In this Issue

Inside Your Association -- Aging Services of Georgia

General Notes of Interest

Public Policy Update

Business Connection
Updates from Our Associate Members

Institute News

Center News

Organization/Board Development

News Throughout
the Continuum:

Vacancy Report

Career Opportunities

AAHSA Information

GIA Partners

Occupied
Renovations

Moore Stephens Lovelace, P.A.

GIA Supporters

Ziegler Capital
Markets Group

Mauldin & Jenkins

Cornerstone
Senior Living

LW Consulting, Inc.

Guest Services

Pfizer

GIA Friends  

The Law Offices of Williams & Edelstein

Dixon Hughes

GIA Contributors

HVAC Services

Kings Bridge Retirement Center

Canterbury Court

Presbyterian Village

Presbyterian Homes of Georgia

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

Share Your Point of View with Colleagues --
SHAREpoint NOW in full bloom

As we have been "sharing" since January, the “old” FOR MEMBERS section of the web site is NOW SHAREpoint – your new member connection tool!  By the end of July, a webinar will be posted explaining SHAREpoint and how to use it.

This is an incredible member value as you can now connect with your colleagues – posing questions as well as post documents to share with each other.  Our Activity Professionals have started an on-line library of in-house activities, entertainers and trips/outings to share with each other! Since sending/attaching documents is now difficult due to spam filters, etc., members can now access SHAREpoint to stay connected and share files.

Thanks to Barry Lastinger and Susan Watkins at the association office for all their work to make this possible.  PLEASE contact either of them if you do not have your user name and password.

AAHSA Name Change

In the next few days, you should receive a letter from AAHSA introducing and explaining the name change proposal to LeadingAge.  Members are required to review the info and vote this month!  For more information.

“Y’all Come” Member Tours

Many members have asked to visit other's communities/organizations to see either:

1) what other communities look like that provide the same level of care/services (for example, HUD community visiting HUD community) OR

2) members wanting to learn more about other parts of the continuum that are different from their areas (for example, HUD community visiting an assisted living community, etc.). 

Beginning August 11th and every 2nd Wednesday through December, board members will be hosting tours at their communities/organizations in the metro Atlanta area.  Association staff will provide information about the area of the continuum being featured.  The host organization will provide the tour.  Anyone who wishes can continue to network over lunch at nearby restaurants.

NOTE:  You must register the Wednesday before so we can prepare appropriately. You can register by clicking here or you can find the form from Upcoming Events.

10:30     Meet AT the location of the host community or organization
10:45     Overview & tour
11:45     Adjourn (you can visit, go to lunch, etc.)

August 11: Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
Canterbury Court
September 8: Assisted Living
King’s Bridge Retirement Community
October 13: HUD/Affordable Housing
Lutheran Towers (Note: Guests can adjourn to lunch at Mary Mac’s – 2 blocks away)
November 10: Nursing Care
A.G. Rhodes Health and Rehab
December 8: Home & Community-Based Services
Senior Connections (NOTE: Guests can stay and have lunch at their Connections Café)

New Associate Business Members:

Caring Solutions Adult Day Services
Pamela Roshell
3638 Vineville Road
Macon, GA 31204
478-757-9909
www.familycaresolutions.vpweb.com

Dade Paper Company
Sarquis Paker
600 Hartman Industrial Court SW
Austell, GA 30168
770-912-7100
www.dadepaper.com

Calendar Information

To assist you with planning, we are forwarding you information on special holidays and observances for each month 2 months in advance. The December issue of Coffey Break had information for February.

This month, we are sending you information for September, 2010

September is:
National Preparedness Month

September 12-18: National Assisted Living Week
September 7-13: Healthcare Environmental Services Week
September 20-26: National Adult Day Services Week

Thursday, September 2: V-J Day
Monday, September 6: Labor Day
Wednesday, September 8: Rosh Hashanah Begins
Sunday, September 12: Grandparents Day
Friday, September 17: Yom Kippur
Tuesday, September 21: World Alzheimer's Day
Friday, September 24: Native American Day
Monday, September 27: Ancestor Appreciation Day
Wednesday, September 29: National Women's Health & Fitness Day

General Notes of Interest

Governor Bans Texting While Driving

CLASS Act: A Game-Changer for the Long-Term Care Industry

NBC Investigation on Medication Switching

Fraud Education Campaign Begins as Seniors Receive Rebate Checks

HHS Announces $60 Million in Grants to Help People Navigate Long- Term Care

Employee Satisfaction is Different than Commitment

Communication Skills Most Important In Wellness

AoA Releases Online “Toolkit for Serving Diverse Communities.”

