Monday, November 23, 2020

Happy Thanksgiving from AHCA/NCAL


Resources to Help 2021 Quality Award Applicants

 

The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program has created free resources to help 2021 Bronze, Silver and Gold Award applicants.  Members are encouraged to access The Criteria Series, several videos covering application categories and technical writing to ensure a smooth writing process.  Completing a successful application takes time to prepare.  Don’t wait.  Gather your team and start today.  More details can be found here

Mounting Evidence Points To Serious COVID-19 Risk For Those With ID/DD

 

According to a disabiltyscoop.com article, “People with developmental disabilities who contract COVID-19 face a higher risk of dying from the virus than just about anyone else, new research indicates.” The full article can be found here.

ICF/IID Reports

AHCA's Research Department has released the following June 2020 updates for use by AHCA/NCAL members (Login Required):

If you have any questions relating to these reports, which include important ICF/IID state and national data, please contact AHCA’s Research Director, Kiran Sreenivas.

HUD Section 232 Program and COVID Webinar


AhcancalED hosted a webinar last week with HUD titled Section 232 Program Overview and Matters Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic. This webinar provided a brief overview of HUD’s Office of Residential Care Facilities (ORCF) and various issues brought on by the pandemic. It included a discussion of relief options, financial treatment of loans and grants and changes in ORCF policy to adapt to the crisis. A recording of the webinar can be found here.​​

We Need You for Our Social Media Initiative


AHCA/NCAL began a social media advocacy initiative last 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.

Coronavirus


Visit the AHCA/NCAL Coronavirus website daily for the latest information that we have to share with long term care providers about COVID-19.  As concerns arise with the emerging coronavirus, officially named COVID-19, we are working nationally with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure our long term care communities receive necessary supplies and guidance to prevent the spread of this disease.

Articles and Resources of Interest

Legislative and Agency Corner

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.

2020 Health Care Observances

December 2020 marks, among other observances, American Diabetes Month (ADM) and National Family Caregivers Month.  The 2020 Healthcare Observances Calendar can be found here.