Service Coordinators enjoying their Conference at Wyndham Peachtree Conference Center August 26 & 27
In this Issue
Inside Your Association -- Aging Services of Georgia
Business Connection
Updates from Our Associate Members
Center News
Organization/Board Development
News Throughout
the Continuum:
GIA Partners
Occupied
Renovations
Cornerstone
Senior Living
Moore Stephens Lovelace, P.A.
GIA Supporters
Ziegler Capital
Markets Group
Mauldin & Jenkins
LW Consulting, Inc.
Guest Services
Dixon Hughes
Pfizer
GIA Friends
The Law Offices of Williams & Edelstein
GIA Contributors
HVAC Services
Kings Bridge Retirement Center
Canterbury Court
Presbyterian Village
Presbyterian Homes of Georgia
THW Design
AAHSA
http://www.aahsa.org
Keep Up with the Quality First Program
Aging Services of Georgia is the statewide association of over 150 key not-for-profit and other mission-focused organizations dedicated to providing quality housing, health care, community-based and other related services for older Georgians. The mission of Aging Services of Georgia is to represent and promote the common interests of its members through leadership, advocacy, education and other services in order to enhance each member's ability to serve older Georgians
Inside Your Association -- Aging Services of Georgia
Georgia Institute on Aging and Center for Positive Aging fundraising events
Casino Night is scheduled for Saturday evening September 26th – this is a great time to have fun and win prizes while supporting the Institute. Our annual silent auction and CASH raffle is a part of this event as well. See more information below in the Institute section.
Likewise the annual golf event for the Center is scheduled Monday morning, October 12th – we need golfers for this event! See information below in the Center section.
CLINT IS BACK!
After Clint Maun’s presentations at our annual conference, members enthusiastically requested to bring him back to Georgia. SO, on October 1st as a part of our fall quarterly luncheon, CCRC and Adult Day Symposium events, CLINT will be back in Georgia.
Please plan to bring your staff – especially ones who did not get to hear him in April. His new presentation, Yes YOU Can! is invigorating and will bolster hope, focus and commitment for staff during these trying times. Aging services is in a period of great change – including turmoil and pressure. Organizations need simple, yet specific, techniques and innovative strategies to survive and prosper.
During this high-energy session the participants will be exposed to new ideas so they can:
- Focus on the important issues facing healthcare now and in the future.
- Adapt to change and lead change initiatives
- Mobilize an effective/efficient team approach.
- Handle negative attitudes and influences (within themselves and others).
- Plan and implement simple solutions to grasp the future and produce positive change in themselves, the organizations and others.
- Communicate positive self-esteem about their career in healthcare/housing.
- Determine how existing systems/relationships need to be transformed..
This session promises to be uplifting and motivational. It will utilize case study, invigorating lecture, group discussion, historical examples and professional trends to empower participants toward positive action they can immediately put to use in their service areas. This is for staff in all positions throughout your organization. Registration Brochure
SHAREpoint is here!
This is our new tool for connecting members – opportunities for members to interact, share documents and post information. We will send details throughout the fall to begin connecting you to your colleagues.
2010 AAHSA Dues Preparation
As you know, AAHSA dues are figured via a millage rate system. In order to calculate your dues for 2010, please complete the 2010 AAHSA dues form with your most current program service revenue. Please complete the form and return to the association office no later than September 25, 2009. Please contact Susan Watkins at as needed. Click here for the AAHSA Milage Rates posted under For Members.
Coaching Supervision: Skills for Supervisors in Aging Services a HUGE SUCCESS!
This 2-day training has been very successful. The next event is at Carlyle Place in Macon, September 24-25 – a great chance for members in south and coastal Georgia to participate. Because we had such a good response, we have added another training at the association office on October 22-23. See this and other registrations here.
Georgia Night
Georgia Night at the aahsa conference is scheduled for Sunday evening, November 8th, at Quartino’s from 6-9 pm. The registration form is available here.
New Member
SarahCare of Snellville (Adult Day Service)
Aysha Cooper
678-608-5829
acooper@sarahcare.com
Second Annual Culture Change Summit
The Second Annual Culture Change Summit is scheduled for October 15th – this is a great opportunity to hear from national experts. Registration for Setting the Stage for Culture Change: Preparing for our Aging Population will be on the website in the next week. Save the Date
Habitat for Humanity Opportunity
A reminder of the partnership between Aging Services of Georgia and Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. An informational meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, 2009 from 10:00 to 11:00am. Click here for more information.
