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$200 Million Available for COVID-19 Telehealth Program
On April 21, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is accepting applications for $200 million in funding through the COVID-19 Telehealth Program.
MDH Announces Moratorium Project Approvals
On April 21, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) last week announced seven nursing homes have been approved for moratorium exceptions construction projects in the latest round of available funding. Ten of the eleven submissions, and six of the seven selected, were LeadingAge Minnesota members so we are excited to see their interest in improving the environment for the people they serve.
DHS Issues COVID-19 Guidance for EW Customized Living
On April 21, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
In a move to support services and staffing in response to COVID-19, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) issued guidance to lead agencies regarding EW customized living rate protocols.
MDH Posts COVID-19 Webinar Login Information for Meetings through June
On April 21, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
All providers are encouraged to attend the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) weekly COVID-19 webinar for Long-Term Care. MDH epidemiologists and clinicians will provide up-to-date information and guidance, answer questions, and address concerns.
CMS Plans to Enforce New COVID-19 Reporting Requirements for Nursing Homes
On April 21, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced in an April 19 Quality, Safety & Oversight memo (QSO-2026-NH) that nursing homes will soon be subject to two new reporting requirements – submitting communicable disease data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and providing COVID-related notifications to residents and resident representatives.
Our Gratitude to You. Our Message to Minnesota.
On April 21, 2020 by Gayle Kvenvold
It has been five weeks since COVID-19 came into our lives – five weeks that for many of you probably seem like a lifetime. As new information and guidance pours in nearly every day, I know you have been working with a profound sense of urgency to keep your residents safe and to ensure that their lives, even without visits from family or opportunities to engage in the day-to-day activities of community, are full of love and human connection.
A Message from the Ombudsman for Long-Term Care
On April 14, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
As you are aware, all Ombudsmen staff currently provide a virtual presence to do their part during this time of crisis. Proactive outreach to residents is accepted and supported at the Ombudsmen federal level and programs across the country are pursuing this to fulfill our mandate that residents have regular and timely access to the services provided through the Ombudsman program. This includes support to Resident/Family Councils.
MDH Releases RFP for $150 Million in Emergency Response Funding
On April 14, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) yesterday posted an RFP for $150 million in funding for providers to prepare for and respond to the outbreak of COVID-19. Members are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
Recruiting Displaced Workers
On April 14, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
Several new resources are available to help your organization recruit displaced workers as COVID19 exacerbates the pre-existing workforce crisis.
Challenging Workforce Picture in Housing with Services
On April 14, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The recently completed Long-Term Care Imperative Housing with Services (HWS) legislative survey showed worse results on both vacancies and turnover of staff than in 2018. The data from this survey is from 2019, so it does not show the likely significant impact of the current COVID-19 statewide emergency on the workforce situation. Key results of the survey include:
CARES Act Temporarily Suspends Federal Student Loan Payments and Interest
On April 14, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The federal COVID-19 relief bill known as the CARES Act includes benefits that go beyond payments to individuals and financial assistance to health care providers. One of the lesser known benefits is a temporary suspension of interest accrual and monthly payments on some student loans.
Low-Income Housing Advocacy Amid COVID-19
On April 14, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
LeadingAge continues to urge various program offices within HUD, and the agency at large, to provide further support and guidance for housing providers serving older adults during this health and economic emergency.
Minnesota Pipeline Dual Training Grants Now Available
On April 14, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
Applications for the Dual Training Grant Program are being accepted through May 8. Approximately $2.7 million is available to support the related instruction component of dual-training programs in your organization.
Elder Voice Family Advocates: A Thank You to Caregivers
On April 14, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Elder Voice Family Advocates has expressed their thanks and appreciation to those on the front line of keeping seniors safe during COVID-19.
Resource Roundup: COVID-19
On April 14, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
In the past week, LeadingAge MN has added 5 new tools to our COVID-19 Resource Library focused on surge assessment and preparation, cohorting, dementia care and facemasks. We have also updated two key resources: confirmed case containment checklist and managing a resident admission from a hospital decision tree.
Scholarships Available Through LeadingAge MN Foundation
On April 14, 2020 by Lori Meyer
Investing in the professional development of the aging services workforce is more important now than it has ever been. The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation is offering over $30,000 in scholarships to eligible caregivers and other employees of our member organizations for 2020.
Lifesprk gets $16 Million Series A investment
On April 14, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Lifesprk has raised a $16.1 million Series A round of funding that is plans to use to invest in an electronic-records system, step up hiring and create new partnerships.
HUD COVID Call April 16
On April 14, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
HUD housing providers are encouraged to join the LeadingAge daily COVID-19 call on April 16 that will feature a specific update from the HUD Multifamily Housing Office of Asset Management and Portfolio Oversight.
Live Well at Home Grant Application Deadline Extended
On April 14, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has extended the deadline to apply for a Live Well at Home Grant to Friday May 15.
DHS Updates Information on 15% Housing Support Add On
On April 14, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
In their newly launched COVID-19 Housing webpage, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is providing additional information about the 15% add on to Housing Support (GRH).
Medicare Proposed Rule Provides Inflation Adjustment of 2.3%
On April 14, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) last week issued a Proposed Rule that provides updates about the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) PPS rates that will take effect Oct. 1, 2020. CMS will follow up with a final rule on the Oct. 1 rates around Aug. 1.
Met Council to Transport Essential Health Workers
On April 14, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
Metro Mobility is now providing free door-to-door service from home to work and work to home for any person who works at a healthcare setting, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Affordable Housing: Key Issues to Know During COVID-19
On April 8, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) hosted a call this week covering COVID-19 issues in affordable and multi-family housing, including funding, eviction moratorium, signature guidance, income recertifications and visitor guidance. HUD has also provided a detailed frequently asked question document.
USPS Identifies Mail Delivery Options
On April 8, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and various screening requirements imposed upon senior living providers, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is offering communities and other customers three options if there are issues with their current delivery of mail.
Legislature Approves Workers’ Compensation Protections for Health Care Workers
On April 8, 2020 by Kari Thurlow
The Minnesota Legislature yesterday passed a bill that will allow first responders, health care providers and childcare workers to be “presumptively eligible” for workers' compensation if they get COVID-19.
Pre-Admission Screening is Still Required in Minnesota
On April 8, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has confirmed that preadmission screening (PAS) is still required in Minnesota.
Adult Day Webinar - Applying for Small Business Loans under CARES Act
On April 8, 2020 by Heidi Simpson
Adult Day Services providers should participate in our Small Business Loans for Adult Day Providers Under the CARES Act webinar on Thursday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 10 a.m. to explore the types of loans that are available and which ones might be the best fit for you.
Weekly COVID-19 Resource Round-Up
On April 8, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
We’ve added three new resources in our COVID-19 Tool Library that focus on what to do when a family member wants to move a loved one home, care for people with Alzheimer’s during COVID-19 and tips to improve infection control compliance.
Staff Morale in a Time of Crisis
On April 8, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
The COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t have an end in sight. Although we have heard from some members that staff are coping well, we need to consider the long-term effect of working in a crisis mentality. Now, more than ever, our ability to keep staff morale high is of utmost importance.
HUD Clarifies Options for Income Certifications, Electronic Submissions
On April 8, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry
HUD-assisted housing communities across the country continue to navigate the impacts of COVID-19, including by helping residents lower their rent contributions if they have lost income due to the crisis. In an updated guidance document from April 2, HUD clarified options that housing property staff have for completing income recertifications as residents face economic challenges during COVID-19.