New Federal Report Shows Greatest Spike in Volunteers Since 2003

Public Policy Update

Tom Bauer

As reported last month, Aging Services of Georgia has been busy working on various issues related to providing additional residential options for seniors.  In addition, the Public Policy Committee, chaired by Ken Weber and Alice Eckhart met to discuss planning for the remainder of 2010 and the 2011 General Assembly

Proposed Rules on Licensing Fee Activities

As noted in June, the Department of Community Health (DCH), pursuant to HB 994, has proposed new licensing activity fees for all healthcare programs and institutions regulated by its Health Facilities Regulatory Division (HFRD). After consulting with membership Walter Coffey submitted written comments and provided public testimony on the proposed rules to DCH.  The gist of the comments was supportive, but with suggestions to lower proposed fees both to promote a climate encouraging flexible residential options and to lessen the financial burden, especially on small providers.  The DCH Board will consider the proposed rules at its meeting July 8th.

HB 1040 Health Maintenance Activities for Persons with Disabilities

Aging Services of Georgia has continued to work with the task force headed by the governor’s health policy advisor, Mary Eleanor Wickersham to assist in implementation of HB 1040.  This new statute allows a physician or other midlevel healthcare provider to sign an order to authorize a registered nurse to develop a plan of care and train a non-licensed caregiver (e.g. a family member or neighbor) to deliver “health maintenance activities” which would allow a person to remain in the community rather than to live in an institution.  We anticipate this will carry over into assisted living setting as well.  Unfortunately Ms. Wickersham has accepted another position, and Aging Services of Georgia will be vigilant in monitoring this issue, as well assisted living (HB 850) noted below.

HB 850: Assisted Living

Aging Services of Georgia will continue to work with those groups who favor legislation creating another residential option for seniors, especially one that provides limited medical assistance in excess of that possible at a personal care home.  As explained in previous reports, the legislation now contains all the major points drafted by Aging Services of Georgia, in  conjunction with the State Long Term Care Ombudsman, Georgia Council on Aging, and the Senior Citizen Advocacy Project.

Public Policy Committee

The public policy committee met in June to discuss the above issues, as well as plans to re-introduce successor legislation to HB 843.  In addition, the committee discussed possible changes to the 2011 legislative agenda to recommend to the Aging Services, Inc. Board of Directors.  Possible additions include use of civil monetary penalty funds (related to nursing home regulation) and property tax issues affecting nonprofit organizations.  

Business Connection
Updates from our Associate Members

From Right at Home
Medication Compliance Promotes Health and Independence

Discoveries of lifesaving medications that can halt or even reverse the progression of chronic diseases have dramatically changed the lives of millions of people for the better.  They live longer, more productive lives and are able to continue enjoying their independent lifestyles.

But for many seniors that means taking a complex schedule of prescription drugs every single day.  For their caregivers, it means the challenge of making sure that loved ones take their lifesaving medications as prescribed by their physicians.  entire article

Sandi Comer-Cooper:
scooper@rightathome-atl.net

From the McCart Group
Safety Alerts

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc., announced a voluntary recall of Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers more

Michael Nischan, CDS
michael.nischan@mccart.com

From zumBrunnen
Keeping Up with Repairs & Maintenance in Tough Times

Large, multi-site senior living organizations and small, single-site facilities alike have had to tighten their belts as they try to remain on an even keel. For many, declining revenues have resulted in delayed building repairs, deferred equipment replacements, and shelved maintenance innovations—any or all of which can cause even bigger problems down the road. So it’s important to keep up—even in tough times.

For those organizations that have put off repairs and maintenance, how do they catch up? If they need to invest money in a facility that needs a lot of work, where do they start? When they’re finally able to move on major renovations, what’s the best approach? Where are the pain points, and what are the remedies? entire article

Tom Doyen
tdoyen@zumbrunnen.com

Georgia Institute on Aging News

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Last Month's Events

Wednesday, June 23
Modern World 101
Center for Positive Aging

Upcoming Events

Wenesday, July 28
Fair Housing Symposium
Association Offices
Brochure & Registration

Emergency Preparedness Webinar Series-- PREPARE
August 3, 10, & 17
2-3 pm
Presented by Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging in Partnership with the Georgia Institute on Aging
Information
Registration

Wednesday-Thursday, August 25-26
Service Coordinators' Conference
Loudermilk Center, Atlanta

Greetings!  The 2010 Regional Service Coordinator Professionals Conference sponsored by the GA Institute on Aging Staff will be held on August 25-26, 2010 in Downtown Atlanta at the Loudermilk Center.  We trust you will experience two-days of exceptional and stimulating professional development programming specifically designed to meet your needs as a Service Coordinator. 

