Kathi Williams presents Fair Housing Issues at the July 28th Symposium
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
Moore Stephens Lovelace, P.A.
GIA Supporters
Ziegler Capital
Markets Group
Mauldin & Jenkins
Cornerstone
Senior Living
LW Consulting, Inc.
Guest Services
Pfizer
GIA Friends
The Law Offices of Williams & Edelstein
Dixon Hughes
GIA Contributors
HVAC Services
Kings Bridge Retirement Center
Canterbury Court
Presbyterian Village
Presbyterian Homes of Georgia
AAHSA
http://www.aahsa.org
Keep Up with the Quality First Program
Aging Services of Georgia is the statewide association of over 150 key not-for-profit and other mission-focused organizations dedicated to providing quality housing, health care, community-based and other related services for older Georgians. The mission of Aging Services of Georgia is to represent and promote the common interests of its members through leadership, advocacy, education and other services in order to enhance each member's ability to serve older Georgians
Inside Your Association --
Aging Services of Georgia
Do You Know You Can Read Past Issues of the Coffey-Break?
You can on the association's Web site www.agingservicesga.org. All issues are available anytime for members. Click on For Members to go to SHAREpoint -- look under Publications. This is a great member resource to look for past stories, studies, and reports. If you have any questions, contact Barry at 404-872-9191 ext. 14 or blastinger@agingservicesga.org
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 below with your most current program revenue. Please complete the form and return to the association office no later than September 25, 2009. Please contact Susan Watkins as needed.
Upcoming Events NOT TO MISS – SAVE THE DATES
- Service Coordinator Conference August 25-26
- Summer Quarterly Luncheon & Forums September 16th
- Activity Professional Symposium September 22
- VEGAS NIGHT Institute Fundraiser September 25
- CENTER GOLF Fundraiser October 11
- 3rd Annual Culture Change Summit October 14
- Ethics in Healthcare November 5
Association Leadership Program
AgingServicesNEXT 4th Event: August 18
AgingServicesNEXT 5th Event: October 13 (ALL NEXT alumni invited!!)
Georgia Night in LA
Sunday pm October 31st
(Watch for registration by Sept 1st)
“Y’all Come” Member Tours
Many members have asked to visit other's communities/organizations to see either:
1) what other communities look like that provide the same level of care/services (for example, HUD community visiting HUD community) OR
2) members wanting to learn more about other parts of the continuum that are different from their areas (for example, HUD community visiting an assisted living community, etc.).
Beginning August 11th and every 2nd Wednesday through December, board members will be hosting tours at their communities/organizations in the metro Atlanta area. Association staff will provide information about the area of the continuum being featured. The host organization will provide the tour. Anyone who wishes can continue to network over lunch at nearby restaurants.
NOTE: You must register the Wednesday before so we can prepare appropriately. You can register by clicking here or you can find the form from Upcoming Events.
10:30 Meet AT the location of the host community or organization
10:45 Overview & tour
11:45 Adjourn (you can visit, go to lunch, etc.)
August 11: Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
Canterbury Court
September 8: Assisted Living
King’s Bridge Retirement Community
October 13: HUD/Affordable Housing
Lutheran Towers (Note: Guests can adjourn to lunch at Mary Mac’s – 2 blocks away)
November 10:
Nursing Care
A.G. Rhodes Health and Rehab
December 8: Home & Community-Based Services
Senior Connections (NOTE: Guests can stay and have lunch at their Connections Café)
New Associate Business Members:
Veridiansystems.net
Roy Weidman
10194 Big Canoe
Jasper, GA 30143
404-513-3500
rweidman@viridiansytems.net
Fifth Avenue Health Care
505 North Fifth Avenue
Rome, GA 30165
Phone: 706-291-0521
Fax: 706-291-6184
ADMIN: Suzanne Stanley
Molena Health and Rehab, LLC
185 Hill Street
Molena, GA 30258
Phone: 770-884-5138
Fax: 770-884-5484
ADMIN: Mike Barry
Activity Calendar Information
To assist you with planning, we are forwarding you information on special holidays and observances for each month 2 months in advance.
