News

Our workforce today often faces challenges and complications in their personal lives. Research by the National Human Services Assembly suggests that staff who have stable family lives are more effective at work, as they can focus on work without personal distractions or stress. The Bridging the Gap Toolkit assists you in implementing supports that are meaningful to staff in your organization.  

Minnesota ranks first in the nation for the most not-for-profit independent living and assisted living settings on the LeadingAge Ziegler 200 (LZ 200). The annual listing is a compilation of the country’s largest not-for-profit senior living multi-site organizations, government-subsidized housing multi-sites and single campuses. 

Receiving long-term care at home continues to rank as the number one preference for adults age 50 or older, but almost one-fifth said they would prefer an assisted living facility. 

The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation is excited to announce our 4th Annual Silent Auction that will take place at the 2020 Institute & Expo. Thanks to your generosity in previous years, we have raised over $25,000 to support the critical work of the Foundation. With your help, we can make this year’s auction even more successful!  

Focusing on an individual team member’s strengths is more effective than focusing on improving weaknesses. One study showed a stark difference in engagement scores: 67% were engaged when their supervisor focused on strengths, as opposed to only 30% being engaged when their supervisor focused on weaknesses.  

As Best Buy continues its push into healthcare, senior care remains a strong focus—and could make the company the leader in the space. Key to this expansion will be Best Buy’s ability to strike strategic partnerships with payers like Medicare Advantage and Managed Care Plans; but what shouldn't be lost in this push for a competitive advantage is the relationship with senior care providers.  

Staff recognition builds morale and increases retention. Research shows it doesn’t have to take a big investment of time, effort or money to recognize team member contributions in a meaningful way. One of the most impactful, low-cost or no-cost strategies is meaningful, personal recognition.   

The Workforce Innovators Podcasts from the LeadingAge Center for Workforce Solutions brings you interviews with various leaders in our field focused on programs to help address workforce challenges.  

Interested in the growing Medicare Advantage opportunity? Here are five numbers you need to know: 14, 3-5, 4, $218,000 and 300.  

Getting staff input on decisions is important. When staff feel their opinion matters, they feel empowered in their roles and connected to the organization. 

Open enrollment for Medicare Advantage and Special Needs Plans begins Oct. 15 and presents a great opportunity for all housing and service providers to engage with those individuals whom they serve about their options. 

A common concern on staff engagement surveys is “lack of communication” or “leadership doesn’t follow up on my concerns.” Often it feels like there is a disconnect as supervisors say they follow up on concerns raised by staff. So that begs the question: Do staff feel they aren’t being listened to because the follow-up loop was not completed? 

Assisted Living regulations are changing and there are heightened expectations of state surveys as a result of legislation passed in 2019. How can nurse leaders in Assisted Living keep up with all the changes? Attend one of the four Assisted Living/Home Care Nurse Leader Network (ALNET) meetings in October. 

You’re invited to attend the second annual MedFuse Conference on Oct. 24 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Registration is FREE for LeadingAge Minnesota members. Select the Medical Practitioner Ticket upon registration.   

Did you know that 91% of Millennial and Gen Z new hires say that a company’s technological sophistication weighs into their decision to accept a new job? It is time to embrace and invest in technology to improve staff efficiency and engagement. Need some ideas? LeadingAge Minnesota members are implementing some great solutions: 

Virtual reality, predictive analytics, sensors, and other artificial intelligence (AI) solutions are helping keep older adults from falling, according to a recent HealthTech article.  

Staff at all levels should be considered the expert in their roles. Serving on internal committees and task forces are ways to uniquely engage staff in the organization’s vision while tapping into their personal strengths and positional expertise.   

How will senior living attract more residents and cultivate new revenue streams? The American Seniors Housing Associated (ASHA) has released a new issue brief that challenges the status quo and provides guidance for how senior living can improve.  

Experience mapping is an excellent tool to improve an organizational policy, procedure or practice. It provides a visual example of what a person experiences while completing an activity.

Knowing staff as individuals means knowing about their major personal accomplishments. Is a staff member running a marathon? Graduating from nursing school? Welcoming a new baby (remember new moms and dads)? Congratulate them!