Jan. 25, 2024
Featured News
Data Portal Shows Decreased Vacancy Rates for Nurses, but Increases for CNAs and TMAs
On January 25, 2024 by Anna Mowry
Vacancy rates for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses decreased last quarter. In contrast, TMA and CNA vacancy rates increased, according to data submitted by members in the LeadingAge Minnesota Data Portal.
With over seven quarters of workforce data compiled, the LeadingAge Minnesota Data Portal shows trends in statewide vacancy rates, turnover, and retention for critical positions in member settings.
This past quarter, both LPN and RN vacancy rates dropped. According to the member data submitted in the portal, RN vacancy rates are at a new low of 14.08%, decreasing over 3% since last quarter. Meanwhile, LPN rates decreased slightly.
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Dietary staff remained consistent in vacancies this past quarter, trending with a lower statewide average vacancy rate of 10.07%. Meanwhile, nursing assistant (CNA) vacancy rates have increased from 16.28% to 18.88% since last quarter.
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In the application, members can access more workforce trend reports and compare their data on employee vacancy rates, retention, and turnover metrics in the Workforce Application of the Data Portal.
Time to submit your fourth-quarter data
As more members enter their data each quarter, more and more insights can be discovered. Members should submit 2023 fourth-quarter data for all LeadingAge Minnesota Data Portal applications by Jan.31.
What is the Data Portal?
Ever wonder how you match up with your competitors? Want to know where your organization has opportunities to improve? The LeadingAge Minnesota Data Portal allows you access to data tracking and vital benchmarking to gain valuable insights and facilitate data-driven decisions.
Compare your performance with the following Data Portal Applications:
- Workforce: Employee turnover, retention, and vacancy metrics for RNs, LPNs, CNAs, TMAs, and dietary staff.
- Compensation: Wages, differentials, and bonuses for key staff positions, including DONs, RNs, CNAs, social workers, maintenance, and more.
- Financial conditions: Your organization’s financial outlook, including operating margin, days cash on hand, debt coverage ratio, and reserves.
- Assisted living quality measures: Resident falls, medication errors, hospital/ED visits, capacity, and average length of stay metrics.
- Five-Star Quality Reports: Care center insights into your CMS 5-Star rating to focus your quality improvement efforts.
To learn more or for questions, please contact Julie Apold. To request data portal access, please contact Cari Kronschnable.
Love Yourself this February with Free Mental Health Training
On January 25, 2024 by Anna Mowry
This spring, the final sessions of virtual Mental Health First Aid training will be offered at no cost to LeadingAge Minnesota members.
Like CPR training, the eight-hour Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course prepares people to be the first line of support in a crisis—to identify, understand, and guide themselves and others to mental health resources. Over the past two years, the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation has sponsored over 250 aging services professionals to attend MHFA training.
Don’t wait—Space and sessions are limited, so register now. Participants should only register for one session. By registering, you are agreeing to virtually attend and fully participate on the selected session date.
Make sure to spread the love and share this opportunity with your teams!
Upcoming session dates – register now
- Wed. Feb. 14, 10 a.m. – 4:30 pm – The registration deadline is Jan. 31!
- Mon. Feb. 19, 10 a.m. – 4:30 pm – The registration deadline is Jan. 31!
- Thurs. Feb. 29, 10 a.m. – 4:30 pm
- Mon. Mar. 4, 10 a.m. – 4:30 pm
- Thurs. Mar.7, 10 a.m. – 4:30 pm
What do you gain from Mental Health First Aid?
- A 5-step action plan to respond to a mental health crisis.
- Increased confidence and likelihood of helping an individual in distress.
- Knowledge of signs, symptoms, and risk factors of mental illnesses and addictions.
- A nationally recognized certification supported by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
For more information, please contact Julie Kiehne, Winona State University Business Outreach Coordinator. This project is sponsored by the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation, with funding from the Minnesota Department of Health.
State News
Assisted Living Report Card Preview
On January 25, 2024 by Kari Everson
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) emailed the authorized assisted living agent with a link to the Minnesota Assisted Living Report Card to those communities with active report card ratings. Not all communities have active report card ratings right now.