General Notes of Interest
Centenarians Are Hip to Social Networking
Another new study has punched holes in the common misconception that very old people aren't interested in, or capable of using, technology. The study, conducted by Evercare, found that 10 percent of centenarians regularly sends emails and shares photos over the Internet. Four percent download music from the Internet and three percent use Twitter, the social messaging Web site. All the more reason, say Finnish researchers, to make sure that the Internet's social networking sites emphasize the privacy protections that are important to older people. Read entire article.
Google Announces Creation of Online Living Wills
Google and a national organization that works on end of life issues have announced that they have created a program where people can place their living wills online. One of the most common problems with advance directives is accessing them (and finding them!) when they are needed. Through this new program, people will be able to store their advance directives online so that family members can gain easy access to them in order to alert hospitals and doctors of their loved ones' wishes when it comes time to make end of life decisions. To find out more, please click here.
Newspaper Advertising Most Helpful for Older Adults
Among 2,521 adults completing an online survey, people who were 55 years and older said that newspaper ads (31%), television ads (23%) and Internet search engine ads (16%) were "most helpful" when making purchasing decisions. Another 27% said none of these advertising sources was helpful. Looking at advertising from the opposite viewpoint, people ages 55 and older ignored or disregarded Internet banner ads (45%), television ads (20%) and Internet search engine ads (15%).
CDC: Swine Flu Could Affect 40% of Americans
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices met on July 29 to discuss the approach for inoculating Americans against the H1N1 virus (swine flu). According to CDC estimates and projections, 40% of Americans could be affected by the virus. The CDC’s estimate includes both individuals who contract the illness as well as those who will need to tend, treat and miss work to help sickened family members and friends. Similarly, the CDC predicts that anywhere between 90,000 and “several hundred thousand” Americans could die of swine flu or swine flu-related illnesses over the next two years. FREE Pandemic Toolkit, available from our Kansas association, has comprehensive information, policies, etc. to aid in preparation for these type of events. Click here.
Transportation in the 21st Century
Keynote Speaker: The Honorable Ray LaHood, United States Secretary of Transportation
Monday, September 21, 2009
9:30 - 10:00 AM Registration & Networking
10:00 - 11:30 AM Program
The Georgia World Congress Center
285 Andrew Young International BLVD NW;
Room B-405
Atlanta, GA 30313-1591
The future of metro Atlanta depends on a quality transportation system. The shifting federal policy environment will have great impact on the future of our local and national transportation direction.
On September 21, US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will speak at ARC’s Fifty Forward forum on Transportation. This is an exciting opportunity to hear about the future of transportation from one of the most influential people in the transportation sector.
We hope you will join us.
Public Policy Update
The major focus on public policy issues continues to be on long-term care issues, specifically continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) and assisted living. Most new developments are found in the adverse impact the current economy has imposed on seniors due to reductions in the state budget.
State Budget
The May issue of the Coffey Break detailed many of the reductions in senior services in the state budget passed in the 2009 General Assembly. This included the areas of:
- Community Care Services Program (CCSP)
- Meals on Wheels” funds
- Non-Medicaid Home and Community Based Services
- Public guardianship (elimination of the program)
- Alzheimer’s respite services and elimination of training
- Adult Protective Services (APS)
- Wellness programs
In light of the continued decline in state revenues, all state departments have already cut their budgets by 5% for the current fiscal year which began in July. Governor Perdue has further instructed agencies to submit budgets for the remainder of FY’10 and the next budget (FY ’11) with reductions at the level of 4%, 6%, and 8%. Seniors’ programs have been particularly affected, and the Board of Human Services has proposed the following immediate reductions in the following programs for both FY ’10 and ’11:
- Alzheimer’s Services $225,000
- Respite Services $1.37 million
- Kinship Care $478,275
- Long Term Care Ombudsman $500,000
- Senior Legal Hotline $259,609
It should also be noted that programs like CCSP, Wellness, and “Meals on Wheels” were reduced less than they would have been in the current budget due to the infusion of federal stimulus funds. These monies will have to be replaced in the future by state funds, or further reductions will occur.
