Feb. 20, 2019
Featured News
Governor’s Budget Cuts Care Center Funding, Assumes Fee-Drive Approach to Assisted Living Oversight
On February 20, 2019 by Jeff Bostic
Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan yesterday released the One Minnesota budget that proposes to spend $49 billion in the next two years on a wide range of priorities. The budget contained mixed news for older adult services. While it supports the interim work on older adult protection, the budget does not include increased Elderly Waiver funding, only partially funds the DWRS increase for adult day providers, assumes a fee-driven approach for assisted living providers and reduces Value-Based Reimbursement for care centers.
LeadingAge Minnesota and its partner in the Long-Term Care Imperative (LTCI) shared concerns about the longer-term unintended consequences on costs for senior care with the fee-driven approach to funding regulatory oversight in assisted living as well as the impact cuts to Value-Based Reimbursement could have on access, quality and workforce stability in care centers. Read the LTCI Statement here.
Our team is currently doing a deep dive on the Governor’s One Minnesota budget and will be releasing a special legislative update yet this week with more details. News like this can be disappointing, but we caution that the Governor’s budget is just one step in the overall budget process. We will be amplifying our advocacy efforts in the days and weeks ahead, and working with lawmakers and the Walz/Flanagan Administration to share concerns on this proposal as well as our solutions on how to best to serve the needs of our aging population and those who provide them with care.
In the meantime, here are some details on the Governor’s One Minnesota budget:
Care Centers: Reductions in Value-Based Reimbursement, Implementation of Property Reform
The Governor’s budget implements proposed changes to the Value-Based Reimbursement (VBR) system that were detailed in a recently released evaluation of the payment system. One of those proposals would drastically change the care-related limit formula for rate years starting Jan. 1, 2020, even though care centers have essentially no opportunity to impact their costs or quality score before those rates are calculated.
The new formula, which changes both the quality and cost portions of the calculation, makes it more likely that care centers will be over the cost limit. In the short term, some would be protected by a provision of current law that keeps the limit from dropping more than 5 percent from the previous year, but over time a growing number of care centers would be impacted. These changes are projected to save $1.7 million in the first biennium and over $13 million in the following biennium.
The biggest single savings piece of the proposal is to cap the increase in the other operating price to no more than the SNF market basket index each year when it is updated. Because the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is currently forecasting increases of 6-7 percent annually in this rate component, it is projected to save substantial amounts -- $11.3 million in the first biennium and $38 million in the second biennium. However, this seems unlikely since this component is not directly based on individual facility costs and the inflation increase is closer to 3 percent.
The Governor’s budget also includes implementation of a much delayed and much needed new property payment system. Unfortunately, while all the details are not known at this point, it does diverge from the proposal that the Long-Term Care Imperative has been working on in several ways:
- DHS would implement a very similar rental system, but the proposed rental rate of 5.5 percent is too low to appropriately incent property investment.
- DHS would extend medical necessity payments to private rooms for all care centers, but cuts the percentage paid to 10 percent which is a reduction to care centers that currently have that option.
- DHS offers a hold harmless that is based on eliminating all existing closure incentives and starts phasing out after one year. In the worst-case scenario, a care center will lose funding as a result of the property changes as well as the changes to the quality limit and other operating price.
It is important to note that the cuts to VBR have a broader impact to care center members when you consider the correlating effect it will have on federal funding and private pay rates.
LeadingAge Minnesota has invited DHS to attend next week’s Payment Committee to discuss the proposed budget. We will also be amplifying our advocacy efforts at the State Capitol to ensure lawmakers understand the detrimental impact this proposal will have providers, professional caregivers and the seniors they serve – particularly in Greater Minnesota.
Increased Fees to Support Assisted Living Licensure, Oversight and Enforcement
While we have not yet seen the detailed language of the Governor’s proposal on older adult protection, the budget sheds some light on increased funding for department operations and enforcement of the reforms we believe will be proposed for assisted living licensure, dementia care standards and other initiatives related to vulnerable adults. While much of the funding for these measures is allocated from the General Fund in the first year, spending in future years appears to come from a fee-driven approach on providers.