In addition to many fabulous topics and presenters, LaJoyce Peeples and Sue Barron I will present and are available to respond to your questions and provide clarification on issues regarding your grant requirements.

We encourage you to join us as the conference will qualify for up to 12 continuing education hours.   To review the full agenda and registration materials go to www.GeorgiaInstituteOnAging.org and click on upcoming events.  I know you will leave this conference rejuvenated and ready to create a culture of excellence for the residents you serve.
General Registration Brochure
AAHSA Member Affiliate Registration Brochure
Make Hotel Reservations
Sponsor Prospectus

Tuesday, September 21
Webinar 10 am
The Wait List is Over....Relationship Building and Selling Value are Essential!
Faith Ott, Sage Age

Wednesday, September 22
Activity Professionals Symposium
9:00 - 3:00
Association Offices

The second annual Activity Professionals Conference Theme “Activity for a Lifetime” is and exceptional way for you to network and share ideas with others involved in developing and carrying out activities in senior services settings and for those who want to learn more about creating meaningful activities in their organization.   In addition, you will receive updates on the new Assisted Living regulations as it relates to your work.  We look forward to seeing you on September 22nd.
Brochure and Registration

SAVE THE DATE
Sat., September 25, 2010 – Vegas Night 2010
Location:  Helene Mills Multi-purpose Senior Center

Prepare for a sensational networking event with your colleagues as we embark upon Vegas Night 2010 Benefit Fundraiser (all proceeds to fund the Georgia Institute on Aging educational events and scholarship program).

The center will be transformed with a chasing lighted archway for you, your friends and colleagues to come and play all the traditional games from your favorite Las Vegas experience.  All this is in an effort to make a difference for the Georgia Institute on Aging future programming.   The prizes are going to be fantastic!  Tickets for the evening affair includes:  chips to play games, tapas & spirits, and entry to the silent auction—all for only $25 per person.

This is a great way to treat your staff to a nice evening affair and to build your professional network.  In addition, you will make a difference in the advancement of quality care for older Georgians by ensuring the delivery of quality education for professional and paraprofessionals in the field of aging.   For information about tickets and sponsoring a game table for the event, please phone Jacque Thornton at 404-872-9191 ext. 19 or jthornton@agingservicesga.org.

Hope to see everyone there!!!

Friday, November 19
Webinar 10 am
Using Social Media to Benefit Your Community and Marketing Efforts
Faith Ott, Sage Age

MDS 3.0 Distance Learning Series
Now through November, 2010

In keeping with the success of previous highly-rated distance learning education offerings, Aging Services of Georgia has partnered with AOPHA and Plante & Moran to offer a series of affordable distance learning educational sessions about the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 which begins October 1. We are pleased to announce that eleven other AAHSA state affiliates have joined us in offering this excellent series to providers across the country.

Nine self-contained 90-minute sessions remain designed to build on one another and fit the needs of all disciplines involved in the assessment process. The team can hear and see the same information at the same time via audio format; no travel expenses and continuing education certificates are sent to your office. Jane Belt, MS, RN, RAC-MT, Consulting Manager, Plante & Moran, PLLC, Columbus, is the series speaker.

Registration information -including multiple session discounted rates - is available at www.agingservicesga.org under “Upcoming Events link” on the front page. Your contact is Jacque Thornton at jthornton@agingservicesga.org or (404) 872-9191, ext. 19.  To register, simply fax your registration to Susan Watkins at the Georgia Institute on Aging office at 404-872-1737 (FAX) or email the scanned registration form to her at swatkins@agingservicesga.org.