This month, we are sending you information for October, 2010
October is:
National National Physical Therapy Month
National Long-Term Care Planning Month
October 2-8: Healthcare Food Service Week
October 24-30: Pastoral Care Week
Friday, October 1: International Day of Older Persons
Sunday, September 10: Clergy Appreciation Day
Monday, October 11: Columbus Day
Friday, October 15: National Boss's Day
Monday, October 18: National Cupcake Day
Sunday, October 24: United Nations Day
Sunday, October 31: Halloween
General Notes of Interest
Rural and Human Services Coordinated Transportation Workshop
NFPA Safety Alert Regarding Antifreeze in Residential Sprinklers
New Study Shows Impact of Program Allowing Patients to Document
Wishes For End-of-Life Treatment
Adult Obesity Increases in 28 States
WHO Launches ‘Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities’
Health Agencies Warn Seniors About Medicare Part D Rebate Scams
Independent Living Facilities Cut Prices In Effort To Boost Occupancy
Mobile Home Alternative to Long-Term Care Facilities Unveiled
Consumers Expect Their Communities to Emphasize Fitness
For Seniors, Some Exercise is Better Than None, Experts Say
Public Policy Update
By Tom Bauer, Legislative Counsel, Aging Services of Georgia
In July, the board of the Department of Community Health (DCH) met, and the Coalition of Advocates for Georgia’s Elderly (CO-AGE) selected its issues for the 2011 Georgia General Assembly. As a result, there is news this month on two of the items discussed in last month’s “Coffey Break.”
Proposed Rules on Licensing Fee Activities
As noted in July, the Department of Community Health (DCH), pursuant to HB 994, proposed new licensing activity fees for all healthcare programs and institutions regulated by its Health Facilities Regulatory Division (HFRD). Aging Services of Georgia received responses from members and made official comments on the rules supporting them in concept but with suggestions to lower proposed fees both to promote a climate encouraging flexible residential options and to lessen the financial burden especially on small providers.
On July 8 the DCH Board heard from staff that they had received 67 comments on the proposed rules. In general those submitting comments opined that the suggested fees were too high and particularly onerous to small providers, especially personal care homes. Despite the comments, the staff recommended that the Board approve the rules as proposed, and the board did so. Aging Services of Georgia will continue to work with other interested provider groups to monitor and hopefully effect some change in these rules in the future.
Assisted Living
Tom Bauer has spoken with Rep. Chuck Martin, sponsor of HB 850, the 2009-2010 bill to create another residential option for seniors, especially one that provides limited medical assistance in excess of that possible at a personal care home. He remains committed to pursuing legislation in 2011.
Also, at its July 8 priority setting session CO-AGE selected assisted living as one of its priority issues for next year. Tom will be a member of the CO-AGE work group addressing this issue.
Other CO-AGE Issues
In addition to Assisted Living, CO-AGE selected the creation of a separate state Department of Aging as its first legislative priority. The restoration of funds for elderly nutrition programs was selected as a budget priority along with the perennial appropriations issue, funding of home and community-based services (both Medicaid and non-Medicaid).
These issues affect many of the elders served by members (throughout the entire continuum) of Aging Services of Georgia. They will have both a financial and operational impact on provider members of the association. We will be engaged in the work surrounding these issues, so please watch the monthly policy reports in this newsletter. There may be times we need feedback from you so please respond promptly when you receive request from the association staff.
Georgia Institute on Aging News
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Last Month's Events
Wednesday, July 28
Fair Housing Symposium
Kathi Williams
Upcoming Events
Emergency Preparedness Webinar Series-- PREPARE
August 3, 10, & 17
2-3 pm
Presented by Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging in Partnership with the Georgia Institute on Aging
Information
Registration
Wednesday-Thursday, August 25-26
Service Coordinators' Conference
Loudermilk Center, Atlanta
Brochure and Registration
Make Hotel Reservations
Greetings! The 2010 Regional Service Coordinator Professionals Conference sponsored by the GA Institute on Aging Staff will be held on August 25-26, 2010 in Downtown Atlanta at the Loudermilk Center. We trust you will experience two-days of exceptional and stimulating professional development programming specifically designed to meet your needs as a Service Coordinator.