No Funding Increase for Elderly Waiver (EW)
Disappointingly, despite a report that recommends much needed updates and improvements to the EW rate system, the Governor’s proposed budget does not fund or implement any of those important changes. The budget also fails to include funding for our proposal to reform the EW program to better meet the current and growing demand for care, services and support for middle and low-income seniors who reside in assisted living or receive home and community-based services.
Partial Funding for Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS)
On the positive side, the budget proposal does include funding increases for DWRS. While falling short of what was passed and vetoed last year, the proposed budget includes a 4.7 percent competitive workforce factor effective Jan. 1, 2020, which will partially offset the 7 percent rate cut from 2018. In addition, it calls for updating the DWRS rates every two years instead of the current five-year cycle.
Get Ready…. It’s Time to Advocate!
There is a lot at stake this legislative session, and the Governor’s budget recommendations just made our grassroots advocacy even more important.
- Join us on March 12 for our Day at the Capitol. Lawmakers need to know you and hear from you, particularly on how the bills and budgets they are considering will impact you, your staff and the seniors you serve.
- If you can’t join us on March 12, invite your lawmaker to meet with you in your setting to share your story and influence the legislative process. And be sure to include staff and residents in that visit! Use our Host Your Lawmaker Guide for tips on how to plan, promote and execute a successful legislative visit.
- Watch your email for Advocacy Alerts.
- Are you receiving Capitol Conversations? These short, weekly informative video updates keep you up-to-date on the news from State Capitol. Sign-Up Here!
If you have questions regarding the budget, please contact Jeff Bostic at jbostic@leadingagemn.org.
Safe Care for Seniors: Pledge and Action Plan Timeline
On February 19, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
The momentum for Safe Care for Seniors continues to build – from the 700 people who took the Safe Care for Seniors pledge at Institute & Expo earlier this month to the members who have since made their public commitment to respect, safety and dignity via the Make the Pledge link on our web site. This week, we provide a more detailed review of Safe Care for Seniors and what members can anticipate receiving from LeadingAge Minnesota to effectively implement the program in their organization or setting.
What is Safe Care for Seniors
Safe Care for Seniors is a comprehensive approach that provides the structure and support for individuals and organizations to keep those they serve safe from harm and to provide care with respect and dignity always. This starts with an individual pledge followed by organizations pledging their commitment to implement key actions within their organizations with support from LeadingAge Minnesota and shared learning with peers.
Why Take the Safe Care for Seniors Pledge?
The Safe Care for Seniors Pledge is our public commitment to do all that we can as caregivers to address the intentional and unintentional harm that can occur in our settings. It is a commitment we make as individuals and as organizations, and one we share with staff, residents and families.
What is the Safe Care for Seniors 5-Step Action Plan?
Making the pledge to Safe Care for Seniors is your individual commitment. The 5-Step Action Plan is your organizational commitment to identify opportunities for improvement and implement actions that will help prevent harm before it occurs. The plan includes:
- Engage and Train Leadership in Safe Care
- Designate Safety Care Champion(s) to lead initiatives and organization efforts.
- Participate in at least one Collaborative Learning and Improvement Opportunity
- Partner in New Ways with Residents and Families to Improve Communication, Safety and Quality
- Build and Strengthen Our Safety Culture
I Took the Pledge. Now What?
Thank you for renewing your commitment to respect, safety, dignity and quality of life for those you serve and your fellow team members
- Organization leaders – you will soon be receiving information on the Safe Care for Seniors 5-Step Action Plan, immediate steps you and your team can take, and an invitation to participate in a workshop to help you effectively implement the plan in your community.
- Leader from corporate offices/multi-campus organizations - we ask that you consider how best to implement Safe Care for Seniors across your organization. You, too, will be receiving information on the Safe Care for Seniors 5-Step Action Plan, immediate steps you can take, and an invitation to participate in a Safe Care for Seniors workshop.
