All News
Care Center Employee Retention Improved in 2018
On January 14, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
There’s good news in the area of employee retention for care centers. Our recent analysis of the employee retention data reported by care centers on the 2018 cost reports found that rates returned to the relatively high levels of the early part of the decade.
Sue Kiel, Dietary Cook at North Share Health, Makes Zero Harm Possible
On January 12, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Sue Kiel truly embodies the mission of providing community access to compassionate care each day in her work and is a tremendous team member who all who live and work at North Shore Health in Grand Marais. For her commitment to safety, respect and dignity, Sue Kiel is the most recent recipient of the Make Zero Harm Possible award from LeadingAge Minnesota.
Applications Open for 2020 Leadership Academy
On January 7, 2020 by Barbara Landeen
We will commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Leadership Academy at next month’s Institute & Expo and celebrate the cumulative 300 graduates who have completed this year-long leadership development program. Are you the next fellow in Leadership Academy?
Risk Management Strategy Session Added to Institute
On January 7, 2020 by Heidi Simpson
Are you developing or repositioning your senior living services? Join Baker Tilly at Institute on Feb. 6 to examine key risk areas and risk mitigation strategies associated with new construction or renovation of senior living buildings.
Vista Prairie, Benedictine Health System Featured at February Governance Intensive
On January 7, 2020 by Barbara Landeen
Are you and your governing boards grappling with big issues? Engaging in generative discussion and strategic decision-making is essential to your success and viability. Join Vista Prairie and Benedictine Health System at the Feb. 5 Governance Intensive during Institute and participate in an interactive session as they share their experiences in strategic board work.
Lynette Berglund, Care Attendant at Grand Arbor, Makes Zero Harm Possible
On January 7, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Lynette Berglund, a care attendant at Grand Arbor in Alexandria, recently received the Make Zero Harm Possible Award from LeadingAge Minnesota. The award recognizes staff in aging services settings who demonstrate their commitment to safe, quality care and to treating the people they serve with respect and dignity – always.
Top Trends in Aging Services: Preparing for Historic Changes
On January 7, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Senior living and care organizations are facing a time of great uncertainty, and the speed and diversity of change seems unparalleled. Health Dimensions Group (HDG) recently published its Top Trends in Aging Services: Preparing for Historic Changes list for 2020.
Superior Health Rolls Out New Work to Support Quality and Safety in Nursing Homes
On January 7, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
The Superior Health Quality Alliance (Superior Health) is rolling out new work to help nursing homes and community coalitions improve quality and safety.
Hazardous Drug Management Rules Now in Effect for Health Care Centers and Assisted Living
On January 7, 2020 by Sue Boyd
While the new standards for handling hazardous drugs in health care facilities went into effect for skilled nursing, long-term care and assisted living in December, there are many questions on who the rules apply to, who is enforcing the rule and how to be compliant in the various care centers. The following information answers some frequently asked questions:
CMS Posts Draft Version of 2020 MDS Item Sets
On January 7, 2020 by Sue Boyd
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) unexpectedly announced last month that it posted a new draft version of the 2020 MDS item sets (v1.18.0) for skilled nursing settings that is scheduled to go into effect Oct. 1, 2020. Changes of note in this draft version:
CMS Releases Results of Second Year of Value-Based Purchasing
On January 7, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the results of the second year of implementation of Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) for skilled nursing settings. The results are a mixed review for Minnesota care centers.
Will You Make the Action Honor Roll?
On January 7, 2020 by Julie Apold
LeadingAge Minnesota members who complete their Safe Care for Seniors Self-Assessment and successfully implement at least one action in each step of the 5-Step Action plan will be recognized at this year’s Institute & Expo as the inaugural members of the Action Honor Roll. The deadline for completion is Friday, Jan. 17. Enter the Safe Care for Seniors portal and show us your progress.
Online Calculator: What’s Your Turnover Cost?
On January 7, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
An organization that averages 40 staff terminations per year is spending at least $180,000. What’s your turnover cost? A new online calculator from LeadingAge can help you see how much staff turnover is costing your community.
Now Available: Electronic Monitoring Consent Forms
On January 7, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Health has released an Informational Bulletin and Consent forms for the Electronic Monitoring law that went into effect on Jan. 1.
New SNSA (Nursing Pool) Caps in Effect
On January 1, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
The State of Minnesota has set the statutory limits that Supplemental Nursing Services Agencies (SNSAs) can charge per hour for each type of staff. The new caps are effective Jan. 1, 2020.
