga.org asap if you are interested.  You can find detailed information at by clicking here.

We are excited to kick-off a New Year with AgingServicesNEXT (formerly gahsaNEXT) program.  AgingServicesNEXT is designed to identify and develop emerging leaders in our field.  This member’s only Leadership series will begin February 11, 2009.  Join your peers from across the state to attend this 5 part series to examine proven tactics to help you and your team achieve the next stage of success within your organization.  We are thrilled that several other states are replicating this program for their members.

2009 Aging Services of Georgia Annual Salary & Benefits Survey

Effective February 16th —please take the time to complete the 2009 Aging Services of Georgia Salary Survey.  As you know, the more participants involved, the better the results in the end will be, so we appreciate your time and look forward to a very beneficial salary and benefit survey for Aging Services of Georgia members.

Please note that the window of opportunity for completion of the survey is from February 16 – March 16, 2009.  Please keep in mind as you complete the survey information, the data should include rates that are effective as of 01/01/2009.  If you have any questions or need any help, please contact Jacque Thornton at jthornton@AgingServicesGa.org.  In addition, someone from the Salary Survey Work Group will follow-up with you to answer any questions and provide Technical Assistance. click here for more information

Organization/Board Development

Aging in America – Trends  This powerpoint developed by aahsa and state association staff is now available.  Slides saved as handouts are also available at the same location.  This is a great tool for boards as well as staff. All are available on our website, For Members / Organizational / Board Development or by clicking here.

Changing Lives

Annual conference registration is now available.  Notice affordable registration and hotel fees.  THIS YEAR, all meals are included!
(See additional information in Georgia Institute on Aging section below) 

Distance Learning Programs Now Available

See information in Georgia Institute on Aging section below.

Aging Services of Georgia Day at the Capitol February 25th

See registration form – if you bring seniors, please know that it is crowded and there could be a lot of standing. Be There 4 Seniors information is available on the new website and also here. More information is available in the policy update below.

New Center for Positive Aging Board begins planning

Aging Services of Georgia now has a new consumer arm, The Center for Positive Aging.  It will be structured like our education arm, The Georgia Institute on Aging. First priorities are to adopt updated by-laws and set the plan for the year.  Development of a new web site to provide information for seniors will be a focus – watch for details.

Aging Services of Georgia Awards

Aging Services of Georgia’s Awards program is an opportunity to honor those who provide excellence in service to the aging services profession, the association, their organizations, and the individuals they serve. We encourage nominations of individuals, groups, and organizations who enhance the health care and senior housing profession by their involvement, innovation, leadership, or advocacy, as well as personal and organizational generosity.

The nomination committee has added a new award category: Caring Heart Award. This award recognizes the achievements of frontline staff and direct care employees, whose caring spirit have made significant impact upon the lives of older adults, while working for an Aging Services of Georgia member organization.

• Individuals who are employees of organizations that are Aging Services of Georgia members are eligible.
• Nominee has made a significant and positive difference in the life of senior residents/clients.
• The attributes of the nominee has enhanced the organization’s commitment to quality.
• Nominee has been an inspiration to their peers/co-workers regarding work ethics and has developed strong relationships with residents, clients and families.
  

Aging Services of Georgia will present winners with an award at a special banquet, Monday evening, March 30th at the Annual Conference. The nomination form is available by clicking here.

Aging Services of Georgia will host the 2009 Fall Certified Aging Services Professional (CASP) Institute in Atlanta

September 21-25, 2009.  This is the old RHP program – a national professional certification program for aging services.  We will be working through the Georgia Institute on Aging and our Georgia-Based business members to provide scholarships for this training – watch for details!

General Notes of Interest

Emergency Planning

The CDC has a website, SNAPS: Snap Shots of State Population Data, that could be helpful in emergency planning. The website is: http://service.govdelivery.com/service/view.html?code=USCDC_7_31&format=Web. SNAPS is a free service to the public that provides local-level community profile information nationwide.

