AARP Report on Caregiving Released during National Family Caregivers Month

On November 14, AARP released Valuing the Invaluable 2019 Update: Charting a Path Forward, finding that 41 million family caregivers provided 34 billion hours of care worth $470 billion in 2017.  The report includes state data on the number of family caregivers, hours of care they provide, and the value of this unpaid care.  It also, among other things, highlights key trends in family caregiving and provides a series of family caregiving related policy recommendations.  You can access the full report, an infographic, and more at www.aarp.org/valuing. 

We Need You for Our Social Media Initiative

AHCA/NCAL began a new social media advocacy initiative earlier this year and is encouraging all members to get involved.  The effort focuses on improving the overall image of the post-acute and long term care profession by sharing positive stories and pushing back on pieces that attempt to tie all providers to isolated negative events.

AHCA/NCAL will be sending interested members tips for getting more involved on social media, best practices for posting content, sample posts, and a roundup of positive stories about the profession on a regular basis. Individuals who want to get involved should email socialmedia@ahca.org to get on the mailing list.

The campaign also will include a rapid response to stories that are unfairly negative about the profession or do not accurately portray the reality of post-acute and long term care.  AHCA/NCAL hopes to build on these successes as the year continues. With thousands of buildings nationwide who touch the lives of millions of people, there is the chance to seriously affect the way the profession is viewed and treated by lawmakers and the media.

Articles and Resources of Interest

• AHCA/NCAL Elects Board of Governors, Directors at Annual Convention in Orlando
• 71st AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo Call for Presentations 2020
• The LTC Career Center Sale Ends November 30
• 2020 is Just Around the Corner and so is the Launch of AHCA’s 2020 PDPM Academy
• Time’s Running Out to Get Recognized for Your Quality Efforts
• Participate in Research on Care and Resident Safety in AL
• Cybersecurity, Ransomware & Planning Resources
• It Pays to Have Cleary Energy Audit Your Utility Bills…and Keeps Paying

Legislative and Agency Corner

• AHCA Issues Statement Following House Ways and Means Committee Hearing
• CMS Posts 2020 Annual Update to the Medicare Part B Therapy Code List
• HICN Claims Reject
• CMS Update to SNF Billing Specific to Veterans Administration (Demo 31) Claims Under PDPM
• PDPM Status Updates - for AHCA SNF Members

National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities

The National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities (NASUAD) holds a monthly call or webinar concerning topics of interest to those who work in the field of aging and disability.  One of the past calls focused on resources for people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias and their caregivers.  Information about future calls, and audio recording of previous ones, can be found here.

Upcoming 2019 and 2020 Events

• Population Health Management Summit in Washington, D.C. – December 9-10, 2019
• Quality Summit – March 9-11, 2019  
• Independent Owner’s Conference – March 11-13, 2019

2019 and 2020 Health Care Observances

December 2019 marks, among other observances, World AIDS Day (December 1^st), National Influenza Vaccination Week (December 1-7), and National Hand Washing Awareness Week (December 1-7).  The 2020 Healthcare Observances Calendar can be found here.