In addition to many fabulous topics and presenters, LaJoyce Peeples and Sue Barron I will present and are available to respond to your questions and provide clarification on issues regarding your grant requirements.
We encourage you to join us as the conference will qualify for up to 12 continuing education hours. To review the full agenda and registration materials go to www.GeorgiaInstituteOnAging.org and click on upcoming events. I know you will leave this conference rejuvenated and ready to create a culture of excellence for the residents you serve.
Thursday, September 16
Summer Networking Luncheon for all staff in ANY organization
The Rules of Rude Wendy Kinney
Brochure and Registration
Tuesday, September 21
Webinar 10 am
The Wait List is Over....Relationship Building and Selling Value are Essential!
Faith Ott, Sage Age
Wednesday, September 22
Activity Professionals Symposium
9:00 - 3:00
Association Offices
Brochure and Registration
The second annual Activity Professionals Conference Theme “Activity for a Lifetime” is and exceptional way for you to network and share ideas with others involved in developing and carrying out activities in senior services settings and for those who want to learn more about creating meaningful activities in their organization. In addition, you will receive updates on the new Assisted Living regulations as it relates to your work. We look forward to seeing you on September 22nd.
SAVE THE DATE
Sat., September 25, 2010 – Vegas Night 2010
Location: Helene Mills Multi-purpose Senior Center
Prepare for a sensational networking event with your colleagues as we embark upon Vegas Night 2010 Benefit Fundraiser (all proceeds to fund the Georgia Institute on Aging educational events and scholarship program).
The center will be transformed with a chasing lighted archway for you, your friends and colleagues to come and play all the traditional games from your favorite Las Vegas experience. All this is in an effort to make a difference for the Georgia Institute on Aging future programming. The prizes are going to be fantastic! Tickets for the evening affair includes: chips to play games, tapas & spirits, and entry to the silent auction—all for only $25 per person.
This is a great way to treat your staff to a nice evening affair and to build your professional network. In addition, you will make a difference in the advancement of quality care for older Georgians by ensuring the delivery of quality education for professional and paraprofessionals in the field of aging. For information about tickets and sponsoring a game table for the event, please phone Jacque Thornton at 404-872-9191 ext. 19 or jthornton@agingservicesga.org.
Hope to see everyone there!!!
Friday, October 8
504 Coordinator -- What Does That Mean?
A Dedicated Class on Section 504 Coordinator Responsibilities
SAHMA Training Room
9:30 - 4:00
Information and Registration
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday,
October 14, 2010
3rd Annual Culture Change Network of Georgia Summit
“Getting to Know All About YOU!”
Registration materials coming soon.
Friday, November 19
Webinar 10 am
Using Social Media to Benefit Your Community and Marketing Efforts
Faith Ott, Sage Age
2011 Annual Conference and Trade Exposition
April 4-6, 2011
Celebrating Age
Hilton Savannah DeSoto; Savannah, GA
Early Exhibit Registration Form
MDS 3.0 Distance Learning Series
Now through November, 2010
In keeping with the success of previous highly-rated distance learning education offerings, Aging Services of Georgia has partnered with AOPHA and Plante & Moran to offer a series of affordable distance learning educational sessions about the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 which begins October 1. We are pleased to announce that eleven other AAHSA state affiliates have joined us in offering this excellent series to providers across the country.
Nine self-contained 90-minute sessions remain designed to build on one another and fit the needs of all disciplines involved in the assessment process. The team can hear and see the same information at the same time via audio format; no travel expenses and continuing education certificates are sent to your office. Jane Belt, MS, RN, RAC-MT, Consulting Manager, Plante & Moran, PLLC, Columbus, is the series speaker.