It can be browsed by County and State and searched by zip code. SNAPS serves as a valuable tool when responding to public health emergency events at the State, Tribal, and local levels. It provides a "snap shot" of key variables for consideration in guiding and tailoring health education and communication efforts to ensure diverse audiences receive critical public health messages that are accessible, understandable, and timely.

Human Resources News
Citizenship Verification Process Changes

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) “streamlined” the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) process to improve its security through a more narrow list of acceptable documents while specifying that expired documents are not acceptable. Employers must complete a Form I-9 for all newly hired employees to verify identity and authorization to work in the U.S. Approved documents employees may present is divided into three sections:

• List A documents verify identity and employment authorization;
• List B documents verify identity only;
• List C documents verify employment authorization only.

The change eliminates Forms I-688, I-688A and I-688B (Temporary Resident Card and older versions of the Employment Authorization Card) from List A. Beginning February 2, all employers, regardless of size, must use the revised I-9 form for new hires and to verify employees with expiring employment authorization.

For more information, go to www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis and click-on “For Employers” and then “About Form I-9 and E-Verify.” (or click here).

World to Have ‘New’ Oldest Living Person

A 114-year-old California nursing home resident will soon be named the world’s oldest living person by Guinness World Records. Gertrude Baines was born on April 6, 1894, near Atlanta, Georgia to former slaves. According to CNN, she spent most of her life as an employee at the state university in Ohio before retiring in Los Angeles. Gertrude Baines credits her longevity to God: “I took good care of myself, the way He wanted me to.” Source: (McKnight’s 1/07)

Notice from the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration

As of Sunday, January 4, 2009, consumers requesting coupons from the agency's TV Converter Box Coupon Program will be placed on a waiting list and coupons will be mailed on a first-come, first-served basis as funds from expired coupons become available. Because of the high demand for coupons, the program reached its $1.34 billion ceiling, and consequently new coupon requests from eligible households will be filled as funds from expiring coupons are made available.

Please visit www.DTV2009.gov to download the new Consumer Fact Sheet that outlines the options consumers have to prepare for the digital transition that will occur on February 17, 2009. NTIA encourages you to inform as many people as you can of this important change to the Coupon Program.

Toolkit Offers Strategies for Community-Based Organization Outreach to Medicare Beneficiaries

The National Council on Aging developed a toolkit to supplement the “Community Solutions: Lessons Learned from the My Medicare Matters Low-Income Subsidy Demonstration Program” report that was published this summer. The toolkit offers case studies and messaging strategies. It is designed to help community-based organizations maximize their benefits outreach and enrollment, assisting prospective beneficiaries applying for the Low Income Subsidy and other Medicare benefits.

To view the toolkit, go to http://mymedicarecommunity.org/toolkit/default.htm.

Hypothermia: A Cold Weather Risk for Older People

Hypothermia occurs when a person's body temperature drops below normal and stays low for a prolonged period of time, according to the National Institute on Aging. "With advancing age, the body's ability to endure long periods of exposure to cold is lowered. Older people also are at risk for hypothermia because their body's response to cold can be diminished by certain illnesses such as diabetes and some medicines, including over-the-counter cold remedies.

In addition, older adults may be less active and generate less body heat. As a result, they can develop hypothermia even after exposure to relatively mild cold weather or a small drop in temperature." For more on how to can prevent hypothermia see http://www.nih.gov/news/health/jan2009/nia-16.htm.

Livable Communities Connection: Helping Older Georgians Age in Place Successfully

A Publication of the Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services. If you would like to be placed on the e-distribution list, please call Kim Grier at 404-520-2101 or kagrier@dhr.ga.gov .

futureAge – great resources

Notice significant articles throughout the magazine.  One article, The Economic Solution: Do What We Do Best, (from futureAge - Jan-Feb 09), features information that Clint Maun (one of main speakers for, Changing Lives, our annual conference March 30 – April 1 in Augusta), presented to the national Leadership Forum in DC before Christmas: Some Experts Weigh In.

