Upcoming 2020 Events

• Quality Summit – March 9-11, 2019  
• Independent Owner’s Conference – March 11-13, 2019

2020 Health Care Observances

January 2020 marks, among other observances, National Glaucoma Awareness Month, National Volunteer Blood Donor Month, and National Activities Professional Week (January 19-25).  The 2020 Healthcare Observances Calendar can be found here.

Happy Thanksgiving to You and Your Loved Ones from AHCA/NCAL!

New Population Health Management Summit for Long Term and Post-Acute Care Leaders

Join AHCA/NCAL and LTC/PAC providers, health plans, regulators, and investors for a two-day intensive on all the latest in population health management from December 9-10, 2019, at the InterContinental in Washington, D.C. 

• Discuss the ways in which PHM models are improving quality and outcomes while reducing costs
• Learn new strategies to expand and improve your leadership capabilities in PHM
• Network with peers and nontraditional partners
• Gain a deeper understanding of CMS’ view of provider-led PHM efforts

You’ll learn from expert speakers and each other at this unique event. With a focus on leadership, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of PHM strategies that can take your organization to the next level.  Find out more about the summit and register today.

‘Sharing Our Wisdom’ Announced as 2020 Theme for National Skilled Nursing Care Week

AHCA recently announced “Sharing Our Wisdom” as the 2020 theme for National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW), which will be held May 10-16.  The theme "Sharing Our Wisdom," will celebrate skilled nursing centers, and their residents and staff, by showcasing the insight, purpose, and wisdom to be learned from our seniors, those living with dementia, and people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Residents offer a unique perspective based on their life experiences, reminding us to be present, celebrate the small moments, and value connections.  NSNCW 2020 will focus on the collective wisdom that residents can offer and share.

Established by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) in 1967, NSNCW, formerly known as National Nursing Home Week, recognizes the essential role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for America’s frail, elderly, and disabled.  Skilled nursing care centers and members of the public can download NSNCW promotional materials at www.ahcancal.org/NSNCW​ and are encouraged to share activities, ideas, and experiences for the observance on social media using the hashtag, #NSNCW.  AHCA will issue a planning guide and product catalog in late February. For more information on National Skilled Nursing Care Week, visit www.ahcancal.org/NSNCW.

Senate Aging Committee Releases Report on Falls Prevention and Holds Hearing on Strategies to Protect Seniors from Injury

Last month, the U.S. Senate Aging Committee held a hearing titled, “Falls Prevention: National, State, and Local Level Solutions to Better Support Seniors.” At the hearing, the Committee unveiled a report that provides evidence-based recommendations on ways to reduce the risk of falling.  More specifically, the Aging Committee’s report made recommendations in four key areas that can be found here in the Committee’s press statement.  The press statement includes that “Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults that incur $50 billion annually in total medical costs.  That number is expected to double to $100 billion by 2030, and the majority of these costs are borne by Medicare and Medicaid.”  You can also read the full testimony of the witnesses and watch a recording of the hearing here.

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.