News Archives
April 2020 Archives
Below is a list of all of the articles published in the selected month, ordered from most recent to least.
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.
MN Senate COVID-19 Response Working Group Focuses on Long-Term Care
On April 8, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
The Minnesota Senate COVID-19 Response Working Group met yesterday, focusing their work on the impact on the long-term care community. LeadingAge Minnesota member Deb Barnes, Executive Director at Lakeview Methodist Health Care, began the hearing with testimony about the impact of COVID-19 in long-term care settings.
MDH Publishes Names of Congregate Settings with Positive COVID-19
On April 8, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
As we shared with you last week, the Minnesota Department of Health began publishing the names of congregate care settings that have at least one resident, staff or contractor who is positive COVID-19. MDH will continue to update this list on an ongoing basis. Here are a few important items to know:
MDH Releases New Guidance on Electronic Monitoring
On April 8, 2020 by Jonathan Lips
The Minnesota Department of Health has released new guidance to help congregate settings accommodate requests to install a camera during visitor restrictions due to COVID-19 and the Stay at Home Executive Order.
Personal Safety Mask Solution
On April 8, 2020 by Jodi Boyne
Value First has been researching various suppliers that can fill member needs for critical supplies such as masks, gowns, sanitizer, etc. We believe we have found a viable solution for reusable antimicrobial personal safety masks.
New Workforce Recruitment Tool: Senior Living FastMatch
On April 8, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
Argentum and the American Seniors Housing Association have announced a new resource to help workers who have been displaced due to the fallout from COVID-19 find new employment opportunities in senior living: Senior Living FastMatch. As our field expects to fill several hundred thousand positions in the next few months, you are invited to post your available opportunities through FastMatch at no cost through Sept. 30, 2020.
Department of Labor Defines “Health Care Provider” Exempted Under Families First Act
On April 1, 2020 by Kari Thurlow
While the Families First Corona Response Act (FFCRA) requires private employers with fewer than 500 employees to provide paid leave and paid expanded FMLA leave to employees unable to work or telework for several specific COVID-19 reasons, it allows employers to exclude “health care providers” from receiving the paid leave and paid expanded FMLA leave.
1,000 Nursing Assistant Students Trained by OnTrack
On April 1, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
More than 1,000 Nursing Assistants have been trained using the OnTrack Nursing Assistant Training curriculum. With a pass-rate trending higher than the state average, OnTrack continues to see success in the second year of operation.
MN COVIDSitters Resource
On April 1, 2020 by Jenna Kellerman
Students from the University of Minnesota have banned together to offer support to healthcare workers during COVID-19. They are serving both the metro area and central Minnesota, with a toolkit provided to teach students in other areas of the state to start a similar program. Support can be accessed via their website: www.mncovidsitters.org.
CARES Act Expands Federal Small Business Loans, Can Support Aging Services
On April 1, 2020 by Roni Falck
About $350 billion of the $2 trillion economic stimulus package signed into law last week are directed to provide loans to small businesses, with the opportunity for loan recipients to receive forgiveness and not have to repay the amount borrowed. On April 3, smaller 501c(3) organizations will be able to access these funds. This article provides a summary of the provisions and guidance for borrowers and lenders.
Governor Signs $330 Million Bill to Respond to COVID-19
On April 1, 2020 by Libbie Chapuran
Governor Tim has signed into law an additional $330 million package of initiatives to combat the health and economic challenges due to the COVID-19 crisis. The bill includes, amongst other provisions:
Care Center Occupancy Data Shows Decline in 2019
On April 1, 2020 by Jeff Bostic
After showing some improvement in 2017, occupancy results for care centers that participated in the Long-Term Care Imperative annual occupancy survey have declined slightly throughout 2018 and 2019. Occupancy for 2019 was the lowest we’ve ever found, 87.1%, and it declined each quarter throughout the year.