Clint Maun, a management consultant who has worked with many AAHSA members, believes members should address the economy in essentially the same way they should have been addressing their management and planning all along:

• Emphasize the not-for-profit difference in marketing and staff recruitment.
• Focus on person-centered care.
• Commit to retraining workers who have lost jobs in other sectors and focus on team building.
• Set team targets for financial goals.
• Maximize Medicare services in the health care setting.
• Consider and advance parternships with organizations that have capabilities and clients to share.
• Implement home-based technologies to meet consumer needs and create marketing leads for residential services.

Atlanta Regional Commission Snapshot:  “Senior Population Growth Patterns in Metro Atlanta”

In August 2008, ARC released its population estimates for the 10 counties in the region and the City of Atlanta. They showed a one-year increase of 70,200 persons, the slowest annual growth this decade since 2003, which is due mostly to the effects of the national slowdown in home-building and the associated economic turmoil. Still, the 10-county Atlanta region has averaged almost 84,000 new residents each year since 2000, and its population of 4,099,600 is larger than that of 24 states.

This Regional Snapshot takes an expanded view of the region, examining population and housing trends for the 20-county area. In addition to county-level information, the 2008 Population and Housing Report explores population and housing trends for superdistricts and “neighborhoods”(census tracts) in the 20-county area, as well as cities in the 10-county region only. The Web-based report, including the data tables, is available from ARC’s Web site at www.atlantaregional.com/populationdata.

Read more in the latest issue of the Regional Snapshot.

Public Policy Updates

2009 General Assembly Well Underway

The 2009 Georgia General Assembly began Monday January 12 amid uncertainty due to the strong economic downturn and the impending change of administration at the federal level.  As usual the first week of the legislature was largely ceremonial; however, the pace has been slow to quicken immediately, and only a handful of bills has been considered on the House or Senate floor, although the session (as of Groundhog Day) was 25% completed.

This session will also be dominated by discussion of the state budget, which is experiencing a $2 billion deficit, and consideration of a constructional amendment to limit property tax assessment increases to 3% per year.  The governor’s budget recommendations include a 10% cut in funding required of all state agencies, and the FY ’10 budget is predicated on a very controversial proposal to enact a new “provider fee” on hospitals and health insurance plans to finance the underfunded Medicaid program.  As outlined below, seniors’ programs have sustained 10%-11% reductions, and may have been discontinued.

Aging Services of Georgia is joining the Area Agencies on Aging, Georgia Council on Aging, Alzheimer’s Association and AARP to encourage seniors all over Georgia to participate in Be There 4 Seniors. This important initiative is focused on preserving funding in the Georgia state budget for programs that support vulnerable seniors. Seniors are encouraged to contact their local legislators and ask them to support this initiative – the idea is that healthy people cost the state less money.

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. On our home page at www.agingservicesga.org, click on What's New to find links to the flyer, a postcard, and additional information regarding this initiative and how you can respond to this call to action via advocacy.

In the meantime, Aging Services of Georgia has continued to work on several issues related to continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs).

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

As has been reported in the past the Aging Services CCRC task force has been considering ways to update the Georgia law regulating CCRCs in order to facilitate the following goals:

• Consumer protection (High Quality Services)
  •  Increased background information on owners/operators
  •  Use of operating reserves and escrow accounts to ensure financial viability of the provider
• CCRCs with a High Level of Integrity
• Well Monitored CCRCs with a Good Image

Staff has been discussing a draft bill with the Department of Insurance regarding the intention to possibly introduce legislation this year for discussion over the interim between 2009 and 2010 General Assembly sessions.  Among the changes being considered are:

•  Provision of additional information to prospective residents and residents, such as:
  • Business background of the owner(s) and principal investors of the CCRC;
  • Experience in providing senior services; and
  • Criminal background
• Provision of the information “up front” (at or before the time of contracting), rather than just in the annual report; and
• New provisions to ensure the financial viability (in lieu of posting of a bond in the minimum of $10,000) of the CCRC such as:
  • Escrow Accounts during the pre-sale and construction stage; and
  • Maintenance of operating reserves 

Also with regard to CCRCs, the public policy committee of Aging Services of Georgia is pleased to report that the final hurdles in implementing the certificate of need changes put in place by SB433 last year are on the way to being cleared.  At this time the Departments of Human Resources (Office of Regulatory Services) and Community Health are in discussions to smooth the way for CCRCs to obtain a letter of determination (relinquishing the CCRC skilled nursing care beds from CON and maintaining a license from DHR) are underway.  