CCRCs
The Aging Services CCRC members and task group has been working intensely, having held two lengthy conference calls to perfect HB 843, the legislation introduced by Rep. Mike Jacobs at the request of the association. HB 843 would substantially update regulation of continuing care retirement communities by the Department of Insurance, both by providing further information and protection to consumers and by giving the providers more ways to develop CCRCs in line with current laws across the country.
Tom Bauer has also had several discussions with Department of Insurance staff, and the task force hopes to be close to a new, almost “final”, version of HB 843 for its October 1st CCRC Symposium.
Assisted Living
Aging Services’ staff (Walter Coffey, Jacque Thornton, and Tom Bauer) continue to meet with representatives of the Assisted Living Federation of Georgia, its national office and other interested parties concerning HB 850, a bill which was introduced the final day of the 2009 General Assembly to create a new level of long-term care between the medical model of skilled nursing and the social model of personal care homes.
Although much remains to be done, Aging Services hopes the introduction of HB 850 will continue the dialogue to establish new ways for seniors to age in place in the most appropriate high quality environment.
Business Connection
Updates from our Associate Members
Planning pays off for Rockdale resident
There was a time when Lynn Banks was worried about her future. She had lived a full and independent life, but she wondered who would take care of her if she became ill, or was unable to manage on her own. The Savannah native, whose husband had a career in the U.S. Army, told her story as photos of her son’s family and twin grandchildren scrolled through a video picture frame.
“I had been able to prepare my own meals, drive my own car, and participate in social activities at my own leisure,” she explained.
Now she faced a difficult decision: whether to proactively move to a community that would provide her the help she might need, before family members were forced to make the decision for her. entire article
The article comes from gmcf. For more information, visit their Web site , or e-mail Mary Perloe.
Selecting the Right Technology Vendor
Author: NPower Network:
For many organizations the success or failure of IT initiatives is predicated on the selection of the appropriate technology vendor. Despite the critical nature of this process, many organizations underestimate the time and effort it takes to make a well-informed decision. Here are seven steps to consider:
SEVEN STEP MODEL
1 ASSSESS FEASIBILITY – Is this viable for my organization?
2 GATHER REQUIREMENTS – What does my organization need?
3 RESEARCH & REFINE OPTIONS – What solutions/vendors might fit my needs?
4 EVALUATE VENDORS – What is the best fit for my organization’s needs?
5 SELECT & ENGAGE VENDOR – Is this a reasonable price and contract?
6 MANAGE IMPLEMENTATION – Has the vendor delivered on its promises?
7 SUPPORT & MAINTENANCE – How will we maintain the solution and support it?
To read the full whitepaper click here.
About TechBridge, Our mission is to help other nonprofits leverage technology to better serve the community.
We help nonprofits use technology to:
- Solve mission-critical initiatives
- Improve communications with funders and donors
- Increase operating efficiencies
As an affiliate of the national NPower Network, we have facilitated the donation of more than $6 million in free Microsoft software. Since our inception in 2000, we have saved Georgia nonprofits more than $2 million in technology-related consulting fees. For more information on
partnering with TechBridge for your technology needs please contact:
Alissa Cook at (404)879-5406.
Georgia Institute on Aging News
Georgia Institute on Aging!!!
Vegas Night Benefit
Count Down
Sat, Sept. 26th (6-9:30 p.m.)
Inaugural Casino, Silent Auction Benefit & Dinner Fundraiser
(Attire: Festive/Business Casual)
GIA Fundraising Event at the
Helene Mills Ctr. Café
515 John Wesley Dobbs
Ave. NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30312
Tickets include game tokens, game instructor for the casino novice, dinner and open bar.