- Staff member who took the pledge - you will receive information on tips, best practices and recommendations on how to live out the words you committed to: respect and dignity for all, getting to know the seniors you serve, and speaking up if you see something that is unsafe or makes you feel uncomfortable. In addition, we ask that you share the pledge and these resources with your fellow team members and leadership teams to build support for Safe Care for Seniors in your community.
When Will Safe Care for Seniors Training and Resources Be Available?
LeadingAge Minnesota will begin to roll out comprehensive training, resources and shared learning opportunities in March. Per member request, LeadingAge Minnesota will host training in regional areas of the state and create a Virtual Resource Center to allow members to easily access on-demand education and resources. A quick glance at what’s to come:
February:
- Safe Care for Seniors Informational Webinar – Feb. 27. REGISTER HERE.
March:
- Launch Make the Safe Care for Seniors Pledge in Your Community Toolkit – March 11
- Host Safe Care for Seniors Workshop – March 28 in Roseville
Note: This is the first in a series of five workshops that will take place throughout Minnesota. We will provide a detailed agenda and registration link in next week’s Advantage.
April
- Distribute 5-Step Action Plan Implementation Guide, Toolkit and Resources – April 1
- Launch Virtual Resource Center and eCommunity – April 1
- Host Regional Safe Care for Seniors Workshops – TBD
May
- Host Regional Safe Care for Seniors Workshops – TBD
- Launch Virtual Safe Care for Seniors Training – May 1
June
- Launch Earned Media Campaign on Safe Care for Seniors
As Safe Care for Seniors is a pillar of our work as an Association, you will also begin to see education and training opportunities embedded in all of our conferences, education and certificate programs.
How Do I Engage My Entire Community – Staff, Residents and Families – in Safe Care for Seniors?
LeadingAge Minnesota will soon release a Make the Safe Care for Seniors Pledge toolkit that will provide you with all you need to launch the pledge campaign in your community.
Have Questions? Want to Share What Your Organization is Doing to Prevent Harm?
Questions about Safe Care for Seniors should be directed to Julie Apold, Vice President of Quality and Performance Excellence, at japold@leadingagemn.org or 651.659.1407.
We are also very interested in learning more about what you are doing to prevent harm in their settings, improve resident engagement, enhance communication with residents and families, or empower you staff to speak up when they see something that is unsafe or could prevent harm. Please share those stories with Julie as well.
Now Available: LeadingAge MN Foundation Scholarships
On February 19, 2019 by Lori Meyer
The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation is excited to offer more than $33,000 in educational scholarships to eligible caregivers and other employees of LeadingAge Minnesota member organizations for 2019.
Do you have individuals on your team who may be interested in advancing their education and careers in aging services? If so, we have developed a promotional resource that can be used as a flyer or break room poster to promote the Foundation’s Scholarship Program.
For more information. check out these Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: Applicants must:
- Be 17 years of age or older;
- Be employed by a provider member of LeadingAge Minnesota (care center, senior housing, assisted living, adult day, etc.);
- Be currently enrolled (or enroll no later than Fall of 2019) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education;
- Complete the online scholarship application; and
- Provide two letters of recommendation including one from their supervisor or the administrator of their organization.
Q: What is the amount of each scholarship?
A: Scholarship awards range from $500 to $1,500, and one $2500 scholarship may be awarded for an applicant that demonstrates exceptional commitment to aging services.
Q: Are the scholarships only for caregivers or for nursing programs?
A: No. Any eligible employee can apply regardless of what department they work in and scholarships may be awarded for a variety of educational programs including nursing, business/administration, culinary, social work, etc. However, applications will be evaluated in part on the applicant’s commitment to the field of aging services.
Q: Where can we find the application?
A: Apply online at: Foundation Scholarship Program.
Q: Does an applicant have to apply online? What if I have questions about the portal?
