MHCA’s Building Occupancy in your Assisted Living Center

November 15, 2023: Building Occupancy in your Assisted Living Center
Presenter: Lou Ann Brubaker – Lou Ann is the President of Brubaker Seminars

Traditional marketing and outreach strategies that once drove ALF move-ins are not as effective in today’s senior care marketplace. Across the country, the remarkable growth of assisted living centers and resident acuity have altered the competitive landscape. Any decline in occupancy is lost revenue that is nearly impossible to make up for. Assisted Living Centers need to be proactive to create a steady stream of inquiries by monitoring 3 data sets that enable more nimble strategies.

DMH Free Webinars – Tools for Everyone

November 15, 2023: Registration
November 21, 2023: Registration

Presenters: Terri Werner, Central Area Positive Supports Consultant Lead
Brandy Allen, Northern Area Positive Supports Consultant Lead
Katherine Earll, Eastern Area Positive Supports Consultant Lead
Cana Poteet, Western Area Positive Supports Consultant Lead

Tools of Choice is an evidence-based program focused on the implementation of universal positive practices. This two-hour introductory training is open to community members, parents, and professionals. It covers key concepts of the Tools of Choice curriculum, including: What is behavior, building positive relationships, and how to increase desirable behavior. Join the Positive Support Consultants in learning strategies to make positive change by implementing universal positive practices.

Registration is also available on the Upcoming Webinar Webpage.

CMT Certification Course

January 9-March 12, 2024: CMT/Insulin Certification Course

MHCA offers CMT Certification classes both in-person and hybrid. The next course is January 9, 2024 through March 12, 2024. Please contact Shellie Goodin, MHCA Director of Clinical and Quality Services, if you have questions. Pre-registration is required one week prior to the start date to assure materials are ordered.

New QIPMO Newsletter – November 2023

The Quality Improvement Program for Missouri (QIPMO) has published MDS Tips and Clinical Pearls (Volume 11, Issue 1).

In this issue:

  • Recruit, Recruit, Recruit
  • The Importance of Discussing One’s Health Care Wishes
  • ICAR Corner
  • Are You Meeting the Baseline Care Plan Requirements?
  • What’s in the Water? Water-borne Illness

Please visit QIPMO’s website here for this and other previous newsletters.

VOYCE Transportation Resources Presentation

December 5, 2023: Transportation Resources for Older Adults
Location: St. Louis County Library Lewis & Clark Branch

What can I do when my ride cancels, and I cannot attend doctor appointments, shopping, church, and other social events? Learn about community resources and organizations specializing in transportation for older adults that help to address loneliness and isolation in our community.

LeadingAge Missouri – Sales Webinar

November 16, 2023: Reaching Maximum Capacity: Improving Sales & Customer Experience

The selling landscape has changed: more competition, more individuals involved in the decision-making process, and more ways for buyers to research their options before ever talking with someone on your team. To reach and maintain maximum capacity, there are two key areas where you need to excel: (1) delivering a customer experience that creates champions for your community’s brand and (2) providing a prospect experience that sets you apart immediately and moves them forward efficiently. With the right strategies, you’ll not only convert more prospects but also foster strong customer–and employee–satisfaction.

Missouri Medicaid Reimbursement Update – Webinar

November 29, 2023: Missouri Medicaid Reimbursement Update
Speakers: Camille Lockhart, Sherri Robbins and Juli Pascoe

Join LeadingAge for this webinar that will include the implementation of the MO Medicaid plan and the impact on providers, strategies on what matters now, and discuss findings in other CMI states that are calculating CMI under PDM.

MC5 Event – Re-Imagining Person-Directed Culture: It Starts with a Conversation

Join members of the team from MC5 and special guests the 4th Wednesday of each month as we share stories and best practices, explore challenges faced, and together re-envision what Person-Directed Care can look like for seniors in Missouri, especially for those living and working in Missouri’s Long-Term Care and Assisted Livings communities.

October 25, 2023: Filling the Holidays with Meaning and Purpose
Special Guest: Carrie Chiusano, Executive Director for Presbyterian SeniorCare Network’s Dementia Care Center of Excellence
Conversation Starter: Come prepared to discuss best practices as well as challenges faced as you work to make the holiday season one that has meaning and purpose for the residents in your community.