State Budget

As noted, the effect of the economic downturn on the state budget will be one of the major issues in the 2009 General Assembly.   At this time all seniors programs appear to be in line for significant reductions in both the current (FY’09- 8.6%) and next fiscal years (11%).  This will apply to both the Community Care Services program and the non-Medicaid home and community-based services.  The FY ’10 reduction will be almost $3 million. Other significant budget items are:

• Elimination of public guardianship ($327,880)
• Reductions in Alzheimer’s respite services ($415, 281)
• Postponement of adult day center licensing
• Elimination and reductions in Wellness programs (almost $1 million)
• Deferment of Nutritional Services Incentive services ($1.04 million)
• Discontinuation of Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (4575,000)

Legislation

The governor’s legislation to reorganize state government in the delivery of human services has been introduced.  HB 228 would amend state law to:

• Create the Department of Health, combining the Department of Community Health (Medicaid) and the DHR Division of Public Health and Office of Regulatory Services
• Create the Department of Behavioral Health, to include mental health and substance abuse; and
• Establish a Department of Human Services, to contain the remaining DHR services (Aging, Family and Children Services, Child Support, and Developmental Disabilities).

This bill should generate quite a bit of discussion.

Add Your Tax-Deductible Donation to Your Georgia Income Tax Return

With the state budget cuts, programs and having difficulty being sustained. The Department of Human Resources is asking citizens to MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH A DOLLAR.

Each year at tax time, every person who files a Georgia income tax form has the opportunity to make a difference with a dollar by donating to the Georgia Fund for Children and Elderly. Donations to this fund support home-delivered meals and transportation for the elderly, and programs for children with special health, educational and emotional needs. Once donations are collected and an administrative fee is taken by the Georgia Department of Revenue, the money is then split between the Division of Public Health and the Division of Aging Services (DAS). The money received by DAS for home-delivered meals and transportation is divided and sent directly to Georgia’s twelve Area Agencies on Aging to provide services in their local coverage area. On the Georgia tax forms, check the box on line 11 on the short form or box 27 on the long form to make a donation. Then write in the amount you are willing to donate to this extremely important cause. All donations are tax deductible. For some seniors, home-delivered meals and transportation services are their lifeline to remaining in their homes and communities. Please consider a donation for as little as a dollar, and please pass the word along to family, friends and colleagues.

Business Connection
Updates from our Associate Members

GMCF, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Georgia

GMCF, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Georgia, is six months into the new 9th Scope of Work and the new Diabetes Disparities Theme is off and running.  This Theme aims to train 2,500 Medicare Beneficiaries who have diabetes in twelve counties in the state, ensuring that they get the information needed to be empowered to manage their medical condition better.  This interactive training also known as “Every Diabetic Counts” is being taught for free in 5 other states and is designed for a leader to present to people who want to learn more about diabetes. 

Aging Services of Georgia and GMCF are planning a “Train the Trainer” session scheduled in the next few months to make sure that all locations are getting the resources needed to make a difference in this chronic condition – watch for details.  Please let us know if you are interested by visiting the website for this new work, www.gmcf.org/diabetes   contacting fmobley@gmcf.org or calling 888-313-WELL (9355). 

Georgia Institute on Aging News

The Georgia Institute on Aging Receives Training Grant from Healthcare Research, Inc.

“Coaching Supervision:  Skills for Supervisors”, a two-day, 12-hour training, will be presented four times around the state to allow members to participate in this training!  Registration and training locations will be available by March.