Minnesota Assisted Living Report Card
The Minnesota Board on Aging and DHS, in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and other partners, created a website to view Minnesota assisted living settings in the following areas:
- Resident quality of life
- Family satisfaction
- Resident health
- Safety
- Staffing
Assisted living settings without a score
If an assisted living has information missing or unavailable on the report card, it means one of these things occurred:
- The assisted living has not been open long enough to collect the information
- The assisted living did not participate in statewide surveys
- The assisted living could not get enough responses on statewide surveys to report reliable scores
Public report card availability
DHS plans to publicly announce the release of the assisted living report card next week. DHS will add more ratings as it collects data for additional assisted living communities. In the future, DHS intends to include ratings beyond satisfaction surveys, incorporating health, safety, and staffing measures. Future updates are coming regarding these measures.
DHS created a frequently asked questions document and an Assisted Living Report Card Ratings Guide. These will eventually be available on the website.
Federal News
US Senate Special Committee Holds Hearing on Assisted Living Options for Older Adults
On January 25, 2024 by Erin Huppert
Today, the US Senate Special Committee on Aging convened for an informational hearing on understanding assisted living options for Americans.
While no bills were considered or votes were taken, the focus of testimony signaled areas of future interest and probable policy development.
On the heels of national media interest in assisted living communities, elopements, and financial investments, this bipartisan Senate Committee heard from a consumer advocate, an academic, and an assisted living provider.
Key takeaways from the hearing
- Senators agreed that assisted living communities are intended to be homes and residences – not institutions – and that they serve a growing demand by older adults and their families.
- The Senate demonstrates a growing interest in national standards for financial disclosures, transparency, and consumer protections. However, there does not appear to be the same level of focus in the US House of Representatives at this time.
- While the role of federal and state funding in enabling seniors to access home and community-based services was acknowledged, the committee did not leverage its platform to call for better reimbursement by our public payors.
- Neither of Minnesota’s senators was present for the hearing, and testifiers' comments were not focused on our state's efforts to ensure safe, quality care and services for Minnesota’s older adults.
Take action
Argentum, our national partner representing senior living settings, is asking for your help telling your personal stories on assisted living. We want lawmakers to hear from residents, family members, and others on why they chose assisted living, what makes their community a home, and how their care team is like family. We also encourage stories about how assisted living has helped improve quality of life and health outcomes and supported families in their roles. These testimonials are essential so that lawmakers better understand what assisted living is on a personal level. Share your story today!
To learn more about the Special Committee on Aging and its most recent hearing, visit https://www.aging.senate.gov/.
New Resource from LeadingAge: Hiring Refugees in Aging Services
On January 25, 2024 by Anna Mowry
Our national partner, LeadingAge, worked with Global Refuge to create a members-only resource with recommendations for hiring, training, and building inclusive workplaces for refugees.
The new resource – Hiring Refugees in Aging Services – is designed to help providers explore refugees as a source of qualified candidates to care for the growing population of older adults in the United States.
This resource will provide you with:
- An overview of who refugees are and their status within the United States
- An understanding of how the needs of refugees align with employers and employment opportunities
- Resettlement processes and supports
- How to hire refugees
- Best practices for hiring organizations, with a focus on creating inclusive environments
- Provider case studies, contacts, and additional resources
To access the resource, make sure you are logged in to your LeadingAge account. Please note this is not the same login as your LeadingAge Minnesota account.
Notable News
#ElevateAging: A Year-Long Celebration of Aging Services
On January 25, 2024 by Dan Nelson
Launched in January, this is the second month of our #ElevateAging campaign. Don’t worry if you missed last month; you can jump in anytime!
Designed to reshape perceptions and inspire a positive narrative around aging services, this year-long initiative promises to bring together our community in a celebration of resilience, compassion, and dedication.
What is #ElevateAging?
In the spirit of positivity and empowerment, we've curated a calendar of monthly themes that highlight the diverse facets of our mission. From advocating for policy changes to celebrating the creativity and connections that transcend generations, each month is an opportunity to showcase the vibrant tapestry of our work.