Registration information -including multiple session discounted rates - is available at www.agingservicesga.org under “Upcoming Events link” on the front page. Your contact is Jacque Thornton at jthornton@agingservicesga.org or (404) 872-9191, ext. 19. To register, simply fax your registration to Susan Watkins at the Georgia Institute on Aging office at 404-872-1737 (FAX) or email the scanned registration form to her at swatkins@agingservicesga.org.
SCHEDULE
Please note that each remaining event is scheduled for 1- 2:30 p.m. ET; intended audience included below:
- August 17: Wrapping up the Assessment (IDT: Nursing, Therapy, Social Services, Activities, Dining Services)
- September 8: Working the CAAs (IDT: Nursing, Therapy, Social Services, Activities, Dining Services)
- September 21: Up to Speed with RUGs IV (IDT: Nursing, Therapy, Social Services, Activities, Dining Services; CPAs, accounting staff)
- November 9: Q&A Catch Up (IDT: Nursing, Therapy, Social Services, Activities, Dining Services)
Registration Form
Culture Change Network
FREE Culture Change Events in Athens and Valdosta
“Changing the Culture of Long-Term Care”
As you know, the Culture Change Network of Georgia is housed at the Georgia Institute on Aging. The Advisory Group is a comprehensive group of representatives from organizations and agencies throughout Georgia. This is a GREAT opportunity to hear from national culture change leaders AND network with peers in the field of aging services.
The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (Georgia Division of Aging Services) invites you to join us for a day-long symposium called "Changing the Culture of Long Term Care." The symposium is an opportunity to explore the Culture Change movement, which is based on person-centered values and practices, where the voices of elders and those working with them always come first. Together with representatives from local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), ombudsman programs, legislators, regulators, and providers in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities, attendees will explore Culture Change transformation, learn about models used nationwide, share best practices, discuss obstacles, and brainstorm ideas for local and long-term progress.
The program will be offered in Athens, Georgia, on September 8 and in Valdosta, Georgia, on September 10. National-level keynote speakers will be Rose Marie Fagan, former Executive Director of the Pioneer Network; Karen Nichols, Executive Director of The Cascades Verdae; and Kim McRae, Co-Founder and Coordinator of the Culture Change Network of Georgia. Thanks to additional sponsorship by the Institute of Gerontology and the Georgia Geriatric Education Center, College of Public Health, University of Georgia; the Georgia Council on Aging and its initiative Georgia for a Lifetime; the Culture Change Network of Georgia Advisory Partners; and the Division of Social Work, Valdosta State University, the program is offered free to the first 180 participants registered at each site. Registration is open July 18 to August 31.
For more information, resources and an online registration form -- We hope you will be able to join us.
Center for Positive Aging
LGBT Resource Page on Web site
The Center for Positive Aging has come a long with the new Web site, and we are happy to announce the development of the LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) Resources page. This page will focus mainly on statistics and issues specifically related to the LGBT demographic in the State. Please keep your eye out for this new addition.
New Webinars Available
We also have added two webinars to the website. The first is designed to help those who are new to the site navigate the pages and maximize their experience. It will help inform consumers on how to search for a Quality Provider and learn more about the Aging Services Network. The second webinar will be for new and potential affiliates. For here those who are new to the Center or interested in becoming an affiliate can learn about the different types of providers, costs and the benefits of becoming an affiliate.
Become a Quality Provider
If you are currently a member of Aging Services of Georgia, we’d like to remind you at this time to fill out the paper work to become a Quality Provider with the Center. Along with added benefits for your organization this is a FREE service for our Aging Services members.
Goodbye Mary, Welcome Nina
As some of you are already aware, our AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer Mary Harris has completed her term and is no longer with the Center. She did an excellent job and helped developed many programs the Center can use for years to come. She will be missed, but we are looking forward to our newest AmeriCorps member, Nina Yu, who will be joining us at the end of the month.