2009 upcoming events

Ongoing listing of 2009 events are posted at http://www.georgiainstituteonaging.org/

Wednesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 5
PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives for Seniors)

The PEARLS training program is a problem solving therapies technique, which will teach the participant knowledge and skills necessary to: 1) identify depression among community-dwelling older adults, and 2) assist clients to effectively manage and decrease their depression through an evidence-based behavioral education program. In a research study, participation in the PEARLS depression treatment program was shown to be three times as likely as usual care to result in complete recovery from depression.* PEARLS has also been shown to improve the quality of life among older adults with depression. PEARLS is endorsed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs.

Tuesday, February 10
Winter Luncheon and Forums
Trinity Presbyterian Church
Luncheon Only Registration

Featured speaker Jurgen Ahlers will give a brief introduction of the subject, sharing the remarkable story of the global rise of the Ritz-Carlton hospitality cul­ture for exceptional customer service.  He will place this story in the elder-care service delivery context. Much of this program will encourage group interaction and mutual discov­ery of practical application as follows:

• Identify the concept: “radical hospitality” and its relevance to elder-care.
• Clarify the essential needs of both residents and care providers

Discover how a “fine hospitality” service style can significantly contribute to enhancing resident/client satisfaction and thus, im­pact the bottom line.  Note:  The following Aging Services of GA professional forums will meet immediately following the networking luncheon:

Forums Registration
HUD Administrators (Session on MOR Review/Findings)
Service Coordinators (SC Conf. Topic Planning & Presentation and Self-care presentation)
Maintenance Professionals (HVAC Maintenance “Tips to Save you Money”)
Marketing Professionals (Networking & Shared Leaning “Strategies to Overcome Objections”)
Activity Professionals (Activity Prof. Symposium Topic Planning & Self-care Presentation)
Adult Day Services (Updates on ADS Licensure, Preserving Quality with tighter Budgets, Marketing your Programs, General Issues, and Opening and ADS center)

Wednesday, February 11
AgingServicesNEXT

We are excited to kick-off a New Year with AgingServicesNEXT (formerly gahsaNEXT) program.  AgingServicesNEXT is designed to identify and develop emerging leaders in our field.  This members only Leadership series will begin February 11, 2009.  Join your peers from across the state to attend this 5 part series to examine proven tactics to help you and your team achieve the next stage of success within your organization.

Wednesday, February 25
Day at the Capitol
Registration Brochure

Aging Services of Georgia Day at the Capitol will be Wednesday, February 25th. We will participate with other groups interested in senior issues as part of Senior Week at the Capitol, sponsored by Georgia Council on Aging. This is a great opportunity to visit the Capitol and see legislators at work.

We encourage you, your staff, and seniors to participate in the call to action via advocacy on aging issues.  Click on the following link for the “Be There 4 Seniors” policy initiative:   http://www.gahsa.org/4seniors.html).

Thursday, March 5
3rd Annual
Elderly Housing Symposium
Bank of America
Conference Center
Registration Brochure

Aging Services of Georgia and The Southeastern Affordable Housing Management Association (SAHMA) are pleased to present: “Strengthening the Partnership”. Our organizations’, in response to member and industry inquiries, have put together this unique program of information sharing and networking opportunities.

Providers of affordable elderly housing face daunting challenges, this symposium will include our regulatory partners (HUD, GA HAP and DCA), industry experts and experienced practitioners who will set the stage for clearer understanding of the rules and regulations as well as share information that will benefit us all.

2009 Annual Conference

Monday - Wednesday
March 30 - April 1
2009 Annual Conference and Trade Show
Marriott August Hotel & Suites
Attendee Brochure
Exhibitor Prospectus

Don’t Miss this Opportunity! Make Plans to Join Us in Augusta
Annual Conference
2009 Premier Sponsors

 “Changing Lives!” is more than just a theme for our 2009 annual conference. It reflects our belief that openness to new ideas and interaction with our colleagues can significantly improve the lives of the older adults we serve and with whom we work.
Now more than ever is the time to network with your peers, work smarter with limited resources and still access excellent, quality, and affordable continuing education. Therefore, we recognize that many of our members are planning to access training locally and regionally to balance the budget this year and we
commit to bringing you exceptional learning opportunities—more affordably, while meeting your continuing education needs. This year, we’ve accomplished greater ways to save you dollars and provide you and your staff with national level quality conferencing.