SCHEDULE
Please note that each remaining event is scheduled for 1- 2:30 p.m. ET; intended audience included below:

• July 8: Bladder and Bowel (Nursing)
• July 27: Driving Restorative Programming (Nursing, Dining, Therapy)
• August 3: The New Approach to Skin (Nursing)
• August 17: Wrapping up the Assessment (IDT: Nursing, Therapy, Social Services, Activities, Dining Services)
• September 8: Working the CAAs (IDT: Nursing, Therapy, Social Services, Activities, Dining Services)
• September 21: Up to Speed with RUGs IV (IDT: Nursing, Therapy, Social Services, Activities, Dining Services; CPAs, accounting staff)
• November 9: Q&A Catch Up (IDT: Nursing, Therapy, Social Services, Activities, Dining Services)
  
  Registration Form
  

Culture Change Network

Culture Change Connection™

E-newsletter will be out the middle of each month!  Go to the Culture Change Network of Georgia Web site to sign up and refer to past issues!

Nurse Competencies for Culture Change Released

The Pioneer Network announced that a two-year initiative with the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, in collaboration with the Coalition of Geriatric Nursing Organizations and the Pioneer Network, has ended with the release of “Nursing Competencies for Nursing Home Culture Change”. The document offers 10 competencies deemed most relevant and critical for creating and sustaining person-directed care. The initiative was supported by the Commonwealth Fund. To view the 10 competencies please go to http://www.pioneernetwork.net/Providers/ForNurses/

Culture Change Symposia to be held in North and South Georgia

The state ombudsman program in cooperation with the Culture Change Network of Georgia (GA Council on Aging and UGA) is planning one-day culture change symposia in Athens and Valdosta on September 8 and 10.  We are working on the program content and locations – information will be out in the next couple of weeks.  If you are close to these areas, please hold these dates until we know for sure which location will be which date. 
Registration is FREE and space is limited to 180 attendees. 

3rd Annual Georgia Culture Change Summit

Remember to PROTECT October 14th, the 3rd Annual Georgia Culture Change Summit in Atlanta (Registration scholarships will be available for this event via a grant from HealthCare Research, Inc.)

Three-Part DVD series provided to every nursing home in Georgia

“Many Paths to Person-Centered Care: A Three-Part Introduction and Exploration of Culture Change” was distributed to all nursing home in Georgia this week.  Thanks to the generous support of Healthcare Research, Inc., for making this series and training materials available.
See www.culturechangega.org for more information.

Center for Positive Aging

Modern World 101

On June 23rd, the Center for Positive Aging presented its first Modern World 101 Program – a program that has been in the works for some time now.  The Modern World 101 program, which is geared towards grandparents who are either raising their grandchildren or simply those who are actively involved in their grandchildren’s lives, covers topics such as discipline, schoolwork, building relationships, technology, and finance. 

The new program attracted a rather large turnout with about 30 participants from the Atlanta community taking part in the session.  The financial piece proved particularly powerful, teaching participants ways to save for the future, as well as how to teach their grandchildren to save for their futures as well.

If you are interested in attending a Modern World 101 session, please visit the Center for Positive Aging Web site for future program dates.  We hope to see you there!

News Throughout the Continuum

CCRC's

From Moore Stephens Lovelace PA
Important Financial Reporting Issues For Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)

In the last few years there have been actions taken by Federal regulators that require the management of CCRCs to make some important decisions.        

In 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) required a publicly traded CCRC development and management company to restate their financial statements and report all refundable amounts due to residents as a current liability.  Current accounting practice calls for these refundable amounts to be recorded as long-term liabilities. entire article

For more information contact DeDe Nichols
Moore Stephens Lovelace PA
www.mslcpa.com

Home and Community Based Services
(Adult Day Services, Hospice, Home Health)

Change in Filing of Claims for Home Health

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released information for providers who submit claims to Medicare contractors (such as home health) noting that, as a result of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), claims with dates of service on/or after Jan. 1, 2010, received later than one calendar year beyond the date of service will be denied by Medicare.
Read more about claims

New Hospice, End-of-Life Laws Put Colorado at the Forefront of Care

The Colorado State Legislature has rewritten the state’s Living Will Act so that it will now apply to those who are in a persistent vegetative as a result of traumatic brain injury or terminal illness. The legislature also enacted a standard “medical orders” form, which will relay a patient’s desire for resuscitation, artificial nutrition or antibiotics when he or she is transferred from a long-term to an acute care facility. Colorado law now also requires insurance companies to cover hospice care when a patient has nine months to live, three months before the previous requirement. Source: (The Denver Post, 6/3)

Senior Hunger in U.S.

Two studies that MOWAA had commissioned on the topic of senior hunger in the United States provides background information on the challenges that our MOW programs face now and even more so in the future.