Special guest, Carrie Chiusano has thirty plus years of long-term care experience with Presbyterian SeniorCare Network. Most of those years were spent helping to shape and implement the internationally renowned Woodside Place philosophy of specialty care for persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias. Carrie is a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT) through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners.

LeadingAge Long-Term Care Legal Education Series

Legal Series Webinars

Long-Term Care has been among the most litigated field in the USA. This series, delivered by expert attorneys, will share experiences and best practices to incorporate into your community. The entire series or individual sessions can be purchased.

October 11, 2023: Survey Process
October 12, 2023: Staffing Agency Potholes/Temporary Staffing
November 15, 2023: Hot Survey Issues (More information soon)
November 28, 2023: Best Practices for Policies (More information soon)

A Deep Dive into Security Compliance

October 17, 2023: A Deep Dive into Security Compliance

With continuing changes in technology innovations and the increasing number of attacks, both foreign and domestic, on information systems, it is important for senior living communities to ensure that your business partners prioritize IT security and compliance with HIPAA privacy and security requirements. Learn what your organization and your partners should be doing to protect your data, provide staff training and establish a plan for ongoing protection.

 

Are SNF’s a Financial Sinkhole or Golden Goose?

October 18, 2023: Are SNF’s a Financial Sinkhole or Golden Goose?

A high level discussion about the financial challenges of operating skilled nursing facilities and the strategies utilized to mitigate.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand why the challenges in operating a SNF are real and unavoidable.
  • Hear about M&A and financial metrics of SNF operators.
  • Learn about the financial challenges many SNF operators are facing and strategies utilized to mitigate the impact.
  • Learn the pros and cons of embarking upon the strategy of owning an ancillary business to augment profitability.

Free Education from the Department of Mental Health

Tools of Choice is an evidence-based program focused on the implementation of universal positive practices. This two-hour introductory training is open to community members, parents, and professionals. It covers key concepts of the Tools of Choice curriculum, including: What is behavior, building positive relationships, and how to increase desirable behavior. Join the Positive Support Consultants in learning strategies to make positive change by implementing universal positive practices.

October 18, 2023 1:00 – 3:00 – Registration
October 23, 2023 10:00 – 12:00 – Registration

Presenters:

  • Terri Werner, Central Area Positive Supports Consultant Lead
  • Brandy Allen, Northern Area Positive Supports Consultant Lead
  • Katherine Earll, Eastern Area Positive Supports Consultant Lead
  • Cana Poteet, Western Area Positive Supports Consultant Lead

Target Audience:

  • Anyone interested in learning more about Tools of Choice

Registration is also available on the Upcoming Webinar Webpage.

PDPM for Leaders

November 14, 2023: PDPM for Leaders

The Patient Driven Payment Model is the payment methodology used for traditional Medicare Part A residents, some managed care companies, and for some state Medicaid systems. This session will highlight what SNF leaders need to know and monitor for financial integrity and documentation compliance. We will discuss effective oversight of the MDS process and what data/reports exist that can be used for monitoring.

Virtual MC5 Meeting

October 10, 2023: What a Living Resident can Teach Long-Term Care Staff
Presenter: Leslie Pedtke, MHA, LNHA

In this virtual event we will be discussing ‘Through the Looking Glass’: a program developed at Aviston Countryside Manor to teach empathy to our caregivers. Staff members moved into the nursing home, lived the role of a real diagnosis, and accepted daily ‘challenges’ our residents experience every day.

From learning the importance of communication to creating meaningful engagement, the resulting insights of these caregivers sensitized other staff members – new and veteran – to practical and effective ways that they were able to immediately improve daily care for residents.

MALA 2023 ALF Community Based Assessment Training

November 28-30, 2023: ALF Resident Assessment Training
Location: Courtyard by Marriott, Columbia

As required by 198.005 RSMo and 19 CSR 30-86.047, residents of Assisted Living Facilities are required to undergo a community based assessment performed by an appropriately trained and qualified individual. This individual must complete a DHSS approved 24- hour training program prior to performing resident assessments. The MALA ALF Assessment Training satisfies this regulatory requirement.