If you enjoyed Fran Battisti last year, you are in store for another internationally known keynote icon, Clint Maun, who will share an entire day of his expertise and innovative leadership consulting techniques and research. In addition there will be a host of important topics specifically addressing the needs of your leadership team and staff to guide you to excellence in the field of Aging.

 Now more than ever, Transformational Leadership is a necessity to sustain our organizations during uncertain times. This conference is an important step in cultivating the necessary skills to help you and your staff with strategically positioning for now and into the future, while “Changing Lives”!

Therefore, this conference has been designed to provide valuable information about new ideas and trends in an ever growing and changing environment. It also provides a valuable opportunity to interact and learn from colleagues throughout Georgia and South Carolina.

During our Trade Exposition, you will learn about new products and services—many vendors will provide you with a unique and valuable perspective on new ideas, products, and trends in the field of aging.

Throughout the conference, in the general sessions and in the workshops, you will receive information from nationally respected experts on a variety of topics related to:
◊ developing strategies to position your organization
◊ retaining and developing the best staff
◊ focusing on quality and leadership to ensure excellence and build public trust
◊ improving your performance
◊ enhancing the experience of your residents and clients
◊ becoming aware of policy issues that influence how you work
◊ preparing and positioning your facility to renovate or expand
◊ becoming aware of current HR and legal issues
◊ making your organization a leader in the community, and much, much more.

We look forward to seeing you at the Marriott Augusta Hotel from March 30—April 1, 2009. The conference host hotel is filling up! Please reserve space soon!

$132 per night

To make reservations call 1-800-868-5354 or to register online, go to www.marriott.com/agsmc. Our guests will need to enter one of the following group codes since we have rooms in both towers held for our conference:
Main Tower code- GAHGAHA – Standard deluxe guest rooms in main tower
Suites Tower code – GAHGAHO – Standard one bedroom suites with small separate sitting room, refrigerator & microwave.  The rooms in each tower are first come first served so if one block is full, try the other block.  Most rooms in the Suites Tower have two queen beds.

Contact Marisa Barnes at 706-823-6515 if you need assistance.

The Culture Change Network of Georgia

The Culture Change Network of Georgia is making plans for 2009.
The Second Annual Culture Change Network of Georgia Summit will be held Thursday, October 15, 2009 in Atlanta.

The Culture Change Connection, regular info regarding Culture Change will begin this year.  Please contact Barry Lastinger at blastinger@agingservicesga.org if you want to be added to group to receive culture change information.

CollAge

The Georgia Institute on Aging will host COLLAGE, The Art and Science of Healthy Aging® symposium. Look for the invitation to participate in this free symposium, Using Outcomes to Advance Healthy Aging in Older Adults – “What have we learned”, April 14-15 in midtown-Atlanta, at the Bank of America Conference Center, 600 Peachtree Street. Please SAVE the DATE. click for full article

Distance Learning

The Georgia Institute on Aging is partnering with AAHSA’s Professional Development Network* and IHN University to bring you the easiest and most affordable way to earn continuing education unit credit for you and your staff. 

IHNUniversity.com provides CEU and non-CEU courses on vital topics presented by nationally recognized speakers/consultants. IHNUniversity.com is exciting, high quality, affordable and offers:

• Easy to use web site.
• High level information and courses for all staff/management needs.
• Proven course authors and healthcare experts

At IHNUniversity.com you'll receive the CEU information and training you and others want when you need it.  Distance learning programs are perfect for individuals or groups who can't always leave their organization for required coursework.

