Virginia Health Services’ Post

In November 2023, thousands of national and international researchers and other experts gathered in Tampa, Florida for the Gerontological Society of America’s (GSA) annual conference. More than ever before, the recent GSA conference included a keen focus on the direct care workforce. Research presented on this critical workforce ranged from turnover in nursing homes and assisted living to workers’ experiences of racism in long-term care, home care workers’ perspectives on their training, strategies to engage direct care workers in research, and more. https://ow.ly/W6hU50QoMvT

It’s #AssistedLivingWeek! #AssistedLiving is a residence for older adults who need daily care—but not as much care as a skilled nursing home provides. It can be a costly option for long-term care, which is why people should research facilities and funding options carefully. We’re here to help. Read (and share) NCOA's comprehensive guide to assisted living, created by NCOA’s Adviser Reviews Team.👇 https://lnkd.in/edyN2a6j

The widespread notion that senior citizens must leave their home to reside in assisted living facilities or nursing homes is misleading. In fact, my experience has shown that many older adults prefer to maintain their independence within the community. And as this age group expands, there will be a significant demand for flexible living options that adapt to evolving needs. One of those options is the Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). The “American Association of Homes for the Aging” defines a CCRC as “... an organization that provides housing, services, and health care (including long-term care), to people of retirement age. The community must provide increasing levels of care that meet the needs of individual residents, beginning with independent living and providing a variety of health and nursing care services. It offers a contract based on an entry fee that guarantees shelter and access to various health care services, whether these are pre-funded or on a fee-for-service basis. There are 3 distinguishing features of a CCRC... 1. A combination of living accommodations and continuing of care. 2. Content of the contract. 3. Level of service that increases as a resident’s need increases. 👉✔️ It’s important to ask for and read the CCRC Disclosure Statement as well as the contract. By law, you must receive a Disclosure Statement before any contract is signed. In these documents you’ll find information regarding: 1. Continuing of care (what types and where - independent living, assisted living, long term care), 2. Types of plans (all-inclusive, modified plan, fee for service plan), 3. Amenities. 4. Management info., 5. Financials. Note: a contract with a CCRC is an agreement to purchase SERVICE and the RIGHT TO LIVE IN A SPECIFIC PLACE; it is not an agreement to lease or purchase property❗️ The Department of Consumer Affairs in your state may issue a certificate to a CCRC that complies with state laws and regulations, but it is not an endorsement of that facility by the state. Each state has its own Bill of Rights regarding CCRCs. You can find it with a google search of “<your state> CCRC bill of rights”. Here’s a link to the California version: https://lnkd.in/gt78Mrjd A CCRC may be a valid option for you or a loved one, however, it’s important to do research before signing on the dotted line. #CCRC #continuingcare #agingpopulation #seniorliving #aginginplace

We were delighted to meet with Minister Mary Butler and her officials today to discuss persectives and solutions to sustain and develop the role we play in supporting positive ageing in our communities. Family owned and operated homes are a critically important part of delivering a continuum of care within their local communities, drawing on experience and perspective built on tradition and family values. They are essential stakeholders and committed partners in a shared vision for a society which enables ‘ageing well in the community’. Sustaining and developing the role of local nursing homes is an important element in the delivery of any national policy for person-centred, positive ageing. Within this, we believe there are three key areas of focus required - 1. Enhancing Supports and Choice in the Community - Establishing a new approach to innovative partnerships with the HSE and local nursing homes to broaden the continuum of older person community supports. 2. Sustaining Quality though People - Protecting the delivery of quality care by establishing a workforce strategy which creates and sustains appropriate career pathways for those working in the sector. 3.  Securing Care for the Future - Ensuring the growing demand for high quality older person supports are met when and where they are needed by encouraging sustainable investment in enhanced nursing home facilities & services over the next decade. (Pictured LR - Fergus McNulty, Chairperson Céile Care, Minister Mary Butler, Margaret Wafer, Clinical & Quality Director, Céile Care, Noel Mulvihill, CEO, Céile Care)

Just a decade ago, it wasn’t uncommon to find a resident in Assisted Living who was independent enough to have a car used for regular outings. Today, the scenario has dramatically changed, with Assisted Living residents requiring significantly more assistance, attention, and nursing support to maintain a basic quality of life. Senior Living care levels, once distinct and well-defined, are now merging. This convergence creates confusion and a lack of clarity about where one type of care ends and another begins. Prospective residents are entering communities later, with more needs and less understanding of the support available to them. This uncertainty leaves families wary, questioning whether the transition to memory care or assisted living is necessary, or if insisting on Independent Living might suffice despite the evident care requirements. To read more visit: https://lnkd.in/gfvC_par

How to Pay, What Level, Where to Live, & Who Providers Care Providing quality residential care, encompassing assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, and independent living, is a crucial aspect of addressing the diverse needs of aging individuals. However, financing these services can be a complex and challenging process.

How to Pay, What Level, Where to Live, & Who Providers Care Providing quality residential care, encompassing assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, and independent living, is a crucial aspect of addressing the diverse needs of aging individuals. However, financing these services can be a complex and challenging process.

Definitely of interest to my contacts in the Hull area.

While there are still several weeks left in the Washington state legislative session and our hard work at Washington Health Care Association continues, some progress has been made. Last week, was the cutoff for a bill to move out of committee if it is to advance to the House or Senate floor for a vote. Thanks to your strong voices, HB 1859 did not advance. While WHCA supports the goal of allowing residents to appeal discharges, we could not support the bill. HB 1859 would have extended federal skilled nursing facility residents’ rights to community-based long-term care settings in Washington, including assisted living and adult family homes. Notably, HB 1859 would have created a 90-day period to file an appeal for a resident discharge, which extends 60 days beyond current practice. The bill failed to recognize the fact that nursing homes are designed and staffed for 24/7 post-acute medical care and higher acuity personal care, whereas home and community settings are designed for wraparound personal care and are not a medical model. The safety and wellbeing of all residents and staff needs to be our priority and requiring community-based settings to provide staffing and care beyond the scope of disclosed services and beyond reasonable accommodation does not reinforce this. We need to find a balance between protecting the rights of individuals from inappropriate discharge and putting others in harms way when an appropriate discharge is warranted. We need to collectively look out for the rights of all our residents. Luckily, our voices prevailed in this discussion, despite misleading and incorrect information offered by bill proponents. I believe there is much good news about Washington long-term care, and I appreciate that the Washington legislature was not swayed by sensational rhetoric that did little to inform this important conversation. But our work is far from over. I fear these misleading narratives will harm Washington’s senior by scaring them away from long-term care and assisted living settings when their safety is at risk. The mission of WHCA and its members is to provide the highest quality of care for our residents to ensure they’re safely looked after. These are safe places and often seniors reach a point when it is no longer safe for them to live alone, whether that’s being able to balance in the shower or monitor medications. We’re here to help and that’s #WhyICare. We must continue to share our stories so seniors know they can rely on us, that community based services does not need to be a scary place, that the people who work there care deeply, and that we do not need to live alone or in fear in our elder years.

What to Know About Assisted Living - By Jordan Rau Are you confused about what an assisted living facility is, and how it differs from a nursing home? And what you can expect to pay? Here’s a guide to this type of housing for older people. What is assisted living? Assisted liv... - https://lnkd.in/dj8vPA_u