Spending Bill Avoids Shutdown, Contains New Housing Funds
On December 18, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
House and Senate leaders have reached a spending agreement and it is anticipated the final fiscal year 2020 appropriations package will be signed into law by midnight Dec. 20.
15 Providers Named to Safe Care for Seniors Action Honor Roll
On December 18, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Fifteen LeadingAge Minnesota members have been named to the Safe Care for Seniors Action Honor Roll.
Julie Manworren Named President and CEO of VOA-MN/WI
On December 18, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Volunteers of America – Minnesota and Wisconsin (VOA MN/WI) announced that Julie Manworren has been named its new President and CEO. She begins her new role Feb. 28.
CEUs Available at Long-Term Care Financing Forum
On December 18, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
A Jan. 7 forum exploring what options Minnesota has for changing how it pays for long-term care is now offering 6.5 clock hours of CEUs for nursing home administrators and social workers.
Best Value of the Year: Deadline Extended for 2020 Institute & Expo Early Registration Discount
On December 18, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Did you know the average cost to attend the 2020 Institute & Expo is less than $40 per person per day? This annual event is the best value you’ll find for education and training, so take advantage of our extended early bird discount and register today!
Veterans Club Adult Day Services: A Leader in Safe Care for Seniors
On December 18, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
At the Veterans Club, the Adult Day Services program at the Minnesota Veteran’s Home – Minneapolis Campus, excellence is not one act but a habit. A mission to personalized care and support for the clients they serve combined with a commitment to respect, dignity and teamwork elevated this program to one of the higher levels of recognition in our Make Zero Harm Possible program.
In 2020, Roll Up Your Sleeves
On December 18, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
Working side-by-side with frontline staff can help develop relationships between supervisors and direct reports and goes a long way in establishing trust and respect. Make 2020 the year you set the example. Walk the walk and model the behavior you expect to see from others.
Governor Walz Commits to Making Minnesota an Age-Friendly State
On December 18, 2019 by Kari Thurlow
Governor Tim Walz last week committed to making Minnesota an Age-Friendly State during the Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging Summit and indicated support for increased, stable funding for programs and services that help Minnesotans age in place.
Congress Approves Bill Providing Pathway to Citizenship for Some Liberians
On December 18, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Congress has approved legislation that will provide some Liberian immigrants in Minnesota and across the country permanent residency and a path to citizenship. The bill is expected to be signed into law yet this year.
Electronic Monitoring: Consent Form Pending Final MDH Approval
On December 18, 2019 by Libbie Chapuran
Effective Jan. 1, 2020, there will be new protections and consent procedures for residents and families, and roommates where applicable, who instill hidden electronic monitoring devices. The new law requires you to have each resident fill out a form to be provided by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The form has not been finalized by MDH.
Better Together: 2020 Institute & Expo is Open for Registration
On December 10, 2019 by Heidi Simpson
The 2020 Institute is all about celebrating what it means to be Better Together. Join us Feb. 5-7 in Saint Paul for exceptional education, incomparable camaraderie and networking, an expo packed with services and products to make your work better, a fun opening night celebration and three inspirational general sessions that will reinvigorate the passion you have for serving others.
Last Chance to Participate in Staff Engagement Survey
On December 10, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
Got 5 minutes? It’s your last chance to participate in our brief survey to better understand the state of employee engagement practices in aging services. The survey closes on Dec. 17.
Making Zero Harm Possible: Sandy Forsberg, Lead Homemaker, Crystal Brook Senior Living
On December 10, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Sandy Forsberg, Lead Homemaker at Crystal Brook Senior Living in Park Rapids, has received the Make Zero Harm Possible Award from LeadingAge Minnesota.
Praising Your Staff
On December 10, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
Do you offer enough praise to your team? When you compliment staff, you set a culture of positivity.
The more staff receive authentic, timely, and specific praise from you, the more likely they are to pass on that practice to others. You are setting the example. Staff who praise one another instill confidence in one another. For more on this, read In Praise of Praising Your Employees.
Get more information in the Workforce Center. Questions? Contact Jenna Kellerman.
Is Your Website Accessible to Everyone?
On December 10, 2019 by Guest Contributor
The accessibility of your website could lead to legal challenges. Consider the case of Guillermo Robles, a blind man who wanted to order a pizza from Domino’s using their website and mobile app. Despite having screen-reading software, Robles couldn’t place an order as the Domino’s website wasn’t built to be accessible to blind people. Robles sued Domino’s, alleging that their website violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Could this happen to you?