Click here to register for the first session of the GIA/IHN/PDN Distance Learning Series: Dealing with Difficult People ($39) with Clint Maun.

National Maintenance Retirement Facility Professional Certification

Registration if NOW taking place for the next national on-line courses:

• Energy Management and Controls: February 4 -- May, 2009 (each Wednesday)
  click here for registration form
• Building Design and Maintenance: February 4 -- May, 2009 (each Wednesday)
  click here for registration form

Aging Services of Georgia brings members the opportunity to earn the national Retirement Facilities Technician (RFT) certificate which leads to BOMI International's SMT/SMA designation. The RFT curriculum meets the training and industry needs of members while raising the standard of quality and efficiency in aging retirement facilities. Courses like Energy Management and Controls, Building Design and Maintenance, and Boilers, Heating Systems and Applied Mathematics, give Aging Services members the skills to remain competitive within the industry through the national recognized certification.
BOMI International. Contact a BOMI customer representative at (800) 235-2664 or Email: service@bomi.org or visit: www.bomi.org .

Organizational/
Board Development

Visit http://www.nonprofitcenter.com/ for free tools, materials and information.  For resources on “What Board members should ask before they accept a board position” and “Ten Responsibilities of a Board” visit www.agingservicesga.org, For Members / Organization/Board Development.

NOTE: If you have a problem when you click For Members and it does not ask you for the password ("quality") you need to turn off your pop-up blockers. Give me a call at 404-872-9191 ext. 14 and I'll help you with it.
Barry Lastinger

News Throughout the Continuum

Connecting to member value:  National Regulatory Newsletters on aahsa.org:
Email memberservices@aahsa.org with Subscribe – to any of the aahsa regulatory reports and their full contact info.

• Nursing Home Regulatory Report
• Housing Report
• Home and Community-Based Services Report

All of these are housed on aahsa.org in the Resources section, which you can access from the blue bar across the top of every page.  Scroll down to Publications and then mouse over "Choose Subtopic."  The list of newsletters will drop down and you can click what you need.

Compensation Reports currently available from HCS:

• CCRC Salary & Benefits Report
• Nursing Home Salary & Benefits Report
• Rehabilitation Compensation Report
• Assisted Living Salary & Benefits Report

New this year—the salary/hourly/visit results may be purchased in Excel (see order form for details.)

To purchase, complete the order form and fax to HCS (201) 405‑2110.

For additional information, please visit our website at www.hhcsinc.com.

If you already purchased these Reports, please consider this email our thank you!

Leslie Lewis
Client Services Associate
HCS
ph 201-405-0075
llewis@hhcsinc.com

Affordable Housing  

Obama Administration Commits to HUD, Affordable Housing

Guidance on Fair Housing Act and Sexual Harassment Issued

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2009

Section 8 Renewal Policy Guide Page Changes Issued

Pull Cord Issues during REAC Inspection

HUD Will Re-bid PBCA Contracts in 2010

Assisted Living

New Administration May Seek to Regulate Assisted Living

Aging Services of Georgia Assisted Living Symposium April 30th  

“Exemplars of Excellence in Assisted Living”
Featured national guest speaker; Karen Love, Managing Director, The Center for Excellence in Assisted Living (CEAL)

Home Health and Hospice

Is Your Non-Routine Supply Billing Ready for Your Cost Report?

Home Health Spending Outpaces Overall Medicare Spending

Nursing Care

5 Star Rating News -- AAHSA Discuss Rating System with CMS

CMS Updates 5-Star Technical Manual

“LIFElines” email publication for Aging Services of Georgia Nursing
Home Members & Nursing Staff

Aging Services of Georgia healthcare/nursing home members will begin receiving a new publication called LIFElines. This publication is a partnership between Aging Services of Georgia and our Illinois Association (Life Services Network). LIFElines provides timely information regarding state and federal issues such as survey preparedness, risk management, immediate jeopardy, clinical issues, abuse investigation, recruitment and retention and a host of other vital information for Aging Services of Georgia nursing home members. All Aging Services of Georgia nursing home members should now be automatically receiving LIFElines. Any other Aging Services of Georgia member is welcomed to receive this publication – just contact swatkins@agingservicesga.org.