A: Applications are accepted via the Foundation’s online portal. For questions in using the portal, contact Terri Foley at tfoley@leadingagemn.org.
Q: What is the deadline for applications?
A: 5 p.m. on Friday, May 31
Q: Are the scholarships funded by my LeadingAge dues?
A: No. The scholarships are made possible thanks to the generosity of the organizations and individuals who support the Foundation’s Annual Golf Tournament and the Foundation Silent Auction held each year as part of the Institute.
Q: Who do I contact for further information or questions?
A: Contact Lori Meyer at lmeyer@leadingagemn.org.
State News
Bill Would Expand Critical Access Hospital Swing Bed Use
On February 19, 2019 by Jeff Bostic
A bill to dramatically expand authorized critical access swing bed admissions has been introduced in the Minnesota House. The bill, introduced by Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester), would modify the authorized swing bed admissions from 2,000 bed days per year to 9,125 per year. We understand that a companion to this bill will be introduced in the Minnesota Senate in the coming days. LeadingAge Minnesota and the Long-Term Care Imperative oppose this legislation.
Current data provided by the Minnesota Hospital Association shows that most critical access hospitals fall far below the current swing bed limit. The average swing bed hospital used a little over 800 swing bed days in 2017. In that year, eight of the 76 hospitals with swing beds were over the limit of 2,000 days. Of those, half are already exempt from the limit due to being attached to a nursing facility.
The proposed expansion of swing bed usage would remove incentives to coordinate discharges to lower cost post-acute care settings in patients’ home communities. Because swing beds are paid cost-based rates under the Medicare program, swing bed days typically cost Medicare about three times as much as a nursing facility stay.
This bill has strong support and it is very likely to move forward this legislative session. Lawmakers need to understand how this dramatic expansion of swing beds will affect care center members. We ask care center members to contact your lawmakers to share your concerns and will be inviting you to participate in additional grassroots advocacy on this important matter. We also encourage you to register for our Day at the Capitol on March 12 where we will be raising our concerns and opposition to this bill with lawmakers.
Adult Day: DWRS Bill Puts Access to Services At Risk; Take Action Today
On February 19, 2019 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota House Health and Human Services Policy Committee last week heard bills to address issues around the Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS). The action taken by the committee is not in keeping with the goals of DWRS providers and creates a clear need for advocacy by impacted providers, including our Adult Day Services members.
An amendment heard last week would take three key actions, two of which are not supportive of the provider agenda. The one positive of the amendment is that it updates rates within DWRS every two years instead of every five. However, it does not include a competitive workforce factor, which was approved (but ultimately vetoed) last year as a way to replace a 7% cut that occurred on July 1, 2018 due to action by CMS. That funding is very important to maintaining access to DWRS services for consumers, including participants in Adult Day programs around the state.
The amendment additionally includes language that requires providers to pay wages at certain levels in order to participate in the disability waiver programs. Provider advocates argued that the language is poorly designed, likely impossible to enforce, and that the reimbursement rates do not necessarily allow all provider to pay the wage amounts being required.
The Governor’s budget proposal that came out yesterday does include funding for a competitive workforce factor of 4.7 percent, which while less than what we have sought is a considerable improvement over the recently approved bill from the House Health and Human Services Policy Committee.
We support the language in SF 6 and HF 179 that includes a competitive workforce factor to replace the 7 percent cut, as well as updating of the DWRS rates every year.
TAKE ACTION:
Adult Day members are strongly encouraged to take action now and tell their legislators to support the much needed fixes to DWRS.
Home Care and Assisted Living Provider Change of Information Reporting Required
On February 19, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
Licensed home care providers and registered home management providers are required to notify the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) within 10 days when there is a change on the license or registration. A Change of Information Form is available on the MDH website.
The reporting requirements include if there is a change in the Housing with Services settings served by a licensed home care agency. Another common change requiring a report is a change of RN responsible for assessments, training of unlicensed personnel and delegation of tasks.
