Jurgen Ahlers delivered an exciting and thought provoking presentation entitled Radical Hospitality at our Winter Luncheon at Trinity Presbyterian Chruch.

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

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

Seth Strongin, CPA

Canterbury Court

Presbyterian Village

Presbyterian Homes of Georgia

THW Design

AAHSA
http://www.aahsa.org

Keep Up with the Quality First Program

Aging Services of Georgia is the statewide association of over 150 key not-for-profit and other mission-focused organizations dedicated to providing quality housing, health care, community-based and other related services for older Georgians. The mission of Aging Services of Georgia is to represent and promote the common interests of its members through leadership, advocacy, education and other services in order to enhance each member's ability to serve older Georgians

Inside Your Association -- Aging Services of Georgia

The response rate has been outstanding! Please fax your registration ASAP if you plan to attend. Already we have had to add hotel rooms to our block twice. The deadline for the group rates at the Marriott is March 9, 2009 (see Attendee Brochure for details)

Don’t Miss this Opportunity!
Make Plans to Join Us in Augusta

Hear singer/songwriters Laura Berman and Craig Benelli performed the commissioned theme song, “Changing Lives,” and other inspirational music throughout the conference. 

Hear the theme song now.

Update on the Center for Positive Aging

How can Georgians sort through the maze of services available to aging persons and find quality providers and other resources? The Center for Positive Aging is working hard to become the trusted source aging persons and their families can turn to throughout Georgia.

The Center is undergoing an exciting expansion, in its new relationship with Aging Services of Georgia. The board and staff are making great progress in a plan for “connecting people to the resources they need” statewide. A key part of this plan is revamping the Center’s Web site, to help people understand the types of services available, and locate the quality providers in their communities. The Center envisions each of the 150 Aging Services of Georgia member providers serving as local “centers for positive aging” in the communities they serve. Each center will offer the community its expertise on aging issues, hosting educational programs and opportunities for consumers.

As the Center expands, it will continue to promote positive aging, through a cultivation of healthy mind, body and spirit, and continue to rely on the support of individuals, congregations, and other community organizations. Watch for future updates as we grow!

Salary/Benefits Survey Time!!!!

The Salary/Benefits Survey is open for all provider members to participate (Feb. 16- March 16, 2009).  Simply go to https://survey.gahsa.org/  and enter your user i.d. that was mailed to the administrator and use the temporary default password survey to get started. 

Please review the Helpful Tips by clicking here.

Most of the calls we've received for technical assistance thus far, can be resolved using Helpful Tips guide.  Primarily, members are forgetting to click the save data button after each section and then the submit section button prior to trying to submit the entire survey. 

Please remember, your participation matters!  Members need this data to stay competitive in our field and to justify their budgets annually.  So the time in is well worth the results.  Those who participate by entering their data will receive the annual report for FREE!!!  Also, your organziation will be entered in the following drawings as a incentive for your participation:

• Complimentary registration to the AAHSA Annual Meeting and Trade Exposition (November 9-12, 2009 in Chicago, IL)
• $100 VISA or American Express Gift Card
• 2 Night Hotel Stay at a Premier Hotel
• A chance to win a Catered Breakfast for up to 25 staff members
• A chance to win dining, Starbucks, Kroger, and cinema gift cards

So let’s get started and know that we have a team of qualified volunteers to help you if you need us:

• Susan Watkins (swatkins@agingservicesga.org) – Adult Day Services
• Jacque Thornton (jthornton@agingservicesga.org) – Corporations
• Tom Downs (TomDowns@canterburyccrc.org) – Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
• Jean Wright (JeanWright@clairmontoaks.org) – Affordable Housing
• Bonny Robichaud (BRobichaud@srconn.org) – Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
• Erin Davis (erin.davis@emoryhealthcare.org) – Multi-Accomodations Communities
• Gwen Hardy (ghardy@phgainc.org) – Market Rate & Assisted Living Communities

Aging Services of Georgia Awards
DEADLINE THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 6

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.

Culture Change THROUGHOUT the Continuum of Aging Services

The Culture Change Network of Georgia is making plans for 2009.  Last February, Aging Services of Georgia began spearheading the development of the state culture change initiative.  As you know, culture change is the movement to transform older adult services based on person-centered values and practices, where the voices of elders and those working with them are honored and respected.