January topics were:

January 8: Wavering about Waivers?
January 29: Falls: Avoidable versus Unavoidable / Rights versus Risks

CCRC

IRS Rules on Refundable Entrance Fees

Adult Day Services

AAHSA Implements Listserv for Adult Day Members

VACANCY REPORT

Please assist your colleagues by sharing this information when you receive calls from consumers you cannot serve. 

Career Opportunities

Magnolia Manor, Buena Vista, GA

Administrator

Peachtree Hills Place, Buckhead and Park Springs, Stone Mountain

CCRC Residency and Sales Counselor's

Riverview Health and Rehabilitation, Savannah

Chief Financial Officer

Personal Care, Inc., Atlanta

Marketing Manager

Brandon Wilde, Evans, GA

Health Services Administrator

MobilexUSA

Sales Representative

A.G. Rhodes Home

Director of Nursing
Admissions Manager

AAHSA Information

News from AAHSA
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.

Economic Recovery Act Has Medicaid, Technology, Housing Funding

On Jan. 28, the full House approved its version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Senate committees will begin consideration of its own version of the bill shortly. Included in the $819 billion House bill are a 4.9  percent increase to Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP), funding affecting senior housing, $87 billion in extra federal Medicaid funding, $20 billion to encourage the development and implementation of health information technology (HIT) in aging services, and additional funding for Community Service Block Grants and nutrition services. Read more.

 CMS to Host Special Open Door Forum on 75 Percent Rule

From 2 to 4 p.m. EST on Feb. 9, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS)   will host a an open door forum on the classification criteria for inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) known as the 75 percent rule. The forum will explore whether the rule complicates Medicare beneficiaries’ access to care, whether the medical criteria should be revised, whether IRF care should include other conditions commonly treated in IRFs but outside those covered by the 75 percent rule, and whether patient outcomes and costs differ depending on the setting in which treatment is given. More information.

AAHSA Economy Forum: Community Shares Ideas to Thrive in Tough Economic Times

Because the economy is weighing heavy on many of your minds, we've decided to use the power of community to help overcome these uncertain times. We know that the solutions you need can come from your peers. 
We've asked key experts in aging services to share their anecdotes and insights regarding the uncertain economic times facing AAHSA members.  And we've asked many of you.  Click here to read about the results of a December 2008 survey of AAHSA state chairs about their concerns and reactions to the economy.
In addition, attendees from the 2009 CEMO Winter Conference offered their ideas on effective human resources practices during tough economic times. Click here for those HR ideas.
Also, our friends over at The Bridgespan Group, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that helps other not-for-profits and philanthropic leaders in the hard work of developing strategies for their organizations, spoke with futureAge about "Managing in Tough Times: 7 Steps."
Finally, below we've provided some replicable ideas -- in either audio and text format -- from members like you for saving an organization $5,000 or generating additional $5,000 in revenue. These nuts and bolts ideas can be the key to our collective success in these uncertain times. If you'd like to share, please send your ideas.   Please include your name and organization so we can recognize you for your ideas.

FutureAge

See the newest issue of FutureAge for a look at how AAHSA members are responding to the shocks of the recession. Articles describe the challenges some providers are facing, discuss the wisdom of increased focus on core missions, and examine how providers are improving responsiveness to consumer needs, in both congregate and community-based settings. Learn how one provider improved direct care workers’ health by collaborating on a “safe movement” program that reduced staff injuries, shored up the bottom line, and built an evidence base, too. Read issue.

AAHSA Member Benefit Spotlight:  Savings and Solutions

If you want to determine just how much you’ll save through our Group Purchasing program, have us compare our pricing with what you're currently spending. If we can save you more money, we will let you know! We can do this for better pricing on your purchasing.  You can request a free cost study from any member of our GP Team.