Upcoming NHSN Surveillance Trainings for LTCFs: 2023-2024 Updated COVID-19 Vaccines and Up to Date Definition

The NHSN Vaccination Team will be hosting multiple webinars to review important changes to the surveillance definition of Up to Date with COVID-19 vaccines for long-term care facilities reporting vaccination data through the NHSN Vaccination Modules.

Key Points:

  • FDA approved updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines for this fall/winter season. The bivalent vaccines are no longer authorized as of 9/12/2023.
  • CDC recommends everyone aged 5 years and older should get 1 dose of the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19 and to remain up to date.
  • Under the new recommendations, most individuals will not be up to date with COVID-19 vaccines unless they receive the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine.
  • The new definition of up to date with COVID-19 vaccines will apply for NHSN surveillance beginning the week of September 25, 2023 – October 1, 2023 (the first week of reporting Quarter 4 2023).
  • The new definition applies to both the NHSN Weekly HCP and Resident Vaccination Forms and the NHSN COVID-19 Surveillance Pathways (RIFC Form).

Webinar Dates and Registration:

Topic: Up to Date Vaccination Status: Surveillance Definition Change for Long Term Care Facilities (Replay)
When: September 25, 2023, 1:00PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this webinar: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN__JGOOXuiSAW1VF2zS-_baw

Topic: Up to Date Vaccination Status: Surveillance Definition Change for Long Term Care Facilities (Replay)
When: October 2, 2023, 1:00PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this webinar: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_TDnotOroSbiPut3-2-5RtQ

Center of Excellence for Behavior Health in Nursing Facilities Cohort Sessions

Beginning September 2023, the Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) will host six (6) one-hour monthly cohort sessions. These sessions are FREE to attend! Join us for the opportunity to learn industry best practices from other nursing facilities and behavioral health subject matter experts. With the support of COE-NF behavioral health specialists, you will be able to implement the learnings in your facility.

October 19, 2023: Mental Health Basics
November 16, 2023: Screening for Mental Health & Substance Use in the Skilled Setting
December 14, 2023: Engaging with Residents: Effective Communication Skills
January 18, 2024: Incorporating BH & SUD into Individualized Assessment & Person-Centered Care
February 15, 2024: De-escalating Behavior

Please see the flyer and register here.

Upcoming NHSN Surveillance Trainings for LTCFs: 2023-2024 Updated COVID-19 Vaccines and Up to Date Definition

The NHSN Vaccination Team will be hosting multiple webinars to review important changes to the surveillance definition of Up to Date with COVID-19 vaccines for long-term care facilities reporting vaccination data and RIFC Pathway data through the NHSN Vaccination and COVID-19 Modules.

Key Points:

  • FDA approved updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines for this fall/winter season. The bivalent vaccines are no longer authorized as of 9/12/2023.
  • CDC recommends everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19 and to remain up to date.
  • Under the new recommendations, most individuals will not be up to date with COVID-19 vaccines until they receive the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine.
  • The new definition of up to date with COVID-19 vaccines will apply for NHSN surveillance beginning the week of September 25, 2023 – October 1, 2023 (the first week of reporting Quarter 4 2023).
  • The new definition applies to both the NHSN Weekly HCP and Resident Vaccination Forms and the NHSN COVID-19 Surveillance Pathways (RIFC Form).

Webinar Dates and Registration:

Topic: Up to Date Vaccination Status: Surveillance Definition Change for Long Term Care Facilities (Initial)
When: September 18, 2023, 2:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this webinar: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_YxYp42hwT5KncquBBpLttg

Topic: Up to Date Vaccination Status: Surveillance Definition Change for Long Term Care Facilities (Replay)
When: September 22, 2023, 2:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this webinar: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_7bPDRWYETNSf6mnIo6qQvw

Topic: Up to Date Vaccination Status: Surveillance Definition Change for Long Term Care Facilities (Replay)
When: September 25, 2023, 1:00PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this webinar: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN__JGOOXuiSAW1VF2zS-_baw

Topic: Up to Date Vaccination Status: Surveillance Definition Change for Long Term Care Facilities (Replay)
When: October 2, 2023, 1:00PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this webinar: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_TDnotOroSbiPut3-2-5RtQ

Registration Information for Upcoming Training Webinars

Please register in advance and plan to attend the initial session and/or the replay to learn more about the new updates. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. The initial webinar and the webinar replays will cover the same information; therefore, you may only need to attend once but may attend more than one.