A Medicare-certified Home Health Agency (HHA) must complete additional information. Contact Licensing and Certification at 651-201-4101 or health.fpc-web@state.mn.us or visit Federal Certification Process for Home Health Agencies for more information.
Federal News
Now Available: SNF Provider Preview Reports for Publicly Reported Measures
On February 19, 2019 by Julie Apold
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports are now available for review prior to the April 2019 Nursing Home Compare site refresh. Corrections to the underlying data are not permitted but providers can request a CMS review by March 4 if they believe their quality measure scores are being displayed inaccurately.
Visit the CMS SNF Quality Public Reporting webpage for a list of quality measures included in the performance data and how to request a CMS review. Information on how to access your preview report can be found in the CMS Preview Report Access Instructions.
U.S. Representative Collin Peterson Introduces Bipartisan Workforce Quality Act
On February 19, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
A bipartisan bill to modify the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training lock-out that is currently mandated in law was introduced this week by U.S. Representative Collin Peterson (D-MN) and U.S. Representative Sean Duffy (R-WI). The bill eliminates the statute’s rigid provisions and grants CMS greater flexibility in reinstating providers’ valuable CNA training programs.
“Nursing homes and other long-term care providers are grappling with a severe workforce shortage. The ability to train CNAs is crucial to building and maintaining a pipeline of qualified staff,” said Katie Smith Sloan, President and CEO, LeadingAge.
Under current law, nursing homes assessed civil monetary penalties above a certain level on their annual survey automatically lose their authority to train staff to be CNAs for two years. The suspension is required even if the fines are unrelated to the quality of care given to residents or if the care deficiencies cited on the survey are unrelated to the nursing home’s CNA training program. CNAs, who provide direct care to residents, are critical members of every nursing home’s care team.
Eliminating training programs for front-line staff threatens the quality of care. This bill will help providers, particularly in Greater Minnesota, and regulators be more responsive to the needs of residents and providers.
LeadingAge Minnesota members who will be participating in the Leadership Summit in Washington, DC next month should anticipate discussing this issue with our congressional delegation. In the meantime, stay tuned for advocacy updates on steps you can take to urge our U.S. Senators and your U.S. Representative to co-sponsor this important legislation.
CMS Updates PDPM Website, Announces Early Delivery for New RAI Manual
On February 19, 2019 by Jonathan Lips
Responding to provider concerns, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is updating its new website for the Patient-Driven Payment Model and planning an earlier release of the RAI manual.
CMS first launched its new PDPM website in November. The revised site will include an updated training presentation with new information, a revised 40-page walkthrough of how patients will be classified under the payment model and an expanded FAQ page.
The Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) manual should be released in May, a few months ahead of its normal delivery date, to help providers best prepare for the Oct. 1 PDPM start date.
Notable News
Free Resources: Careers in Aging Week
On February 19, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
Careers in Aging Week is March 3 -7. This is a great time to make people aware of the wide variety and rewarding careers in aging services. LeadingAge national has provided FREE resources our members can use to take advantage of this great opportunity. We also encourage members to visit our Workforce Center for ideas that support recruitment activities all year long!
Sample Activities
- Host an Open House - invite students to your organization to learn about your organization and have departments set up booths or tables to provide information on what they do. Include prizes, games, etc.
- Host a Shadow Day - invite students to your organization to shadow your employees. Focus on Nursing, administration, accounting, dietary, IT, etc.
- Get together with other members in your area and host a job fair - highlight the great things about working with older people
- Go to local schools and talk to students about the field - bring information and people from your organization that are most passionate about their jobs
- Write a guest opinion piece for your local paper about working in the field. Highlight your organization and your great team
- Launch a social media push throughout the week - dedicate your social media posts to Careers in Aging Services. Post highlights of different jobs and people within your organization
Get more information about what to do this week by watching this video here!
