News Archives
December 2019 Archives
Below is a list of all of the articles published in the selected month, ordered from most recent to least.
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?
Capitol Hill Update: Partisan Wrangling Hinders Action on Key Priorities
On December 10, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Partisan wrangling over issues not related to aging services has made it difficult for Congress to pass even routine legislation this session. So, how will this work get done and what will happen to issues that matter most to you?
Take Action: Tell Congress to Support New CNA Training Lockout Legislation
On December 10, 2019 by Kari Thurlow
LeadingAge last week commended the Ensuring Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act, a new bill in the U.S. Senate that ends mandatory certified nursing assistant (CNA) training lock-outs. Now you can help this bill advance in Congress by telling our U.S. Senators and your U.S. Representative to support this bill.
BENHA Seeking Board Member
On December 10, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators (BENHA) has announced an open appointment to its Board of Directors. As BENHA’s role is expanding to include the licensure of assisted living directors, we encourage members from assisted living and licensed nursing home administrators to apply.
State Budget Forecast Shows Growth in Surplus
On December 10, 2019 by Jeff Bostic
The annual November budget forecast released last week shows a projected growth in the state’s budget surplus for the current biennium, which ends on June 30, 2021, to more than $1.3 billion. That’s an increase of more than $1 billion from the end of the legislative session, when the Legislature adjourned with a relatively small projected surplus.
Reconnect with Your Lawmakers Before Session Begins
On December 10, 2019 by Libbie Chapuran
Was the last time you connected with your lawmaker during session? It’s time to dust off your advocacy hat and invite your lawmakers into your community before the next legislative session starts on Feb. 11, 2020. To help you accomplish this goal, we have developed a new resource for you.
Q&A with Adult Day: A Closer Look at Individual Abuse Prevention Plans and Participation Reports
On December 10, 2019 by Roni Falck
To help keep adult day services providers informed and in compliance with license expectations, please review the following Q&A regarding Individual Abuse Prevention Plans and monthly progress notes and participation reports.
The Pace Picks Up in Assisted Living Licensure Rulemaking
On December 10, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
LeadingAge Minnesota staff and members are participating in three processes this week that will shape the next generation of assisted living.
So…When Is That Happening?
On December 3, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
2020 is fast approaching! You won’t want to miss these conferences and events next year. Open your calendars and save the dates for:
Making Zero Harm Possible: Kortoe Mikely, St. Therese of New Hope
On December 3, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Kortoe Mikely, Nursing/Home Health Aide at St. Therese of New Hope, recently received the Make Zero Harm Possible Award from LeadingAge Minnesota.
Identify Your Top Influencers
On December 3, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
Who are the top influencers in your organization? Influencers may not be formal leaders, managers, or directors. In fact, it’s likely that your top influencers are frontline staff.
Check Your Email: Staff Engagement Survey
On December 3, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman
Check your email! Organization leaders in our member settings this week received an email from Jenna Kellerman, Director of Workforce Solutions for LeadingAge Minnesota, with a link to a 5-minute survey about staff engagement practices in senior care.
Lack of Action Threatens HCBS Programs that Help Consumers and Save States Money
On December 3, 2019 by Jodi Boyne
Looming deadlines pose a potential threat to two programs that help older adults remain in their homes or assisted living while saving consumers and the State of Minnesota money. Rules on spousal impoverishment and funding for the Money Follows the Person demonstration project are both set to expire Dec. 31 unless Congress acts.
DHS Seeks Public Comments on 4th Set of HCBS Setting Evidentiary Packages
On December 3, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking public comments through Jan. 2, 2020 on evidentiary packages related to the heightened scrutiny process under the Home and Community-Based Settings rule. Adult day, customized living, foster care, and prevocational/structured day services are included in this set of evidentiary packages, including several LeadingAge Minnesota members.
End of Banding Means Disability Waiver Rate Changes in 2020 for Adult Day, Other Providers
On December 3, 2019 by Jeff Bostic
The banding process for disability waiver rates, which ties the rates paid to many providers to their historical rate rather than paying the full Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS) rate, is ending in 2020. The end of banding will mean rate changes for adult day and other providers serving disability waiver clients.
Safe Care for Seniors: Do 1 Thing This Month
On December 3, 2019 by Julie Apold
More than a dozen LeadingAge Minnesota members have completed their 5-Step Action Plan and will soon be announced to our first-ever Safe Care for Seniors Action Honor Roll. Are you ready to join them? Let us know by completing your Safe Care for Seniors Self-Assessment.