The Registration information seen above is also available on LTCF | Weekly HCP & Resident COVID-19 Vaccination |NHSN | CDC

For any questions, please send an e-mail to the NHSN Helpdesk at NHSN@cdc.gov with “COVID-19 Vaccination” in the subject line of the e-mail, along with your facility type.

2023 MLN Oktoberfest

October 10-12, 2023: Oktoberfest Long-Term Care Conference
Location: Harrah’s Casino, North Kansas City

The purpose of this intimate conference is to enable long-term care professionals to increase their knowledge and skills to better care for senior residents. Expert speakers will get you recharged while providing the latest information on hot topics in long-term care.

Please see the Oktoberfest Brochure for session details.

2023 Care of the Older Adult

November 3-4, 2023: 2023 Care of the Older Adult
In-Person Location: MU School of Medicine, Columbia
Live Virtual: EventsAir

Health care providers need the opportunity to gain knowledge in interdisciplinary approaches to clinical management and ethical treatment of older adults. This conference provides a forum to discuss complex care issues common to all who care for the older adult, and an awareness of innovative models of geriatric care delivery. The focus is on promoting excellence in gerontology health care by keeping abreast of the latest evidence-based practice.

COVID Rise in LTC Facilities

COVID infections are on the rise in Missouri’s long-term care facilities. A few things to remember…

Follow CDC Guidance:

Skilled Nursing Facilities: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fhcp%2Flong-term-care.html

  • Place a patient with suspected (e.g., those with runny nose, cough, sneeze) or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in a single-person room. The door should be kept closed (if safe to do so). Ideally, the patient should have a dedicated bathroom. If cohorting, only patients with the same respiratory pathogen should be housed in the same room.

Residential Care and Assisted Living may follow community guidance – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html?CDC_AA_refVal=h

Report Positive Cases

Facilities performing their own COVID-19 testing (antigen testing) must report positive results through one of the following portals:

  1. Missouri Disease Reporting Online Portal (MODROP)
  2. In bulk via HL7 or CSV file using the DHSS- Electronic Lab Reporting process
  3. National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) or the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) Informatics Messaging Services (AIMS) Platform.

Facilities using an external laboratory (PCR testing) must enter positive case information into MODROP.

The Missouri Disease Reporting Online Portal (MODROP). MODROP can be accessed directly from https://modrop.health.mo.gov/ or by using the existing ECD-1 link at https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/case-reporting.php and selecting the MODROP button.

NOTE: The recommended browser for use of MODROP is Google Chrome. Other browsers may cause issues with MODROP.

Facilities will need to register for a MODROP account the first time they use the new portal. MODROP allows reporting of only COVID-19 cases. Reports of other reportable conditions may be faxed to 573-751-6417.

If you have any questions or encounter any issues utilizing MODROP or for questions about HL7 or CSV reporting, please reach out to the EpiTrax Help Desk via e-mail at epitrax@health.mo.gov.

Please see the FAQ and thank you for your efforts to provide complete and accurate COVID-19 data to public health.

The ICAR Team Can Help!

QIPMO has formed an Infection Control and Assessment and Response (ICAR) team with a primary goal to assist Missouri Long-Term Care Facilities navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious diseases.

Members of the ICAR Team are available for voluntary, no cost visits (virtual and/or in-person) to any residential care, assisted living, and skilled nursing facility in Missouri. These visits are intended to consultative and collaborative in nature with a non-regulatory focus to evaluate inflection control practices. Visits will consist of:

  • completion of a standardized assessment of infection control processes, focusing on highly-transmittable infectious diseases
  • observations of infection control practices
  • preliminary feedback with supplemental educational resources

See flyer for full details.