This month, we focus on caregivers and highlight their greatness with the theme #CareIsLove. The February resources are available here.
The 2024 calendar and monthly campaign focus
- February | #CareIsLove: Showcasing the heartfelt commitment of care workers in our communities and how they have become friends and family with those they serve.
- March | #CareersInAging: Let’s bring greater awareness and visibility to the wide-ranging career opportunities in the field of aging, and the incredible, heroic individuals who work in it.
- April | #AgingEducation: Join us in educating Minnesotans on aging services – what care options they have, how it’s paid for, and what our state needs to support our aging population.
- May | #OlderAmericansMonth: Showcase diverse aging experiences and, in doing so, help combat stereotypes of growing older. Highlight your residents’ stories!
- June | #AgingServicesChampions: Celebrate those who are committed to enhancing the field of aging services and who excel in leadership and advocacy.
- July | #AgelessCreativity: Share the positives of the aging process with your communities and share the joy found in creativity expressed by older Minnesotans.
- August | #AgingAmerica: Call on our federal government to take action on the aging services workforce crisis and our country’s overall lack of infrastructure and resources for an aging population.
- September | #NationalWorkforceDevelopmentMonth: Celebrate the dedicated professionals serving our older adults and their families. Use your stories of workforce success to help your peers thrive in a time of relentless change.
- October | #AgiesmAwareness: Change the conversation about aging during Ageism Awareness Month. Aging is part of life’s journey, full of choices, opportunity, and joy at every age.
- November | #GiveForOlderAdults: November is the month of giving – encourage your communities to support organizations that serve older adults in Minnesota. This is a great time to highlight the non-profit partners you work within your communities.
- December | #ConnectingGenerations: Celebrate connections between different age groups, understanding that each generation brings unique experiences and perspectives.
How can you participate?
effortlessly execute each month's campaign. The toolkit includes shareable graphics, sample social media posts and resources to engage your community.
By using the hashtag #ElevateAging, you'll contribute to a collective voice that advocates for change, challenges stereotypes, and celebrates the wonderful work happening in aging services.
Join us in this journey of empowerment and inspiration! Together, we can #ElevateAging and build a brighter future for older adults in Minnesota.
Why Senior Facility Employees Need Opportunities to Keep Themselves Healthy
On January 25, 2024 by LeadingAge
This article was contributed by Heidi Orstad, DNP, RN, PHN, CCM. Dr. Orstad is a clinical nurse consultant with Marsh McLennan Agency, a preferred vendor of LeadingAge Minnesota Solutions.
It’s no secret that senior living facilities have difficulty attracting and retaining good employees. For some workers, the wages are low, defined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as $9.25 an hour or less.
An outsized portion of that take-home pay has to cover out-of-pocket health care costs. In fact, the Bureau of Statistics reports that one dollar out of every three pre-tax dollars of low-income workers goes to pay for health care.
A recent study by KFF, an independent non-profit providing health policy research, finds that lower-income adults are more than twice as likely (31%) to have trouble paying medical bills as higher-income adults (13%), which can negatively affect health outcomes.
High healthcare costs as well as the fear of losing income from being absent from work can deter employees from seeking medical care. The KFF study shows employees not being able to afford healthcare can result in being forced to make incredibly hard choices—pay rent, buy groceries, see the doctor, or fill a prescription. They can even be pushed into medical bankruptcy by the cost of healthcare and health insurance.
Senior living employees may be susceptible to a wide range of chronic illnesses.
Working conditions have always been challenging for healthcare workers, even before the pandemic. Work in healthcare often involves:
Intensely stressful and emotional situations. According to the CDC, work stress can lead to poor mental and physical health. Many senior care workers place the well-being of others before self, which can ultimately be harmful if it delays or prevents workers from getting the help that they need for their own health and well-being.