Georgia is the 31st state to kick-off a statewide coalition/network of people and organizations interested in focusing on culture change.  Georgia is receiving national attention because we are intentionally focusing on promoting and fostering culture change in all settings where aging services are delivered.  To date, the majority of national and international culture change efforts have focused primarily on de-institutionalizing only nursing homes.

We are unique in that we are starting the Culture Change Network of Georgia with the philosophy that culture change, and the values and principles of person-centered and person-directed services and care, are applicable, “translatable” and imperative to improving the quality of life for older adults in all settings!

This applies to Adult Day Services, Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), Assisted Living, Independent Living Units (ILU-HUD and NON-HUD), Multi-Levels of Accommodations (MLA), Hospice, Hospital Care, Developmental Disabilities…  Even architects, designers, city planners, and academics.

All of these settings can be “institutional” – even providing care in someone’s home can be “institutional” if the person does not come first.  If it’s all about “care” and not about the PERSON, then it is institutional.  Creating HOME and de-institutionalizing “the way things have always been done” involves building relationships, knowing each person, putting the person before the task, and empowering with choices and “control” over daily life.

The Culture Change Network of Georgia is housed at the Georgia Institute on Aging.  This provides the opportunity to open up participation and educational opportunities to everyone, including aging services providers who are not members of Aging Services of Georgia.  It also gives us a chance to apply for grants and other funding to advance this significant work in Georgia. 

Many of you have already met Kim McRae, who is the coordinator of the Culture Change Network, and has led us in a tremendous first year of development and success. 

In year one, we have been working to:

• define culture change
• increase awareness
• educate
• share ideas
• highlight programs and promising practices that can be replicated in the field of aging services throughout the state

As the clearinghouse of organizations and providers working on person-centered care in multiple care settings, we are committed to build common knowledge, support, commitment and relationships among those represented, and coordinate with other existing groups that have similar goals and interests.

THIS WEEK, the Culture Change Network of Georgia is participating in a series of webinars, Creating Home: Pioneer Network's Small House, that is open to anyone in the field of aging as well as those in other related health and social service areas who embrace small houses and smaller environments as ways to create home for those needing long-term care. Webinars are March 5, 12, 19.  If you are in Atlanta, we are convening a “Group Listening” hosted at the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in Atlanta and sponsored by gmcf.  You may also register directly (on the flyer) for your organization to participate.  Press Release, Flyer, Registration form for Group Listening in Atlanta

COMING UP -- SAVE THE DATES

April 29th in Atlanta, A Tale of Transformation, the process of organizations moving into person-centered care.

October 15th in Atlanta, The 2nd Annual Culture Change Summit .

We will be introducing the Culture Change Connection, a resource to disseminate information to anyone interested in culture change.  This will be in addition to our Web site and our newsletter. 

See www.culturechangega.org or visit the new Institute site, and click on the Culture Change medallion www.georgiainstituteonaging.org.    

Understanding Alzheimer's Disease
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Georgia Perimeter College; Clarkston Campus

$59 (bring your own lunch)
to register: go to http://www.gpc.edu/ce or call 678-891-3000

General Notes of Interest

Stretch Your Dollars in this Tight Economy

With the current challenging economic environment, it’s important you secure every dollar you can for those you serve. Use the Aging Services of Georgia/AAHSA and MedAssets Group Purchasing Program to save on thousands of products and services. Send us your spending report, and we’ll tell you how our program compares to your current pricing. Click here for more information. 

Fraud Alert

If your organization has registered with Grants.gov. there is a fraud alert you need be know about. If you receive letters or telephone calls claiming to be from the Department of Transportation and concerning Central Contractor Registry (CCR) registration, do not respond. Do not provide your DUNS number or trading partner identification number (TPIN). Contact CCR immediately if you believe your TPIN has been compromised.

HUD's Web site says that some companies who complied with the fraudulent requests have suffered financial loss. The DOT Office of Inspector General is working with Secret Service to handle these issues. CCR is also aware of the problem.

For Further Information:Visit www.hud.gov/grants/index.cfm.

Federal Stimulus Bill Provisions Announced

As most of you know, President Obama signed the The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. AAHSA has summarized the parts of the bill that will affect aging services. There are funds available for Housing and Technology as well as increases for federal Medicaid match funds to states. Much is still to be decided including how the money will be distributed to states, etc. Please click here  http://www.tahsa.org/html/ARRA%20provisions.pdf to see the major aging services provisions. AAHSA will do more analysis to see how members can potentially benefit from the stimulus bill.