Sponsor Opportunities Tickets (Only $25)
SEEKING TABLE SPONSORS
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
GOLD SPONSORS:
Cornerstone Senior Living
SILVER SPONSORS:
Mauldin & Jenkins
BRONZE SPONSORS:
Silent Auction Items Sponsors:
- Zoo Atlanta (8 passes)
- Dolce Hotels & Resorts (2 night stay and dining certificates for 2)
- Fern Bank Museum (2 passes)
- Center for Puppetry Arts (4 passes)
- Prints & Greeting Cards (photography by Susan Rosmarin) – Pending pick-up
- Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Tickets
- Painting by Dorothy McMillan
- Painting by Maggie Raper
- Four Framed photos of Nature
- Carolina Mountains (A weekend stay)
- Season’s 52 Restaurant Gift Card
- Photography by Michael Reed
- Tickets to World of Coca Cola
- 2 Tickets to Celtic thunder at the Fox Theater
- 4 passes to Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Georgia Shakespeare Performance
- 2 Nights, 3 Day Getaway (2 Bedrooms/2 Baths) at Collett Creek Cabin on the Brook in Andrews, NC
- Photography by Susan Rosmarin
- Massage and Facial at Inag's Skin and Body Care Salon
Raffle Tickets
Only 200 will be issued!!!
You can’t beat those Odds!!!
Please call Jacque at 404-872-9191 ext.19 for a chance to win:
1st Prize Winner - $1000
2nd Prize Winner - $ 500
3rd Prize Winner - $ 300
All proceeds generated from the Vegas Night fundraising efforts go toward scholarships for Georgia Institute on Aging educational events, which directly impact the level of quality care delivered to elders in our state. We need your support and look forward to seeing you on Sat., September 26th at the Vegas Night event!
Increase staff morale by giving your staff tickets shows how much you appreciate them!!! Treat them with a fabulous night out! Tickets are only $25 each (includes dinner, game tokens, and instructions for the novice!!!)
Sponsor Brochure
Table Sponsors include:
Want a chance to volunteer at the Vegas Night Event! Call Jacque or Barry at 404-872-9191 ext. 19.
Who Decides?
2010 Aging Services of Georgia
Annual Conference
SAVE THE DATES!-- March 22-24, 2010
Dolcé Resort & Conference Center
Peachtree City, GA
Last Month's Events
August 5
Marketing Webinar
Faith Ott, President Sage Age
Marketing on a Limited Budget:
Effective Public Relations
& Community Outreach Efforts
August 20 & 21
Coaching Supervision
Association Offices
August 26 & 27
Nursing Leadership Conference
Wyndham Peachtree Conference Center
August 26 & 27
Service Coordinators' Conference
Wyndham Peachtree Conference Center
Upcoming Events
September 9
Webinar with Nancy Kriseman
"The Caring Spirit" Approach to Self Care
All webinars are complimentary thanks to the sponsorship of Sodexo Senior Services. More Information and Registration
September 9
OSHA General Industry Standards Training
Aging Services of Georgia Offices
8:30 - 4:00
(Space for 8 more Registrants)
Registration Form and Brochure
September 16
Habitat for Humanity Information Session
Atlanta Habitat Office
10am - 11 am
Registration Form and Brochure
September 21-25, 2009.
Aging Services of Georgia will host the 2009 Fall Certified Aging Services Professional (CASP) Institute in Atlanta
Registration Form Now Available
A one of a kind opportunity to grow as a leader in the field of aging services is happening in Atlanta, Georgia! During the week of September 21-25, 16-18 national experts will descend upon the Atlanta Marriott - Midtown to challenge thinking, expand networks, and share over 500 years of wisdom and experience covering 17 topics in the field of aging services and senior living. More
September 24 & 25
Coaching Supervision
Carlyle Place; Macon
Brochure and Registration Form
September 26 SAVE THE DATE
Las Vegas Night
Helene Mills Multi-purpose Senior Center
6:00 -- 9:30 pm
Registration
Thursday, October 1
Aging Services Quarterly Luncheon
Brochure and Registration Form
Bank of America Conference Center
Midtown Atlanta
Thursday, October 1
CCRC Symposium
Brochure and Registration Form
Bank of America Conference Center
Midtown Atlanta
Thursday, October 1
Adult Day Services Forum
Brochure and Registration Form
Bank of America Conference Center
Midtown Atlanta
Thursday, October 1
Marketing & Occupancy Specialists Forum
Brochure and Registration Form
Bank of America Conference Center
Midtown Atlanta
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, October 15
2nd Annual Culture Change Network of Georgia Summit
Save the Date Flyer
Loudermilk Center
Atlanta
October 22 & 23
Coaching Supervision
Aging Services of Georgia Offices
Brochure and Registration Form
November 5
Assisted Living Best Practices Syposium
10 am - 2 pm
Lutheran Redeemer Church
Rudisill Hall
November 8
Georgia Night at AAHSA
6-9 pm
Quartino's
626 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60654
312-698-5000
Flyer and Registration
Do You Still Need Additional CEUs?