FREE RESOURCES
Web Banners
- Download web banners to place on your website or blog (.zip file containing .jpg images)
Outreach to Schools
- Contact counselors at high schools - sample wording
- Contact local Universities/Tech/Community Colleges - sample wording
- Sample Powerpoint for high school students
Background on Compliance for Job Shadowing
Intergenerational Activities – Grow Your Future Workforce!
On February 19, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
Hosting intergenerational events are a fun way to get young people engaged with the aging services field. Invite young people (all ages! Small children to young adults) to spend time with the people you serve. Consider activities such as:
- Reading books
- Art projects
- Cooking, baking, decorating cookies
- Celebrating an upcoming holiday
- Playing games
- Playing or walking in a local park
- Feature a historical speaker and facilitate a discussion
- Host piano recitals, choir concerts, or student presentations
- Scrapbooking
- Writing memoirs
- Storytelling
- Cleaning or organizing
- Planting in a garden
- Yoga, Tai Chi, walking, meditation, aerobics
- Academic tutoring
We know that it is common for staff to work in our field because of a positive experience or close relationship with an older adult during formative years. Events like this are an opportunity to facilitate those moments for young people in your community. Be sure to check out the Caring Careers Start Here website for community event resources and to connect existing events to the Open Hearts Open House event campaign!
You can also check out these examples and additional tools from other organizations:
- Careers in Aging Week March 3-9
- Intergenerational Programs Thrive in Rural Minnesota
- TowerLight Childcare
- Create Intergenerational Projects
Member News
Faye Baylor Recognized for Volunteer Service with Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Fergus Falls
On February 19, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Faye Baylor, a volunteer with the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, was honored by LeadingAge Minnesota with the Volunteer of the Year Award at this month’s Institute & Expo.
The award recognizes individuals who volunteer in older adult services for their dedication, commitment and positive impact on the lives of seniors and their communities.
“Faye Baylor’s mission in life is to help others. She believes older adults have a sense of purpose and spends her time creating activities, programs and relationships that touch hearts and change lives,” said Gayle Kvenvold, President & CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota. “We are honored to recognize Faye for her passion, her commitment, her dedication and her kindness – all of which are making a positive difference in the lives of veterans, older adults and the entire community of Fergus Falls.”
Pictured (l to r): Nancy Stratman, Chair, LeadingAge Minnesota Board of Directors; Faye Baylor; Gayle Kvenvold, President and CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota; and Sara Sterling, LeadingAge Minnesota Awards & Recognition Committee Chair.
Faye has volunteered for six years at the Veterans Home. She volunteers four to six days a week and had the highest number of volunteer hours – 800 in total – last year. She also is a dedicated volunteer in the community with more than 30 years of service to such organizations as The Welcome House, Habitat for Humanity and Lake Region Hospital. She also prepares meals for various people throughout the year and provides rides to several people in the Fergus Falls community.
“During my time in long-term care and throughout my experiences seeing people helping the aging, I have never seen anyone work as hard, care as much, and put in the hours that Faye Baylor does to help our aging, our veterans and our community,” said Scott Buchanan, Administrator, Minnesota Veterans Home – Fergus Falls.
In addition to assisting with physical and occupational therapy, Faye creates activities to encourage residents to remain active and engaged. One activity Faye created at the Veterans Home in Fergus Falls is the Shadow Box project. She spends time with each resident, getting to know their interests, hobbies, work history, family life and military experiences, and then creatively designs a Shadow Box that accurately reflects the lives of a veteran or spouse of a veteran. The Shadow Boxes have become treasured family heirlooms.
“Each resident has a story to tell, and Faye Baylor is making this happen,” said Deanna Mounts, Public Relations and Volunteer Coordinator, Minnesota Veterans Home-Fergus Falls. “She is one of a kind who takes no credit for all she does, but is quick to compliment or encourage other volunteers, residents and staff.”
For more information, watch Faye Baylor, LeadingAge Minnesota Volunteer of the Year.