The "How" and "Why" of Assessing Community Need

Community needs assessment is an ideal way for aging services providers to demonstrate social accountability and target essential service needs. A new AAHSA white paper from Holleran - Assessing Community Needs: Going Outside the Walls of Your Community - explains the primary benefits of needs assessments. The paper explains the "nuts and bolts" of how to conduct a needs assessment, as well as how to use the information you collect. The white paper concludes, "In the end, you will find that community needs assessment isn't merely a defense of your not-for-profit status. It's simply the right, socially responsible thing to do." The white paper is available for free download on AAHSA's Web site: www.aahsa.org. Search for: "White Paper" "Assessing Community Need".

New Tax Form 990: More Information from the IRS

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) posted the transcript of its Nov. 4, 2008, program, Preparing to File the NewForm 990, along with frequently asked questions and other materials.  http://lmpdg.net/ttt/docs/tr1108.doc

Additional Funding Provided for Digital TV Conversion

Earlier this month Congress approved, and the President signed into law, a delay in the shift from analog to digital television signals. While some broadcasters went ahead and made the switch on Feb.17, the original date of transition, most will wait until the new deadline--June 12. A TV Converter Box Coupon Program had been established to assist those who would otherwise lose their TV signal upon transition to digital without a converter box.

The program, however, had run out of funds until an additional $650 million was included in the economic stimulus bill signed by the President. Residents of nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, and assisted living settings are eligible for the coupon program and can access the application here . Additional information on this program is available on their Web site at https://www.dtv2009.gov/

Preparedness Resources for Facilities

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created a new webpage that provides all-hazards resources intended for individuals at healthcare facilities tasked with ensuring that their facility is as prepared as possible for an emergency. The healthcare facilities targeted by this page include hospitals, long-term acute and chronic care facilities, outpatient clinics and urgent care facilities, physicians' offices, and pediatric offices and hospitals. http://emergency.cdc.gov/healthcare/

Multilingual Documents/Resources

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) Superheroes Web site provides Spanish-speakers with:
• Tips on ways to stay healthy and talking with their doctor,
• Recommendations on preventive testing,
• Help in understanding prescriptions,
• A glossary of medical terms, and
• Links to other resources that provide health information.

The Web site is part of a public service campaign that urges Hispanics to stay healthy for their loved ones by visiting their doctor for regular screenings. AHRQ developed this campaign with the Ad Council based on research on what messages Hispanics respond to. The Spanish-language campaign features everyday mothers and fathers whose children see them as superheroes and encourages Hispanic adults to be more involved in their health care, especially preventive care. Visit the Superheroes site at: http://www.ahrq.gov/superheroes/

Study: Health Information Technology Improves Patient Care

A study undertaken by researchers at Johns Hopkins University shows that clinical information technology improves hospital medicine. The study, published in the January 26 Archives of Internal Medicine evaluated 41 hospitals in Texas, comparing the levels of automation at the different facilities with different measures of patient care. The researchers collected data from the participating facilities from December 1, 2005 through May 30, 2006.

The study shows that when facilities had a higher level of automation, they also had lower mortality rates, costs, and complications. The study evaluated automation on a few levels: automated notes and records, order entry, and clinical decision support. The study, which is one of the few of its type, makes valid the notion that health information technology on a large scale does improve patient care.
Source: Patient Safety Monitor

Free State of Seniors Housing 2009 Report

If you receive a State of Seniors Housing survey, complete it and return it by the March 16 deadline, you will receive a free copy of the report. AAHSA is collaborating on this survey with other stakeholder organizations because the financial performance data disseminated in the report can be invaluable for you to compare to your own operations. The survey is done with complete confidentiality and results are presented only in the aggregate. For more information contact: Steve Maag, smaag@aahsa.org, (202) 508-9498.

Ethical Pay Rates

This new Quality First guideline will help make sure your organization is not violating requirements for its tax status through its compensation packages. Go towww.aahsa.org/article.aspx?id=6164 for the article.