One of the quickest, most convenient and affordable ways to earn additional CEUs is through INHUniversity.com. The IHN/PDN Distance Learning Series provides high-quality educational courses on vital topics for healthcare professionals, presented by nationally recognized speakers and consultants. Since all of the courses are "web-based" and not "live" you can take courses when the time is convenient for you and your busy schedule! New courses are constantly being added throughout the year, so check the course catalog often. To register or for more information, please go to the IHN/PDN Web site.
Center for Positive Aging
YOU ARE INVITED TO BECOME A QUALITY PROVIDER for the Center for Positive Aging
Information is NOW BEING POSTED on the FOR AFFILATES section of the website www.centerforpositiveaging.org. If you have completed your registration to become a QUALITY PROVIDER, you have been added to the QUICK SEARCH data base that consumers are now searching.
To access the FOR AFFILIATES section of the website, please contact Barry Lastinger. This section will be available for you beginning September 10, 2009.
This is a free marketing tool that will position your organization as a QUALITY AGING SERVICES PROVIDER IN GEORGIA. The Center for Positive Aging web site is officially launching this month. YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED an invitation letter for your organization by now. If you have not, please contact Suzanne Economopoulus or call the office at 404-872-9191 x12. Although the site is under development, it is live at www.centerforpositiveaging.org. You are invited to begin looking around. The site is designed with 3 main focus areas for consumers to find quality providers like you:
- Where Do I Begin
- Quick Search for Quality Providers
- Educational Events
The four “affiliate groups” under the Quick Search tab will be
- 1) Housing for Seniors,
- 2) Care at Home (home & community-based services),
- 3) business products and services, and
- 4) affiliate congregations.
Does Your Web Site Convey Your Commitment to Quality Care and Services?
Using your Web site to inform the people you serve and their family members about your organization's commitment to being a Quality Provider will help you become the provider of choice in your community. Find the information you need to get started here.
Culture Change Network of Georgia
Second Annual Culture Change Summit
The Second Annual Culture Change Summit is scheduled for October 15th – this a great opportunity to hear from national experts. Registration for Setting the Stage for Culture Change: Preparing for our Aging Population will be on the website in the next week. Save the Date
Planetree Announces National Designation Program to Recognize Culture Change
Planetree Continuing Care, a nonprofit organization and advocate of person-centered care, is now recognizing continuing care providers that implement culture change initiatives where caregivers partner with patients and families. The Planetree Continuing Care designation initiative is applicable for a variety of continuing care providers, including continuing care retirement communities, independent and assisted living communities, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing homes, and adult day centers. see entire article.
Newly Released Issue Paper Examines Nurses' Role in Culture Change
To further explore and make recommendations about the role and competencies for nurses with regard to nursing home culture change, in 2008 the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing at NYU College of Nursing, in collaboration with the Coalition for Geriatric Nursing Organizations and the Pioneer Network, convened an interdisciplinary Expert Panel of leaders in culture change and in gerontological nursing for a one-and-a half-day meeting.
The purpose of this meeting, sponsored by the Commonwealth Fund, was to foster dialogue, to identify facilitators and barriers to nurses' involvement in culture change, and to identify actions that the culture change movement and the broad nursing community might consider in order to promote competencies for nurses in a resident-directed care environment in nursing homes. The Issue Paper Nurses' Involvement in Culture Change: Overcoming Barriers, Advancing Opportunities summarizes the Expert Panel discussion and frames the competencies that need to be developed for nurses involved in culture change and resident-directed care.
News Throughout the Continuum
Home and Community Based Services
(Adult Day Services, Hospice, Home Health)
Adult Day providers will meet all day on October 1st. See registration information
Celebrate National Adult Day Services Week 2009
National Adult Day Services Week is September 20-26, 2009. This special week has been celebrated annually since it was proclaimed on September 27, 1983, by former President Ronald Regan. The third complete week of September is set aside to raise awareness of the availability and accessibility of adult day programs nationwide. The theme for 2009 is "Lives Through Wellness and Creativity". Congratulations to our adult day providers for their significant work in serving seniors in local communities.
