November 9, 2022
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The Latest News
As bivalent booster uptake lags, health officials urge seniors to get vaccinated

Despite high uptake in the initial series of COVID-19 vaccines, older adults are not flocking to get the latest COVID-19 bivalent booster shot. READ MORE
Expert Discusses How Care Providers Can Reduce Fall Risk In Their Communities

SafelyYou Chief Medical Officer Glen Xiong, MD, wrote in Provider Magazine (11/7, 151K), "While advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, and other technologies are helping provide better care for seniors, new research by the National Center for Assisted Living found that more than half of senior care providers say their overall workforce situation has worsened since January 2022." The research also "found that 63 percent of assisted living communities are experiencing staffing shortages, and a staggering 98 percent have asked staff to work overtime or extra shifts due to the staffing shortages." Xiong added, "Without the right support, these issues leave providers with less oversight, which makes it difficult to maintain the same quality of care. For assisted living communities, that unfortunately means more falls are likely to occur." Xiong discussed "five ways care providers can reduce the fall risk in their communities." 
REMINDER! INTENT TO APPLY IS DUE NEXT WEEK!

If you haven’t already, be sure to submit your Intent to Apply for AHCA/NCAL’s 2023 National Quality Award year. Members who plan to apply for a 2023 National Quality Award can submit an ITA to automatically save money on their overall application fee in January. No paperwork is needed.

Visit ahcancal.org/QualityAward and click on Portal to submit your submission.

All 2023 Quality Award applications are due on January 26, 2023.

Contact qualityaward@ahca.org with any questions.

In Case You Missed It
Reducing Respiratory Viral Infections this Winter

Respiratory viruses are more common during the winter months. Our elderly residents, particularly those with multiple medical conditions, are at risk for developing serious illnesses or exacerbations of their other illnesses, being hospitalized, or even dying. Increases in Influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses are occurring in the general population, with some hospitals in communities nearing or at capacity. There are several key steps to help reduce the impact on residents from viral infections this winter.
  • ​Get your flu shot and COVID-19 bivalent booster.
  • Start antiviral treatment as soon as symptoms develop.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Follow CDC guidance on infection control for respiratory viruses. 
  • Maintain airflow in your building.
Education Spotlight
𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿—𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 (𝗥𝗔𝗖-𝗖𝗧®) 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 - 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮

Increase your knowledge of clinical assessment and care planning, completion of the MDS, the regulations surrounding the RAI/MDS process, and managing the PDPM by attending an AAPACN Resident Assessment Coordinator—Certified (RAC-CT) certification workshop. Having the RAC-CT credential behind your name shows that you are a knowledgeable and capable MDS professional.
Upcoming Education
DON Boot Camp

11/14 - 11/17/2022 8:00AM-4:00PM
Olathe, KS

Click here for more details.
Webinar: The Proficient Infection Preventionist Series: Ship-shape Cleaning & Disinfection for the Infection Preventionist

11/15/2022 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Survey Success! Avoiding Top Citations. Post Survey Activities: Developing Effective Plan of Correction & IDR

12/6/2022 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: The Proficient Infection Preventionist Series: Astute Survey Preparedness & Application of Infection Control Regulatory Requirements

12/20/2022 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Looking for options for required Staff In-Service?

KHCA’s online learning platform is BACK! We’ve loaded the in-services for SNF and for AL first. Many more education sessions to come.

Access the new learning platform by clicking here. 

Questions about education can be directed to Polly Berkley VP of Operations and Education.
Kansas Health Care Association and the Kansas Center for Assisted Living
1100 SW Gage Blvd. | PO Box 4770 | Topeka, KS 66604
PH: 785-267-6003 FAX: 785-267-0833