New HHS Web Site

HHS has launched a new health information privacy Web site. The site contains a host of new content, including:

• Summary of the privacy rule
• Guidance on significant aspects of the privacy rule
• Fast facts for covered entities
• Provider guide: Communicating with a patient's family, friends, or other persons identified by the patient
• Guidance on the application of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and HIPAA to student health records
• Frequently asked questions about family medical history information
• Sample business associate agreement
• Information on misleading marketing claims

It also gives a succinct summary of the HIPAA privacy rule, 
including who the rule covers, what information it protects, and how covered entities may use and disclose PHI. Visit the HHS’s new health information privacy Web site.

Fact Sheet on Direct-Care Workers

Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute (PHI) released a fact sheet called Who Are Direct-Care Workers (pdf). The fact sheet details the demographic, employment, and income characteristics of direct care workers.

Public Policy Update

From Tom Bauer, Legislative Counsel

2009 GENERAL ASSEMBLY
PASSES HALFWAY POINT

As of the end of February the 2009 Georgia General Assembly has completed 24 of its 40 legislative days.  Legislators have been meeting in three day weeks and are scheduled to do so through March 25, leaving five days to complete the state budget.  This unusual schedule was adopted in order to leave sufficient time to receive funds and/or evaluate the impact of the federal stimulus package (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) on Georgia’s $2 billion plus budget deficit.

The pace of the session has continued to be slow with far fewer bills than usual being considered to this point; two notable exceptions have been passage of a property tax assessment freeze and consideration of Georgia Power legislation to allow advanced rate increases to fund new nuclear power facilities.
 
The session has continued to be dominated by discussion of the state budget, which is experiencing a deficit which- due to further reductions in state revenue collections due to the deepening recession- has increased from the $2 billion mark to $2.5 billion since the General Assembly convened, and consideration of a constructional amendment to limit property tax assessment increases to 3% per year. 

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

State Budget

The House has just approved its version of the amended current budget (the FY ’09 Supplemental).  Although, as noted below, Georgia will soon be receiving significant amounts of federal funds for Medicaid, the effect of these funds will not be felt until the FY ’10 budget.  For now most of the expected cuts in senior services in the FY ’09 appear to be on their way to fruition, including:

• Elimination of public guardianship ($327,880)
• Reductions in Alzheimer’s respite services ($190,281-the governor had recommended a $415, 281 reduction)
• Postponement of adult day center licensing
• Elimination and reductions in Wellness programs (almost $1 million)
• Deferment of Nutritional Services Incentive services ($783,750- the governor had recommended a cut of $1.04 million)
• Discontinuation of Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities ($550,000)

The state is expecting $1.7 billion in federal Medicaid and $3.2 million for Elderly Nutrition and $2.6 million for community services for Older Americans.  These funds should help alleviate some of the projected shortages in the FY ’10 budget; however, the governor is also expected to amend (reduce) his previous revenue estimate for FY ’10.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

The Aging Services CCRC task force has been refining legislation to update the Georgia law regulating CCRCs.  Staff and task force members have been discussing a draft bill with the Department of Insurance and with Rep. Tom Knox, chairman of the House Insurance Committee.  Aging Services expects to introduce a bill prior to the March 25 scheduled break, with the intent to foster discussion over the interim between General Assembly sessions. 

Other Legislation

HB 228, the governor’s legislation to reorganize state government in the delivery of human services is still in the House Appropriations Committee, being considered by a special governance subcommittee.  It should be voted out soon in order to meet “crossover day” (30th legislative day), by which bills must pass from one chamber to the other.  The basics of HB 228 (Butler) are:

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

Business Connection
Updates from our Associate Members

Who’s Online Today? Why Should We Care?

Did you know that 60 percent of our target audience who is online uses search engines, making it their No. 1 online activity? And, 70 percent of their kids are online and are heavy Internet and search users as well. By definition, search engine visibility is how well a Web site ranks on the results pages of a search engine. That visibility enables prospective residents and their families to find the Web site. Ignoring it means potentially losing the opportunity to reach 80 percent of people looking for senior living options in a given area. (full article)

Housing Finance Magazine's Top Lenders List

AAHSA business firm Lancaster Pollard has again been named to Affordable Housing Finance Magazine's Top Lenders list. The firm ranks #16 in the nation in 2008, up from #19 in 2007. (full article)

Georgia Institute on Aging News

Last Month's Events

Winter Luncheon Review - Feb. 10th

Enlightening, engaging, dynamic….are among the many reviews of Jurgen Ahlers’ presentation on Radical Hospitality!  Jurgen’s moving message reminds us that true customer service delivery stems from our core values and commitment to exercise the Golden Rule.  Moreover, Jurgen touched our emotions in a unique way to reach the heart, mind and spirit of our constituents, residents, clients and staff by delivering person centered care in every human interaction—That’s Radical Hospitality! 