Research on Adult Day Centers' Reduction of Caregiver Stress
A new grant from the Institute on Aging that will study the effects of caregiving on family members, specifically focusing on people who are caring for relatives with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The study, led by Dr. Steven Zarit of Pennsylvania State University, will focus on how adult day care impacts the stress levels of all individuals involved. "Using adult day care can reduce stress for family members by lifting the burden of responsibility from them for a few hours," said Zarit. "At the same time, day care provides stimulating activities that promote sleep and well-being in those being cared for." The study will monitor 180 participants over three years, primarily using adult day care centers in New Jersey.
New Home and Community-Based Services Report from AAHSA
AAHSA has issued a new Home and Community-Based Services Report for July. Click here to access the report.
Good News on HCBS 2010 Funding!
AAHSA thanks members who advocated on behalf of HCBS 2010 funding! It made a difference in the funding they were able to obtain for HCBS programs under the Labor/Health and Human Services appropriations bill the House passed. Supportive services under Title III(b) of the Older Americans Act, which covers in-home and adult day services, received a 2.8 percent, $10 million funding increase. Nutrition services, including congregate and home-delivered meals, received a $19.4 million increase in funding for 2010, which will enable these programs to provide three million more meals to seniors. Other programs received the same level of funding as under the omnibus 2009 spending bill enacted earlier this year. AAHSA requests members to contact your Senators and urge them to maximize resources for HCBS next year!
Affordable Housing
HUD releases all four of the major funding programs for non-profit senior housing programs and services
This NOFA contains approximately $420.9 million in capital advance funds, plus project rental assistance contract (PRAC) funds for an initial term of 3 years. Applications are due by November 13.
In a reversal of early expectations, the NOFA finally resolves the pending question of method of application: applications for the FY2009 Section 202 program must be submitted using the online systems. Go here for all the related materials.
The Assisted Living Conversion Program, offering $20 million for conversions of physical spaces to facilitate the delivery of assisted living services in existing HUD housing, was posted later on this morning here.
And the Service Coordinator program funding announcement, also offering $20 million for new service coordinator grants, is ready too. Click here.
Applications for both of these programs are due on November 5, and require electronic applications on Grants.gov.
The gateway to all four of these program is here.
Section 811 is out too – and available here.
Applications are due November 16, must be made via Grants.gov, and comprises $90.6 million in funding.
Assisted Living
September 13-19 is National Assisted Living Week.
Congratulations to the personal care home and assisted living providers, for their significant work with residents in assisted living throughout the state. This celebration is an opportunity to highlight the crucial role assisted living residences play in helping our nation’s elders to live as independently as possible while enjoying a meaningful quality of life. The 2009 theme "Traditions of the Heart" will inspire creativity and participation and will grab the attention of local and national media.
Nominations for the Georgia BEST PRACTICES program are NOW being accepted by the Department of Community Health. We strongly encourage all members to participate in this program. NOTE: The nomination deadline is September 10th – please review materials.CCRC's
CCRC members will meet all day October lst. See registration information.
Joint Ventures Can Give CCRC Residents Access to Fitness Centers
Having access to health spas, therapy pools and indoor aquatic centers will be a top priority for future retirement community residents, according to a 2008 survey of senior living organizations conducted by Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging. Because these amenities can be expensive, however, retirement communities won’t necessarily meet consumer demand by building their own wellness centers. Instead, says Senior Housing News, those communities are more likely to partner with local health clubs that offer wellness programming and have state-of-the-art fitness facilities.
Nursing Care
CMS Revised LTC Surveyor Guidance: Infection Control - F441
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently revised guidance governing infection control in long-term care facilities. The revision combines F-tags 441, 442, 443, 444 and 445 into one tag, F-441. According to a CMS release, the reason for the change is to "bring everything that relates to infection control into one location to best utilize the surveyors time and resources." The effective date for the revised guidance for F441 is 9/30/09. CMS will be issuing an announcement in the form of a Survey and Certification letter, with advance copy and training material, by the end of July, 2009, or shortly after.
