March 2022

Members, We are now more than a month into SL 2022 and already we are seeing that Supportive Living truly is Healthy Living!  At the heart of our SL 2022 theme is the idea that Supportive Living communities emphasize health and wellness for seniors or disabled persons who would otherwise need nursing facility care. Since the launch of SL 2022, our members have been busy channeling their creative energy and maintaining a healthy brain through painting and other art activities, strengthening their bodies through workouts, and cultivating and reconnecting with friends through social activities - even tea parties! To see more of what some of our SL communities are doing to promote health living, check out the spotlight section below. We want to continue celebrating and recognizing your communities and the way in which you are promoting healthy living throughout 2022! Please help us brag about the activities that you and your residents are doing by posting photos and updates on your Facebook pages and tagging @AALCIllinois with the hashtags: #SupportiveLivingisHealthyLiving and #SpiritofSupportiveLiving! Also, don’t forget to check out our online store to order SL 2022 colorful items including buttons, masks, and t-shirts!

HFS Preparing for the End of Public Health Emergency The Department of Healthcare and Family Services issued a provider notice yesterday in preparation for the end of the federal Public Health Emergency. HFS wants to ensure that all Medicaid recipients are aware that they will need to update their personal information during the annual eligibility re-determination process, something they have not had to do during the PHE. HFS requests that providers assist the State in this effort by reaching out to patients and informing them of the options to comply via phone line or web access. HFS provides a template at the links below for outreach. Each household will receive re-determination materials from HFS in the month in which their coverage would have ended, if not for the PHE. To read the Provider Notice, click here. Updated Interim Guidance Available (3/22/2022) This week the Illinois Department of Public Health issued Updated Interim Guidance for Nursing Homes and Other Long-Term Care Facilities. To read the Updated Guidance, click here. Participate in IDPH's Weekly COVID-19 Webinars These Friday webinars are very informative and a great opportunity to have all your questions answered! APRIL SCHEDULE April 1 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM CST April 8 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM CST April 15 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM CST April 22 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM CST April 29 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM CST  Visit AALC's Website for Additional  COVID-19 Resources

Legislative Update The Illinois House and Senate will reconvene on Monday, March 29th and be in regular session until the April 8th scheduled adjournment. Negotiations surrounding nursing home assessment rate/reform continue to progress though the adjournment deadline provides looming pressure for a deal to be struck between all parties. Also progressing is discussion around nurse staffing agency regulation legislation. AALC along with other stakeholders, including the Illinois Department of Labor, met this week and are scheduled to meet again next week with Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman in hopes of moving forward with the Nurse Agency Licensing Act reform. The AALC lobbying team is actively engaged on all supportive living priority legislation and is working diligently to advance and protect supportive living community interests for the remainder of the legislative session.

View Current SL Rates Effective January 1, 2022

Tea Anyone? Heritage Woods of Batavia residents celebrate St. Patty's Day in style with a Green Tea Party!

Everyone's an Artist! Heritage Woods of Yorkville residents got their creative juices flowing with paint!

Stronger Every Day! Residents at Heritage Woods of McHenry are exercising their bodies and having fun while they're at it!

Order Your Supportive Living 2022 Products Today! We have buttons, t-shirts and masks are a great way for staff and residents to show pride and support of the Supportive Living lifestyle. Visit Our Website!

Brag a Bit! Share Your Activities on Facebook! We want to highlight you! Post your pics on Facebook and we'll pick a few to highlight in this space and on our website. We can't wait to see what you do! Need ideas? Visit our website and pick a few! Be sure to tag AALCIllinois and use hashtags: #SupportiveLivingisHealthyLiving #SpiritofSupportiveLiving

MEMBERS! If you know of a vendor who might be interested in joining AALC, share their information with us at info@aalcillinois.org and we will reach out to them.  Are you a vendor member and interested in bringing content to our Supportive Living communities? Let us know and we will feature you in an upcoming newsletter.

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