News

MAGIC Launches Resource to Address Vaccine Hesitancy

On February 10, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran

This week, the Minnesota Association for Geriatrics Inspired Clinicians (MAGIC) launched a new video resource to help providers address vaccine hesitancy in long-term care settings.

FAQ: Can You Quarantine a New Admission for Fewer Than 14 Days?

On February 10, 2021 by Kari Everson

A 14-day quarantine after admission is daunting for many residents.  Transitions may already be difficult and are now compounded by the necessary infection prevention and control practices in place during the pandemic.

CDC Officially Extends Eviction Moratorium

On February 3, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry

Ahead of the Jan. 31 expiration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ordered the extension of the current eviction moratorium for non-payment of rent.

The order prevents residential evictions until March 31; tenants must self-certify eligibility for the protections. The extension keeps the moratorium largely unchanged, and tenants who previously submitted the self-certification should not have to resubmit.

In the meantime, we are advocating to quickly provide rent relief for senior housing communities impacted by COVID-19.

Resilience Tip: Taking Back Control

On February 3, 2021 by LeadingAge

Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology

As helpers, we pride ourselves on assisting those who have lost control of their lives in some manner. Residents may have memory loss, an injury, a loss of independence or feeling they’ve lost control of decisions made about their lives. For leaders, it’s important to guide staff with a sense of control that’s flexible and also conveys confidence and security.

Now Enrolling Next AHRQ ECHO National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network Cohort

On February 3, 2021 by Kari Everson

The Hennepin Healthcare ECHO Training Center is recruiting an additional cohort for the AHRQ ECHO National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network. The first session will start Friday, Feb. 12, 2021. They will be enrolling 33 nursing facilities in this cohort.

Minnesota Faring Well at Vaccinating Residents and Staff for COVID-19

On February 3, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently released a report on COVID-19 vaccination rates under the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program (PPP) using data submitted to the CDC from the pharmacies enrolled in that program. The report shows rates of vaccination for both residents and staff in care centers in Minnesota that exceed the national averages.

Optimizing Therapy Services Considering COVID Challenges

On January 27, 2021 by Heidi Simpson

Respiratory disease is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States and with the emergence of COVID-19, therapists are treating even greater numbers of clients with compromised lung function. Select Rehabilitation is offering two complimentary webinars that provide strategies for treatment interventions and in-room therapy.

Part 1 – Managing Therapy Needs for the Client with Compromised Respiratory Function

Feb. 24, 11 a.m. – Noon. click here to register

Part 2 – Treatment and Documentation for In-Room Therapy Sessions

March 3, 11 a.m. – Noon. click here to register

This webinar series is hosted by LeadingAge Minnesota, Select Rehabilitation and LeadingAge Savings and Solutions.

Now Available - Moratorium Exceptions Process Application Materials

On January 27, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently released the application materials for an unexpected round of the nursing facility moratorium exceptions process, which are available on the MDH web site. Care centers interested in applying will need to complete all of the required application materials and return them to MDH by June 25. Following a presentation to a review committee later this year, MDH will have a list of approved projects by Sept. 3, 2021.

Resilience Tip: Getting Past A COVID-19 Wall

On January 27, 2021 by LeadingAge

Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology

COVID-19 has been making our work and personal lives more difficult for close to a year now. During that time, you’ve probably hit a few walls of exhaustion. You might not be sure how you’ll keep going. And you’ve maybe hit this kind of wall more than once throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Communicative Technology Grant Opportunity

On January 27, 2021 by Lori Meyer

The deadline is fast approaching for nursing facilities that have not already applied for the COVID-19 Communicative Technology Grants available through the Minnesota Department of Human Services utilizing Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) funding. Facilities have until March 1, 2021 to submit an application.

COVID-19 In-Person Visitation Aid Grant Opportunity

On January 27, 2021 by Lori Meyer

Nursing facilities are eligible to receive up to $3,000 in Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) funds to purchase equipment that facilitates in-person visitation during the COVID-19 emergency. Facilities that have not already applied have until June 1, 2021 to submit an application.

MDH Launches Portal to Connect 1A Tier 3 Health Care Workers with Available Vaccines

On January 27, 2021 by Kari Everson

The Minnesota Department of Health has launched a web portal to help identify health care workers in 1A Tier 3 who have not been able to receive the vaccine from their employers in an effort to connect them with vaccines that may become available.

COVID-19 Guidance: Non-Medically Necessary Outings

On January 27, 2021 by Kari Everson

Long-term care organizations work tirelessly to keep residents and staff as safe as possible during the pandemic. We know congregate living settings can have significant outbreaks when COVID-19 is brought into the building. These outbreaks impact the health and lives of our residents and staff. The CDC has long-reported small family gatherings increase the number of outbreaks in long-term care settings. 

Resilience Tip: Building Resilience with Meditation Moments

On January 20, 2021 by LeadingAge

Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology

Short meditations on kindness provide a way to instill self- and other-focused compassion in order to combat our harsh and often hostile environments at home and as a larger community.

Business Covid-19 Relief Payments Going to Some Members

On January 20, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

In a December special session, the Minnesota Legislature approved relief payments for certain hospitality businesses that have been closed due to one of the governor’s emergency orders. The list of businesses eligible for grants include fitness centers and restaurants, and some members who provide those services to the public may be eligible for grants. Last week, the Minnesota Department of Revenue sent checks to businesses they determined to be eligible, and one of the limiting factors that will impact some of our members even if they do offer these services to the public is that a recipient must have had $10,000 in sales in 2019.

Minnesota Announces Vaccine Distribution Pilot Program

On January 20, 2021 by Kari Everson

Minnesota is launching a COVID-19 vaccine pilot program, partnering with local public health and school districts, Governor Tim Walz announced on Monday. These sites will initially serve adults 65 years of age or older, as well as prekindergarten through grade 12 educators, school staff, and child care workers. The community vaccination pilot program will be the foundation for mass vaccination clinics in Minnesota communities once the federal government increases vaccine supply. The nine pilot sites will launch this week with a small number of doses for eligible Minnesotans.

Members Encouraged to Submit MDH Vaccine Survey Weekly

On January 20, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

Starting last week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is conducting a weekly survey on vaccination in long-term care settings. The survey allows MDH and the provider associations to track the progress of vaccination of residents and staff in sites across the state. Providers are asked to visit the vaccine REDcap survey link each Wednesday to updated their information.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Details Released

On January 13, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

A key part of the December 2020 COVID-19 relief bill is a renewal of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), including availability of second draw loans for some organizations that got a PPP loan earlier this year. In January 2021, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Treasury issued rulemaking to implement the second draw loan program. Organizations that received a PPP loan earlier this year are eligible to receive a second forgivable loan of up to $2 million if they meet eligibility criteria. The loan application portal is expected to open this week. As with the first round, eligible organizations can apply through most local or national banks.

Resilience Tip: When the Art of Juggling becomes a Mandate

On January 13, 2021 by LeadingAge

Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology

We are coming up on the anniversary of when the COVID-19 pandemic hit our nation, our care facilities and every aspect of our lives. We were likely juggling many roles before the coronavirus: parent, professional, caretaker at home and work just to name a few. We might also have been struggling to find time for ourselves amidst all these demands pre-COVID.

COVID-19 Resource Round-Up: Vaccine Clinic Resources

On January 13, 2021 by Terri Foley

As the COVID-19 vaccine continues to be distributed through the state in long-term care settings, we are developing and gathering tools that can help you plan and execute a successful clinic.