Burnout from a variety of exposures. More than 45% of healthcare workers reported feeling burnout in 2022, up from 32% in 2018. Reports of poor mental health symptoms also increased more for health workers than for other worker groups as a result of:
- Continuing exposure to human suffering and death
- Pressures from patients, family members, and employers
- Risk for hazardous exposures such as COVID-19, other contagious infectious diseases, and hazardous medications
- Demanding physical work and risk of injuries
- Long and often unpredictable work hours, including night shifts
- Compassion fatigue that can lead to substance abuse as a way to cope
Research indicates that employees who do shift work and/or who earn a low income are more likely to suffer from cardiometabolic diseases such as pre-diabetes, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Senior facility employees who work with residents also endure a higher-than-expected incidence of musculoskeletal injuries as a result of their work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that senior living employees are more than seven times more likely to suffer a musculoskeletal injury on the job compared to the average of all industries in 2023.
Addressing the social determinants of health is fundamental for improving health
According to one Senior Living Marsh McLennan Agency client in the Upper Midwest, “We cannot address health benefits until we address the fact that we have employees living in their cars.”
A large percentage of senior living employees earn low wages, according to the Brookings Institute. This often leads to lack of access to transportation, housing, childcare, education, food and more. These inequities affect the employee and their family, as 43% of low-wage earners are raising children.
According to the World Health Organization, 30-55% of a person's health is determined by socioeconomic factors, health-related behaviors, and environmental conditions.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identifies social determinants of health as:
- Access to quality health care
- Education access and quality
- Social and community context
- Economic stability
- Neighborhood and built environment
How can leaders at senior facilities promote opportunities to improve employee health?
There are strategies senior living leaders can use to help employees become healthier, mitigate stress, and more.
- Prioritize safety at work. The CDC’s Safety Culture in Healthcare Settings is one helpful resource.
- Provide affordable, accessible benefits that serve the diverse needs of your employees and their families. According to the KFF study, a majority of employers are attempting to help lower-income employees with benefits ideas such as:
- Salary-based premium programs that lower monthly premium costs but may not provide costs for other out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles
- Co-pay plans that offer flat fees for routine doctor visits and typically have low deductibles
- High deductible health plans (HDHPs) with low premium costs
- Survey your employees to understand what it is they are needing from their employer and health benefits. Some pulse surveys are publicly available.
- Offer access to care in ways that eliminate or reduce the cost to employees while reducing employer risk. Examples include using vendors that provide telemedicine, mental health care, and virtual physical therapy.
- Promote awareness of community resources and tools like findhelp.org to provide improved healthcare access.
For information about how to partner with a team of Marsh McLennan Agency Clinical Consultants who can support your journey towards improved employee health and wellbeing, contact us.
About Marsh McClennan Agency
Marsh McLennan Agency offers a team of clinical professionals, data analysts, and health management consultants who can interpret data against the known challenges in the industry and a facility’s location. They can help develop a wellness strategy most relevant to employees, including creating the best health solutions designed to mitigate health risks in your facility. To learn more, contact a Marsh McLennan Agency representative.
Member News
Member Insights: Real-Time Surveys
On January 25, 2024 by Jessica Lacher
As part of our ongoing commitment to enhance member experiences, we are launching a short survey for LeadingAge Minnesota members to share feedback any day, any time, on their experiences with the Association.
We feel collecting this data in “real-time” will allow us to be more responsive in making adjustments and adding resources that members value.
The short survey is purposefully short. We know your time is valuable. It is designed to take less than three minutes. Though this brief survey will not replace the annual, more expanded membership survey, they will complement one another.
We will include the link to this short, real-time survey in each upcoming Advantage newsletter and in other communications to help spread the word. Take a moment to share your insights- give it a try today!
Share your feedback now (or anytime)
Marvin Plakut, President and CEO of Episcopal Homes, Announces Retirement
On January 25, 2024 by Libbie Chapuran
After 25 years overseeing the development of senior housing along University Avenue and helping to spearhead its redevelopment, President and CEO Marvin Plakut will retire from Episcopal Homes on March 31.
Under Marvin’s tenure since 1999, Episcopal Homes has expanded significantly to meet a growing need for senior housing in St. Paul. The 130-year-old nonprofit organization has added seven facilities with more than 400 units, including 256 affordable apartments.