Bill Foussard Named Board Trustee of the Year
On February 19, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Bill Foussard, a member of the Board of Directors for Cerenity Senior Care in Saint Paul, was recently named Board Trustee of the Year by LeadingAge Minnesota.
The award honors a volunteer board member in an older adult services organization whose leadership, service and actions have enriched the lives of older persons and enhanced their community. Cerenity Senior Care, which includes nursing homes, assisted living and memory care in Saint Paul and White Bear Lake, is part of the Benedictine Health System.
“Bill Foussard is a powerful advocate for older adults and the persons who provide them with care and supportive services. His stewardship, customer service and leadership – in good times and at times when difficult decisions need to be made – is the epitome of what it means to be a board trustee,” said Gayle Kvenvold, President & CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota. “Bill’s leadership, generosity and collaboration have helped create a unique sense of purpose and belonging at the Cerenity communities.”
Photo Caption:. Pictured (l to r) Nancy Stratman, Board Chair, LeadingAge Minnesota Board of Directors; Gayle Kvenvold, President and CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota; Bill Foussard; and Sara Sterling, LeadingAge Minnesota Awards & Recognition Committee Chair.
Foussard has served on the Cerenity Board of Directors for eight years. He is an active member of the board, collaborating with area businesses to engage them in supporting senor services, advocating for foundations and private donors to contribute to the enhancement of seniors and the lives of the residents at the Cerenity communities, and supporting the staff and residents through activities and events he personally hosts.
“Bill embodies leadership and excellent customer service wherever he goes. He has been a staunch support of our renovation plans at Cerenity Marian and was a direct and comforting source of support to staff, residents and their families when we had to make the difficult decision to close two communities,” said Sharyl Kasse and Anne Kolar, Marketing Directors, Cerenity-Marian.
For more information, watch Bill Foussard, Board Trustee of the Year.
Education Solutions
Register Today: Webinar on New Manager Training and Customer Experience Tool
On February 19, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
Are you looking for Manger/Supervisor Training? Does your organization need tools to promote a culture of engagement, service excellence, and continuous improvement? We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Align, bringing you access to an Employee Engagement Solution (manager/supervisor evaluation and training!), and two Customer Experience Solutions.
Register for a Webinar to Learn More
Learn more by joining an informational webinar – pick one of three dates available. Members will learn about exclusive opportunities for Early Adopters of this initiative.
- Tuesday, Feb. 26 from 10-11 a.m. - Click to register!
- Wednesday, Feb. 27 from 10-11 a.m. - Click to register!
The Tools
These products focus on cycles of continuous learning and improvement, offering tools such as:
- Turn key assessments to evaluate your progress
- Actionable insights and analysis presented in a format that is easy to implement
- Opportunities for sustainable change trainings to promote growth of individual team members within your organization
- Benchmarking opportunities and quality reports
- Hands on support
- Exclusive pricing as a LeadingAge Minnesota member!
For more information contact Jenna Kellerman, Director of Workforce Solutions at LeadingAge Minnesota at jkellerman@LeadingAgeMN.org or at 651.659.1436
Register for Safe Care for Seniors Webinar – Feb. 27
On February 19, 2019 by Julie Apold
Just one week until the Safe Care for Seniors Informational Webinar! Register today for this high-level overview of some of the most important work we will undertake – preventing harm in the course of caregiving.
The webinar features:
- Background on what led to the development of Safe Care for Seniors
- Overview of data from OHFC maltreatment complaints that informed the action plan
- Details on the Safe Care for Seniors pledge
- Review of the five-part Organization Action Plan
- Next Steps in the Safe Care for Seniors process
All who took the Safe Care for Seniors pledge at our recent Institute & Expo should plan to participate. If you attended January District meetings or the Opinion Leaders meeting earlier this month, you have already received much of this information. We encourage you to invite members of your staff team to participate in the Feb. 27 webinar to learn more about Safe Care for Seniors.
Register for Feb. 27 Safe Care for Seniors Informational Webinar.