He reminded us that older adults have the same needs (purpose, engaging communication, spirited conversation, companionship, and the genuine pursuit of happiness) whether cognitive or lucid.

The event was attended by 180 members.  A very special thanks to the staff at Trinity Presbyterian Church for hosting this wonderful event.

Wednesday, February 11
AgingServicesNEXT

We kicked 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 began February 11, 2009.  Peers from across the state will attend this five part series to examine proven tactics to help their organizations achieve the next stage of success.

Upcoming Events

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.

Thursday, March 5, 12, & 19
Creating Home: Pioneer Network's Small House Webinar Series

Pioneer Network is presenting a three-part webinar series entitled Creating Home: A Small House which will explore topics related to smaller environments for older adults sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Click here for a press release and flyer.

The Culture Change Network of Georgia is providing a venue in which to join in these webinars as part of a group. This valuable networking opportunity is being hosted by the Alzheimer's Association, Georgia Chapter. Click here for detail and registration form.

Wednesday & Thursday, March 18 & 19
Coaching Supervision:

Skills for Supervisors in Home & Residential Care
Aging Services of GA Offices
Flyer & Registration Form

Tuesday, March 24
Budget Strategies & Planning for Affordable Housing

Flyer & Registration Form

Monday, March 9 and Monday, March 16
PEARLS Case Conferences

(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.

March 30 -- April 1
2009 Annual Conference

The response rate is outstanding! Please fax your registration ASAP if you plan to attend. Already we have had to add hotel rooms to our block twice. The deadline for the group rates at the Marriott is March 9, 2009 (see Attendee Brochure for details)

Exhibitor Prospectus

Don’t Miss this Opportunity!
Make Plans to Join Us in Augusta
Annual Conference2009 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!

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.

May 12, 2009 SAVE THE DATE
First Annual Activity Professionals Symposium
(details to follow)

May 19, 2008 SAVE THE DATE
Spring Quarterly Lunch and Learn
Atlanta Technical College

Afternoon professional concurrent forums (details to follow)
Sponsor: Senior TV

COLLAGE -- Postponed (date and location to be announced)

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."

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!

Organizational/
Board Development

Good Governance Practices For 501(c)(3) Organizations

The Internal Revenue Service believes that governing boards should be composed of persons who are informed and active in overseeing a charity’s operations and finances. If a governing board tolerates a climate of secrecy or neglect, charitable assets are more likely to be used to advance an impermissible private interest. Successful governing boards include individuals, not only knowledgeable and passionate about the organization’s programs, but also those with expertise in critical areas involving accounting, finance, compensation, and ethics.

(full article)

News Throughout the Continuum

Affordable Housing  

Senior Housing Sector Outlook & Trends for 2009

Want to know what we think are going to be senior housing trends in 2009? We looked into the magic crystal ball and here is a preview of 10 topics and issues that likely will be hot in 2009. (full article)

Assisted Living

National Salary Study for Assisted Living Available

The 2008-2009 Assisted Living Salary & Benefits Report, published by Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS) is now available. The Report includes county breakouts for each job, in addition to state and national data. The 220-page Report is available to non-participants for $295. Members may order through the Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service Web site at www.hhcsinc.com or by calling HCS at (201) 405-0075.

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

AAHSA’s Savings & Solutions Center Here to Assist HCBS

In an effort to address the growing economic concerns of our members, AAHSA has implemented the Savings & Solutions Center. The Service and Saving Center has been created to assist members in finding avenues to save money and streamline purchasing. Recognizing that many of our members may be unfamiliar with our money savings programs or may not have the available resources to fully explore and access potential savings, we have organized a team of program experts who can advise you on the contracts and services that would most benefit your organization. AAHSA has expanded its programs so that it suits a broader range of provider needs— including the needs of our HCBS community. To learn about the range of services offered through AAHSA Savings & Solutions Center and our money savings programs, click here.