News Throughout the Continuum
CCRC's
CCRCs Can Legally Reward Residents and Employees for Referrals
Home and Community Based Services
(Adult Day Services, Hospice, Home Health)
Legislation Would Allow Physician Assistants to Order Home Health
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced the Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act to help ensure that Medicare beneficiaries get the home health care that they need by allowing physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse midwives to order home health services. Rep. Allyson Schwartz (DPa.) introduced the House version of the bill. Under current law, only physicians are allowed to certify or initiate home health care for Medicare patients, even though they may not be as familiar with the patient's case as the nonphysician provider. This situation can lead to needless delays in getting Medicare patients the home health care that they need. Read more about legislation
Proposed Home Health Rule Implements Health Care Reform
Changes
Use of Electronic Medical Records on the Rise in Home Health and Hospice Agencies
Use of Electronic Medical Records on the Rise in Home Health and Hospice Agencies
Hospices to See 1.8 Percent Increase in FY 2011 Payments
Medicare Policy Driving Longer Nursing Home Hospice Stays
Affordable Housing
HUD Handbook 4350.1, REV-1, Chapter 6
Regulatory Reform Idea Rises to the Top in Votes Received on HUD
"Ideas" Forum
The U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is using online voting, or crowd sourcing, for its site "Ideas in Action," which gathers ideas on HUD's FY 2010-2015 strategic plan and on how HUD can fulfill its vision of being a partner for residents, partners, employees, and the public over the next five years. In the past month, a recommendation to create a schedule for release of updated forms, has risen to the top in its category. Check out HUD's Ideas in Action site
Small Area FMR Demonstration
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is beginning to explore ways to establish small area Fair Market Rents FMRs for metropolitan areas, based on ZIP Codes with sufficient rental units - and they are starting with a small area FMR demonstration projects for the Housing Choice Voucher program this year. A system for looking up FY 2010 Equivalent Small Area Rents is available. More information on the small area FMR demonstration
HUD Grant Award Winners: Congratulations to MoAHA Member
On July 12, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the recipients of the more than $550 million in housing assistance. Many AAHSA members were awarded new funds this year. In Georgia, three not-for-profits received funding for 90 new units.
AAHSA and AARP Reach Agreement on Section 202 Reform Bill
HUD Announces Funding for Homeless Veterans
Benefits Coordination and Housing Survey
New Section on Residential Energy Efficiency Now Available
Assisted Living
See other articles in News Throughout the Continuum
Nursing Care
Most Residents, Families and Workers would Recommend Their
Nursing Home, Survey Finds
Nursing Home Residents View Facilities Differently Than Five-Star
System
Use of Physical Restraint in Nursing Homes Cut by Half in 8 Years
“LIFElines” email publication for Aging Services of Georgia Nursing
Home Members & Nursing Staff
Aging Services of Georgia healthcare/nursing home members remember to access the latest LIFElines publication. This publication is a partnership between Aging Services of Georgia and our Illinois Association (Life Services Network). LIFElines provides timely information regarding state and federal issues such as survey preparedness, risk management, immediate jeopardy, clinical issues, abuse investigation, recruitment and retention and a host of other vital information for Aging Services of Georgia nursing home members.
All Aging Services of Georgia nursing home members should now be automatically receiving LIFElines. Please contact Susan Watkins if you are not getting this publication. Any other Aging Services of Georgia member is welcomed to receive this publication – just contact swatkins@agingservicesga.org.
Topics in the July 16 issue
If you don’t succeed…Try, Try Again:
Care Plan Revision
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 |
Emma Cares, Inc. |
4 – Shared Rooms |
|
HUD PRAC |
Johnnie B. Moore |
56 – One Bedroom |
|
|
Lutheran Towers |
12 – Efficiency |
|
Sec. 8 |
Career Opportunities
Lenbrook, Atlanta
Admission & Social Services CoordinatorSt. Georgia Village, Roswell
Resident Services Manager
Weekend Activity "Friend" AssistantLanier Village Estates Continuing Care Retirement Community, Gainesville
Care Plan Coordinator
Recreation CoordinatorThe Habitat Company, Atlanta
Activity CoordinatorCarlyle Place, Macon, GA
Executive DirectorGA Division of Aging Services
Health & Welness CoordinatorBrandon Wilde Life Care Community, Evans, GA
Director of Nursing