2008 Study: The Causes, Consequences and Future of Senior Hunger in America

2009 Study: Senior Hunger in the United States: Differences across States and Rural and Urban Areas

Affordable Housing

Culture Change in Affordable Housing

A group of HUD colleagues from several states are working with members of the Culture Change Network of Georgia on a new “instrument” to begin the dialogue of Culture Change in Affordable Housing.  “Instrumenting Culture Change in Affordable Housing” will be available in September with a webinar explaining the project.  Affordable housing members in Georgia will be the first to use this new tool to think about how culture change is reflected in affordable housing settings.
Categories to looking at culture change in affordable housing will included:
1.  Values-Driven Leadership – vision; recognize it takes the willingness to change policies, systems and practices; transfer of knowledge into practice

2.  Workplace Practices – practices that affect a culture focusing on staff involvement, growth and retention (continuous learning environment); quality of life, relationships and community

3.  Community & Resident-Directed Life – Ways to restore to elders as much control, choice and normalcy as possible to live life in a true home-like setting; embrace and draw all staff and family members (and others) into a shared partnership of supporting and caring for the resident

4.  Physical Environment – create a meaningful relationship between the person and her/his living environment

Advanced Guidance Issued for Choice Neighborhoods

On May 21, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) posted the Choice Neighborhoods fiscal 2010 notice of funding availability (NOFA) pre-notice. This document provides advance information and guidance to potential applicants about the competitive application process before the actual NOFA is published this summer. Click here for more.

Assisted Living

Report Released on Quality Long-Term Services and Supports

A new brief from the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) summarizes the current publicly funded long-term services and supports environment and the barriers to rebalancing resources between residential and community-based services. The brief is part of a new CHCS series developed to help state and federal policymakers identify high-quality and cost-effective strategies for organizing, financing, and delivering long-term services and supports. Click here for more.

Nursing Care

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

Aging Services of Georgia healthcare/nursing home members remember to access the latest LIFElines publication. 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. Please contact Susan Watkins if you are not getting this publication. Any other Aging Services of Georgia member is welcomed to receive this publication – just contact swatkins@agingservicesga.org.

Topics in the June 15 issue

Of Course You Have an Elopement Prevention Program…
But is it Effective Enough?

and June 30 issue

Water, Water Everywhere…Is it enough?

AAHSA Endorses Bill to Review the Nursing Home Survey System

Nursing Homes RUGs IV Payment System - What Is Going On?

Five-Star Quality Rating System - June News

CMS proposes reduction in Part B therapy Rates as of 1/1/2011

AGING SERVICES VACANCY REPORT

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

Career Opportunities

Lenbrook, Atlanta
Admission & Social Services Coordinator

St. Georgia Village, Roswell
Resident Services Manager

Lanier Village Estates Continuing Care Retirement Community, Gainesville
Care Plan Coordinator

The Habitat Company, Atlanta
Activity Coordinator

Carlyle Place, Macon, GA
Executive Director

GA Division of Aging Services
Health & Welness Coordinator

Brandon Wilde Life Care Community, Evans, GA
Director of Nursing

 

AAHSA Information

Recognize Your Rising Nurse Star

Submit your nomination for the 5th Annual Joan Anne McHugh Award for Leadership in longterm care nursing. The award recognizes aspiring nurse leaders who provide excellent clinical care to their residents, while demonstrating a commitment to the field of long-term care nursing. The recipient will receive a cash award to further their professional and leadership development and will be recognized at AAHSA's 2010 Annual Meeting. Nurses working for AAHSA member organizations and meeting other eligibility criteria may be nominated. Download the nomination brochure for complete details on the award criteria and nomination process. All entries must be postmarked by July 16.

New Health Reform Resources Available

The AAHSA Health Reform Hub was recently updated with new videos from AAHSA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Check out how the new health reform law affects nursing home transparency, home and community-based services, the Elder Justice Act, small businesses, and Medicare. You'll also find audio recordings from our various Health Reform Tele-Town Hall events.

AAHSA Homecoming Week a Success

Over the past week, hundreds of AAHSA members across the country hosted events focused on the future of aging in their communities. Thanks to all of you who hosted events ranging from fashion shows to community forums. Check out AAHSA’s online photo album to see photos from several homecoming celebrations Their Future of Aging blog also features information about these events. It's not too late to share your Homecoming Week memories. Let them know if you have stories or pictures to share.