Most significantly, Marvin has overseen the development of its core campus at University and Fairview Avenues, providing a continuum of care from market-rate to affordable housing and from independent and assisted living to transitional care and skilled nursing and memory care. Hallmarks of the central campus include two chapels, a wellness program, a pub, a gym, a therapy pool, and Kinder Village, a daycare where residents interact with employees and neighborhood children.
The Episcopal Homes Board of Directors has named Tom Henry, chief of strategy and financial officer, its next president and CEO. Henry joined Episcopal Homes in 2015 and has overseen all aspects of financial operations and been the principal architect of many key initiatives for the $40-million nonprofit provider of senior housing.
Before joining Episcopal Homes, Henry was a business consultant and mental health practitioner. He received his bachelor’s degree summa cum laude in interdisciplinary studies with emphases in social work and business administration from the University of Wisconsin–Superior. He also holds a master’s degree in public policy from the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, with concentrations in healthcare policy and nonprofit management.
Founded in 1894, Episcopal Homes is building community and enriching the lives of older adults through senior communities that offer a continuum of housing options, services, and affordability. Episcopal Homes has nine locations in the heart of Saint Paul, with its central Midway campus conveniently located along the METRO Green Line. Whether a resident is seeking the comforts of a peaceful senior community or the reassurance of 24-hour nursing care, Episcopal Homes can meet those needs. For more information, visit episcopalhomes.org.
Marvin has been an active member of LeadingAge Minnesota throughout his career. LeadingAge Minnesota thanks Marvin for his many contributions to the Association, the sector, and the countless seniors he impacted. We also congratulate Tom Henry as he steps into his new role.
Jon Lundberg, Ebenezer and Fairview Senior Services President and CEO, Announces Retirement
On January 25, 2024 by Libbie Chapuran
Jon Lundberg, president and chief executive officer of Fairview Senior Services and president and CEO of Fairview subsidiary Ebenezer Senior Living, has announced his plan to retire in September 2024.
Jon, who initially joined Ebenezer in 2007 as chief operating officer, assumed the role of president and CEO in 2017. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the growth of Ebenezer, seeing its expansion from fewer than 20 HOA sites to 40 management sites and 65 HOA sites.
Jon’s career included adapting to regulatory changes, such as the implementation of new assisted living regulations in 2020, and resiliently facing changes like the pandemic. In response to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jon fostered a close partnership between Ebenezer and Fairview Health Services. This collaboration led to the development of various programs and services aimed at effectively caring for and managing the post-acute patient population.
Before joining Ebenezer, Jon held several administrator roles with organizations such as Good Samaritan, Walker Methodist, and Minnesota Masonic.
A national search is underway to identify a successor who will uphold and advance the values and vision of Ebenezer. The search committee is committed to a thorough and inclusive search, seeking input from staff and various stakeholders to identify the best candidate for leading Ebenezer into its promising future.
Jon has been an active member of LeadingAge Minnesota, formerly serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors. LeadingAge Minnesota is grateful for Jon’s contributions to our Association and the sector throughout his career.
Barbara Klick, President and CEO of Sholom Community Alliance, Announces Retirement
On January 25, 2024 by Libbie Chapuran
Barbara Klick, who joined Sholom Community Alliance as CEO in 2016, will retire from her storied career at Sholom this summer.
In her eight years at the helm, Barb has led Sholom with excellence, integrity, and empathy, creating a compassionate and caring environment that has enriched the day-to-day lives of the people served at Sholom.
Before joining Sholom, Barbara served as the Chief Operating Officer for Fairview Physicians Associates, managing a network of over 2500 physicians. She has been actively involved in strategic planning, competitive marketing strategies, and developing community relationships. She also has a wealth of experience, having worked in the non-profit, for-profit, and government healthcare arenas.
Sholom has an unwavering commitment to continue providing outstanding, customized care and services to the community. The Sholom Alliance Board has created a Search Committee, which has carefully selected a search firm to partner with us to identify a new CEO. The Search Committee will source candidates throughout January and February, with the goal of choosing a new CEO in June.
Barbara also served LeadingAge Minnesota as the Chair of the Board of Directors from 2022-2023. We appreciate the generous contributions Barb has made to our LeadingAge Minnesota community.