CMS Revises User's Guide for Five-Star Rating System
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has revised its user's guide for the 5-star rating system. There are two revisions that will affect very few facilities. One revision involves deficiencies cited for "past noncompliance." If the severity level for such a deficiency is immediate jeopardy, the deficiency will be treated as a current deficiency at the G level. The result will be that it will add 20 points to the facility's score. The other revision involves a change in the way points are assigned for multiple revisits. No points are assigned for the first revisit, but subsequent revisits get additional points.
Previously, each subsequent revisit had its specific point score (e.g., the second revisit was 50 points). Now, each subsequent revisit adds a percentage of the health inspection total score, as follows: Second revisit, 50% Third revisit, 70% Fourth revisit, 85% It is not clear at this point whether the addition of these revisit points are cumulative or based on the initial total survey score, e.g., whether the 70% added for the 3rd revisit is 70% of the initial score or the score after 50% of the base score was added for the 2nd revisit. Members may download the user's guide.
“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. Any other Aging Services of Georgia member is welcomed to receive this publication – just contact swatkins@agingservicesga.org.
Topics in the August 31 Issue are:
Do the Math: The Staffing Equation
&
IDPH Revises its Incident Reporting Requirements!
AGING SERVICES VACANCY REPORT
Please assist your colleagues by sharing this information when you receive calls from consumers you cannot serve.
Facility |
Units |
Cost |
Type of Subsidy/Waiver |
Calvin Court |
3 – Efficiency |
$542 |
|
Decatur Christian Towers |
5 - Efficiency |
$474 |
|
Ingleside |
2 – One Bedroom |
$351 |
HUD PRAC |
Lutheran Towers |
5 – Efficiency |
|
Sec. 8 |
Philips Tower |
1- Efficiency |
$534 |
Sec. 236 |
Career Opportunities
Alzheimer's Association
Regional Offices in Columbus and Macon
Program Director
Right at Home In Home Care and Assistance
Atlanta
Staffing Coordinator
Middle Flint Council on Aging
Americus
Nurse Supervisor/Care Coordinator
Athens Community Council on Aging
Athens
Activity Coordinator for Adult Day Care Programs
Senior Financial Manager
King's Bridge Retirement Center
Atlanta
Medical Transportation Driver
AAHSA Information
News from Melissa Sharp,
Vice President, Southeast Region, AAHSA
Please feel free to contact me with your questions or concerns at (202) 508-9456 or by e-mail at msharp@aahsa.org.
Urge Congress Not to Eliminate Medicare Payment Update
Health care reform legislation drafted in the House would eliminate the 2010 Medicare payment update nursing homes are scheduled to receive as of Oct. 1. We anticipate similar provisions in the health care reform bill under development in the Senate Finance Committe. Medicare payment cuts would add to the Medicaid reimbursement reductions that skilled nursing facilities in many states have experienced as states grapple with growing budget deficits due to the recession. Read more.
Cosponsors Needed for Medicare Adult Day Services Bill Click Here
The Medicare Adult Day Services Act would allow Medicare beneficiaries to use adult day service programs that are certified, licensed, or accredited under an approved accreditation agency to provide post-acute services under Medicare. The legislation needs as many cosponsors as possible to move through the House. More information.
Annual Meeting Registration is Open!!!
When people say they can't afford to attend AAHSA this year we tell them what 10,000 aging services LEADERS already know: Your organization simply can't afford NOT to attend AAHSA, especially this year. Every trend, every innovation, every exciting new program, every new regulation, every piece of news that will help you LEAD and SERVE will be presented, discussed and debated in Chicago. What happens when you are not there to be a part of it? The field is “coming home” to Chicago. We have set a place at the table for you. Come and take your seat! http://www.aahsaconference.org/ Every AAHSA member organization who registers can bring one board member to the conference on us! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to educate your volunteer leaders.
AAHSA Member Benefit Spotlight:
On-line Resources You've got needs, we've got resources. We can't solve all your problems, but we can help you get started. This section offers information on everything from aging and design to consumer preferences to risk management. Browse around to access the wealth of white papers, downloadable brochures, links to other organizations and more. Don't see something you're looking for? Let us know and we'll hunt around and see what we can find.