Children Can Improve Wellness for Older Adults in Adult Day
Services Programs

Produced and released by Heritage Day Health Centers, an organization that recently merged with National Church Residences in Central Ohio, this video demonstrates the benefits of mixing generations in adult day services. Intergenerational programs can reduce anxiety and depression for adult day participants. This type of video is also a fantastic marketing and fundraising tool for adult day providers. Click here for more information.

Publication on Medicare Billing for Home Health Released

"Medicare Billing Information for Rural Providers, Suppliers, and Physicians" (revised October 2008), which consists of charts that provide Medicare billing information for home health agencies, is now available in print format from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Learning Network. Click here for more
information.  http://www.aahsa.org/article.aspx?id=6576

AAHSA Launches New Hospice Listserv

AAHSA recently started a hospice listserv so that members could ask questions, share best practices and come together as advocates for better hospice regulations and reimbursement. Click here to join this listserv today. http://www.aahsa.org/listserv.aspx

Nursing Care

Nursing Home Five-Star Rating System Updated

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reported that the five-star rating system posted on the Nursing Home Compare Web site was updated on Jan. 22 with two months of data and the quarterly update of the quality measures. The next monthly update will be on Feb. 26.

Providers will continue to receive preview information for their facilities through February and March. The help line will be in place for one week before and after the postings. The help line number will remain the same: (800) 839-9290. AAHSA has revised our analysis of state and type of ownership rankings, consistent with the CMS update. Click here for more information.   http://www.aahsa.org/article.aspx?id=7002

Skin Monitoring: It Only Takes a Minute…

Catching the early signs of a pressure ulcer can help you take action that will prevent them from forming. Training all your staff to be alert to these signs and to report them quickly is a pivotal step in this process.
CNA staff are your front line defense against pressure ulcer formation. Praise and reward them when they report any changes to the person’s skin such as bruising, tears, rashes, swelling, excessive dryness or abnormal temperature. (full article)

“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.

CCRC

IRS Rules on Refundable Entrance Fees

In connection with an audit of tax-exempt revenue bonds issued by the Montana Facility Finance Authority in 2002 for the expansion of the Mission Ridge Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) owned by Missions United, Inc., the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) claims that refundable entrance fees are technically replacement proceeds and therefore subject to yield restriction.

A standard practice of CCRCs is to require a refundable entrance fee to be deposited with the organization upon a resident's admission to the facility. These entrance fees (or a portion thereof) are then returned to the resident or his estate upon leaving the facility or death. Most commonly, entrance fees are utilized for capital replacement costs and are not specifically pledged as security for bonds nor are they deposited or commingled with bond related trust accounts.

Whether or not moneys are specifically pledged as security for the bonds, if moneys have "a sufficiently direct nexus to the [bonds] or to the governmental purpose of the [bonds] to conclude that the amounts would have been used for that governmental purpose if the proceeds of the [bonds] were not used or to be used for that governmental purpose" they will be classified as "replacement proceeds" of the bonds and the investment of those moneys must be restricted so as not to exceed the yield of the bonds (yield restriction).

Pursuant to the notice of proposed issue (NOPI) released in connection with the Mission Ridge audit, the IRS stated that a bondholder could reasonably anticipate that the entrance fees would be available to pay debt service on the bonds if needed. Under this logic, the entrance fees constituted replacement proceeds subject to yield restriction.
Since investment earnings associated with the entrance fees had not been yield restricted, the IRS concluded that the bonds were arbitrage bonds and taxable. Missions United disagrees and is in continued discussions with the IRS.

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

Tech Notes from TechBridge

Do you have a firewall? Is it optimized for peak performance? Why does your firewall need care? Here are some tips from TechBridge on keeping your network running smoothly!

Keep Your Firewall in Tune

Tuning a firewall is just like bringing your car in for a tune up. As with your car, a tune up of a firewall is necessary because you will:

• Extend its life,
• Certify that it is running properly,
• Ensure the firewall is still promoting the secure environment to your organization, as it was designed and implemented for,
• Optimize its operation and services,
• Perform any necessary upgrades, and
• Make sure all the firewall components are still functioning and interacting with each other.

By periodically performing a tune-up in your firewall you will be able to fairly evaluate the load your firewall is taking and/or is capable of bearing and anticipate future problems or issues.

Check with your IT provider to see if your firewall is being properly maintained. For inquiries, contact TechBridge at (404) 879-5406 and ask about our Managed Services offering or visit us at http://www.techbridge.org

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 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.